Chapter 7

Du Shiyi came out from the inner room, thinking that Sun Zifang needed paper and pen to write the prescription. However, looking around, he, the master, did not know where the writing materials were, so he walked up to Zhu Ying and took down those silver needles one by one. After putting the needles in a leather bag, he stuffed them into Zhu Ying’s hands and instructed, "Keep these needles well; they might be useful in the future. Also, find the Four Treasures of the Study, as Daoist Sun needs to write a prescription for Thirteen Lady."

Just now, due to Du Shiyi’s instructions and the arrival of a distinguished guest, Zhu Ying had been kneeling there, not daring to move. Now, as she stood up, she felt her calves and soles tingling with pain, but she did not dare to show it. However, upon hearing these words, she immediately forgot her minor discomforts, responded eagerly, and staggered to get busy. Watching her put things away and search for items, Sun Zifang recalled that Du Shiyi had also treated this maid with acupuncture, and he smiled slightly, saying, "Young Master Du is quite considerate of this maid in green."

"Since I fell seriously ill, the servants in my household have scattered, and it has been my younger sister who has been taking care of me with her. This time, she even followed me all the way to Mount Song. After we arrived, whether it was repairing the thatched cottage, buying and tidying up supplies, or cooking, all the household chores were done by her alone. Such a loyal maid, if not cherished, would be a waste of good fortune," Du Shiyi said. He did not notice that Zhu Ying, who was facing away from him, was searching for the Four Treasures of the Study in the bookcase, and upon hearing his words, her head bowed low, her face full of gratitude.

For a mere maid, Sun Zifang had only made a casual joke. He had come to visit with Sima Heiyun, originally intending to perform a miraculous cure, but in the end, it turned out to be just a common cold and fever for Du Thirteen Lady. These minor illnesses were ultimately caused by Song Fuzhen, the ignorant disciple. Thinking about Sima Heiyun standing beside him, and after interacting with Du Shiyi, he realized that this young man, though young, was well-mannered and clearly from a noble family. It would be better to speak frankly.

"Young Master Du, you and your sister came from afar to seek medical help at Songyang Temple, but were turned away at the door. Although I just returned today, I already know everything. Daoist Song, the abbot, usually focuses on cultivation, and the temple affairs are managed by his disciples. I once had a little fame, but in terms of medical skills, there are several other Daoists in the temple who are proficient. It was because of Song Daoist’s disciple’s foolishness, thinking that your illness was severe and that if he could not cure it, it would damage his reputation, that he ignored the moral duty and let your sister plead repeatedly, even standing in the rain today! The abbot, upon hearing this, was greatly angered and has dismissed him from his duties, and ordered him to perform cleaning duties for three years as punishment. The abbot feels very apologetic about the previous incident. Since Du Lady is still unwell and Young Master Du is also recovering from a serious illness, both of you need to replenish your qi and blood and gradually recuperate. Therefore, the abbot, Daoist Song, has specially prepared a ginseng root and other medicinal herbs for me to bring."

If Sun Zifang’s personal visit with Sima Heiyun to diagnose and treat them was already unbelievable, then at this moment, Du Shiyi could not help but feel that the world was truly full of wonders. The attitude of Songyang Temple towards him and his sister had changed dramatically, even punishing the person in charge and generously giving them valuable herbs, which was far beyond the normal scope! Glancing at Sima Heiyun, who was standing respectfully to the side, seemingly not hearing Sun Zifang’s words, he suddenly remembered what the man had said to him before.

The owner of the carriage was an elderly man who could not withstand the damp cold due to the bumpy journey. Since Sun Zifang had clearly returned with the elderly man, the answer was simple: the old man was still at Songyang Temple! Sun Zifang’s warm-heartedness and generous gifts might also be due to the old man!

Thinking of this, as Sun Zifang called out, several attendants from outside brought boxes into the room and presented them to him. He immediately shook his head, "I appreciate Daoist Sun’s kindness, but I dare not accept these valuable items. My late father taught my sister and me from a young age that we should not accept favors without earning them. Since the abbot has already punished the person in charge and invited Daoist Sun to visit and treat us, my sister and I are already very grateful."

Seeing that Du Shiyi was firmly refusing to accept the herbs, Sun Zifang thought for a moment and did not insist, smiling, "If that is the case, Songyang Temple has a separate courtyard on the top of Junji Peak, with a serene and peaceful environment, which is very suitable for recuperation. This thatched cottage is damp, and the courtyard is now rarely used, so the rooms are empty."

