Advice: Never Compare Yourself to a Grown Lady — You'll Lose

Zhu Shian asked Ding Mao about Xiong Mountain. Ding Mao scratched his head: "How do I explain it? That place is a bit complicated."

"How complicated?"

"Xiong Mountain used to be an ancient battlefield. Not only is there an Ancient Tomb there, but there are also residual Magic Arrays. Those formations are incredibly powerful. Director Li said that the Magic Array that slaughtered an entire village of over a hundred people and the Central Action Team was originally meant to slay gods."

Slay gods? Zhu Shian's heart trembled. Xiong Mountain must be connected to that great battle and the Taiyi Sect.

Ding Mao sighed: "Deep in Xiong Mountain, there used to be a village. The people there made their living by collecting medicinal herbs. They were living fine until somehow they triggered that Magic Array. So many lives were lost. Fortunately, Director Li's formation skills are quite good, and that Magic Array was only a remnant formation. Otherwise, Director Li and I would have died there too."

"I heard Director Li was injured?"

"Yes. Director Li used a blood sacrifice to break that formation, damaging his foundation. His health has gotten much worse than before."

Ding Mao couldn't help but lament: "Before, I thought our Ding family could hold our own relying on Talismans alone. If we couldn't master formations, so be it. But after returning from Xiong Mountain that time, I realized that masters who understand formations can easily crush people like us from the Talisman school."

"That's not entirely true. Talismans, when cultivated to the highest level, are also formidable."

"You're talking about reaching the top. None of the Xuan Sect practitioners I know have that ability. Take myself for example — you might think I'm not much, but little me is a hot-shot power player in the Xuan Sect."

Zhu Shian smiled and encouraged him: "You've got potential. Keep it up."

Ding Mao leaned back in his chair, hands on his growling stomach, gazing up at the sky morosely: "How does the Xuan Sect's hierarchy go? Those who study Qimen Dunjia look down on Talisman practitioners. Talisman practitioners look down on witchcraft practitioners. Witchcraft practitioners look down on divination and fortune-tellers. Divination and fortune-tellers look down on those who study cultivation techniques and alchemy. Sigh, there's some truth to that hierarchy."

"In my view, witchcraft should rank before Talismans."

Ding Mao protested: "Why should witchcraft rank before our Talisman school? Which of the young witches from the Southwest can beat me? I can't compare to someone like you who knows formations, but those witches want to rank above me? Dream on!"

Zhu Shian smiled faintly: "That's because you haven't encountered powerful witches. Do you know that witches can communicate with the gods?"

"So what if they can communicate with gods? Every school and sect had wealthy ancestors. Right now, our Talisman school is just better than those Southwest witches. No arguments allowed."

Zhu Shian ignored him.

When she truly didn't argue, Ding Mao wasn't happy. He said: "I'm allowing you to argue with me now. Tell me, in your heart, which witch is better than me?"

Zhu Shian was about to speak when Ding Mao quickly added: "I'm talking about people my age. Don't use those old witches to压我."

Zhu Shian shook her head with a smile: "You're the best, okay?"

Ding Mao snorted lightly. He thought he was pretty good.

Actually, Zhu Shian didn't know many witches, but her senior martial sister had witch bloodline — she was the most powerful witch within the Taiyi Sect. Zhu Shian had personally witnessed her senior martial sister use the Nine Heavens Godslaying Formation to curse-kill a half-god.

Zhu Shian didn't have witch bloodline and couldn't easily drive a top-tier formation like the Nine Heavens Godslaying Formation. But her own attainment in formations was also top-tier. Whether Xiong Mountain was truly where her senior martial sister finally fell, she would know once she took a look.

Zhu Fengqin called from the kitchen window: "Stop chatting, wash your hands and eat."

Ding Mao stood up: "I'll bring the dishes."

Zhu Fengqin smiled: "No need to bring them. It's cold outside; the dishes will get cold on the way. There's tables and chairs in the kitchen, we'll eat there."

"That's great. It's warmer eating in the kitchen."

Ding Mao didn't treat himself as an outsider. He went to the kitchen to ladle hot water into a basin, smiling: "Master Zhu, please."

Zhu Shian rolled up her sleeves to wash her hands and casually asked: "What's the quickest way to Xiong Mountain?"

Ding Mao was startled: "What are you doing? You want to go? I advise you not to. There are many residual Magic Arrays inside Xiong Mountain. If you're not careful and fall into one, you'll die without knowing how."

"You dug the Ancient Tomb inside Xiong Mountain. Are you afraid of the formations there?"

"Nonsense, we found that Ancient Tomb at the entrance of Xiong Mountain. Who dares to go inside Xiong Mountain? The ancient battlefield area is too dangerous. The Action Team, worried that ignorant herb collectors might accidentally enter, specially set up roadblocks on several roads leading into Xiong Mountain."

"What if I must go?"

Ding Mao said: "If you must go, you'd better inform the Action Team. If you die not too far away, they can at least collect your body."

Zhu Shian rolled her eyes. This kid's words were really unpleasant.

Zhu Fengqin urged: "What are you talking about? Come eat quickly."

