Chapter Seven: First Encounter with the General

Jia Ping’an was still too young. Especially among physicians, there seemed to be a widely accepted notion that the older one was, the more reliable their skills appeared.

“The boy began learning medicine at the age of three and has indeed absorbed some of my father’s expertise,” Jia Ping’an said confidently. Now that the words were spoken, he had no intention of backing down. Besides, with the Spirit Spring Water in his possession, he genuinely felt assured.

“This…” Seeing Jia Ping’an’s confidence, the hesitation was palpable—was someone so young truly capable?

Noticing Hu Shoufu’s hesitation, Jia Ping’an quickly cast a meaningful look at Ren Qinghu. Though no words were spoken, the message was clear: “Please speak on my behalf.”

Ren Qinghu caught the glance. His impression of Jia Ping’an was favorable; in their conversations, the boy showed none of the awkwardness typical of his age. His logic was clear, his thinking sharp—surpassing many adults.

Seeing Jia Ping’an’s maturity beyond his years, Ren Qinghu decided to lend his support.

Helping Jia Ping’an was also helping himself; if the illness were cured, he would share in the credit as the one who recommended him.

“Steward Hu, since young Master An has learned Master Jia’s skills, why not let him give it a try? If it proves beyond his ability, he can return then,” Ren Qinghu finally spoke up.

“That’s right. Let the boy try. If it exceeds my capabilities, I will come back immediately,” Jia Ping’an quickly affirmed.

At this point, if Hu Shoufu still refused, he would truly offend someone. He had heard from Ren Qinghu that Jia Ping’an was the only son of Jia Fanghao, the Imperial Physician, the ninth-generation heir. To slight him would surely displease Master Jia.

With the principle that kindness to others is kindness to oneself, Hu Shoufu nodded in agreement. “Very well, prepare your things and come with me.”

“Understood,” Jia Ping’an replied eagerly, then turned to his father’s chambers. There, he indeed found the medicine box his father usually carried and promptly took it into his hands.

“Master An, do not be rash,” Yu Luoli, though unseen, had observed everything. Seeing Jia Ping’an prepare to go out to treat a patient alarmed her greatly.

In Changdu, she had never seen Jia Ping’an treat anyone. This patient was a noble from the General’s residence; if he made any mistakes, what would happen?

“Aunt Yu, it’s all right. The family is struggling financially and needs income. Besides, I have grown up. If it’s beyond my ability, I won’t overreach,” Jia Ping’an explained, acknowledging Yu Luoli’s concerns.

The Jia household was barely subsisting by pawning goods for food. What next? When their stored grain ran out, would they resort to begging?

Ningguta was not like Changdu; even begging here yielded little. On the street today, Jia Ping’an had seen a dozen beggars return empty-handed.

“I…” Yu Luoli wanted to say the family’s affairs were not Jia Ping’an’s to worry about, but the truth was they truly faced starvation. Without income, once the stored grain was gone, what would become of them?

Jia Fanghao’s health was fragile and uncertain. Would they truly hold on until he recovered?

While Yu Luoli hesitated, Jia Ping’an seized the moment, medicine box in hand, and stepped out of the chambers. “Steward Fu, Brother Ren, let’s go.”

The greatest difference between the successful and the ordinary is their ability to seize opportunity.

Ordinary people wait for chance to come, hesitating even when it appears.

Successful people seek and grasp opportunity firmly.

Jia Ping’an saw the chance and would not let it slip through his fingers. The three of them left the Jia residence, heading straight for the General’s mansion.

Compared to the Jia home with a single courtyard and a few rooms, the General’s estate spanned many times that size. At the entrance stood four tall, muscular soldiers like gate gods, guarding vigilantly.

“We’ll enter through the side gate,” Hu Shoufu led the way, bypassing the four guards and heading to a side entrance not far from the main gate.

Jia Ping’an was no distinguished guest nor of any special status, so he followed naturally behind Hu Shoufu and Ren Qinghu.

