DDR 56.2

Chapter 56.2: Treated for a long time, but still not cured

As for Qi Xueyan presenting a bright and friendly face while secretly competing, these were things Shen Jingshu had already accepted long ago. Therefore, she smiled as she said goodbye to Qi Xueyan and headed home. The whole way, she thought about how Master Hui would come tomorrow, and about the moment she would uncover Ruan momo’s true colors. Shen Jingshu felt very happy.

When she got home, she went to see Shen Zihan. Seeing his round, pouting appearance, Shen Jingshu was a little apologetic. “Hang’er, I’ve wronged you. Soon your sister will let you return to Mother’s side. At that time no one will come snatch you away. Be good, ah!” As she finished speaking, she stroked Shen Zihan’s cheek and kissed him again, making him giggle. Shen Jingshu was happy to see this, so she picked him up and played with him for a little bit before leaving.

The next day, Master Hui came as promised. When Dan Yuerong learned that Master Hui had arrived, she dressed up and received her in person. “Master Hui is a rare visitor, quickly sit, sit!” Her face was pale and looked a little sick. However, Dan Yuerong’s complexion was pretty good. Master Hui noticed and nodded to herself.

“Madam Shen, no need to be polite. I happened to be passing by today, and thought to take the opportunity to look in on Madam Shen. I heard Madam Shen was ill recently, but you’re a little better now?”

“It’s been on and off. There are times I’m well, and other times ill. This has been going on for a month. I also don’t know what’s going on.”

“Really?” Smiling, Master Hui looked at Dan Yuerong. “I know a little bit of Chinese traditional medicine. If Madam Shen doesn’t mind, I can take your pulse.”

“I already heard from Shu’er that Master Hui knows medicine. Shu’er has learned from you these days and made a lot of progress. Now Master Hui is willing to check on me, and that is my good fortune. How could I mind?”

“Then I’ll ask Madam to place your hand on the table.”

“Thank you for your trouble, Master Hui,” She said and smiled. These past few days, Shen Jingshu had spoken of Master Hui’s medical expertise, and Dan Yuerong was naturally convinced. Someone who’s been sick a long time wouldn’t be in a good mood. Dan Yuerong had been ill such a long time, hadn’t been able to get close to her child, and could only stay in the house to recuperate. How would her mood improve? She was eager to get better quickly, and today the rarely seen Master Hui came by of her own initiative to check on her illness. How could she refuse?

The doctor had changed, but it didn’t look good. Dan Yuerong saw that Master Hui immediately looked a little uneasy. “Master Hui, is it serious?”

“Madam’s cold is not at all severe. I just find it odd that it’s taking such a long time for you to recover. I don’t know if Madam could let me see the prescription?” Although she’d already seen it, Master Hui still had to put up appearances. What Shen Jingshu had told her yesterday made her pay more attention.

“All right. Liu Hong, go fetch the prescription!”

“Yes, Madam!” Liu Hong got the prescription and Master Hui looked at it. Dan Yuerong asked, “I haven’t been getting better, so I changed doctors. But I saw that this prescription is more or less the same. Does Master Hui think it’s not right?”

“This prescription has the correct medicine. Normally, it should take half a month at most to fully recover. I also think it’s somewhat strange.” She frowned. The prescription could be deceiving. Master Hui was no fool. Dan Yuerong’s illness hadn’t been cured for such a long time. There was surely a reason. Otherwise, Shen Jingshu would not have requested her help.

“Then why is my recovery going so slowly?”

“If you want to get well, your mindset is very important. Has Madam been troubled lately? Or not been resting well?”

“This is somewhat true. Master Hui, you should also understand that being sick for so long, it’s hard to avoid it affecting my mood. Not to mention that I can’t be intimate with my son due to my illness, so sometimes my mood does become very gloomy.”

“If Madam wants to get better earlier, you should accept that when your frame of mind isn’t good, it’s very likely to influence your condition. Why don’t I give Madam a prescription to help you sleep. If you’re sleeping well, you will also recover more quickly.”

“Thank you, Master Hui. “

“No problem, this is what I should do,” she said with a smile. Master Hui couldn’t find the reason Dan Yuerong’s chronic illness wasn’t improving. However, she had heard Shen Jingshu’s opinion yesterday. After her lunch, it was time to take the medicine, so she chose this time to come and take a look at what was going on.

As it happened, the medicine now arrived, brought by Liu Zhi herself. “Madam, it’s time to take your medicine.”

“Master Hui, it’s time to take my medicine. Excuse me.”

