Chapter Six: A Gentle Refusal

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Emerging from the inner room, Du Shiyi recalled that Sun Zifang would need paper and brush to write the prescription. Yet, when he looked around, even he, the master of the house, had no idea where the ink and paper were kept. So he simply walked over to Zhu Ying and began collecting the silver needles one by one. After carefully storing them in a leather pouch, he handed it to Zhu Ying and instructed, "Keep these needles safe; they may be useful again. Also, find the writing materials—Master Sun needs to write a prescription for Thirteen Maiden."

Having been immobilized by Du Shiyi’s earlier instructions and the arrival of distinguished guests, Zhu Ying had dared not move from her kneeling position. As she rose, her calves and feet tingled with numbness, but she dared not betray her discomfort. Hearing Du Shiyi’s request, however, she instantly forgot her minor suffering, readily agreed, and hurried off, albeit a little unsteady on her feet. Watching her bustling about, Sun Zifang recalled that Du Shiyi had just needled this maid as well, and smiled, "Young Master Du is most considerate towards his servant girl."

"Since I fell gravely ill and the household servants dispersed, my younger sister and Zhu Ying have cared for me. They traveled a thousand miles with me to Mount Song. Here, whether it was repairing this hut, buying supplies, cooking, or handling chores, Zhu Ying handled everything single-handedly. Such loyalty deserves appreciation; to neglect her would be to squander good fortune." As Du Shiyi spoke, he failed to notice that Zhu Ying, back turned and searching the book chest for writing materials, lowered her head, deeply moved by his words.

Sun Zifang’s comment was merely a passing jest regarding a mere servant. He had come with Sima Heiyun to visit, intending to perform a miraculous cure, but in the end, Du Thirteen Maiden only suffered from a mild fever, brought about by the thoughtless actions of Song Fuzhen, a disciple who knew no better. With Sima Heiyun present, after interacting with Du Shiyi, Sun Zifang saw that, though young, the boy’s manners and speech were refined—clearly from a noble family. Rather than feign ignorance, it was better to speak frankly.

"Young Master Du, you and your sister journeyed far to seek treatment at Songyang Temple, only to be refused at the gate. Though I returned today, I have heard all about it. Temple Master Song is devoted to cultivation; affairs of the temple are handled by his disciples. I am known for my medical skills, but a few other brothers here are equally adept. Unfortunately, Temple Master Song’s disciple, acting foolishly, feared your illness was severe and failure would tarnish their reputation, so he ignored his duty and let your sister plead in vain—today she even suffered in the rain! The Temple Master, upon hearing this, was furious, dismissed him from his post, and sentenced him to three years of menial chores as punishment. The Temple Master regrets the previous neglect; since Thirteen Maiden’s illness persists and you are still recovering, both of you must nourish your vitality. Thus, Temple Master Song has prepared a ginseng root and other medicines for you, which I have brought."

If Sun Zifang’s personal visit had already seemed extraordinary to Du Shiyi, now he felt the world was truly wondrous. Songyang Temple, once avoiding them like plague, had now reversed its stance, punished the responsible party, and generously offered precious medicines—such a turn exceeded all expectations! Glancing at Sima Heiyun, who stood silently and dutifully by, Du Shiyi recalled the words he had once spoken.

The master in the carriage was an elderly man, vulnerable to cold and discomfort. Sun Zifang had returned with him, so the answer was clear—the old man was still at Songyang Temple! Sun Zifang’s generosity might well be due to the old gentleman’s influence.

Just then, Sun Zifang called out, and several attendants entered, presenting boxes before Du Shiyi. He immediately shook his head, "Master Sun, I am grateful for your kindness, but I cannot accept such valuable gifts. My late father taught us never to receive reward without merit. Since the Temple Master has already punished the wrongdoer and you have visited us, we are deeply thankful."

