"What's this? Xiao Yan, can you tell that Grandpa Chen is practicing martial arts?" Doctor Chen asked with a smile.
"I can't tell," Xiao Yan shook her head, "It was my brother who told me that Grandpa Chen is practicing martial arts and not to disturb you."
"Sorry, Grandpa Chen, we didn't know you were practicing martial arts," Lu Qing apologized with a respectful tone.
"No worries. What I practice is merely a farmer's exercise to keep fit, not worth calling a martial arts technique," the old doctor waved his hand dismissively.
"But I think Grandpa Chen's moves look really good!" Xiao Yan earnestly exclaimed.
"Hahaha, I've been practicing this set of moves all my life. It's worth it to receive a compliment from a little one like you!"
Hearing the innocent words of the child, Doctor Chen laughed heartily.
Seeing the old doctor so happy, Lu Qing also felt relieved.
He had been a bit worried that the old doctor might have some rule against being watched while practicing, which would mean they had unknowingly broken a taboo.
"Come, let's go inside. I'll start the acupuncture for you," said Doctor Chen, lifting Xiao Yan and motioning for Lu Qing to follow.Lu Qing respectfully followed the old doctor into the courtyard.
Upon entering, he was immediately attracted by the herbs spread out to dry in the yard.
A quick glance revealed one herb he recognized, Cowbone Grass, which also grew in his own yard.
Unfortunately, he didn't have enough time to investigate each herb.
"Grandpa Chen, are all these herbs for medicinal use?" Lu Qing inquired.
"That's right. Why, do you know how to identify medicinal herbs?"
Doctor Chen was somewhat surprised.
"Not really," Lu Qing replied, "I just noticed that one of the herbs here also grows near our home."
"Which one?"
"That one drying in the sieve," Lu Qing pointed in a direction.
Xiao Yan saw the small blue flowers on the herb and nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, lots of it grows outside our house, and Niu Niu likes to eat it too."
The old doctor glanced over, "That's right, that's Cowbone Grass, a very common herb."
"Cowbone Grass," Lu Qing repeated the name, then asked, "Grandpa Chen, what is Cowbone Grass usually used for?"
"It's mainly used for treating bruises and injuries," the old doctor answered offhandedly, then looked at Lu Qing, "Are you interested in medicinal herbs?"
"Yes," Lu Qing admitted, "I've heard from Xiao Yan that it was your medicine that cured her illness, and it made me realize how miraculous these herbs are. They are just flowers and plants, yet they can alleviate pain and save lives."
"If you want to study medicine, it's not easy. Learning about herbs requires courage, precision, a clear mind, and literacy to read medical books," Doctor Chen patiently explained, not mocking Lu Qing's interest.
"I do know how to read some," Lu Qing quickly added.
This was not a lie.
In his memories, the original Lu Qing indeed knew some characters, which, upon verification, were quite similar to the Chinese characters from his previous life, just with more complex strokes.
"You can read?" Doctor Chen was once again surprised.
In this rural area, finding someone literate was not easy.
Lu Qing was just an orphan, and yet he could read?
"My grandfather taught me some characters when he was alive. Though I'm a bit dull and have forgotten some since his passing, I can recognize them but not write them."
The old doctor now understood Lu Qing's situation.
Rumor had it that Lu Qing's grandfather was a scholar who had fallen on hard times.
He had come to this place with the villagers during a famine.
But he passed away before the old doctor arrived here to live in seclusion, so they never met.
It was also said that Lu Qing's father was naturally unruly, not suited for studying, often driving his grandfather to fury in his youth and ultimately not completing his education.
Unexpectedly, it was the young Lu Qing who had learned some characters.
Sadly, his grandfather died early; otherwise, the Lu family might have produced another scholar.
The old doctor sighed inwardly and looked at Lu Qing more kindly.
No wonder he found Lu Qing's speech different from the average rural youth. It must have been the influence of his grandfather and father.
"Since you are interested in medicinal herbs, every time you come for acupuncture, I will allow you to help me dry the herbs for half an hour. How much you can remember depends on your comprehension."
"And you," the old doctor said, patting Xiao Yan's head, "you come along with your brother too. I'll make some medicinal food for you. How can you be so weak?"
Lu Qing was overjoyed and hurriedly thanked him, "Thank you, Grandpa Chen. Xiao Yan, thank Grandpa Chen!"
"Thank you, Grandpa Chen~"
The little one, not fully understanding what medicinal food was, obediently expressed her gratitude since her brother said so.
"Don't mention it. Seeing you so frail, it pains me too," the old doctor said kindly.
Inside the house, the old doctor put Xiao Yan down and took out a needle pouch.
"Lie on the bed and take off your shirt," he instructed Lu Qing.
Following the instructions, Lu Qing took off his shirt and lay down on the wooden bed.
Seeing his bony chest, the old doctor paused momentarily before drawing a silver needle from the pouch.
Xiao Yan, seeing the long silver needle, showed a trace of fear on her face.
However, she knew Grandpa Chen was treating her brother, so despite her fear, she stayed quiet.
"Don't be afraid and don't move. I will start the acupuncture now," the old doctor told Lu Qing.
Lu Qing nodded.
He wasn't afraid.
In his past life on Blue Star, he had experienced acupuncture, making him quite familiar with it.
The old doctor twirled the silver needle and gently inserted it into one of Lu Qing's acupoints. Lu Qing felt no pain as the needle went in three-tenths of an inch deep.
Without hesitation, the old doctor took another silver needle from the pouch and inserted it into another acupoint.
Before long, eighteen silver needles were inserted into various acupoints on Lu Qing's upper body.
As for Xiao Yan, she had covered her eyes, not daring to look at her brother, who now resembled a porcupine.
After inserting the eighteenth needle, the old doctor didn't let go immediately.
Instead, he lightly twisted the end of the needle.
Instantly, something magical happened. Lu Qing felt a warm current flowing beneath the needle.
A tingling sensation spread through his body, making him feel incredibly comfortable.
At the same time, a wave of drowsiness washed over him, his eyelids grew heavy, and he quickly fell asleep.
"Grandpa Chen, is my brother asleep?" Xiao Yan peeked through her fingers.
"Yes, your brother's body is too weak. This acupuncture will help him have a good sleep."
"Oh," Xiao Yan responded, not fully understanding the medical terms.
"Let's go, let your brother sleep here for a while. We'll go outside," the old doctor stood up.
"Where are we going?"
"Grandpa Chen will make something delicious for you…"