A Bright Future for the Zhu Family

The Zhu family had accomplished everything they came to Shanghai to do. Zhu Changfeng went to the dock to inquire about return boats and learned there was one leaving for Chongqing the next morning. He quickly bought the tickets and returned to the guesthouse to tell everyone to pack that evening so they could leave early the next day.

The Zhu family had come and left in a hurry. Knowing the Zhu family was returning, Chen Si quickly borrowed many coupons from people she knew well and bought gifts in preparation.

The Zhang Huilan case involved many departments. Zhu Xing was busy all night and didn't come home. Zhu Liang, this unofficial helper, was released for the night. He hadn't woken up yet when his mother pulled him out of bed to see the Zhu family off at the dock.

The mother and son waited for the bus outside the residential compound. Zhu Liang yawned and said, "Mom, the Zhu family has been here for quite some time. Why weren't you so attentive to them before? Now that they're leaving, you're suddenly all enthusiastic?"

Chen Si grit her teeth in anger and couldn't resist slapping the back of his head. "You little brat, is this for myself? It's for you, you useless thing."

Zhu Liang looked speechless. "How am I useless? Even if you're going to骂 me, at least wait until I fail the college entrance exam."

Hearing this made Chen Si even angrier. She gave him two more punches. "Can you speak? Can you speak? You heartless thing, how can you say such things?"

By now Zhu Liang was awake too. He quickly apologized. "Alright, alright, I shouldn't have said that. Pui pui pui! Bad words don't count, good words count!"

Chen Si looked at her foolish son and felt exasperated.

The public bus arrived. Chen Si pulled her son aboard. There happened to be an empty seat. Zhu Liang quickly sat his mother down. "Mom, are you hungry? I know someone sells breakfast illegally near the dock. We'll go buy some at the dock."

"Don't talk about food first. Talk about the Zhu family. From now on, our family will definitely have more contact with the Zhu family. We're all one family, so you need to build good relations with them, understand?"

"I know, I'm not stupid. I know how impressive the Zhu family is."

Chen Si said, "By the time you receive your admission letter, it will be almost time for school. This year there's no time, but next summer vacation you should go to Zhenshan County and spend time with the younger generation of the Zhu family."

Zhu Liang also liked the Zhu family and happily agreed. "Sure, I'll go to Zhenshan County next summer. When I see Aunt Zhu Fengqin, I'll ask her to reserve a room for me. She said all of Sanqing Lane in Zhenshan County belongs to the Zhu family, with one big house after another. There's plenty of room."

Zhu Liang had an outgoing and generous personality. Over the past few days, he'd accompanied the Zhu family on errands, gone shopping and eaten with them, and had already become well acquainted with them. Female elders like Zhu Fengqin and Er Gupo really liked a young man like him.

Chen Si naturally knew her son was likable and could get along with anyone. She smiled and said, "Your father and I went to Sanqing Lane once. It's all old houses passed down from the Zhu ancestors. When the chaos started more than ten years ago, your father was worried. He specifically wrote back to the hometown asking, afraid the Zhu family's old houses would be smashed."

Zhu Liang rolled his eyes. "Even if I don't know how impressive the previous head of the Zhu family was, I know the Zhu family in Zhenshan County isn't some soft persimmon anyone can squeeze. Who would dare smash the Zhu family's houses?"

"There really were some without eyes. I heard someone had designs on the Zhu family's houses back then, but something happened in the middle and none of those people got away with it. Not just the houses on Sanqing Lane, I heard the Zhu family's ancestral hall in the village is still preserved well."

"If such a big family as the Zhu family can't protect their ancestral hall, that would be strange. In this southern region, who would dare touch the ancestral halls of those major families?" Zhu Liang was proud. He was also a Zhu.

Chen Si gave her son a slap. "Just know it yourself. Look at you, tilting your head and baring your teeth. What will people think?"

Zhu Liang held onto the back of his mother's chair and laughed. "Mom, I never felt this way before, but now I think being born into a big family is pretty good. Everyone looks out for each other, pulls in the same direction, and everything feels energetic."

"That's the Zhu family. Go ask around outside. Many big families fall apart when their management goes bad."

