〈Romance of An-ping: Miss

Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉3

Chapter Two: The Ox Cart Enters Chihkan Village

7

The ox cart rolled into Chihkan Village. The quiet settlement lay half-hidden beneath lush green foliage. Each household had a small courtyard enclosed by low shrubs; vines crawled over wooden fences, their emerald leaves still beaded with last night’s undried dew. Within the yards stood stilted houses supported by posts, their bamboo-and-mud walls weathered yet sturdy, their thatched roofs resembling enormous bird nests lying quietly upon the earth. People lived on the upper level, while livestock were kept below. The clucking of chickens and quacking of ducks rose and fell in succession, harmonizing with the distant murmur of flowing water.

Bluestone slabs paved the narrow lanes, their damp surfaces gleaming faintly and exuding a subtle, earthy scent. The wooden wheels of the ox cart creaked rhythmically as they rolled over the stones, stirring the still air around them.

“We’re almost there,” Ali said, lightly patting the ox’s back as he turned to Junsheng, his tone tinged with anticipation.

“This place is very peaceful,” Junsheng remarked, gazing around with evident appreciation for the rural scenery.

The ox cart stopped in front of a house. Two massive stone pillars stood at the entrance, their surfaces carved with bas-reliefs of a black bear—majestic and powerful, as if watching every visitor who approached.

Kali and his father, Daliguan, heard the sound of the cart and stepped out of the house, opening the wooden gate.

“Welcome to our humble home!” Daliguan strode forward with arms outstretched, laughing heartily as he gave Junsheng a solid, enthusiastic embrace.

Junsheng was momentarily taken aback, but quickly returned the gesture with a smile. “Thank you for your warm hospitality.”

Ali grinned as he made introductions. “Uncle, this is Doctor Junsheng. Kali, you’re looking much better.”

Though Kali’s face was still somewhat pale, his eyes shone with renewed vitality. He stepped forward and patted his chest. “It’s the medicine the doctor gave me—it brought me back to life. I can walk again now, and even help with some work.”

“Ha! That’s how it should be.” Daliguan laughed loudly, giving Kali’s shoulders a heavy pat as if testing his strength. “Doctor, please come inside. The food and wine are ready.”

Daliguan led Junsheng up a ladder made of thick logs. It creaked slightly but felt solid and secure. Kali and Ali followed behind, their steps light.

The interior of the house was simple yet warm. Decorations woven from feathers and animal hides hung on the walls. The floor was covered with dried straw, soft beneath the feet, rustling gently with each step. Above the hearth, strips of venison and pork were being smoked, their savory aroma filling the air.

Smiling, Kali gestured toward a young woman standing beside the hearth. “This is my younger sister, Lalu—the lady of the house.”

Lalu appeared to be seventeen or eighteen. Her skin was fair, her features delicate, and her long, glossy black hair fell to her shoulders. She nodded and smiled brightly. “Doctor, welcome to our home.”

“Thank you,” Junsheng replied with a smile, sensing her gentle and sincere warmth.

They all sat on the floor around a low table made of logs. Fat dripped from the venison and pork onto the embers, producing soft sizzling sounds. Lalu busied herself bringing over the smoked meat and trays of bamboo tubes filled with rice wine.

“It’s time to feast,” Daliguan announced, his voice brimming with pride.

Lalu set the bamboo tubes on the table and sat beside Junsheng. Daliguan and Kali exchanged a glance, then raised their bamboo cups in unison, their expressions solemn.

“Doctor, thank you for saving my son. This cup is offered in respect and gratitude,” Daliguan said, his voice deep and steady.

“Doctor, you’re my lifesaver!” Kali laughed heartily. “I’ll drink it all!” Tilting his head back, he drained the cup in one gulp, bursting into robust laughter.

Junsheng raised his cup, nodded slightly, and took a sip, feeling the strong yet mellow wine slide down his throat.

“Healing the sick is a doctor’s duty,” Junsheng said modestly. “The climate here is similar to Batavia—warm and humid, with many common epidemics. When we travel to practice medicine, we always carry medicines that might prove useful.”

“That’s exactly why I invited you here,” Daliguan said, his expression turning serious. “Our neighboring villages have long suffered from various illnesses. Though we have tribesmen skilled in Han medicine, many conditions show little improvement even with herbal treatments. My son’s fever illness was one of them. Without you, his life would have been in danger.”