“Madam Shen, I don’t know if you could let me take a look at your medicine?”

“Is there a problem with the medicine?”

“No, but one has to pay careful attention to the medicine. What time it’s taken, what kind of heat is used; I have to look at it to know.” Such a casual reason, but Dan Yuerong didn’t doubt her. She had Liu Zhi hand the medicine over to Master Hui. “Is this medicine suitable?”

“Let me see.” After smelling it, Master Hui’s eyes flashed. It would be best not to say anything, so she simply smiled, “This medicine has no problem. You can drink it, Madam!” There were some things she didn’t like to say in others’ presence. Her heart accepted it, but she wondered how she was going to tell Dan Yuerong.

Master Hui was also clear on the struggles inside the homes of aristocratic families. She didn’t know who was behind this, so naturally she wouldn’t open her mouth easily, so as to avoid stirring up trouble.

However, it was rumored that Master Shen had only married Madam Shen, this one person, and in Jiangnan, Madam Shen was the one running the household. How could there still be these filthy matters?

Master Hui was puzzled, and then thought of what seemed to have happened in the Shen residence a few days ago. Old Madam Shen had learned of Dan Yuerong’s pregnancy and sent two people over before and after. Moreover the first batch…

Thinking of those rumors, Master Hui felt she somewhat understood, but didn’t know what to say.

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While Master Hui was thinking about how to solve this problem, Shen Jingshu and Shen Wenhua were chatting happily in the study.

“Shu’er’s calligraphy is getting better and better, not bad!”

“This is because of Daddy’s and Master Hui’s teaching!” In fact, there were two talents in the family. The learning of Shen Wenhua and Dan Yuerong did not lose to the teachers at school. It was just that Shen Jingshu didn’t want to be confined in the small courtyard in the back of the residence her whole life, so she came up with a way to go out and see the outside world.

“This also depends on your hard work. The teacher can lead you to the door, but the studying depends on the individual. If you don’t have an intelligent basis, and you don’t work hard, there is no way to make progress.” Shen Wenhua was not an inflexible person. He did not treat his daughter like some people who believed that sort of “a woman’s virtue is to have no talent.”[1] Therefore, he often taught Shen Jingshu things, and intentionally or otherwise, give her the reasoning. He’d like his daughter to become a bright and logical woman.

To his surprise, Shen Jingshu’s learning capability was amazing, and she also worked hard. So apart from teaching Shen Jingshu calligraphy, he also slowly taught her other things. Although he didn’t seek to make his daughter proficient in all things, he hoped his daughter would learn many useful things. This way, in the future, she could be a talented and learned woman, knowing how to choose between advantages and disadvantages, and be a good and upstanding person.

“Daddy said it, then Daddy agrees, wait till I’ve practiced well, then teach me to play chess. You can’t go back on your words!” Playing chess was a test of one’s wisdom and patience. The previous Shen Jingshu did not have enough patience. In this life, she would do more to calm her heart.

In this way, she could see everything happening around her more clearly, so as not to be deceived by others again!

“Ok, ok , ok. Daddy will teach you tomorrow, all right?” His daughter was smart and willing to learn. Shen Wenhua was of course happy to see it, and wouldn’t prevent it.

“Daddy is the best!”

As both father and daughter were talking and laughing, they heard that Master Hui had arrived. Shen Jingshu spoke, seemingly unintentionally, “Daddy, Master Hui has good medical skills, and Daughter has been learning from her. After so long, I can understand a lot. Mom has been sick for so long. If Master Hui took a look at Mom, would Mom get better quickly?”

“Silly child, what sickness could be cured so quickly. It’s impossible for medicine to act that fast.” Listening to his daughter’s naive words, Shen Wenhua also knew that Shen Jingshu was very anxious.

“But Master Hui’s medical skills are very good. A teacher at school got sick a few days ago. Master Hui cured it in just a few days! If she could look at Mom, wouldn’t that be good?”

“You’re right. Master Hui is here, so we should go see her. Let’s go, Shu’er!”

“All right, Daddy!” She looked at Shen Wenhua and grinned. Shen Jingshu knew that today was Shen Wenhua’s day off, so she deliberately picked today for Master Hui to come.

She originally expected it to take some twists and turns, but fortunately everything was going smoothly. Now the time was right. Let’s see how that Ruan momo would still remain arrogant.

