BMN : Chapter 40

The plum blossoms in Peach Blossom Courtyard bloomed, and after a snowfall, their fragrance became even more refreshing.

Inhaling deeply, Jin Yi found the familiar scent reminiscent of a past winter day, almost making him lose himself and mistakenly believe he had returned to a time when Fu Ming was still around.

Quickly regaining his composure, he carefully broke off a branch of blossoms, placing it in a porcelain vase on his desk. He mused aloud with a gentle smile, “If you were here and saw such beautiful flowers, would you paint a picture or compose a poem?”

Unlike many other literati, Fu Ming did not favor plum blossoms exclusively. He genuinely appreciated them, but he held a fondness for many flowers and plants. Jin Yi had once read an essay by Fu Ming, in which he stated that people often project their emotions onto flowers—some love peach and plum, others pear, chrysanthemums, plum blossoms, or orchids. But Fu Ming loved flowers for their colors, forms, and fragrances, without needing to imbue them with personal feelings; he simply admired them.

Jin Yi recalled the look in Fu Ming’s eyes, often filled with appreciation. It seemed that because he could appreciate the diverse beauties of the world, those eyes always held warmth and light.

Flowers bloom in their season and wither as expected.

As the plum blossoms reached half-bloom, Renlan got married.

As her brother, Jin Yi personally carried her out of the house and delivered her to her groom.

On his back, Renlan whispered in his ear, “Brother, I feel a bit reluctant, but I’m also happy…” She hesitated, “If only Ming were here, it would be perfect.”

This light remark struck Jin Yi’s heart. As they approached the gate, he nodded slightly and replied, “Yes. You live well, and both Ming and I will be at ease.”

Among her dowry were many valuable items. However, the one Renlan treasured most was an old, not particularly expensive screen depicting the four seasons, inscribed with two lines of poetry: “All things calmly observed bring self-contentment; the joys of the seasons are shared with all.”

Later, every year on the first day of each season, she would have the carefully stored screen placed in her room, drinking tea and admiring it, quietly spending the day. Even her affectionate husband never understood why she valued this screen so much.

After her wedding and return visit, Renlan and her husband displayed loving care for each other, which pleased the old lady, though she still worried about Jin Yi. Fortunately, there was still the sensible and well-behaved Zhao Yan to comfort her.

Time flowed by leisurely, the seasons cycled, and life and death continued.

In recent years, the southern regions had suffered many natural disasters. This year, floods occurred again, and Jin Yi was ordered to lead troops to aid in flood control.

During the flood relief efforts, he led by example, showing fearless courage. On a night when a large lake burst its banks, he stayed up all night leading the rescue efforts. When he saved a woman floating in the water and returned her to her husband, the couple, in tears, expressed their gratitude repeatedly. Seeing their reunion brought him a measure of comfort. Although he could no longer experience such joy in his life, he felt a sense of solace in being able to help others achieve it.

For his meritorious service in the flood relief, Jin Yi was promoted again upon returning to the capital. With his rising status, matchmakers once again began approaching the Jin family, but the old lady politely declined them all. It wasn’t that she didn’t want it, but because Jin Yi didn’t want it. She thought that perhaps more time was needed, and in a few years, he might forget or no longer care.

Indeed, time is the best remedy for emotional wounds. While Jin Yi occasionally saw others visiting Fu Ming’s grave in the early years, the visits became fewer over time. But he continued to visit almost every holiday.

He thought that if everyone else forgot, it would be good. Then he could keep Fu Ming’s memory to himself, sharing his life with him in the long years to come, without any outside interference.

It had been nearly three years since Fu Ming’s death.

This year, a significant event occurred in the capital. At the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet, the Emperor was assassinated. Though he did not die immediately, the injury and shock exacerbated the already frail health of the elderly Emperor, who soon passed away. The assassin was a performer favored by the Crown Prince for many years, implicating the Crown Prince. Many people were arrested and interrogated, and the third prince ascended the throne as the new Emperor.

The Western Xia kingdom seized the opportunity of the regime change in the Central Plains and launched an invasion along the northwest border. Jin Yi was ordered to lead troops to the front, where he joined forces with General Jiang Yisun, who was already stationed in the region, to resist the Western Xia army.

Over two years ago, in a small border town within Liangzhou, a Dr. Fang arrived with his son, Fang Fan. The two opened a medical clinic and quickly gained the trust of the local populace, leading them to settle there.

