Chapter 6 I Arrived at Ma Fang Township

  Two hunters led Kang Fan and Mei Xiang to a town called Ma Fang Township. This was the first time they had entered human society in this period of time, and although it was only a small town, the authentic Qing Dynasty scenery that met their eyes made the two people feel as if they had walked into a dream world, but all of this was real! The emotions of the two were really impossible to describe with language, facing the throngs of onlookers who came to watch the commotion, they just kept walking without looking around.

  Mei Xiang and Kang Fan were both in casual wear, but Mei Xiang was even more eye-catching in a bright red sportswear. The villagers chased after them, looking at them with surprise, pointing and gathering around. Mei Xiang held onto one of Kang Fan's hands tightly, leaning against him closely, her eyes fixed on his face without blinking. Kang Fan tried his best to put on an expression of calmness.

  The leading figure here is a man in his thirties, thin and pale. His face exudes an air of bookishness, and at first glance, it's clear that he's the kind of person who has read extensively. It should be easy to communicate with him. The two hunters reported the situation to this refined gentleman with great respect and then withdrew from the living room. Kang Fan saw them off, thinking back to the reason he had fabricated for his presence here and his connection to Mei Xiang. Mei Xiang still held onto his hand tightly, her palm already filled with sweat. The gentleman looked at Mei Xiang, a hint of a smile appearing on the corner of his mouth, with a mocking tone to it.

  "My surname is He, and my name is Shuichang. May I ask your honorable surnames and names?" - He Shuichang asked with a bow.

  Kang Fan also stood up and bowed, imitating He Shui Chang's tone to introduce: I'm Kang Fan, this is my younger sister Mei Xiang. It's our first meeting, please forgive any rudeness!

  Mei Xiang stood up and didn't know whether she should curtsy or say "ten thousand blessings", and her face turned red as she hesitated.

  At home, entertaining guests, no need to be formal, just relax and enjoy. He Shui Chang said with a long smile.

  After re-seating, Kang Fan said: In the early years, my family's predecessors sailed across the ocean, went to the Americas to dig for gold, and left for decades. This time, I brought more than 30 relatives back home to worship our ancestors, with great enthusiasm, but unexpectedly got lost in this noble place, causing a lot of trouble.

  He Shuichang was skeptical about the letter, but for a moment he couldn't find any flaws in it. He pondered, sipping his tea.

  Kang Fan knew that from 1849 to 1882, more than 300,000 Chinese people crossed the ocean to enter the western United States for gold mining, which was the largest migration wave in Chinese history. The first batch of Chinese who went to the Americas arrived in California, USA as early as 1850. This historical fact is verifiable, and He Shui Chang cannot be unaware of it.

  He Shuichang put down his teacup and asked: What are the plans of those who have come on this trip? Is it a temporary stop or are they preparing to stay for a long time?

  Kang Fan said: Fallen leaves return to their roots, planning to stay for a long time. However, at present, I have not yet found a suitable place to live and am still hesitant.

  He Shuichang nodded and smiled, having just returned from across the ocean, he should know some of the strengths of Westerners. I dare to ask, Brother Kang, is there anyone among this group of people who is well-versed in medical skills?

  Kang Fan turned his head to look at Mei Xiang. Mei Xiang playfully winked at him, with a confident expression.

  The young girl had just learned about medicine and was willing to give it a try. Who in your esteemed household is ill? Mei Xiang also imitated He Shang's tone, but ended up amusing herself, and feeling inappropriate, she quickly covered her mouth with her hand.

  He Shuichang's face was filled with worry as he said: To be honest, I have a daughter at home who has been seriously ill recently. Although we've sought medical help everywhere, she hasn't shown any improvement. As a result, for many days now, whenever I meet someone, I ask them, and it's become an obsession in my heart, hoping to get the help of a superior person to save my daughter's life. At our first meeting, I shouldn't have opened my mouth to make such a request, but you two won't think me presumptuous, will you? It's just that I'm at my wit's end!

  Mei Xiang said: Then quickly take me to see the patient.

  He Shuichang was so surprised that he forgot to avoid suspicion, and excitedly pulled Mei Xiang's hand and rushed into the room. Mei Xiang didn't forget to turn back and give Kang Fan an OK gesture.

  Kang Fan gave her a thumbs up.

  Mei Xiang and He Shui Chang entered the inner room, leaving Kang Fan alone in the hall pacing back and forth. The walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings of a very high level, most of which were signed by He Shui Chang. It seemed that this person's cultivation was not ordinary.

  Mei Xiang didn't disappoint as a top student in the medical department, she quickly came out of the inner room, rummaged through her backpack and took out a box of medicine and a package of disposable syringes before rushing back in. Kang Fan didn't even have a chance to talk to her. About ten or so minutes later, Mei Xiang came out again with He Shui Chang, both of them looking relaxed.

