〈Romance of An-ping: Miss
Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉9

Chapter Eight:

Junsheng Sets Out on a Circuit of

Medical Visits to Various Villages

36
Sunlight filtered through the shadows of the trees outside the window, scattering mottled patterns across the courtyard. Through the gap of the door, one could hear the chirping of birds not far away. Along the corridor outside the consultation room, the villagers sat in a row, dressed in plain clothing, their faces revealing, more or less, a trace of anxiety and expectation. In their hands they held simple small bundles woven from straw rope; some lowered their heads to talk quietly, while others waited in silence. The air was filled with the fragrance of plants and the scent of medicinal herbs. Each time a name was called, one villager would stand up and slowly walk into the consultation room.

Amanda stood at the doorway of the consultation room, her tone gentle and clear as she called out in turn, “Uncle Dabis, it’s your turn.” Her voice carried a warm concern that made one feel a trace of reassurance upon hearing it.

Dabis slowly rose to his feet, his steps somewhat heavy, as if each movement of his body required effort to sustain. His back was slightly hunched, his beard already graying, and his face was etched with the marks of time. He first underwent pulse-taking by Shayun, and then was handed over to Junsheng for a follow-up examination and prescription.

Shayun extended both hands, her gaze soft, and gently asked, “Elder, where do you feel unwell?” Her tone was steady, like soothing a long-ailing relative.

Dabis slowly stroked his knee, a trace of unease appearing on his face, and replied in a low voice, “Whenever the weather changes recently, my knees and elbows ache. It is especially uncomfortable.” There was a hint of helplessness in his tone, as if no matter how he tried, he could not rid himself of this long-term torment.

Shayun nodded, her brows slightly furrowed, and responded professionally, “This should be joint inflammation caused by rheumatism. Let me take your pulse.” Her hand gently rested on Dabis’s wrist, carefully sensing every pulse beat.

Dabis had already placed his hand on the wooden table; both hands trembled slightly. He lowered his head to watch Shayun’s movements, appearing somewhat uneasy. Shayun observed attentively, slightly frowning, and softly asked, “How long have these symptoms lasted?” There was a trace of concern in her tone.

Dabis let out a soft sigh, his tone revealing a sense of weakness. “Two or three years. Recently the symptoms have become more obvious, and the pain is severe.” He stroked his knee with his hand, clearly weary of this chronic suffering.

Shayun gently pressed on his knee and asked, “When I press like this, do you feel soreness and pain?” Her movements were careful and precise; her fingers lightly touched Dabis’s knee joint, trying to locate the source of the pain.

Dabis frowned slightly; the sensation of pain made him shift his body a little. He responded, “Yes, the soreness here feels stronger.” His tone was full of helplessness, clearly accustomed to this pain that worsened with seasonal changes.

After hearing this, Shayun nodded and said, “Please let the doctor examine you again.” Her tone was calm, yet carried professional firmness.

Dabis stood up, his steps somewhat unsteady, but he still walked firmly toward Junsheng. After sitting down, his eyes closed slightly, as if he wanted to momentarily withdraw from the pain of his body.

Shayun turned back to Junsheng and said, “Rheumatoid arthritis, the course of the illness has already lasted two to three years.” Her tone was steady and confident, showing no doubt in Junsheng’s judgment.

Junsheng nodded, picked up the diagnostic tools in his hand, and said to Dabis, “All right. Elder, please extend your hand, I will examine you.” His tone was gentle, yet carried a focused expression.

Dabis complied and extended his hands, gently placing them on the wooden table, slightly trembling. Junsheng’s hands gently reached over, carefully examining Dabis’s elbows and knee joints, every movement cautious and meticulous.

After finishing the examination, Junsheng said softly, “Elder, your condition requires continuous treatment. I will prescribe some anti-inflammatory and analgesic medicine for you to take. This can relieve the pain and improve joint stiffness, but the medication cannot stop joint damage or slow the progression of the disease.” His tone revealed a trace of helplessness, clearly feeling powerless toward this illness.

After hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Dabis’s face, and he said with a tone of slight satisfaction, “As long as it can make my body feel more comfortable, I am already very satisfied.” His eyes revealed a hope for a simple life, as if relief from pain was already enough.

Junsheng smiled slightly and said, “Go sit outside and wait for a moment. Ali will give you the medicine package, and you should take it daily as instructed.” His tone was relaxed, as if trying to put Dabis at ease.

At this moment, Ali stood up, smiling as he walked toward Dabis, holding a packet of medicine in his hand. He said kindly, “Uncle Dabis, this is your medicine. Please remember to take it on time.” His tone was full of care and responsibility, and he skillfully handed the medicine packet to Dabis.

