Chapter 8

"Minyue, get two doses of medicine for the old gentleman."

The old Taoist priest called out, holding a writing brush and quickly writing the prescription on the paper.

The young Taoist hurried over, following the prescription to fetch the medicine, grinding it with a mortar, and wrapping it in lotus leaves. He had to deal with other patients in the meantime, and after a flurry of activity, sweat formed on his forehead.

The old man stood nervously to the side, watching the young Taoist work. His hands trembled slightly as he took the lotus-leaf-wrapped medicine, and he walked to the front of Jixin Taoist, hesitating to speak. After Jixin Taoist finished examining another patient, he opened his palm and whispered, "Great Immortal, I am from the north. I just found a place to stay, and my child only found work at the ferry yesterday. The wages won't be paid until next month, and I only have a few coins..."

Jixin Taoist finished writing the prescription for the other patient, handed it to Minyue to fetch the medicine, and then looked up at the old man, sighing lightly, "Old sir, this is enough for the medicine. There's no need to worry about the consultation fee. You can bring it when you have more money. I'll put it on account for now."

After Jixin Taoist recorded it in the thick ledger, the old man left with a grateful expression.

Qin Sang sat at the back, watching the master and disciple busily working. His thoughts drifted, and before he knew it, the sky had turned dark. There were only two people left in front of him, who had helped him up the mountain.

After seeing over a dozen patients, most of whom were from the north, and many of whom had their consultation fees recorded on account, some couldn't even afford the medicine. For the entire afternoon, apart from a couple seeking talismans to ward off evil and an old lady seeking a divination, no one came to offer incense. The old Taoist priest didn't earn much money, but neither he nor the young Taoist showed any signs of impatience, which deeply moved Qin Sang.

"Little brother, lift your leg."

After the patients in front of him were seen, Qin Sang limped over and lifted his injured leg as the old Taoist instructed.

Watching the old Taoist write the prescription, instruct the fetching of the medicine, and then record it, Qin Sang felt a slight stir in his heart and said softly, "Taoist Master, I've heard that people from the north are continuously fleeing here. More and more will come to you for treatment. There are only you and Little Taoist in the temple, and you also need to go up the mountain to gather herbs. It might be too much for you to handle..."

Before he could finish, Qin Sang noticed the young Taoist's eyes brighten, looking at his master with anticipation.

Jixin Taoist, without lifting his head, interrupted Qin Sang, "Little brother, you've seen the situation in the temple. The people who come are all poor. I can't earn much from incense offerings, and I can't afford to support a Taoist or pay you a monthly salary."

Minyue's eyes dimmed, and he pouted.

Qin Sang didn't expect the old Taoist to be so direct, but he wasn't one to give up easily. He smiled awkwardly and said, "To be honest, Taoist Master, I am indeed looking for a place to stay. Unfortunately, I injured my leg and find it hard to find work. Seeing the two of you so busy, I had the idea. I don't ask for a monthly salary; I just want a place to shelter from the wind and rain and a meal to eat."

Jixin Taoist looked up at Qin Sang, stroking his long beard, and said, "Little brother, you are in the prime of your life. Why confine yourself to the mountains? Go to the ferry and find a proper job, and you can start a family and build a career. That's the right path."

Seeing Jixin Taoist's tone soften, Qin Sang quickly seized the opportunity, "Taoist Master, I have studied with a teacher in my village for a few years. I can write and draw, and I can help you with transcription and recording, as well as grinding herbs. Once my leg heals, I can go up the mountain with you to gather herbs. If you don't mind, let me stay for a month to try. If I am truly not up to the task, you can send me away later..."

Jixin Taoist was indeed moved and scrutinized Qin Sang for a long time, "Fine, I am just a poor old Taoist. I don't fear what you might want."

Saying this, Jixin Taoist took the writing brush and pulled out a yellow paper.

"Write two characters for me to see."

Qin Sang took the brush and wrote a few characters, feeling anxious as he looked at Jixin Taoist.

In his previous life, he didn't know how to use a writing brush, but fortunately, Qin Sanwa had learned. The characters were passable, just recognizable, and he couldn't write two of them.

However, Qin Sang realized that in this world, as in the ancient times of his previous life, very few people could read, making him a high-level talent.

Seeing Jixin Taoist holding the yellow paper without speaking, Qin Sang added, "I have always been eager to learn, but my family had a change of fortune, and I only studied for a few years. If you take me in, I will study hard and practice diligently."

"Acceptable."

Jixin Taoist nodded, "The temple is full of Taoist and medical texts. If you have the heart, you can read them with Minyue at night. Also, the conditions in the temple are simple, and the food is not very nutritious. Can you endure it?"

"Please call me Qin Sang," Qin Sang quickly said, "I come from a poor family and can endure hardship. Rest assured, I will strictly follow the rules and not cause you any trouble."

Jixin Taoist shook his head, "You haven't taken the vows, so you don't need to be too formal. There is only one rule: no bringing women into the temple for improper behavior. Outside the temple, I won't restrict you, but if you cause trouble, it will be your own responsibility. I am being clear now, so don't blame me for being unsentimental later."

Finally being accepted, Qin Sang readily agreed, "I will follow your instructions."

...

"Mr. Qin, these houses are all unoccupied. You can choose one. I'll go cook dinner and bring you bedding and a Taoist robe later."

After accepting Qin Sang, Jixin Taoist waived the consultation fee and had Minyue take him to the back to choose a place to stay. He also provided bedding and a Taoist robe, and Qin Sang would eat with them, with Minyue responsible for cooking.

"Brother Minyue, we both work under the Taoist Master. I am a few years older than you, so call me brother. Calling me 'Mr. Qin' is too formal."

Qin Sang pulled Minyue close, "I'll help you with the fire later. Introduce me to the place first. Where do you and the Taoist Master live?"

Minyue, who had lived with the old Taoist and had no friends, felt close to his new brother and pointed to a house, saying cheerfully, "Brother, I live there with Master!"

Qin Sang looked in the direction Minyue pointed and saw that it was a row of houses behind the Qingyang Hall.

The entire Qingyang Temple had four sections. Behind the Qingyang Hall were three rows of houses, each with six rooms. A stone path ran through the middle, leading to the back of the temple, with three rooms on each side.

The houses were built of stone, with a solid structure, but the roofs were badly damaged.

Jixin Taoist and Minyue lived in the first row of three rooms on the left.

Minyue pointed to the other three rooms and said, "These rooms have bamboo beds. If there are laypeople staying overnight or patients who can't go down the mountain in time, they can stay here. Sometimes patients don't pay, and laypeople pay one coin per night, but meals are not included."

Qin Sang followed Minyue, listening to his introduction.

When they reached the last row of houses, Qin Sang suddenly heard the sound of flowing water and walked over. The Qingyang Temple had no back wall, and at the back was a large bamboo forest. Deep in the bamboo forest, a spring flowed down from the mountain, forming a small stream that ran through the forest. The sound of the spring, the chirping of birds, and the buzzing of insects created a very peaceful environment.

Qin Sang immediately fell in love with it.