Chapter 214: Miao Chu Chapter 216: Good Fortune

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Protagonist:

Song Miao

Song Miao was startled, hurriedly set down the food in her hand, washed her hands, and immediately followed Dabing out.

Out the main gate, they walked several dozen more steps, nearing a corner; between two houses there was a narrow trail.

At this very moment, a person sat beside that trail, dazed—he still knew to pull his feet in, curling himself up so as not to block passersby.

Song Miao saw at a glance that his head was bruised purple over a large area, swollen high, his eyes bloodshot, swollen like walnuts; looking further, his clothes were short and tight, his shoes patched, his hands and feet exposed.

It was precisely that Liang Yan child.

She hurried forward, called out to him, and asked, "So early in the morning, how come you're sitting here all alone?"

She asked again, "How did your head get knocked like this? Dizzy? Anywhere else on your body hurt?"

Liang Yan stared with blank eyes, looked up, saw Song Miao before him, said nothing else, just shed silent tears.

Seeing this, Song Miao knew something was wrong; she took out a handkerchief, half-bent her waist, and wiped his face.

Seeing the bruise on his forehead was over an inch thick, the congestion inside nearly showing through, bright red, truly frightening, she really couldn't set her mind at ease, and added, "There's a clinic on the front street; shall Elder Sister accompany you to see a doctor?"

She asked several questions in a row; Liang Yan at first only wept, but upon hearing she wanted to take him to a doctor, he suddenly grew anxious, hurriedly shook his head—shook it twice, then immediately pressed his hand to his head, but accidentally pressed the swollen injury, hissed in pain, hurriedly let go, clenched his fists, and urgently said, "Song Jiejie, I don't need a doctor, I'm fine."

Song Miao was uncharacteristically firm: "Just a look, doesn't mean you have to take medicine; if there's anywhere seriously hurt, treat it right away, better than leaving a lingering ailment—otherwise everyone worries, and you suffer too, isn't that so?"

"I'm not afraid of taking medicine."

"Then you should go see a doctor all the more."

Seeing his reluctant expression, and recalling this child's behavior when they first met and his current situation, Song Miao guessed a few points; she said gently, "It won't cost much; Elder Sister will lend it to you first, you can pay back when you grow up—or work it off helping out later, how about that?"

Liang Yan's face showed hesitation.

Song Miao immediately called Dabing; the two of them together, half-carrying half-supporting, brought him to a clinic not far away.

At this time the attending physician was an old doctor; he first examined the injury, took his pulse, and asked about the circumstances.

Doctors nowadays often have a habit, called "to treat the illness, first examine the fate."

Learning that Liang Yan had been kneeling on the ground when someone kicked him heavily from behind, knocking him down and bruising his head, and seeing his clothes ragged and small, his shoes also too short—the back half even dragging with heels exposed—and seeing the two who accompanied him, Song Miao and Dabing, one a young woman, one a half-grown child, the old doctor merely prescribed a trauma oil, told Liang Yan to apply it twice daily to disperse the bruising, and advised him to run and jump less in daily life.

Song Miao listened to it all, paid the money first, and while Dabing and Liang Yan went to fetch the oil, she asked, "May I ask, Doctor, does he need some medicine to calm the spirit and aid sleep? His family has met with misfortune; though young in years, he thinks a great deal, his heart is deeply knotted with grief; just now he said he could hardly sleep last night."

The doctor said, "I won't hide it from you; though he's a child, to calm the spirit and aid sleep I would still have to use plenty of sour jujube seeds—and sour jujube seeds are getting more and more expensive..."

"You can't not treat the illness just because it's expensive; trouble you, Doctor, prescribe according to the condition."

The doctor shook his head: "Medicine is three parts poison; too much medicine injures the liver and stomach; right now it hasn't reached that point; better not to take it if not necessary."

He added, "Though the child injured his head, fortunately it's only an external injury; slow recuperation will do. Are you his elder sister? Persuade him well; go back and eat your fill, sleep your fill—that's better than any medicine."

Finally he said, "Persuade him to open his mind a bit; come back in two days for another look; if he still can't sleep, come find me then—if medicine truly becomes unavoidable, I won't charge you a consultation fee then."

Song Miao hurriedly said, "That won't do!"

Presently Dabing and Liang Yan came out; seeing they had the medicine, she thanked the doctor earnestly once more, then took her leave.

On the way back, Song Miao bought basins, buckets and such along the way; returning to the official relay station, she gave not a moment's buffer, didn't let anyone rest, but directly took Liang Yan to the kitchen to learn the way, and pointed at the stove: "The water pot has hot water; you go fetch a basin, wash your face and hands, rinse your mouth."

She added, "I'll be in the outer hall; when you're done come find me—move a little faster, there's something I want to ask your help with."

She arranged everything clearly: do this first, then that, and urged the time.

