The Red Mansion

Chapter 166 Jiang Nian is Sick
Seeing that Granny Pan had died tragically, Jiang Nian took out a gold ingot from her bosom, weighing ten taels, and handed it to Miaoyu, saying, "Granny Pan's death was an accident, but if we hadn't pursued her here, she wouldn't have suffered such a calamity. This ten taels of gold is for her funeral expenses, and I hope you will accept it, Miss."

Miaoyu quickly took a half step back and said, "I will not accept this gold. Granny Pan has served me for many years, and I will take care of her funeral arrangements myself." Although her words were gentle, they carried an air of unapproachable coldness.

Jiang Nian handed the gold ingot to Miaoyu's master, Abbess Huixuan, who accepted it. Miaoyu couldn't very well tell her master not to accept it.

Jiang Nian then instructed Xing Xiuyan to pack her belongings and leave with him.

The Xing family was poor and lived in a rented house in Panxiang Temple. The Xing couple had only a little over ten taels of silver saved up, and they rarely took care of their daughter, Xing Xiuyan.

Xing Xiuyan only packed a blue cloth bundle and a camphor wood box.

Jiang Nianming ordered his soldiers to carry the bodies of Xing Zhong and his wife on wooden planks.

Before leaving, Xing Xiuyan bid farewell to Miaoyu.

Miaoyu took off a string of sandalwood prayer beads from her wrist and handed them to Xing Xiuyan: "This has been with me for many years. I give it to you now. May Buddha bless you." The beads were round and smooth, with a faint fragrance wafting from them, clearly from years of handling.

The two held hands and looked at each other. Xing Xiuyan choked up for a moment, while Miaoyu remained calm.

Suddenly, she felt a gaze fall upon her, and when she looked up, she met Jiang Nian's fixed gaze. In that instant when their eyes met, the lamplight outlined Jiang Nian's tall and straight figure, which overlapped with his heroic figure who had leaped to her rescue amidst the flashing swords and bloodshed, stirring a ripple in her heart once again.

Jiang Nian thought to herself, "What a beautiful and graceful Miaoyu! It won't be too late to continue this relationship when we meet again in the capital."

According to the original novel, Miaoyu will probably go to the capital next year...

Xing Xiuyan took one last look at the bungalow where she had lived for many years. The moonlight was like water, making the bamboo forest appear lush and verdant; the eaves of Panxiang Temple were faintly visible among the shadows of the trees, as if from another world.

Two lines of clear tears silently slid down, wetting the sandalwood prayer beads in her hand.

……

……

Jiang Nian and her group returned to Baiyun Temple.

The temple was brightly lit by torches, and Situ Jing, the garrison commander of Suzhou, had already led his troops to wait there.

Upon seeing Jiang Nian arrive, Situ Jing hurriedly stepped forward and bowed to greet him: "Reporting to Your Excellency, I was ordered to pursue and suppress the bandits. We fought fiercely with Han Tianhong and his gang in the dense forest for a long time. Han Tianhong is a Guardian of the Luo Sect, and he has a group of trusted men under his command, all of whom are skilled in martial arts. The nighttime operation in the dense forest made it difficult for us, resulting in the loss of thirteen soldiers. Han Tianhong was eventually surrounded and captured alive by us. The other rebels were either killed or captured, with only a few escaping under the cover of night."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian's eyebrows relaxed slightly: "Han Tianhong, the Venerable Protector of the Scriptures?"

Situ Jing nodded and said, "The leader of that group of rebels is none other than Han Tianhong, the Venerable Protector of the Luo Sect. I have already ordered him to be imprisoned in solitary confinement and under strict guard."

Jiang Nian said, "Commander Situ has made great contributions this time. Do you know that Han Tianhong previously raised an army and caused chaos in Jiangning?"

Situ Jing said, "I was stationed in Suzhou and had not heard of this matter."

Jiang Niansui then recounted in detail how Han Tianhong raised an army to rescue Tan Fengchi and Wang Long, and added, "Commander Situ not only assisted in the investigation of the Luo Sect with all his might, but also captured Han Tianhong alive. He is truly a rare talent. I, the Imperial Envoy, will certainly report to His Majesty and request commendation for you." After a moment's thought, he added, "If you can be officially appointed as the Suzhou Guerrilla Commander, I, the Imperial Envoy, will be delighted for you."