The main branch that led the Zhu family was special. As long as the main branch existed, they could definitely hold things together. Even if other branches had thoughts, they could only keep them bottled up.

Chen Si had heard from Zhu Xing that a few years ago, when Old Master Zhu Furu passed away, some in the clan thought the main branch had no heir to continue the line and things would only get worse. They made a fuss about dividing the property, scrambled to seize the ancestral medical books, and even pressured the clan elders to hand over hidden gold, antiques, and jewelry. Many people got involved, and it looked like the Zhu family was about to fall.

At that time, the young lady was truly angry. I heard she taught those who tried to seize the property a lesson, then drove them out of the Zhu family. Those driven out weren't allowed to stay in Zhujia Village, and they weren't even allowed to stay in Zhenshan County. They had to stay far away from the Zhu family.

There were many people on the bus, and many things couldn't be said publicly. Chen Si whispered to her son, "When your father told me this, I thought at most they'd beat people and drive them out. After seeing the young lady's abilities this time, I think it wasn't that simple. She definitely used other methods to deal with them."

Zhu Liang instantly understood what his mother meant. He thought so too. The first day at the dock when they picked up the young lady, Zhu Liang knew she wasn't a good-tempered person. How could she tolerate those who ate from the bowl while biting the hand that fed them?

"Son, your father and I only have these abilities. We won't be able to help you much in the future. Fortunately, we still have some connection with the Zhu family. Since we've reconnected this time, don't let this relationship break off. Get along well with the Zhu family. If you really encounter trouble in the future, the Zhu family won't stand by and let you die."

"Definitely."

Chen Si had broken everything down and explained it clearly to Zhu Liang. Zhu Liang was already eighteen. He wasn't stupid and naturally knew what was best for him and his family.

They got off at their stop. Chen Si handed the large bag of various gifts for the Zhu family to Zhu Liang to carry. "You give them to them later."

"Got it."

Leaving early was better than leaving late. The Zhu family also left early. When Chen Si and her son arrived at the dock, the Zhu family had been there for a while. Zhu Fengqin and Er Gupo had found someone to buy fried dough sticks and buns and were about to eat.

Zhu Fengqin saw Chen Si and her son and quickly waved them over with a smile. "You're just in time. You must not have eaten yet so early. Here, I bought breakfast. Quick, eat something to fill your stomach."

"Thanks, Aunt Zhu." Zhu Liang didn't stand on ceremony with her. He took two big buns, one for him and one for his mother.

Chen Si held the bun without eating and smiled. "I was in such a hurry to leave that I forgot I should have brought you a thermos of water. There are no teahouses at the dock and nowhere to buy water."

Zhu Fengqin thought she wanted water, so she went to Zhu Changfeng and got a military water flask for her. "Thirsty? Take a few sips. Last night I specifically filled several flasks with boiled water. By morning it had cooled. It's perfect to drink now."

Chen Si smiled and said, "I'm not thirsty. I'm afraid you might be thirsty. Many winters ago, when Zhu Xing and I went to Zhenshan County, we also took a boat. It was inconvenient to boil water on the boat. It was such a hassle."

"That was so many years ago. It's quite convenient to drink water on the boat now."

Chen Si made small talk and chatted with Zhu Fengqin. Zhu Liang had already become familiar with Zhu Changfeng and Zhu Changzhen and was chatting with them casually, not caring that he was about ten years younger than them, calling them 'brother' at every turn.

Zhu Changfeng already had two children. He laughed and patted Zhu Liang's shoulder. "Don't call me brother, call me uncle."

Zhu Liang smiled and said, "I can't do that. Although my father is a branch family and doesn't follow the Zhu family's generation naming, I asked my father. If we really follow the generation naming, I'm also in the 'Chang' generation. We're the same generation, so calling you brother is only proper."

Zhu Changfeng didn't argue about this with him. If he wanted to call him that, so be it.

The Zhu family's scheduled boat was leaving. Over there they were shouting for people to board. Zhu Changfeng said to Zhu Liang, "I wish you success in your studies. If you have time, you're welcome to visit Zhenshan County often. When you come, you'll know that although Zhenshan County is remote, it's also a beautiful place with clear mountains and waters, worth coming to visit."

