Chapter 20: The Cheng Family Devotion (Including Notice of Entry into the V Stage)

She first spoke in detail with the maid attending to Ma Yulan, ruling out tapeworm infection. Then, considering if it were a malignant tumor, she decided to first promote blood circulation and remove stasis, for a lump must have tangible blood, yet it must not be excessive. So she prescribed the Dangxie Powder, followed by the Tiaozheng Decoction, and also prepared the Guixiang Pingwei Powder.

“I see Sister Ma seems to have difficulty swallowing now. I’ll go back and fetch the silver needles. When your medicine is nearly ready, call me over,” Miaozhen said calmly.

By evening, Miaozhen arrived, lighting the Bihui incense before using needles to gently coax Ma Yulan to open her mouth. Ma Yulan, seeing it was Miaozhen, even smiled faintly.

“Sister Ma, I will personally feed you the medicine.”

Madam Ma’s eyes were bloodshot from staying here so long. They first brought the medicine; after Ma Yulan took it, there was no immediate reaction. But at midnight, Miaozhen had the medicine brewed again, and after taking it, Ma Yulan immediately clutched her belly in pain.

Miaozhen exhaled in relief. “Quickly help her relieve herself now.”

By dawn, the maid reported she had passed half a bucket of foul blood. Miaozhen then had the Tiaozheng Decoction brought in. This decoction was specifically to tonify qi; once the qi flourished, the blood would flow.

She told Madam Ma, “There are four doses of this decoction in total. Normally, after completing it, the spleen and stomach will improve, and the qi and blood will circulate smoothly, allowing the menses to flow properly. Don’t worry, I will come to check on her morning and evening.”

After nursing through the night, Miaozhen was exhausted. Though Madam Ma was grieving, she still observed proper manners. When Miaozhen returned home, Madam Ma sent five taels of silver and two bolts of cloth—a bolt of Songjiang brocade from Sanlintang and a piece of green silk gauze.

Miaozhen placed the money in her box and took the cloth to the Mei family, instructing them to make garments for summer. Then she fell into a deep sleep.

When the cloth reached the Mei household, Xu Erpeng was stretching his neck. “This medical fee is quite generous.”

“Indeed, one bolt of Songjiang brocade is worth one tael and five mace, and the green silk gauze four mace and five fen. But it was exhausting—I stayed all night at the Ma residence,” Mei said, concerned for her daughter.

Xu Erpeng remarked, “Our daughter is at the stage of building her reputation. Why fret about this? But at her age, we should arrange a good match for her. The scholar Luo I had in mind just doesn’t seem right.”

“Why?” Mei was puzzled.

Xu Erpeng lowered his voice. “Though Luo passed the xiucai exam at fifteen, he’s incompetent with household affairs. His family is poor, entirely supported by his mother weaving and spinning. I once sent him a piece of meat to celebrate his success, but it was nearly spoiled before it was eaten. I’ve heard his mother is very stubborn and he’s meek before her. A man’s rank isn’t everything; what matters most is that he does not let his wife and children suffer.”

“An only son with a widowed mother, the daughter-in-law feels like an outsider. They don’t ask for dowry, but the daughter-in-law still suffers in poverty alongside the mother-in-law and husband, who barely have enough to eat. Would you dare to eat meat then? Even if my daughter doesn’t marry, she won’t live like that.”

Mei smiled. “You’re very thoughtful. Madam Ma knows many people. Isn’t it thanks to her that the Tong family’s match was made? If their daughter recovers, I’ll accompany her more often to incense gatherings, so I can meet more people.”

“Hmm, that’s good,” Xu Erpeng nodded.

Just after they finished their meal, Miaoyun arrived, looking for Miaozhen. Mei said, “Zhenzhen was busy treating a patient yesterday and is resting now. You can wait here.”

But Miaoyun replied, “I only need a pattern from her. Since she’s sleeping, I’ll leave first.”

She hurried off, but Mei thought it unsafe for a young lady to travel alone, so arranged a donkey cart to escort her home.

After Miaoyun left, Mei ordered the servants to clear the table and prepare a birthday gift for Mei Juren. She made full use of the Songjiang brocade brought by Miaozhen, having a long robe made, and had shoes crafted with golden hairpins and silver rings for the uppers and stitched soles.

Feng Niang, unable to stay idle, came over chatting as she wove threads. “Something strange happened this morning. I was going to Fengqiao to buy rice when I saw Miss Miaolian crying. I hurried to ask why, and she said her midwife teacher Liu Wenpo’s house had been torn down.”

Mei gasped and called a servant to inquire. The servant had been running errands and returned with news just as Miaozhen woke and came to her mother’s side. Laiwang said, “Liu Wenpo originally was a midwife but somewhere learned acupuncture. The wife of the Right Qianhu hired her, but the old woman clumsily applied the needles and caused a healthy child to be miscarried. The Qianhu’s men questioned her medical knowledge, but she couldn’t explain. After interrogation, it was found she bought her pills from a retired imperial physician, so they demolished her house.”

