DDR – Chapter 90

Chapter 90: Desperate

All credit to original author: 独步云霄

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After seeing that Dan Yuerong could still conceive at such an advanced age, of course Guo Yuanshuang also wanted to conceive. She had heard that Divine Doctor Ming Yue was very good at treating illnesses in women and many of them came to her to seek these treatments.

There were two reasons that Ming Yue specialized in this. The first was because it was more convenient for her to treat women as opposed to a male doctor and the second was that it increased the reputation of Charity Hall.

After so many years, Charity Hall was much bigger. It’s branches spread all over the county and it’s strength could not be underestimated.

Guo Yuanshuang encouraged Shen Jingshu directly like this, without any embarrassment at all. It was not simple to invite Ming Yue, even if you were rich.

Moreover, Ming Yue had her own rules. Ordinary people could not invite her and those that did had to pay something. It wasn’t always money but rather something that Ming Yue wanted.

Whether it was medicinal materials or jewelry, Ming Yue didn’t seem to have any set preference. Who knew if it was intentional, but this had greatly improved Ming Yue’s reputation and given her another lay of protection.

It was still considered a bit shocking for a woman to study medicine, let along boldly go out to treat people. When Ming Yue had wanted to learn, Shen Jingshu had warned her about this. Although Ming Yue’s studies were great for Charity Hall, Shen Jingshu did not want to ruin such a beautiful woman just for her own interests.

To protect herself, Ming Yue needed to command respect. Otherwise, what would happen in the future?

Guo Yuanshuang had no way to invite her but since she had heard Ming Yue was in the capital, she had desperately wanted to bring her over. This is why she had the cheek to directly order Shen Jingshu.

However, before Shen Jingshu could respond, Old Madam Shen cut in: “Forget it, she hasn’t even been invited yet, what are you in a hurry for?”

“Mother, aren’t I just concerned for your body?” Guo Yuanshuang complained. She had long ago started to feel that her status was not as good as before and suspected that it was because of Shen Jingshu.

The first branch was indeed their nemesis! When they came back, her daughter was not as loved by the old madam and even her own position was falling.

“I’ll talk about these things when the time is right, so leave it for now and get busy! Now that those officials have sent gifts, I want you to give me a list so I can think about what to send as a return gift.”

“Yes, mother.” Guo Yuangshuang said reluctantly.

“The New Year is very complex and we need to be careful. Don’t make any mistakes!” This could be regarded as an indirect reminder. Old Madam Shen knew that her second daughter-in-law was not a fuel-efficient lamp, so of course she needed to remind her.

Guo Yuanshaung was not happy about this but she could only agree: “Don’t worry, mother! This daughter-in-law understands!”

Old Madam Shen nodded. “Good, go on then. I will talk with Shu’er.”

Guo Yuanshuang left reluctantly. The entire morning, Old Madam Shen had not mentioned Shen Jingya and Guo Yuanshuang was starting to worry. These days, her daughter had been forced to reflect behind closed doors in her room, copying books on female virtues and etiquette. Thinking of her daughter’s pitiful appearance, Guo Yuanshuang’s heart was very distressed but what could she do?

There was also her son, who was still sick from being injured by the snowball. It was not easy for him to come out and see Old Madam Shen. If this continued, wouldn’t her son and daughter be completely forgotten?

She would never let such a thing happen!

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Shen Jingshu’s efficiency was very fast. Finding an excuse the next day, she went to the Charity Hall to find Ming Yue.

“Miss, you’ve arrived!” Ming Yue greeted her. “This subordinate has been waiting for you for a long time!” She had heard that Shen Jingshu had arrived in the capital but had never gotten a chance to look for her.

Shen Jingshu nodded. “How has everything been these days? Has Chen Feng finished arranging everything? There is still a few months before they come but is everything ready?” It felt like a long time since she was in Jiangnan and Shen Jingshu really missed everyone.

“Don’t worry, Miss. The house has been bought and it’s not far from the Shen residence. If Miss wants to visit, it will be very easy.” Ming Yue assured her. Buying a house near the Shen Manor had not been simple. The entire neighborhood was very expensive and it took Chen Feng a lot of effort to purchase a house there. Ming Yue had had certainly helped out a lot.

Shen Jingshu smiled. Sitting down, she said: “That’s good. Then all of the servants are ready? Is anyone protecting the house?” She didn’t want her friends to come to an empty house when they arrived. She hoped that they would feel at home here.

