Volume One, Chapter 14: Passed Down, Scholar Zhou is a Divine Physician

Just as Zhou Wu was at his wit’s end, he heard a knock at the door.

“Who is it?”

“Scholar, it’s your Zhang Ye.”

“Zhang Ye? Isn’t Zhang Ye at home resting with diarrhea?”

Though puzzled, Zhou Wu immediately opened the door. Sure enough, it was Zhang Ye standing there, but compared to his barely alive state yesterday, he now looked vigorous and full of life.

“Zhang Ye, are you feeling better?”

“After taking the medicine you gave me yesterday, I feel much better today. I’m no longer bothered by it. I came specially to thank you, Scholar. I didn’t expect you to have knowledge of medicine—you truly have great skills.”

Since he got up today, Zhang Ye felt much better. Because he had delayed his deliveries these past few days due to illness, he insisted on going to the county town to deliver goods despite his wife’s objections. On the way, he stopped by Zhou Wu’s home to express his gratitude. If not for the herbs Zhou Wu gathered, he probably wouldn’t have survived.

“You’re too kind, Zhang Ye. We’re all from the same village; as long as you’re well, that’s what matters. What brings you here?”

Zhou Wu hadn’t expected Zhang Ye’s recovery to be so swift. He could only marvel at how robust the health of people in the past was, having taken fewer medicines from childhood, so the herbs’ effects were more potent.

“I lost several days, but now that I’m better, I’m hurrying to the county town to deliver goods.”

Zhang Ye had no choice; everyone wanted rest, but if he didn’t run this errand, he might lose the opportunity in a couple of days.

“Zhang Ye, can I catch a ride with you?”

“Look at you! Scholar, you’re now my lifesaver. Just say the word if you’re heading to the county town—I’ll be there any time.”

Zhang Ye’s arrival conveniently solved Zhou Wu’s concern. Now, he wouldn’t have to walk to the county town on his own.

“Zhou Lang, you know medicine too?”

Sitting on the mule cart, Li Baiwei’s large curious eyes fixed intently on Zhou Wu.

“I only read about it in books before. I don’t really know any medical skills.”

Of course, Zhou Wu didn’t truly know medicine. Having lived in the countryside in his past life, he was familiar with some common herbs.

“You’re too modest, Scholar. Your skill surpasses even the doctors from the neighboring village.”

Zhang Ye wasn’t lying. When his wife was ill before, he had called doctors from the next village. Their medicine was expensive, and after ten days or half a month, there was no improvement. Zhou Scholar’s medicine cured him in just one day—it was like a miracle.

As the three of them headed to the county town, back in the village, Zhang Ye’s wife was gossiping with a group of women under the big locust tree.

“They say your old man has been so weak from diarrhea he nearly collapsed?”

The woman with a horse-like face said.

“That’s right. He nearly lost half his life. The damn doctor from the neighboring village moved away, and I was so worried.”

Zhang Ye’s wife recounted her recent hardships with vivid emotion.

“And then… tell me quickly.”

The woman speaking didn’t know if it was concern or just her curiosity for gossip.

“But thanks to Zhou Scholar. Yesterday, he went to the mountain to pick herbs for my husband. Guess what?”

“What happened?”

“Hmph, today my old man’s back doesn’t ache, his legs don’t hurt, and he can run back and forth in the yard in one breath.”

“Really? Zhou Scholar is that amazing?”

“Hmph, if you don’t believe it, fine.”

“No, I believe it. Early this morning, I really saw your old man driving a bare cart to the county town.”

Another woman’s words instantly confirmed everything. Zhou Wu’s reputation among these women skyrocketed.

“Spread the word: Zhou Wu knows medicine.”

“Spread the word: Zhou Wu is a divine healer.”

“What? Zhou Wu is a descendant of immortals?”

...

County Town.

“Sigh... We’ve arrived, Scholar. Will you be waiting here at the usual time this afternoon?”

“Zhang Ye, you don’t have to trouble yourself today. I’m here just to buy a horse cart.”

Hearing this, Zhang Ye’s eyes widened like copper bells. Having worked most of his life, he only owned a mule cart, and this Scholar, in just a few days, was buying a horse cart? Though he thought this, Zhang Ye sincerely felt happy for Zhou Wu.

“You’re truly young and accomplished. Alright, be careful on your way back to the village.”

“Thank you, Zhang Ye.”

After parting, Zhou Wu didn’t head straight to the livestock market but strolled around the county town with Li Baiwei. Like a curious child, she was fascinated by everything, and Zhou Wu bought her many small toys.

“Baiwei, let’s eat first.”

“Okay.”

Zhou Wu had money in his pocket, and since he was with his wife, they didn’t choose a roadside stall but went into a restaurant. Although it was a county town restaurant, it looked quite decent. The building had two floors: the first floor held the main hall and counter, while the second floor likely contained private rooms.

The two found a seat in the main hall since there were only two of them. They couldn’t eat much, and the owner might not even allow them to use a private room.

“Baiwei, what would you like to eat?”

“You decide, I’m fine.”

“Hey, you decide. Since it’s our first outing, order whatever you want—money is no object, hehe.”

Seeing she couldn’t persuade Zhou Wu, Li Baiwei casually ordered two dishes. After the meal, they headed straight to the livestock market.

“Smells awful.”

Before entering, the stench of cattle and horse manure hit them from afar, causing Li Baiwei to furrow her brows tightly.

“Baiwei, why don’t you wait at a teahouse outside?”

“No need, let’s go.”

Upon hearing Zhou Wu, Li Baiwei lowered her hand that had been covering her nose and strode forward.

Zhou Wu only smiled.

He had expected the livestock market to be lively, but upon entering, he realized it was quite different from what he imagined.

He had thought there would be herds of cattle and sheep, but there was only a patch about the size of a basketball court with a sparse scattering of cattle, horses, sheep, and other animals.

Since they came with a purpose, Zhou Wu quickly scanned the area. There were only three horses in total, leaving no room for choice.

“Zhou Lang, do you know about horses?”

“How would I? But we can compare prices among three sellers.”

“Right.”

The two walked directly to a horse, whose seller was a sharp-faced young man.

“Looking to buy a horse, sir?”

“Just looking.”

Zhou Wu knew he had to stay calm. He immediately adopted the confident demeanor of a customer at a dealership. The one who seemed anxious would lose.

“Sir, this is a fine horse. Look at its large frame.”

Zhou Wu looked at the so-called ‘large frame’ horse—it was only about his own height. Is this what they called a large frame?

“Look at its teeth.”

The teeth were yellower than those of a thirty-year smoker, and it was missing one entirely.

“Sir, see the thick tendons? Great stamina. It can be ridden or pull a cart.”

As the man finished speaking, the horse seemed to have a mind of its own. It raised its tail and sprayed a stream of loose stool. Those nearby quickly covered their noses and scattered.