Chapter 965 - 963 Guest

Words : 1182 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

Chapter 965: Chapter 963 Guest Du Residence. Before dawn, everyone began to busy themselves. Today is an important day with the master accepting a closed-door disciple, both the master and madam have instructed to handle everything with care. It’s said that two noble patrons from the Capital City will also be attending the ceremony, making it even more significant. Fortunately, although the Du Residence retains old staff from past times, who may not be as refined in etiquette as those from the Capital City, the steward and several capable maids and sisters are accustomed to serving Imperial Physician Du and Lady Qi. With them in charge, the Du Family remains busy yet orderly. Everywhere, from the rooms and courtyards to the main entrance, has been cleaned thoroughly; the kitchen is brightly lit, and before dawn, they procured ingredients from agreed-upon households, which the kitchen maids are now busy preparing. Being of age, Imperial Physician Du sleeps little, and upon hearing the commotion outside, he couldn’t stay in bed any longer and decided to get up. Lady Qi also felt unsettled, and the two rose, freshened up, dressed, and exchanged glances. After quite a while, Imperial Physician Du chuckled: "Old we may be, having experienced so much, yet we still feel nervous accepting a disciple." Lady Qi candidly pointed out her worries, insisting on inspecting everywhere. Imperial Physician Du could only grab a medical text, glancing at it occasionally. Over in the Song Family Courtyard, Old Granny Zhang also slept poorly, counting the apprenticeship gifts five or six times throughout the night. She didn’t feel assured leaving them in the storeroom, so she piled everything in her room. Awake early, she donned newly made attire. Old Granny Wu fetched water, assisted Old Granny Zhang with her grooming, styling her hair into the latest urban granny’s popular bun. Even during mourning, today bears great significance, so she adorned a few silver hairpins to show respect. Everyone else awoke as well. Wang Yongzhu felt a bit tense; after all, this was her first formal apprenticeship ceremony, so she rehearsed the process once more with Song Chongjin to ease her nerves. Song Chongjin rarely saw Wang Yongzhu so anxious, even more than on their engagement and wedding days. His heart felt slightly sour; becoming a disciple to some elderly man only involves bowing and tea serving, right? Hmph! Yet outwardly he comforted her: "Rest assured, everything is arranged by the ceremony master, you just need to follow their lead." Because today was Wang Yongzhu’s big day, although they were in mourning and couldn’t wear festive colors, Wang Yongzhu deliberately chose a dark-colored dress to appear composed; her hair was neatly styled without any adornments. At sixteen, even in a dark dress without accessories, Wang Yongzhu’s eyes remained as bright as clear autumn waters, and her brows resembled distant mountains; despite mourning prohibiting flavorful foods, her face still radiated the youthful beauty characteristic of her tender age, with rosy complexion. Over recent months, Wang Yongzhu seemed to have grown taller; her previously round face began slimming. Not noticed regularly, but today, dressed in a dark gown with a waist-cinching belt, and donning deerskin boots, her figure appeared tall, delicate, and graceful. Observing, Old Granny Zhang couldn’t help but praise: "Zhuzhu indeed seems more like a young lady now." Yet simultaneously expressed affection: "It shows that mourning has made Zhuzhu thin from hunger. Once you’ve pledged yourself, I must inquire from your master for some tonics to replenish you." Song Chongjin hurriedly interjected: "Mother, it’s about time, let’s have breakfast first, prepare, and leave when the carriage arrives." Old Granny Zhang instantly ordered Old Madam Ding to promptly serve breakfast. Since the apprenticeship might last long, avoiding liquid meals in fear of restroom incidents during the ceremony. Wang Yongzhu only consumed two pastries and half a bowl of silver ear and lotus seed porridge, then put down her chopsticks. Despite feeling concerned, Old Granny Zhang knew the significance of the day left no room for mistakes, thus they remained silent. Post breakfast, the hired carriage arrived at the door, and the family busily loaded the apprenticeship gifts onto it. It’s noteworthy that Old Granny Zhang had previously prepared apprenticeship gifts for Wang Yongan, while Song Chongjin arranged his own gifts when apprenticing under Xu You. Both contained six items: celery, lotus seeds, red beans, jujubes, longans, and jerked meat. Old Granny Zhang even prepared silver coins and red envelopes. However, neither had experience with medical apprenticeship ceremonies or knew whom to consult, thus contemplated adding various items to the ordinary six-item gift set. Besides assorted pastries and fine wine, they included Imperial Physician Du’s favorite tea. Additionally, Wang Yongzhu had personally made garments for Imperial Physician Du and Lady Qi; they prepared everything necessary and extras. Nearly half a carriage loaded. They arrived at the Du residence’s entrance. Du family members were already waiting at the gate, warmly welcoming Wang Yongzhu off the carriage, escorting her to the main courtyard, and calling for someone to carry the items inside. Upon reaching the main courtyard, both Imperial Physician Du and Lady Qi were already waiting. Lady Qi invited Old Granny Zhang to converse in the side hall, while Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu remained with Imperial Physician Du. To alleviate Wang Yongzhu’s anxiety, Imperial Physician Du briefly outlined the apprenticeship ceremony, similar to what Song Chongjin had found out. He mentioned several things to keep in mind and arrangements. Before saying much, a messenger came reporting, saying guests had arrived. Inspecting the invitation, Imperial Physician Du smiled: "You shall accompany me to greet them, today you’ll surely need his help." Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin, although perplexed, dared not ask, merely following behind. They arrived at the second gate, and there was an elderly man with hair and beard over fifty, sporting long flowing whiskers and a truly venerable, ethereal presence. "You old fellow, such an early arrival." Imperial Physician Du teasingly complained but swiftly approached to welcome him. Assessing the elder, he continued: "For many years unseen, now returned, you don’t come to visit me; I must send an invitation for you to appear, is your status growing ever higher?" The elder gently brushed his long beard and smiled: "You are the Imperial Physician, I hold a mere title, how could I dare visit?" "Isn’t it the matter a few days ago tarnished your reputation, hence avoiding public view?" Imperial Physician Du provocatively remarked. The elder snorted coldly, flicking his hand: "Today you invited me not as the ceremony master but to insult me, is that so? If true, this old man shall take his leave—" Saying that, he turned to go. "Alright, alright, after so many years, still with this foul temper! Quickly meet my new disciple, I must tell you, she’s my closed-door disciple, if your greeting gift is insufficient, I shall not comply." Imperial Physician Du hurried to stop the elder. Turning back, he urged Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin: "Meet your Uncle Qin." Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin dutifully stepped forward to greet.

Chapter 965 - 963 Guest

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