6

牛車駛進赤崁社，寧靜的村落掩映在青翠的樹影中，每戶人家都有小灌木圍籬庭院，藤蔓爬滿木製柵欄，翠綠的葉片上沾著昨夜未乾的露珠。院落裡立著杆欄式高架屋，竹泥板牆斑駁而堅固，屋頂覆蓋茅草，像巨大的鳥巢靜靜伏臥。上層住人，下層蓄養牲口。雞鴨的鳴叫聲此起彼落，與遠處的流水聲相映成趣。

巷道鋪設的青石板泛著濕潤的光澤，散發出淡淡的泥土氣息。牛車的木輪碾過石板，發出規律的吱呀聲，驅趕著周圍寧靜的空氣。

「就快到了。」阿里一邊輕拍牛背，一邊回頭對俊生說道，語氣裡帶著些許迫不及待。

「這地方很安靜。」俊生望向四周，眼中流露出對鄉野風景的欣賞。

牛車停在一戶人家門口。門前立著兩根粗大的石柱，表面雕刻著一頭黑熊的浮雕，雄壯威武，似乎正注視著來訪者的動向。

卡力與他的父親大里觀聽見牛車聲，從屋裡走出來，來到大門口推開木製的柵門。

「歡迎光臨寒舍！」大里觀展臂趨前，爽朗地笑著，上前給了俊生一個結實的擁抱，雙臂有力而熱切。

俊生略微驚訝，但隨即回抱了一下，笑道：「謝謝您的熱情招待。」

阿里笑著向兩人介紹：「伯父，這位就是俊生醫生。卡力，你精神不錯喔。」

卡力面色雖然仍顯蒼白，但眼中多了幾分神采。他上前一步，拍了拍自己的胸膛：「是醫生給的藥，讓我重新活過來。現在我已經能走動了，還能幫忙做些活兒。」

「哈哈！這就對了。」大里觀爽朗地笑著，雙手重重地拍了拍卡力的肩膀，像是在驗證他的健康。「醫生，請上寒舍，酒菜已備妥。」

大里觀引領俊生，爬上用粗木搭建的梯子。木梯發出嘎吱聲，但穩固而有力。卡力和阿里跟在後頭，步伐輕快。

屋裡簡樸卻溫暖，牆上掛著用羽毛與獸皮編織的飾物。地板鋪著乾燥的稻草，踩上去發出柔軟的沙沙聲。一旁的火炕上方，正燻烤著一條條鹿肉和豬肉，肉香在空氣中彌漫開來。

卡力微笑著指向站在火炕旁的一位女子：「這是舍妹拉露，家裡的女主人。」

拉露大約十七八歲，皮膚白皙，眉目清秀，黑亮的長髮垂落至肩。她點頭，露出燦爛的笑容：「醫生，歡迎來到我們家。」

「謝謝妳。」俊生微笑回禮，感受到對方溫柔而真誠的熱情。

眾人依序席地圍坐在原木矮桌前，火炕上鹿肉與豬肉的油脂滴落，發出微微的嗤嗤聲。拉露忙著將燻烤好的鹿肉和豬肉，以及裝滿竹筒米酒的托盤端上桌來。

「可以上酒席了。」大里觀說道，聲音中滿是自豪。

拉露將竹筒一一擺在桌上，隨後坐在俊生身旁。大里觀和卡力父子對視一眼，很有默契地舉起竹筒，眼中帶著幾分莊重。

「醫生，感謝你治療我兒，這杯酒表達對你的敬意和謝忱。」大里觀舉筒，聲音低沉而有力。

「醫生，你是我的救命恩人！」卡力笑著，語氣爽朗，「我乾了這杯！」說完，便仰頭將米酒一飲而盡，豪邁的笑聲從喉間迸出。

俊生舉起竹筒，微微頷首後，抿了一口，感受到酒液滑過喉間的濃烈與甘醇。

「醫治傷病是醫生的天職，這裡的氣候和巴達維亞類似，溫暖潮濕，常見各種流行疾病。我們在外行醫，隨身都會攜帶一些可能派得上用場的藥物。」俊生說道，語氣中透著專業與謙遜。

「這也是我特地把你請來的原因。」大里觀的目光變得嚴肅起來，「我們鄰近幾個村舍，長期飽受各種疾病困擾。雖然社裡有通漢醫的族人，但許多病症即使以漢方治療，仍然未見起色。我兒的這個寒熱病就是這樣，漢醫束手無策。要不是遇見你，我兒恐怕性命難保。」

