Chapter 1 First Encounter with the Widower

Chapter 1: Meeting the Widower

The calamity was recent. Although the riverbank had breached over a hundred li away, disaster refugees had already begun trickling into Yongning City.

As the saying goes, "If only people in the world were free from illness, who would care if medicine gathered dust on the shelves?" Yet this was merely the Lei family's wishful thinking. With the influx of refugees, and they being reputable government doctors, their medical practice inevitably saw a "boom."

Lei Tan was only eleven years old, still a young boy with his hair tied in two little topknots. He hadn't experienced much of this kind of situation before and was run off his feet and feeling dizzy. Seizing a moment when no one was paying attention, he secretly pulled aside his older brother, Lei Li, to complain. He said he hadn't rested his feet all morning, his mouth was dry and his throat parched, his stomach was growling with hunger, and he wondered when they might get a bite of lunch.

Lei Li, two years his senior, had a calmer disposition. He ruffled Lei Tan's head and said, "Why don't you go to the kitchen first to find something to eat? There are still several patients, and none of us have a free moment. I'm afraid it'll be a while yet before we can eat."

Lei Tan's eyes lit up with an idea. "I'll go find Big Brother!"

He turned and scampered off. Only upon entering the clinic's main hall did he slow his pace, quietly slipping along the wall to a desk. Seeing there were still patients present, he cleared his throat, put on a proper manner, bowed to the patient, and then called out to the physician seated at the desk, "Sir."

The physician turned at the sound. He was a handsome man with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, an air of heroic spirit between his brows. If not for the fact he was sitting in a clinic and dressed plainly, giving him a quiet, scholarly demeanor, one could easily mistake him for a martial artist. Recognizing Lei Tan, his gaze softened, adopting a tone one uses to humor a child. "What is it?"

Lei Tan felt embarrassed to speak in front of the patient. He blinked, thinking of a way, when he suddenly noticed a scroll of the *Classic of Materia Medica* lying on the desk. He quickly picked it up, casually flipped it open, and it landed on the section for top-grade items under "Grains and Cereals." Pointing at it, he said to the physician, "Sir, I actually came to ask about this prescription."

The physician he addressed as "Sir" thought for a moment and understood his meaning. He couldn't help but smile wryly, pulled open a wooden box beside him, took out a few copper coins, and handed them to Lei Tan. "Go to the food shop to 'fill the prescription.' Take Yue Er with you."

Hearing this, the patient became curious instead. "Why go to a food shop for medicine?"

Lei Tan blinked. "Medicine and food share the same origin."

Lei Tan took the money but didn't wait for Lei Li. He thought to himself that the food shop wasn't far from the clinic. The time it would take to go back and find Lei Li would be enough for him to run there himself. Besides, in broad daylight, who would dare cause him trouble? So, he quietly slipped off alone to the food shop, bought a few kinds of pastries and side dishes, planning to bring them back for everyone to share. Recently, the number of beggars in the city had increased significantly. Knowing it wasn't good to flaunt things carelessly, he carefully hid the food inside his clothes, intending to blend into the crowd on his way back. Unexpectedly, as soon as he stepped out of the shop, two men immediately surrounded him, opening with, "Little brother, have a heart, spare us a bite to eat."

It turned out they had been hiding in the shadows, watching people coming and going from the food shop. Seeing Lei Tan was just a child, they figured he'd be easier to intimidate and came up to him, using a mix of soft pleas and persistence. Afraid of attracting more attention, Lei Tan had no choice but to reach into his clothes and pull out one flatbread. "My family isn't well-off either. This is food for several mouths. Alright, seeing you're pitiful too, I'll give it all to you."

The two men took the flatbread but weren't in a hurry to eat it, nor were they willing to leave. They still blocked Lei Tan's path, muttering and insisting that Lei Tan still had money, demanding he hand over all his coins and food. Lei Tan tried to turn and run, but one of them grabbed one of his hair buns from behind, making him grimace in pain. The other reached out to grab the things from inside his clothes. The little fellow was not about to let himself be manhandled. He lifted his foot to kick, but being small and weak, the two beggars paid no mind to his feeble attempts. In the struggle, just as Lei Tan was about to come to harm, someone suddenly spoke from behind. "What is this? In broad daylight, you dare rob someone on the street?"

