Chapter 127: A Visit of Gratitude

Previously, Miao Suwen and Jiaoyan had been treating several injured men, who needed their wounds dressed daily. They were all from Shaokou Town, which was about six or seven miles from the village. Shaoyuan, uneasy about letting Jiaoyan go alone, decided not to enter the mountains and accompanied her every day.

Fortunately, those men had all recovered well. A couple of days ago, Jiaoyan removed their stitches, and now they only needed proper rest without further dressing changes. During these days, Shaoyuan no longer roamed the mountains as he used to; today, he stayed home, helping his mother sort through some medicinal herbs.

Seeing Shaoyuan, Jiaoyan smiled. “Brother Shaoyuan, we’re going to Sister Xuemei’s house to pick some green apricots for Third Aunt to eat. Do you want to come along?”

Xuemei had just delivered a basket of fruit to the Miao household, so they weren’t lacking food. Yet children are always drawn to the fun of gathering. Shaoyuan’s eyes lit up at Jiaoyan’s invitation. “That sounds great! I’m quite good at climbing trees; I’ll help you.”

Having wandered with Miao Suwen since childhood, Shaoyuan had been through all kinds of places and hardships. He was adept at climbing trees and wading through rivers—skills honed through tough experience. Otherwise, he wouldn’t dare venture into the forest alone so often or manage to catch game on occasion.

Wen Tao and Shaoyuan studied martial arts under Gu Chengyong together, but while Wen Tao could only perform a few routines, Shaoyuan had become quite skilled. This was partly because Shaoyuan practiced an extra hour every morning and evening, and partly due to their different natural aptitudes.

When Shaoyuan said he could climb trees, Jiaoyan didn’t doubt him. “Let’s go then. Let’s pick the apricots quickly and take them back so Third Aunt can satisfy her craving.”

The group laughed and chatted as they arrived at the Qi family’s home. In the courtyard, Qi Changwen’s wife sat resting in the shade by the gate. Several of Qi’s daughters-in-law were busy sewing in the cool shade outside the gate. This was a common rural scene: in the height of summer, the indoors were too hot, so the women preferred to work and chat outside in the shade.

“Grandma Qi, Aunts,” Wen Xiu, Wen Fei, Jiaoyan, and Shaoyuan greeted the women in unison.

“Well, well, what a full house today! Come, come inside and sit down,” Grandma Qi smiled broadly upon seeing the children, inviting them indoors.

“Grandma, we won’t go inside. We’re here to pick apricots. My Third Aunt is expecting a baby and craves green apricots. We came to pick some for her,” Jiaoyan said cheerfully as she approached Grandma Qi.

“That’s easy! There are a dozen apricot trees in the back orchard; pick as many as you like. It’s great your Third Aunt’s wish can be fulfilled. Pregnant women’s tastes change quickly, though—she might not want them later,” Grandma Qi said kindly before urging Xuemei to lead the children to the orchard.

The children followed Xuemei without hesitation, heading to the orchard behind the Qi house. The orchard not only had apricot trees but also cherry, plum, crabapple, and grape vines. The family didn’t rely on these fruits for income—they were simply for the children to enjoy. At this time, only the cherries were just turning red, and the apricots were ripe to eat; the other fruits needed more time.

Under the apricot trees, Jiaoyan looked up. Most of the apricots were golden yellow, with only a few still green. Wen Xiu and Shaoyuan each found a tree to climb, picking green apricots and tossing them down.

“Big Brother, Brother Shaoyuan, be careful! There are thorns on the tree; don’t get pricked,” Jiaoyan called from below. Apricot trees had long thorns, not very sharp but still painful if caught.

“No problem, Yan’er. Catch them!” Shaoyuan moved like a monkey, plucking green apricots and tossing them to Jiaoyan, who caught them deftly. Their cooperation was seamless; none of the apricots fell to the ground.

“That’s enough. Let’s not pick too many. It’s just for Third Aunt. The rest can ripen for eating later,” Jiaoyan said, looking at the apricots tucked inside her blouse—there were already quite a few. Wen Fei had gathered some as well, enough for their purpose.

