Chapter 303: It’s Not Like I Can’t Afford It
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Qiao Mai’s reputation became even more prominent. The commoners still didn’t know her surname, so they inquired about it.
“Miracle doctor, how should we address you?”
This reminded Qiao Mai of the code name from her past life. Although she didn’t like the organization, the code name sounded nice.
“My surname is Ye!” “Miracle Doctor Ye!”
“Yes.”
She glanced at Mingren Medical Hall; the physicians, not finding it amusing, entered the building with disgruntled expressions.
Qiao Mai smirked; it seemed these medical halls were unruly.
Instead of humbly seeking advice, they seemed to pick trouble with her everywhere.
If she didn’t disrupt their livelihoods, they wouldn’t restrain themselves.
Apart from causing trouble for her, these medical halls seemed helpless in other aspects. As long as she didn’t prescribe medicine, they couldn’t find a way to manipulate her.
They could only tamper with the prescriptions because they had powerful backers. Any slight manipulation could lead to official accusations against her.
Then, they could exert pressure through official channels, keep her imprisoned, and ensure she died quietly in jail. After that, no one would dare compete for patients with them.
Let them dream on!
She refrained from prescribing medication. For urgent cases like the previous one, she treated them directly and advised the people on dietary and exercise methods and some folk remedies.
Don’t underestimate these folk remedies; they save money and are effective. For example, for diarrhea, frying white flour in a pan until brown, then pouring hot water over it to make a paste, can be effective. For high fever, wiping the whole body with high-proof liquor can buy time for them to seek medicine.
Delaying the optimal treatment time for high fever can make a person go insane or die.
Gradually, the people learned about these folk remedies. Some tried them at home and found them effective. These remedies started spreading among the commoners.
Miracle Doctor Ye’s name began to spread throughout the Ming Dynasty.
On the 26th of March, Qiao Mai didn’t set up her stall; she was taking a day off to accompany her two children who were taking the imperial examination.
The whole family came to see them off. Chuan’er and Zihan seemed a bit nervous.
“Do your best, and don’t stress too much.”
“Yeah,” Everyone echoed.
As the examination hall gate opened, Qiao Mai handed each of them a jade bottle.
“Inside are invigorating pills. Take three pills per meal. It’s beneficial for you.”
“Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Aunt.”
“Okay, go in.”
Watching the two lining up to enter the examination hall, Feng’er bowed to them.
“Father, Mother, I will be off to work.’
“Okay, come back early. Your wife is pregnant. Spend more time with her.”
“Yes.”
Yun’er was also leaving. Qiao Mai asked, “The wedding is approaching. Have you prepared everything?”
“Mother, rest assured. Everything is almost ready.”
“Okay. Go.”
“Yes, Mother.”
The brothers left. Ling’er and Nanny Jin also bid farewell to go to their shop. Yuan Jiaqi took time off; although he didn’t attend the morning court session, he had to go to work.
Now, only Qiao Mai, Old Master Wang, and Old Mistress Wang were left. “It’s rare to come out. Shall we go to the teahouse and listen to music?”
“No, I have to feed my little animals.”
“Yeah, I have to read when I get back.”
Qiao Mai smiled, hooking her lips. “It seems like you two don’t like the air outside?”
“Not exactly. We feel more comfortable at home. The air outside isn’t as fresh.
Let’s go back. Aren’t you coming?”
“Let’s go together.”
The three sat in the same carriage. Suddenly, Old Mistress Wang remembered something. “Girl, the cats have given birth to kittens. Do you want to see?” “Ah, they’ve given birth after so many years?”
“Yes. Typically, cats have a litter each year after reaching adulthood. I was wondering about it as it took quite a while for them to have offspring.”
“How many?”
“Six.”
“Not bad. How many days?”
“Ten days. You’ve been out during the day all this time, and I couldn’t tell you.” “There were some minor things to attend to. I’ll visit you later.”
Back at home, Qiao Mai accompanied them to Penglai Pavilion. Old Mistress Wang took her hand and led her to a corner of the room. There, against the wall, Qiao Mai noticed a small house.
“Is this the nest you built for them?”
“Haha, I don’t have such skills. I felt the cat’s belly was big, and she was in a hurry to find a nest. So, I had a carpenter make one. They love it.”
Qiao Mai went to the front of the house, squatting down to look inside. Xueli Hong was breastfeeding her cubs while Shanli Hong was guarding them. The names were given by Old Mistress Wang, fitting for the colors and temperament of the two cats.
Seeing Qiao Mai, the two cats looked at her simultaneously. Qiao Mai patted their heads, casually putting a pill into their mouths.
Surprisingly, the two cats joyfully chewed on them. Old Mistress Wang had someone bring two stools. They sat in front of the house.
“Do you plan to give away these cats?”
“No, I’ll raise them myself. It’s not like I can’t afford it or have no place to keep them.”
“Well, this cat alone is worth a fortune. Don’t easily give it away.”
“So expensive?”
“You can’t find another one like it in the whole country.”
“That’s good. I am the only one to have them.”
Old Mistress Wang looked at her cats with joyful and tender eyes. Old Master Wang observed quietly, his mouth curled.
He liked these two cats. Despite his stern appearance, he would express his tenderness and love for cats when no one was around. “Girl, how about giving this old man a pet too?”
“What do you want?” “Something like the sheep.”
“You dare to ask for that one.
“This old man doesn’t want ordinary ones.”
“Alright, I’ll get you one. It’s good for you to take it out for a walk instead of reading books all day.”
A smile finally appeared on Old Master Wang’s face. No more eye-rolling or pursing of lips.
Qiao Mai didn’t set up her stall for three days, but people still visited daily, expecting the miracle healer to return soon. Since she didn’t announce a permanent absence, people assumed she was temporarily occupied.
They wanted to wait for Qiao Mai, get a free pulse reading, and take home some folk remedies for treating illnesses.
After a three-day rest at home, Qiao Mai went to pick up Chuan’er and Zihan.
Upon their return, the two showed no signs of fatigue or exhaustion. They shared their experiences in the examination hall with the family. Old Master Wang, being observant, noticed it as soon as they returned.
Grumbling in his belly, he thought it must have been the pills Qiao Mai gave them.
Indeed, Chuan’er looked at Qiao Mai.
“Mother, those pills you gave us are amazing. Since taking them, we have been full of energy, and our minds are crystal clear. Some questions we had difficulty figuring out before became clear with a little thought. It’s miraculous.’
“Keep it to yourself.”
Zihan also got up, bowing to Qiao Mai. “Thank you for Auntie’s medicine. I should get a good ranking this time.”
“Aren’t you tired?”
“Not at all. In the examination hall, we’re energetic all day after taking a nap on the desk.”
“Alright, don’t just talk. Go wash up and change your clothes.”
“Yes.”
As the two left, Qiao Mai watched their backs and said, “Zihan is not young now.”
“Yes, he’s even older than the twins. If he hadn’t been sick for those few years…”
“Once the results are out, let’s discuss his marriage.”
“Yeah, I’ve already written a letter to his mother. She will come soon. By then, matchmakers will be lining up at our door.” “No problem. I’ll get a metal doorstep.”
“Haha!”
Soon came the day that marked the release of the exam results. All families sent people to check the list.
Those with candidates, those without candidates, and those with unmarried daughters were concerned.
They wanted to target a good son-in-law as the results were released, but there was no involvement of Chuan’er and Zihan..
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