"Coming!"

Winter days darken early. After dinner and washing up, Zhu Shian lay in bed. Before the bedding had warmed up, she detected movement in the Mountain Valley.

Zhu Shian got up and dressed. Little White came running back terrified: "Master, there are Yin Soldiers in the valley. A Ghost General came today too, and it looks even more powerful than the one during the Ghost Festival last time."

"Let them come. What are you afraid of?"

Zhu Shian put on her padded coat, took the Peach Wood Sword from the wall, tucked Talismans and the Soul-Suppressing Handbell into her chest, and opened the door to go out.

Zhu Shian had just reached the gate when Ding Mao, hearing the noise, ran out: "Take me with you."

"Do you know what I'm going to do, and you want to come?"

Ding Mao pointed at the Peach Wood Sword in her hand: "Do I need to ask?"

"Fine, let's go together."

They opened the door. Zhang Hui's big black dog was wagging its tail outside. Little White slipped onto Dahei's back.

Ding Mao clicked his tongue in amazement. Zhenshan County really produced spiritual creatures.

Winter nights were already cold. Walking into the valley with the pet, the cold wind mixed with Yin Qi was even more bone-piercing. Ding Mao cursed the ghosts while shivering: "What trouble are they causing at night? Even dead they won't let people rest. No wonder they can't be reborn; they can only wander in this rotten valley."

The black-faced, black-eyed Ghost General inside the Three Pure Ones Taiji Magic Array stared at Ding Mao who was spouting nonsense. Zhu Shian confirmed that this Ghost General was indeed more powerful than the one they encountered during the Ghost Festival.

Zhu Shian raised her Peach Wood Sword, thinking: Perfect. My cultivation has improved lately. Let's see who really is stronger.

Dahei crouched forward, barked twice, and assumed a hungry dog pouncing posture.

"Ready?"

Ding Mao didn't understand. Ready for what? Before his mind could comprehend, Zhu Shian tore open a corner of the Magic Array and charged in. His body reacted instinctively, and without hesitation, he followed right after.

"What the hell!"

Only after charging in did Ding Mao realize what stupid thing he'd done. It was too late to turn back now. Before the Yin Soldiers could pounce on him, he wielded his Peach Wood Sword with wind-like speed, defending himself while retreating.

The Magic Array was sealed. His limited abilities couldn't get him out of the Magic Array unless Zhu Shian brought him out. Ding Mao gritted his teeth and could only fight while retreating, his eyes frantically searching for where Zhu Shian was.

Zhu Shian didn't use Talismans. She only used her hard skills to battle that Ghost General.

When the one and the ghost engaged, the Yin Qi released by the Ghost General seemed alive and actively wrapped around Zhu Shian. Zhu Shian stamped her foot, formed a hand seal, and the Golden Light Incantation exploded the Yin Qi. She stepped into a Gang Step and stabbed toward the Ghost General's vital point. The Ghost General didn't dodge but charged forward. Zhu Shian turned her body to dodge; in the moment they passed each other, a sweeping strike cut off the Ghost General's body. The Ghost General's body instantly dissolved into scattered Yin Qi.

Great chance!

Before the Ghost General could reform its shape, Zhu Shian used her own body as a radius, forming a hand seal in mid-air to bind the Ghost General and prevent it from retreating. While its Yin soul was unstable —

"Three Pure Ones enter the mansion, ten thousand ghosts hide in concealment, Taiyi descends upon the body, slash the evil and destroy the traces! Swiftly, as by imperial decree!"

When Zhu Shian recited the ordinary Ghost Extermination Incantation, the overwhelming momentum made killing a Ghost General like using a cleaver to kill a chicken.

Witnessing the Ghost General being completely exterminated, not even a wisp of Yin soul remaining, Ding Mao's eyes went wide.

"Oh, Three Pure Ones Patriarch!"

Why didn't his Ghost Extermination Incantation have this effect? There was no justice in this world!

She could kill whoever she wanted. Zhu Shian wasn't praying to the gods — the Patriarch was clearly standing behind her, helping her fight anytime, anywhere.

"Woof woof woof!"

In that moment Ding Mao was stunned, three Yin Soldiers had already poked him in the face. Ding Mao was so frightened he tried to dodge, but at such close range, dodging was impossible. Ding Mao thought he would die there when Dahei bit one Yin Soldier at a time, saving Ding Mao's life.

The cold sweat from the fright hadn't dried yet. Ding Mao didn't dare to relax again. To protect his life, he used the Peach Wood Sword like a broadsword, cutting from this side to that side.

"Woof!"

"Ouch, dog brother, don't scold. I'm trying hard!"

Dahei's gleaming dog eyes looked at Ding Mao. Seeing him truly trying, Dahei leaped over several hurdles and charged to Zhu Shian.

"Awooo~"

Dahei wiggled its butt and pressed close to Zhu Shian.

"Let's go."

"Awo!"

The Ghost General was dead. The remaining Yin Soldiers couldn't make waves. By dawn, they would disperse.

While fighting ghosts, Ding Mao also had to keep an eye on Zhu Shian, afraid she would leave without taking him.

