Chapter 27: The Village's Simple Folk and Bedtime Stories
Chapter 27: The Village's Simple Folk and Bedtime Stories
As Lu Qing and Xiao Yan returned to the village, they saw the villagers gathered under a large tree, chatting and laughing together. Greeting them were warm smiles and friendly faces.
"Lu Qing and Xiao Yan are back?" called out one of the villagers with a broad grin.
"Yes, we just came back from Grandpa Chen's place," Lu Qing nodded, a bit puzzled. "Why is everyone gathered here? Has something happened?"
"No, no," the villagers shook their heads.
"Lu Qing, you must study hard and dedicate yourself to learning from Old Doctor Chen," said an elderly villager.
"Yes, if you have any difficulties, just let us know. We're all from the same village, so don't be too polite," added another.
"It's a rare opportunity that Old Doctor Chen is willing to teach you medicine. You must seize this chance," urged another villager.
Hearing the concern in the villagers' voices, Lu Qing felt a sense of warmth and gratitude. He recalled the words of the old doctor before he had left.
"Lu Qing, do you know why I chose to settle in your village out of all the villages in the nearby areas?" the old doctor had asked.
"I don't know," Lu Qing had replied.
"It's because I fell in love with the simple and honest folk of your village," the old doctor had explained. "In my many years of traveling and living in various villages, I've seen all sorts of places—rich, poor, righteous, and unwelcoming. But your village stands out for its sincerity."
"Your village is united and helpful, with neighbors living in harmony and supporting each other. Even when there are disagreements, they don't hold grudges, and they lend a hand when someone is in need. Such harmony is rare in my travels."
"When I first arrived in your village, I was drawn to this simple and honest way of life, and I decided to make it my home."
Lu Qing had listened intently to the old doctor's words, deep in thought. Indeed, even he could sense the villagers' sincerity and kindness. If they had ended up in a village with a less welcoming atmosphere, he and Xiao Yan might have faced cold stares or even bullying. Instead, they were fortunate to find a place of peace and acceptance.
"Grandpa Chen, you mentioned that other villages are different from ours. How so?" Lu Qing had asked.
"They are very different," the old doctor had replied. "Even the most harmonious villages don't compare to the mutual support and sense of righteousness found in yours."
"Then why is our village so unique?" Lu Qing had inquired.
"I'm not entirely sure," the old doctor had said. "Perhaps you can ask the elders of the village someday."
Recalling his conversation with the old doctor and looking at the concerned villagers before him, Lu Qing smiled and nodded sincerely. "Rest assured, everyone. I will dedicate myself to learning medicine from Grandpa Chen."
Bidding the villagers farewell, Lu Qing held Xiao Yan's hand as they walked home, his heart filled with contentment. He felt a sense of relief that he had reincarnated into this particular village. If he had ended up in one of the less welcoming villages the old doctor had mentioned, he knew he would have faced countless troubles. While life here was challenging, it was free from unnecessary worries.
Moreover, as he grew more familiar with this world, Lu Qing believed that he would be able to improve their lives and make each day better than the last.
Upon returning home, Lu Qing let Xiao Yan go off to play while he took out the Hundred Grasses Scripture to continue his studies. Now that he knew the value of the Red Moon Carp, he felt less urgent about finding a way to make money. Once Old Doctor Chen helped him sell the carp, he would have enough silver to sustain them for a while.
Chapter Unknown: A Bedtime Story
What Lu Qing valued most at the moment was the test prepared by Old Doctor Chen.
If he passed the test, he would be able to formally study medicine under the old doctor, and he was determined to seize this opportunity.
Even with the help of his unique ability, which allowed him to memorize the entire Hundred Grasses Scripture, Lu Qing remained diligent in his studies, carefully reviewing its contents.
Time passed slowly as he immersed himself in the book.
During this period, some villagers stopped by, seeking advice on fishing. After witnessing the huge fish he had caught the day before, they were eager to learn from him.
However, when they saw Lu Qing studying in the yard, they didn't dare disturb him and quietly left instead.
For dinner, Lu Qing prepared fish again, along with some wild vegetables he had picked from the yard.
After the meal, as the sky darkened, Lu Qing continued reading for a while before the night fully enveloped the village.
Oil lamps were a luxury they couldn't afford, so he put the book away once it became too dark to read.
Nevertheless, after an afternoon of reviewing, his understanding of the Hundred Grasses Scripture had improved significantly.
Aside from some characters whose meanings still eluded him, he had almost no doubts or questions about the content.
After all, the Hundred Grasses Scripture was merely an introductory book about medicinal herbs, a scientific text that didn't delve into complex medical theories. It wasn't difficult to comprehend, especially with Lu Qing's unique ability aiding him.
He believed that even if Old Doctor Chen were to test him right now, he would be able to pass with flying colors.
After putting the book away, Lu Qing prepared to tuck Xiao Yan into bed.
This world was very different from his previous life, where nightlife often began at midnight, with lights and entertainment abounding.
Here, by ten o'clock in the evening, it was considered late to be asleep. Most people retired for the night around eight or nine after sunset.
"Brother, Xiao Yan isn't sleepy yet," the little girl said, snuggled under her covers, her round eyes shining in the moonlight streaming through the window.
"Be a good girl, Xiao Yan. We have to go to Grandpa Chen's place again tomorrow," Lu Qing coaxed gently.
"But Xiao Yan can't fall asleep," she pouted, not quite ready to let go of her brother for the night.
"What should we do, then?" Lu Qing asked, a bit stumped.
"Brother, tell me a story! I want to hear the story about the little monkey again!" Xiao Yan declared, revealing her true motive.
"Alright, alright," Lu Qing sighed, playing along. "Where did we leave off last time?"
He was starting to regret this particular bedtime routine.
A couple of nights ago, Xiao Yan had woken up in the middle of the night, crying inconsolably. No amount of comforting from Lu Qing seemed to work.
In the end, he had resorted to telling her stories, and to his surprise, she had become utterly enamored with them.
"Last time, we talked about the little monkey wanting to become the king!" Xiao Yan recalled clearly.
"Okay, so one day, the group of monkeys was playing by the mountain stream when they stumbled upon a cave behind a waterfall..."
Indeed, Lu Qing was retelling the story of the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong.
However, in his previous life, he hadn't paid much attention to the original story, so he only vaguely remembered the plot.
Now, he had to rely on his memory and improvise as he went along.
Fortunately, the tale of the Monkey King was endlessly captivating for children.
Even with Lu Qing's abridged version, leaving out many details, Xiao Yan listened with rapt attention.
But eventually, the combination of her natural sleepiness and the calming effects of the bluegill fish stone took their toll.
Before the little monkey could officially become the king in the story, Xiao Yan's eyelids began to droop, and she drifted off to sleep.
Lu Qing gently tucked her in and turned to go back to his own bed.
Just then, he heard a sound coming from outside.
(End of Chapter)
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