“Actually, there is some leniency for people like Liu Wenpo. When I was in Wuxi, I heard of quack doctors who killed patients and were beheaded immediately,” Miaozhen said.

Mei, timid, looked at her daughter. “You’d better stay home. Your parents will support you.”

“Mother, I am not a quack. Besides, I still have to visit the Ma family,” she said and went back to Ma’s residence.

Ma Yulan had taken two doses of medicine; her belly was much flatter though she remained weak. Knowing how distressed Madam Ma was, Miaozhen sat down to comfort her somewhat.

“I’m just enduring it, waiting for her to get better,” Madam Ma said, having lost track of how many sleepless days and nights she had endured.

Miaozhen said, “In a few days, if she recovers, that’s good. If not, bring in a doctor. One must not avoid medical treatment out of fear.”

Madam Ma grasped Miaozhen’s hand. “Good child, I trust only you and your prescriptions.”

After six or seven grueling days, before dawn, Madam Ma saw her daughter’s complexion no longer fluctuating wildly and her menses had arrived. Overjoyed, she called Miaozhen over. Miaozhen smiled, “That’s good. Madam Ma, please continue to watch her diet. Sister Ma just recovered and should also take care of herself.”

Madam Ma smiled. “I don’t know how to thank you. Your medical skills surpass even your master’s.”

“Please don’t say that. If you truly want to thank me, just recommend me to others. That would be more than enough,” Miaozhen replied with a smile.

With her daughter’s recovery, Madam Ma was overjoyed. The family had feared gossip due to the illness, but now all was well. How could she not be happy?

After this ordeal, Ma Yulan treated Miaozhen like a younger sister, and Madam Ma spared no effort in recommending her. Meanwhile, Xu Erpeng also spread the word that his daughter was a disciple of Wu Zhong’s female physician Tan Yunxian. In a month, Miaozhen earned two taels and seven mace of silver and gained some reputation.

When Ru Shi heard the news, she called Miaozhen over to inquire. “I hear you cured the Ma family girl?”

Miaozhen replied cautiously, “It was luck. I tried a prescription I’d seen before, nothing more. Truly fortunate.”

Since her master had failed to cure the patient but the disciple succeeded, Miaozhen was careful not to boast.

“Now that you’ve graduated, I’m happy for you,” Ru Shi smiled.

Miaozhen was even more respectful. “I just stumbled into this. Without your teaching, I wouldn’t have begun.”

Though Ru Shi harbored some complex feelings, she could find no fault and maintained a pleasant appearance.

Later, Miaozhen’s third uncle came to complain that her eldest uncle had borrowed money from him and was now teaching at a rural school, with no idea when he would repay.

Miaozhen walked away and spoke quietly with Mei.

“Ru master now teaches two girls named Zhang, daughters of the apothecary owner. She complains they’re lazy and haven’t even mastered the Difficult Classic after all this time. I think I should just listen and not criticize.”

“How many are as diligent and talented as you? Even Ru’s own daughter can’t open prescriptions alone yet,” Mei praised her daughter.

Miaozhen hastily waved her hand.

At noon, the family had third uncle for lunch: fragrant pan-fried white bream, juicy stir-fried radish strips with cured meat, fragrant scrambled eggs, and a small jar of soup with lotus root, water celery, and gorgon fruit.

After the meal, third uncle left. Xu Erpeng prepared for a nap but was told a distinguished young gentleman had arrived asking for him.

Xu Erpeng went out and saw a tall, dignified youth dressed like an official’s son. He bowed respectfully, “May I ask what the young master seeks of me?”

Behind the youth stood another man, whom Xu recognized as Tan’s family member. They had met before. Tan Dalang said, “Xu scholar, this is the eldest son of the former prime minister Cheng Gong, left counselor of the Jiangxi provincial administration.”

Xu Erpeng was startled but quickly composed himself. “Cheng Da She, Tan Dalang, I’m ashamed for not recognizing you. Please come in for tea.”

Inside, Miaozhen and Mei listened, unsure of the visitors’ purpose. Miaozhen, who had learned tea ceremony from Lady Qiu, selected fresh pine mushroom tea from Jingzhe season. Mei prepared three plates of mixed fruits and had rose-filled pastry bought at the alley’s entrance. Miaozhen drizzled rose jam atop.

Cheng Junxian would not touch ordinary snacks but sipped the tea, appreciating its fresh flavor and clear green color.

He said, “My father is currently serving in Jiangxi; my mother’s health has recently declined. I heard there are many female physicians in the Three Wu regions, so I wish to invite one to treat my mother, a filial act. I had intended to seek Madam Yang in Wuxi, but she can no longer travel. She recommended your young lady.”

