"Mingyue, prepare two doses of medicine for the old gentleman."
The old Daoist called out, then swiftly wrote out a prescription with his brush.
The young Daoist hurried over, gathered the medicine according to the prescription, ground it with a mortar, and wrapped it in lotus leaves. He also had to tend to other patients in between, and after all that bustling about, a sheen of sweat covered his forehead.
The old man stood awkwardly to one side, watching the young Daoist work. His hands trembled slightly when he accepted the medicine wrapped in lotus leaves. He walked up to Daoist Jixin, seeming to want to speak but holding back. Only after Daoist Jixin had finished with another patient did he spread open his palm and mumble softly, "Living Immortal, you are merciful. This old man came from the north and only just found a place to stay. My child only found work at the ferry yesterday, and his wages will not be paid until next month. I only have these few coins on me..."
Daoist Jixin finished writing another person's prescription and handed it to Mingyue to fill. Raising his head, he glanced at the old man and sighed softly. "Elder, this is enough for the medicine. There is no need to worry about the consultation fee. Bring it over when your household has some spare money. I'll put it on the tab for now."
After Daoist Jixin recorded it in the thick ledger, the old man left with his face full of gratitude.
Qin Sang sat at the very end, watching master and disciple bustle about while thoughts churned through his mind. Before he knew it, dusk had fallen, and only the two people who had helped him up the mountain remained ahead of him.
After seeing more than a dozen patients in a row, Qin Sang noticed that over half had come from the north. Most had their consultation fees put on credit, while some could not even afford the medicine. Over the entire afternoon, apart from a married couple seeking Talisman Paper to drive away evil and an old woman asking for a fortune, not a single person had come to offer incense. The old Daoist had earned barely any money, yet neither master nor disciple showed the slightest impatience. Qin Sang could not help feeling deeply moved.
"Little brother, lift your leg."
Once the patient ahead of him had been seen, Qin Sang hobbled forward on his cane and raised his injured leg as the old Daoist instructed.
Watching the old Daoist finish the prescription, tell Mingyue to prepare the medicine, then make another entry in the ledger, Qin Sang could not miss the exhaustion in his voice. His heart stirred, and he said quietly, "Daoist, I heard that refugees from the north keep arriving in an unbroken stream. There will surely be more and more people coming to you for treatment. There are only you and the young Daoist in the temple, and you still have to climb the mountain to gather herbs. I'm afraid you will not be able to manage it all..."
Before he could finish, Qin Sang caught sight of the young Daoist from the corner of his eye. The boy's eyes had lit up as he looked at his master with a face full of expectation.
Without even raising his head, Daoist Jixin interrupted him. "Little brother, you have seen the state of the temple yourself. The faithful who come and go are all poor folk. Even if this poor Daoist has the heart, I lack the means. I cannot earn more than a few coins in incense money a year. I cannot afford to support another Daoist, nor can I pay little brother a monthly wage."
The light in young Daoist Mingyue's eyes dimmed, and he pursed his lips.
Qin Sang had not expected the old Daoist to speak so bluntly, but he was not one to give up so easily. With an embarrassed laugh, he said, "To tell you the truth, Daoist, this junior truly wishes to find a place to shelter. Unfortunately, I injured my leg by accident and can hardly find work. Only after seeing how busy you two Daoists were did the thought arise. This junior asks for no monthly wage, only a roof to shield me from wind and rain and some work to do."
Daoist Jixin looked up at Qin Sang, stroking his long beard. "Little brother is in the prime of life. Why humble yourself in these wild mountains? Go find a respectable livelihood at the ferry, marry, establish a household—that is the proper path."
Hearing the softening in Daoist Jixin's tone, Qin Sang struck while the iron was hot. "Daoist, you see clearly. This junior studied under a village teacher for several years and can read, write, and draw. I can help you copy records and grind medicinal herbs. Once my injury heals, I can accompany you up the mountain to gather herbs. If Daoist does not find me unsuitable, keep me for one month as a trial. If I truly prove useless, it will not be too late to drive me down the mountain..."