Dabis gratefully accepted the medicine, nodded, and said, “Thank you, thank you.” Though his words were simple, his eyes were filled with gratitude.

In the kitchen, Meifu was busy preparing lunch. She stood by the stove, her eyes focused as she turned the ingredients in the pot. Her practiced technique made every movement rhythmic. The aroma spread through the air, making one feel a sudden hunger.

37
In the small square in front of the reception house, the morning sunlight slanted across the ground, draping the entire space in a thin golden veil. In the distance, a few sparrows hopped on the electric wires, letting out crisp chirping sounds. Around the square, several old trees swayed in the wind, casting mottled shadows. The villagers gathered here, carrying a bit of dust on their bodies, yet each face revealed a look of satisfaction. The ox cart had already been parked nearby, ready to depart at any moment.

Junsheng and his group were about to leave Xingang Village. His gaze swept over the villagers surrounding him, his heart filled with reluctance to part. Chief Elisa led Lupan, Elder Abu, and the villagers as they walked slowly forward, each step carrying a steady strength, as if the earth beneath their feet responded in a low murmur.

Amanda stood in front of Junsheng, unable to hide her reluctance to part, and said gently, “Doctor, when you pass by here on your return journey, remember to stay here for a few days.” Her tone was like a breeze brushing over the water’s surface, gentle and clear.

Junsheng nodded lightly and replied, “I will.” There was also a trace of tenderness in his eyes, and his tone revealed sincere gratitude toward this land and its people.

Ali stood nearby, patted his belly, and with a slight upward curl of his lips, joked, “Amanda, your sister’s cooking makes me unwilling to leave this place.” He shook his head in feigned seriousness but could not help smiling, clearly unable to get enough of Meifu’s cooking.

A blush spread across Meifu’s face. She lowered her head, her hands lightly clasped in front of her, and replied shyly, “Then stay…” Her voice was soft, like a whisper in the breeze, making everyone present smile knowingly.

Amanda could not help laughing. She turned to Junsheng and teased, “My sister has fallen for you.” Her gaze was gentle, her lips curved upward, as if enjoying this relaxed moment.

Elisa stood nearby. Hearing this, she smiled lightly, then turned to Junsheng and said with a serious yet grateful tone, “Doctor, during these days, the villagers have received medical care from you and your wife. They truly hope that you can come often.” Her voice carried deep feeling; over these days, the villagers’ lives had gradually improved, and this sentiment was utterly sincere.

Junsheng nodded and replied with a smile, “I will come again on the return journey, Chief.” His tone was firm, and his eyes revealed a sense of commitment. This responsibility toward the villagers was deeply engraved in his heart.

At this moment, Dabis stepped forward, holding a package in his hands. His movements appeared somewhat clumsy, yet his eyes revealed deep respect and gratitude. “Doctor, I have prepared some dried venison for you to take on your journey. It is a small token, to express my feelings. Please accept it.” His tone was sincere; this package of dried venison was his most heartfelt blessing to Junsheng and his family.

Many villagers also stepped forward at this time, carrying packages of various sizes in their hands. Their faces were filled with warmth and expectation. Junsheng looked at Ali and Shayun beside him, his gaze full of gratitude and helplessness. These gifts carried too many emotions and stories.

Amanda stepped closer, her tone gentle yet firm. “Doctor, please accept them. This is a small token from the villagers.” She gently pushed Junsheng’s shoulder and smiled, indicating that he should not refuse.

Shayun also spoke softly beside him, “In both sentiment and reason, you should accept.” Her tone was not forceful, yet carried deep rational understanding.

Looking at the sincere faces before him, Junsheng finally smiled slightly and nodded. “All right.” He accepted the gifts, his heart filled with indescribable gratitude toward this land and these people.

Satisfied smiles appeared on the villagers’ faces. They began handing the gifts to Ali, who then loaded them onto the ox cart. The cart was piled with the villagers’ goodwill and blessings, and the wooden axle creaked softly, ready to set off.

Junsheng embraced Elisa and Amanda in farewell with reluctance. The surrounding villagers also waved to see them off. As Junsheng and Shayun stood on the ox cart and waved goodbye to the land they had once cared for, everyone raised their arms together, waving enthusiastically, their faces full of reluctance and blessings.

The ox cart slowly started moving, traveling along that familiar path, passing several clusters of trees, and gradually disappearing into the morning mist. The villagers remained standing in place, watching them depart, until the figure of the ox cart completely vanished from sight.