俊生點頭，沉穩地回道：「不同病症各有治療方法。西方醫學與漢醫各有所長。漢醫在治療風濕、筋肉拉傷等方面頗為見效，而西方醫學更注重外科手術及流行病的預防和治療。」

大里觀沉吟片刻，眼神中流露出殷切的期盼：「我正是想借重你的專長，留下來為我們的族人治療這些疾病。」

俊生毫不遲疑地回答：「我很樂意為傷病患者服務。」

大里觀滿意地笑道：「那很好！我會和頭目打聲招呼。醫生這段期間白天就在我們社裡的漢醫所看診，晚間回到寒舍來，拉露會照應你的飲食和生活起居。」

拉露微笑地說：「醫生，今後你要換洗的衣物就交給我來處理。」她的聲音輕柔，如同風吹動的細葉。

俊生略帶尷尬地笑了笑：「那怎麼好意思呢？」

卡力揚聲笑道：「別跟我妹客氣！就把這裡當成自己的家吧！」

7
俊生在卡力和拉露兄妹陪同下，來到村落聚會旁的漢醫所。這是一幢簡陋卻別具風格的干欄式房屋，以茅草覆頂，粗糠與紅土混合的圍牆散發著泥土的氣息。屋腳低矮，似乎因多年風雨沖刷而微微傾斜，地面有些許稻草鋪陳，踩上去軟綿而溫暖。

門口處，幾個病患坐在長條椅上，交頭接耳，臉上浮現期待與不安的混合表情。有的垂著頭咳嗽，有的撫著腳踝呻吟。粗壯的男子與年邁的婦人彼此交談，聲音壓低而急促。

卡力爽朗地笑著，輕拍俊生的肩膀。

「醫生，這位是莎韻，是頭目達邦雅（Tapanya）的女兒，本社未來的頭目。」卡力的聲音略帶自豪，手掌指向站在門檻內的女子。「這位是來自西洋的醫生俊生。」

莎韻站在陰影中，長髮挽成髻，雙眼清澈如初冬的溪水。她微笑著點頭，微微行禮。

「卡力，謝謝你。前陣子我的師父去了麻豆社，偏偏最近社裡看診的病人很多，我當真是手忙腳亂呢！」她的聲音柔和而沉穩，但眉宇間仍隱隱透出疲憊。

「有醫生在，妳只要從旁協助就行。」卡力寬慰地笑道。

拉露拉著莎韻的手臂，眼睛閃亮：「好姐妹，我哥找來這位醫生很有本事的，他治好我哥的寒熱病。」

俊生微笑，語調溫和：「莎韻，妳是漢醫的助手？」

卡力點頭解釋：「莎韻從小跟著漢醫學習，已經能夠處理一些尋常的傷病患者。」

「那很好啊。」俊生說，語氣中帶著欣賞。「我們可以相互協助，處理傷病患的照護。」

卡力開懷大笑，拍拍俊生的背：「以後莎韻就是你的助手。西方醫術還得醫生你多教教她呢。」

俊生謙和地說：「彼此彼此，莎韻可以教我一些漢醫的醫術和藥方。」

「這就好。」拉露嘟嘴笑道，「莎韻，醫生的飲食起居，有我照應著，妳就不必操心這些瑣碎事了。」

俊生將披風脫下，遞給莎韻：「莎韻，待會兒就開始看診吧？別讓病患一直等著。」

莎韻伸出手接過披風，卻顯得有些愣怔。「這麼急啊？」她喃喃道，隨即露出一絲笑意，「那我先把桌面稍做整理一下。」

卡力笑著搖頭：「醫生很熱心腸的，不忍看著病患受罪。回頭我把醫生的藥箱和隨身行李提進來。」

卡力彎腰抬起兩大只藥箱，額頭冒出汗珠。他將其中一只木箱放在桌上，俊生打開蓋子，露出一整排奇異而精緻的器材——聽診器、橡皮導管、橡皮手套、鑷子、夾子，以及幾柄不同形狀的手術刀。

莎韻驚訝地瞪大眼睛，俯身凝視這些器材，彷彿它們是一群從未見過的異獸。

「這些東西是用來……治病的？」她試探性地問。

「對。」俊生拿起聽診器，將它掛在頸間，動作流暢且自信。「我來示範給妳看。」

拉露抿著嘴笑道：「醫生這模樣真是滑稽！」

莎韻忍俊不禁，卻隨即正色道：「醫生的態度值得敬佩，這些器材我倒是第一次見到。」

「等我把這些器材和藥瓶擺定位，就開始看診吧。」俊生說道，語調中帶著幹勁。

「後頭藥劑室還有空櫃子，要不我幫你拿過去擺好。」莎韻說，眼神中透出一絲躍躍欲試的熱情。

「頭一回還是我自己來好了，這些藥瓶得按照它們的主治症狀進行分類，這樣往後比較好找。」俊生溫和地解釋。

「那麼，我帶你過去。」莎韻微笑，走在前頭。

卡力笑道：「醫生、莎韻，你們忙，我和拉露先告辭。若需要去大員港添購藥劑，你就和阿里吩咐一聲。」

莎韻向兄妹倆揮手道：「好的，那我不送你們囉。」

卡力與拉露漸行漸遠，留下一片沉靜。俊生與莎韻的身影隱沒在房舍後方，開始了彼此合作的第一天。

8
俊生看診完最後一個病患，將聽診器自頸間取下，鬆了口氣。他的額上覆著薄薄一層汗水，仿佛被這一天的診療勞累浸濕。屋內光線昏暗，唯一的亮源來自窗櫺透入的日光，一束束斜射在桌上的藥瓶與器材間，映出淡黃的光暈。

