maidservant

Chapter 137 Visiting the Ruined Temple and Visiting the Flower and Willow

Some people among the common people had heard that Lady Su had suffered from syphilis before her death, so they viewed her with prejudice and kept their distance from her residence, speaking ill of her behind her back and saying very unpleasant things about her.

However, she rarely mentioned that it was because her husband had brought her venereal disease from outside.

Yunshan realized that people were terrified of talking about "venereal disease," and few people could take the disease seriously. Even fewer people understood the fact that men with venereal disease were not as susceptible to the disease as women.

Yun Shan looked at the people pointing and whispering about Lady Su, and a wave of sorrow washed over her. She couldn't help but step forward and say loudly:
"Ladies and gentlemen, how innocent was Madam Su! She was just a pitiful woman who contracted a terrible disease from her husband. Now that she's gone, why are you still speaking ill of her?"

Someone in the crowd scoffed, "Miss Yun, this venereal disease is no good. Who knows if she's been promiscuous all along?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Shan glared angrily: "Do you know that this disease is mostly brought back by men who go out and philander? Women are the real victims! Su Niangzi's husband behaved improperly while he was alive, yet now Su Niangzi has to bear this infamy even after her death. Is that fair?"

However, her words did not seem to have much effect; people continued to whisper, and the prejudice in their eyes did not diminish in the slightest.

Yunshan knew that changing these people's perceptions would be no easy task. She secretly resolved to find a way to help everyone understand the illness correctly and prevent innocent women from suffering such misunderstandings and slander.

Yunshan sent a letter to Situ Zhen, wanting to find more books about venereal diseases.

Yunshan sent a letter to Situ Zhen, wanting to find more books about venereal diseases.

Two days later, Situ Zhen arrived leisurely, playing with a small jade pendant he had somehow acquired.

Upon seeing Yunshan, he grinned and said, "Girl, what brings you here? The letter was rather vague."

Yunshan hurriedly went to greet him and respectfully followed his words, saying, "Master, I'd like to find some books about venereal diseases. You are very knowledgeable and will surely be able to help me."

Upon hearing this, Situ Zhen raised an eyebrow and casually tucked the jade pendant into his robes.
"Vegetarian disease? Why are you asking about that? This disease is very difficult to contract. Whether it's the poor on the streets or the wealthy in their mansions, everyone considers it a taboo. If you get this disease, it's like being thrown into the mud, and it's hard to wash your reputation clean."

Yun Shan gritted her teeth: "I know, but that's precisely why those patients are even more pitiful. I want to know more, maybe I can help."

Situ Zhen pursed his lips: "Alright, since you're so sincere, I'll help you this once. I have a few related medical books, 'Secret Records of Molds' and 'Essential Techniques of Surgery,' which discuss some venereal diseases. But let me make it clear beforehand, the borrowing fee isn't cheap."

Yun Shan smiled helplessly, knowing that Situ Zhen loved money more than anything: "Don't worry, you'll get your share."

Situ Zhen thought for a moment, then patted Yun Shan on the shoulder:

"Sigh, it's not that I don't support you, it's just too difficult. If you research this disease, others won't understand, and you'll be drowned in their spittle."

Yun Shan's eyes were firm: "I'm not afraid. I can't just ignore those who are suffering because I'm afraid of what people will say."

Situ Zhen shrugged:

"Alright, you're just as stubborn as you were when you first started learning medicine from me. Okay, feel free to come to me with any questions, but remember, you still have to pay for house calls and consultations."

After saying that, he took out the jade pendant again and continued to play with it, looking quite unserious, but his eyes revealed a hint of admiration for Yun Shan.

Yun Shan looked at Situ Zhen and nodded solemnly, secretly keeping this sentiment in her heart. After Situ Zhen left, she couldn't wait to open those medical books. The dense text and obscure medical theories did not deter her; instead, they ignited her passion for exploration.

In the days that followed, Yunshan threw herself into the study of venereal diseases.

She would get up before dawn every day to study, and when she encountered difficulties, she would calculate Situ Zhen's rest time and go to Situ Zhen's residence to ask for advice.

At first, Situ Zhen would jokingly complain that she was disturbing his peace and quiet, but seeing Yun Shan's eagerness to learn, he could only helplessly put down the object he was playing with and patiently answer her questions.

As her research deepened, Yunshan discovered that to truly conquer venereal diseases, relying solely on medical books was far from sufficient; she also needed to interact with patients and understand the actual manifestations of the symptoms.

That day, Yunshan packed a bag of medical books and herbs, pulled down the veil of her bamboo hat to try to cover her face, and hurried toward a dilapidated temple outside the city where patients with venereal diseases had spontaneously gathered.

As I inquired about the exact location of the ruined temple along the way, the gazes of passersby felt like needles in my back, and their whispers and pointing fingers were like a constant chilling wind.

Just as I reached the door, I was stopped by someone who looked like they were delivering food.

He frowned, his face full of disdain, and said, "Miss, you've come to the wrong place. This isn't a place for you."

Yun Shan took a deep breath and mustered her courage to say, "I haven't come to the wrong place. I'm here to... visit the patient."

The man's eyes widened, as if he had heard something unbelievable:

"Visiting the sick? Young lady, do you know what kind of people live here? They're all infected with venereal diseases, it's filthy. You're an innocent young lady, don't get tainted by their bad luck!"

Yunshan bit her lip and said firmly, "I know, I'm not afraid. I've studied medicine, and I just want to see if I can help."

The man scoffed, "Help? Don't be ridiculous. Anyone who gets this disease is doomed. Few people have been willing to come for treatment over the years. What can a young girl like you do? Get out of here!"

At this moment, an old woman came out from inside. She glanced at Yun Shan and asked, "What's going on?"

The old woman was dressed richly and didn't seem sick. Yun Shan looked at her, puzzled, and was about to explain.

The man quickly said, "This girl insists on coming in to see patients with syphilis; I think she's just confused."

The old man looked Yun Shan up and down, a hint of doubt in his eyes:
“Young lady, are you really going in? This disease is not simple, it’s not as easy to treat as you think. Besides, these patients are used to being disliked, and they have strange tempers.”

Yun Shan bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Senior, my mind is made up. I know this disease is difficult to cure, but I can't just give up on them like this. Although my medical skills are not excellent, I am willing to do my best."

The old man was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly: "Alright, since you have this intention, then go in."

As Yun Shan walked in, a pungent medicinal smell hit her. Inside the ward, the patients were either lying or sitting, all with sallow complexions and emaciated appearances.

When a young patient saw Yunshan enter, he smiled wryly and said, "Young lady, what brings you to this place? Aren't you afraid of getting infected by us?"