Yunyi maintained that an apprentice should act like one. How could she stand by and watch her master struggle without helping?
After much persuasion, they came to an agreement. During the day, Yuan Yuxun would shovel the sheep dung onto the cart. When Yunyi came over to study at night, she would help push it up the slope and dump it into the large pit. That would be sufficient.
Yunyi wouldn’t need to clean up around the pit either. Yuan Yuxun would take care of it in the morning, ensuring Yunyi wouldn’t end up reeking of sheep dung.
Yunyi efficiently finished her work. When she returned to the thatched hut, the grandfather and grandson had almost finished their meal.
Yuan Yuxun could hardly have dared to dream of such a life before.
He now had such a good life, truly thanks to Yunyi’s blessing. Coupled with Yunyi’s exceptional talent in medicine, Yuan Yuxun was eager to impart all the knowledge he possessed to her.
When Yuan Yuxun lectured Yunyi, Yuan Zining would listen from the side. The little fellow was, after all, young and didn’t understand much of it.
Yuan Yuxun didn’t press him, letting him absorb whatever he could.
Yuan Yuxun taught with dedication, and Yunyi listened attentively. Occasionally, Yunyi would ask a question or two, and the master and apprentice would sometimes engage in spirited debates. Their lessons were far from dull.
After the day’s lesson concluded, Yuan Yuxun said, "It would be wonderful if we could acquire a set of surgical tools. Then we could catch some small animals from the mountain and get some practical experience."
Yunyi nodded. "Alright, I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll ask around and see if I can get some."
Watching Yunyi open the door and leave, Yuan Yuxun bolted it behind her. Then, he turned to his grandson and said, "Zining, you must remember your Little Master’s kindness. Without her, we grandfather and grandson might have eventually been fated to remain here. You must firmly etch this gratitude in your heart."
Seeing his grandfather speak with such solemnity, Yuan Zining’s smile vanished. He replied earnestly, "I will remember, Grandpa."
Ning Junlan, looking travel-worn, entered a quaint, antique courtyard with the mended round fan in hand. "Master Fu," she said, "I’ve brought the fan."
The man addressed as Master Fu was toying with an object in his hands and didn’t even look up. "Didn’t I send someone to collect it? Why did you come yourself?"
Ning Junlan took out the round fan. "Something came up. I had to come and explain it to you in person."
With that, she handed over the fan. "Please, take a look first."
Only then did Master Fu raise his head, his gaze falling on the fan in Ning Junlan’s hand. "What is it you want to say?"
He indeed saw no issue with it.
Ning Junlan began, "This fan was deliberately damaged earlier. I searched everywhere among my acquaintances but couldn’t find anyone skilled in double-sided embroidery..."
At this, Master Fu’s interest was piqued. He sat up straighter. "Go on. What’s the story?" Newest update provıded by 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵•𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒•𝙣𝙚𝙩
Ning Junlan recounted what Yunyi had told her. She then added, "Before I boarded the carriage, I had someone investigate the matter. There should be no mistake. Regardless, the fan was damaged while in my care, so I had to come and personally apologize. I nearly caused you a great deal of trouble."
She could have avoided this trip. But if word of this got out through other channels, she would be at a disadvantage. It was better to come and admit her mistake personally.
The thought that he possessed a double-sided embroidered screen he hadn’t found anyone to repair suddenly invigorated Master Fu. "This person skilled in double-sided embroidery—where are they? Can they still be contacted?"
Hearing Master Fu’s question, Ning Junlan didn’t immediately divulge Yunyi’s details. She wasn’t sure of Master Fu’s intentions and feared causing Yunyi trouble. So, she replied vaguely, "I only encountered the young lady by chance. I..."