The Daily Life of a Down-on-Hard-Life Medicine Girl Supporting Her Family

Chapter 76 A Great Favor

"Nothing can be hidden from the old lady; my niece has taken a liking to the Xiao family's daughter..."

"I heard that you once went to the Xiao family, the patriarch's family, to ask for the hand of their eldest daughter?"

Mrs. Zhao... Who said that people who worship Buddha are oblivious to the world around them?
She is very well-informed.

"We did have that idea at first, but later we found that the third son was too impulsive and might not be compatible with the eldest daughter of the Xiao family, so we gave up on that idea."

"Is this Physician Xiao's granddaughter a steady and reliable person?"

"That's right, but the girl is still in mourning, so please keep it a secret, madam."

"I understand, of course." The old lady sighed, "Since it concerns Physician Xiao, I will inform Seventh Prince."

"Thank you, ma'am, thank you, ma'am."

I never expected it to work like this!
Mrs. Zhao instantly felt very clever; seeking help from the old lady through a roundabout way was truly the wisest decision she had ever made.

"You're welcome. In fact, I'm repaying Physician Xiao's kindness."

The old lady recalled what happened forty-eight years ago.

"At that time, I had been married to Third Master for five years. We were a loving couple, but we didn't have any children. The old lady in the family wanted to arrange for Third Master to take a concubine, and I cried every day. Third Master cursed and swore to me that he would never take a concubine and that I would be the only one in his life, or else he would die a terrible death."

Mrs. Zhao was shocked. The Third Master really did not have a good death back then. Could it be because he took a concubine?

“I lost eight pounds in a month. When my eldest sister came to see me, I was unrecognizable.”

"At that time, I even felt like dying. I also resented myself for not being able to give Third Master a son or daughter. Was I destined to be childless?"

"My eldest sister told me that Doctor Xiao had returned to his hometown to visit his family."

In Changzhou, there has always been a legend about the old doctor Xiao.

After all, Changzhou is such a small place, and to be appointed as the head of the Imperial Medical Academy in the capital is an extraordinary achievement.

"My elder sister said that everyone in the surrounding villages knew that Doctor Xiao would provide free medical consultations to the villagers when he came home to visit his family. She encouraged me to go and see him too." The old lady recalled at the time: "I had already given up hope, but my elder sister said that I should go, because maybe there would be a turning point. After all, Doctor Xiao was a doctor who treated nobles in the palace, so he could definitely cure my little ailment."

"With the mindset of trying anything as a last resort, I went to see Dr. Xiao, accompanied by my eldest sister." The old lady recalled, "I remember that there was a long line of people looking for Dr. Xiao, with the old and the young coming together. The villagers even said that it was more lively than a temple fair."

"I waited in line for two whole hours before it was my turn to see the doctor. The old physician Xiao took my pulse, asked me about my specific situation, and finally said that my husband should also go and see the doctor."

"I was shocked. It's my business if I can't have children, so why did they bring Third Master here? Could it be that Physician Xiao is saying that Third Master is childless?"

"I once thought it was just something Dr. Xiao made up, but my elder sister persuaded me, saying that the doctor was very knowledgeable and that since he sent Third Master, he must have his reasons." The old lady said, "I had no choice but to bite the bullet and go to Third Master to explain the whole story. Third Master was very cooperative, and we went to see Dr. Xiao again."

"As it turned out, the problem really was with Third Master." The old lady still feels lingering fear when she thinks about it now. She had suffered so much and endured so much mistreatment from her mother-in-law. She never dreamed that the one who couldn't have children would be a man.

"Later, Physician Xiao prescribed three doses of medicine for Third Master. I remember the medicine wasn't expensive, only one or two taels of silver in total," the old lady said. "After returning, Third Master took the medicine as prescribed by Physician Xiao. Half a year later, I received good news and gave birth to the seventh child."

Master Zhou is the seventh son in the Zhou family, not the seventh son of the Third Madam.

"The seventh child was only half a year old when the third master died in an accident." The third old lady sighed, "Back then, I thought that if I hadn't met Physician Xiao, I would never have been able to give birth to the seventh child. After the third master's accident, I was truly a widow, without even a child to rely on. I don't know how difficult the days after that were."

This is indeed true.

A widow with children can focus her energy on her children, making the long nights of her remaining life less unbearable.

“I have always remembered the kindness of Physician Xiao. So, Seventh Brother has been helping out a large part of the Xiao family’s business.” The old lady said, “However, I never expected that Physician Xiao would have an accident, and that his whole family, including women and children, would be bullied by their clansmen when they returned to Shu. I made Seventh Brother shut down their business.”