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When Shen Jingshu and Shen Wenhua arrived, Master Hui had already taken Dan Yuerong’s pulse, and she had examined both the prescription and the medicine. Master Hui also understood why Shen Jingshu had called her, but these few words, she really didn’t know how to say them. Fortunately, Shen Wenhua came and knew that Master Hui had taken Dan Yuerong’s pulse. Shen Wenhua inquired after her results with deep concern, and Master Hui also replied, but she seemed to be concealing something, and Shen Wenhua naturally saw it.

Master Hui sat for a while and then got up to leave. Shen Wenhua noticed and proposed to send her off in person. “Shu’er, would you accompany your mother off to rest first? I’ll see Master Hui out!” He’d passed the three levels of the imperial examination; he wasn’t an idiot.[2] Shen Wenhua has been in Jiangnan for many years, and he had learned to weigh words and observe facial expressions. Of course he knew that Master Hui was hiding something, but due to some reason, it must be inconvenient to speak directly, so he was looking for an opportunity to ask.

“Yes, Daddy!” Of course Shen Jingshu knew that Shen Wenhua wanted to ask Master Hui about it, otherwise how could such a great man send out Master Hui personally?

“Mom, let me help you back to rest!”

“All right!” Dan Yuerong originally wanted to send out Master Hui herself, but Shen Wenhua was the one who proposed it. Although it was a little against etiquette, Dan Yuerong didn’t inquire further.

Maybe Wenhua had something he wanted to ask Master Hui? She wasn’t stupid. Of course she had noticed that Master Hui had concealed something just now. It must be something that was difficult to say. It would be good if Wenhua could go and ask. “Then Master Hui, I won’t see you out. Take care, and come again if you have time!”

“Go rest, Madam Shen. When I have time I’ll come see you again!”

“Master Hui, take care!” Smiling, Dan Yuerong and Shen Jingshu both tactfully left. Shen Wenhua looked at Master Hui and smiled, “Master Hui, please.”

“Thank you for your trouble, Master Shen.”

“Let’s go.” Shen Wenhua walked along with Master Hui, not letting anyone follow. When he was sure no one was around, he began to speak, “Master Hui, is there a problem with my wife’s illness?”

“Master Shen… “

“Master Hui can speak freely. There’s only you and me here. I won’t make things difficult for you.”

“Master Shen what are you saying? Jingshu is my disciple. I have always cared about her family matters. If I can help, of course I will help. The reason I didn’t speak just now is because I didn’t know how to say it. Now that Master Shen has asked, of course I will say it.” Master Hui didn’t conceal it at this moment, and directly expressed her doubts. Shen Wenhua listened, his eyes cold, “You’re saying the medicine is missing an ingredient?”

“Indeed, one of the ingredients that was listed in the prescription nevertheless did not show up in the boiled medicine. Without this ingredient, Madam Shen is unlikely to recover easily.”

“Then can I ask how that will affect my wife’s body?”

“The influence is not much. It just slows down Madam Shen’s recovery. However, every medicine has its side effect. Taking it long term is not good, as it will weaken her body.”

“If it goes on like this, how long will it take for my wife to recover?”

“At least half a year, and at most, perhaps more than a year…” When Master Hui said this, Shen Wenhua felt a chill go down his body. Master Hui saw this, and knew that her words had made Shen Wenhua understand some things. “But Master Shen doesn’t need to worry. As long as the Madam takes her medicine according to the prescription, she will recover quickly.”

“The medicine the doctor previously prescribed?”

“Yes, the prescription is correct. I also gave Madam some sleeping pills. If Madam sleeps well, she will be in good spirits and can recover more quickly.”

“Thank you for your trouble, Master Hui. I am very grateful for what you’ve done today. If Master Hui ever needs my help, I will do everything I can.” This was a promise. Shen Wenhua rarely promised anything, but once he did, he would surely abide by it!

“I’m just doing my part. I’ve been studying medicine for years, and I want to help more people. Now that I’m able to aid Madam Shen, I’m also very happy, Master Shen need not take it to heart.”

“I can’t thank you enough. I’m also aware of Master Hui’s difficulties. Rest assured, I will handle this matter properly, and won’t make things difficult for you.”

“That’s good. Then, if there’s nothing else, I will leave.”

“Take care, Master Hui!”

“Master Shen you can go back, no need to send me off anymore!” Master Hui had said what should be said, and done what should be done. All now depended on Shen Wenhua.

Master Hui wasn’t a fool. She could roughly guess who was responsible for this. She just hadn’t expected someone as upright as Shen Wenhua to have such dirty matters in his home.