俊生走到角落擺放著一只大木桶的地方，掀開木蓋，捧起涼水撩到臉上。水珠順著頰骨滑落，滴在木板地面上。他隨手拿起掛在柱上的粗布巾，仔細地洗臉擦手。

這時，莎韻從藥劑室裡走出來，手裡抱著幾只空竹筒，面色帶著幾分凝重。

莎韻說：「醫生，瘧疾和痢疾的藥劑所剩不多了。」她將竹筒放在桌上，指尖因用力而微微泛白。

俊生點點頭，目光掃過那些空竹筒，語氣沉穩：「別擔心，明天我就開藥單，讓阿里去大員港的醫務所幫我把藥劑領回來。」

莎韻微蹙秀眉，輕輕咬唇：「治療瘧疾和痢疾這類流行疾病，沒有你，我還真的束手無策呢。」

俊生微笑著，拍了拍她的肩膀以示安慰：「我們西方醫學和漢醫各有所長。西醫對流行疾病的預防和治療較有研究，但這些流行病往往具有傳染性。藥物治療只能治標，要根絕這類疾病還是得從改善環境衛生著手，從源頭消滅病源。」

莎韻眼中閃過好奇的光芒，往前跨了一步，靠近俊生：「聽醫生這麼說，我們該如何改善環境衛生呢？」

俊生將布巾掛回柱上，語氣認真：「比方說不要直接飲用井水、河水，必須把生水煮開，徹底殺菌；還有清除容器裡的積水和淤積的水溝，避免蚊蟲滋生；家裡有感染流行病的家人，必須進行隔離，不要共用盥洗、衛生用具。」

莎韻雙手環抱在胸前，若有所思地點頭：「聽起來還滿複雜的，不過，這些觀念感覺很好。」

俊生的目光柔和起來，語氣中帶著鼓勵：「這就需要透過妳，和妳們的族人宣導。」

莎韻笑意浮上嘴角，目光閃亮：「沒問題，我回去和我母親商量一下，約個時間把社裡的婦女集合起來，請你來教她們怎麼做。」

俊生挑眉，不解問：「怎麼？妳們社裡的男人呢？」

莎韻掩嘴笑出聲來，語調中帶著自豪：「他們啊，不太過問這類瑣事的。我們是母系社會，女人才是一家之主。」

俊生放聲笑了出來，笑聲在狹小的屋內顫動，如同潺潺水流般清澈：「原來如此！」

莎韻見俊生笑意盎然，也不由自主地放鬆下來。兩人目光交匯，短暫而溫暖。
俊生沿著樹影婆娑的小徑，踏過一片沾滿朝露的草地，正朝著卡力家的方向走去。遠處傳來鳥雀清脆的鳴叫聲，與微風拂過樹葉的沙沙聲相映成趣。當他靠近木屋時，幾隻棕毛獵犬從屋旁的竹籬後躥出，狂吠著朝他奔來。

犬吠聲引來了屋內的注意。拉露正專注地將鹿皮縫合成衣，手指靈巧地穿針引線，聽見聲響後微微一怔。她放下鹿皮衣，輕輕推開窗戶，掀起竹簾，陽光透過窗櫺撒在她的臉龐上，映出細緻的輪廓。看到俊生的身影，她的眼神立刻染上一抹喜悅。

「醫生回來了！」拉露輕快地說，話語間流露著難掩的欣喜。她不顧手中的工作，幾乎是小跑著下了木頭樓梯，雙手抬起裙角以免被絆倒。當她拉開木柵時，俊生正抬手向她致意。

「拉露，早安。」俊生笑著說，語氣溫和。

「早安，醫生。」拉露微微喘息，臉頰泛紅，接過他肩上的披風，小心摺好抱在懷裡。「快進來吧，sama 和卡力都在等你呢。」

屋內的火光映紅了牆壁，卡力正在火爐旁翻動著架在鐵叉上的鹿肉，滋滋作響的油脂滴落在炭火上，冒出陣陣白煙。大里觀坐在躺椅上，煙斗裡的草葉散發出陳舊而厚重的香氣，隨著他的吐息在空氣中盤旋。

「拉露開始想男人了。」卡力咧嘴笑著，雙手依舊忙著燒烤。

「是該幫拉露找個對象了。」大里觀低沉地說，雙眼微瞇著望向門口。「那小子俊生嘛，要是能當我女婿，我是沒得挑剔的。」

卡力笑了笑，將切好的鹿肉放到陶盤裡。「但若是要俊生入贅咱們家，他恐怕不能接受呢。洋人習慣嫁娶婚，就算妹妹願意跟著俊生，可是老祖宗立下的宗法，咱們即使開此先例，也很難說服社裡的頭目和長老們。」