Ding Mao turned and saw Zhu Shian was leaving, so he hurried to follow. When the life-gate of the Magic Array opened, he shrunk his head and was the first to dart out.

He rushed out too fast and lost his balance. Ding Mao rolled two full circles before stopping. When he stood up again, his legs were shaking. Ancestors! He almost died here.

Zhu Shian smiled: "Master Ding, this little battle scared you?"

"That was a Ghost General! Ghost General! Ghost General can directly swallow living souls, you know?"

Anyway, he had no image left in front of Zhu Shian anyway. He sat on the ground, wiping sweat while still shaken: "Where did such powerful Yin Soldiers come from? If those three Yin Soldiers had really poked me just now, I would have been dead for sure."

"Don't worry. As long as you didn't die on the spot, I can save you from this level of Yin Qi invasion."

Ding Mao looked at her: "You really have guts, going in alone to fight a Ghost General!"

"It's just a Ghost General. What are you afraid of?"

Ding Mao said: "This place is too Yin. Even with the Magic Array suppressing it, the Yin Qi accumulated in the valley is too heavy. If it ever leaks out one day, Zhenshan County will be finished."

Zhu Shian was considering this problem too. She was worried that before the Yin Qi broke through the valley's blocking wind and passing-sha, it might instead cause big trouble.

"Doesn't your Action Team have many Magic Implements collected? Do any of them suit as Suppression Objects?"

"Of course we do. What, you want to seal the Yin cavity in the valley?"

"Yes, seal it first. No more Ghost Generals or Yin Soldiers coming."

Zhu Shian had been letting it be for two reasons: first, she wanted to keep a place for practice; second, she wanted to wait for Bai Youqian to ask him about the Underworld's current situation.

Bai Youqian had been avoiding her. Even when she summoned his soul, he wouldn't come. So she didn't want to wait anymore.

Additionally, she wanted to go to Xiong Mountain. If she wasn't in Zhenshan County and something happened in the valley, no one could handle it. She wasn't at ease, so she wanted to set up a Suppression Object to hold it down before she left.

Ding Mao slapped his butt and stood up: "Leave this to me. I'll write a report to the Action Team and get the Suppression Object to you as soon as possible."

This extremely Yin place of Zhenshan County was more dangerous than Ding Mao imagined. If Zhu Shian hadn't been watching over it, trouble would have started long ago. Zhenshan County might have become the next Xiong Mountain.

The matter was temporarily resolved. The two returned from the Mountain Valley.

Ding Mao looked back at the valley: "A Suppression Object can only hold things for a while. To completely solve this Land of Yin Sha problem, it's best to build a City God Temple here."

Yin soldiers and Yin souls from the mortal world should be managed by the City God.

"Building a temple is easy. The key is whether we can invite the Yin deity to manage affairs."

Ding Mao sighed. Zhu Shian was right. Where were the true gods in the mortal world now? They were all evil gods and demons.

The two returned to Sanqing Lane. Ding Mao said to Zhu Shian: "I take back what I said at dinner. With your abilities, going to Xiong Mountain shouldn't be a problem. If you want to venture, go ahead. Also, search for what other good things are inside."

"Then give me a route to Xiong Mountain. Do you have a map of Xiong Mountain's interior terrain?"

"That's easy." Ding Mao flattered Zhu Shian with a smile: "If Master Zhu gets any good stuff, you must think of us a little."

Zhu Shian was curious: "How do you know there's good stuff inside?"

"How could there not be good stuff? So many Magic Implements were found in the Ancient Tomb at the edge of Xiong Mountain. There must be even more good stuff inside Xiong Mountain."

Ding Mao secretly guessed that there must have been a great battle in the Xuan Sect inside Xiong Mountain in the past. That's why so many life-threatening remnant formations were left behind.

A battle of that level would definitely kill people. As long as Zhu Shian had the ability to survive coming out of Xiong Mountain, she could probably snag some powerful treasures from those fallen masters.

Zhu Shian listened to Ding Mao finish, smiled. Ding Mao might have guessed correctly.

"Woof woof!"

Dahei barked at Zhu Shian twice. Zhu Shian understood its meaning: "Go back. You worked hard tonight."

Dahei barked once more, then went back home.

Ding Mao waved enthusiastically: "Thanks for saving my life just now, dog brother. Take care!"

Zhu Shian said disdainfully: "You really have some nerve, needing Dahei to save you."

"Look at what you said. Don't I want to kill in all directions? I just don't have that ability, that's all."

Ding Mao conceded defeat so quickly that Zhu Shian couldn't even criticize him.

Zhu Shian ignored him, but Ding Mao couldn't help asking: "Master Zhu, I want to know which is more powerful — you, or your family's hereditary skills?"

"Of course the Zhu Family's hereditary skills are more powerful."

"Heh, I don't believe it. If your family's hereditary skills are so powerful, why haven't we heard of any powerful masters from the Zhu Family before?"

"Then I'm more powerful?"

