Royal Road Chapter 81

Published at 1st of August 2022 06:30:11 AM

Thirty-four horses trampled through the fresh, pristine snow lying atop the official road. The horseback riders, armed with sabers, were orderly and ferocious. It was apparent at first glance that they belonged to some noble's private army. The government soldiers on the road wouldn't even bother stopping a troop like this. They didn't have any goods or women, so why offend them for nothing?

They continued for more than an hour before the leading horseman yelled, “We'll rest here for fifteen minutes!” 

“Doctor Jiang, are you okay?” he asked as he dismounted his horse and walked to the center of the group.

Jiang Da was sitting on a horse, sharing a mount with another soldier. He coughed as the man behind him helped him inch his way down, “I'll manage. Don't mind me, Captain Zhang.”

Zhang He didn't take his false bravado at face value. He helped him sit down by the side and handed him a waterskin, “Drink something first and warm up.”

The waterskins had been filled with hot water that'd been boiled on the go, and even after all this time, the heat still lingered. Jiang Da was immensely grateful for the thoughtful consideration. He opened the waterskin, drank some warm water, dug some pills out of the folds of his robes, stuffed them in his mouth, and let out a long breath. Ever since leaving Luoyang, he'd had dry rations to eat. He pulled his cloak around him, his mood greatly elevated. Even his constant illness vanished almost immediately. Once he got home and took a few doses of medicine, he'd be good as new. 

Their flight from Luoyang was nothing like what Jiang Da had imagined. They'd not only gotten him over the Court of Attendant's walls with ease, but they'd even smoothly slipped through the gates of the imperial city. Because of how large their party was, they'd been stopped for inspection twice, but once the captain flashed the Jinyang Wang Clan's missive, no one dared detain them.

Liang Feng had made all those meticulous preparations for him. Just to save him. Clutching the warm waterskin in his hands, Jiang Da felt like his whole body was burning. He couldn't repay his kindness even with his life!

He was interrupted from his musings by the sound of crying coming from afar, “Shi-er! Shi-er, wake up! What's happening? Can anyone save him?!”

Jiang Da had heard pained, heart-wrenching screams like these dozens of times in Luoyang. They rang in his ears, even in his nightmares. He suddenly jumped to his feet and said, “Who, who's over there?”

Zhang He stood up and took a gander, “It's a group of refugees. There's a woman hugging a child and sobbing. Must've died not long ago.”

“Can I go and check?” Going by the sobs, it didn't seem as if the child had died of cold or starvation, but rather, something more abrupt. As a doctor, and as someone who'd experienced such arduous trials, Jiang Da was unable to turn away.

Zhang He paused for a moment, then nodded, “Alright, let's head over then.”

Hearing this, Jiang Da scrambled in their direction. Zhang He, bringing a few other soldiers, followed closely behind him. They arrived before the refugees, who scattered like startled birds upon seeing the sabers at their waists. Only the woman remained, kneeling on the ground, tears running down her face as she tried to wake her child. 

Jiang Da took one look at the child and said, “What did you feed him just now?”

The woman lurched, and before she could respond, Jiang Da had already squatted down, lifted the child, placed him over his knee, and forcefully patted his back. The child choked, spat up a piece of bread, and shook violently. Jiang Da took his acupuncture kit out from his robes and stuck needles in several places on the child's back. The child whimpered and started bawling.

The woman finally came back to her senses, grabbed her child, felt him over with her hands, then sobbingly turned and kowtowed to Jiang Da, mumbling indistinct words of thanks.

Upon witnessing this scene, the other refugees cautiously came back. Bringing someone back from the dead was a miraculous feat. Quite a few others prostrated as well, venerating him a sage doctor. 

Jiang Da couldn't take their praise; he hurried to help them up. Zhang He stopped him and asked the refugees, “Did you all escape from Luoyang?”

“That's right. It's impossible to stay anymore, with all the looting soldiers there,” said a braver refugee.

The months of hard battle had taken a heavy toll on the towns and counties surrounding Luoyang. The commoners and small-time farmers were especially hard hit. Everyone had thought that they could live in peace beneath the emperor's feet. But, as it turned out, no one was safe when the armies came. After the city gates were opened, the commoners inside had it worst of all. Anyone who had yet the strength to breathe did everything they could to flee the city.

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“Tjc Ugbnlcmf….”

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“Bing Province? Isn't there lotsa barbarians there?”

“I heard last year they had a drought…”

“I'm afraid that wouldn't do….”