Glancing around the simple thatched cottage, Du Shiyi declined again, "This thatched cottage, though simple, has a thatched roof to shelter us from the elements, a bed to lie on, and is quiet and suitable for recuperation and reading. The courtyard on the peak is a place for the Daoists of Songyang Temple to cultivate, and it would be inappropriate for my sister and me to disturb them. Please thank the abbot on our behalf, and we are deeply grateful for his kindness."

"Brother..."

Suddenly hearing a weak call from the inner room, Du Shiyi quickly stood up, apologized, and hurried in. Seeing Du Thirteen Lady trying to sit up, he immediately pressed her back down and said, "You are still running a fever, don’t move around."

"Brother, is Daoist Sun outside?" Du Thirteen Lady, hearing the conversation outside, finally called out when she heard the name "Daoist Sun." Seeing her brother nod, she grabbed his sleeve and said with effort, "Has Daoist Sun examined your pulse?"

"He has, and Daoist Sun said that I am fine and just need to rest. You, with your cold and fever, need to take your medicine and rest!" Du Shiyi saw the relief on the little girl’s face and said with a smile, "Feel better now?"

"Yes." Du Thirteen Lady’s face showed a hint of joy, but only a single cute dimple appeared on the right side of her mouth. "If Daoist Sun says so, then it’s really fine... Brother, when you are fully recovered, can you take me to see the altar where Empress Wu once worshipped on Junji Peak..."

Before she could finish, Sun Zifang’s voice came from outside, "Young Master Du, since Du Lady has said this, the courtyard on Junji Peak has the best scenery, and it is also convenient for climbing the mountain."

Du Thirteen Lady then remembered that her brother had been discussing this with Sun Zifang. Her face showed hesitation. Seeing Du Shiyi shake his head, she said without hesitation, "Brother, I helped Zhu Ying repair and arrange this thatched cottage. If we move out when you are better, I will really be reluctant... Brother, thank Daoist Sun for his kindness!"

Since the siblings kept declining, and the room was full of patients, Sun Zifang did not insist. When Du Shiyi came out from the inner room, he had already finished writing the prescription with the Four Treasures of the Study that Zhu Ying had brought, and he stood up.

"Since Young Master Du and Du Lady insist on staying here, I will not insist. If there are any further discomforts, please send someone to Songyang Temple to see me."

"Yes, thank you, Daoist Sun." Du Shiyi nodded and then said to Sima Heiyun, "Brother Sima, I have another request. This thatched cottage was originally lent to my sister by a hermit who lived here and returned to his hometown. The land in the front yard is suitable for farming and would be a waste if left unused. The reason we were in such a predicament this time is that my sister and I only have Zhu Ying as a maid. If possible, could you recommend a reliable person? One to guard the door and another to grow some vegetables and fruits."

Sima Heiyun, seeing that Du Shiyi did not accept the courtyard offered by Sun Zifang but asked him for help, and addressing him as "Brother Sima," felt that Du Shiyi was a warm and considerate person. Although he had just arrived at Mount Song with his master, he immediately agreed, "That’s easy, I’ll recommend a couple of honest people for you."

Sun Zifang, who had just been rebuffed by the young man, now joked, "Since Young Master Du plans to grow vegetables in the yard, are you also planning to raise a few chickens and ducks?"

"Good idea, Daoist Sun." Du Shiyi nodded with a smile, "Bamboo groves, vegetable fields, a few chickens and ducks, a natural and rustic charm, perfect for a year or half a year of reading and recuperation!"

Seeing Du Shiyi respond so quickly, Sun Zifang could not help but laugh. After a while, he probed into the background of the Du siblings and found that they were indeed from Fan Chuan Du Qu. He then got up to leave, and Sima Heiyun also followed with a few words of farewell. After seeing them off at the door, Du Shiyi returned to the inner room where Du Thirteen Lady was lying in bed. Seeing her hugging the quilt, her rosy face showing a contented smile, and looking at him intently as if afraid he would disappear, he smiled and pulled the quilt up a bit higher.

"Thirteen Lady, I’m sorry you have to continue living in this simple thatched cottage."

"Brother must have his reasons!"

Faced with such an understanding sister, Du Shiyi smiled, and his heavy heart finally felt lighter.

Accepting unearned favors is not the way of the wise. Greed for short-term gains may lead to greater losses in the future!