This answer satisfied Ding Mao, but satisfaction didn't mean he liked hearing it. He secretly poked at Zhu Shian: "Your Zhu Family doesn't have many descendants. It's a pity that such powerful skills from you can't find an inheritor."

Zhu Shian said: "You don't know I took on a disciple?"

"You took a disciple?" Ding Mao's tone rose in surprise.

Zhu Shian had the demeanor of a master with a light touch, nodding reservedly: "I did. A while back, he achieved enlightenment on his own. We just held the disciple-receiving ceremony."

"He achieved enlightenment on his own?" Ding Mao's voice cracked with excitement.

"By the way, he's only eight years old this year."

"Eight? Only eight?"

Ding Mao thought either his ears were有问题 or Zhu Shian was talking nonsense.

"I don't believe it!" Ding Mao was a bit crazy.

The corner of Zhu Shian's mouth curved up. Indeed, showing off was more fun when you found someone who could appreciate it.

Zhu Shian felt satisfied. She left Ding Mao and went to the back courtyard to rest.

Ding Mao stood there quietly, questioning life. He questioned whether their Ding family's bloodline was flawed. How could he not compare to the older one, and now he couldn't compare to the younger one either?

Little White lay on the gate wall watching Ding Mao发呆. After watching for a while, it found it boring and slipped away along the wall base.

Ding Mao's Dao heart was a bit shattered.

Ding Mao didn't want to see Zhu Shian for the time being. The next morning, he said goodbye to Zhu Fengqin and left.

Zhu Fengqin didn't understand why Ding Mao left so quickly. When Zhu Shian got up, she said: "He left without eating breakfast. Why so urgent?"

Zhu Shian laughed: "He probably forgot something important. Don't worry about him."

Ding Mao was just a guest of the Zhu Family. When he left, he left. The family members were different.

Zhu Fengqin reminded Zhu Shian: "The New Year is in one month. There will be many clan relatives and relatives coming to pay their respects this year. Prepare more Peace Talismans. When people come to request them, you'll have some to give."

"I don't give them to just anyone who asks."

"I don't care whether you give or don't give. Anyway, prepare them. Don't have none when you need to use them."

"Okay, I'll find time to draw more and store them."

It was then that Zhu Shian remembered something. The Talismans for the Action Team that were supposed to be taken by Ding Mao — he left in such a hurry he didn't ask her for them.

Ding Mao was in such a rush he forgot about the Talismans too. By the next day, he was almost at the Southwest Action Team headquarters before he remembered he forgot the Talismans.

He couldn't go back to Zhenshan County to get them now. Ding Mao returned to the Southwest Action Team headquarters, wrote a letter and had a carrier pigeon deliver it to Wangyun Temple, requesting Master Mingjue to go to Zhu Shian to get the Talismans and send them through the Action Team's channels.

This round trip took several more days. December had passed. The Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners from the Zhu Family who went to the city for the exam had returned.

Twenty-four Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners from the Zhu Family went. All twenty-four passed the exam. From now on, they were officially certified old doctors.

So many qualified old doctors stood at the entrance of the Medical Hall together, bowing in gratitude to Zhu Shouguang and Zhu Shouxin for their guidance. The scene, not to mention the Zhu Family, made the patients who came to the Medical Hall to see a doctor feel inspired.

"The Zhu Family is amazing. From now on, the doctors at Zhu Medical Hall outnumber the County Hospital."

"These doctors won't stay at the Medical Hall. I heard all the doctors who passed the exam will go work at hospitals."

"Which hospital?"

"I don't know. Probably the County Hospitals in the surrounding counties."

"If it were me, I definitely wouldn't want to go to other county hospitals so far away. Zhu Medical Hall is getting better and better. It's definitely better to still sit in the hall at our own Medical Hall."

The onlookers whispered. At this time, He Zaiming, having heard the news, arrived with the propaganda department staff of Zhenshan County. Without a word, they first took a photo. These would be first-hand materials for future propaganda of Zhenshan County.

He Zaiming warmly shook hands with each doctor, asking their names and what plans they had for future work.

The oldest of this batch of doctors was under fifty, the youngest only twenty-five. They were all in their prime — all talents.

Zhu Changde, the leader, represented the Zhu Family's doctors in thanking He Zaiming, thanking the county committee for their care and love. The two shook hands smiling. Click — the photo captured this moment.

Just as the formalities were done, Director Li of the County Hospital hurried over. He had heard the news — three of this batch of Zhu Family doctors were assigned to the County Hospital.

He Zaiming stood under the signboard of Zhu Medical Hall. Seeing Director Li arrive, he quickly called him over and turned to the staff with the camera: "Take another photo of us with Director Li."

Director Li quickly straightened his clothes, stood at attention, and took a photo with these Zhu Family doctors and County Mayor He.

After the photo, Director Li smiled and asked: "Who are Zhu Changde, Zhu Hao, and Zhu Hetian?"

The three named stepped forward. Zhu Changde smiled slightly: "Director Li, the three of us are assigned to work at the County Hospital. Please take care of us in the future."

"Haha, no problem. Welcome to work at the County Hospital."