Every morning, the clinic’s doors opened. Fang Fan would sweep the courtyard, clearing it of fallen leaves. Although it was only early autumn, signs of desolation were already apparent. Leaning on the broom, Fang Fan looked out at the distant yellow hills, bare save for the slowly rising white sun. This place was vastly different from his hometown, lacking bustling markets and picturesque scenery. Apart from sparse, small oases and the simple towns built upon them, there was only endless desert and barren hills. Yet, he had gradually grown accustomed to it, as if the vast sky and earth here could soothe some unspeakable and heavy emotions within him. The strong winds had blown year after year, making him stronger, like the elm tree in the courtyard, gradually shedding unnecessary things.

As the sun rose higher, after the cook they had hired prepared breakfast, patients began arriving.

Usually, Fang Fan handled the consultations. He could diagnose and treat most conditions, but when faced with difficult cases, he would call in his father while stepping aside to learn.

However, not all illnesses could be cured. For those patients beyond help, they could only strive to ease their pain and allow them to depart with dignity, offering comfort where they could.

The elder Dr. Fang, with his age and experience, could comfort others with just a few words. For those who understood, it was easier to accept; for younger patients who struggled to comprehend and accept, Fang Fan would have to spend more time comforting them.

Occasionally, Dr. Fang would give lectures on Buddhist teachings. As a medical practitioner and a layperson who had studied Buddhism for many years and gained some insight into prajna wisdom, he could explain the teachings in simple terms. Locals, whether healthy or ill, enjoyed attending his lectures at the clinic.

In this harsh frontier land, where life was tough, many people turned to Buddhism for solace. Dr. Fang’s lectures were well-received, aligning with the people’s sentiments.

Whenever Dr. Fang lectured, Fang Fan would brew a large pot of tea, serving a bowl to each attendee. While Dr. Fang spoke, Fang Fan would cleanse his hands, burn incense, and play the zither to accompany the lecture. The music flowed gently under Dr. Fang’s serene and insightful words, quietly entering the listeners’ hearts.

After some time, Dr. Fang became highly respected locally, attracting people from surrounding areas as well.

However, some said that Fang Fan, Dr. Fang’s son, was also a skilled and compassionate healer, though his reputation was overshadowed by his father’s. Regardless of his own renown, his refined and scholarly appearance stood out among the rough frontier men, attracting the admiration of many local young women. Those who had been treated by him or heard him play the zither often harbored secret feelings.

As a result, the clinic saw a constant stream of patients, listeners, and matchmakers. But to everyone’s confusion, every proposal was politely declined by Dr. Fang and his son. Over time, a rumor spread: Fang Fan had been married before, but his wife had died young. A master had said he was destined to bring misfortune to his wives, so he vowed never to remarry.

People sighed at the tale of the compassionate healer unable to change his own fate, seeing it as another incomprehensible twist of life’s complexities. However, after expressing their regrets, they gradually let go of any thoughts of marrying into the Fang family.

The Fang family had lived a peaceful life in this town for over two years. During this time, the border remained quiet until the recent regime change and the Western Xia invasion. Although General Jiang had held the line, the threat loomed. Hearing that General Jin had been dispatched to reinforce the region, the locals awaited his arrival with bated breath.

One day, as Fang Fan wrote a prescription, he overheard a few patients discussing the court-appointed General Jin. Despite the town’s distance from the capital, the Jin family’s long-standing prominence and the young General Jin’s reputation were well-known, even among these remote villagers.

Fang Fan slowly considered the prescription, listening to the conversation around him, his expression unchanged.

After a moment, he handed the prescription to the patient and instructed, “Take these herbs as prescribed, brewing them into a tea to be taken morning, noon, and night. Come back in three days for a follow-up.”

The patient took the prescription, paid, and after thanking Fang Fan, hesitated. “Dr. Fang, I heard you’re from the capital area. Do you know this General Jin? Is he really as capable as they say? With him here, does it mean we won’t have to flee?”

Fang Fan paused before replying, “I’m not actually from the capital and don’t know General Jin personally. However, I’ve heard of his reputation and believe he’s competent. For now, let’s wait and see. There’s no need to flee just yet.”

The patient seemed reassured, saying, “If Dr. Fang isn’t leaving, neither are we.”

Fang Fan nodded and smiled lightly, “Let’s wait and see what General Jin is capable of.”

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