The speaker's voice wasn't loud, sounding a bit weak, but the attitude was firm. All three stopped and looked. Standing nearby was a *ge'er*, around thirty years old at most, dressed in a gray robe of coarse linen. His complexion wasn't good, pale and bloodless. He was so thin he was practically skin and bones, his face also lacking flesh, yet his facial features were still delicate. Especially those phoenix eyes, the corners slightly upturned, with a tiny red mole at the outer corner of his right eye, lending a uniquely charming allure. Although his clothes were somewhat worn, they were neat and tidy, clearly indicating he came from a proper family.

Seeing someone approach, and noting this *ge'er*'s hair was neatly combed into a bun—meaning he was likely already married, not a child—the two beggars feared his husband might come and didn't dare cause further trouble. They dropped Lei Tan and ran off. The *ge'er* came over, helped Lei Tan up, straightened his clothes, and seeing Lei Tan's hair on one side had come loose, gently smoothed it back into place. His every movement was exceedingly gentle. Lei Tan, who had nearly cried from the pain of being pulled by the beggars, now held back his tears and hastily bowed. "Thank you, sir, for saving me."

The *ge'er* smiled, his eyes crinkling, and patted Lei Tan's shoulder. "Don't mention it, it was nothing. The streets aren't very safe these days. Next time, don't run out alone."

Lei Tan nodded in agreement, pondering how best to express his gratitude, when he heard him ask, "Little brother, do you know where the clinic in this city is? I wanted to get a few doses of medicine, but I'm new here. I've been wandering around for a long time and still got lost."

This was asking the right person. Lei Tan quickly nodded. "I know. I'll take you there."

So, the two walked and chatted. The *ge'er* was fine, but Lei Tan was the most talkative, his mouth not stopping the whole way. He learned this *ge'er*'s surname was Wu, with the given name "Qiu." He was passing through Yongning City to visit relatives when his mother fell ill, hence he was looking for a clinic to buy medicine. Hearing this, Lei Tan didn't forget to remind him too: "Just as you said, there are too many refugees lately, can't be careless. Next time, have your husband come with you."

Wu Qiu just smiled and nodded, not saying anything more.

The clinic really wasn't far; they arrived while talking. Lei Tan led Wu Qiu inside, ushered him into a small side room adjacent to the central hall, poured a cup of tea, asked him to wait a moment, and then went out to find someone. Wu Qiu saw this small room was kept very tidy, the furnishings simple, probably a reception area. However, looking at the bookshelf against the wall, stacked with various scrolls and books, and a scroll of calligraphy hanging on the wall, it also somewhat resembled a small study. Although Wu Qiu was illiterate, he felt the brushstrokes of these characters were powerful and vigorous, very pleasing to the eye. He couldn't help but stare blankly, lost in thought, until Lei Tan led a physician in, startling him back to reality. He hurriedly put down his cup and stood up.

This physician was the very one who had given Lei Tan the money earlier. Seeing Wu Qiu, he bowed deeply in salute, thanking him. Flustered, Wu Qiu hastily returned the courtesy. After a few polite exchanges, they each took a seat. The physician introduced himself as Lei Ding. Lei Tan stood to the side and introduced him to Wu Qiu: "Mr. Wu, this is the government doctor of our Yongning City. Whatever medicine you need, just tell him."

Lei Ding took Wu Qiu's prescription, examined it carefully for a moment, and casually asked, "I wonder which physician prescribed this formula?"

Wu Qiu thought for a moment and replied, "We are not from Yongning City, just passing through. The prescription was written by a physician elsewhere previously. Sir, do you see anything amiss with it?"

Lei Ding shook his head. "Nothing amiss. However, judging by this prescription, the patient's wind-cold ailment likely came on fiercely. Rest and recuperation are paramount. If your travel plans can be postponed, sir, it would be best to rest for a period before continuing your journey."

Wu Qiu thanked him. Lei Ding then stood up to prepare his medicine and told Lei Tan to fetch some pastries to give to Wu Qiu. Wu Qiu declined but couldn't refuse and had to accept. When Lei Tan returned, Lei Ding was still in the central hall compounding the medicine, leaving only him and Wu Qiu in the side room again. Lei Tan was lively by nature, and Wu Qiu also liked him very much. Now that they were more familiar, Wu Qiu proactively chatted with him: "Was that gentleman just now your father?"