Jiang Nian appreciated Situ Jing's decisive actions and skillful use of troops. Moreover, he would need Situ Jing's strong assistance to further crack down on the Luo Sect in Suzhou.

Upon hearing this, Situ Jing knelt on one knee, clasped his hands, and said, "This humble official thanks you for your guidance, sir! However, this campaign against the bandits has resulted in considerable casualties. I hope you will show leniency."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian admired Situ Jing even more. She helped Situ Jing up and solemnly said, "That's how it should be!"

……

……

It was already midnight, and the frosty wind was getting stronger.

Jiang Nian, He Yun, and Situ Jing led a large contingent of officers and soldiers, escorting Yao Jisheng, Han Tianhong, and other Luo sect prisoners, along with some corpses, back to Puji Temple overnight.

Jiang Nian used Puji Temple as his official residence in Suzhou.

With his hands bound, Yao Jisheng staggered forward. When he looked up and saw the faded gold paint on the temple plaque bearing the four characters "Puji Temple," he trembled. He never imagined that he, the dignified leader of the Luo Sect, would return to this central secret cave as a prisoner.

As Yao Jisheng was being led into the hall, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure huddled in a corner. It was none other than Murong Zheng, the protector of the Human Sect. He immediately realized that Murong Zheng had likely confessed to his escape to Baiyun Nunnery on Xuanmu Mountain. His heart filled with even greater regret. Had he known he would end up like this, he shouldn't have been so reluctant to part with that million taels of gold and silver!
Jiang Nian was utterly exhausted.

He first rushed from Jiangning to Suzhou, covered in dust and grime. After arriving in Suzhou, he didn't have time to rest and worked from afternoon until midnight, racking his brains to suppress the Luo Sect. His face was ashen, with dark circles under his eyes, and his guard uniform was stained with blood and covered in dust.

There is an inn near Puji Temple called the Mountainside Inn.

Jiang Nian checked into a superior room at an inn at the foot of the mountain. Lying on the bed, she felt as if her bones were falling apart.

In the next room, Xing Xiuyan sat wrapped in a blanket, staring blankly at the night outside the window, her sandalwood prayer beads tightly clenched in her hand.

……

……

The next day at dawn, Jiang Nian still hadn't gotten up.

He Yun, accompanied by Xing Xiuyan, arrived at the door of the main room where Jiang Nian was staying and knocked softly: "Is the master awake?"

A weak voice came from inside: "Come in."

He Yun gently pushed open the door and entered, followed closely by Xing Xiuyan. The two saw Jiang Nian leaning against the headboard, a brocade quilt haphazardly draped over her, her face as white as paper, and cold sweat dripping from her forehead.

He Yun asked in surprise, "What's wrong, sir?"

Jiang Nian replied weakly, "My head is hot, I'm sick."

He smiled bitterly to himself: He had never caught a cold or fever since he transmigrated, but now he had one, probably due to overwork.

He Yun rushed forward, reached out and touched Jiang Nian's forehead, exclaiming in surprise, "It's so hot!"

Seeing this, Xing Xiuyan quickly took out a handkerchief from her sleeve and stepped forward to wipe Jiang Nian's sweat. The handkerchief was embroidered with several elegant orchids, which were soaked with sweat.

Jiang Nian took a breath and said to He Yun, "Go and find a doctor who is good at treating febrile diseases."

He Yun was about to agree when he suddenly remembered something and said with difficulty, "Sir, Lu Shiyuan, the Jiangsu Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, is currently at the inn and urgently needs to see you."

Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Jiang Nian's eyes.

The account books he found on Yao Jisheng last night recorded that Lu Shiyuan, the Jiangsu Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, had accepted bribes from Luo Jiao. What's even more ridiculous is that this dignified provincial governor had actually learned meditation techniques from Yao Jisheng.

Jiang Nian snorted coldly, her lungs churning as she coughed. Once her breathing had calmed down, she said, "Go tell Governor Lu that I have contracted a fever and I'm afraid I'll pass on my illness to him. I will apologize to him in person after I recover."