  "How is it?" asked Kang Fan.

  Mei Xiang smiled and said, "It's just ordinary pneumonia, two shots will be effective."

  "Where did you get those medicines from?" asked Kang Fan again.

  Mei Xiang swung the medicine box in her hand, it was indeed a military product, top-notch!

  Kang Fan was shocked, did you take it from the military vehicle? How can you casually use military supplies?

  Mei Xiang didn't care at all and said: Haven't we been eating military supplies for the past few days? Can't we save lives just because we can fill our stomachs?

  Kang Fan also thought it made sense. Now is a special situation, can be treated specially? He didn't know who he was asking.

  Actually, all of these were prepared for you. At that time, I thought, since the journey is perilous, it's not okay if we don't prepare some medicine. If something happens to you, what would I do? Meixiang explained.

  The medicine was good, the doctor was fine, but He Shuilong's daughter's illness would take at least a week to recover, so Kang Fan and Mei Xiang had no choice but to stay at He Shuilong's house. The He family was well-off, with a large mansion and extensive farmland and pastures in the countryside. Among their relatives were merchants and officials in the imperial court, and He Shuilong himself was a renowned scholar in the area, known for his integrity and kindness. As Mei Xiang had saved his precious daughter's life, they were treated as honored guests. For several days, they enjoyed all sorts of delicious food and drink. He Shuilong specially arranged for each of them to have their own room on the upper floor, but Mei Xiang refused to sleep there, sneaking into Kang Fan's room every night because she was afraid to sleep without him. Fortunately, the He family slept on a large heated platform, so even if they slept side by side, they wouldn't disturb each other. One would sleep at one end of the platform and the other at the other end, quite far apart. Every evening, He Shuilong would look for Kang Fan to chat with, and when Kang Fan returned to his room, it was often already deep into the night. Mei Xiang would be waiting under the oil lamp, wrapped in a quilt. At first, Kang Fan found Mei Xiang's behavior quite amusing, but later he got used to it. Every evening, when he came back and saw this scene, he felt an inexplicable flutter in his heart. For the last two nights, he didn't go to He Shuilong's place anymore, instead going to bed early with Mei Xiang. The week passed by blissfully.

  He Shuichang's daughter has grown up to be a beauty, just like Lin Daiyu. Kang Fan, you'll definitely like her when you see her. Mei Xiang said this while carefully waiting for his response.

  Kang Fan smiled secretly in his heart and said: Alright then.

  How am I supposed to understand your "that's good" now? Mei Xiang is getting into it.

  Kang Fan ignored her and went out for a stroll alone. Mei Xiang followed closely behind him, holding his hand.

  Kang Fan, what did you mean by 'that's good' just now? Mei Xiang asked all the way.

  Kang Fan didn't bother to explain, he just kept thinking as he walked. He knew that finding a way back home in the short term was absolutely impossible, and it was pointless to keep racking his brains over this issue. Now, the most important thing to consider was how to let everyone live here for an extended period of time. They had some money, and Zhong Hanqiang had brought a considerable amount with him, but it was all in RMB, which nobody in this era would accept as currency. In order to solve the long-term needs of food, clothing, and shelter for over 30 people, they didn't have enough money. So where could they find more? He thought about it repeatedly, and the only feasible solution was to sell off the medicine on the military truck. In this era, these medicines should be even more valuable than gold, especially the penicillin, cefaclor, and other antibiotics, which were extremely precious.

  Mei Xiang, can you make medicine? For example, penicillin, gentamicin and so on. Asked Kang Fan.

  Mei Xiang was angry because of his indifference and said with a pout: Can't.

  Can't just can't. You go back to your own house and sleep tonight, I'll go back and lock my door. Kang Fan said as he pretended to walk away.

  Mei Xiang was anxious and grabbed him, saying "Come on, come on, can't I think of a way for you?"

  Then you say. Kang Fan smiled.

  Mei Xiang said: Take the penicillin I gave to He Shui's daughter, for example. It was the first antibiotic that could treat many human diseases. Its successful development greatly enhanced humanity's ability to resist bacterial infections and announced the birth of the antibiotic family, opening a new era in treating diseases with antibiotics. After decades of improvement, injectable penicillin and oral penicillin can now be used to treat pneumonia, tuberculosis, meningitis, endocarditis, diphtheria, anthrax, and other diseases.

  Let me tell you about another type of antibiotic called gentamicin. Gentamicin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that was independently developed in our country. It was successfully developed in 1969 and named gentamicin to celebrate the Ninth Congress and the greatness of the working class. It has antibacterial effects on Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, certain strains of Providencia rettgeri, Morganella morganii, certain Neisseria species, certain colorless Serratia marcescens, and Shigella species. It is suitable for treating newborn sepsis, bacteremia, central nervous system infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, biliary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, osteomyelitis, otitis media, sinusitis, and Listeria infections...