Zhu Liang said cheerfully, "Then it's a promise. I'll go to Zhenshan County next summer and stay at your house for a few days."

"Sure, welcome to my house. Then I'll have the young people in the clan take you up the mountain to play."

Zhu Liang sighed. "The mountain is great. During the three years of famine, you definitely didn't lack food, right?"

"How could we not lack food? We could only say we didn't starve."

"Brother, aren't you being too modest? You have the mountain and water. How could you go hungry?"

Zhu Changfeng smiled and said, "Zhenshan County may be small, but it's still a county. When there wasn't enough grain, everyone went up the mountain to find food. How much could those things sustain? Those years, the wild animals in the mountains were almost eaten to extinction. It took many years to recover."

Zhu Liang didn't believe it. "I'll see for myself when I get to Zhenshan County."

The group headed toward where the boat was docked. Zhu Shouguang looked Zhu Liang up and down. Not knowing his background, he said, "I heard from your mother that you want to study Western medicine?"

Zhu Liang was quick-witted and smiled. "If you're willing to teach me, I'd also be willing to learn Traditional Chinese Medicine."

"Hmph, not just anyone can be my disciple."

"I don't seek to be your disciple. Just being able to bring you tea and pour water would be great." Since his parents said he had no talent, he should know his place and not bother the old man.

Zhu Shouguang was made to laugh heartily by Zhu Liang. Zhu Shouxin heard this and said, "Then come when you have time. You don't need to bring tea and pour water. First, learn to identify medicinal herbs with the children in the clan."

The Zhu family now had their Medical Practitioner Qualification Certificates. The Zhu family's future was bright. When the Zhu children grew up, they would have more paths. The matter of the children studying medicine must be rushed.

Zhu Liang was a bit envious. A big family was truly wonderful. So many people, so lively.

Chen Si and Zhu Liang saw the Zhu family onto the boat. Zhu Fengqin wasn't in a hurry to go to the cabin. She warmly waved. "See you next time."

"See you next time, Aunt Zhu. Remember to think about me." Zhu Liang spoke so loudly that other passengers boarding the boat looked at him.

Zhu Fengqin laughed heartily. She really liked Zhu Liang's personality.

Zhu Shian smiled and said goodbye to Chen Si and Zhu Liang. Zhu Shian gave Chen Si five Peace Talismans. She and Zhu Xing had two daughters and one son, a family of five, so one for each person.

"I haven't met your two daughters, but you're mother and daughters. Looking at your face, your two daughters should live good lives. You probably won't need the Peace Talismans. Wear them for peace of mind."

"Thank you, young lady. With your words, I'm so happy."

Chen Si loved Zhu Shian's parting gift so much. Didn't her words clearly mean their whole family had good fortune? Even to the point that they didn't need Peace Talismans. What did Chen Si have to worry about?

Chen Si was overjoyed. Even after the boat sailed, she didn't leave. She watched the boat leave the harbor until it was far away before excitedly slapping her son's arm. "The young lady is such an open and clear person!"

Chen Si was so excited that her slaps were heavy. While dodging his mother's big hand, Zhu Liang tried to grab the Peace Talisman from his mother's hand. Chen Si tightened her grip and refused to give it. She turned to glare at him. "What are you grabbing for? This is the young lady's gift to me."

Zhu Liang hmphed. "Mom, that's not right. I heard with my own two ears. The young lady said the Peace Talismans are for our family of five. Don't I count as your and dad's son? Don't I count as part of the family?"

Chen Si put the Peace Talismans in her pocket and pushed him to walk. "Let's go home first. We'll talk at home."

Zhu Liang unhappy said, "Anyway, I have a share. Don't give my share to your nephews and nieces. Besides, there are only five. Even if you give them all to them, there aren't enough for my two sisters' children. It would be better to follow the young lady's words: each of our family of five gets one. My sisters can wear their own, and we don't have to worry about who to give them to."

"Look at you. When did I say I'd give all the Peace Talismans to your nephews and nieces? I didn't say a single word, yet you said a bunch of things to corner me."

