Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 13: Helping the World
The area in front of Zhang's house started to get lively.

Whether it was the neighbors, ordinary people who came from the county town after hearing the news, or government officials, they soon surrounded the courtyard.

at the same time.

In a trading house in Xingji City, Manager Qin was waiting for her guest, Wang Ji, a famous doctor from Nanzhili who had rushed over from Huizhou upon hearing the news.

"Mr. Wang."

Shopkeeper Qin came out to greet them personally.

Wang Ji was less than 30 years old, with a calm demeanor. With his goatee, he looked like an immortal. Behind him followed a little boy carrying a medicine box. He simply nodded and saluted to Shopkeeper Qin, and the two of them entered the trading house together.

"I received the letter from Mr. Qin and rushed here, but I don't know what the situation is here?" Wang Ji asked enthusiastically as soon as he arrived.

Wang Ji, also known as Shengzhi and Shishan Jushi, was the son of famous doctors in Huizhou, including his grandfather Wang Lun and father Wang Wei. His generation was the epitome of Huizhou medicine. The History of Ming Dynasty commented: "Zhang Yi of Wu County, Wang Ji of Qimen, Li Keda of Qi County, and Miao Xiyong of Changshu were all skilled in medicine."

A person who can leave a significant mark in history books must have superb medical skills.

Wang Ji practiced medicine and wrote many books. The most famous work he compiled is "Shishan Medical Cases". The theory of traditional Chinese medicine of "strengthening the foundation and nourishing the vital energy" he created is the golden rule followed by later generations of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.

Shopkeeper Qin said, "I accidentally met a student from a poor family in Xingji City. His knowledge may be mediocre, but he is quite accomplished in tea ceremony and medicine. I only met him once and didn't know much about him, but I heard that he went to treat people infected with smallpox and epidemics alone. I admire his lofty ambition and noble virtue."

Wang Ji was quite surprised: "There is such a strange person in the world? Since ancient times, there have been people who used smallpox clothes to treat diseases without worrying about the harm to themselves... But I don't know how he treated smallpox?"

"I don't know."

Shopkeeper Qin shook his head.

"So...are there any results?"

As a famous doctor of the time, Wang Ji naturally knew how dangerous smallpox was, and he also wanted to know who had the courage to challenge this disease.

"Today he just left the sick family. For half a month, the local wealthy Wang family, which was infected with the disease and banned by the government, has not seen any infected people... I heard that someone in the Wang family who was originally isolated was infected with smallpox, but after his diagnosis and treatment, he only developed a rash and recovered. Everyone in the local area was amazed."

Shopkeeper Qin said, "I know that Mr. Wang has devoted his life to the medical field. The reputation of our Huizhou medicine also relies on the Wang family. This time, I specially invited you to come here mainly to verify its authenticity. If it is proven to be effective, it can be incorporated into the Huizhou medical system, which can also be regarded as a contribution to the revitalization of Huizhou local medicine."

Wang Ji shook his head: "Whoever can cure the acne is the one with the ability. How can we easily claim the achievements of others as our own? I want to visit this... master."

Shopkeeper Qin said, "Today the government will send someone to express their gratitude and ask them to prevent and treat smallpox for the local people. I have some connections with the local County Magistrate Song, so I can help arrange a meeting."

"Then...why not set off now?"

Wang Ji didn't want to stay for a moment and immediately wanted to meet the medical expert recommended by Manager Qin.

"Don't be too anxious. You just arrived, so it won't be too late to take a rest after washing off the dust." Shopkeeper Qin said.

"Need not."

Wang Ji smiled ashamedly, "I heard that there is someone who can cure smallpox, so I rushed here without stopping. Even if it is just a false alarm, it is worthwhile for me to visit him, ask for his advice, and exchange experiences."

……

……

Shopkeeper Qin and Wang Ji rode out of the city on horseback, followed by several followers. The medicine boy brought by Wang Ji rode a donkey and stayed at the back.