“Chen Feng has considered these things and there are several people already watching the place. Chen Feng and his family can move in immediately when they arrive.”

“Good.” Shen Jingshu nodded and changed the subject: “I came today because I have a task for you.”

Ming Yue straightened immediately: “What are your orders? No matter what it is, I will do my best!” She had been waiting for Shen Jingshu for a long time and the only reason she had come to the capital to open a Charity Hall branch was to create connections for Shen Jingshu. After several years, she hadn’t seen Shen Jingshu for a long time. Now that she was here, Ming Yue felt that Shen Jingshu was already a big girl, which such an elegant air that people couldn’t move their eyes away.

This was her master, the one who had saved her and changed her fate. If it wasn’t for Shen Jingshu, she would be suffering a fate worse than death right now!

Fortunately, fortunately, she had met her.

“It’s not a big matter.” Shen Jingshu waved a hand. “I just want you to go and check on my grandmother. Her legs are not good and when the wind blows, they ache terribly. If you have time, go and take a look!”

Ming Yue bowed: “Your subordinate will go immediately.” Old Madam Shen had invited her in the past but when Ming Yue had asked for Shen Jingshu’s opinion, Shen Jingshu had said that she was not in a hurry so Ming Yue had not gone. Now that Shen Jingshu was telling her to go, of course Ming Yue would go, even if she didn’t understand why.

Shen Jingshu shook her head: “It’s not urgent. You can go over in a few days! No one knows about our relationship and if you go too quickly, it will make people suspicious.”

“Yes, Miss!” Ming Yue agreed.

“Alright, don’t be so formal! Sit down and talk.” Shen Jingshu laughed.

Taking the other chair, Ming Yue thanked her and sat down. “Thank you, Miss!”

Even though Ming Yue now had such an amazing identity and status, she knew very well in her heart that it was all because of Shen Jingshu and worshiped her as her benefactor.

Even if she had managed to become a female doctor without her, she would be the same as those other doctors, definitely worse off than male doctors. It was thanks to Shen Jingshu’s organization and rules that her status had grown so high.

Nowadays, even the nobles in the palace had to be polite to her.

This respect could be said to be given to Shen Jingshu through her.

When someone fulfilled their promises, naturally you had to fulfill your own promises. So even though she was not short of money, she had never left Shen Jingshu. Even if she was no longer her servant, she would always treat Shen Jingshu as her master.

“It’s been many years, how have you been?” Shen Jingshu asked when Ming Yue was settled. “Are you used to living in the capital now? Has it been hard to live alone?”

Ming Yue smiled. “I have been doing very well, Miss. Don’t worry! I am used to living here now and it hasn’t been hard. I am very willing to do these things for Miss!”

Shen Jingshu nodded, feeling relieved. Though it was Ming Yue’s choice, and she hadn’t stopped her from learning medicine, Ming Yue was still a young woman. However, it seemed that Ming Yue insisted on using her own strength for protection. “That’s good! Looking at you, I feel that you look good and are doing well, so I can rest assured.”  

“Thank you for the concern, Miss.” Ming Yue said sincerely. “I have lived a good life here, thanks to Miss!” She had never expected to have such a great life, rather she thought she would be ruined either as a slave or as a maid, left to be trampled on. That life was not what she wanted.

Being respected like this now, it was something she had never dared to imagine back then. After her mother passes away and her father married her stepmother, who beat and abused her, she had endured it all only to be sold. She knew her life would be one of suffering and couldn’t reconcile with it, even wanting to die! But now it was all in the past…

“Then what about your lifelong event? Do you have plans?” Shen Jingshu asked curiously. Although as a young, unmarried woman, she shouldn’t be asking this, Ming Yue was already this old. If she wanted to find someone to like, it wouldn’t be as easy.

Ming Yue blushed faintly. “This subordinate is not thinking about this problem right now. Right now, this subordinate is living a very good life and is very satisfied.”

Shen Jingshu smiled. “Women need to get married eventually. After so many years, even Chen Feng has married Xin He. You should make plans for yourself!”

“Hehe, forget it. I’m like this, who would dare to marry?” Although Shen Jingshu had used many methods to avoid being despised by others, a female doctor was still not an acceptable profession in society and Ming Yue couldn’t show her face in public. It was hard to find a person who wouldn’t care about this.

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The few that had come to propose marriage were not actually interested in her, they were interested in Charity Hall. She didn’t want to embarrass Shen Jingshu over her own matters.