38
Inside the administrative office of Fort Provintia, dim light faintly illuminated the edges of an old wooden desk. The air carried a slight scent of ink and damp wood. Outside, the wind slipped through the cracks of the window, gently stirring the curtains and bringing a trace of coolness. The clerk Bosimen walked through the long corridor, his footsteps echoing across the empty stone floor, holding a sealed official document in his hand. He paused briefly outside the door, took a deep breath, and then knocked.

“Sir, the chief wants you to review the documents and reports and come up with a solution as soon as possible,” Bosimen said, his voice carrying a slight sense of urgency.

The tax officer Pias was sitting behind a large desk, his fingers lightly stroking the tax receipts on the table. Upon hearing the knock, he lifted his head, a trace of fatigue visible in his eyes. He took the documents handed over by Bosimen from the desk and opened them with a slight frown.

“The monthly export volume of deer hides is to be increased from the current five thousand to eight thousand?” Pias’s tone carried a hint of unease, his brows tightly furrowed, as if weighed down by this sudden order.

Bosimen nodded gently, his tone calm yet tinged with helplessness. “Yes, this is the intention of the finance officer. Due to the sharp increase in demand in the European market, foreign trading firms in the city—British, German, and French—have all raised their purchasing prices to compete for deer hides. The market is already experiencing a shortage of supply. The chief has approved this and insists that European demand must be met.”

Pias took a deep breath, the lines between his brows deepening further. He set the document down, remained silent for a moment, and then asked in a low voice, “Each month, the foreign trading firms in the city purchase two thousand hides, while the remaining three thousand are collected as taxes from each village according to the number of households. Does the chief mean… that I should raise taxes?” His tone revealed a trace of unease.

Bosimen nodded hesitantly, a flicker of confusion passing through his eyes. “That should be the case. Other than that, there seems to be no better solution.” He stood in front of the desk, slightly bending forward as he spoke in a low voice.

Pias rubbed his temples, lifted his head, and looked at Bosimen, his expression still grave, his lips twitching slightly. “Raising taxes is not difficult in itself. The problem is whether it will provoke strong resistance from the villages. As you know, the current taxation already places a considerable burden on the people. If it is increased further, I fear they may not be able to bear it.”

A trace of concern flashed in Bosimen’s eyes, and his tone grew heavier. “This is the chief’s decision. We have no choice but to carry it out. To be honest, I am also worried that once this tax increase order reaches the hands of the village chiefs, their reaction will be extremely intense.”

Pias clenched his fists, leaning slightly forward. His fingers unconsciously tapped against the desk, producing crisp sounds. “In that case, it will not only harm the people; we ourselves will not escape the consequences.” He looked deeply at Bosimen, the worry and helplessness in his eyes surging like a tide.

Bosimen let out a soft sigh, his tone carrying a hint of resignation. “I hope things will go smoothly this time. But as you know, executing such orders always feels heavy.” As he turned to leave, he looked back and added, “Sir, I will keep in close contact. If there are any changes, we can discuss countermeasures.”

Pias nodded, watching thoughtfully as Bosimen’s figure gradually disappeared beyond the door. He sat quietly at the desk, his mind filled with heavy thoughts, gazing out the window as if contemplating the choices that lay ahead.

39
In the residence of Chief Douning of Xiaolong Village, faint sunlight filtered through embroidered curtains into the room, illuminating the heavy wooden floor and aged furniture. Several traditional paintings hung on the walls, creating an atmosphere that was both rustic and oppressive. The air was filled with a faint scent of wood and herbs, interwoven with the damp sea breeze blowing in from outside. Douning sat beside a long table, her hands folded, her gaze fixed on the tax increase order handed to her by Bosimen. Her brows were tightly knit, and anger was clearly visible on her face.

Bosimen stood beside the table, his expression serious, his fingers lightly gripping the edge of his clothing as he waited for Douning’s reaction. After quickly scanning the document, her eyes immediately turned cold and sharp as she said in a low voice, “The tax officer raises taxes whenever he pleases, without even consulting us beforehand. Does he really think the people are living comfortably?”

Douning’s voice was like frost falling, carrying a clear note of reproach. Bosimen nodded slightly, his tone still firm. “I understand your difficulties, of course. But this is the chief’s decision. The tax officer is only carrying out orders.”

Douning stood up, somewhat agitated. Placing both hands on the table, she leaned slightly forward, a flash of anger in her eyes. “The tax officer is carrying out orders, but I, as the chief, must face the villagers. Moreover, after years of hunting, the number of wild deer has already sharply declined. Each household is required to submit one deer hide per month, and the burden is already suffocating the villagers.” Her tone intertwined helplessness and anger, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

Bosimen lowered his gaze to the document on the table, his expression turning conflicted, as though unwilling to stand in opposition to Douning, yet fully aware of his own powerlessness. “How about this? You could invite the chiefs of all the villages to come here. I will ask Officer Pias to personally explain the situation to everyone.” His tone was low and cautious, his eyes revealing a faint hope of resolving the situation.

