The Martial Doctor

"Every woman in the Lin Family receives a basic monthly allowance. Except for me, the head lady, everyone else receives the same allowance. For those like Yuyao and Fei’Er who have just joined, their allowances will be issued later..."

"As for the family rules of the Lin Family, we had one before, but it was not comprehensive. Later, we will all discuss and supplement it, then adhere to it together. If one breaks the rules, they must accept punishment. As the head lady, I will certainly lead by example and treat all equally."

"Thirdly, this is the main point I came here to discuss tonight; it concerns the welfare of my sisters. I have only one junior brother, so how we arrange his nightly rest, do any of you have suggestions?"

Everyone couldn’t help but blush. Such matters were being brought up so openly for discussion?

How could anyone speak up?

It’s a very real issue, of course, but it can also be quite casual. Let Lin Miao decide on his own; whoever he favors can accompany him.

The problem is, while there isn’t much of an issue now, over time, it’s inevitable that some will be favored over others. Those who know how to flatter and speak sweetly might get more time, while the more reserved might be neglected.

"How about drawing lots?"

"A good idea, that way everyone relies on luck, it’s fair."

"Not good; doing this, those of us who aren’t often by the lord’s side would be at a disadvantage," Yue Mei’Er was the first to object.

"Wouldn’t it be better to let the lord decide for himself?"

"Also not good; the lord isn’t the type to make decisions on his own..."

...

"A ranking method, is this the result you all came up with?" Lin Miao saw a list, it was brought over by Sun Youwei.

"Yes, we arranged it according to this order. If there’s a vacancy, we have a backup, but typically important holidays, like a lady’s birthday, will have priority. If a lady is not feeling well, there can be a replacement, and if someone is pregnant and awaiting childbirth, it’s the same," Sun Youwei nodded.

"Did you come up with this?" Lin Miao was somewhat stunned; this plan was laid out clearly.

"Yes, this is your duty. Of course, junior brother, you have certain freedom of choice, but you must consider it carefully before making a decision."

"Why are Lianxin and Liansuo arranged together?" Lin Miao’s gaze swept over the two names on the same line and asked.

"They requested it themselves; the two sisters have a psychic connection, so it’s more suitable to arrange them together," Sun Youwei said.

Lin Miao was speechless for a moment.

"By the way, tomorrow night it’s Baili Yuyao."

"Why her?"

"She can’t stay out too long, she needs to go back, so we arranged her at the front."

Lin Miao swallowed hard; this is how his future ’blissful’ life was settled.

"We discussed and decided to give Lianxin the responsibility for this ranking task, and she’ll remind you every day after," Sun Youwei explained.

Lin Miao felt his vision go dark, was there no freedom left!

...

On the first day of the New Year, after getting up in the morning and washing up, he first went to the Buddhist hall to incense the tablet of his master.

After kowtowing.

He came to the dining room for breakfast.

He only saw his senior sister Sun Youwei and Lianxin; the rest seemed still asleep. These women had played mahjong all night.

Before dawn, they finally went to bed. Although they all had spiritual abilities and didn’t need to sleep, if they could sleep, why make it hard for themselves?

Only his senior sister and Lianxin accompanied him for breakfast.

"Lianxin, where’s your master? Is she still in seclusion?" Lin Miao asked. Even during the New Year, shouldn’t there be some relaxation? Even in cultivation, there should be moderation.

"Yes, Master said she felt much better after taking your medicine, and with the Celestial Essence Fruit, she is confident in advancing within three months," Lianxin nodded, "I’ll take her meal to her later."

Lin Miao nodded; Helian Wanwan had a solid foundation. Advancing to Celestial Essence was just a matter of a small opportunity, but now with his help and the Celestial Essence Fruit, there was no issue.

"Senior sister, today the streets must be lively. How about I accompany you out for a walk?" Lin Miao asked with a smile.

"Sure."

"You better not wear women’s clothes, otherwise, I’m worried the men on the street won’t be able to walk straight." Lin Miao suggested.

"Got it, men’s attire," Sun Youwei nodded. She knew how stunning her beauty was. If she wore women’s clothes out, she’d certainly attract attention, but in men’s attire, it’d be less noticeable, at least women are more reserved than men.

"Haven’t you invited Mrs. Jinghui to our house? What if she comes and we’re not here?"

"No problem, we’ll visit their inn a bit later," Lin Miao said with a carefree smile, "Lianxin, you can stay behind, no need to accompany us out."

"Yes, master," Lianxin nodded. Lin Miao was now at the Meridian Passage Realm in Dongshan City, and no one could likely harm him.

...

The weather was nice, a rare sunny day.

On the first day of the New Year, Dongshan City was very lively, packed with people, snack vendors, trinket sellers, performers...

Children chased and played, and young ladies dressed up brightly. Once a year, there was finally a joyful holiday. This year, under Pei Jian’s governance, Dongshan City had good weather with no calamities.

Though Pei Jian wasn’t the best official, compared to his predecessor, he was relatively clean. One good thing about him was...

He didn’t trouble the common people.

As long as they were left in peace, common people could live well on their own. In officialdom, just keep hands from stretching too far and don’t levy exorbitant taxes.

Then life would be manageable, and one could see smiles on faces.

Lin Miao didn’t know what the other counties and towns of the Da Li Dynasty were like, but at least in Dongshan City, he had gotten past the initial period and was now very comfortable.

Even Pei Jian, the Governor, had to politely call him "Chengde Lang" when they met, and as for the South City District’s director, he ranked even higher than that. Whenever he met Lin Miao, he had to bow and call himself "your subordinate."

This is the power of influence.

In Xiuyue Square, many knew Lin Miao, greeting and nodding whenever they saw him.

Outside Xiuyue Square, the greetings were fewer, though there were some, but the frequency significantly reduced.

"This sugar figure is nice, senior sister, do you like it?" Lin Miao asked as he walked down the street holding Sun Youwei’s soft hand, not bothered by the attention drawn by a man holding another "man’s" hand.

The world is changing, and morality is deteriorating!

Phooey, moral decay.

One is willing to hold, and the other doesn’t find it improper, is it your concern?

How blind you are, you wish you could hold hands but can’t.

Finally, they reached the Xinyu Inn.

Upon inquiry, they found that Jinghui and Dingxian had unexpectedly checked out and left early in the morning.

Hearing this, Lin Miao frowned slightly. Although Dingxian’s injury had improved under his treatment, if not continued until full recovery, she still couldn’t last long.

Moreover, last night they agreed to come to his residence today to get medicine. On New Year, pharmacies are generally closed, even with a prescription, they might find it hard to get the medicine, and some items need special processing which only Yongning Hall can provide.

The two slipping away quietly early in the morning meant something had happened.

"Xiaohuo." Lin Miao murmured in his heart.

The Fire Kirin sensed it immediately, flashed from the back courtyard of the Lin Manor, and appeared at Xinyu Inn, transforming into a small red dog at Lin Miao’s feet.

"Xiaohuo, help me out, find two people," Lin Miao instructed. The Fire Kirin was a mythical beast, naturally more adept than humans at finding people.

Jinghui and Dingxian had left early, but not long ago. With their scent and aura, they should be able to locate them.

For Dingxian to insist on leaving regardless of her condition, something serious must have occurred.

He wasn’t meddlesome, just felt that kind-hearted people like Jinghui shouldn’t face trouble. He also had delivered Jinghui’s child, the first baby he delivered in this world, and he didn’t want any mishaps to befall them.