"Zhinuan, why not stay for dinner?" Dawang's wife said.
"No need, sister-in-law, I'll eat at home. Grandpa will be back soon!" Xie Zhinuan smiled, carrying her basket as she walked back.
Xie Zhinuan was very gentle, whether in speech or action, yet she was not of a demeanor that seemed weak or easily bullied. Instead, her gentleness was tinged with a touch of indifference, as though nothing could disturb her peace, without desire to contend or strive.
Just like the most beautiful flower that blooms alone, regardless of the wind and rain lashing upon it.
Dawang's wife watched her, feeling a sense of envy for reasons she couldn't quite place.
A donkey cart was parked at the door.
"?" Xie Zhinuan was somewhat surprised but still stepped forward and entered.
She first saw Doctor Wang.
"Ah, little girl, you've recovered!" Doctor Wang smiled.
He had known this young girl was pretty, but he hadn't expected her to be so striking after her recovery.
In the ten miles and hundred villages, even in the town, there was no girl as striking as her.
"Doctor Wang!" Xie Zhinuan called out softly, her face alight with a smile.
The man in green clothes turned around to face her.
This was Wang Shaoyu's first encounter with Xie Zhinuan, beautifully delicate as a peach blossom on a branch, swaying gracefully—a beauty unlike any he had ever seen.
He was not one to solely immerse himself in the study of saints and sages, oblivious to worldly affairs; he knew full well how difficult it was for a peasant family to support a scholar. Although he had already attained the rank of xiucai, he did not dare to let up in his study of medicine in the slightest.
He had thought of getting the juren degree and then marrying and having children. If he failed, pursuing a career in medicine would also be a fine choice, as it could earn money to support the family and allow him to continue his studies for the imperial examinations.
But he had never imagined that such a woman, as vividly described in the books as a 'beauty with skin like jade,' would appear before him, causing his heart to quicken and spreading a flush over his fair and handsome face.
Watching as Xie Zhinuan drew nearer, the scent of Leng Zhuxiang sharp and invigorating, he took a deep breath which made his whole being tremble. Wang Shaoyu felt his palms grow sweaty with nerves and quickly lowered his gaze, daring not to look any further.
He reminded himself, "Do not gaze upon what is improper!"
"The girl looks to have fully recovered!" Doctor Wang said with a laugh.
He stole a glance at his grandson.
Seeing that even the tips of the boy's ears had turned red and he dared not look at the young woman, he instantly understood everything.
"Thank you, Doctor Wang, for saving my life. I am indeed much better!" Xie Zhinuan said with a gentle smile.
Having just stir-fried vegetables next door and broken a sweat, she thought of fetching water to freshen up inside the house.
"That's good, that's good!" Doctor Wang said, smiling.
This girl was not only pretty but also very well-mannered. If the Wang Family could bring such a girl into their home as a wife for his eldest grandson, it would be their fortune.
Old Mrs. Ni, of course, hoped that Xie Zhinuan would marry Liuwang. Thus, she said, "Look at you, all covered in sweat. Quickly fetch some water, wash up, and then call your grandpa back, tell him Doctor Wang is here!"
"Yes!" Xie Zhinuan could not have wished for more.
She immediately went to the kitchen, fetched water, and entered the house.
Wang Shaoyu stealthily glanced towards Xie Zhinuan's room, with the scent of Leng Zhuxiang still lingering in the air, tantalizing his senses.
It made him helplessly infatuated.
Doctor Wang and Old Mrs. Ni talked. Their conversation was about Xie Zhinuan's injury.
"Actually, my medical skills are not as good as those of my eldest grandson here. Today, I brought him over especially so that he could take a look. It's such cold weather, and we don't know how long she was soaked in the river. Girls tend to be more delicate!"
Old Mrs. Ni instantly understood and was quick to respond, "Indeed, she should be checked!"
The two chatted sporadically.
Wang Shaoyu, meanwhile, sneaked peeks at the firmly closed door, images flashing through his mind that shook him so much that his face grew even redder.
Xie Zhinuan, however, was oblivious to all this.
Upon entering her room and closing the door, she embraced her clothes and went into her space. She quickly washed in the lake, put on clean clothes, and brought the dirty ones back inside the house.
She began by tidying up her hair.
By 'tidying', she simply redid her braids.
Just as she was about to leave the house to call Old Master Yuan back, she heard a voice coming from the courtyard, "My, my, what delicious dish are we having tonight? I could smell the aroma all the way from the hillside orchards!"