"When I went to Beijing last month, my fellow townsmen in Beijing asked about Mr. Qin's recent situation. They all praised the Qin family's growing business and the great reputation they have created in the north, which has brought honor to our Huizhou merchants. However, Mr. Qin is almost never seen in the capital... I wonder if Mr. Qin has any plans to go to the capital this time he goes north?" Wang Ji asked with a smile.

Shopkeeper Qin has a very good relationship with Wang Ji, so he has no reservations when speaking.

As a famous doctor in Huizhou, Wang Ji had contacts with many merchant families. His superb medical skills were an irreplaceable resource in this era.

Shopkeeper Qin said, "I am here to handle some business matters in Bazhou. After arriving in Xingji, I heard that things are not going well in Bazhou recently, so I decided not to go north. I will stay here for a while and then head south... Next, I will go to Lianghuai Salt Field to buy salt and then go to Nanjing."

Wang Ji asked, "Why not go to the capital?"

"Ugh!"

Shopkeeper Qin sighed slightly, "A girl who supports the family alone is bound to be coveted by others. The capital is where the powerful and wealthy gather, and it is easy to get there but difficult to get out. When a woman goes out, it is better to be careful and avoid unnecessary trouble. I hope Mr. Wang will understand."

"Oh."

Wang Ji is a smart man and he understands things immediately.

Nowadays, when a woman is in charge and Yunying is unmarried, it is easy for her to be coveted by the powerful. As long as she is taken away, not only will she be obtained, but the family business behind her will also be seized.

Wang Ji sighed, "Speaking of which, Wang is going to the north to consult Uncle Wan Guo's family this time... But it is said that there are many powerful people in Northern Zhili, so Mr. Qin should be careful when he goes out."

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Wang."

Shopkeeper Qin expressed his gratitude.

"How much longer do we have to go?"

At this moment, Wang Ji no longer cared about other things. The only thing in his mind was to quickly meet that extraordinary man.

The person leading the way reported back, "We are almost there. We will arrive after we pass the gentle slope ahead... Did you see anyone playing music or drums? They are probably the people representing the government to deliver the plaque to the Zhang family."

Wang Ji praised: "The local government really understands the people's sentiments."

He said this intentionally because he knew that Manager Qin had a close relationship with the local magistrate.

Shopkeeper Qin said with a smile: "County Magistrate Song is a juren from Huizhou. He is an excellent choice both as a person and as an official! You are from the same hometown. You should have a good exchange after meeting. Maybe you will gain something."

"Haha." Wang Ji laughed, "Not only are our Huizhou merchants all over the world, but even our officials are all over the world."

I'm almost embarrassed to say that money makes the world go round.

Precisely because the Huizhou merchants were wealthy and had everything in place, the local juren had unimaginable support that juren from other places could hardly imagine, and it was no problem for them to become de facto county magistrates or even continue to be promoted.

If it were an ordinary scholar, it would be extremely difficult for him to become a county magistrate, let alone a minor official in the government when he was old.

……

……

Zhang family main hall.

Zhang Luan sat upright, receiving the magistrate Song Qing and others. As a student, he had a certain social status. The local headman was not even qualified to enter the main hall to talk, but Zhang Luan could sit on an equal footing with Song Qing.

"County Magistrate Song, I have done my best, but if I can help the people in this area, it will be my life's honor. If there is anything else I can do to help, please tell me, and I will do my best to help."

Zhang Luan stood straight, and his every move was filled with confidence.

Obviously, this experience greatly boosted his confidence.

Song Qing smiled broadly, making people feel like they were bathed in spring breeze. He said in surprise, "I never thought that you would be so concerned about the country and the people. I wonder if you can give me the magic medicine? Not for me, but for the benefit of my hometown. At the same time, it can also benefit the people of the world if it is reported to the court, right?"

"This……"

Zhang Luan had spoken too confidently just now. He never expected that the other party would ask him for the prescription right away. This meant that his "one trick" might have run out.