  Kang Fan waved his hand impatiently. Mei Xiang, I want to know if you can actually do it? These purely theoretical things are your specialty, I don't understand them.

  Mei Xiang looked embarrassed, I only know a little about the theory of pharmacy, haven't done it personally. There are experts among the classmates who came together, let's discuss it with them when we get back to the camp, don't worry, it'll be fine.

  Kang Fan felt more at ease in his heart. What majors are your fellow students who came with you studying? Kang Fan asked.

  There are all kinds of professionals. Mei Xiang said.

  Kang Fan felt confident: these 30 young minds, who grasped all kinds of professional knowledge in the 21st century, would absolutely be able to change this era as long as they had the necessary conditions!

  Then I should call you Dr. Mei from now on. After saying this, Kang Fan suddenly felt it was ridiculous. Dr. Mei, no doctor... If a soldier came to your hospital for treatment, the people in your hospital would shout, "No doctor, no doctor!" Wouldn't that scare the soldier to death? You come to see a doctor and you actually yell out "no doctor", isn't that cheating people? Kang Fan said this and couldn't help but laugh loudly.

  Mei Xiang grabbed him, wanting to hit him. Kang Fan took off running. The two of them frolicked in the bustling streets, attracting many passersby to stop and watch. On one hand, it was because they looked strange; on the other hand, it was a rare sight to see a man and woman together in this era.

  He Shui Chang's daughter, Shui Xiu, was a beautiful and delicate-looking young woman who would turn 16 in two months' time. She had not yet been married off. After recovering from her illness, she came to see Kang Fan and Mei Xiang off at dawn on the day they were leaving.

  In the week of treating the illness, Kang Fan and He Shui Chang had a lot of exchanges. After getting rid of the initial strangeness, He Shui Chang showed his broad-minded and generous character, having a wide-ranging conversation with Kang Fan. Kang Fan, relying on his extensive and solid knowledge accumulation and sharp thinking, handled everything with ease and often made surprising moves, earning He Shui Chang's great admiration. Perhaps it was because he had heard from his father about Kang Fan's exceptional talent, He Shui Xiu was particularly attentive to Kang Fan when seeing him off, which caused Mei Xiang's dissatisfaction.

  Mei Xiang said, "You'd better figure out who cured your illness. Why are you staring at my brother all the time?"

  Kang Fan saw her coming again and quickly hid far away from Shui Xiu. This scene was seen by He Shui Chang, who couldn't help but laugh.

  Kang's younger sister is a straightforward and outspoken person. In the future, when it comes to marriage, we should consider carefully, said He Shuichang.

  Kang Fan nodded in agreement.

  He Shui Xiu's face was already red and her ears were burning as she hid behind He Shui Chang's tall figure, stealing glances at Kang Fan.

  Plum fragrance! Kang Fan frowned, isn't this going too far? What's the connection between these two things?!

  Plum fragrance no longer makes a sound.

  He Shuichang listened to Kang Fan's account of their camp's situation, and before leaving, he specially prepared boats and some grain, vegetables, meat, and complete living utensils.

  Recently, I have been in contact with my fellow clansmen and brothers. If we can find a house in the county town, Brother Kang's hospital will be worry-free. He Xiansheng said that with your medical skills, it is only natural that the hospital will flourish.

  Kang Fan boarded the boat with Mei Xiang after thanking him, and He Shui Chang's group saw them off from the shore for a long time. The three boats sailed upstream, and the rowers rowed with all their might, but the speed was not slow either.

  Kang Fan, have you taken a liking to someone? Mei Xiang is still entangled in the matter with He Shui Xiu.

  Kang Fan was so exasperated he couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. "Are you sick?" he asked as he went to feel Meixiang's forehead.

  Mei Xiang's eyebrows were raised in anger as she opened her hand and said: I just can't stand seeing you getting close to other girls.

  Kang Fan's heart was delighted when he heard her say that, but he didn't show it and looked around casually. Suddenly remembering that he hadn't smoked for a long time, he took out his lighter and lit a cigarette. The few boatmen were very curious about the lighter and came over to take a closer look. Kang Fan gave them both lighters he had on him. Several people were overjoyed, but there were too many people and not enough things, and they almost fought each other. Kang Fan simply took back the lighters, and no one gave them to him.

  When we get back to our camp, I'll give each of you one. Don't quarrel over this, said Kang Fan.

  The boatmen then dispersed in their respective directions with suspicion and doubt.

  Zhong Hanqiang's car was equipped with quite a few lighters, and if he took the extra ones to the market to sell, they should be able to fetch a good price. And what about those other daily necessities? They must all be in high demand, thought Kang Fan excitedly.