Even though Jiang Nianzong was an imperial envoy, he had no right to arbitrarily dismiss the Jiangsu Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, who was a third-rank official. Once he submitted his memorial, Emperor Taishun would punish Lu Shiyuan himself.

After He Yun left, Jiang Nian looked at Xing Xiuyan's busy figure and said, "Miss Xing, you don't need to serve here. Your parents have just passed away, and you are in a time of grief. Besides, you are weak. What will happen if you recover from your illness?"

Xing Xiuyan said softly, "It is only right that I do this small thing, thanks to your kindness in taking in a helpless person." As she spoke, her eyes reddened.

Seeing her like this, Jiang Nian no longer refused. When she was sick with a fever, she desperately wanted someone like this to serve her. ...

……

Medical care was poor in this era; even a common cold or fever could be fatal if not treated carefully. Jiang Nian was naturally cautious, so she specifically asked He Yun to find a doctor skilled in treating febrile diseases.

He Yun dared not be negligent at all. Although a middle-aged doctor had treated Murong Zheng and others at Puji Temple yesterday, He Yun did not trust him and hurriedly went to Situ Jing to discuss the matter.

"Does Commander Situ know which doctor in Suzhou is skilled in treating febrile diseases?" He Yun asked urgently.

Situ Jing decisively said, "If we're talking about a master of treating febrile diseases, none other than Su Tianshi from the Shangjin Bridge can compare!"

Su Tianshi was over fifty years old this year, and his courtesy name was Mr. Nanyang. He was from Wu County.

His ancestors had practiced medicine for generations. His grandfather was not only highly skilled in medicine but also had high medical ethics, often providing free medical treatment to the poor. His father was even more outstanding, not only possessing superb medical skills but also being well-read.

Su Tianshi was influenced by his surroundings from a young age and studied diligently. He apprenticed under more than twenty masters, integrating ancient and modern medical knowledge. He was most skilled in treating febrile diseases and epidemics and was quite famous in Suzhou. The people called him "the celestial physician descended to earth".

This renowned medical scholar lived near Shangjin Bridge outside Changmen Gate, close to Puji Temple.

After hearing Situ Jing's introduction of Su Tianshi, He Yun was overjoyed and immediately sent someone to invite him.

He Yun rushed back to the inn at the foot of the mountain and saw that Jiang Nian's cheeks were flushed red from the fever. He quickly explained Su Tianshi's background to her in detail.

Although Jiang Nian was dizzy and disoriented, she was stunned after hearing the story and thought to herself, "This is clearly a replica of Ye Tianshi, the famous doctor of the Qing Dynasty in my previous life!"

With such a renowned medical expert treating him, he felt much more at ease.

Soon, an elderly man approached. He was in his fifties, wearing an indigo long robe. His face was kind yet dignified, and his eyes were bright as stars, seemingly able to see through one's internal organs. Behind him was a man carrying a medicine box.

"I am Su Tianshi, and I greet Your Excellency the Imperial Envoy." The old man bowed respectfully, his voice clear and melodious.

Jiang Nian forced herself to stand up and returned the greeting: "Thank you for coming, sir..."

Su Tianshi waved his hand to stop him: "My lord, please lie down."

As he spoke, he first reached out and felt Jiang Nian's forehead, then took Jiang Nian's wrist pulse. He pressed three fingers lightly, closed his eyes and concentrated. The room immediately fell silent, and even Xing Xiuyan, who was standing by the screen, held her breath.

After a long while, Su Tianshi opened his eyes and said, "Sir, this illness is caused by overwork damaging the spleen, compounded by autumn dryness, resulting in internal accumulation of pathogenic heat..."

After saying a few words, Su Tianshi said, "It's nothing serious. I'll prescribe some medicine for you, and you'll recover in a few days."

Jiang Nian said, "I have official duties to attend to and cannot delay any longer. Is it possible to recover as soon as possible?"

Su Tianshi said, "If we want to speed things up, we must administer acupuncture to clear the heat and then give the patient herbal medicine."

Jiang Nian nodded.

Su Tianshi immediately opened his medicine box, took out a packet of silver needles, and began to perform acupuncture on Jiang Nian with lightning speed. Strangely enough, in less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Jiang Nian felt her mind clear and her fever subsided by three-tenths.