When Chen Si got the Peace Talismans, the first person she really thought of wasn't her three children, but Zhu Xing. Zhu Xing worked at the public security bureau. She didn't know if his work would encounter cases like Zhang Huilan and Luo Kaifu again. From now on, when he wore the Peace Talisman to go to work, she could feel at ease at home.

Zhu Liang grinned and wheedled his mother. "Give me mine first. Mom~ My good mom~"

"I'm not not giving it to you. Don't we need to sew a red cloth bag for the Peace Talisman?"

"That's true. Do we have red cloth at home? If not, let's go buy a foot of cloth now."

"When your second sister got married, there were two feet of red cloth left at the bottom of a trunk. We can take that out and use it. No need to buy."

Now, on the boat, Ye Dan was in the same cabin as Zhu Shian, Zhu Fengqin, and Er Gupo. With no outsiders, they closed the door and chatted. The leisurely days on the boat were easy to pass.

At noon, the boat served steamed fish and stir-fried greens. After lunch, the temperature in the cabin rose. It was as hot as a steamer.

Zhu Shian took out the Golden Needles. She said to Ye Dan, "Noon is when yang energy is strongest. It's the perfect time for your acupuncture. Take off your clothes and lie face down. I'll insert the needles."

"As you say."

Ye Dan took off her clothes and lay face down on the small bed. Zhu Shian inserted a set of Yang-Suppressing Evil-Expelling Acupuncture needles. After this set of needles was inserted, Ye Dan felt warmth radiating all over her body and a sensation of heat. After a while, she said, "I feel like I'm emitting smoke."

Zhu Fengqin and Er Gupo leaned over to look. "You're not emitting smoke. You're sweating. Is it hot?"

Ye Dan didn't feel hot. She only felt very comfortable, like soaking in hot water in winter.

Zhu Shian took a medical book and read nearby. "If you want to sleep, sleep for a while. Don't force yourself to stay awake."

Ye Dan lazily yawned. Her eyelids closed and she fell asleep.

Zhu Fengqin watched and lowered her voice. "She fell asleep just like that. Last night she went to sleep as soon as it got dark. She couldn't wake up this morning, and now she's sleeping again. Young people really need a lot of sleep."

Zhu Shian said, "She needs a lot of sleep because her body is deficient. Once her body's yang energy recovers, her sleep time will naturally be normal."

Speaking of this, Zhu Fengqin quickly said, "I think this Action Team of theirs is very dangerous. Don't be foolish. Don't go risk your life抛头颅洒热血 just because they persuade you a couple times."

Er Gupo agreed. "Fengqin is right. You're the only one in the main branch. If something happens to you, what should the entire Zhu clan do? If you can't think of yourself, think of your grandfather. You were born weak, like a tiny kitten. Your grandfather worried so much for you to grow up safely."

"And me. I have no children and nowhere to go. If you're gone, how can I go on?" As she said this, Zhu Fengqin's eyes turned red.

Zhu Shian quickly comforted. "I know the severity. I won't risk my life. Don't worry. I definitely won't let you and others who care about me worry."

She would live well and continue to grow stronger. In the Underworld, there was a whole nest of old ghosts waiting for her to fight.

Zhu Fengqin seized on her words. "You said it yourself. You can't go back on your word."

"Just trust me."

Zhu Fengqin wiped away her tears and smiled again. "I knew An'an is a good child and wouldn't make me worry."

Zhu Shian smiled helplessly. What could she say?

The trip from Zhenshan County to Shanghai was downstream. Returning from Shanghai to Zhenshan County was upstream. It took two more days to get home.

Counting the days, Zhu Shian left on July 6th and didn't return to Zhenshan County until August 26th.

When she left, the rice in the paddocks had grown to half knee height. When she returned, the rice had already headed and was flowering. The corn and sweet potatoes planted in the mountain fields were almost ripe.

Zhu Shian and the others arrived at Nanjiang County on the morning of August 26th, where the Yangtze River and Spring River met. After getting off the boat and eating breakfast, they switched to a small boat to travel back to Zhenshan County via the Spring River. They arrived at Zhenshan County by noon.