大里觀輕輕點頭，眉頭卻鎖緊了些。「這倒是個難題，咱們社裡的女兒，從來沒有嫁出去的先例。」

這時，拉露已帶著俊生穿過庭院，踏上木梯，來到屋內。她的笑容像是帶著春天的芬芳。

「sama，醫生回來了。」拉露俐落地將俊生的披風掛在牆邊的木鉤上。

卡力笑著抬起頭：「我把鹿肉分切一下，很快就可以用餐了。」

拉露把手中的鹿皮上衣遞給俊生，眼神專注而期待。「醫生，我縫製了一件鹿皮上衣給你，你試穿看看合不合身。」

俊生有些意外，卻也順從地脫下外套，穿上那件鹿皮上衣。觸感溫暖柔韌，散發著淡淡的皮革氣息。

「這件上衣感覺很合身，拉露，妳是怎麼知道我的身長尺吋的？」俊生笑著問。

「我用目測的啊。」拉露自豪地說，臉上漾起得意的笑意。「你的肩寬和卡力差不多，但身長和手臂稍長兩吋。」

卡力大笑道：「我妹手工相當精巧，但你可能不知道，其實她還是我們社裡，唯一能跟著男人出門打獵捕魚的女獵人喔！」

「拉露是女獵人？真難想像呢！」俊生驚訝地望著她。

拉露輕輕一笑：「哥，你別嚇到醫生了。」

「我說的可都是實話啊！」卡力繼續打趣道。

「拉露，謝謝妳。」俊生誠懇地說，語氣中帶著一絲感激。

「你喜歡的話，我再縫一條皮褲給你。」拉露莞爾。

「暫時不用啦，拉露，我帶來的衣服還夠穿。」俊生笑著揮了揮手。

「醫生，你就別客氣，讓我妹有事忙。」卡力的語氣中滿是戲謔。

「你們年輕人别淨顧著說話，鹿肉和肉湯都快涼掉了。」大里觀的聲音從躺椅上傳來，帶著老人的威嚴與慈愛。

「sama，我這就去把食物端上桌。」拉露輕聲答應，轉身走向火炕，提起一鍋陶罐，輕輕將鍋蓋揭開。

「這鍋湯我特地加了一些青豆、野菜和蛤蜊。」拉露一邊說，一邊將湯盛進陶碗中，動作流暢而細緻。

卡力也將切好的鹿肉端來，擺在桌上。「俊生，今晚這鍋什錦湯，可是我妹特地為你準備的，平常我和sama想吃還不一定吃得到呢！」

拉露瞪了卡力一眼：「哥，被你說得好像我一直在虧待你和sama。」

「這我可沒說錯啊！我和sama是託俊生的福，今晚才有這鍋加料的高湯喝。」卡力說著，哈哈大笑。

「好啦！你們兄妹兩就先別鬥嘴了。」大里觀笑罵，聲音中卻透出滿滿的溫情。

10
在達邦雅的宅邸裡，屋內彌漫著溫暖的炭火香氣，火炕旁的矮桌上，四口人正圍坐在一起，桌上擺著一碗碗熱騰騰的飯菜，食物的香氣與炭火的暖意交織在一起，營造出一種溫馨而安靜的家庭氛圍。莎韻端起碗，輕輕吹去熱氣，笑著對丈夫達邦雅說：“聽大裡觀說，卡力帶了個洋人醫生去你們的漢醫所。”

達邦雅點點頭，目光落在妻子臉上，眼中帶著一絲好奇：“是嗎？那人叫做什麼名字？”

莎韻放下碗，眼中閃爍著一抹驚歎：“他叫俊生，是隨荷蘭船隊從巴達維亞城來的。”她語氣中滿是對這個洋人醫生的敬佩。

“哦？”達邦雅皺了皺眉，顯然對這種外來的醫生充滿了疑慮，“大裡觀說他治好了卡力的寒熱病，看來是挺了不起的。怎麼，特地請他來我們社裡看病？”

莎韻點點頭，略顯興奮地繼續說道：“是啊！今天下午，他看了近三十個病人，幾乎是各類疑難雜症都能一一應對，輕鬆得讓人驚訝。他的醫術讓我開了眼界。”

李清華放下手中的筷子，略帶好奇地問：“哦？那這個醫生大概多大歲數？”

莎韻略作沉思：“我沒直接問過，但應該不到三十歲吧。”她的話語中帶著幾分肯定。

李清華皺了皺眉頭，明顯不太相信：“不到三十歲，能有這麼高的醫術，連我都不太相信。”

莎韻笑了笑，搖頭道：“sama，俊生的確是個了不起的醫生，我是他的助手，旁邊觀察他如何診治病人。從他的醫術來看，西洋的醫學教育果然有其獨到之處，才能培養出像俊生這樣的人。”

達邦雅微微一笑，目光帶著幾分玩笑：“看樣子，妳似乎很看好這個洋人醫生啊？”

莎韻的眼神中閃過一絲認真：“sena，他真的很有才幹，而且他還說我們族人中一些常見的流行病，必須從環境衛生方面著手改善，才能徹底根除病源。”

達邦雅一愣，放下筷子，調皮地問：“哦？這醫生除了會治病，還會抓鬼捉妖嗎？怎麼聽起來像是妖怪捉拿師一樣。”

莎韻忍不住笑了出來，搖了搖頭：“你這話說得，sena，你總是這麼幽默。”