“Don’t look down on yourself!” Shen Jingshu told Ming Yue firmly. “Such thoughts are not allowed!”

“Miss, this subordinate understands!” Ming Yue said obediently.

Shen Jingshu sighed. “I didn’t urge you before but you should think about it now. If you meet someone good, don’t miss out!” Shen Jingshu had experienced a lot in the matter of love, men, and disappointment. But there were examples around her that still gave her confidence. If she had the change, she still believed. Naturally, she hoped that Ming Yue could do the same.

“Miss, don’t worry, this subordinate will consider it carefully.” The people who approached her had their own purposes and Ming Yue didn’t like such people. She’d rather be alone!

“Good.” Shen Jingshu nodded and stood up. “You are busy, so I won’t bother you. If you have something in the future, you can ask someone to send me a letter and I will find a way to come visit you.” She did not have the same freedom at the Shen manor as she had in Jiangnan.

Previously, she had been her mother’s housekeeper and helped Dan Yuerong manage the household. It was very convenient when she had things she needed to do outside. But now the rules were stricter and it was not always easy to go out.

Ming Yue bowed: “This subordinate understands, I will send you off!”

“No need, there are too many people here and it wouldn’t be good to be seen by others.” Shen Jingshu refused. “You go back first!” Shen Jingshu didn’t want her relationship with Charity Hall to be exposed too early. This was the biggest ace up her sleeve and naturally it would come in handy in the future.

Saying goodbye to Ming Yue, Shen Jingshu went home and a few days later, told Old Madam Shen. The time delay made it seem as if it had taken her great effort. On the fifth day, Ming Yue really arrived, surprising the old madam.

After looking her over, Ming Yue said: “Old Madam Shen, this is an old problem. When you were young, you suffered from cold during a confinement and got sick easily. You must stay out of the cold wind. This pain is because you recently got too cold. From now on, you must be more careful.”

Pulling out her tools, she continued: “I have a set of acupuncture and medicine methods here, which can relieve pain. Would Old Madam Shen be willing to try?”

Old Madam Shen was delighted: “Naturally, I am willing!”

Ming Yue nodded. “This method takes ten days. During this time, I will come to give Old Madam acupuncture every day.”

“Thank you for your help,” Old Madam Shen said, relieved. “I just don’t know how to repay you this time?”

“Young Lady Shen and I had a connection once, I am taking her into consideration. It is enough for Old Madam Shen to give me a consultation fee.” Ming Yue waved her hand.

Hearing that Ming Yue had no special requirements, Old Madam Shen was surprised but reacted quickly: “I don’t know how much the doctor’s consulting fee is?”

“Old Madam Shen can give as you see fit. As much as you think is appropriate!” Although Ming Yue did not understand why Shen Jingshu requested money, she repeated her words obediently.

Old Madam Shen nodded. “Alright, I will give it to you. I will have to trouble you, doctor.”

“No matter, this is what I should do.” Ming Yue said politely. Taking the silver needles, she stared to treat Old Madam Shen.

After a few needles went in, Old Madam Shen really did feel more comfortable. “My leg feels more relaxed. You are indeed a divine doctor.”

“This is only the first treatment,” Ming Yue explained. “Gradually, the effect will be even better. Old Madam Shen should pay attention to recuperation and soon the pain in your leg will not be as severe. I will give Old Madam Shen some medicine as well. Take it slowly and the pain will be easier.”

As the old madam and Ming Yue smiled and talked, Guo Yuanshuang watched from the side. Seeing Old Madam Shen’s complexion immediately improve and her whole body relax, she couldn’t help but speak up: “I don’t know if I could…”

Ming Yue nodded immediately. “Of course it is possible, but I charge a consulting fee per person. If Second Madam Shen wants to be seen, she will naturally have to pay her own consulting fee.”

She was not completely clear on the affairs of the Shen’s inner courtyard but Shen Jingshu had already told her that if Guo Yuanshuang asked for medical treatment, she should charge her more.

“Oh, how much is it?” Guo Yuanshuang asked quickly.

Ming Yue thought for a moment, “This number…” She stretched out a hand.

Guo Yuanshuang looked at it and guessed: “Ten taels?”

The divine doctor shook her head, “No.”

“One hundred taels?” Guo Yuanshuang asked incredulously. She was really robbing money! That much just to see a doctor?

Ming Yue shook her head again. “Second Madam guessed wrongly again. It is one thousand taels!”