At the dock, as soon as she got off the boat, Zhu Fengqin took a deep breath, made a fist, and hit her lower back with a sigh. "Ah, finally back. This journey really exhausted me."

Er Gupo was also exhausted. She got off the boat with her luggage on her back. "I'm getting old. Unlike when I was young, I could take a boat for a month and walk for half a month into the mountains to collect medicinal herbs and not feel tired."

Zhu Changfeng smiled and said, "Er Gupo worked hard. But in the future, we'll have to trouble Er Gupo a few more times. Take us to those places that produce good medicinal herbs, to meet people and recognize them."

Zhu Shouguang and Zhu Shouxin, the two old men, quickly nodded. They should go visit those old friends of the Zhu family. It's been more than ten years. They wondered if they were still alive.

Even through his tired face, Zhu Shouguang couldn't hide his smile. "The Zhu family's brand has been established. Some old things with good information networks might come looking for us on their own."

"That would be best. We could get good medicinal herbs right at home."

Many of the Chinese Herbal Medicine used in the County Hospital were allocated from the city. Zhu Shouxin had looked at the medicinal herbs Zhu Changming brought back from the County Hospital. It wasn't that he had high standards, but some of the herbs he really couldn't approve of.

"If there's no good Chinese Herbal Medicine to go with it, even the best Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription is useless."

"That's exactly right. But wild medicinal herbs are also limited. When land policies loosen up in the future, we should grow medicinal herbs like before."

In the past, Yuntai Mountain behind Zhenshan County was private property of the Zhu family. The fields in Zhujia Village were the Zhu family's ancestral fields. Now times have changed. Everything belongs to the country. The trees in the mountains and what grain is planted in the fields are all regulated.

People eat grains and vegetables. Who can avoid getting sick? Zhu Shouguang believed that since Traditional Chinese Medicine was gradually being relaxed, there would definitely be new policies regarding Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Zhu Fengqin shouted, "It's noon and you people aren't afraid of the heat? Stop bragging here. Quick, pack up and return to Sanqing Lane. We can still make it for lunch."

"Then let's go."

Just as they were talking, some Zhu clan members saw they had returned and came over to ask, "Young lady, did you pass the exam and get the certificate?"

After Zhu Shian and the others left, the news that the Zhu family went to Shanghai to take the exam for opening a Medical Hall spread. Everyone was waiting for good news from the Zhu family.

Zhu Shian smiled and nodded. "We passed."

Zhu Fengqin laughed loudly. "Not just passed. Our family has three certificates. Technically, our family could open three Medical Halls and it would be within the rules."

"Three certificates!"

"So the young lady, Old Master Shouguang, and Old Master Shouxin all passed?"

"All passed." Zhu Fengqin couldn't help but sigh. "You boys don't think that certificate is easy to get. Over a hundred senior doctors took the exam, and only thirty-two people got the certificate. It's not easy."

The crowd at the dock gasped in amazement. So difficult!

"Those senior doctors are mostly retired experts from big hospitals. Of course it's difficult." Zhu Fengqin couldn't hide her desire to show off. "It must be difficult for others, but for our young lady it was manageable. My young lady got first place!"

"The young lady is truly impressive!"

When they heard the news, Zhu Changfang and Zhang Hui ran from Sanqing Lane to welcome them. When Zhu Changfang heard the young lady got first place, the pride she felt was exactly like Zhu Fengqin's.

"Such great news. Shouldn't our family set off a string of firecrackers for some noise? It's also telling the ancestors that the young lady has brought glory to our Zhu family."

Zhu Shouguang smiled and said, "Not in a rush. If we want to hear noise, we should at least wait until the day our Zhu Medical Hall opens."

Hearing that the Zhu Medical Hall was going to open, an old resident of Zhenshan County nearby quickly asked, "When will it open? My wife has had leg pain these days. I'll bring her to your Medical Hall to see a doctor."

Zhu Shouguang quickly said, "It probably can't open for a while. Preparing medicinal herbs takes some time. If you're sick, don't delay. You should still go to the County Hospital first."