Su Tianshi then prescribed another dose of herbal medicine.

He Yun hurriedly ordered people to carry out the task, and at the same time, rewarded Su Tianshi handsomely.

Su Tianshi did not dare to accept a large sum of money, but after he could not refuse, he took one tael of silver as a consultation fee.

Taking the opportunity, Jiang Nian initiated a casual conversation with Su Tianshi. When the topic turned to the treatment of febrile diseases, Su Tianshi's eyes shone brightly: "Having observed medical cases throughout history, I have found that when febrile pathogens invade the body, they first attack the lungs and then spread to the pericardium. Therefore, we establish a four-tiered diagnostic system based on Wei, Qi, Ying, and Xue..."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian confirmed that the Su Tianshi before her was equivalent to Ye Tianshi of the Qing Dynasty in her previous life. Ye Tianshi was the one who established the diagnostic and treatment principles of "Wei, Qi, Ying, and Xue," and was the main founder and founder of the Warm and Hot School.

Although Jiang Nian was not proficient in medicine and was ill, she still kept chatting with Su Tianshi.

In his view, such a renowned medical expert would be of great use to him...

At this moment, Jiang Nian suddenly asked, "Sir, are you willing to write books and establish theories?"

Su Tianshi sighed, "I do have that intention, but I am plagued by illness and injury, and I am busy treating patients every day, so I have no time to write it down myself."

Jiang Nian said, "If you don't have the time, sir, you can have your junior disciples organize your works."

Su Tianshi's eyes lit up: "Thank you for reminding me, sir." He then said, "Sir is ill and unable to chat any longer, so I will take my leave."

Two quarters of an hour after Su Tianshi left, the medicine was ready; it was Xing Xiuyan who had asked to have it prepared.

Xing Xiuyan then helped Jiang Nian take the medicine. Jiang Nian immediately felt a cool sensation rising from her dantian and spreading throughout her limbs and bones.

……

……

That day, Xing Xiuyan served Jiang Nian at her bedside from morning till afternoon.

Although this girl came from a poor background, she was extremely clever. When decocting medicine, she would always stay by the stove, observing the fire as if it were the heavens; when feeding medicine, she would always test the temperature first, and only serve it when it was neither too hot nor too cold. She would also often soak a handkerchief in warm water and wipe the sweat from Jiang Nian's forehead. The occasional touch of her slender fingers on Jiang Nian's cheek was more calming than any medicine.

In the afternoon, Jiang Nian woke up from his sleep, vaguely feeling someone gently stroking his forehead. Opening his eyes, he saw Xing Xiuyan leaning over to examine him, her features exquisite and her expression focused. Xing Xiuyan noticed he was awake and quickly withdrew her hand shyly, whispering, "Are you feeling better, sir?"

Jiang Nian said softly, "Thanks to your meticulous care, Miss."

Just then, a guard came to report that a young woman surnamed Ding had arrived and wanted to see Jiang Nian.

Jiang Nian hesitated for a moment, then said, "Let her in."

Soon, the tinkling of jade pendants came from outside the door, and a young woman in brocade robes entered with a maid. The young woman was beautiful, but her face was full of sorrow.

“My father, Ding, the Assistant Magistrate of Suzhou, heard that the Imperial Envoy was ill, so he specially ordered my daughter to come and serve him.”

The girl named Ding Wanfang had a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz and looked reluctant.

Jiang Nian was extremely astute and immediately understood that this was because Ding Wenhuan, the magistrate of Suzhou, was feeling guilty. He had accepted bribes from Luo Jiao and had even sent his own daughter to curry favor with him.

Xing Xiuyan stood to the side, silently observing Ding Wanfang.

“Miss Ding is of noble birth and it is not convenient for her to do such a thing,” Jiang Nian said politely. “Besides, there is a difference between men and women, and it would be bad for your reputation if word got out. Please return to your residence and convey my gratitude to your father on behalf of this imperial envoy.”

Ding Wanfang paused for a moment, then curtsied and left.

Xing Xiuyan, who was watching closely, thought to herself that this young lady clearly did not want to come and must have been forced by her father.

Although she noticed this, she remained silent.

(End of this chapter)