Chapter 4 Finding A Doctor

Clutching the coins tightly, Song Zhenyu rushed to the village doctor's house. His voice was hurried and pleading, “Dr. Wang, please come to my house right away. My wife hasn't stopped bleeding since giving birth to our daughter.” Dr. Wang, a man in his sixties, was well-respected in the village. Though not a specialist in women's health, he was known for his general medical expertise. Since moving to the village three years ago, he had treated all kinds of ailments, from headaches to fevers. Song Zhenyu poured the copper coins into the doctor's hands without hesitation. Looking at the bloodstained coins and then at Song Zhenyu's anxious face, Dr. Wang said, “I'm not highly skilled in treating women's complications, but I'll do what I can. Let's go.” Grabbing his medical kit, the doctor followed Song Zhenyu out the door. Song Zhenyu's hurried pace made his worry evident. Dr. Wang observed him silently—this man, weathered by life, was in his early thirties but looked older. His dark skin and patched clothing spoke of hardship, and his worn shoes had a hole in one sole. Despite his appearance, his love for his wife was clear. As they neared the Song residence, they heard loud yelling. “You little thief! How dare you steal from this house!” Wei Zhilan's voice rang out, sharp and venomous. Song Ruying was in so much pain that she hopped from foot to foot, pleading tearfully, “Grandma, I was wrong! Please, don't hit me!” “Mom!” Song Zhenyu's heart clenched as he watched his mother strike Song Ruying. The punishment was anything but mild—Wei Zhilan wielded a stick with full force. Song Ruying, her hair clutched in Wei Zhilan's hand, struggled and tried to flee, only to be dragged back, all the while enduring both the curses and the beating. At the sound of Song Zhenyu's voice, Wei Zhilan loosened her grip. Taking the chance, Song Ruying quickly darted to his side. Her face was streaked with tears, but she didn't dare to say a word of complaint against her grandmother. Song Zhenyu suppressed his sorrow as he turned to Dr. Wang, saying, “Dr. Wang, please come with me.” Dr. Wang nodded and followed Song Zhenyu into a back room. The door creaked open to reveal a dark, oppressive space, thick with the scent of blood. Dr. Wang stooped to enter, while Song Zhenyu followed close behind, leading Song Ruying. Concern was etched deep into his features. On the bed lay Zhang Yingyue, unconscious. Dr. Wang immediately went to take her pulse. After a moment, he began, “She's weak from severe blood loss. I'll perform acupuncture to stop the bleeding, but she'll also need medicine. Her body is critically drained. If she's to survive, she can't bear children again in the future. Carrying another pregnancy would be fatal.” Zhang Yingyue's frail state was glaringly apparent, as if her life hung by a single thread. It was a miracle she'd endured this long. Yet, her health was so deteriorated that future pregnancies were no longer an option. Upon hearing this, Song Zhenyu showed little reaction to the news about her inability to have more children. Instead, his focus was on the present. He sighed in relief, saying, “As long as the mother and child are safe, that's what matters.” If she can't have more children, then so be it. She's already given me four, including two sons. I can't blame her for this—it's simply fate. Dr. Wang nodded solemnly and began the acupuncture treatment while continuing, “You were fortunate to save her in time. A little later, and even God wouldn't have been able to help. After this, you'll need to prepare some medicinal herbs for her recovery. Her body is in a terrible state, and she'll need strict bed rest for months to regain her strength.” Song Zhenyu's heart ached. Zhang Yingyue's thin frame had been apparent even before her pregnancy. The light hue of her skin and her frequent hunger spoke volumes about her hardships. She had endured much in this complicated family, and her survival felt bittersweet. “Thank you, Dr. Wang. I understand,” Song Zhenyu replied, his hands curling into tight fists. As Dr. Wang tidied his tools, he glanced at the newborn, Song Shuying, and remarked, “Your daughter's awake.” The baby's bright eyes opened, and she gazed calmly at her surroundings, not fussing or crying. Her demeanor brought a rare smile to Dr. Wang's face. What a well-behaved child. Song Zhenyu turned his attention to the infant. The moment their eyes met, it felt as if she recognized him. Though her vision was likely blurry, there was an undeniable connection. This was her father. Song Shuying, though barely hours old, had overheard the conversation between her father and the doctor. Her tiny heart formed its first impressions of her parents. Despite the challenging circumstances of their home, she felt a profound love for them. “Shuying, don't cry,” Song Zhenyu cooed softly. “Dad will make you some sugar water soon.” Her calmness melted his heart. He couldn't shake the feeling that she somehow understood his words. Even though she hadn't eaten since birth, the baby remained quiet, yawning softly before closing her eyes to sleep once more. Hunger couldn't trouble her if she slept through it. Unbeknownst to everyone, Song Shuying drifted into a unique space—a sanctuary where her soul could rest and grow. Within this realm, her physical body slumbered while her soul roamed freely, tidying her space and preparing for the future. Though still small and fragile, she held a quiet understanding that one day this space would hold immense value. Meanwhile, Dr. Wang observed her in amazement. “In all my years, I've never seen a baby this obedient.” Song Ruying whispered, “Dad, earlier, Shuying wouldn't stop crying.” Alarmed, Song Zhenyu turned to Dr. Wang. “Dr. Wang, could you check her? Is something wrong?” At the thought of his two sons, Song Zhenyu's heart tightened with worry, fearing that there might be something wrong with his youngest daughter. Dr. Wang smiled reassuringly. “Your daughter is perfectly healthy. She has a strong complexion, clear eyes—there's nothing to worry about.” Relief washed over Song Zhenyu. As long as his daughter was healthy, nothing else mattered. Once the treatment was complete, Dr. Wang instructed, “The bleeding has stopped. Now she just needs rest and proper care.” Before Song Zhenyu could respond, the sound of the Song Shengdong's return filled the air, accompanied by Wei Zhilan's shrill accusations. “Shengdong, you must do something! That ungrateful third son of ours is rebelling!” Song Zhenyu's brows furrowed in pain and frustration. With a sigh, Dr. Wang suggested, “If you're too occupied, let your daughter help me fetch the medicine.” Grateful, Song Zhenyu nodded and turned to Song Ruying. “Ruying, go with Dr. Wang and assist him with the medicine for your mother.” Obediently, Song Ruying followed Dr. Wang out. Closing the door gently, Song Zhenyu steeled himself. He knew a confrontation awaited him, and though he hoped his parents wouldn't force his family into an impossible situation, deep down, he feared the worst.