Just when Zhang Luan was at a loss for words, Zhang Yanling, who was standing behind him, smiled and replied, "Sir, it's not that my father doesn't want to benefit the people, but the family's ancestral secret recipe still needs improvement and needs time to verify. If it is reported to the court, it would be bad if it is implemented in some places and fails to produce results in time and the court holds us accountable."

"You evil son, don't do anything rash!"

Zhang Luan quickly taught his son a lesson.

But in my heart I was praising you, Yanling, you have a very clever mind, why didn't I think of this?
After hearing what Zhang Yanling said, Song Qing looked a little embarrassed, but Zhang Yanling pointed out one thing, which was that it was far from the time for him to take the risk of taking credit.

The lawyer at the side also quickly whispered a few reminders in Song Qing's ear.

Song Qing put on a smile again. "It's not that I'm being rude. As a local official, I care about the people. If you can help treat the smallpox for the local officials and people, so that the people can live and work in peace, it will be a great thing that benefits the country and the people. Don't you agree?"

"Exactly, exactly."

Many county officials and local celebrities who came with the magistrate echoed his voice.

"I will do my best."

Zhang Luan looked very high-spirited.

Zhang Yanling quickly tugged at his father's collar from behind, probably to remind his cheap father not to forget what he told him.

Zhang Luan understood and said, "Song Zhixian, I have always wanted to improve my knowledge, but unfortunately I have not made any progress in this year's competition. I am very sorry! I wonder if I have the opportunity to study in Beiyong? It is not that I am being rude, but... the Imperial Academy gathers famous teachers from all over the world. I want to learn from them in person, maybe I can integrate what I have learned throughout my life, make further progress in my studies, and have the opportunity to serve the court in the future."

Ask for the place of township tribute in person!
This was something Song Qing and others had not expected.

Song Qing frowned, looked at the master beside him, and asked, "Has the list of this year's tribute candidates been finalized?"

The master looked embarrassed.

The local tribute is said to be nominated by the local area, and the government even has to organize a special examination to determine the candidates, but in fact it is basically an internal appointment. Even if you don't donate a large sum of money like the regular tribute, you have to express your gratitude to the government. Otherwise, who will recommend you to the Imperial College?

In a society where human relationships are valued, courtesy and reciprocity are the norm. Could it be that you, Zhang Luan, don't even understand this simple truth?
But then the master thought of something and said with a smile: "To reply to your Excellency, it is not yet completely decided."

"That……"

Just as Song Qing was about to continue asking, the master quickly came over and whispered something. Song Qing was instantly relieved and said with a smile: "Laizhan, you dare to be the first in the world to step forward and treat smallpox for the local people and have achieved results. I appreciate your sincere and patriotic heart. Since you are interested in further studies, I will help you get it when I return."

It doesn’t mean that you will be given a place, but you should strive for it.

In fact, it is to tell Zhang Luan that this is an exchange of interests.

If you give me the secret recipe and allow me the opportunity to continue to advance in my career, I will give you the place in the local tribute.

Take what you need.

"Sir, the plaque has been delivered, please take a look..."

A policeman came in at the door to report.

Song Qing smiled and waved his hand: "Come and take a look... This plaque was written by me personally. I hope you will continue to work hard and benefit the village."

As they spoke, the group stood up and followed Song Qing and Zhang Luan into the yard.

But a plaque had been carried in, and Song Qing personally stepped forward to lift the red cloth. On it were written four big characters "Save the World with a Heart", which was regarded as an affirmation of Zhang Luan by the local government and even the county magistrate himself.

"Set off firecrackers... Set off firecrackers..."

There was a hustle and bustle in front of Zhang's house, with people crowding around and making a lot of noise. When the village head saw this, he quickly ordered people to light firecrackers.

Then a crackling sound rang out, adding fuel to the lively scene in the courtyard and adding a bit of heat.

Please collect my new book, thank you!


(End of this chapter)