Ai, Jingshu was also a pitiful child. No wonder she was so clever and sensible at a young age, perhaps it was because of her situation at home?

Thinking of Shen Jingshu’s previous request, Master Hui felt a little distressed, and she also felt increasingly set on teaching Shen Jingshu well. Hopefully then Shen Jingshu would have the ability to defend herself in the future.

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When Shen Wenhua sent away Master Hui, his expression was a little bad, but he soon hid it. He smiled and spoke with Dan Yuerong as though nothing had happened. Afterwards, he watched as Dan Yuerong took her medicine and went to sleep, and he did not say anything. The next day, Shen Wenhua called for the doctor to pay her a visit. The doctor said the same thing as before. Shen Wenhua unexpectedly got angry this time!

“Doctor, you said the same thing last time, saying that my wife will soon be okay after taking your medicine, but how come she hasn’t recovered yet? Didn’t you say it was just a little cold? Don’t tell me there’s nothing you can do about it? How can you do business like this?” This was the first time Shen Wenhua got angry. Everyone thought that Shen Wenhua was just too worried about Dan Yuerong. Seeing Dan Yuerong not recovering, he was too anxious.

Ruan momo saw his forcefulness and was a little bit frightened. Shen Wenhua had been very good-natured from an early age. Aside from the time he insisted on marrying Dan Yuerong and faced resistance from Old Madam Shen, and then pressured the Old Madam until she agreed to the marriage, Shen Wenhua had never again been so furious. Now that he was in a rage, Ruan momo had no choice but to try to persuade him, “Master, don’t be angry, this cold is not good at all. It is normal for it to drag on for a year or two. The doctor has already done his best. Don’t scare him, Master.”

Ruan momo was also telling the truth. Sometimes a cold could kill people, and a difficult recovery was normal. However Dan Yuerong originally wasn’t seriously ill, and not only did she not recover, the illness was dragging on a little. Since it wasn’t serious, how could this not be strange?

“Momo, don’t worry about this. I must have a word with him today. Rong’er has been ill all this time, and it’s not good to keep dragging it on!” Unusually, he didn’t give Ruan momo face. Ruan momo saw Shen Wenhua had such an unyielding attitude and was a little worried, but thought that she handled it very well and had dealt with it personally. Since she didn’t use others, it shouldn’t come back to her, nor make others thing too much. But because Shen Wenhua rejected her in this way, she stood aside a couldn’t say anything else.

“Master Shen, this one has really done his best. The prescription prescribed by this one is also the right medicine. If you don’t believe me, you can ask others!” This doctor was also very well-known in Jiangnan. Ordinarily, his medical skills were good. He was actually also puzzled as to why Dan Yuerong still wasn’t well.

“Since there is no problem with the prescription, then tell me, why hasn’t my wife recovered?”

“This cold isn’t a fixed thing. Perhaps the Madam’s mood is poor, and that is affecting her condition.”

“Don’t tell me there’s no other reason? If a patient isn’t getting well, then as a doctor, don’t you think about what the root cause may be?”

“Just now this one took the Madam’s pulse, and noticed that her condition has not improved. This one also feels it’s very strange. Please forgive this one’s ignorance, as I don’t know the cause. I hope Master Shen can find someone more qualified than me!”

“Really?” Shen Wenhua sent the doctor away, and he then invited a lot of doctors to ask them to find the cause. The results were the same. Shen Wenhua was very angry. The people in the Shen residence were also a little anxious. Until one day, a traveling doctor arrived. He took Dan Yuerong’s pulse, looked at the prescription, and finally suggested he watch Dan Yuerong take the medicine.

This traveling doctor had good timing. The medicine had just been boiled, and he was the first one to propose looking at the medicine. When Ruan momo found out, she was frightened out of her wits. She wanted to prevent it, but the medicine had already been brought out. How could she block it?

Her heart uneasy, Ruan momo paced back and forth in her room, thinking about how to solve this problem. Before she could think of anything, someone had already called for her, “Ruan momo, the Master wants to see you!”

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Translator’s Notes

[1] This is part of an idiom from a work by Chen Jiru. The whole phrase is: “A man with virtue is a talent; a woman’s virtue is to have no talent.” I’ve seen people argue that the latter half actually means that a virtuous woman should have talents, but they just shouldn’t show them off. I’m not sure that’s actually redeeming though.

[2] The imperial exams gave titles at three levels: Jieyuan for winner at the provincial level, Huiyuan for the winner at the national level, and Zhuanyuan for the winner at the imperial palace level.