Chapter 15 Eating

Now that I see her in person, I can say she's quite pleasant, though not as stunningly beautiful as the rumors suggest. Given that she's the daughter of Lady Mo and Chancellor Mo from Mo Manor, she couldn't possibly be unattractive. The girl in front of me does have fair skin and cherry lips, but her eyes under her long bangs aren't clear, with her head bowed down and nothing particularly striking about her. If we were to compare, Mo Linglong, another daughter of the Mo family, is far superior - a true combination of beauty and talent.

Ziwan was also taken aback for a moment. Shouldn't an imperial physician be an old man with a white beard? Why is he so young? Have I made a mistake?

But she knew she had to observe the formalities.

"Please, Miss Mo, don't be too formal. I'm merely a resident physician at the imperial hospital, and I don't have the ability to conduct an examination independently yet," Mo Jingcheng said, trying to prevent Ziwan from bowing to him, his face flushed in embarrassment.

Oh, an innocent soul, thought Ziwan. Quite cute and quite easy to intimidate. She was a prodigy in medicine, mastering both Eastern and Western practices, as well as a polymath. She certainly didn't need this intern physician as her mentor.

However, she had not yet seen the medical techniques of ancient times and thought that it wouldn't hurt to get a chance to learn a bit.

"Starting from today, I will teach you some basic medical knowledge and introduce you to some simple medicinal herbs. I will also teach you some basic techniques of acupuncture." After the formal introductions, Ma Jingcheng began to teach her some medical basics in a methodical manner.

Ziwan couldn't help but smile as she looked at the introductory medical textbook in front of her - she had already passed this level of knowledge when she was only three years old. However, she played along and pretended to be a diligent student, even making hand gestures to ask Ma Jingcheng questions from time to time.

Teachers are particularly fond of students who are eager to learn. Initially, Ma Jingcheng came here reluctantly as a favor to the eldest son of the Mo family. But seeing the student's industriousness, he was pleased and his teaching attitude improved greatly.

Xueyan and Xueyuan, both educated, were invited by Ziwan to join the lessons, as well as Nuan Qi.

Mo Qingfeng and Mo Qingyun were not interested at first, but looking at Ziwan's dedication they felt compelled to join in. They assumed that they would be teaching Ziwan because she usually didn't show a strong ability to grasp knowledge. In case Ziwan failed to learn, they assumed that they could help instruct her after they've mastered the content themselves.

If Ziwan knew the purpose for which her two brothers were studying with her, she would certainly laugh herself to death. Considering her unparalleled medical skills, there would be few who would dare to claim superiority over her.

Both parties found the teaching experience quite enjoyable, especially for Ma Jingcheng, who was only a trainee at the imperial hospital and was often chided by the chief physician. Now, he was finally experiencing the feeling of being a teacher from this group of "students". Especially having two talented sons of the Mo family as his students, which greatly satisfied his vanity.

"That concludes today's lesson. If you have any questions or areas of confusion, please ask me in our next class," declared Ma Jingcheng, monetarily lost in his newfound rhythm of teaching.

"Sure, I'll certainly ask you if I encounter any difficulties," said Ziwan, nodding enthusiastically like a diligent student. "I will also review and go through the material you taught today."

Ma Jingcheng felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction, seeing her active participation. He found it difficult to comprehend her hand gestures, but Xueyan stepped in as the interpreter. After hearing her relayed remarks, Ma Jingcheng couldn't help but admire her diligence and vouched to be more prepared for the next class.

"As long as you review and study carefully, you will remember. What we learned today is basic knowledge, so there's no need to worry too much." He carefully instructed her, finding himself more and more comfortable playing the role of a teacher.

"We won't delay you any further today. Thank you for your time," said Mo Qingfeng, with a smile escorting him out. "Please join us for a meal at the Zuixian Pavilion in the future."

"Of course, remember not to go back on your word though," said Ma Jingcheng, his voice fading as he walked away. Ziwan laughed heartily, finding this silly teacher truly amusing.

"You can't rush your studies. Take your time and don't overburden yourself." Mo Qingyun comforted her.

Ziwan enthusiastically agreed.

Lady Mo's health had improved over the past few days and she was well-rested. "Let's have dinner with our parents tonight." Ziwan used hand signs to convey her request.

Mo Qingfeng and Mo Qingyun, who had just come home, exclaimed in surprise, "Dinner together with mom and dad?" The two brothers questioned in unison.

"Is there a problem? I want to see mom and dad." Ziwan asked, blinking her eyes in confusion.

"No, no. You're right! Mom and dad would be thrilled! Xueyan, go inform Lady Mo that we are going to have a family dinner together tonight." Mo Qingfeng instructed Xueyan, brimming with excitement. Since Ziwan had become somewhat withdrawn since her childhood injuries, she shied away from contact with anyone except Nanny Xia, her daughter, and few of the servants. Even during holidays, she wasn't willing to dine with the family, which would cause her mother to tear up and dampen the family atmosphere.

So, the fact that she proactively suggested to eat together today was nothing short of surprising. Who wouldn't be excited about it? Who knew how thrilled the parents would be upon hearing this news?

Xueyan hurriedly rushed to Lady Mo's room, panting heavily as she arrived.

"What's the rush, you clumsy girl?" Nanny Zhu reprimanded Xueyan upon seeing her panting with disheveled appearance.

"Did something happen to Ziwan?" Lady Mo asked frightened, dropping her tea cup onto the table and turning pale.

"What happened to little miss?" Chancellor Mo, who had just returned, shot up, asking anxiously.

"Little miss is alright." Xueyan managed to regain her breath and said, "The eldest son wants me to notify you that Little Miss and the two boys will be joining for dinner tonight." She managed to utter all the words.

"As long as she is fine, I was really scared for a moment," Chancellor Mo said patting his chest. "Don't ever rush like that again, you nearly gave me a heart attack."

Xueyan pulled a face and stuck out her tongue. She meant well, but it appeared that she had indeed scared them.

"What did you just say? Ziwan is coming for dinner?" Lady Mo, regained her composure upon hearing that Ziwan was okay. Suddenly, Xueyan's statement struck her like a thunderbolt. She stood up abruptly and asked Xueyan to confirm the news.

"Ziwan is really coming for dinner?" Again Chancellor Mo, began pacing back and forth in the room, unable to hide his excitement.

"Yes, it was her initiative. The eldest son asked me to inform you so that you can make preparations." Xueyan now having caught her breath, spoke fluently.

"That's wonderful, my Lady. How long has it been since Little Miss willingly came to join us for a meal? She was the one to suggest it this time!" Nanny Zhu gave an approving nod with tears of joy in her eyes. She was thrilled for Lady Mo, as she finally overcame her difficulties and a cloud of worry was lifted from her mind.