Chapter 96

Nowadays, ginseng cultivation is rare. Most of the time, it’s passed down through generations of ginseng diggers who venture into the mountains. But digging for ginseng is both time-consuming and labor-intensive, and you’re not guaranteed to find any. That’s why there are few professional ginseng diggers in Beicha. Usually, if someone comes across one while out on the mountain, they mark the spot and dig it up with a stick—but that often damages the roots.

In places like the Changbai Mountains, however, many families have passed down the craft for generations. They go up the mountain every day with professional tools and even conduct proper rituals. They might spend several hours—or even an entire day—carefully clearing away the soil bit by bit, so that when the ginseng is unearthed, not a single hair-like root is damaged.

But for Zhenzhen, neither method is necessary. With just the tip of her toe tapping the ground, the mountain soil loosens on its own. Then the ginseng pushes up two leaves and flips itself out of the soil in a roll, not even losing a single fine root hair.

Chinese people have a deep-rooted belief in the mystical properties of ginseng and lingzhi. If a household owns an aged specimen, it’s often treated as a life-saving treasure to be venerated. Old Madam Xi was no exception. She was beaming when she saw the lingzhi, and her face turned red with excitement when she saw the wild ginseng.

Her eldest daughter, Xi Suyu, leaned in for a closer look and was genuinely delighted that her mother had received such a wonderful longevity gift. “Mom, this is a real treasure. We should invite a doctor to see if it can be added to your daily health regimen.”

“It’s a shame to use such good ginseng in a medicinal brew,” Old Madam Xi was reluctant. “The kind of wild ginseng sold in pharmacies—about as thick as a chopstick—is already enough. I think this one should be kept as a family heirloom.”

Xi Suyu laughed helplessly. “Ginseng isn’t like other things. Even a hundred-year-old root will lose its medicinal properties if stored too long. If you just keep it on display, it’ll go to waste.”

Chang Leqing, Xi Junjie’s grandaunt, nodded in agreement. “Eldest Sister is right. Store it for now, and we’ll have a doctor take your pulse and decide. Speaking of which, no one is better at reading pulses than Master Zhang Renzhe of traditional Chinese medicine. But he rarely sees patients anymore. My son Changshan went to invite him last time and couldn’t even get through.”

Old Master Xi held a high status, and his eldest son, Xi Changshan, was now the mayor of the imperial capital. Yet even he had no sway with a master doctor like Zhang Renzhe. Ling Xiulan quickly added, “We can invite someone else. I heard that Mr. Cheng Xuewu is also very skilled at pulse diagnosis. But he only sees ten patients a day, and everyone needs to take a number. I’ll have Junjie go check and see when we can get a slot.”

Chang Leqing nodded. “That works too. Mom’s condition isn’t urgent—this is just for general upkeep.”

As Xi Junjie listened from the side, he started to feel that something was off. He’d grown up in France and had focused entirely on his studies after returning, so he knew nothing about traditional Chinese medicine. Though he sometimes smelled medicinal herbs at the old house, he’d always been told they were for the elders’ wellness. This was his first time hearing names like these.

“Master Zhang Renzhe… Mr. Cheng Xuewu…” Xi Junjie glanced down at Zhenzhen. “Why do those names sound so familiar?”

Xi Suyu heard him and smiled. “These two old gentlemen really are famous. Even someone like Junjie, who’s only been back a few years, has heard of them.”

Junjie looked at Zhenzhen but said nothing. Zhenzhen smiled and explained, “It’s winter break, so we’ve had more free time lately. Junjie has accompanied me to visit Master Zhang’s house a few times, and we’ve met Mr. Cheng there as well.” She gave Junjie a sweet smile. “Master Zhang really likes Junjie’s cooking. If Grandma Xi wants to consult him, there’s a way—just have Junjie bring a pot of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and take you there directly. I guarantee he won’t turn you away.”

This surprised not only the family but even Ling Xiulan, who looked at the young couple with wide eyes. When had Junjie gotten acquainted with a national medical master? She had no idea.

Junjie looked a little embarrassed. “Wouldn’t that trouble you and Master Zhang?”

Zhenzhen smiled. “Actually, Master Zhang doesn’t mind taking pulses. Didn’t you notice how he pops by my house every few days and checks everyone just for fun? He just hates social obligations. Once he treats one family, a whole line of people comes knocking through connections.” She turned to Old Madam Xi and sweetened her tone. “If you weren’t family, Grandma, I wouldn’t dare offer.”

“Thank you so much,” said Old Madam Xi, gripping Zhenzhen’s hand tightly, her eyes practically disappearing with joy. “Grandma’s really lucky to have you two.”

