Chapter 20: Seeking Medical Help

Wang Zhihong handled matters swiftly. That very afternoon, after capturing Wang Kui, he charged him with a series of crimes, including corruption and perverting the law, harming innocent people, intentional injury, and murder. He forced Wang Kui to confess in record time, reported the charges to the Ministry of Justice, and finally, Wang Kui received the sentence of confiscation of all property and immediate execution. Wang Shuai was also sentenced to exile a thousand miles away, condemned to a lifetime of servitude. Yet, given Wang Shuai’s frail body, Liu Yitiao reckoned he wouldn’t make it a hundred miles before collapsing from exhaustion.

As for the Liu family, Wang Zhihong made a decision that appeared to honor Yang Bofang’s influence. After finishing a game of chess, he readily allowed Yang Bofang to take the entire Liu family home. On the way back, Liu Yitiao noticed that Yang Bofang seemed somewhat displeased, as if he had detected the hidden dealings between him and Wang Zhihong.

Yang Bofang walked briskly ahead in silence, while the Liu family followed behind, chatting and smiling as they led the calf. Sensing something amiss, Liu Yitiao quickened his pace to catch up with Yang Bofang, smiling as he said, “Uncle Yang, we owe it all to your efforts before Lord Wang. If not for you, my father and the others might have spent several more days in detention. Later, I’ll buy some good wine and food, and we can share a few cups together—would that be alright?”

“Yes, Brother Yang, you’ve helped us so much this time. No matter what, we must thank you properly. Come to my place for lunch today—we won’t stop until we’re truly drunk.” Liu Laoshi chimed in as well. Though he knew Yang Bofang hadn’t contributed much directly, the fact that he stood up and offered help during their hardship was a great kindness in itself.

Yang Bofang shook his head lightly and said, “I appreciate your kindness, but let’s skip the feast. I really didn’t do much. Though I don’t know all that happened, I know that Lord Wang’s decision to release you wasn’t simply out of regard for me. I suspect Yitiao did most of the work. But never mind that; my purpose was simply to see your family safe and sound, and now I can rest easy.”

“Uncle Yang…” Liu Yitiao’s heart warmed, and he called softly.

It is easy to add flowers to brocade, but hard to offer charcoal in the snow. Yang Bofang was the kind of person who reached out when you were in need.

Yang Bofang stopped, waving his hand, “Enough, Yitiao. There’s no need to say more. Everyone has their own hardships; you’re not obliged to explain, and I won’t press, nor will I blame you. Your home is still a ways off—I won’t see you further. Hurry back. We’ll meet again when the chance arises.”

Liu Laoshi wanted to persuade him to stay, but Liu Yitiao promptly stopped him, saying, “Let’s part here, Uncle Yang. Please head back, and I promise to visit you soon.”

“Alright,” Yang Bofang nodded, “Take care. I should return as well.”

“Yitiao, why didn’t you ask Uncle Yang to stay? He stepped forward to help our family at a crucial moment; we really should show him proper gratitude.” Once Yang Bofang had gone, Liu Laoshi began to complain.

“Father!” Liu Yitiao replied earnestly, “Great kindness need not be spoken. Some things are best kept in the heart. Uncle Yang is a man of character; he won’t mind.”

“Even so, not inviting him for a drink leaves me feeling uneasy,” Liu Laoshi said as they walked.

The two talked as they made their way home, and before they knew it, they stood before their door. To their surprise, outside the gate, two emaciated oxen were waiting.

“What’s this?” Liu Yitiao wondered. But Liu Laoshi’s face darkened, and he strode toward the oxen with a cold snort.

“Brother Liu, haha…” At that moment, a portly middle-aged man stepped from between the oxen, looking awkwardly at the fiery-eyed Liu Laoshi and greeting him warmly, “Brother Liu, I’ve come to visit you.”

Liu Laoshi snorted and ignored him, focusing on opening the door.

Liu Yitiao was puzzled, but when he saw their calf nudging the two skinny cows, he understood. This man was none other than Xia Dezhi, the one who sold Liu Laoshi the sick ox. He was bold indeed, daring to show up at their door.

“Uncle Xia, is it?” Liu Yitiao smirked, then warmly greeted him, “I’m Liu Yitiao, the eldest son. My father is a bit upset today; please don’t take offense.”

“No matter, no matter,” Xia waved his pudgy hand and looked Liu Yitiao up and down, “So you’re Yitiao, my talented nephew—handsome, truly a fine young man, haha.”

One had to admit, Xia Dezhi was quite the talker. Within two sentences, Liu Yitiao nearly floated with pride. It was no wonder Liu Laoshi had fallen for his words last time and willingly spent years of savings on a sick ox.

“Uncle Xia, you’re too kind,” Liu Yitiao gestured invitingly, “Please, come inside. Let’s discuss whatever you have in mind indoors.”

“Yes, yes, let’s talk inside,” Xia said cheerfully, leading his two skinny oxen into the Liu family’s yard. After tying them up, he followed Liu Yitiao into the main hall.

Liu Laoshi, still angry, did not come to greet the guest. Liu Heshui led Liu Ertiao and Liu Xiaohui into the inner rooms. Only Xia Dezhi and Liu Yitiao remained in the hall.

Once they were seated, Liu Yitiao asked, “Uncle Xia, you’re a busy man; what brings you here today?”

“My good nephew Yitiao,” Xia Dezhi stood up, “To be honest, I’ve come seeking medical help.”

“Medical help?” Liu Yitiao raised an eyebrow in surprise, “If you’re unwell, you should visit a clinic. We have neither a physician nor herbs at home; I’m afraid we can’t help you.”

“You can help, you can help!” Xia hurriedly replied, “I’m not here for myself, but for my two oxen.”

“Oh? You mean to treat the oxen—is it the intestinal disease?” Liu Yitiao asked knowingly.

“Yes, yes, that’s it—the intestinal disease,” Xia said, “I’ve heard you have a good remedy for livestock suffering from this. Both my oxen are afflicted, so I came to seek your treatment. Please, teach me your method.”

A knowing smile appeared on Liu Yitiao’s face, and he said generously, “Uncle Xia, it’s only a prescription; I don’t mind telling you.”

“Really?!” Xia’s face lit up with joy.

Yet Liu Yitiao’s next words wiped away that joy entirely.

“But,” Liu Yitiao said, “there’s no such thing as a free lunch, nor a free cure. I think you understand this better than I do. So, Uncle Xia, what do you intend to offer in exchange for my remedy?”