Though all were small matters, it was Liang Yan's first time entering the relay station's back courtyard; everything unfamiliar, he had to observe carefully to avoid trouble, and had to rush out to see "Song Jiejie" on time, so for a while he had no leisure to think of anything else.

And Song Miao, out in the outer hall, first called Dabing over and asked quietly, "Do you have an extra set of clothes that can be spared?"

"Even if Young Lady didn't ask, I was about to say so!" Dabing answered urgently, "Back at Start of Summer Young Lady gave me a new set of summer clothes; I haven't borne to wear them yet, originally wanted to change into them when returning to the Capital, learn from Young Master Kong's 'returning home in brocade'—now it's just right to give to that Liang Yan; the shoes are ready-made too, only the size might be a bit large, pad an insole underneath and it'll be about right!"

Song Miao said, "Tomorrow when we return we'll go to the cloth shop first—I'll make you another set; you pick the color, fabric, and style you like; when we're back in the Capital, wear it to Uncle's house, say it's because you did well on the assignment in Hua Prefecture, and the kitchen rewarded you—how's that?"

Dabing grinned, showing his tiger teeth: "Ah, with Young Lady putting it like that, I was going to be polite, but now I don't even want to say polite words, just afraid if I mean it the reward won't happen!"

He added a bit bashfully, "Can I make it two inches longer? Though it uses a bit more cloth, when I grow taller and bigger later, I can let out the sleeves, hem, and trouser legs, and wear it a few more years!"

Song Miao laughed and agreed, "Of course!"

She teased, "Just afraid by the time you grow taller and bigger, you'll be so formidable the clothes won't keep up, and you'll have long forgotten there's still room to let out here."

Dabing hurriedly said, "No! No! Clothes Young Lady gave me, how could I forget!"

Saying this, he earnestly insisted for a good while, then returned to his room to fetch the clothes.

By the time he came back, Liang Yan had already finished washing up and come out.

Today Dabing served the relay station breakfast: oil cakes, thin bean porridge, pickled vegetables, plain boiled eggs, and duck-goose buns.

Song Miao had already diluted the porridge with hot water, ladled out a bowl, and when the person came over, told him to sit, and said, "Haven't eaten breakfast yet? Elder Sister will eat with you."

Saying this she pushed the porridge, duck-goose buns, and egg before him: "Eat your fill, then you'll help with work—today it's heavy labor; if you don't eat, you won't have the strength."

Liang Yan originally had no appetite, but hearing he had to help, he forced down the porridge and buns; when finished, he didn't know what any of it tasted like, but he remembered to push that chicken egg back before Song Miao, saying, "I just ate a meat bun; Elder Sister eat this egg!"

Song Miao didn't stand on ceremony with him either; she took the egg, saw he had eaten, washed his face, applied medicine to his forehead, and looked a bit more spirited, then asked what exactly had happened.

Liang Yan honestly told the Xiang family situation, and in a low voice related the inside story about his father that he had heard from Steward Xiang.

Finally he said, "I'm truly useless; even knowing, I still can't do anything."

Song Miao listened, truly shocked beyond measure.

But thinking carefully, beyond the surprise, she felt this conduct actually matched Xiang Yuan Su's character quite well.

Seeing Liang Yan's bruised forehead, his whole person at a loss, she didn't press persuasion or offer much comfort, only asked, "What do you want to do?"

Liang Yan was silent, saying, "I don't know either."

He added, "Xiang... he killed my father, yet I acknowledged a thief as my father; if I'd known early, even if I couldn't take revenge, I absolutely would not accept a single bit of his kindness—but as it is... Song Jiejie, right now I can't hate him wholeheartedly; thinking of it, my teeth itch with hatred, yet thinking again of the kindness I received from him, my heart aches terribly..."

Song Miao said, "Because you're a good person, you know propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame are the upright way; you can't do such sordid, filthy things as he does, that's why you're so pained and conflicted; he indeed raised you and brought you up, and indeed killed your father—if it were me in your place, I wouldn't know how to treat him either."

"If you can't figure it out, just set it aside for now. Wait until you're older, able to stand on your own, then think about it again — perhaps the answer will come naturally."

"But right now I don't want to accept a single bit of the Xiang family's charity, and I don't want to live off them either. Yet I'm too stupid — I only know how to think, and it's completely useless. Last time Song Jiejie said that when Young Master Han was my age, he could already support himself with his woodworking skill. My conditions are so much better than his, yet I don't know anything. Not even an apprenticeship or odd-job position would take me."

Song Miao said helplessly, "Why compare yourself to him? How many people can compare to him?"

"Song Jiejie is only a few years older than me..."

Seeing the child before her had already worked herself into a dead end, Song Miao thought for a moment, then said, "You listen to me. That Zhu Liang Fu, Zhu Yuanzai that Steward Xiang mentioned — I know which one he is."