Everyone present looked on with envy. After all, people tend to develop ailments as they age. If they could find a great doctor to help maintain their health, they might live several more years. But they were all astute enough to understand Zhenzhen’s meaning—she was using her personal connection to get the old lady in. If anyone else wanted to see Master Zhang, they’d need to find their own way.

Although Xi Junjie had only reconnected with the old lady in recent years, he had grown fond of her cheerful and warm demeanor. Seeing that Zhenzhen had no objections, he immediately smiled and said, “I’ll cook it tonight. I think Grandma Li likes it too. I’ll make a pot for her as well.”

“She’ll probably sing your praises for the next two weeks,” Zhenzhen joked, blinking playfully, prompting everyone to laugh kindly.

Old Madam Xi had always remembered Junjie as quiet and unsmiling. Even as a child, he often had a stern face. Seeing him now so cheerful with Zhenzhen, she felt relieved. In the end, all one really wanted in life was for their children and grandchildren to be safe and happy.

“So should I come pick you up the morning after tomorrow?” Junjie asked.

“Sure. I’ll mention it to Master Zhang tomorrow morning when I accompany him to the market,” Zhenzhen said. Then, glancing at the stern-looking Old Master Xi sitting nearby, she asked, “Grandpa, would you like to come too?”

“I won’t go. I’m in excellent health,” he said, his voice firm as he sipped his tea and twirled a walnut in one hand. “I’ve never taken medicine in my life.”

“Don’t mind him,” Old Madam Xi waved a hand dismissively and shot him a glance. “He’s just stubborn. He’s actually afraid of bitter medicine.”

Old Master Xi gave a light cough, turned his head proudly, and pretended not to hear. Having been left out for a while, Xi Sumei finally couldn’t hold back and chimed in, “Mom, if Dad’s not going, how about I take you?”

“What for?” Old Madam Xi frowned slightly. “No need. Your third sister-in-law will accompany me.”

She knew very well that her youngest daughter and Ling Xiulan had never gotten along since they first met. Xiulan only tolerated her for her sake and clearly didn’t want to talk to her more than necessary. If she brought Sumei along to the appointment, Xiulan would be extremely uncomfortable.

“Mooom!” Sumei, face full of wrinkles, stomped her foot like a child. “A daughter is always more attentive than a daughter-in-law.”

Before Xiulan could respond, Chang Leqing was already displeased. She glanced at Sumei with a half-smile and sneered, “You say that like you’re the one who’s been caring for Mom and Dad all these years.”

Sumei froze. For once, she didn’t dare argue. After all, her husband’s job had been arranged by her older brother, and it was indeed her sister-in-law who had done all the actual caregiving over the years.

“Well… a married daughter is like water spilled out, it’s not convenient for me to help even if I wanted to.” Sumei laughed awkwardly, then moved closer again. “Mom, let me go with you the day after tomorrow. When I gave birth to Ranran, I didn’t recover well, and now my lower back always aches and my hands are cold. Let Master Zhang check me too, okay?”

Glancing at Zhenzhen standing nearby, Old Madam Xi’s face flushed with embarrassment at her daughter’s shamelessness. “You really have the nerve. Go find a doctor yourself.”

“Why are you getting angry?” Sumei truly didn’t understand why her mother was upset. “Didn’t you say Master Zhang is good? I don’t trust anyone else. And besides, it’s just a quick extra check. I’ll be there anyway—he won’t refuse, will he?”

Since this was Zhenzhen’s first visit to the family, it wasn’t her place to say anything. Xi Junjie gently took her hand and flashed a graceful smile. “Sorry, Auntie, but I’m afraid he really won’t give you a consultation.” Seeing Sumei looking over, his smile turned mocking. “The old master once said, he doesn’t treat just any Tom, Dick, or Harry.”

In truth, when Zhang Renzhe goes out for a stroll, he can often diagnose someone’s condition just by looking at their face. If the issue is serious or urgent, he’ll set down his birdcage and take their pulse right then and there—he doesn’t care whether he knows them. That’s why many elderly folks wander around the Beiyang area early in the morning, hoping to run into the legendary doctor. But for people like Xi Sumei, sometimes a direct slap in the face is the best medicine.

Sumei’s eyes narrowed. “Is that how you speak to your aunt?”

Junjie smiled apologetically. “Sorry, Auntie. Those were the master’s exact words—I just repeated them.”

Sumei was so choked up she couldn’t respond. Someone nearby quickly laughed and said, “Sumei, this really isn’t a big deal. Just go to the pharmacy and find a doctor there. Master Zhang is extremely eccentric. You’re still young and not seriously ill—he won’t take your pulse even if you go in person.”