Xu Erpeng was pleased his daughter was being recommended to an official family but hesitated since she was only thirteen and a half years old. Moreover, entering a noble household was a perilous matter, where a small misstep could be fatal. Without backing, fairness was scarce.

He said cautiously, “My daughter knows some medicine, but I am quite busy and uneasy about sending her alone to Jinling.”

“No problem. She can travel with my ship. I’m also going to the Cheng family in Anhui to invite a female doctor for my niece’s regular care,” Cheng Junxian said.

Xu Erpeng thought large families were strict and gender-separated. “To be honest, my daughter’s matters are decided by the household mistress. Let me discuss it with her first and then reply to you. Will that do?”

Cheng Junxian was a noble, and Tan Dalang feared offending him but admired Xu Erpeng’s backbone. He suggested, “That is wise. As the saying goes, a son’s journey worries the mother. You should discuss it carefully with the lady of the house.”

Xu Erpeng agreed and personally escorted Cheng Junxian out. Cheng asked for a reply in three days.

This was a good opportunity for Miaozhen. With relations to the Cheng family, she might one day be recommended as a palace physician, greatly elevating her status.

Yet ancient times were not like today. Leaving one’s family and entering a powerful household was dangerous; a single misstep could mean death. Without influence, fairness was rare.

Miaozhen told Xu Erpeng, “Taking the Cheng family route is good, but my daughter wants to accumulate strength quietly in Suzhou. No need to rush.”

“I think so too. The Cheng family is prestigious, and Cheng Da She is reasonable. Better to refuse for now, saying your daughter wants to wait before marrying.” Xu Erpeng was not afraid of offending; he was no servant to the Cheng family and had his own standing.

As the saying goes, “Better to demolish ten temples than break a family bond.” When the time comes, mediation is better than conflict.

The next morning, the family first went to the Mei household to celebrate Mei Juren’s birthday.

Mei Juren was in good spirits these past two years. Seeing Mei’s gifts—two boxes of birthday peaches, two boxes of silver-thread noodles, a basket of lucky oranges, two long robes, and two pairs of shoes—he smiled, stroking his beard.

Among the sisters, Mei’s match was the poorest, but with Xu Erpeng’s modest wealth, no one dared look down on her now.

Just as Aunt Qiao entered, Miaozhen was puzzled. This aunt, who usually dressed splendidly, now wore a dull olive robe and dark blue skirt, looking heavy and gloomy.

Mei whispered to Miaozhen, “Your Aunt Qiao’s husband brought a courtesan home, stirring trouble and neglecting his legitimate wife. Last New Year, she sent nothing. Your Aunt Qiao’s husband lives only with those two concubines now.”

Miaozhen gasped. Looking up, she saw Aunt Qiao staring fiercely. Blinking, Miaozhen saw her rise and leave.

After Aunt Qiao lost favor following the birth of the fifth madam’s son, she had been mocked by the fifth madam and resented Miaozhen for causing trouble. Her husband’s courtesan, sharp-tongued and cunning, pushed her aside, leaving her with no place to stand.

Unable to hate her husband or concubines, she directed her hatred at Miaozhen.

When someone ruined her marriage prospects, she vowed to retaliate. She whispered about a seemingly splendid but rotten match with Mei’s mother, who told Mei Juren, and Mei Juren informed Xu Erpeng.

Though Xu Erpeng was plump and mild, he was a man of principle. Knowing a bad marriage would burden his daughter for life, he refused even when hearing the match was with the county magistrate’s family, saying, “Our Zhenzhen studied under Madam Yang of Wuxi and was invited to serve the prime minister’s household. Let’s not discuss this now.”

Mei Juren and others asked in detail and said, “This is your family’s fortune. As the saying goes, ‘Seven-rank officials can be found at the prime minister’s gate.’ Perhaps you can even donate for an official post.”

“I’m not cut out for officialdom. Please don’t tease me,” Xu Erpeng said, knowing he wasn’t fit for office.

Aunt Qiao’s husband had recently closed a money shop and was worried about prospects. Hearing Xu Erpeng’s words, he eagerly joined the drinking, but Xu Erpeng only sipped lightly. After the banquet, he returned to writing, unstoppable.

Miaozhen and Mei also returned home, unaware of Aunt Qiao’s schemes. Aunt Qiao hoped to regain favor, but Madam Mei had learned the truth and told her, “It’s probably hopeless. I heard the prime minister’s family invited her to serve.”

“What? That girl only studied medicine a few years and can already treat patients? I think my brother-in-law made that up. He loves writing and often confuses fiction with reality,” Aunt Qiao said, though she knew Xu Erpeng was truthful. She just couldn’t believe her sister had such luck.

