Chapter 54: Officially Becoming a Disciple

After the meal, no one brought up the matter again, but they all remembered Wenyao’s excellent cooking. After eating, the siblings informed Doctor Jin that Wen Xiuyi would personally bring them to formally perform the apprenticeship ceremony the day after tomorrow.

Doctor Jin waved his hand indifferently and said, “These formalities have never mattered to me. What I value is Xiaojun’s persistence and talent. The rest is secondary.”

Wen Jun bowed and replied, “Master, etiquette cannot be neglected. This is what I ought to do as your disciple.”

Seeing their insistence, Doctor Jin agreed, “Very well. Then the day after tomorrow, let’s have Old Qiu as a witness. But you must understand, there are only my grandson, two or three servants, and myself in the house. I’m afraid we may not be able to host you properly.”

As he said this, Doctor Jin seemed to glance at Wenyao.

Wenyao had already inquired about Doctor Jin’s household from Hong Hai. Although the Jin family had many branches, Doctor Jin himself had only one son, who had no interest in medicine and preferred reading, staying in the capital to serve as an official. However, his grandson was quite accomplished in the medical arts, so Doctor Jin kept him close for further training.

From Hong Hai, Wenyao had confirmed that Doctor Jin’s grandson was indeed called Jin Xiuyi. If that was truly him, they had even more reason to visit.

How could Wenyao not understand his meaning? She stifled a laugh and said, “Don’t worry, you still have me.”

Doctor Jin let out a hearty laugh. “Then I’ll be troubling you. After all, the servants aren’t fit to host you, and as for eating out, why, Old Qiu’s monthly allowance can barely cover one dish.”

Wenyao didn’t believe the old man was short of money—he was an imperial physician, after all, tending to the nobility in the palace, and a single reward could be worth a fortune. He just liked her cooking, that was all.

It didn’t matter, as long as he enjoyed it. What she feared was indifference.

She had nearly achieved all she wanted, so that afternoon, Wenyao took her leave from the clinic and went to the docks to find Wen Xiuyi, watching as Wen Nong and Liuzi were scolded, while she waited for Wen Jun to finish his work.

The next day, Wen Xiuyi didn’t prepare much food for sale. By noon, most was gone, and the rest sold out in the afternoon. He then hung up a sign announcing a break—the stall would be closed for three days.

He also asked Liuzi to explain to any illiterate customers that after the apprenticeship ceremony, there was a wedding banquet at the Luo family, and as a cousin, Wen Xiuyi had to help. Besides, Wenyao was the chef appointed by the Jiao family.

On the third day, at dawn, Wen Xiuyi changed into new clothes Wenyao had bought. The family of four dressed neatly, carrying the prepared gifts, ready to set out. In addition to the teaware they had chosen earlier, Wenyao had prepared six kinds of pastries to replace the traditional six gifts for apprenticeship.

When Mrs. Luo arrived, she saw the family already neatly dressed, each looking well put together, especially in their new clothes.

Suddenly, Mrs. Luo felt the bundle in her hands was unnecessary.

“Granny, why are you here? Oh, what’s this?” Wenyao hurried to take her arm and, seeing the bundle, reached out curiously.

Mrs. Luo dodged her, her face showing slight disdain as she gently pushed Wenyao’s hand away. “Nothing, nothing. If you’re ready, set out quickly. Don’t waste time and keep Doctor Jin waiting.”

With that, she carried her bundle and left.

As soon as she left, Wenyao sidled up to the father and son, blinking. “I saw it. Granny was carrying a bundle of clothes. I bet she was worried we wouldn’t have anything decent to wear for the ceremony.”

Wen Xiuyi looked off into the distance at his aging mother’s slightly stooped figure, his eyes reddening as he sighed, “Your grandmother has always been a proud woman, strict in speech but soft at heart. If it weren’t for me... if I hadn’t been such a disappointment, she wouldn’t have aged so quickly. In the future, when our lives get better, we mustn’t forget to be filial to your grandparents.”

His parents from his previous life had worried about him for a lifetime, and now, in this world, it was the same. Wen Xiuyi felt undeserving to have such good parents in both lives.

In his past life, his parents died young and he hadn’t had the chance to repay them. In this life, he was determined to be a good son and honor them well.

The siblings nodded obediently, even Da Tou tugged his sleeve and solemnly nodded.

Wen Xiuyi patted each child’s head, then waved his hand grandly. “Let’s go. Time to pay our respects to the master.”

The family of four, dressed in new clothes, walking through the village, naturally drew attention. The recent changes in the Wen family’s main branch had not gone unnoticed, especially by those who sold eggs to them and had benefited in return. While selling eggs in town fetched the same price, it had saved them so much trouble.

Gossip had died down, but curiosity remained—what was this family of four up to?

Because Mrs. Luo had been so insistent, no one in the Wen family had spoken of Wen Jun studying medicine with Doctor Jin, not even the old man who usually liked to boast. They were all afraid of jinxing it.

But after today, with the apprenticeship ceremony performed, and the proper respect paid to Heaven, Earth, ancestors, and master, the matter was settled, and there was no longer any fear of it being known.

To host Wenyao’s family, the Benevolent Hall was closed for the day. Manager Qiu and Hong Hai arrived early to wait at Doctor Jin’s house.

When the family of four arrived, everyone was already present.

The Jin residence was modest—a three-sectioned courtyard. The one who opened the door was an old womanservant who took care of Doctor Jin and his grandson, with the ever-talkative Hong Hai by her side.

In the front hall, Doctor Jin and Manager Qiu sat in the main seats. Beside Doctor Jin was a boy of five or six, with delicate features. Despite his young age, he already exuded a scholarly air, and he watched the entering family curiously.

Wenyao secretly glanced at him—so this was the legendary Doctor Jin as a child.

“Doctor Jin, Manager Qiu, I am Wen Xiuyi. Xiaojun has surely troubled you these days.” Wen Xiuyi, taking on the role of family head, stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

Doctor Jin and Manager Qiu both rose, returned the greeting, and invited Wen Xiuyi to be seated.

“No rush,” Wen Xiuyi replied, turning to signal Wenyao and Wen Jun to bring their gifts forward and place them on the table. Then he addressed Doctor Jin, “Thank you for not turning away my son and accepting him as your disciple. These are a few humble gifts we have prepared. Please do not disdain them.”

On the table were four wooden gift boxes. They did not appear expensive, yet there were seven items in total.

Doctor Jin had not expected an extravagant apprenticeship gift from Wen Jun, knowing their family’s circumstances. Preparing seven gifts must have required much thought and effort.

But when Wenyao and Wen Jun opened the boxes, both Doctor Jin and Manager Qiu were left astonished.