“Exactly,” someone else chimed in. “You’d just be wasting his time.”

Xi Sumei bit her lip in humiliation. She felt it was all because her father-in-law and husband were useless—one living on a meager retirement pension, the other just a factory worker. That’s why everyone looked down on her. If only her father-in-law had kept his old position, these people wouldn’t dare to sneer at her day in and day out.

Xi Sumei always believed her problems getting along with others were because of them, never reflecting on how her own words and actions were so off-putting. The Xi family’s relatives and her sisters-in-law tolerated her only out of respect for the old lady. Behind her back, they always brought her up with disgust.

The old lady of the Xi family knew all this clearly. She never had high hopes for her youngest daughter—so long as she didn’t bring her trouble while she was still alive, that was enough. As for after she and her husband were gone, Xi Sumei could do whatever she wanted. They wouldn’t be around to see it anyway.

Seeing Xi Sumei stubbornly insisting on going with her to see Mr. Zhang, the old lady directly shut her down: “You go to work if you’re supposed to. If you’re not feeling well, then go to the hospital. The day after tomorrow, your sister-in-law can come with me. You don’t need to worry.”

Xi Sumei muttered unwillingly, “With what our family earns, where would I get the money to see a doctor? No one in this family lacks money except me, but not a single one offers to help. If each household gave me ten yuan a month, wouldn’t my life be so much easier?”

The old lady ignored her. She’d had the bad luck to give birth to a debt collector, but her eldest daughter and sons owed her nothing. Why should they give her ten yuan a month? Just hearing it made her feel sick.

She handed the box containing the ginseng to Chang Leqing and lovingly touched her treasured lingzhi mushroom. “Eldest daughter-in-law, take your boy and help me put these two treasures in my room.” Smiling, Chang Leqing took the ginseng and led her son away. As they were about to leave, the old lady glanced at Xi Sumei and specifically reminded them, “Put them in the cabinet, and don’t forget to lock it.”

“Alright, don’t worry.” Chang Leqing tried not to laugh. Carrying the wooden box while her son held the lingzhi, they took the items to the old lady’s room. She then looked back at the painting on the wall. “After my birthday, I’m moving that painting into my room too.”

Everyone craned their necks to watch the lingzhi with the longevity character and the century-old wild ginseng disappear from view, sighing with longing. One of the old lady’s sisters-in-law, sensing the earlier tension, feigned dissatisfaction and widened her eyes. “Couldn’t let us look a little longer? So stingy! What, afraid we’ll ruin it just by looking?”

Having been sister-in-laws for decades, the old lady enjoyed teasing her. “I’m just thinking of your grandson’s well-being. What if you get jealous, lose sleep over it, and then wonder where you’ll find a filial daughter-in-law like our Zhenzhen?”

Her sister-in-law turned to look at her grandsons, who all immediately dropped their heads. She huffed in frustration. “They’re not even married yet.” Then she turned to Zhenzhen and grinned. “Zhenzhen, dating someone doesn’t mean you have to marry him. If you find someone better, you should switch.” She pointed toward her nearby grandsons, beaming, “These are all mine—pick whichever you like.” Then, seeing Xi Junjie’s face darken, she added boldly, “Can’t choose? Take two!”

Everyone burst out laughing. Zhenzhen laughed so hard she nearly doubled over, while Xi Junjie looked wounded, practically radiating gloom. Zhenzhen reached out to comfort him, her smiling eyes making even the bystanders laugh along. “Second Granny, I’m not thinking about changing partners right now, but if I ever do, you’ll be the first to know.” Xi Junjie instantly tightened his grip on her hand and said firmly, “Don’t worry, I won’t give you the chance to want that.”

His words earned a round of warm smiles. The old lady quickly added, “Trying to poach my granddaughter-in-law just because I haven’t given her a meeting gift? Not a chance.” She pulled Zhenzhen closer and slipped a pair of soft, plump, vivid green jade bangles off her wrist and onto Zhenzhen’s. “Good girl, this is my meeting gift to you.”

Zhenzhen had lived through the jade craze in her past life. Even if she hadn’t owned any herself, she’d seen enough on TV to recognize quality. These bangles had excellent clarity and color—definitely top-grade. The warm, smooth feel also suggested they were quite old.

“Grandma, this is too valuable. I can’t accept it.” Zhenzhen quickly tried to remove the bangles and return them.

The old lady stopped her with displeasure. “And those lingzhi and ginseng you gave me aren’t valuable? That lingzhi with the longevity character—might not find one in a hundred years. It’s rare, not just precious.” Zhenzhen touched her nose sheepishly. That one’s not rare. I could even find you one with Eight Immortals if you wanted.