In the General’s backyard, the sound of harsh coughing greeted them.

“The old madam’s cough worsens at the turn of autumn to early winter; now she can barely sleep,” Hu Shoufu explained, shaking his head as he briefed Jia Ping’an on the condition.

The colder the weather, the worse the cough—classic chronic bronchitis.

Hearing this, Jia Ping’an had a rough understanding.

“Alright, you come with me. Qinghu, stay outside,” Hu Shoufu instructed as they approached the old madam’s chambers, a place not open to just anyone.

Ren Qinghu obediently stayed behind, eyes filled with concern, silently asking if Jia Ping’an had some secret remedy.

“Don’t worry,” Jia Ping’an said confidently. To him, this wasn’t just a mere cough; as long as there was breath in her body, with the Spirit Spring Water, he believed he could save her.

After all, he had once been poisoned by a gu insect, yet a single drop of Spirit Spring Water drove it out.

His confidence was contagious, and Ren Qinghu nodded. “Be careful. Don’t overexert yourself.”

“I understand,” Jia Ping’an smiled, then stepped into the old madam’s chamber behind Hu Shoufu.

The old madam looked pale from relentless coughing.

Since last night, when her cough suddenly worsened, she had not slept.

From morning till now, she had been unable to swallow even a bite. Every morsel brought to her lips was expelled by her cough.

Several doctors from the city had been summoned, but all were helpless, standing anxiously nearby.

General Hu Buyun had stayed by her side since last night. Sleep-deprived and anxious, his face was drawn. When Hu Shoufu arrived, he looked toward him with hopeful eyes.

But that hope quickly faded. Not seeing Jia Fanghao, his anger grew.

“You are the Imperial Physician, but that was in the past. Now you are just a disgraced official. Ningguta is my territory; how dare you disrespect me? I have been too lenient; it’s time you were taught a lesson.”

His displeasure was obvious, and Jia Ping’an saw it all.

Fortunately, he was here now, Jia Ping’an thought to himself.

“General, the Imperial Physician is still ill and has not recovered, but his son was summoned here. I hear he is also skilled in medicine,” Hu Shoufu reported upon seeing Hu Buyun.

“The son of the Imperial Physician?” Hu Buyun’s expression softened slightly.

But only slightly. When his gaze settled on the fifteen-year-old boy, still fuzzy with youthful down, disappointment was clear.

“Yes, his name is Jia Ping’an. I hear he has inherited the Imperial Physician’s true teachings,” Hu Shoufu sensed the General’s displeasure and thought, This might have been a mistake—sending a mere boy to treat the old madam.

“Oh, that’s commendable, but my mother’s illness is a chronic old ailment, not easily cured. Here, give him two taels of silver and have someone escort him back to the residence,” Hu Buyun said, utterly disbelieving Hu Shoufu’s words.

He thought Jia Fanghao had sent his son merely out of respect, as he himself was unwell. Whether Jia Ping’an could truly heal his mother, Hu Buyun was one hundred percent skeptical.

Physicians’ skills were often tied to age and experience. A mere fifteen-year-old boy—what medical skill could he possibly have? What a joke.

“Um…” Hu Shoufu sensed the General’s impatience and withdrew his suggestion to give the boy a chance.

After all, he depended on the General’s favor and must heed his attitude.

“Wait!” Just as Hu Shoufu was about to turn and lead Jia Ping’an out of the backyard, the boy, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.

“General, as a son, one must honor filial piety first. How can you bear to see the old madam suffer such torment from her cough, yet dismiss the physician? Aren’t you afraid people will gossip if word spreads?”

Jia Ping’an’s words were sharp and accusatory.

Had he been able to speak gently, he would have. But faced with obvious disbelief, a firm tone was necessary. If he did not act forcefully, he might be dismissed outright, losing any chance to prove himself.

“Impudent!” Hu Shoufu, as chief steward, was the first to voice displeasure at Jia Ping’an’s bold words. “You are my responsibility; if anything goes wrong, I will be held accountable.”