The Liu Residence
Liu Tián Qǔ and Commander Jiang sat at a long low table in her lounge on braided mats. They sat facing each other, drinking tea. Liu Tián Qǔ acted like she didn't see how strangely Commander Jiang watched her. "How are things coming along. Is everything in the Commanders courtyard to your satisfaction? Is there anything you need that? I do have other courtyards that are bigger if you need more room."
"Everything thing is perfect. We have more than enough room in the Commanders courtyard. I thank Young Master Liu."
"No need," Liu Tián Qǔ waved away his thanks. "How is your wife? Does she need additional maids, is there anything else I can help with?" Liu Tián Qǔ felt compelled to help Jiang Tài Píng. In the memories of the original owner, she saw how tragic his life and death turned out to be. Just one choice had turned his life into hell.
"My wife was feeling much better this morning. She is in love with the bathing room in the chambers of our courtyard. She told me over and over this morning to be sure to thank you." The commander said with a wry smile, but his eyes held genuine, sincere gratitude.
"However, I hope I'm not too shameless in asking this. Until now, I have been the one cooking my wife's medicine. I have been doing a poor job of it too. I asked the maids, but they don't know how to cook medicine well. I heard this morning we have a new assistant doctor, is it okay if I seek her help in cooking my wife's medicine?" A slightly embarrassed Commander Jiang asked.
"Absolutely, that is what she is there for, her name is Hòu Dao. You will find her in the residence hospital, preparing it for our residence doctor."
In his excitement, Jiang Tài Píng cut Liu Tián Qǔ off, "Have you found a Residence Doctor yet?!"
"I am still working on it," Liu Tián Qǔ said with a smile of amusement. "I can't tell you exactly when we will get one because I will be doing careful screenings. I don't want to end up with a quack or a self-important idiot posing as a doctor. So it may take a little while until then Hòu Dao can help with minor cuts, bruises, wounds, and illnesses. Hòu Dao has experience in assisting doctors and at times, doing the work of the doctor from what I was able to gather." Liu Tián Qǔ listed out some of Hòu Dao's experiences she discovered during the brief interview she had with her.
"She is very experienced in cooking medicine, and she is here to help everyone who lives in Liu Residence. Don't hesitate to seek her out whenever you need her. I meant what I said in the meeting earlier. I want everyone in my residence to live a happy, healthy life here. From the slaves all the way up to myself as the master of the residence. If there is anything, you need feel free to seek me out at any time. Throw away your embarrassment. There is no need for it. I want us all to be one big happy family. If you need something and won't ask, how would I know you need it?" Liu Tián Qǔ spoke the real, sincere feelings of her heart.
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In between the hours of the tiger (3:00 AM to 5:00 AM), Liu Tián Qǔ happened to run across Hòu Dao, who was one of the many servants also awakened by the disturbance in the Imperial City.
So Liu Tián Qǔ took the opportunity to briefly interviewed Hòu Dao and tested her knowledge. Liu Tián Qǔ found Hòu Dao to be incredibly knowledgeable. Liu Tián Qǔ also discovered that Hòu Dao also had experience working as an assistant to a doctor and often did the work of a doctor. However, what really sealed the bargain was Hòu Dao's insistence on cleanliness.
Liu Tián Qǔ immediately hired her to be the residence nurse. Liu Tián Qǔ also gave her 1000 Gold to began stocking the pharmacy with all the herbs that would be needed. Hòu Dao was also tasked with the duty of cooking Liu Tián Qǔ's body, strengthening potions. Hòu Dao had already taken control of brewing the strengthening potions. Strangely enough, the strengthening potions were sent over to Liu Residence first thing in the morning. Hòu Dao had brewed the first potion early in the morning for Liu Tián Qǔ to consume after breakfast.
The Commander released a long sigh. With a complicated expression on his face, he said, "I know I've repetitively said it over and over but, thank you. For a very long time, I was desperately seeking help to save my wife, and very few people would extend any help. Some helped only for a day or two before chasing me away. Your help means so much to my family and me. I feel very happy and blessed to have been able to meet you." Commander Jiang said with wet eyes.
"I am also glad to have met you too." Liu Tián Qǔ responded. You needed my help, and I desperately need yours as well. I already explain to you that I wish to secure my residence. Last night I explained my involvement concerning Veiled Mountain to you. My involvement can only be hidden for but so long before it becomes common knowledge. That will bring the vultures to my doorsteps. Before then, I want my residence secured. I will leave the hiring for you to handle. How many house guards do you think we should have?" Liu Tián Qǔ asked.
"Oh right before I forget, although you asked me to keep a lookout for a doctor. Truthfully, I didn't get to look around. My focus has been on my wife. However, I did send word out into the Martial Arts World. There are excellent Doctors in the Martial Arts World. Just keep in mind the many of them are eccentric and unconventional." Jiang Tài Píng said.
"Good," Liu Tián Qǔ said. With a thoughtful look on her face, she asked, "What about the Doctor who healed your wife?"
Jiang Tài Píng shook his head with the weirdest expression on his face, "He already left the city the day he gave me the prescription. He is the weirdest person I ever met, but he is also the most knowledgeable doctor I've ever come across."
"Weird in what way?" Liu Tián Qǔ asked in curiosity.
With the most indescribably confused look on his face, Jiang Tài Píng said, "I wouldn't even know how to put his eccentric weirdness into words. You would have to meet him to understand." Jiang Tài Píng looked so apologetic, not being able to help more.
Liu Tián Qǔ just smiled and said, "That is okay. If we are fated to meet, we will meet. If not, then so be it."