“This is a gift from your grandmother. If you don’t take it, I’ll be upset.” The old lady’s tone was firm, and Zhenzhen nodded. “Thank you, Grandma.”

Watching Zhenzhen wear the bangles, the old lady nodded with satisfaction. “They say fine jade suits a beautiful woman. I’m too old for these now. But with you as their new owner, I think they’ll be happy too.” Everyone realized the old lady had just officially approved of her granddaughter-in-law, and they all clapped and smiled.

Only Xi Sumei’s eyes were red with envy. She had loved those bangles since childhood, always begging her mother for them. But the old lady had insisted they were expensive wedding tokens bought at auction and couldn’t be given away. Xi Sumei had long been worried the bangles would go to her eldest sister-in-law, and only relaxed when she saw her mother still wearing them.

She had thought the old lady, with three daughters-in-law, wouldn’t give them to any of them to avoid conflict. Splitting them between her two daughters seemed fairest. Even if the old lady didn’t mention it while alive, once she passed away, if Xi Sumei asked for them as a keepsake, her sisters-in-law wouldn’t refuse. But she had never imagined the old lady would give them to that yellow-haired girl!

Fuming, Xi Sumei shot to her feet—only to feel a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see her daughter, barely suppressing her fury. “Those are my bangles.”

Shang Qingran shook her head slightly and whispered, “Wait till they leave. Otherwise Grandma will lose face and definitely won’t give them to you.” She glanced at the bangles, her eyes flickering with hesitation. “Maybe we should focus on moving back in. Forget the bangles—it’s not worth ruining everything.”

Xi Sumei’s face twisted with frustration, but she listened to her daughter and stayed seated. In her youth, she had no foresight and was extremely vain. That’s why she’d made so many foolish choices, falling for Shang Zhicheng’s sweet talk and even severing ties with her family to marry him. The Shang family had only wanted to latch onto the powerful Xi family and never expected them to actually cut her off. But the Xi family really had—completely ignoring her for over a decade.

The Shang family felt they’d gained nothing and often scolded her. Xi Sumei was so humiliated she didn’t dare make a sound. But once back home, she immediately resumed acting superior, picking on everyone, acting like she was still the pampered youngest daughter.

Surrounded by chatting relatives, the old lady seemed especially cheerful. As lunchtime arrived, several large tables were filled, and everyone enjoyed a lively meal before slowly dispersing.

Seeing how happy the old lady was, Xi Sumei sidled up again. “Mom, look at the wool blanket Qingran gave you—it’s really nice and thick. You should try it tonight.”

The old lady stared at her speechlessly. “You want me to use a blanket in the middle of winter? Trying to freeze me to death?”

“I just meant Qingran is very thoughtful.” Xi Sumei forced a smile. “Mom, now that Qingran’s on winter break, why not let her stay here with you for a while?”

“No need. I’m old and like peace and quiet. Your eldest sister-in-law and I do just fine.” The old lady saw right through her daughter. She knew Xi Sumei was dissatisfied with her current housing and wanted to move back into the courtyard. Her husband had firmly rejected that idea when it was first raised. Now she was likely plotting to have her daughter stay first, then say she missed her child and come too—eventually even bring Shang Zhicheng. The old lady found their scheming disgusting.

“Qingran isn’t noisy.” Xi Sumei quickly pushed Shang Qingran closer. “She’s great company—you and Dad wouldn’t feel lonely with her around.”

“I’m not lonely anymore.” Grandma Xi raised her eyebrows. “I have a bunch of grandchildren; how could I be lonely? Since Qingran is free, let her spend some good time with her grandpa and grandma. She shouldn’t keep coming here all the time.”

Seeing Xi Sumei’s angry face, as if she wanted to start a fight, Zhenzhen quickly stood up and smiled, “Grandma Xi, you’ve had a long day, please rest early. I’ll head home now.”

Grandma Xi nodded, “Come visit the house when you have time.” Then she glanced at Xi Junjie, “You see Zhenzhen home, and then make the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup early.”

Xi Junjie took Zhenzhen away from the old house, but although she left, her heart stayed at the scene of the fight. She sat in the car pretending to nap, her mind drifting back to the Xi family’s old house.

“Mom, have you forgotten that I’m your daughter?” Xi Sumei stomped her foot, looking like she was about to throw a tantrum.

Xi Suyu’s face darkened as she went over and pushed Xi Sumei, making her stumble. “Mom’s birthday is today, can you not make a scene? So many people came to celebrate, and here you are causing trouble again—don’t you feel ashamed?”

