White Moon Academy had its share of pressing matters due to Elder Cen’s presence in the capital and Kang Rui’s extended absence. Additionally, with the imperial examination results imminent, Kang Rui had been busy with preparations, since he was currently serving as the only scholar in Yongxiu County.

“Dean, there’s a letter for you, delivered from the capital,” a messenger informed Kang Rui. Kang Rui glanced up from his desk and accepted the letter with thanks. He noticed that it was sent by his father-in-law, which made him feel a pang of guilt, considering his hasty return.

After opening the letter, Kang Rui’s face lit up with surprise. He read the contents with enthusiasm and then he neatly organized his desk. He packed the academy’s administrative matters into a document bag specially made for him by Aunt Zhou at Shao Yunan’s request. Kang Rui decided to leave early and head back to Xiushui Village. As he left the academy, several county officials arrived, seeking his presence at the yamen due to official documents related to the imperial examination.

Meanwhile, a piece of news spread like wildfire within Yongxiu County. This year’s imperial examination required not only a recommendation letter from the local academy’s scholar, but also one from the local school’s scholar. Without both, a candidate couldn’t participate in the examination. In Yongxiu County, there were only two scholars: County Academy’s head, Elder Cen, and the current dean of White Moon Academy, Kang Rui. 

With Elder Cen in the capital, Kang Rui was the sole scholar left in the county. To obtain a scholar’s recommendation letter, a candidate had to meet specific criteria regarding character, family background, and moral conduct. If the scholar’s recommendation did not align with these criteria, the scholar would also be held accountable.

This news caused mixed reactions, with some people crying and others laughing. Among them was Wang Zhisong, who had left the county school to stay home in solitude and continue his studies, seeking a quiet place to study. He was outside buying something when he heard this news. The papers he had purchased were scattered on the ground as he stood frozen, staring at the ground in shock. Eventually, he abruptly ran towards the county school. Arriving at the school gate, Wang Zhisong was stopped by the guard. Despite the earlier ban on returning to the county school, he boldly rushed in, where he met an old acquaintance and questioned him about the scholar’s recommendation.

The situation grew chaotic as people gathered to argue. Luckily, with the presence of their mentor, the argument was diffused, and everyone dispersed. In despair, Wang Zhisong cried out, “I just wanted to know if it’s true!” His fellow student retorted, “With your character and your family’s reputation, there’s no way a scholar would recommend you! You’re getting what you deserve!” Pale and trembling, Wang Zhisong’s knees nearly gave way. He then suddenly turned and ran towards Xiushui Village, as if grasping at a lifeline.

Jiang Kangning had sought out Kang Rui precisely because the list of successful imperial examination candidates was soon to be posted. With Elder Cen absent, Kang Rui, the only scholar in the area, had a significant responsibility. Amidst his busy schedule, Jiang Kangning had even investigated the list of candidates from Yongxiu County and provided some information to Kang Rui for reference. Kang Rui expressed his gratitude and promised to send over some delicious food if Shao Yunan was available.

Back at the county yamen, Kang Rui, who had completed his official business, returned to Xiushui Village. Upon entering the Wang residence, he first paid his respects to King Rong, who was busy inspecting a bunch of bright red tomatoes. Kang Rui exchanged a few words with him before being allowed to move freely, while King Rong continued to examine the vivid red tomatoes.

What Shao Yunan said was that these red fruits were found in the Western Hills. They were red and resemble persimmons in appearance. So why not name them tomatoes? Those who were not in the know all found it quite fitting, so tomatoes managed to keep their name.

Nizi and Jiang Moxi were napping, while Shao Yunan and Guo Zimu were in the kitchen making snacks. When they saw Kang Rui returning, Shao Yunan was curious. “Senior Brother? Why are you back so soon? Is everything done at the academy?”

Kang Rui replied, “More or less. Brother Qing hasn’t finished his classes yet, so I didn’t pick him up.”

“Oh. He hasn’t been to class for many days, better not extend his leave any further,” Shao Yunan remarked.

Kang Rui looked at Guo Zimu and said, “Yunan, come out with me, I need to talk to you.”

“Sure.”

Shao Yunan followed Kang Rui, with his hands covered in flour. In a secluded spot, Kang Rui spoke in a low voice. “Yunan, my younger sister’s husband has been ill for several months, suffering from severe abdominal pain. I gave him the three bottles of honey grapefruit tea you sent to the capital. I also gave him the solid paste you gave me. My father-in-law wrote me a letter, saying that after he consumed the solid paste and grapefruit tea his abdominal pain gradually improved. Now they’ve run out of both the solid paste and the tea, and they want you to make more.”

Shao Yunan replied, “That’s not a problem. But Senior Brother, why didn’t you tell me about this when you came back?”

Kang Rui said, “You were busy making tea and I didn’t want to bother you with this. Besides, you’re not a doctor. Who would have thought that your solid essence ointment and grapefruit tea would work? My father-in-law consulted numerous famous doctors in the capital, but they couldn’t find a solution.”

Shao Yunan asked curiously, “Where is he experiencing the pain?”

Kang Rui pressed his right lower rib cage. Shao Yunan inspected the area and said, “Could it be gallbladder inflammation or gallstones?”

“Yunan?”

Shao Yunan reached out and pressed where Kang Rui indicated. “Is it here?”

Kang Rui nodded, “Yes. When I visited him, he was in excruciating pain, writhing in bed. He used to be a healthy man, but now he’s become bedridden and no amount of tonics seems to help.”

Shao Yunan remarked, “If it’s gallbladder inflammation or gallstones, consuming medicines will only make the pain worse.”

“Gallbladder inflammation… gallstones? Yunan, do you know about these conditions?” Kang Rui and his companions had long grown accustomed to Shao Yunan’s ‘know-it-all’ demeanor. Even if they had doubts, their attitude, to some extent, encouraged Shao Yunan’s ‘daring’ behavior.

Shao Yunan pressed above the indicated area and explained. “This is the liver. The place you mentioned as hurting is the gallbladder. They say ‘liver and gallbladder support each other,’ because the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts are all interconnected.”

Edited by: Jaisland

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