Chapter 1 - Don’t Give Up Your Medical Treatment

Fang Jifan rubbed his eyes. Dazed, he looked beyond the crimson curtains. From afar, he could see a zither stand, rosewood stools, and other similar pieces of furniture.

A young lad donning a hat and green robe stood in front of the curtains and stared fixedly at him. He then broke into an irksome, smug smile with a hint of sycophancy. “Young Master, you are awake.”

Fang Jifan’s heart thumped.

Notes:

Years in imperial China are usually calculated according to the reign of the Emperor since enthronement, e.g. Year 35 of Qianlong.

Jingnan Campaign – A civil war in the early years of the Ming dynasty of China between the Jianwen Emperor and his uncle Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan. It started in 1399 and lasted for three years. The campaign ended after the forces of the Prince of Yan captured the imperial capital Nanjing. The fall of Nanjing was followed by the demise of Jianwen Emperor, and Zhu Di was crowned the Yongle Emperor, the very one who ordered the construction of the Forbidden City.

Beiping – one of the many old names of Beijing

Iron rice bowl – a secure job, an unbreakable rice bowl