莎韻隨即將俊生與她的對話一五一十地轉述給大家，聲音溫和，透露出對醫生的信任與尊重。

李清華聽後，點點頭：“聽起來，這個洋醫生似乎說的也有幾分道理。”

莎韻輕輕歎了口氣：“我也覺得俊生的建議值得一試。比如他提到，蚊蟲的幼蟲通常寄生在污水裡，所以我們應該把所有可能存放污水的容器都加蓋，像水缸、陶甕什麼的都需要處理好。傍晚時，我們可以在門口點上一盆香爐，焚燒樟木或者香茅來驅蚊，穿長袖衣褲避免蚊蟲叮咬，就能有效避免感染瘧疾。”

達來好奇地問：“姐，什麼是瘧疾啊？”

莎韻微笑著解釋：“就是卡力哥前陣子患上的那種寒熱病呀！”

“哦，原來是這樣！”達來恍然大悟，“也就是說，寒熱病是蚊子叮咬引起的？”

莎韻拍了拍弟弟的肩膀，贊許地笑道：“沒錯，弟弟你真聰明，剛一說你就懂了。”

達邦雅輕笑著搖頭：“好吧，既然你這麼看重這個洋人醫生的醫術，那我們就照他的辦法去做。明天我去集會所敲個鑼，把社裡當家的婦女都召集來，讓她們來聽聽醫生怎麼說。”

莎韻略顯嚴肅地提醒道：“不是只來聽聽，而是要按照醫生的要求去做，sena。”

達邦雅忍不住笑出聲：“莎韻，你真是越發嚴厲了！你明明知道我講的就是這個意思。”

6 Director Thomas had just finished a minor surgery and walked out of the operating room. Junsen and Ali were already waiting in the reception room.

Thomas asked, "You must be Junsen?" Junsen replied, "I am." Thomas said, "Ive been expecting you. We are in urgent need of personnel to conduct mobile clinics in the villages." Junsen responded, "Ali just told me about that." Ali nodded with a silly grin.

Thomas continued, "Ive prepared the necessary medications for you to take. If anything runs out, send someone back to restock." Junsen said, "Understood."

Seated on the ox cart, Junsen enjoyed the warm breeze as wildflowers bloomed along both sides of the path. He looked around with curiosity and appeared to be in good spirits.

Junsen said, "Ali, I heard that winters here aren’t cold, flowers keep blooming, and the fields stay green." Ali replied, "Yes, that’s how it always is here. But summer and autumn are quite hot, and diseases often spread between villages."

Junsen said, "If we can eventually eradicate those endemic diseases, this place would be paradise. It’s not like the South Seas where it’s hot and sweaty all the time." Ali added, "Summer is just beginning, and already diseases are spreading."

Junsen said, "It seems staying here was the right decision. These people need me."

Chapter 2: The Ox Cart Enters Chihkan Village

7 The ox cart entered Chihkan Village, a quiet settlement hidden beneath lush tree shadows. Each home had a small fenced courtyard with vines crawling up wooden fences, their green leaves still wet with last nights dew. Within the courtyards stood stilted bamboo-mud houses with weathered yet sturdy walls, topped with thatched roofs like large bird nests lying quietly. The upper floors housed people; the lower levels sheltered livestock. Clucks and quacks echoed with the distant sound of running water.

The cobblestone alleys glistened with moisture and emitted a faint earthy scent. The wooden wheels of the ox cart creaked rhythmically over the stones, breaking the surrounding stillness.

"We’re almost there," Ali said, patting the oxs back and turning to Junsen, his tone filled with anticipation.

"This place is so peaceful," Junsen said, admiring the countryside scenery.

The ox cart stopped at a household entrance. Two large stone pillars stood out front, each carved with a relief of a black bear, majestic and seemingly watching the visitors.

Kari and his father Dali-Guan heard the cart and came out, opening the wooden gate.

"Welcome to our humble home!" Dali-Guan exclaimed with open arms, laughing heartily as he gave Junsen a firm, warm hug.

Junsen was slightly surprised but returned the hug with a smile, "Thank you for your warm hospitality."

Ali introduced them with a smile, "Uncle, this is Dr. Junsen. Kari, youre looking better!"

Though still pale, Karis eyes were brighter. He stepped forward and patted his chest, "It was the medicine the doctor gave me. I feel alive again. I can walk now and even help with chores."

"That’s the spirit!" Dali-Guan laughed heartily, giving Karis shoulders a strong pat. "Doctor, please come in. Food and wine are ready."

Dali-Guan led Junsen up a wooden ladder. The steps creaked but were firm. Kari and Ali followed with light steps.

Inside, the house was simple but warm. Decorations of feathers and animal hides adorned the walls. The floor was lined with dry straw, soft and rustling underfoot. Above the hearth, venison and pork were being smoked, the scent of meat filling the air.

Kari smiled and pointed to a girl standing by the fire, "This is my sister Lalu, the lady of the house."