  Mei Xiang sat alone at the bow of the boat, her eyes gazing out at the water in a daze, lost in thought. Kang Fan walked over and sat down beside her.

  Emperor Wu of Han was on a cruise on the Fen River in his imperial barge when he wrote the eternal masterpiece "Autumn Wind". Now I'll recite two lines for you: "The autumn wind rises and white clouds fly, grass and trees turn yellow and geese head south. Orchids are elegant and chrysanthemums fragrant, missing my lover and unable to forget..." As Kang Fan recited the poem, he suddenly couldn't remember the next few lines.

  Plum fragrance then read the following sentences: General Lou boat, crossing Fen River, horizontal in the middle of the current, waving white waves. Xiao drum sounds, launching paddle song, joy extreme, sorrowful emotions many, young and strong how to bear old!

  Kang Fan smiled self-deprecatingly, feeling embarrassed that he had forgotten the rest. The door of the classroom was being knocked on, the door of the classroom was being knocked on.

  Mei Xiang resentfully stared at him and said, "What's this 'orchids are elegant, chrysanthemums are fragrant, longing for a beauty, cannot forget'? Are you an orchid wanting to have a chrysanthemum too?"

  What's wrong with that? Kang Fan deliberately annoyed her.

  Can't see you're still a romantic person! Plum fragrance eyes slanted glance, tone strange.

  Kang Fan hummed a tune, not wanting to bother with her anymore. At this time, the high mountains on both sides of the river were continuous, the grass and trees were lush, and the clear Fen River water flowed slowly through the mountains, the scenery was extremely beautiful. Kang Fan's thoughts surged, and he couldn't help but express his feelings: The great rivers and mountains of our motherland have nurtured hardworking and kind people, they rely on their clever hands and wise minds to create a brilliant ancient civilization. But it is precisely because of the national character of being good to others and living in harmony that we suffered from the brutal humiliation of countries such as England, France, Germany, America, Russia, and Japan in modern times! The only difference between these nations and the Chinese nation is that their national character has an invasive nature, which means they are selfish and forget righteousness, and have a more primitive beastly tendency. And yet they claim to be civilized people who come to save China, this uncivilized nation from the wilderness! What a ridiculous thing! Speaking of this, Kang Fan stood up excitedly, threw away the cigarette butt in his hand, turned his head to look at Mei Xiang, and continued: Just five years later, eight countries including Britain, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States jointly sent troops to invade China and defeated the Qing Dynasty. After the Qing government was defeated, it was forced to sign the humiliating Treaty of Xin Chou with various countries in Beijing in 1901. After the signing of the Treaty of Xin Chou, China completely became a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society, and the Qing government completely became a tool for imperialist rule over China. The great rivers and mountains of our motherland were trampled by these beasts, and the kind people suffered from their bullying, it's heartbreaking! Kang Fan became more and more excited as he spoke, with tears shining in his eyes.

  At this time, Kang Fan and Mei Xiang, like all the others who came with them, were experiencing a huge impact of change, and they also had to shoulder the mission of protecting the students. For him, a soldier who grew up in peacetime, it was really unbearable. But he still relied on his sense of mission, responsibility, and stubborn personality to hold himself together. He knew that he wasn't much stronger than Mei Xiang and the others; they were all raised under the care of their parents and teachers, with privileged lives and comfortable environments. If there was anything that made him slightly stronger, it was just a few more years of training in the army. It was on that night when they camped outdoors, when Mei Xiang showed her weak side, that he too had reached his breaking point. He needed to find an opportunity to vent his emotions, or else he would suffocate! At this moment, he found that opportunity for himself.

  Mei Xiang stared at Kang Fan, stunned.

  Years later, if we are still in this era, then we will witness this war. Gang Fan grasped Mei Xiang's hands and placed them on his face, sobbing, I will go to punish these beasts wearing a civilized skin. Mei Xiang, I swear I will fight until my last drop of blood!

  Plum fragrance nodded continuously, I knew you would, Kang Fan I knew you would do this. While speaking, she struggled to free one hand to help Kang Fan wipe away tears, but the more she wiped, the more tears flowed out, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't wipe them all away. In a moment of desperation, without thinking, she used her own mouth to cover Kang Fan's mouth.

  Kang Fan's body stiffened immediately.

  The intoxicating scent of plum blossoms lingered for a long time before they parted, and looking around at the surrounding boatmen who had been stunned into stupidity, she couldn't help but blush.

  Kang Fan stared foolishly at Mei Xiang, and gradually, a smile appeared on the corners of his mouth, with tears still streaked on his face.

  Come on again, Mei Xiang. He said with a thick face.

  Mei Xiang covered her face with both hands and lowered her head, remaining silent.

  What are you staring at? Kang Fan shouted at those boatmen, adding more strength, they were almost there.