Seeing Du Shiyi’s steadfast refusal, Sun Zifang smiled and said, "In that case, Songyang Temple has a secluded retreat on Junji Peak—quiet and ideal for convalescence. This hut is damp and humble, but the retreat is rarely occupied and empty rooms are wasted."

Du Shiyi surveyed the modest hut and politely declined, "Though humble, this hut shelters us from wind and rain, and offers peace for recovery and reading. The retreat atop the peak is a place for the monks’ meditation—I would not wish to disturb them. Please thank the Temple Master for his generous offer; my sister and I are most grateful."

"Brother..."

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A faint voice from the inner room caught Du Shiyi’s ear. He rose hurriedly, apologized, and rushed inside. Seeing Thirteen Maiden struggling to sit up, he gently pressed her back down and said, "You’re still feverish—don’t move."

"Brother, is Master Sun outside?" Thirteen Maiden, half-conscious, heard voices, and upon recognizing Sun Zifang’s name, called out. When Du Shiyi nodded, she gripped his sleeve and asked with effort, "Has Master Sun examined your pulse?"

"He has—he says I’m fine and just need rest, but you must take care with your medicine!" Seeing her relieved, Du Shiyi smiled, "Now you can relax?"

A joyful smile appeared on Thirteen Maiden’s face, with a single charming dimple blossoming on her right cheek. "If Master Sun says so, then it must be true... Brother, when you’re fully recovered, please take me to Junji Peak to see the ancient altar where the Empress once sacrificed to the heavens..."

Before she finished, Sun Zifang’s voice sounded from outside, "Young Master Du, since Thirteen Maiden wishes it, the retreat on Junji Peak offers the best scenery and is convenient for climbing."

Thirteen Maiden remembered her brother was discussing this and hesitated. When Du Shiyi shook his head, she spoke without hesitation, "Brother, I arranged this hut with Zhu Ying. If we move once you’re well, I’ll be sad... Please thank Master Sun for his kindness."

Seeing the siblings’ repeated refusal, and with both ill, Sun Zifang could not insist. When Du Shiyi returned, Sun Zifang had already written the prescription using the writing materials Zhu Ying had provided. Rising, he said, "Since you wish to stay here, I will not press further. Should your sister feel unwell, send someone to Songyang Temple to find me."

"Thank you, Master Sun." Du Shiyi nodded, then turned to Sima Heiyun, "Brother Sima, I have another request. This hut was lent to my sister by a recluse who has since returned home. The front yard is suitable for cultivation, but it’s going to waste. Our troubles stem from having only Zhu Ying to help us. If possible, could you recommend some trustworthy people—one to guard the gate, another to help with planting vegetables and fruits?"

Sima Heiyun, seeing Du Shiyi refuse the retreat but ask him for help—and addressing him as Brother Sima—felt Du Shiyi’s warmth. Though new to Mount Song himself, he readily agreed, "That’s easy. I’ll recommend two reliable people for you."

Though Sun Zifang had been rebuffed by the young man, he now joked, "If you’re planting vegetables, will you also raise chickens and ducks?"

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"Master Sun, that’s an excellent idea," Du Shiyi replied with a smile. "A vegetable patch beneath the bamboo, a few chickens and ducks, the charm of rustic life—perfect for reading and nurturing the spirit for a year or two!"

Sun Zifang was amused by Du Shiyi’s swift reply. After lingering awhile to subtly inquire about the siblings’ background, confirming they hailed from Fan Chuan, Du Qu, he finally took his leave, with Sima Heiyun following after exchanging a few cheerful words. Having seen them off at the door, Du Shiyi returned to Thirteen Maiden’s bedside. She hugged her quilt, her flushed cheeks bright with satisfaction, gazing at him as if afraid he might vanish. Du Shiyi smiled and pulled her quilt higher.

"Thirteen Maiden, forgive me for keeping you in this humble hut."

"Brother must have his reasons!"

Faced with such a considerate sister, Du Shiyi’s heart finally grew light.

Never accept reward without merit; the wise do not. To seek fleeting benefit now may one day cost double in return.