The County Hospital of Zhenshan County had been short on doctors for months. Director Li kept asking higher-ups for people but never got any. Fortunately, the higher-ups finally held a Traditional Chinese Medicine selection. He wouldn't let this opportunity slip by anyway.

Director Li already knew that over twenty people from the Zhu Family were going to take the exam. Based on his understanding of the Zhu Family, if there wasn't a chance of passing, they definitely wouldn't sign up. He guessed the Zhu Family would have many people pass this time.

Before the exam, Director Li had already asked someone to convey a message to the city. The Zhu Family members selected this time must be allocated a few to Zhenshan County's County Hospital.

The city also understood Director Li's desperate need for doctors. They gave him a definite answer: as long as any doctor was willing to come to Zhenshan County, they would be assigned.

This selection exam said that those who passed would be assigned jobs, but in actual operation, it couldn't be a blanket rule. The individual's preference still had to be considered, along with comprehensive considerations.

Zhenshan County was remote. After the exam, only Zhu Changde, Zhu Hao, and Zhu Hetian were willing to sign up to come to Zhenshan County. Director Li wasn't unhappy with just three people. After all, the Zhu Family members were locals. They would stay, unlike outside doctors who, after working for a while, felt there was no development here and simply left.

Director Li warmly introduced the County Hospital's benefits to Zhu Changde and the other two. Other than that, as long as they came, they would be assigned housing.

Many houses became vacant this year at the County Hospital. There was so much available there was even choice.

While Director Li was talking with Zhu Changde and the others, Zhu Changfeng invited County Mayor He into the Medical Hall to sit, asking him about the temporary business license.

He Zaiming said: "We care about this very much too. The first batch of temporary business license applications has been sent to the city. If the city approves without problem, our county committee can issue the license immediately."

A patient nearby asked curiously: "Does our county's shop opening still need to ask the city?"

"That's what the policy requires. We have no choice." He Zaiming smiled: "It's not troublesome either. If we're fast, we should have results in a couple of days."

The city had already sent an official letter. The county issuing temporary business licenses originally didn't need to ask the city's opinion again. But this policy was just being piloted, afraid something might go wrong in the middle. The county committee couldn't bear the responsibility. Asking the city made everyone feel more at ease.

He Zaiming looked at several consultation rooms but didn't see Zhu Shian. Zhu Changfeng smiled: "The big lady is resting today."

Only then did He Zaiming think of it. Unlike him, a diligent county mayor who worked, she worked four days and rested three.

Sigh.

Not seeing Master Zhu, He Zaiming left with his secretary after the matter was done.

As soon as He Zaiming left, the Zhu Family's doctors went into the Medical Hall to help. The onlookers had no show to watch and dispersed.

These returning doctors all had certificates. They could now openly sit in the Medical Hall and write prescriptions. The more than a dozen patients still in line went to their lines. Within half an hour, they finished seeing these patients, dispensed medicine, and sent them away.

Director Li hadn't left yet. He was drinking tea with Zhu Shouguang in the back courtyard. He enviously said: "Uncle Shouguang, Zhu Medical Hall is now more prestigious than the County Hospital."

Hearing this, Zhu Shouguang was naturally pleased. He smiled: "Not only now. In the past, when there was no County Hospital, our county had more than a dozen Medical Halls. Who could surpass the Zhu Family? To say something that won't offend you — when your grandfather was still alive, when he encountered difficult diseases he couldn't treat, he also came to the Zhu Family to seek advice."

Director Li stubbornly refused to admit: "I was just a child then. How would I know about this?"

Zhu Shouguang pointed at Director Li and laughed: "You kid, you were always this annoying when you were little. The saying 'three years old sees the old' is truly spot on."

Director Li couldn't help laughing: "I remember when I was little and came to Zhu Medical Hall with my grandfather, you gave me candy and praised me for being clever. You didn't say I was annoying."

Zhu Shouguang shook his head and smiled. How many years ago was that?

Time really passed quickly.

Director Li picked up the teapot to pour tea for Zhu Shouguang and asked: "Will Zhu Medical Hall continue to grow?"

"How big can it get? There's one County Hospital and one Zhu Medical Hall. Maybe those other places will also hang up signs to practice medicine in the future. Our county has this much population. Having so many hospitals and Medical Halls is enough."

"Will the Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors your family trains go outside?"

"They're already going outside now. Twenty-four doctors. Only four will sit in the Medical Hall from now on. Three at your County Hospital there. The other seventeen doctors all went to the city and outside counties."

Zhu Shouguang spoke plainly: "To be honest, you're managing the County Hospital well. You don't have to worry that Zhu Medical Hall rising will push the County Hospital down."

Director Li laughed bitterly: "You old man speaks so directly. How am I supposed to respond?"

Zhu Shouguang patted his shoulder: "Let's not talk about the County Hospital. I'm asking you — will your Li family not open a Medical Hall in the future?"

"We want to, but we need the ability." Director Li said wistfully: "You know, my medical skills are average. When I was little, my grandfather was determined to train me to be a shopkeeper. But what's the use of a shopkeeper? The most important thing for opening a Medical Hall is having doctors who can hold up the reputation. If our family wants to open a Medical Hall now, we can only hope my eldest brother can stand at the head and establish the family. My eldest brother says he can't hold it up alone. He can't take over the Li family's signboard."