We should repay Physician Xiao's kindness, not aid and abet evil.

From now on, the Xiao family can forget about traveling with Master Zhou's caravan.

“Since you’ve come to me for help, and it’s about Physician Xiao’s family, don’t worry, I’ll definitely have Seventh Brother help with this.” The old lady said, “As for this Guanyin statue, you should take it back.”

A gentleman loves money, but he acquires it in a proper way; how much more so should an elderly lady of her age.

She's not short of money; she can't ruin her reputation over a jade Guanyin statue.

“Madam, you are a devout Buddhist, so it is more appropriate for you to worship the Jade Guanyin.”

There's no reason to give something away and then return it.

"No need. I'm repaying the kindness of Physician Xiao, so naturally I can't accept your Guanyin." The old lady said, "I live deep within the inner quarters and don't know much about what's happening outside. If Physician Xiao's family has any trouble in the future, just come to me, and I'll have my seventh son help them."

"Thank you, ma'am."

Mrs. Zhao never expected that Dr. Xiao had sown good karma with the Third Old Lady.

Indeed, love begets love, and blessings return to those who give them.

As the saying goes, you reap what you sow. The two imperial physicians of the Xiao family accumulated blessings for their descendants in Changzhou.

"No need to be so polite. One should never forget one's roots," the old lady said. "If it weren't for Doctor Xiao, my seventh son and I wouldn't have had these good years."

"Since the old lady has brought this up, then allow me to add one more thing."

"You speak."

"It's like this, my niece heard that Miss Xiao had a misunderstanding with Seventh Master's concubine, Aunt Li, at the cosmetics shop, and it seems that things didn't go well between them." Wouldn't it be foolish not to cling to a powerful patron? Mrs. Zhao immediately recounted what Aunt Li had done to Zhou Qi outside.

"She's just a concubine; she can't cause such a big disturbance." The old lady thought her son was good in every way, except that he couldn't control his lust for women: "I will take care of the seventh son myself."

"Thank you, ma'am."

I'm truly grateful. With the old lady's words, no matter how much Aunt Li tried to influence things, it was all in vain.

After leaving the Zhou family home, Mrs. Zhao breathed a huge sigh of relief.

"I've finally done something for Chunnuan."

"Your wife is an exceptionally good person. If Miss Xiao could have a mother-in-law like you, her life would definitely be very comfortable."

Granny Zhong quickly flattered her.

“Granny Zhong, please don’t mention this again.” Mrs. Zhao remembered this matter: “The reason I said that before was because the old lady was unwilling to help without any official status. In fact, given the third son’s personality, I really didn’t dare to hope for it. If this gets out, it will damage Miss Xiao’s reputation. You and I should keep this to yourselves and please don’t mention it again.”

"Yes, Madam, this old servant understands." Granny Zhong said, "With Master Zhou's help, Miss Xiao should have a better life in Changzhou."

Everyone knows that Master Zhou of Changzhou is a powerful figure, not someone to be trifled with.

Even those under his protection must stay away.

At the Zhou family home, the old lady inquired about Zhou Qi's whereabouts.

"Reporting to the old lady, Seventh Master went to the temple fair with Concubine Li today."

“When he comes back, I will have him come to see me.”

"Yes, old lady."

On September 19th, the birthday of Guanyin Bodhisattva, the temple was packed with people.

"Seventh Master, where are you looking?"

"Look at the little beauty."

Master Zhou is Master Zhou. I love looking at pretty girls, and who can do anything about it?
He spoke quite smoothly in front of his beloved concubine. "My lord, let me see what the little beauty looks like, so that I can broaden my horizons."

Aunt Li knew the nature of the men around her, so she wasn't jealous. If she went along with him, he might not come. But if she threw a tantrum, he would definitely ignore her for half a year.

She had long since figured out this man's personality, so naturally she was somewhat favored by him.

"Look, it's the one on the left, the one selling purses at that stall," said Master Zhou. "How about I take her home and make her my sister?"

“If you want to take a concubine, then take one. It’ll be more lively with another sister.” Aunt Li smiled. “However, I have seen a girl who is much prettier than this one.”

"Master, where are you?"

"Sir, it's not here, it's in An'nan Town."

Aunt Li was an expert at gathering information and had long since figured out Xiao Chunnuan's bottom line: "She's a young lady from a wealthy family in the capital, my lord. I've heard that those young ladies are different from ordinary people in every way. They are proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. Most importantly, they are incredibly beautiful."