Zhang He chuckled, “We're all heading to Bing Province ourselves. Gaodu's right there once you go through Taihang Pass. If anyone wants to, they can travel with us.” 

There were many tempted by his words. The woman whose child had been saved by Jiang Da suddenly asked, “Are you going to Gaodu, savior?”

As Jiang Da wasn't stupid, he'd already cottoned on to Zhang He's aim, and immediately said, “I'm not from Gaodu myself, but my lord's manor is located near there. He's surnamed Liang, and is very well known in Bing Province. He once received a dream from Buddha and dispelled a plague infesting the entire city of Jinyang.”

Hearing him praise that lord of his after witnessing his skill in saving lives, many of the refugees brightened. However, instead of affirming his words, Zhang He said to Jiang Da, “Right, Doctor Jiang, it's time for us to get moving now.”

If he kept speaking on the Liang Estate's behalf, he might arouse their suspicions. But, because they were leaving right away, a few stubborn people pursued them, asking, “Sir soldier, will that Master Liang take us in?” 

Zhang He frowned, “The Liang Estate only accepts those with particular skills. You're all better off going to Gaodu.”

Though his words sounded cold, his honesty actually gave hope to the people who'd only just been wallowing in the depths of despair. Someone else asked, “Gaodu's only one county. Even if they can feed us for a while, they can't save our lives!”

“Gaodu's not giving charity. The refugees who go there have to plow out new farmlands and loan seeds for the spring harvest. The magistrate of Gaodu is capable in his own right – he protected his city against hundreds of Xiongnu rebels,” Zhang He replied. “Alright, we're hitting the road. Anyone who wants to go to Gaodu can follow behind us.”

Then, he tugged Jiang Da back to the group of horseriders, ignoring the refugees. 

As they mounted their horses, the refugees began to stir. Their homes lost, their families scattered, where they fled to now would determine their survival. Could they afford to miss this chance?

While they hesitated, the mother of the child Jiang Da had saved stood up and walked towards the horsemen.

“Ah-Ling, don't you want to go back to Hedong?” someone behind her shouted.

“They saved my son's life. I want to go to Gaodu and try,” the woman said, as she left the small path without looking back. 

Her words reminded quite a few people. If such a virtuous healer and such brave soldiers were subordinates of that Master Liang, just how great was he? Besides, Gaodu didn't sound too bad. Even if it wasn't the Liang Estate, they should have a chance at survival in Gaodu.

Several more people left the band of refugees, following in the woman's footsteps. Then, there were even more people….

Listening to the patter of footsteps behind him, Jiang Da asked concernedly, “That's forty or fifty people already. Can the estate take them all?”

Zhang He grinned, “The refugees will all be settled in Gaodu first. The estate only accepts capable people. Don't worry, Doctor Jiang, the Liang Estate of today far surpasses what it was before!” 

A burst of longing surged through Jiang Da's heart. After mounting his horse, their party didn't gallop at full speed this time, but rather trotted steadily towards Taihang Pass, refugees in tow.

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“Sister Zhaoyu….”

Zhaoyu looked back upon hearing her name and saw Lüzhu standing awkwardly outside the door. Zhaoyu left a few words for the seamstresses before leaving the room and asking gently, “Why've you come to find me at this time? Where's the master?” 

“Master's in the study,” Lüzhu answered glumly. “He has Cang Lan and Cai Wei to attend to him.”

“What foolishness!” Zhaoyu frowned and scolded, “They're only there to help the master sort out his work, they're not real maidservants. It wouldn't do if the master didn't have anyone to serve him.”

“But those two already grind ink and refill the censer for him. And they know how to draw letter paper, and mix fragrances… they're better than me at everything…..” Lüzhu was brimming with so much frustration that she was about to cry. Though the new maids her master had taken in were only average-looking, cold, and untalkative, they were unbelievably smart. It seemed like there was nothing they didn't understand. Lüzhu felt like she was an utter imbecile compared to them. She was so ashamed that she could hardly bear to show her face in the study anymore.

Zhaoyu couldn't help the sigh that escaped her lips, “Lüzhu, do you still want to stay by the master's side?” 

Lüzhu bit her lips, slowly nodding.

“Do you know that the master will have you marry out eventually?” Zhaoyu continued asking.

“I…. I don't want to marry! I want to stay with the master forever!” Lüzhu said lowly.

Lüzhu knew, of course, that her master wasn't attracted to her. Before his sickness, he was indifferent. Afterward, perhaps because of her attentiveness, he showed some intimacy towards her. Lüzhu had never dared to wish for more, but marrying someone? Leaving her master? No way! 

