A Good Country Wife

Lin Yue remained neutral towards Madam Zhou’s behavior, simply waiting for Doctor Zheng’s arrival. Though Doctor Zheng was skilled in medicine, he didn’t have the most effective method for Lin Qing’s cough. He suggested Lin Qing continue with the previous prescription, saying, "My medical skills are limited. If the Family Head were here, perhaps he would have a better solution."

Doctor Zheng’s remarks showed that he truly had done his best. However, Lin Qing’s cough was so severe that if it continued and led to pneumonia, it would be troublesome, as the ancient medical conditions were not favorable. In those days, contracting pneumonia was much more serious and difficult to treat than suffering from a common cold.

After some thought, Lin Yue wrote down two prescriptions on a piece of paper. One was an old prescription her family had used before, and the other was for a cough syrup made from Fritillaria and loquat. The ingredients in both prescriptions were mostly the same, and Lin Yue had used these two with good effect when suffering from a severe cough. Having used them several times, she had memorized the recipes and wrote them down now for Doctor Zheng to review to see if they could help.

"Doctor Zheng, these are two prescriptions I happened to come across. Both are for treating coughs. I wonder if they could be helpful for my brother’s condition. Could I trouble you, Doctor Zheng, to take a look?" Lin Yue said as she handed the paper with the prescriptions to Doctor Zheng.

Doctor Zheng took the prescriptions and examined them thoroughly, his face unable to hide his astonishment and delight as he read, "Each of these prescriptions has its own genius. They are absolutely feasible for treating your brother’s condition. How did it not occur to me to consider these methods? Miss Lin, where did you obtain these prescriptions?"

Doctor Zheng didn’t intend to pry, but out of sheer joy, he asked without much thought. Since Lin Yue had brought it up, she naturally had an origin in mind, "They are from a book that Zhao Erhu brought back from the West. At the time, I thought they might be useful, so I noted them down. I didn’t know if they would work, but now they seem to be quite useful. Since you think these prescriptions can be used, I’ll have someone get the herbs so that my brother can take them. But, Doctor Zheng, which of the two do you think is better to use?"

"Both prescriptions have their advantages and shortcomings. I’ll take the best of both and revise them into a new prescription." Doctor Zheng already had an idea in his mind and promptly wrote down the modified prescription.

Lin Yue had complete trust in Doctor Zheng’s medical expertise. Once Doctor Zheng had finished revising the prescriptions, she immediately had someone fetch the herbs to prepare the medicine for Lin Qing to drink. This time, Doctor Zheng absolutely refused to accept a consultation fee.

"Doctor Zheng, while we are on good terms, the consultation fee must still be paid. Besides, you’ve traveled a long way to Shanglin Village, and your time has been taken up treating my elder sister’s illness over the past few days. I’m very grateful for that, and it’s unthinkable for me to take advantage of you concerning the fee. I simply couldn’t feel at ease otherwise."

"Miss Lin need not worry. Truth be told, ever since getting to know you, I have learned much from you, in both life and medicine. If it weren’t for you, the Family Head wouldn’t have instructed me in medical skills. For me, that is the most crucial thing. Furthermore, I have a favor to ask."

"What is it that you require, Doctor Zheng? Please feel free to tell me."