Chapter 128: Seeking a Disciple

Qin Huiyin held Li Taohua’s hand, smiling as she said, “Perhaps it’s because my mother is so beautiful that Doctor Wei can’t believe she already has such a grown daughter.”

Doctor Wei gave an awkward laugh. “Indeed, madam looks like she was newly married—who would have guessed she already has a daughter this old?”

“Doctor Wei, how is my father?” Qin Huiyin hesitated, wanting to say “my uncle,” but after the recent confusion, she thought it best to avoid any trouble.

Tang Dafu’s eyes widened in disbelief. He shook Li Taohua’s hand, pointed at Qin Huiyin, then himself, wearing a silly expression.

Li Taohua rolled her eyes dramatically.

What a fool.

Doctor Wei glanced between Tang Dafu and Qin Huiyin, pondering how these two so strikingly different people could truly be father and daughter.

This time, he had learned his lesson and refrained from saying anything inappropriate.

“I guarantee to heal him. Rest assured, in half a month he will be able to get out of bed and walk.”

“But last time it took him a long time to get on his feet, and this time his condition is worse. Do you really think he’ll be walking in eight months? That sounds a bit exaggerated,” Tang Yixiao questioned.

“Also, you’re carrying this scented pouch, which conflicts with the medicine my father is taking. It’s no wonder he has diarrhea!”

Doctor Wei took the pouch, sniffed it, and suddenly looked sharply at Tang Yixiao, his eyes shining. “Have you studied medicine?”

“No,” Tang Yixiao was startled by his gaze and hid behind Qin Huiyin. “I often take medicine. I’ve had more than ten physicians prescribe remedies for me. We used to be poor, so my sister and I gathered herbs in the mountains by following the drawings given by the doctors. Some herbs can’t be picked by hand because their sap is poisonous. The doctors told us that, so we memorized it.”

“Come here,” Doctor Wei beckoned.

“What do you want?” Tang Yixiao was wary of his strange look and hesitated.

Doctor Wei strode over and took Tang Yixiao’s wrist to feel his pulse.

“A congenital deficiency from birth. But your body is quite good. Usually, people with such a deficiency aren’t this robust,” Doctor Wei said, surprised. “Your family has taken good care of you.”

Tang Yixiao tilted his head back proudly. “My sister’s cooking is exceptional, of course she’s raised me well.”

“Very good, very good.”

A passing medicine boy carrying an herb jar caught Doctor Wei’s attention. He casually picked a herb and handed it to Tang Yixiao. “If you can identify this, I’ll treat you for free.”

“Your medical skills are so poor...” Tang Yixiao muttered, “Free treatment isn’t exactly an honor.”

“I promise to make you healthier than an average person,” Doctor Wei dangled the bait again.

Tang Luwu’s eyes lit up. “Really? Little brother, you must apprentice with him.”

Tang Yixiao looked to Qin Huiyin, who nodded in agreement. He took the herb, sniffed it carefully, and said, “Wild kudzu.”

Doctor Wei then pulled another prepared herb from the cabinet and handed it to him, watching expectantly.

“Anemarrhena,” Tang Yixiao identified.

“Not bad—sharp nose and sensitive to herbs. Little one, do you want to learn medicine from me?” Doctor Wei looked at him eagerly.

Tang Yixiao shook his head without hesitation. “No. I want to do business, make money, and become the richest man in the world.”

Doctor Wei was speechless.

“You’re quite interesting, doctor. My husband’s injury hasn’t healed yet, and you’re already trying to recruit my child. Maybe you should fix my husband’s leg first!” Li Taohua said bluntly, unimpressed.

Tang Dafu felt relieved by her response.

He had been worried about how Li Taohua would react to Doctor Wei, knowing her tastes well. This doctor looked quite handsome; local girls and young wives tended to glance his way. His wife was beautiful too—what if this pretty face enchanted her? Now he felt at ease.

Doctor Wei was somewhat disappointed but didn’t give up.

He continued to persuade, “Look, your family is so large, right? If you knew medicine, your family wouldn’t need to rely on others when injured or sick.”

Tang Yixiao’s expression wavered slightly.

“You can do business and also learn medicine. If you have another skill, wouldn’t you be able to help your family more?”

Doctor Wei now resembled the wicked stepmother tempting Snow White with the poisoned apple.

Qin Huiyin didn’t expose the flaw in his words.

One’s energy is limited; when a person resolves to do one thing, there’s no room left for others.

Qin Huiyin believed this was Tang Yixiao’s life. He should decide his own path, not be swayed by others’ opinions.

“Our family has a history of practicing medicine, and some have even worked in the imperial medical bureau. If you learn from me, your skills will be far superior to the barefoot doctors around here.”

“We’re pressed for time. Let’s leave it at that for today. When he returns and thinks it over, we can talk again. If you really want to take my little brother as your apprentice, first you must properly heal my father’s injured leg so my brother can witness your skill. If you can’t even fix my father’s leg, there’s no use talking about apprenticeship or anything else.”

Qin Huiyin was charming and sweet, her large, moist eyes like a gentle spring breeze that warmed hearts. Though her words seemed harmless, they carried a wealth of meaning.

Doctor Wei felt dazed.

Why did this feeling seem so familiar?

Could such a rare orchid seedling truly flourish in this rural land? What unparalleled elegance might it bloom into?

“My daughter is right. You haven’t even healed my husband’s leg yet. It’s too soon to talk about these things. We’re in a hurry, so we won’t linger here,” Li Taohua said, then turned to Tang Dafu. “How have you been eating these past few days?”

Tang Dafu said plaintively, “The food they provide isn’t tasty; not as good as home.”

“Be grateful you have food; stop complaining,” Li Taohua was not one to indulge him. “We’re busy and have no time to cater to you. If you have any issues, take them up with them.”

Tang Dafu quickly soothed her. “Thank you for your hard work, wife. Once my leg is fully healed, I’ll work harder so you can rest and enjoy life.”

“That’s more like it.”

Doctor Wei watched the couple’s playful banter with a smile.

Li Taohua gave Tang Dafu a few more instructions before turning to Qin Huiyin. “We’ve wasted enough time. Let’s go quickly, or the guests will start to get impatient.”

There were three medicine boys in the clinic. Qin Huiyin handed each a small tip, even in front of Doctor Wei. The boys, seeing Doctor Wei reading his medical books with great poise, said nothing and accepted the money generously. After all, they had been the ones caring for Tang Dafu’s daily needs, so taking a bit of money felt justified.

Enjoy the story of the transplanted farmstead stepsister, cherished gently by her powerful brothers. Please remember to bookmark the tale.