Zhaoyu had talked with her before, but honestly, what unmarried girl wouldn't be charmed by a man like their master? So she wouldn't even try convincing Lüzhu to abandon her feelings. But she couldn't allow her to forget what her duties were as a personal maidservant.

“That's even more reason to serve the master well, then.” Zhaoyu sighed, “If the master really intended for Cang Lan and Cai Wei to replace you, why would he only order them to serve in his study?”

Lüzhu was silent for a moment before nodding and saying, “I want to learn math and poetry from you as well. I, I don't want to lose to them…”

Zhaoyu chuckled, “That couldn't be better.” 

With Zhaoyu's encouragement, Lüzhu finally set aside her fears and returned to the study. As it wasn't very busy that day, Liang Feng worked for only two hours before returning to his quarters with Lüzhu.

“Bring out the Go board.” Liang Feng took off his outer coat and leaned against the rest.

He'd finished up rather early today. When Yiyan came over, he'd nab him for a game of Go. These days, Liang Feng had been slowly teaching Yiyan how to play. At the very least, Go could strengthen one's patience and teach one to control the battlefield. Yiyan was particularly talented in that regard. He only needed some practice to improve.

Of course, Liang Feng had to admit that pwning noobs was fun no matter what the era. 

Lüzhu swiftly brought out the Go board, then retrieved some refined charcoal and a pocket heater, and handed it to Liang Feng, “Master, your hands are cold in winter; use this to warm up.”

Liang Feng smiled and received the intricate little stove, “You should drink some more hot water as well. Have the kitchen prepare some red date water.”

Lüzhu lurched, then suddenly blushed and retreated to the side. It was nearly time for her monthly problem to arrive; she hadn't thought her master would remember something like that! But then, her eyes started tearing up. Her master really cared about her after all. For that alone, she had to look after him well!

While Lüzhu was dealing with her roiling emotions, Yiyan came in through the door. He noticed the Go board at once, “My lord! Are we playing Go?!” 

“Mhmm. Let's have a match tonight,” Liang Feng smilingly gestured towards the stones.

Yiyan immediately stepped forward, took a seat at the other end of the board, and placed down a white stone. Liang Feng didn't mind at all. He took up a black stone and placed it in the opposite quarter. Holding the Go stones the modern way, the ink-black stone made his pale, slender fingers seem even more like precious jade in contrast. Yiyan's gaze unwittingly veered towards them, before he forcefully suppressed his wandering thoughts and began contemplating the board.

Lüzhu looked at the two Go players, went to the side, and poured tea. The quietness of the room, the pleasant smell of tea, and the occasional clatter of stones, brought serenity to the heart. Lüzhu silently served the tea and returned to her little corner. Just this was already enough.

The author has something to say: 

Saw there were people talking about the term “doctor.” Eh, it really was an official position in ancient times; it appeared during the Tang Dynasty.

In the Tang Dynasty, the Imperial Physicians Bureau was sort of like the modern-day Department of Health. At the top of the ladder were two Imperial Physician Prefects (lower seventh rank), followed by two Imperial Physician Deputy, four Medical Supervisor (lower eighth rank), eight Principal Practitioners (lower ninth rank), etc. Their subordinates were split into five sub-specialties which were physicians 医, acupuncture 针, massage 按摩, exorcism 咒禁, and herbal medicine 药园.

As for the workers, there were two 府, four 吏, as well as a bunch of 主药, 药童, etc. The terms 医师, 医工, and 医生 (applies to acupuncturists, masseuses, etc.) more or less reflect their medical skill, similar to how modern-day medical professionals are differentiated by experience. They have to pass exams to get their positions, and once they pass enough exams, they'll get promoted. At the same time, the Imperial Physicians Bureau also has 医博士, 针博士, etc. instructors teaching students medicine, acupuncture, etc. and administering exams. These measures were all for the sake of advancing medical science in the Tang Dynasty.

The information above comes from Baidu. So you see, the terms、医生、医师、博士、助教、have existed since the olden days. It's true that they didn't exist yet in the Jin Dynasty, Liang Feng's just used to using them. But the people of that time period wouldn't find it too strange. On the contrary, you couldn't call them 大夫 or 郎中, since those are still actual bureaucrat positions. Plus, they're positions with actual power, so they can't be used casually. It probably didn't come into colloquial use until the Song Dynasty. 

The translator has something to say:

Sorry for the missed chapters, but the translator is back from vacation now and will resume regular updates (๑˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥)

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