TFWYH – Chapter 400 Preparing the Coffin

Madam Su readily agreed.

In the end, Tang Wan even called little Ye Shi to the clinic to help.

The girl possessed remarkable talent in medicine—she grasped concepts instantly, could infer many things from one example, and improved at an astonishing speed.

Besides Ye Shi, Tang Wan also recruited five refugee children with good potential to serve as apprentice medicine boys.

As for the clinic’s original two apprentices, the intense, day-and-night workload during the disaster had already forced them to grow capable enough to handle matters independently.

Now, Jishi Hall had grown into quite a large operation: five consulting physicians, five medicine apprentices, Ye Shi assisting, and Tang Wan herself occasionally stepping in.

For a clinic of Jishi Hall’s size, this was already an enormous scale.

Doctor Li grew concerned and sought Tang Wan out.

“There are so many doctors and apprentices now,” he said. “During the disaster, we barely manage. But once the crisis passes, we’ll have too many people.”

Tang Wan had long considered this.

“I know. After the disaster ends, I plan to open another Jishi Hall in the capital. Aside from Ye Shi, I intend to take two doctors and three apprentices with me. You all can discuss among yourselves who is willing to go.”

Doctor Li stared at her.
“…You’re already planning to open a clinic in the capital?”

“Yes. My husband will be going there for the imperial examinations—so, conveniently…”

“…Conveniently?” Doctor Li looked at her speechlessly before sighing. “Very well. After we get through this busy period, I’ll talk to everyone. Doctor Fang has many children and grandchildren, so he likely won’t leave. Doctor Zeng only has his elderly wife; he may be willing to go.”

“And you?” Tang Wan asked.

“I have no family or attachments,” Doctor Li chuckled softly. “At my age, being able to see the capital once wouldn’t be bad.”

Yet there was a trace of loneliness in his expression.

Tang Wan noticed immediately and frowned.
“You’re my master. If you need help with anything, just say it.”

Doctor Li gave a bitter smile.
“It’s nothing… I simply have no children or descendants. I fear that when I die someday, no one will be there to care for my funeral rites.”

People of this era feared dying without anyone to mourn them or send them off properly.

Tang Wan nodded in understanding.
“It’s fine. You’re my master—half a father to me. I’ll take care of you in your old age and see you off when the time comes.”

Doctor Li froze.
“But… I’m not really your master…”

“If I say you are, then you are.”

“…Then thank you.”

He was deeply moved. He never expected this inexpensive “disciple” to treat him so well—not only teaching him medical techniques in return, but even promising to care for him in old age.

Unfortunately, his gratitude lasted only a moment.

The next second, Tang Wan asked curiously,
“What style of coffin do you prefer? Tell me early so I can prepare.”

Doctor Li: …

I’m not dead yet!!!

In the end, Doctor Li chased Tang Wan out of the clinic.

Tang Wan: …Why do old men change moods so suddenly?

Since there were fewer patients now, she decided to wander around before heading home for dinner.

She first went to check the site of her former home and found that the rubble had already been cleared away.

Then she stopped by Tang Hongba’s place—the ruins there had also been cleared, and a foundation had already been laid.

A foundation?

A flash of inspiration struck Tang Wan. She immediately returned to the manor to ask Ling Yue for money.

When she arrived, Gesang was there as well.

Seeing Tang Wan, Gesang greeted her warmly.
“Wan-niang! Long time no see!”

“What brings you here?”

“I came to buy more beef jerky from Miss Yue!” Gesang said happily. “Your beef jerky is excellent. The moment I brought it back to the Northern Frontier, it was sold out instantly. So I came again for more—but Miss Yue says everything’s already been bought and there’s no stock left. Could you help put in a good word for me?”