Madam Mei advised, “As the saying goes, ‘Be flexible and patient.’ Your brother-in-law is just seeking a patron now. He was flattering your husband at the banquet. You might pretend to get along with them, wait until you regain favor and help, then deal with her.”

After hearing her mother, Aunt Qiao was enlightened.

Meanwhile, the Xu family’s banquet concluded, and Xu Dalang, teaching at a rural school, was composing poetry with a neighboring scholar, relieving his frustration.

He truly considered them confidants, unaware they accepted him despite his poverty. His two younger brothers ran thriving bookshops and tea shops in Jinchang.

...

After returning home, Miaozhen saw Ma Yulan bring a box of mixed fruits. She smiled, “Why so formal between us? Here, stretch out your hand. I want to take your pulse properly.”

Ma Yulan stretched out her hand. Miaozhen felt her pulse. “Not bad; just your qi and blood are weak. Avoid strenuous activity and rest well.”

“Alright, I’ll listen to you. How could I not?” Ma Yulan trusted Miaozhen ever more, as she had saved her from illness.

They joked a bit more, and Miaozhen gave her a scented sachet to ward off evil.

After Ma Yulan left, Miaozhen was called to the front hall for dinner. Having eaten hearty food at noon, she now had only light porridge and a couple of small dishes.

After eating, she went to sleep.

Unexpectedly, late at night, Xu Dalang came in looking distressed. Only Xu Erpeng was writing fervently. Seeing his brother, Xu Erpeng’s eyelid twitched.

“Brother, why are you here so late?”

“Erpeng, you must save me! I’ve been blackmailed. If I don’t pay five hundred taels, I’m a dead man.”

Xu Dalang hadn’t expected to reveal the fake tribute inspector scheme while drunk.

Xu Erpeng frowned. “Brother, tell me what leverage they have on you?”

Xu Dalang evaded, “Just tell me if you’ll save me or not?”

“I won’t,” Xu Erpeng said firmly. He was not one to be threatened.

Xu Dalang was furious. “Will you really watch me die?”

“Then tell me what you did. Without that, I can’t help.”

Xu Dalang became frustrated. When threatened, he had nearly slit his wrists but couldn’t bear the pain. He considered drowning, but the water was cold. Gathering courage, he borrowed money, but his second brother refused. He covered his face, sobbing.

Seeing his elder brother so broken, Xu Erpeng felt some pity but thought of the unfinished chapter he was revising, crossing it out and polishing it anew.

Xu Dalang, seeing Xu Erpeng’s indifference, warned, “If this comes out, not only I but you also will suffer. Believe it or not.”

Xu Erpeng waved him off. “Whatever.”

When Xu Dalang refused to explain, Xu Erpeng ceased pressing. He knew Xu Yiming was all bluster, easily offending others but too timid to do anything truly serious.

Xu Yiming stormed out but was immediately seized by several guards. Xu Dalang felt despair but also hope. Though his younger brother refused to spend the family fortune to rescue him, when it came to himself, would he not pay for peace? This thought comforted him.

The next morning, visitors came. When Miaozhen entered the front hall, she saw her parents’ grave faces.

Her father looked at her. “Zhenzhen, we’ve been badly hurt by your eldest uncle. He impersonated a tribute student and a xiucai but was nothing. Someone intends to report him. If he’s punished, we’ll be implicated.”

“What? Uncle is a fraud?” Miaozhen was shocked.

Xu Erpeng added, “Yes, they have his fake tribute student certificate. The only solution is to buy him an official post, but I can’t swallow this humiliation. Why should I clean up his mess?”

He looked at his daughter. “When I reply to Cheng Da She, don’t panic. Once you go to the Cheng family, you’ll have a way out. In the fourteenth year of Chenghua, Yang Fu impersonating Wang Zhi was executed. Your uncle won’t face that, but we fear exile due to association. I’ll write your mother a letter of divorce. When you succeed, bring your mother and brothers away.”

Miaozhen knew her father was preparing for the worst but remained composed. “Don’t think that way. Nowadays, money can reduce sentences, and it’s not you who committed the crime. I have a perfect plan. Prepare some incense and spices as gifts for Cheng Da She. Calmly tell him I’m willing to serve at the Cheng household and ask for a token to present when they come for me, so they won’t recognize you. With such a token, officials in Suzhou won’t dare interfere. This way, I get a bright future, and you avoid trouble.”

Xu Erpeng clapped his hands. “That’s truly a perfect solution.”

Seeing her parents agree, Miaozhen felt somewhat relieved and carefully reminded her father.

Xu Erpeng listened seriously, then said fiercely, “I only care about our family now. Others’ fates don’t concern me. Your eldest uncle is vain and refuses to tell the truth, trying to drag me down. Such a man deserves beating or exile.”

Thus ended the story of this chapter.