"My lord, think about it, even a lowly woman like me has been conquered by her, my lord, what do you say..."

"What is your name?"

“Master, this beauty is called Xiao Chunnuan,” Aunt Li said. “She’s the girl from the Xiao family who was expelled from the powerful Xiao clan.”

"Xiao Chunnuan?"

Master Zhou said he remembered the name.

I'll have someone take care of it later.

He wanted to see if this girl was truly different from others.

Aunt Li could tell from the man's expression that the matter was settled!

Hehe, Xiao Chunnuan, you're in for a good show.

When Master Zhou returned from the temple fair, his servants immediately told him that the old lady had invited him.

"Mother, your son has come to pay his respects."

"it is good."

The old lady felt both gratified and somewhat helpless when faced with her only son. His father was very devoted to his wife, but he was promiscuous.

My son is capable, but I, as his mother, can't control him at all, so I simply leave him alone.

It is a blessing to dedicate one's merits to one's son while focusing solely on Buddhism.

"Mother, why did you summon your son...?"

His mother, who had nothing to do but worship Buddha, suddenly approached him today, so there must be something wrong.

"My son, I have something to tell you."

The third old lady repeated what she had told Mrs. Zhao earlier that day.

Zhou Qi was shocked to hear this.

Without Physician Xiao, I wouldn't exist; this is truly an immense favor.

Do you know why I made you shut down the Xiao family's business that day?

"I don't know. Whatever the reason, they made Mother unhappy, so I will make them unhappy."

Master Zhou never asks for reasons when he does things; his main goal is simply to make himself happy!

"It's because the Xiao family is ungrateful. The entire clan was supported by two generations of Imperial Physicians Xiao, but they kicked him when he was down after he got into trouble. They are truly hateful people. That's why I asked you to stop their business."

"A son listens to his mother."

As long as Mom is happy, that's all that matters.

"In addition, Physician Xiao's family wants to send some winter clothes to their relatives in Mobei. I have already promised that you will take them." The Third Madam said, "You must take good care of this matter. It is time to repay our benefactor."

"Son understands; just have their people come and find him."

It's no big deal. Sending things to the northern desert is no problem. He's quite familiar with those officials there.

"Alright, I'll have Miss Xiao come to you." Old Madam Zhou said, "This Miss Xiao is named Xiao Chunnuan. She is the second granddaughter of Physician Xiao, and also his most beloved daughter. She is very beautiful. I won't stop you from playing around as you please normally, but as a girl of the Xiao family, you must never act recklessly, do you understand?"

Zhou Qi was stunned for a moment.

"Mother, what was her name again? Where does she live?"

"Her name is Xiao Chunnuan, and she is currently residing in An'nan Village."

"My son understands."

"Mother heard that your concubine Li seems to have some misunderstanding with Miss Xiao. If she mentions it, you must not be fooled into doing something ungrateful."

"Mother, I understand."

Zhou Qi broke out in a cold sweat. Luckily, his mother spoke up quickly; if it had been two days later, they would have gotten him into bed.

"Mother, is there anything else you need to tell me?"

"That's all. Go now. When you're out and about, please be careful. Your mother is looking forward to your safe return."

"Yes, Mother, I understand."

Zhou Qi left his mother's courtyard and headed straight for Aunt Li's courtyard.

"My lord, this concubine..."

Aunt Li was overjoyed. Look at this, this is how someone gains favor through their own merit. He had just returned from the temple fair with Master Zhou, and now he was coming to find her again. She stepped forward to hug Master Zhou, but unexpectedly, he slapped her across the face.

It hurts and I'm numb!
"My lord, please spare me! But I don't know where I went wrong. If I have, please point it out to me and I will definitely correct it."

“I usually take your jealousy and pettiness for granted,” said Master Zhou coldly. “But today you’ve really stirred things up, almost making me lay a hand on the granddaughter of Physician Xiao, who has been so kind to me. If you have committed an unforgivable crime, you could die ten thousand times and it wouldn’t be enough to atone for it.”

"Master..."

Aunt Li was terrified, her face turning pale. She really hadn't expected that Xiao Chunnuan's family had done such a great favor for Seventh Master: "Master, I was wrong, I will never dare to do it again."

He immediately grabbed her legs and begged for mercy.

"roll."

Master Zhou kicked the man away: "I don't want to see you right now."

Aunt Li watched sadly as Seventh Master walked out of her room.

All of Master Zhou's concubines knew that Aunt Li had fallen out of favor, but they didn't know why.

However, falling out of favor is a good thing, at least one less formidable rival.

(End of this chapter)