Seeing the Zhu Family getting better and better, Director Li had to admit that the Li family truly had declined. There probably wouldn't be a chance to turn things around in the future.

After a long silence, Director Li said calmly: "Don't get into a dead end. Think broadly. It's not just our Li family. The other families in our county who open Medical Halls and medicine shops — I think they'll have a hard time rising too."

The Zhu Family was the exception.

The Zhu Family could become this exception, the Zhu Family could rise, because they had thick family resources, because the clan was united, and because they had Zhu Shian as the head of the family who could take on responsibilities.

The torrent of the era came roaring. Some people could ride the waves and break through. Some people and families were submerged in the torrent and never surfaced again. All normal.

But when that submerged person or family was related to oneself, the sadness in one's heart was hard to suppress.

Director Li raised his head, blinked. The glint of tears in his eyes flashed past.

Zhu Shouguang said: "Little Li, falling down is nothing. Get up again. Even if you have to start from scratch. You have no talent. Your son can't do it either. That's fine — there's your grandson. If the grandson can't do it, there's your great-grandson. Maybe someday you'll cultivate someone who can hold up the family."

Director Li couldn't help laughing: "I'll take your word for it."

The Zhu Family gaining twenty-four officially certified old doctors caused quite a sensation in the county, no smaller than when Zhu Medical Hall opened.

The excitement outside was outside. The Zhu Family members themselves also had their own celebration.

Because these doctors would report to their respective hospitals in two days, the happy event had to be done quickly. After consulting Zhu Shian, Zhu Changfeng put up a sign reading 'Family has a happy event, closed tomorrow' when the Medical Hall closed in the afternoon.

The Medical Hall closed for a day. All Zhu Family members who were free and could return to the clan did so. Zhu Shian didn't return that night. The next morning, she took a boat back to Zhujia Village.

For these twenty-four doctors, the Zhu Family was opening the ancestral hall to worship ancestors today.

When Zhu Shian arrived at the village, there was still time before the worship. She sat in the courtyard outside the ancestral hall. The clan folks all gathered around.

"Big lady, look at my granddaughter. See if this child is good."

Zhu Shian heard someone call her. Before she could turn, the child was already in her arms. She quickly held it.

The old lady smiled at Zhu Shian: "This is my third granddaughter. My son and daughter-in-law had two boys before getting this granddaughter. I think my granddaughter is perfect in every way. Don't you think so?"

This was specifically coming to Zhu Shian to ask for auspicious words.

Zhu Shian held the child and looked. The little fist was clenched and raised beside the ear. The little girl was sleeping soundly with closed eyes.

"How old is this child?" Zhu Shian touched the child's forehead. The forehead was well-formed.

"Three months and eight days."

Zhu Shian smiled and asked: "This child doesn't like crying, right? She probably sleeps well too, right?"

The old lady quickly nodded and smiled: "Big lady, your eyes are sharp. My granddaughter doesn't like crying, sleeps soundly too. She's very well-behaved. The neighbors all say this child was born to repay kindness."

Zhu Shian smiled and nodded. This child's soul was very strong. Not easily scared. Able to eat and sleep well. Naturally not fussy.

Zhu Shian handed the child back to the old lady, smiling: "Take good care of her. She's a good child."

"Your words are always right."

After that child was returned, another child was stuffed into Zhu Shian's arms. This child was over a year old, sitting乖乖 in Zhu Shian's arms without crying, intently pulling at the socks on its own feet. It couldn't be stopped.

The child's mother smiled and said: "Mine liked to cry and make a fuss when little. This year she cries less. I don't know if it's because she's grown."

"Maybe that's part of it." Zhu Shian smiled and asked: "Does the clan give the children the soup brewed every day?"

"We drink it. Except for the time you weren't home and we didn't have any, on other days whenever the clan brews soup, my mother-in-law definitely goes to get a bowl to bring back."

"Good. Let the child drink more. It's good for them."

"Okay, I'll remember."

Zhu Shian was surrounded by a group of women and children chattering. The children in her arms changed one after another. Only when the ancestral worship started did Zhu Shian breathe a sigh of relief and quickly leave.

Zhu Fengqin had just gone to the village to exchange sweet potato starch. Zhu Shian led the twenty-four doctors in the ancestral worship before she returned. Zhu Fengqin saw her clothes were all wrinkled and quickly helped smooth them, then sniffed: "Why do you smell like milk?"

Zhu Changfang laughed loudly: "Aunt Feng, you weren't here just now so you didn't see. Everyone was stuffing children into the big lady's arms. Of course she got a whole body of milk smell."

"So that's it." Zhu Fengqin saw Zhu Shian sighing and smiled: "People genuinely respect you. Otherwise they wouldn't be so intimate with you."

Zhu Shian knew that, but she wasn't used to holding so many children in a short time.

Zhu Fengqin said: "Don't stand here. Go talk with everyone. We'll go back after lunch."