Daoist Jixin was indeed tempted. He narrowed his eyes and studied Qin Sang for a long while. "Very well. I am only a poor, shabby old Daoist. I need not fear that little brother covets anything of mine."
As he spoke, Daoist Jixin took up his brush and pulled out a sheet of yellow paper.
"Write a few characters for me to see."
Qin Sang accepted the brush and wrote several characters as instructed, then looked at Daoist Jixin anxiously.
He had not known how to use a brush in his previous life. Fortunately, Qin Sanwa had learned before, though his handwriting was still a sorry sight. At best, it had not fallen apart and could be recognized—and there were even two characters he had failed to write.
Still, Qin Sang had learned that this world was much like ancient times in his previous life. Very few people could read, so he could still be considered high-level talent.
Seeing Daoist Jixin pinch the yellow paper without speaking, Qin Sang hastily tried to salvage the situation. "This junior has loved learning since childhood, but misfortune struck my household and I only studied for several years. If Daoist is willing to take me in, I will certainly study diligently and practice hard from now on."
"Passable."
Daoist Jixin nodded. "The temple is full of Daoist and medical scriptures. If little brother is willing, you may read the scriptures with Mingyue at night. Also, conditions in the temple are simple, and the food contains little oil. Can little brother endure it?"
"Daoist, please just call me Qin Sang," Qin Sang said hurriedly. "I came from a poor household too, and I can endure hardship. Rest assured, I will strictly observe the pure rules and precepts and will not cause you trouble."
Daoist Jixin shook his head. "You have not entered the Daoist order, so there is no need to bind yourself too tightly. There is only one rule: you may not bring women in here to fool around and make merry. Outside the temple, this poor Daoist will restrain you even less. But if you behave recklessly and bring disaster upon yourself, it will have nothing to do with me. Let this be said in advance, so do not blame this poor Daoist for lacking sentiment later."
Having finally gained shelter, Qin Sang agreed to everything. "This junior will obey Daoist's instructions."
"Master Qin, these rooms are all unoccupied. You may choose one. I will go make dinner first, then bring you bedding and a Daoist robe tonight."
After taking Qin Sang in, Daoist Jixin waived his consultation fee and had Mingyue take him to choose quarters in the back. Bedding and a Daoist robe would be provided, and he would eat with them from now on, with Mingyue responsible for cooking.
"Junior Brother Mingyue, we are both working under Daoist. I am a few years older than you, so call me Senior Brother. Calling me 'Master' is far too distant."
Qin Sang tried to ingratiate himself with Mingyue. "I'll help you tend the fire later. First, tell me—which rooms do you and Daoist live in?"
Mingyue had always lived with the old Daoist and had never had many friends. Now that someone had suddenly arrived and called himself his senior brother, he felt close to him as well. Grinning, he pointed at a room and said in a clear voice, "Senior Brother, Master and I live there!"
Qin Sang followed his finger and saw that Mingyue was pointing at the row of rooms behind Green Goat Hall.
Green Goat Temple had four courtyards in all. Behind Green Goat Hall stood three more rows of rooms, each with six rooms. A stone-step path ran through the middle toward the rear of the temple, with three rooms on either side.
The rooms were all built of stone, their frames still intact, but their roofs were badly damaged.
Daoist Jixin and Mingyue lived in the three rooms at the far left of the first row.
Pointing to the other three rooms, Mingyue said, "All these rooms have bamboo beds. If lay devotees stay overnight, or patients cannot make it down the mountain in time, they can stay here. Patients sometimes stay free of charge, while lay devotees pay one coin per night. Meals are not included."
Qin Sang followed behind Mingyue, listening to his introduction.
When they reached the last row of rooms, Qin Sang suddenly heard the murmur of running water. He walked over and discovered that Green Goat Temple had no rear wall. Beyond it lay a vast bamboo grove, deep within which spring water flowed down from the mountaintop, forming a stream that ran through the forest. The spring tinkled, birds sang, insects chirped, and the surroundings were exceptionally tranquil.
Qin Sang took one look and fell in love with the place.
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