These green apricots were quite sour—only pregnant women like Zhao’s wife would dare eat them. Picking too many would be wasteful if she couldn’t finish them, so Jiaoyan wisely called a stop.

Wen Xiu and Shaoyuan understood and stopped their picking, swiftly climbing down from the trees.

Jiaoyan emptied the apricots from her blouse into Wen Fei’s front pocket. “Wen Fei, you take these back for Third Aunt. I’m going straight to my master’s place and won’t come back with you.”

Wen Fei nodded without protest. The children exited the orchard, took a detour to the front, and said their goodbyes to the Qi family. Wen Xiu and Wen Fei headed home, while Jiaoyan and Shaoyuan returned to the Miao residence.

Upon entering, they saw quite a few people gathered in the courtyard—several were those injured men who had been carried in for treatment days before. Now able to walk and work, they had likely come to express their gratitude. Among them was also the man who had persistently questioned and annoyed Jiaoyan previously.

“No matter what, we must thank Doctor Miao, the miraculous healer, for saving our lives. Without you, our chances would have been slim. We’re here today to repay our debt of gratitude,” the leader said as the others bowed respectfully toward Miao Suwen.

Miao Suwen waved off their thanks. “There’s no need for such formality. I’m a physician—healing is my duty. Besides, you already paid for the treatment. These things here are for your recovery—take them back and use them to nourish yourselves,” she said, pointing to the items on the table in the courtyard.

“Doctor Miao, this is just a small token from us brothers. Each of us has a family. If anything were to happen, life would be unbearable. You saved us all, so how could we not come to thank you?” one injured man said sincerely.

Seeing their earnestness, Miao Suwen nodded and accepted their gifts. “Very well, I’ll keep these. Take the money back. I don’t practice medicine for profit, and you already paid your fees. You all work hard for your money, so I can’t accept any more.”

The men tried to protest, but Miao Suwen motioned for silence. “That’s settled. Otherwise, I won’t keep anything.”

Reluctantly, they gathered the money. “Doctor Miao, we’re honest men. If you ever need anything, just say the word. Whether you send a message through Axi or anyone else, just come to the dock and ask for Old Wang Seven. Whatever it is, we’ll help.”

The leader, Old Wang Seven, pounded his chest and assured Miao Suwen, “We may not be perfect, but we’re strong and know some fighting skills. If you have any difficulties, just call on us. We won’t hesitate to help.”

Miao Suwen nodded, recognizing their sincerity and simple honesty. “Good, I’ve noted it. If I ever encounter a problem I can’t solve, I’ll come to you.”

Jiaoyan, who had been listening at the door, then stepped inside. She approached the men with a bright smile. “I helped that day too! Uncles, how will you repay me?”

The leader, Old Wang Seven, took a step back. This little girl might be young, but she was fierce. He remembered clearly how she had been that day—bold, skilled, and unafraid. She had sutured three men herself with precision and speed.

The four injured men all smiled shyly upon seeing Jiaoyan. “You’re the eldest daughter of the Gu family. We won’t forget your kindness. If you ever need anything, just come find us uncles.”

They had been unconscious during the treatment thanks to the anesthetic and only learned about it later. But since Jiaoyan had changed their dressings every day, they held a good impression of her.

Jiaoyan beamed, folding her hands behind her back and nodding to them. “Alright, uncles. I’ll remember your words. If I need help, I’ll come to you. Uncle Seven, you better not slack off then,” she teased Old Wang Seven.

“Never, never! Miss, I will do my utmost to obey your orders. I wouldn’t dare be careless,” Old Wang Seven promised hastily.

Despite his large stature, Old Wang Seven showed great respect toward the six-year-old girl. This surprised both Miao Suwen and Shaoyuan.

“Jiaoyan, don’t scare them so much,” Miao Suwen tried to suppress a smile but couldn’t help scolding her gently. “Uncle Wang, Jiaoyan was only joking. She’s just a child—there’s no way she could ask for much.”

“No worries, no worries. That girl is remarkable. That day’s scene was terrifying even for adults. But look at her—so calm and unafraid. Her suturing was swift and neat, like sewing clothes. Truly impressive. Doctor Miao, your apprentice is definitely a talent,” Old Wang Seven said sincerely, every word from the heart.