Chapter 95: then translation of chapter title

Facing the old man Zi's strong firepower output, Chen Wuji could only respond with a smile, "Zhang Lao, I have no choice; the Bandit Refugees have come twice, I can only grit my teeth and go up; if I don't, I and my family will die."

He actually knows his situation, but he truly has no choice.

In this life, he also has family.

Zhang Lao prescribed several medicines, threw them to Little Fish, saying, "Grind them up. Treat these medicines as this kid's bones for me, and the finer you grind them, the better!"

Chen Wuji: ……

Little Fish laughed, took the prescription, and said to Chen Wuji, "Chen big brother, this old man is capable; you should quickly agree. Agreeing with him gets you a Medical Clinic, which is very worthwhile."

Chen Wuji shook his head, "I understand Zhang Lao's intentions, I'm also grateful, but I have other things to attend to; you should try harder."

Little Fish shook his head like a rattle drum, saying, "I'm stupid, I can't learn it; it's been over three years and I still haven't memorized all the medicine names, let alone treating people. This old man at his age certainly won't wait for me to fully learn it; if I ever mess up the sign of Ciji Hall, I fear this old man will haunt me after his death."

"You idiot, how dare you say that." Zhang Lao angrily snapped.

Little Fish grinned, made a face at Chen Wuji, and said, "Chen big brother, think it over again; this deal is very profitable, even more so than marrying into a wealthy family."

Chen Wuji laughed helplessly; this guy is also interesting.

Shouldn't he be rejecting him instead?

Nowadays, a medical clinic occupying such a strategic position is still very valuable; even if one doesn't practice medicine, reselling it could fetch a large sum.

He, on the other hand, actually encouraged him, also wanting him to accept this matter.

Chen Wuji actually does like studying and practicing medicine quite a bit, but after being reborn, he has many things he wants to do, lives he wants to experience, and does not want to confine himself again to this small scope in this life.

He can only disappoint Zhang Lao's favor and good intentions.

Zhang Lao muttered while prescribing two plasters for Chen Wuji, and also wrote several oral decoctions.

He confidently told Chen Wuji that it would take effect and scab in three days, and after seven days of rest he would be lively and vigorous.

If he fails, he will never mention again having Chen Wuji become his disciple.

In the future, when Chen Wuji sees him, he could even call him "old grandson."

Because of Chen Wuji's refusal, this old man's heart was practically filled with thorns.

Chen Wuji sincerely thanked him, then stayed in the Medical Clinic chatting with Zhang Lao for a while, soothing the old man's tumultuous feelings until they were mostly appeased before leaving.

He could tell that Zhang Lao genuinely liked him.

But his gaze was set on a broader sky; he could only disappoint the old man's kindness.

Although the old man muttered complaints, he didn't neglect any of his instructions, not even charging a consultation fee. Chen Wuji didn't know how much those few doses of medicine cost, so he just let it be.

He decided to bring the old man two bottles of good wine another day and have a proper chat.

Leaving Ciji Hall, Chen Wuji limped slowly to Master Yang's smithy.

The smithy was now different; an iron-forging furnace had been set up outside, and several strong, soy‑colored‑skinned laborers were bustling around it.

Master Yang's movements were efficient; it seemed he had already arranged his apprentices.

"Old Yang." Chen Wuji called out at the doorway.

A moment later, Yang Tiejiang came out sweating profusely.

He glanced at Chen Wuji, a hint of concern appearing on his fierce cheek as he asked, "What happened to you again? Did you get into another fight?"

"You guessed right; I just fought another battle with the bandit refugees!" Chen Wuji said.

Yang Tiejiang frowned, "The last time I went out of the city, although the outskirts were chaotic, the bandit refugees weren't that serious; how come you keep fighting them every few days? Could it be that you're provoking them on purpose?"

Chen Wuji waved his hand, "I'd like to, but I truly lack the ability. The last time I killed a few bandit refugees, they took notice of me."

Yang Tiejiang's expression turned slightly grim, "What you encountered is probably not bandit refugees but mountain bandits. Bandit refugees are a disorganized mob; wherever their lead sheep runs, they follow. I rarely hear of them taking revenge; they are mostly interested in plundering."

"Who knows for sure." Chen Wuji shook his head.

He now knows the matter clearly, but cannot speak of it.

"You must keep a closer eye; attracting the attention of mountain bandits is quite troublesome." Yang Tiejiang advised.

Chen Wuji nodded, "The village has been disturbed twice; not being vigilant won't do."

Yang Tiejiang gave Chen Wuji a deep look, "If anything happens, send someone to find me; on this return to the village I have selected several strong young men from the clan, which you have also seen, and they are all excellent fighters."

"If anything comes up, I certainly won't stand on ceremony." Chen Wuji replied with a smile.

Whether in ancient Huaxia or in the Dayu Dynasty, the clan has always been the core strength.

Cao Boss's troops back then were based on the clan.

No wonder Yang Tiejiang managed to settle things so quickly.

Selecting people from the clan is indeed faster and also means knowing their background thoroughly.

Chen Wuji shifted the topic and asked, "How is the iron pot?"

"It's done, come take a look." Yang Tiejiang said excitedly, the fierce expression on his face instantly lighting up with a different kind of brilliance.

Chen Wuji followed him into the shop and saw several large iron pots standing on the ground.

There were two of each size.

They differed slightly from Chen Wuji's memory, but were basically the same.

Yang Tiejiang merely made a slight adjustment on his drawing, giving the two handles of the large iron pot some Dayu‑style patterns and motifs, which could be said to be more finely crafted.

He picked one up, weighed it, and examined it closely.

"How is it?" Yang Tiejiang asked eagerly.

"Very beautiful, this is exactly it!" Chen Wuji praised, "Old Yang, have you tried using it to cook rice? How does it compare to a cauldron?"

"I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but just looking at it I know it's definitely more convenient than a cauldron." Yang Tiejiang said.

Chen Wuji laughed, "Then let's try it."

"Next there is a very important step: opening the pot. After that, I'll use this pot to cook a meal for everyone; we'll first try it ourselves to see how good or bad it is."

"Makes sense." Yang Tiejiang nodded, turned toward the door, and said, "Fuwa, go to East Market to cut a few pieces of meat and buy some vegetables to bring back."

"Understood, clan uncle!"

At the doorway, a man poked half his body out and answered in a deep, muffled voice.

His name sounds a little cute, but he's anything but—big, sturdy, and impressive.

Afterwards, Chen Wuji personally oversaw Yang Tiejiang opening a few pots; after they were cleaned, the two sat and chatted for a while, and Fuwa, who had gone out to buy vegetables, returned.