Junsheng nodded calmly. “Different illnesses require different treatments. Western medicine and Han medicine each have their strengths. Han medicine is effective for rheumatism and muscular injuries, while Western medicine places greater emphasis on surgery and the prevention and treatment of epidemics.”

Daliguan paused, hope shining in his eyes. “That is precisely why I hope you will stay and treat our people.”

Without hesitation, Junsheng replied, “I would be honored to serve the sick.”

“Excellent!” Daliguan laughed in satisfaction. “I’ll speak with the chief. During the day, you can see patients at the Han medical hall. In the evenings, return here—Lalu will take care of your meals and daily needs.”

Smiling gently, Lalu added, “Doctor, I’ll also handle your laundry from now on.”

Junsheng laughed awkwardly. “That’s too much trouble for you.”

Kali laughed loudly. “Don’t be shy with my sister—just treat this place as your home!”

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8

Accompanied by Kali and Lalu, Junsheng arrived at the Han medical hall near the village gathering place. The building was simple yet distinctive—a stilted structure with a thatched roof. Its walls, made of husks mixed with red earth, exuded the scent of soil. The foundation was low and slightly tilted from years of wind and rain. Straw lay scattered on the ground, soft and warm underfoot.

Several patients sat on a long bench at the entrance, murmuring among themselves, their faces a mixture of hope and unease. Some coughed with lowered heads; others groaned while clutching their ankles. Burly men and elderly women spoke in hushed, urgent tones.

Kali laughed cheerfully and patted Junsheng on the shoulder.

“Doctor, this is Sayun—the daughter of Chief Tapanya, and the future chief of our village.” He gestured proudly toward a woman standing just inside the doorway. “And this is Doctor Junsheng, from the West.”

Sayun stood in the shadows, her hair coiled into a bun, her eyes as clear as a winter stream. She smiled and nodded politely.

“Kali, thank you. My mentor went to Madou Village recently, and with so many patients these days, I’ve truly been overwhelmed,” she said softly, fatigue faintly visible in her brow.

“With the doctor here, you’ll just assist,” Kali reassured her.

Lalu linked arms with Sayun, her eyes shining. “Sister, my brother found an amazing doctor—he cured his fever illness!”

Junsheng smiled gently. “Sayun, are you an assistant in Han medicine?”

Kali explained, “She’s studied under a Han physician since childhood and can already handle common injuries and illnesses.”

“That’s wonderful,” Junsheng said appreciatively. “We can work together to care for the patients.”

Kali laughed heartily. “From now on, Sayun is your assistant. Doctor, please teach her more about Western medicine.”

Junsheng replied modestly, “And she can teach me Han medical techniques and prescriptions.”

“That’s settled,” Lalu said playfully. “Sayun, I’ll handle the doctor’s daily needs—no need for you to worry about those trivial matters.”

Junsheng removed his cloak and handed it to Sayun. “Shall we begin seeing patients? We shouldn’t keep them waiting.”

Sayun accepted the cloak, momentarily stunned. “So soon?” she murmured, then smiled. “I’ll tidy the table first.”

Kali chuckled. “The doctor is too kind-hearted to see patients suffer. I’ll bring in his medicine chests.”

He bent down and lifted two large boxes, sweat beading on his forehead. Opening one, Junsheng revealed an array of unfamiliar yet finely crafted instruments—stethoscope, rubber tubing, gloves, forceps, clamps, and surgical knives of various shapes.

Sayun stared wide-eyed, as if gazing at strange beasts she had never seen before.

“These are… for treating illness?” she asked tentatively.

“Yes.” Junsheng picked up the stethoscope and draped it around his neck with practiced ease. “Let me show you.”

Lalu pressed her lips together, laughing. “Doctor, you look quite funny like that!”

Sayun stifled a laugh, then grew serious. “Your dedication is admirable. I’ve never seen such tools before.”

“Once I arrange the instruments and medicines, we’ll begin,” Junsheng said energetically.

“There are empty cabinets in the dispensary—shall I help you place them?” Sayun offered eagerly.

“For the first time, I’d better do it myself,” Junsheng replied gently. “These medicines need to be sorted by their indications.”

“Then I’ll show you the way,” Sayun said with a smile.

Kali waved. “Doctor, Sayun, we’ll take our leave. If you need to restock supplies from Tayouan Harbor, just tell Ali.”

Sayun waved back. “All right—I won’t see you off.”

As Kali and Lalu walked away, a quiet settled over the area. Junsheng and Sayun disappeared behind the building, beginning their first day of collaboration.