Lalu appeared to be about seventeen or eighteen, with fair skin and delicate features. Her long, glossy black hair fell to her shoulders. She nodded with a bright smile, "Doctor, welcome to our home."

"Thank you," Junsen replied with a warm smile, sensing her sincerity.

They all sat around a low wooden table. The hearth crackled, dripping grease from the roasting meat. Lalu busily brought over trays of smoked venison, pork, and bamboo tubes filled with rice wine.

"Let’s begin the feast," Dali-Guan announced proudly.

Lalu placed the bamboo tubes on the table and sat beside Junsen. Dali-Guan and Kari exchanged glances and raised their cups solemnly.

"Doctor, thank you for saving my son. This drink is our gratitude," Dali-Guan said, voice deep and earnest.

"Doctor, you saved my life! Cheers!" Kari said boldly, downing his drink with a hearty laugh.

Junsen raised his bamboo cup, nodded slightly, and sipped, tasting its bold, mellow flavor.

"Healing the sick is a doctor’s duty. The climate here is similar to Batavia—warm and humid, conducive to endemic diseases. When we travel, we always carry essential medicines," Junsen explained modestly.

"That’s precisely why I invited you here," Dali-Guan said seriously. "Neighboring villages suffer from various illnesses. Our people know some Han medicine, but many illnesses remain untreated. Kari’s fever couldn’t be cured until you arrived."

Junsen nodded calmly, "Different ailments require different treatments. Han and Western medicine each have strengths. Han medicine is effective for rheumatism and muscle injuries. Western medicine focuses more on surgery and infectious disease prevention."

Dali-Guans eyes revealed deep concern. "That’s why I want you to stay and help treat our people."

Without hesitation, Junsen answered, "I’d be honored to serve the sick."

Dali-Guan smiled with satisfaction. "Excellent. I’ll inform the chief. During the day, you can treat patients at our Han medical center. At night, stay here. Lalu will look after your needs."

Lalu smiled gently, "Doctor, I’ll handle your laundry and daily chores."

Junsen blushed slightly, "That’s too kind."

Kari laughed loudly, "Don’t be shy! Treat this place as your home."

8 Junsen arrived at the Han medicine clinic beside the village gathering, accompanied by the siblings Kari and Lalu. The clinic was a modest yet uniquely styled stilt house, its thatched roof and walls made from a mix of chaff and red clay exuding an earthy scent. The house stood low, slightly tilted from years of exposure to wind and rain. The floor was partially covered with straw, soft and warm underfoot.

At the entrance, several patients sat on benches, whispering among themselves, faces marked by a blend of anticipation and unease. Some were coughing with heads bowed; others groaned while rubbing their ankles. A burly man and an elderly woman conversed in hushed, hurried tones.

Kari laughed heartily and patted Junsens shoulder. "Doctor, this is Sayun, daughter of Chief Tapanya and our future leader," he said with pride, gesturing to the woman standing at the threshold. "And this is Doctor Junsen, who has come from the West."

Sayun stood in the shadows, her long hair tied into a bun, eyes clear as a winter brook. She nodded with a smile and gave a slight bow.

"Thank you, Kari. My mentor went to the Mado community recently, and with so many patients here, I’ve been overwhelmed!" Her voice was soft yet steady, though her brows betrayed a hint of fatigue.

"With the doctor here, you just need to assist," Kari said reassuringly.

Lalu tugged on Sayuns arm, her eyes gleaming. "Sister, this doctor my brother brought is very capable—he cured my brother’s fever illness!"

Junsen smiled warmly. "Sayun, are you an assistant to the Han physician?"

Kari nodded. "She’s been learning Han medicine since childhood and can already treat common injuries and ailments."

"That’s wonderful," Junsen said admiringly. "We can assist each other in caring for the sick."

Kari chuckled and slapped Junsen’s back. "Sayun will be your assistant from now on. But Doctor, you’ll have to teach her some Western medicine."

Junsen replied humbly, "Likewise, Sayun can teach me about Han medical techniques and prescriptions."

"Perfect," Lalu said with a pouty smile. "Sayun, I’ll take care of the doctor’s meals and living needs, so you don’t need to worry about those chores."

Junsen removed his cloak and handed it to Sayun. "Shall we start seeing patients soon? Let’s not keep them waiting."

Sayun took the cloak, looking momentarily stunned. "So soon?" she murmured, then smiled. "Let me tidy the table first."

Kari shook his head with a grin. "The doctor has a kind heart and can’t bear to see patients suffer. I’ll bring in his medicine chest and luggage."

Kari bent down and lifted two large medicine chests, sweat forming on his brow. He placed one wooden box on the table, and Junsen opened it to reveal a row of strange yet delicate instruments—stethoscopes, rubber tubes, gloves, forceps, clamps, and various surgical knives.

Sayuns eyes widened in astonishment. She leaned forward and gazed at the tools as if they were unfamiliar beasts.

"These things... are for healing?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yes," Junsen said, placing a stethoscope around his neck with smooth confidence. "I’ll show you how they’re used."

Lalu giggled. "Doctor, you look so funny with that thing on!"