Guo Yuanshuang’s eyes went wide. “Why is Divine Doctor acting like this? You did not request so much when you were treating my mother, why do you have such a high price when it comes to me?” There was no way Guo Yuanshuang could afford to see a doctor for a thousand taels!

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“Second Madam Shen’s words are wrong.” Ming Yue frowned: “Old Madam Shen has a distinguished status and is Young Lady Shen’s grandmother. I respect Old Madam Shen, so naturally I would not charge a lot. But Second Madam Shen and I have never met before. For the sake of Old Madam Shen and Second Madam, I have been clear about my consulting fee to avoid letting Second Madam suffer.”

Ming Yue’s reputation as a divine doctor was spread all across the country and it was not easy to meet her. Naturally, the people who could invite her were either rich or had high status. Their illnesses were also usually very complex, so of course her fees would be high!

“But one thousand taels is too much, I—” Guo Yuanshuang wanted to bargain but Old Madam Shen interrupted her directly, to avoid embarrassment. “Alright, Second Daughter-in-law, your health is good now. There is no need to bother the divine doctor.”

“But mother…” She hadn’t had any good news in so many years and was very anxious, wondering how to get pregnant again so her position would be more stable!

Old Madam Shen waved her hand. “Stop talking. You still have a lot to do today, so go get busy!”

“Yes, mother.” Seeing that Old Madam Shen was upset, Guo Yuanshuang had no choice but to reluctantly leave. She was completely unaware that her actions just now had embarrassed the old madam, only feeling in her heart that the old madam was too fickle and didn’t love her anymore.

“Don’t be offended, Divine Doctor.” Old Madam Shen said when she was gone. “My second daughter-in-law is a little muddleheaded sometimes, don’t mind her when she doesn’t speak straight.” It wasn’t like the Shen family was poor, why did they have to take advantage of others? Guo Yuanshuang had really made Old Madam Shen uncomfortable!

“It’s alright, Old Madam Shen, I don’t mind.” Ming Yue smiled and left.

Over the next nine days, she came everyday to give the old madam an injection. On the nineth day, Old Madam Shen wanted to have Ming Yue’s consulting fee ready for her.

“Second Daughter-in-law, my leg has improved a lot and it’s all thanks to the Divine Doctor. You go to the warehouse and get three thousand taels as the consultation fee. Send it the Charity Hall!”

“Three thousand taels!” Guo Yuanshuang gasped. “Mother, are you joking?” Hearing this number, she was terrified. What she was most afraid of right now was other people trying to withdraw money.

Before, she thought that the old madam would just send over a few hundred taels at most as a consultation fee, but now that she wanted to give so much, how would Guo Yuanshuang get it?

“Why would I be joking?” Old Madam Shen frowned. “My leg has been hurting for years! Even the imperial doctors could not help but the Divine Doctor did. I have slept better in the last few days and my muscles have loosened up a lot. I think this price is very reasonable!” Giving such a high amount would not only repay Ming Yue but also maintain a friendly relationship if they needed her help in the future.

“But, mother, isn’t three thousand taels too much?” Where could she get so much money right now? To come up with Shen Wenli’s five thousand, she had secretly sold a lot of good things from the warehouse. Was there anything else left to sell? Wouldn’t she be discovered?

Old Madam Shen looked furious: “How can this be too much? Could it be that I am not worth three thousand taels?”

Guo Yuanshuang cringed: “Mother, daughter-in-law didn’t mean this!”

“It’s fine if you didn’t. Just go and prepare the silver and deliver it tomorrow to show your sincerity!” Old Madam Shen ordered her.

This was bad, there was nothing left to see. “Mother, this…”

“Am I no longer the master of this family?” Seeing Guo Yuanshuang’s hesitation, Old Madam Shen’s expression darkened immediately. Guo Yuanshuang didn’t dare to argue.

“Yes, mother! This daughter-in-law understands!”

That night, when everyone was asleep, Guo Yuanshuang found a reason to go to the warehouse again. After searching through everything, she picked out a few things that were rarely used and would not be missed quickly. Putting them together with her jewelry to be sold off. Many of Shen Jingya’s things were sold as well, which made her daughter very dissatisfied.

“Mother, what are you doing? Didn’t you just buy this for me? Why are you selling it again?”

As a wealthy young miss, Shen Jingya loved beauty. She hadn’t even had time to wear these pieces, how could she be willing to sell them?

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Chapter 89