Chen Yuezhi deliberately created suspense, piquing the whole family's curiosity.
Erlang scratched his head, "Does Mother want to talk about taking on an apprentice?"
On the way back, he seemed to have overheard his mother mentioning this to the Zhuang family women, but he only caught fragments and didn't understand the full story.
Jiang Pan looked confused, "Taking on an apprentice?"
Chen Yuezhi glared at Erlang, annoyed by his talkativeness!
Erlang touched his nose, daring not to speak again.
Chen Yuezhi cleared her throat, "I have officially become a disciple of Divine Physician Jin, his last disciple. From tomorrow onwards, I will be studying medical principles and pharmacology with my master. That's why I've found someone to help with the household chores."
Everyone, except Jiang Wan, was a bit bewildered.
Jiang Pan looked at her in disbelief, "Divine Physician Jin? You mean the Divine Physician Jin from the Jin family's medical clinic outside the city?"
Since arriving in Yao County, he had been keeping track of his eldest daughter's family's news and naturally knew of Divine Physician Jin's reputation. He had initially thought his eldest daughter's family might seek medical help from Divine Physician Jin, but he never expected his own wife to become his last disciple!
This was utterly unexpected, he could hardly believe his ears.
Chen Yuezhi tried to appear aloof, but she couldn't suppress the upward curve of her lips, "Besides that Divine Physician Jin, can you find another Divine Physician Jin in Yao County?"
Jiang Pan was so excited he felt a little dizzy, "You've really become Divine Physician Jin's disciple? Rumor has it he rarely takes on disciples. How did you manage to..."
Chen Yuezhi glanced at Jiang Wan, "If it weren't for our daughter, I wouldn't have been able to secure this opportunity even if I begged on my knees."
She recounted how she had saved Old Madam Zhuang.
Jiang Wan waved her hand, "Although the method was mine, if Mother didn't have the skill, she wouldn't have been able to impress Master's master."
Jiang Pan scooped her up, too excited to find words.
Ever since their daughter was no longer slow-witted, their family's life had undergone earth-shattering changes. All of this was thanks to their daughter being favored by the immortal.
Chen Yuezhi turned to look at Madam Su, who was still immersed in shock, "A'luo, by rights, you are due to give birth in a few months, and I should stay home to take care of you. But..."
Madam Su snapped back to reality and quickly said, "Mother, don't worry about me. I'm not a three-year-old child who needs someone to watch over me every day. Besides, my husband is home every day, so I'm not lacking in company. You go and study medicine with Master with peace of mind."
Chen Yuezhi was pleased and smiled, "Aunt Hongye is not much older than you, and she seems capable and sensible in her words and actions. You can leave all the household matters to her. And don't rush your embroidery work; just take your time. No matter how much money you earn, it's not as important as your health."
Madam Su nodded, "Mother, I know what's important."
With the important matters settled, Chen Yuezhi decided to cook a celebratory feast.
Jiang Pan pulled her aside and whispered, "I was thinking, once the new house is ready, we should set up a longevity tablet for the immortal. Our family's smooth sailing is all thanks to the immortal's blessings. We have no other way to repay him, so we can only set up a tablet for him."
Chen Yuezhi immediately smiled, "You're thinking the same thing as me. I also had this plan. If it weren't for the immortal, who knows where our family would be weeping now."
They might have been scattered and destroyed on the road while fleeing famine, and never would have had such good days as they do now.
In the evening, Chen Yuezhi took charge of the cooking, Erlang helped with the fire, and Madam Su lent a hand. Soon, a sumptuous meal was prepared.
The dining table was set up in the courtyard, and for a rare extravagance, several lanterns were hung, illuminating the courtyard brightly.
The family sat around the table, looking at the nearly completed new house, then at Jiang Pan's plain clothes, and then thinking about Chen Yuezhi's apprenticeship. Everyone had irrepressible smiles on their faces.
The next day, early in the morning, as soon as it was light, Wang Hongye arrived at the Jiang family's home.
Chen Yuezhi was already up preparing breakfast. Since three people in the family needed to leave early, and she had the furthest to go, Jiang Pan had to take her to her destination first, then take Sanlang to school, and finally go to the yamen himself for duty.
To avoid delaying the father and son, she had to get up early.
As soon as Wang Hongye arrived, she rolled up her sleeves and began helping Chen Yuezhi with breakfast.
Her movements were swift, and she worked efficiently and cleanly. Chen Yuezhi, wanting to see her skills, handed over the cooking to her.
Wang Hongye was a little unsure, "Sister Jiang, I only know how to cook local dishes. I don't know if you'll be used to them."
Chen Yuezhi smiled, "Don't worry, we're not picky eaters. Just cook as you normally would."
With those words, Wang Hongye let loose and, in no time, prepared a breakfast.
Jiang Wan liked to sleep in, and Madam Su, being heavy with child, also needed more rest, so breakfast was not called for them; it was left in the pot.
While the family ate breakfast, they praised Wang Hongye's cooking. Although it wasn't the taste they were accustomed to, it was still delicious.
Wang Hongye was relieved to receive the praise.
"Hongye, Wanwan will wake up on her own. You don't need to worry about her. Please wash the dirty clothes that have been changed. Also, make lunch for her and her sister-in-law. If you're worried about Xiao Douzi, you can bring him over."
"Sister Jiang, how can I ever thank you?"
"Thank me for what? I should be thanking you for helping me out so much. Alright, I won't chat with you any longer. If you have any questions, ask A'luo."
Chen Yuezhi gave a few hurried instructions and then left by carriage.
Upon arriving at the medical clinic, Divine Physician Jin was already waiting.
Jiang Pan, along with Sanlang and Chen Yuezhi, went to pay their respects to Divine Physician Jin. Divine Physician Jin tilted his head and looked, "Why isn't my little chubby grand-disciple here?"
That little chubby girl looked so tender and spoke so well; he quite liked her.
"Wanwan loves to sleep in. She wasn't awake when your disciple left. If Master wishes to see her, I will bring her tomorrow."
Divine Physician Jin waved his hand, "Why bother the child? Children who don't get enough sleep won't be smart or grow tall. Let her sleep. When she wants to come, you can bring her. Come, let's go to class."
Chen Yuezhi busied herself following Divine Physician Jin to the classroom, while Jiang Pan took Sanlang and headed back down the mountain to the city.
When Jiang Wan woke up, only her eldest brother, his wife, and her second brother were at home.
After eating the breakfast served by Wang Hongye, Jiang Wan became a little bored.
Erlang excitedly pulled her to the back mountain to continue practicing. Jiang Wan thought for a moment, then led out the three horses from the stable.
As soon as they reached the back mountain, Jiang Wan sent the little colt to the small courtyard to scout the situation.
After a short while, the little colt returned and reported that Yan Li was practicing with Gu Chenzhou in the courtyard.
Jiang Wan looked back at Erlang, who could now handle himself with ease in the stone formation, and her eyes twinkled.
Her second brother wouldn't be sufficient just practicing these things; he needed to train his martial arts skills as well.
Yan Li's skills looked good.
So Jiang Wan beckoned, "Second brother, shall I find you a martial arts master?"