"What are we eating today?"

"Pork dish. For today's ancestral worship, the village slaughtered three fat pigs this morning. Your favorite braised pig trotters, spicy spare ribs, and braised pork belly are already stewing in the pot."

Someone came to invite Zhu Shian. Zhu Shian said to Aunt Feng: "I'll go first."

"Go, go."

The one inviting Zhu Shian was Zhu Changbi. Zhu Changbi was thirty-two this year. She studied medicine from a young age and had excellent medical skills. She was also one of the twenty-four Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors this time.

Zhu Changbi was the only daughter in her family. At twenty, she married a son-in-law who came to live with her family. Over these years, she gave birth to a son and a daughter. The oldest child was eight, the youngest three. Considering her parents and children, Zhu Changbi didn't choose to go work at a hospital. Instead, she chose to stay at Zhu Medical Hall to sit in the hall.

Yesterday afternoon, Zhu Changfeng had already told Zhu Shian about Zhu Changbi's situation. It was agreed that Zhu Changbi would sit in the Medical Hall, and Zhu Shian would assign a three-room east wing of a courtyard for their family to live in.

Zhu Shian walked and chatted with Zhu Changbi, asking when they were moving.

"My parents say to take advantage of today when there's many people and everyone is free. We'll move to Sanqing Lane this afternoon to settle down. Tomorrow I'll go sit in the Medical Hall."

"Your parents, children, and husband will all go?"

"Yes. It's winter now and farm work is slack. My husband says the whole family will accompany me to live in the county for a while. We'll go back to the village to work when spring comes."

The two walked and talked until they reached Uncle Shouxin's house. The main hall of Uncle Shouxin's house was packed with people. Zhu Shian一眼看过去就知道这些男女老少都是大夫.

Zhu Shouxin waved to Zhu Shian: "Come quickly. They want to ask you about Acupuncture. Since there's so many people now, come teach them quickly."

Zhu Shian pointed to Zhu Changming standing to the side, smiling: "He needles very well. Just ask him. Why do you need to ask me?"

Zhu Changming waved his hand谦虚ly: "I'm far behind the big lady."

Zhu Yanghui, who was about to go work at the city hospital, smiled and said: "Zhu Changming's needling is the same method as ours. We invited the big lady, definitely wanting to see her unique skill."

"What you learned is the Zhu Family's hereditary skill. What I learned is also the Zhu Family's hereditary skill. In fact, I'm also of the same lineage as you. There's nothing special."

Zhu Shouxin was impatient to listen: "Big lady, come quickly. Give this old man a couple of needles. Just let them widen their horizons."

The old man Zhu Shouxin called 'old man' was a third uncle to the younger generation of the clan. He was the same generation as Zhu Shouxin. The two were similar in age. Third Uncle was over seventy this year.

Third Uncle lay on a recliner. His two paralyzed legs were flat on a low table. His hands were on his abdomen, looking peaceful: "This leg is my old problem. All the young medical folks in the house have needled my legs. The big lady hasn't needled them yet. Today is perfect to make up for it."

Zhu Shian couldn't help laughing: "I don't even know what your illness is. I can't needle blindly."

"Then come feel my pulse." Third Uncle put one hand on the table.

"Okay."

Zhu Changbi quickly brought a chair for Zhu Shian. After sitting down, Zhu Shian felt the old man's pulse, observed his complexion, and asked how long the problem with his legs had been and how it was treated before.

It should be that many people had asked Third Uncle this question. Zhu Shian only asked two questions, and he talked nonstop for over ten minutes. He remembered clearly who gave him what prescription, what he drank, applied, or needled.

Third Uncle finally mentioned Zhu Shouxin: "This old thing's prescription is the most foul, most bitter, hardest to drink. I told him to add some licorice to adjust the taste. He refused, saying adding licorice would ruin the medicinal properties. Hmph, I think he's not afraid of ruining the medicinal properties. He just wants to torment me."

Zhu Shouxin sneered: "Before you speak nonsense, don't you use your brain? Look at how expensive those medicines you took are. I must be bored to use those good medicinal materials to torment you."

"That might not be true. You're getting older and better at putting on acts. Let the younger generations think you're a generous elder. Hmph, only I know you were a vindictive person when you were little. You can't change that when old."

"Hmph, looking at you having two legs but can't walk, I won't argue with you."

Zhu Changming, Zhu Changbi, and the other younger generation all lowered their heads and giggled secretly.

After listening to Third Uncle's long speech, Zhu Shian said: "Your diagnosis by everyone is correct. It's indeed a Wind-Cold dampness blockage causing difficulty walking. Everyone gave you Fangfeng Decoction, Jimin Powder, Duhuo Jisheng Decoction. Although the emphasis is slightly different, they're all treating from the directions of dispelling wind, dispersing cold, removing dampness, and clearing heat to relieve the blockage. The prescriptions are all correct."

Third Uncle smiled and asked: "The prescriptions are correct. Why can't it be cured?"

"Your illness, one could say, has become entrenched. Although the treatment direction is correct, it's too mild. It hasn't reached the root."