Sayun couldn’t help but chuckle, then composed herself. "The doctor’s professionalism deserves respect. I’ve never seen such equipment before."

"Once I arrange these instruments and medicine bottles, we’ll begin consultations," Junsen said with energy.

"There’s an empty cabinet in the dispensary. Shall I help you store them?" Sayun offered, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"I’d better do it myself the first time," Junsen said gently. "The bottles need to be organized by treatment category for easier use later."

"Then let me lead the way," Sayun said with a smile, walking ahead.

Kari waved them off. "Doctor, Sayun, go ahead. Lalu and I will leave you to it. If you need more medicine from Dayuan Port, just tell Ali."

Sayun waved. "Alright, I won’t see you off then."

As Kari and Lalu disappeared into the distance, a calm silence settled. Junsen and Sayun vanished behind the clinic, marking the start of their first day working together.

9 After treating the last patient, Junsen removed his stethoscope and exhaled deeply. A thin sheen of sweat covered his brow, a testament to the days exhausting work. Inside the dimly lit clinic, the only light came from sunlight slanting through the window lattice, casting a warm yellow glow on the bottles and tools.

He walked to the corner where a large wooden barrel stood, lifted the lid, and splashed cool water on his face. Droplets trickled down his cheeks and fell onto the wooden floor. He grabbed a coarse cloth hanging on a post and carefully washed and dried his face and hands.

Just then, Sayun emerged from the dispensary, holding several empty bamboo tubes, her expression somber.

"Doctor, we’re running low on medicine for malaria and dysentery," she said, placing the tubes on the table, her fingers pale from gripping them.

Junsen nodded, scanning the empty containers. "Don’t worry. Tomorrow I’ll write a prescription and have Ali fetch the supplies from the medical office at Dayuan Port."

Sayun frowned slightly, biting her lip. "Without you, I wouldn’t know how to treat such diseases."

Junsen smiled and gently patted her shoulder. "Western and Han medicine each have their strengths. Western medicine focuses more on preventing and treating infectious diseases. But the root cause often lies in environmental hygiene. Medication alone won’t suffice—we need to eliminate the sources of infection."

Sayun’s eyes lit up with curiosity. She stepped closer. "Then how do we improve hygiene?"

Junsen re-hung the towel and answered seriously, "For example, don’t drink untreated well or river water. Boil it first to kill bacteria. Clear stagnant water and clogged drains to prevent mosquito breeding. If someone is sick with an infectious disease, they must be isolated and not share toiletries."

Sayun crossed her arms thoughtfully. "Sounds complicated, but it makes sense."

Junsen’s gaze softened, his tone encouraging. "This is where you come in—to help spread the message among your people."

Sayun’s eyes sparkled. "No problem. I’ll talk to my mother and gather the village women so you can teach them."

Junsen raised an eyebrow. "What about the men?"

Sayun chuckled with pride. "They don’t concern themselves with such matters. We’re a matrilineal society—women are the heads of households."

Junsen burst out laughing, his voice rippling through the small room like flowing water. "I see!"

Sayun relaxed and smiled. Their eyes met, brief but warm.

Later, Junsen walked along a dew-kissed path shaded by trees toward Kari’s house. Birds chirped in the distance, harmonizing with the rustle of leaves in the breeze. As he neared the wooden house, several brown hunting dogs burst from the bamboo fence, barking furiously.

Inside, Lalu was sewing a deerskin garment. Her fingers nimbly worked the needle until she paused at the sound of barking. She opened the window and lifted the bamboo curtain. Sunlight bathed her face, outlining her delicate features. Upon seeing Junsen, her eyes lit up with joy.

"The doctor is back!" she called, brimming with excitement. She quickly descended the stairs, lifting her skirt to avoid tripping. As she opened the gate, Junsen raised his hand in greeting.

"Good morning, Lalu," he said warmly.

"Good morning, Doctor." She took his cloak and carefully folded it. "Come in. Sama and Kari are waiting."

Inside, firelight cast a red glow on the walls. Kari was roasting venison over the hearth, grease sizzling as it dripped onto the coals. Dali-Guan sat in a recliner, his pipe emitting a rich, aged aroma.

"Lalu’s thinking about men now," Kari joked while tending the roast.

"Time she found a suitor," Dali-Guan said gruffly, eyeing the doorway. "If that Junsen boy became my son-in-law, I wouldn’t complain."

Kari chuckled. "But if Junsen has to marry into our family, he might not agree. Foreigners have different customs. Even if Lalu follows him, our ancestral rules make it hard to gain approval from the elders."

Dali-Guan nodded slowly. "True. Our daughters never marry out."

Just then, Lalu led Junsen inside, her smile carrying the warmth of spring.

"Sama, the doctor is here," she said, hanging his cloak on a wooden hook.

Kari looked up. "Dinner’s almost ready."

Lalu handed Junsen the deerskin shirt she had made. "Doctor, try it on. I made it for you."

Junsen, surprised but touched, took off his coat and tried it on. It was warm, supple, and smelled faintly of leather.

"It fits perfectly. How did you know my measurements?" he asked with a smile.

