"Let's remove these scars, and your face will return to its original state," Feng Jin said softly, applying the Qingfeng Yulu Paste to Yun Niang's cheek scars.
A cool sensation spread slowly. Yun Niang found it incredibly comfortable.
"Alright, Ling Wan, from now on, the task of applying medicine to Yun Niang will be yours. Once in the morning, once at noon, and once in the evening."
"I've got it all noted down, eldest sister-in-law. You can rest assured," Ling Wan promised, patting her chest.
Feng Jin had always known Ling Wan to be meticulously attentive, making her the most suitable person to care for Yun Niang.
"Be sure to remember three times a day, no missing any. After three days, the scars on your face will fade, and in seven days, all the scars will be gone."
Qingfeng Yulu Paste was her exclusive secret recipe, containing dozens of precious medicinal herbs. Its scar-removing effect was truly first-class.
Ling Wan nodded in agreement, then pulled Feng Jin aside and said, "Eldest sister-in-law, there are a few parts in my medical book that I can't quite understand. Could you teach me?"
She had pondered it repeatedly but couldn't figure it out.
"Tell me about it?"
"The book states that wind-cold syndrome causes persistent high fever, but I've seen some patients who don't have a fever, but rather feel cold. Why is that?"
Feng Jin explained patiently, pausing before continuing, "Everyone's constitution is different, and the symptoms of an illness manifest differently in each person. A physician shouldn't just rely on what's in books but should learn to be flexible. Practice is even more important. The more you see and the more patients you interact with, the more you'll understand various illnesses, and only then can you prescribe the correct treatment."
Ling Wan had decent talent in medicine. It was time for her to learn to handle patients. Practice was indeed the most crucial aspect.
"After the medical hall opens, you will follow me and observe how I diagnose and treat patients."
"Really? I will definitely study hard," Ling Wan exclaimed with delight. She finally had something of her own to do and wouldn't have to be confined to that small, square courtyard all day.
"You take good care of Yun Niang first. When we open, Yun Niang will be our living advertisement."
"Madame, I will never forget your great kindness to Yun Niang. I will do my best to promote the medical hall."
One must be grateful and repay kindness. This was all she could do.
Feng Jin nodded slowly with a smile, "You should rest well and regain your energy. I'm counting on you to attract customers. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."
She had already sent out notices to recruit doctors. She couldn't manage the medical hall alone; she needed someone with exceptional medical skills.
It was a shame that most of the applicants recently had only mediocre skills, being mere quacks.
In this era, medical skills were passed down within families and never taught to outsiders, which led to a shortage of highly skilled physicians.
"Young Madam, the person who came today said they used to work at Huichun Hall, and left because the proprietor there was withholding wages."
Cai Qing relayed all the information she knew.
"Whether they have real skill or not, we'll know after a test."
Feng Jin had always valued genuine ability over reputation.
"Their skills naturally cannot compare to yours, Young Madam. I'd say you are the most skilled physician in the world. Their paltry techniques are not even worth mentioning compared to yours."
"You little girl, you need to learn to be modest. The world is vast, and there are capable people everywhere. You must never become complacent after achieving a little."
"I've noted it all down, Young Madam. Aren't I happy for you?" Cai Qing stuck out her tongue, saying that in her eyes, her Young Madam was the most outstanding person in the world, incomparable to anyone else.
As Feng Jin entered, she saw a young man in white standing by the window. Judging by his back, he looked like a scholarly gentleman, but his character was yet to be known.
"Young Master, my Young Madam has arrived," Cai Qing said to the man's back.
The young man in white heard the sound and turned around, his eyes meeting Feng Jin's. His gaze was gentle as he said, "Wei Ran greets Madame."
Feng Jin's gaze appraised the person before her and she slowly said, "Young Master, you worked at Huichun Hall for a period before. Why did you seek new employment?"
"Since Madame mentioned seeking new employment, it naturally means Huichun Hall was not a place for advancement. Humans die for wealth, birds die for food. I am but a common person, naturally, I must run around for money."
Wei Ran spoke with disarming honesty, his demeanor projecting an air of justification. Few could match his directness.
"Your words are truly frank. It is said that a gentleman loves wealth and obtains it righteously. Young Master, you are indeed a straightforward person." Feng Jin praised, observing that a person's disposition and character could be discerned in just a few words.
She paused, then continued, "As a physician, first, one must have noble character and save lives. Second, and most importantly, is the skill itself.
"Young Master Wei, perhaps you could examine my maid's pulse and tell me how it is."
"As long as Miss Cai Qing doesn't mind, I have no objections."
Cai Qing immediately sat down, exposing her wrist.
Wei Ran took out a silk handkerchief and placed it on Cai Qing's wrist before taking her pulse.
Feng Jin watched silently. Taking the pulse through a handkerchief indicated that this person's medical skills were decent, and he was a gentleman.
"The young lady's pulse is slightly weak and intermittent. You haven't been resting well these past two days. Drinking some calming herbal decoction should suffice. Everything else appears to be normal."
"Thank you, Young Master," Cai Qing said, expressing her gratitude before standing up.
"Young Master's medical skills are truly excellent. If you are willing, you can stay here, practice medicine, and heal the sick."
Wei Ran paused before speaking, "Madame, how will the wages be calculated?"
"Five taels of silver per month, and a three percent commission based on the medical hall's profits." Feng Jin had already inquired about wages in the surrounding areas. The price she offered was undoubtedly the highest.
"I have one more request. My mother is ill and bedridden. I need to be able to take medicine from the medical hall to treat my mother."
After saying this, Wei Ran lowered his head in silence. The salary Feng Jin offered was more than triple that of Huichun Hall. By making this request, he felt he was being rather greedy, but it was due to his predicament.
"Agreed."
"Really?" Wei Ran asked, unsure.
Feng Jin nodded solemnly, "I am serious. If you have genuine skill, your wages will increase later. If you have no objections, you can start working in three days."
"Very well," Wei Ran replied in a deep voice. He paused and then said, "May I take some medicine first? I..."
Feng Jin sensed his current difficulty and readily agreed, "Go and get the medicine."
"Thank you," Wei Ran said with clasped hands, expertly gathering the herbs.
After Wei Ran left, Cai Qing leaned in and said, "Young Madam, this person is quite presumptuous. The medicine he just grabbed is not cheap."
"Alright, he might have his difficulties."