"Although I'm not familiar with him, I have quite a lot of dealings with his daughter, and have received much care from her family — I call her Zhu Shenzi."

"His family built their fortune on pig slaughtering. Because they've killed so many animals, every year they must donate silver and goods to the Ci Xiao Ju, Hui Min Ju, An Le Lu and several other places, to ease their conscience. Even without that sum of money from the Xiang family, if Zhu Yuanzai knows your situation, he would most likely not hesitate at all and would help raise you to adulthood."

"The Zhu family has been in the Capital for many years. Zhu Yuanzai is a very righteous man. In recent years his business has expanded, and his reputation has spread even further. If he steps forward to find you a good Wuguan, it's just a matter of a few words."

"You're unwilling to have any connection with the Xiang family. Once we reach the Capital, I'll accompany you to his door, and together we'll make things clear with Zhu Yuanzai. All current expenses, food and lodging will be put on account. The kindness will be remembered in our hearts, to be repaid in the future. The more accomplished you become, the more benefit he gains, and the more you'll repay — isn't that good?"

"If you join the army and earn merit, receive reward silver, gain official rank, or open your own escort agency — wouldn't you repay him?"

"Of course I would! I'm not that kind of ungrateful person!" Liang Yan said urgently.

Song Miao said with a smile, "Then it's settled!"

She added, "In everything, don't just insist on relying on yourself. A single tree doesn't make a forest. When you clearly can borrow strength, and others are willing to lend it, why not borrow it?"

"Think about it. Today he helps you. Tomorrow you repay him. If you were him, with a mere lift of a finger — even if it doesn't bring gushing gratitude — to truly save and help a child, and later that child comes to your door to give thanks, and spreads word of your kindness — wouldn't you be comforted?"

Liang Yan couldn't help but picture the scenario.

He knew all too well that he would certainly cherish such kindness. If he achieved success in the future and encountered such a child, able to help...

— What repayment! It was never for repayment in the first place!

When the child grew up, even without great prospects, even if he just came by to visit, to ask after him during festivals — how happy, how satisfying his heart would be!

Liang Yan suddenly felt enlightened.

Song Miao added, "I also very much want you to come to the Capital. Although there's that Xiang Lin, we'll just ignore him. If you come to the Capital and enter a Wuguan to learn martial arts, your strength will surely grow greater and greater."

"After a few years, besides rubbing beans, you can also take over splitting firewood. The water vat's water can all be left for you to carry. If anyone causes trouble, you stand there with your fellow disciples, raise an arm, and the rascals and scoundrels will be scared off!"

"When things get too busy and you're free, I'll naturally call you to lend a hand. When I make new dishes, there'll be an extra mouth to taste-test. Isn't that good?"

Liang Yan yearned for it.

"Your father didn't visit you in a dream, but instead entrusted it to Xiang Yuan, forcing him to come find you. Because in his eyes, you are more important than everything else. This time, it was specifically Xiang Yuan's turn to die, and through Steward Sheng Shu's mouth, the truth was told to you — just so you wouldn't be constrained by the Xiang family. You must not disappoint him."

Just as she spoke, Bingzi Ge came out carrying a small bundle.

Song Miao took it with a smile and handed it to Liang Yan, saying, "Your Bingzi Ge found his own clothes for you. In a while, go wash up, wash away the bad luck, change into clean clothes and sleep. Once you put on his clothes, this afternoon and evening you'll be under his command!"

Liang Yan had no reason to refuse. He hurriedly took the clothes, thanking her nonstop, and asked what he should do.

Bingzi Ge smiled slyly and said, "Finally got someone to order around! Liang Yan, kid, your timing is perfect. There are three bitter labors in the world: poling a boat, forging iron, and grinding tofu. You're going to grind beans with me! My wife said today we're making overnight soy milk. Besides frying a pile of good things, stir-frying fragrant powder and kneading dough, we also have to make fresh wet tofu skin and many accompaniments to eat with the soy milk!"

He urged, "Hurry and wash up so you can sleep. If you don't sleep now, what will you do when you have no strength to work this afternoon!"

Speaking, he indeed pulled him toward the back.

Liang Yan hadn't walked a few steps before he turned back to look at Song Miao. Seeing her nod with a smile, he finally set his mind at ease and followed Bingzi Ge back to the room.

Bingzi Ge rarely had a companion. He chattered away, even more cheerfully than the birds in the morning. One moment he introduced the arrangement of things in the room, the next he told him how to rub soapberry to produce the biggest bubbles, then brought him along like a little brother to fetch water together.

Once the water was fetched, he proudly urged, "Quick, smell it. Isn't it wonderfully fragrant!"

Liang Yan indeed leaned in to smell, and asked in surprise, "Is it pomelo leaves?"

"Just now my wife instructed me to go find some pomelo leaves and boil water with them — to wash away your bad luck! After this bath, from now on all you'll encounter is good luck! Everyone you meet will be good people!"