"I guessed," she replied proudly. "Your shoulders are like my brother’s, but your arms and torso are slightly longer."

Kari laughed. "She’s the only woman in our tribe who joins the men hunting and fishing!"

"Lalu’s a huntress? Hard to imagine," Junsen said in awe.

Lalu chuckled. "Don’t scare the doctor, brother."

"Every word’s true," Kari said.

"Thank you, Lalu," Junsen said sincerely.

"If you like it, I’ll make you a pair of leather pants," she offered playfully.

"No need, Lalu. I still have clothes to wear," Junsen waved.

"Don’t be shy, let my sister stay busy," Kari teased.

"You two, stop bickering. The meat and soup are getting cold," Dali-Guan said with a loving grumble.

"I’ll serve the food," Lalu replied, lifting a pot and carefully opening the lid.

"I added green beans, wild veggies, and clams to the stew," she said, ladling it with practiced grace.

Kari brought over the venison. "Junsen, this stew is special. Lalu made it just for you—we don’t get this often!"

Lalu glared at him. "Don’t make it sound like I always neglect you and Sama."

"We’re just lucky thanks to Junsen," Kari laughed.

"Alright, stop teasing each other," Dali-Guan chuckled, the room filled with warmth and affection.

10
In Dabangya’s home, the warm scent of burning charcoal filled the room. Around the low table near the heated brick bed, four people sat together, surrounded by steaming bowls of food. The aroma of the dishes intertwined with the cozy heat, creating a warm and peaceful family atmosphere.

Dabangya lifted her bowl, gently blew away the steam, and smiled at her daughter Sayun, saying, “I heard from Daliguan that Kari brought a foreign doctor to your Han clinic.”

Li Qinghua nodded, his gaze settling on Sayun’s face with a hint of curiosity. “Really? What’s his name?”

Sayun put down her bowl, her eyes lighting up with awe. “His name is Junsen. He came with the Dutch fleet from Batavia.” Her tone was filled with admiration for the foreign doctor.

“Oh?” Dabangya frowned slightly, clearly harboring doubts about this outsider. “Daliguan said he cured Kari’s intermittent fever. Sounds impressive. So he came to our village specially to treat people?”

Sayun nodded, her voice tinged with excitement. “Yes! This afternoon, he saw nearly thirty patients, handling all kinds of difficult and rare illnesses with remarkable ease. His medical skills really opened my eyes.”

Li Qinghua set down his chopsticks, asking with curiosity, “Oh? How old is this doctor, roughly?”

Sayun thought for a moment. “I didn’t ask directly, but I think he’s probably under thirty.” Her voice held a tone of certainty.

Li Qinghua frowned, clearly skeptical. “Under thirty, yet with such skill? Even I find that hard to believe.”

Sayun smiled and shook her head. “Sama, Junsen truly is an exceptional doctor. I worked as his assistant and observed how he diagnosed and treated patients. Based on his methods, Western medical education must really be something—only such a system could produce someone like him.”

Dabangya chuckled softly, teasing, “Looks like you’re quite impressed with this foreign doctor, huh?”

A serious look flickered in Sayun’s eyes. “Sena, he really is very talented. He even said that some common illnesses among our people can only be eradicated by improving environmental hygiene.”

Dabangya paused, putting down her chopsticks and jokingly asked, “Oh? So this doctor doesn’t just cure illnesses, but also chases away ghosts and spirits? Sounds like some kind of monster hunter!”

Sayun couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. “You’re always so funny, Sena.”

Then she shared in detail her conversation with Junsen, her voice calm and filled with trust and respect for the doctor.

After listening, Li Qinghua nodded. “It sounds like what this foreign doctor said does make some sense.”

Sayun sighed gently. “I also think Junsen’s suggestions are worth trying. For example, he said mosquito larvae often live in stagnant water, so we should cover any containers that might collect such water—like jars and pots. In the evening, we can light incense burners at our doors and burn camphor or citronella to repel mosquitoes. Wearing long-sleeved clothing will help prevent bites, and this can effectively stop the spread of malaria.”

Dalay asked curiously, “Sis, what’s malaria?”

Sayun smiled as she explained, “It’s the kind of fever illness that Brother Kari had recently.”

“Oh, I see!” Dalay said in realization. “So, you mean that kind of fever is caused by mosquito bites?”

Sayun patted her younger brother’s shoulder, smiling approvingly. “Exactly. You’re smart, little brother—you caught on right away.”

Dabangya chuckled and shook her head. “Alright, since you think so highly of this foreign doctor’s skills, we’ll follow his advice. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the gathering hall, strike the gong, and call all the women in the village to come and hear what the doctor has to say.”

Sayun, now more serious, reminded, “Not just to listen—everyone needs to actually follow what the doctor recommends, Sena.”

Dabangya couldn’t help but laugh. “Sayun, you’re becoming more and more strict! But you know I meant exactly that.”

At that moment, Dalay was sipping his meat broth and suddenly chuckled mischievously. Sayun smiled gently at him, her gaze softening. The atmosphere around the firebed grew even warmer and more comforting.