Chapter 97
Chapter 97: Chapter 97: Can Only Do One’s Best_1
Chapter 97: Chapter 97: Can Only Do One’s Best_1
“How could such a serious injury compounded by a cold be trivial? Fortunately, his constitution was strong enough to survive the journey back home, though he’s lucky that the young mistress thought of a good method to bring down his high fever. At least now his life is no longer in immediate danger, but the patient’s condition is still very critical. External injuries may look serious, but they aren’t the most pressing issue—the internal injuries are what’s critical, especially the damage to his chest and brain. For now, I’ve prescribed a few doses of medicine to see how he recovers, but it’s still hard to say whether he will regain consciousness or not.”
Doctor Zheng wanted to add that even if the patient woke up, his prognosis might not be favorable, since a brain injury is no small matter. However, seeing the young mistress in shock and the children at a loss, he swallowed his words, thinking that the future was uncertain and he should focus on treatment for now, offering at least a glimmer of hope. He could only do his best.
Lin Yue sighed in relief upon hearing Doctor Zheng declare that Zhao Erhu was no longer in mortal danger but quickly became heavy-hearted when the doctor mentioned that Zhao Erhu might not wake up. Reflecting on the times they had together in recent days, she wondered how such a misfortune could have befallen them so swiftly. He who once was able to talk and laugh with her, to meddle in her affairs, was now reduced to this state. Overcome with sorrow, Lin Yue thought that if it weren’t for having used up all the silver coins at home for her sake, Zhao Erhu would not have been forced to hunt in the mountains for money and this disaster might have been averted.
Blaming herself for the incident, Lin Yue was consoled by the fact that, no matter what, he was still alive, and there was a chance for remedy. She resolved that no matter the effort or time required, she would not give up. She was certain that one day Zhao Erhu would recover. With this thought, Lin Yue’s expression turned resolute, no longer showing signs of grief.
“Then, I must trouble Doctor Zheng to prescribe medicine for my husband,” she said.
“Alright,” Doctor Zheng nodded, taking out the brush and ink from his medicine chest, and was about to write when he hesitated and turned to Lin Yue, “Young mistress, your husband’s injuries are grave. The initial medication requires several particularly precious herbs, which are quite expensive. A single dose will cost one tael of silver, you…”
Doctor Zheng didn’t finish his sentence, but his implication was clear enough. With the patient’s chances of awakening unknown, and the household left with only women and children who must continue to live, spending all the silver on medicine might make future living conditions harsh if the patient did not wake up.
Without a second thought, Lin Yue said, “Doctor Zheng, please do everything possible to heal my husband. As for the herbs you need, just write down the prescription. As long as it can improve my husband’s condition, I will find a way for the silver. You will not be shorted for the medicinal costs.”
“In that case, I’ll write out prescriptions for two doses for now, one to be taken daily. Prepare it with water and administer it twice a day, morning and evening. Let your husband start on these, and in a couple of days, I’ll come back to check on him and decide whether we should alter the prescription. Take good care of the patient in the coming days; it’s best if someone is always by his side. If his condition worsens, immediately send someone for me.”
Doctor Zheng had inquired about the patient’s condition beforehand and brought the necessary herbs in his medicine chest, sparing Lin Yue the need to make another trip into town to gather the medicine.
Lin Yue paid the consultation and medicine fees to Doctor Zheng, saw him to the door, and then returned the copper coins that her brother Wu Qiang had spent earlier to summon the doctor from the city. After expressing her thanks and considering the three plus taels of silver borrowed from their uncle, Lin Yue put aside her worries, dispatched those who had come to help, and prepared the medicine for Zhao Erhu. She also cooked porridge and managed to feed Zhao Erhu about half a bowl. At noon, Lin Yue had no appetite to cook, and she along with her children also had porridge—it was better to save whatever they could under the circumstances.