"How do you treat the root?"

"Use Acupuncture. The Flame Needle Technique."

Zhu Shouxin quickly said: "He's this old. His qi inside is not as abundant as young people's. Using the Flame Needle Technique to guide qi downward to冲击 the paralyzed meridians might not be enough."

"It's enough. If not enough, I'll add some for him."

Everyone present didn't understand. Add some? Could one's qi, if not enough, be added from outside? Guiding qi into the body?

Zhu Shian nodded affirmatively. It could be done.

"Bring a bed. Third Uncle needs to lie prone for needling. Remove clothes and pants."

Zhu Shouxin's house had a simple wooden bed, kept for patients to use during Acupuncture. Zhu Changde and Zhu Changming went to bring the bed.

Others brought braziers and warmed the room so Third Uncle wouldn't get cold.

Everything was ready. Zhu Shian took a set of Golden Needles. The soft Golden Needles were very obedient in her hands. One needle inserted, whether lifting or thrusting, light or heavy, she was at ease.

Zhu Shian's needles extended downward from the acupuncture points on both sides of the spine. Everyone recognized the points. Everyone knew guiding qi downward. But when the needle reached the Weizhong point behind the knee, Third Uncle suddenly cried out in pain.

Zhu Changming stepped forward and felt Third Uncle's pulse. He was startled. Third Master's wiry-yet-slow pulse had become a Yang pulse — rapid, expansive like a wave, and powerfully strong.

Zhu Changde pushed Zhu Changming aside: "Let me feel too."

Third Master's both hands were being held. Third Master hissed in pain: "Gentle, gentle."

Zhu Shian said: "Can't be gentle. Being gentle won't break through the paralyzed meridians."

As the needle continued downward, Zhu Changde felt Third Master's Yang pulse becoming even more obvious. Even young people rarely had such a robust pulse.

Third Master endured the pain. After a while, his toes moved.

The person who had been watching closely immediately shouted: "Third Master's feet moved."

Third Master was now sweating profusely. His toes moved again unconsciously, while he shouted: "Is it done yet? It really hurts."

"Wait five more minutes." Zhu Shian moved the needle slightly. This small movement reflected on the pulse was like a wave striking head-on.

This was qi!

The two people continuously feeling Third Master's pulse looked at each other. Both felt regretful. Why didn't they inherit the family talent? If they had entered the Dao, perhaps when needling patients, they could be as at ease as the big lady.

After five minutes, Zhu Shian removed the needles. Third Master could move his legs when he sat up. He could lift, put down, and even take two steps standing on the ground.

Wow! Powerful! Not seeing it with their own eyes, they wouldn't dare believe.

Third Master took two steps, turned around and cursed: "Zhu Shouxin, you quack. The big lady needled me once and it worked. You treated me for so many years, and I still can't walk every winter."

Zhu Shouxin wouldn't take the blame: "The big lady is the big lady. We are us. Meeting a doctor like the big lady is your good luck. Not meeting a doctor like the big lady but meeting me — that's also your good luck."

"Pfft, meeting you is my misfortune."

The two old men started arguing again. The young people like Zhu Changming quickly stopped them, and also brought clothes for Third Master to put on quickly, all while coaxing him.

Old children, old children — this saying was really not wrong.

Zhu Shian wrote a prescription for medicinal bath and another prescription, handing them to Zhu Changbi: "Get these for Third Master."

"Okay. I'll go right away."

Third Master walked step by step to Zhu Shian, smiling and asked: "Does this mean I'm cured?"

"Not quite yet. Needling every three days. You need to come find me for two more sessions."

"Okay. This old man will go with you to Sanqing Lane this afternoon. I'll come back after my legs are cured." Third Master pointed at Zhu Shouxin: "I'll stay in your room these days."

"I'm not staying with you. Find your own place."

"I will anyway."

"No!"

Sigh, they were arguing again. There was nothing for her here. Zhu Shian turned and left.

After the two old men finished arguing, Zhu Shouxin found time to talk to the young people like Zhu Changming, Zhu Changde, and Zhu Yanghui: "Today you opened your eyes. Remember what I taught you before. Study your medicine well. Compare with yourself, you can also compare with others. But don't compare with the big lady. Her path is different from ours. You can't compare."

Zhu Changde and the others were convinced. Different fates. Truly can't compare.

Third Master said earnestly: "When you go out to be doctors, work hard. Don't be afraid of difficulties. If you encounter truly incurable difficult diseases, there's still the big lady at home. She can still back you up. Understand?"

"We all understand."

Zhu Shian showed one move, opening the eyes of the Zhu Family's doctors and also adding much confidence to them. With the big lady in the Zhu Family, when practicing medicine outside, they always had more confidence than other doctors.

From Zhu Shian's perspective, having these Zhu Family doctors sit in the Medical Hall also saved her trouble. She could focus her mind on other matters.

On the nineteenth day of the twelfth month, the Action Team delivered the Magic Implement to be used as a Suppression Object.

After handling the Yin Soldiers in the Mountain Valley, after the New Year, she would find time to go to Xiong Mountain.