“What’s there to be ashamed of?” Xi Sumei straightened her neck, glaring at Xi Suyu. “Mom’s favoritism isn’t even shameful. We’re five siblings, why do the other four have such good lives while mine is so bad?”

Xi Suyu laughed in anger, “If you’re unhappy, go to your man. What does that have to do with our family? Your sisters-in-law are too polite to say it, but I don’t hold back. Xi Sumei, if the only reason you come home is for your messy petty grudges, then don’t come back at all. Save Mom the headache.”

Grandma Xi glanced at Xi Sumei with an expressionless face, “I’ll say this once: I will never allow you to move in here, and Qingran can’t come over either.”

Shang Qingran’s face flushed red with anger. She shot Grandma Xi a hateful look, then stood up and walked away without looking back.

“Ranran!” Xi Sumei shouted twice, but seeing Shang Qingran leave the yard without turning back, she angrily stared at Grandma Xi, “Fine, I’m an outsider now since I married out, and if I’m not allowed to live here, so be it. But at least give me an explanation for that bracelet just now.”

“Bracelet?” Grandma Xi was stunned. “My bracelet? What explanation do you want from me?”

“That bracelet should go to your daughter, right? Why give it to a granddaughter-in-law you just met, who you don’t even know if she’ll stay? Aren’t you afraid the other grandchildren will be unhappy?”

Everyone in Grandma Xi’s family was there except Xi Junjie. The grandsons, already annoyed by Xi Sumei’s attitude, shook their heads, “We don’t mind. She gave such a valuable gift for meeting us; returning a bracelet is only fair.”

Xi Sumei looked at them in disbelief, “Are you all crazy?” She shook her head speechlessly and pointed to the eldest and second sister-in-law. Chang Leqing quickly said, “I don’t mind either. It looks good.” The second sister-in-law nodded, “That girl looks good wearing it.”

Xi Suyu sneered, “You think everyone else has no family feelings like you? Every day it’s all scheming or money-minded. Xi Sumei, let me tell you, you’re in this mess because of your own doing. Don’t blame anyone but yourself.”

Grandma Xi couldn’t help but sigh, “Other families can support a whole family on one person’s salary, and you two both work. Your income should be enough to live on.” Looking at Xi Sumei’s fashionable clothes, Grandma Xi shook her head, “You should eat according to your bowl size. Stop comparing yourself to others. It’s their business what they earn. Instead of being jealous, think about how to improve your own life.”

The usually silent Grandpa Xi suddenly stood up, “Your mother is right. Go home and think it over. Don’t come back for now.” Seeing the messy house, Grandpa Xi’s fists clenched so tightly the veins bulged, “The biggest mistake today was inviting you back to celebrate your mother’s birthday. In the future, don’t come for our birthdays, New Year, or holidays. You just cause trouble.”

Grandpa and Grandma Xi turned and left. The others dispersed. The housekeeper came to clean the table. Xi Sumei collapsed on the floor, tears streaming down her face, “Why don’t you help me? I’m your daughter.”

“Beep beep…” A car turned into Houyang. Zhenzhen withdrew her thoughts and got out with Xi Junjie. Neither of them went home but sat on a bench by the lake. Zhenzhen put her hands in her pockets and looked at Xi Junjie. “Junjie, I think your aunt’s princess syndrome and jealousy are pretty bad.”

Though Xi Junjie had never heard those terms before, he instantly understood their meaning. He sighed softly, “My dad told me no one in the family ever neglected her, but she never appreciated it. Instead, she found faults and acted like she wanted money and favors. Whenever things didn’t meet her demands, she’d cry and scream. Even when helped, she never said thanks, acting like it was owed to her. Later, she insisted on marrying into the Shang family, and then both families were sent away. My two uncles were struggling to survive and weren’t in the same faction, so no one could intervene. She thought the whole family owed her. She blames the family for her bad life but never reflects on herself.” Thinking of his little cousin, Xi Junjie frowned, “I think her daughter’s being spoiled by her.”

Zhenzhen had a bad impression of Shang Qingran: “That girl’s eyes look really dark. I don’t like her.”

Xi Junjie held Zhenzhen’s hand and whispered in her ear, “That’s perfect. As long as you like me, that’s all that matters.”

Author’s note: I dreamed during my noon nap that I had Zhenzhen’s powers—I could turn invisible and fly. When fighting a boss who liked stealing others’ lifespans, I sneaked invisibly, found the boss’s fate chart, and extinguished the flame on his JJ. Then the boss was castrated. What kind of twisted humor is this of mine?