Lei Tan was taken aback, then burst into laughter. "No, no, he's my eldest brother. But in terms of age, I'm eleven this year, and he's already reached the age of thirty. Saying he's my father wouldn't be too far off."

Lei Tan wasn't tall, his little face round and plump, pinkish-white, giving him a somewhat childish appearance. Wu Qiu had thought he was only seven or eight years old and couldn't help but laugh too. "I saw how respectfully you treated him, and heard you both share the surname Lei, so I assumed he was your father. Please don't mind."

Lei Tan stuck out his tongue. "When he'll have a son, who knows what year of the monkey it'll be."

Lei Tan leaned closer to his ear, speaking mysteriously: "You're from out of town, so naturally you don't know, but all the common folk in Yongning City know. My eldest brother is an odd one. Back in the day, matchmakers practically wore out our family's doorstep, but he just said—"

Here, he deliberately lowered his voice, exaggeratedly imitating Lei Ding's deep tone: "He just said, 'I don't even know the other person's temperament and disposition, how can I decide a lifelong matter based on a matchmaker's few words? If we're incompatible, it would just end up wasting years for nothing, and add the trouble of separation.' Sir, listen, isn't that strange talk? Since ancient times, marriage has been about parents' orders and matchmakers' words, yet he stubbornly refused. And he's the stubborn type who, once he decides something, won't change his mind. My father and my *a-die* couldn't do anything with him. Later, there were a few more times where they had him meet the *ge'er* or daughter a few times first, thinking once they got acquainted he'd naturally be willing. But after meeting them, he always said they weren't suitable. So, dragging it out like this, it ended up like this. Now matchmakers don't even come to our door anymore. I think in the future, he'll have to rely on me, his younger brother, to provide for him in his old age."

Wu Qiu listened, laughing. He didn't think Lei Ding was odd, just found the man very interesting: "He places such importance on harmony and affection. I imagine if he truly does marry in the future, he will genuinely cherish his wife or husband, and their life together will surely be happy."

Lei Tan shrugged. "I hope your words come true. Sir, if you have the chance in the future, remember to bring your young master or young lady to play with me. Near my home, only the little *ge'er* from the Liu family next door is the same age as me, but he's always unwilling to come out and play. It gets lonely for me."

Lei Tan was innately straightforward and, after all, spoke with less forethought. Seeing Wu Qiu was a married *ge'er*, he spoke without asking further.

The door creaked open, and Lei Ding entered with the medicine. Wu Qiu hurriedly stood up to receive it. Lei Ding was quite a bit taller, leaning down slightly to speak to him, instructing on some necessary precautions. Wu Qiu noted each one and was about to take out money when Lei Ding stopped him: "Sir, you saved my younger brother on the street today. We can't accept payment for this medicine."

He said some more words of gratitude afterward, but Wu Qiu was momentarily distracted and didn't hear them. It was the time when the sun was highest. This side room originally didn't face the sun, but the sunlight was so intense that a few rays still streamed gently through the small window. Lei Ding stood in the light, with a faint smile, handsome but not sharp, gentle but not frivolous.

Just looking at his face, no wonder Lei Tan said matchmakers had worn out their doorstep.

At parting, little Lei Tan still remembered to ask Wu Qiu to bring his child to play with him again, chattering on with reminders until Lei Ding tapped him on the head twice, not too lightly, not too heavily, with a fan. Finally, regretfully, he went inside. Lei Ding bowed to Wu Qiu from a distance once more, and Wu Qiu seriously returned the courtesy before setting off on his return journey.

All the way, he couldn't help thinking: What a pity he would have to break his promise to this lovely child.

He had no children. His husband had passed away nine years ago, just after they were married.

Author's Note:

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Lei Ding: "Ding" is a polyphonic character. In his name, it's pronounced "ting" (third tone).

Reading Guide:

1. Fictional setting, *ge'er* literature, includes childbirth.

2. Both chaste, 1v1, main shou, HE. Although the shou is a widower, he is indeed chaste! He has special circumstances (not really).

3. No golden fingers, no rebirth/time travel, no imperial examinations/court politics.