Douning remained silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement. The anger on her face eased slightly, though her dissatisfaction remained evident. “That would be best. I hope the tax officer will withdraw this order and not act so arbitrarily.” Her tone was firm, as if she had already decided on her next course of action.

Bosimen bowed to Douning and then slowly walked toward the door. Douning remained standing in place, watching his back until the door was gently closed. Only then did she turn around and walk heavily toward the living room.

As she entered the living room, her daughter Imena was sitting on the sofa, her eyes filled with concern. Seeing her mother’s grave expression, she immediately stood up and asked, “Sena, should I inform the elders to gather at the meeting hall?”

Douning shook her head, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly into a bitter smile. “This is a serious matter. Of course we must convene a meeting with the elders.” She paused for a moment, her tone growing heavy. “But the outcome is predictable. No one will be able to swallow this humiliation.”

Imena stepped closer to her mother, gently supporting her shoulders, her gaze filled with worry. “Then what should we do?”

Douning took a deep breath, crossing her arms over her chest, her gaze fixed on the gradually darkening sky outside the window. “Let us wait for the results of the meeting. This turmoil… I fear it cannot be calmed.” She said no more, as if all the answers were hidden within the storm that was about to arrive.

40

Inside the meeting hall of the Madou tribal assembly, the air was filled with the smell of damp wood and a heavy atmosphere. The building was constructed of rough stone bricks and dark red timber, and simple bamboo blinds hung over the windows, barely blocking the glaring sunlight outside. In the center of the hall stood a long round table, upon which were piled documents and maps. The dim yellow lighting cast its glow upon each elder’s face, making them appear even more burdened and anxious. Chief Maya sat in the main seat, her expression solemn. The elders around her showed varied expressions—some with tightly furrowed brows, others tapping their fingers on the tabletop—the atmosphere tense and restless.

Walami suddenly slammed the table. The official document in his hand was spread open as he pointed at the lines of text upon it, his tone full of indignation: “These red-haired foreigners are simply going too far. They raise taxes whenever they please, completely disregarding whether we live or die!”

As he spoke, he angrily stood up, his heavy steps revealing the agitation and unease within him. Kama also stood up, crossing his arms over his chest, his voice impassioned: “This is the government driving the people into rebellion. We cannot just sit here and wait for death! I think we should unite with the nearby villages and refuse to pay together. If those red-haired foreigners insist on acting recklessly, then we rise up and fight them to the death!”

Listening to the intense reactions of the group, Maya gently tapped the table to signal for silence. Her tone was steady yet tinged with helplessness: “I understand everyone’s reaction. I also do not wish to let the red-haired foreigners take whatever they want.” Her gaze swept across each elder’s face, her voice slowing slightly. “Hansheng, you are well-traveled and have long conducted business with the foreigners. What is your view on this matter?”

As Maya’s words fell, Wu Hansheng, the elderly merchant, slowly rose to his feet. In his youth, he had traveled widely and interacted with many foreign traders. Today, he wore a simple cloth garment, with a trace of fatigue visible between his brows. When he spoke, his tone was calm and cautious: “We Han people have a saying: if one cannot endure small matters, one will ruin great plans. Of course, none of you wish to be at the mercy of the red-haired foreigners, but they possess modern weapons such as foreign guns and cannons. There is no need for us to confront them head-on.” His voice was gentle, yet every word was carefully measured. “I agree with Elder Kama’s suggestion. First consult with neighboring villages. After reaching a consensus, we act together. That way, there is a greater chance of making the red-haired foreigners retreat in the face of difficulty.”

Hearing Wu Hansheng’s words, Kama nodded, lowering his arms slightly, his tone softening somewhat: “Hansheng’s thinking aligns with mine. If we act together after reaching a consensus, our chances of success will be greater.”

After listening, Maya looked deeply at each elder, her expression resolute: “Since all of you agree, I will contact Sister Douning of Xiaolong Village as soon as possible and have her take the lead in gathering the various villages to discuss countermeasures.” Her tone was firm—she had already made her decision.

After speaking, her gaze once again swept across the meeting hall. Seeing the elders present nodding in agreement, Maya stood up and gently clapped her hands, signaling the end of the meeting. The elders rose one after another and walked toward the door. The sound of their footsteps echoed in the empty hall, and the unspoken understanding among them seemed to deepen the already heavy atmosphere. Finally, Maya turned around and looked out the window of the meeting hall. In her steady gaze, there was a trace of concern—this storm, perhaps, would not be easily calmed.