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9

After seeing the last patient, Junsheng removed the stethoscope from his neck and exhaled deeply. A thin sheen of sweat covered his brow. The room was dim, lit only by sunlight streaming through the window lattice, casting pale golden beams across the medicine bottles and instruments.

He went to a corner where a large wooden barrel stood, lifted the lid, and splashed cool water onto his face. Droplets slid down his cheekbones and dripped onto the wooden floor. He wiped his face and hands carefully with a coarse cloth.

At that moment, Sayun emerged from the dispensary, carrying several empty bamboo tubes, her expression grave.

“Doctor, we’re running low on medicines for malaria and dysentery,” she said, setting them down, her fingers whitening slightly.

Junsheng nodded calmly. “Don’t worry. Tomorrow I’ll write a prescription and have Ali fetch the supplies from the medical station at Tayouan Harbor.”

Sayun frowned slightly. “Without you, I really wouldn’t know how to handle these epidemic diseases.”

Junsheng smiled reassuringly and patted her shoulder. “Western and Han medicine each have their strengths. Western medicine focuses more on epidemics—but medicine alone treats only the symptoms. To eradicate these diseases, we must improve environmental hygiene.”

Her eyes lit up with curiosity as she stepped closer. “How should we do that?”

“For example,” Junsheng explained seriously, “don’t drink untreated well or river water—boil it thoroughly. Clear standing water from containers and ditches to prevent mosquitoes. Isolate infected family members and avoid sharing washing or hygiene tools.”

Sayun folded her arms thoughtfully and nodded. “It sounds complicated, but the ideas feel right.”

“That’s where you come in,” Junsheng said encouragingly. “You can help spread these ideas among your people.”

Sayun smiled brightly. “No problem. I’ll discuss it with my mother and gather the women to learn from you.”

Junsheng raised an eyebrow. “What about the men?”

She laughed softly. “They don’t usually handle such matters. We’re a matrilineal society—the women are the heads of households.”

Junsheng burst into laughter. “I see!”

Their eyes met briefly, warmly.

Later, Junsheng walked along a dew-soaked path beneath swaying shadows toward Kali’s home. Birds chirped crisply in the distance. As he approached the house, several brown hunting dogs burst from behind a bamboo fence, barking wildly.

The noise drew attention inside. Lalu, sewing a deerskin garment, paused and opened the window. Sunlight illuminated her delicate features as she saw Junsheng, joy instantly lighting her eyes.

“The doctor is back!” she exclaimed happily, hurrying down the wooden stairs.

“Good morning, Lalu,” Junsheng greeted warmly.

She blushed slightly as she took his cloak. “Come in—Father and Kali are waiting.”

Inside, firelight glowed against the walls. Kali tended venison over the hearth while Daliguan reclined, smoking a pipe.

“Lalu’s thinking about men now,” Kali teased.

“It’s time to find her a husband,” Daliguan mused. “That Junsheng fellow wouldn’t be bad.”

Kali chuckled. “But he might not accept marrying into our family.”

Daliguan frowned. “Our daughters have never married out.”

Just then, Lalu led Junsheng inside, her smile like spring itself.

“Father, the doctor’s back.”

She handed Junsheng a deerskin jacket she had sewn.

“It fits perfectly,” Junsheng said warmly.

“I measured by eye,” she said proudly.

“She’s also our only female hunter,” Kali laughed.

Junsheng stared in surprise. “Really?”

Lalu smiled shyly.

“Thank you, Lalu,” Junsheng said sincerely.

“If you like it, I’ll make you trousers too,” she replied.

Dinner was served amid laughter and warmth.

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10

At Tapanya’s residence, the warmth of charcoal filled the room. Tapanya smiled at Sayun. “I hear Kali brought a foreign doctor to your clinic.”

Sayun nodded eagerly. “His name is Junsheng. He came from Batavia with the Dutch fleet.”

“He cured Kali?” Tapanya asked skeptically.

“Yes,” Sayun said. “He treated nearly thirty patients today.”

“Under thirty?” Li Qinghua asked doubtfully.

“He’s remarkable,” Sayun insisted, recounting Junsheng’s ideas on hygiene.

Tapanya laughed. “So he treats disease and catches demons too?”

Sayun laughed. “You’re always joking.”

In the end, Tapanya nodded. “Very well. Tomorrow I’ll gather the women to hear him.”

“Not just hear—do as he says,” Sayun reminded.

Tapanya laughed. “You’re getting strict.”

The family laughed together, the hearth glowing warmly as night settled in.