"The County Hospital won't work. I've taken my wife there two or three times. The plasters they prescribed don't work."

Speaking of plasters, someone nearby said, "When Old Master Zhu Furu was still alive, I remember the Zhu Medical Hall also sold plasters. There was one called Zhu's Bone-Setting Plaster. That one worked well. When my mother was still alive early on, she accidentally fell. Her foot swelled up like a bun. Old Master Zhu Furu examined her and said no bones were injured. He gave her a few plasters, and she got better in half a month."

"The Zhu family has many Pills that work well too. During the Republic era, old老爷太太 who still drove cars specifically sent people to buy them."

"On Sanqing Lane, there were several shops across from the Zhu Medical Hall. I remember one shop that sold pastries. I bought their Fu Ling Cake, Eight Treasures Cake, and Ejiao Cake from them. Later, this pastry shop closed along with the Zhu Medical Hall. I haven't had them for so many years."

"Yes, yes. I remember there was also a restaurant on Sanqing Lane that only sold various medicinal meals. They were delicious too."

The upcoming opening of the Zhu Medical Hall sparked people's enthusiasm for conversation. The Zhu Medical Hall was almost intertwined with Zhenshan County. When talking about famous shops in Zhenshan County, one must talk about the Zhu family and things related to the Zhu family.

Zhu Shouguang and Zhu Shouxin cupped their hands in thanks to everyone. "Thank you all for still remembering our family's Medical Hall. Being able to help our fellow townspeople a little is the honor of our Zhu family."

"You're too客气. Having the Zhu family live in Zhenshan County for a long time is the honor for us common folk."

Others nodded in agreement. After all, who wouldn't like having a Medical Hall nearby that could save lives?

Zhu Changfang whispered to Zhang Hui, "The person who said the pastry shop across from the Medical Hall was my grandfather. The craft was my grandfather's. Those pastry recipes came from the Medical Hall."

Zhang Hui knew about this. Unfortunately, Zhu Changfang's grandfather passed away in '69. She heard Zhu Changfang's older brother learned to make pastries from their old grandfather since childhood. She wondered how good he was at it.

Now it was still a bit early to talk about this. The Zhu Medical Hall had just opened. The other shops probably had to wait who knew how long to get their opening certificates. There was still a while to go.

The Zhu family had great news. Idle old men and women簇拥着 the Zhu family home. On the way, they chatted. They walked all the way to the Sanqing Lane Archway before Zhu Shouguang stepped forward to thank everyone and asked them to return home.

"Everyone, take care of your health. Stay out of the sun. Wait until our Zhu Medical Hall opens, then we'll invite everyone to celebrate."

Zhu Shouguang and Zhu Shouxin were older and had higher status. It was appropriate for them to see everyone off. Only after the crowd left did they go to the main house.

The news that the Zhu family obtained three Medical Practitioner Qualification Certificates quickly spread through Zhenshan County. Director Li at the County Hospital estimated that the Zhu family's young lady would return in these few days and had been paying attention. Although he wasn't at the dock today, he was among the second batch to hear the news.

Director Li went to look at Zhu Changming's consultation room. He wanted to persuade him to work well at the County Hospital. He had said this many times and was tired of hearing himself repeat it.

Seeing Director Li sigh outside the window and leave, Zhu Changming really found it strange. It was Zhu Kanglin and Zhu Yongwen, the two boys, who came running with the good news. Only then did Zhu Changming know the young lady had returned with good news.

Zhu Changming couldn't hide his smile. The Zhu family's extended foot had finally found solid ground.

Besides Director Li of the County Hospital, He Zaiming and Lu Wen, the couple, were also concerned about the Zhu family's news. When they heard the good news, Lu Wen immediately said to He Zaiming, "I'm going back to my mother's house this afternoon. I must ask Peng Division Commander to bring his little grandson to Zhenshan County for treatment."

"Go, come back early."

In He Zaiming's heart, not only did his and his wife's couple want the Peng family's favor, but the Zhu Medical Hall had just opened and needed patients like the Peng family, who had status and position, to open the局面.

If this worked out, the Peng family, their family, and the Zhu family—this was a win-win-win situation.