Travels of a Female Physician in the Ming Dynasty

Ever since I came up with the idea of ​​opening a clinic, it felt like a kitten was scratching my heart. The more I thought about it, the more I felt that this was a good idea.

Now that I have become the "Internet celebrity doctor" in Yingtian Prefecture, I might as well strike while the iron is hot, open a clinic, and help more people with their medical treatment in a serious manner.

But then again, if I really want to open a clinic on my own, that would be a pipe dream. I must get my father's support for this.

So I started thinking about how to get my father to agree.

That night, I deliberately chose a time when my father was in a good mood and went into the study with tea.

My father was buried in a pile of documents, his brows slightly furrowed, obviously he was busy with official business again.

I gently placed the teacup next to his desk and said with a smile, "Dad, have a cup of tea to relieve your fatigue. You've been working so hard these past few days."

Yang Shiqi responded without even looking up, picking up his teacup and taking a sip. "Tong'er, you've been very busy lately, with so many people coming and going in the mansion. I heard your reputation has spread to the streets and alleys of Yingtian Prefecture."

I was secretly happy, knowing that this was a good opportunity.

I quickly sat down and said half-jokingly, "Father, you don't know that this palace has almost become a small clinic these days. People line up to see me. If I just sit there and do nothing, wouldn't I be disappointing the people?"

Yang Shiqi then raised his head, his eyebrows slightly raised: "Oh? You seem to feel quite accomplished."

I smiled, putting on a "flattering + coquettish" expression, "No, my daughter is just doing some insignificant things. But, father, don't you think that since I can help so many people, wouldn't it be better to open a clinic? This way, it can benefit the people and prevent people from constantly disturbing the peace of the mansion."

Yang Shiqi put down his teacup, his eyes darkening slightly, and he was obviously a little surprised by my suggestion: "Open a clinic? How come you, a girl, want to open a clinic?"

I knew this topic was a bit sudden, so I quickly gathered my thoughts and steadied my rhythm. "Father, you know, we're a wealthy family, and while we don't lack this little money, I always feel that with my own medical skills, I can help more people. Isn't that better than relying on my family for everything?"

Yang Shiqi frowned slightly, clearly hesitant. "You're quite thoughtful, kid. However, opening a clinic is no joke. You have to understand that a clinic is not like treating patients in a mansion. Opening the doors to the clinic means you'll have to deal with all kinds of patients, and the responsibility is considerable. Can you handle it?"

I laughed in my heart, knowing that my dad was testing me.

So, I feigned seriousness and replied, "Father, you're right. I understand that opening a clinic is no small undertaking. However, I've already made a plan. We can recruit a few apprentices, and I'll be responsible for teaching them the art of medicine. The apprentices can handle minor ailments, and I'll only need to deal with the more difficult cases. This way, I can both reduce my burden and train a group of useful doctors. Why not?"

Yang Shiqi nodded slightly, but he still didn't let his guard down. "You make a very good point, but a clinic requires a considerable amount of money. The medicine and equipment alone will cost a lot of money. Besides, you have a lot of things to deal with at home on a daily basis. If the clinic's affairs take up too much of your energy, I'm afraid you will be overwhelmed."

I had anticipated his mention of this, so I immediately responded, "Father, don't worry about the money. I can use some of my own savings as start-up capital. The clinic doesn't seek to make a profit, just enough to cover daily expenses. As for my energy, I'll manage it well and won't interfere with the affairs of the palace."

Having said that, I added, "Father, you should know that if this clinic does well, it will not only enhance the reputation of the Yang family, but also establish a good reputation among the people. This is a good thing for our Yang Mansion."

Yang Shiqi smiled slightly, obviously moved by what I said: "You are a calculating girl, and you are thinking about winning reputation for the Yang family."

I seized this opportunity and struck while the iron was hot: "Father, as an important official in the court, you are busy with countless affairs. It is your wish to benefit the people, right? I don't seek wealth and honor, I just hope to use my medical skills to help more people and share your worries."

Seeing my expectant expression, Yang Shiqi finally showed a hint of relief.

He sighed softly, "Never mind. Seeing how sincere you are, I won't stop you. However, you must remember that while opening a clinic is a good thing, you must do it within your means and don't overdo it."

I was overjoyed and nodded quickly, "Don't worry, Dad. I will definitely run the clinic well!"

Yang Shiqi waved his hand and said, "Since you have made up your mind, go ahead and prepare. You can deploy some of the staff in the mansion. As for the location of the clinic, I will have someone help you find it. You should also pay more attention to it and don't let father down."

I nodded repeatedly, my heart filled with joy: "Thank you, Dad! Your daughter will definitely not let you down!"

After coming out of the study, I felt a lot more relaxed.

I didn’t expect that my dad would agree so readily!

It seems that he is not completely unsupportive of me, he is just worried that I can't cope with it.

However, now that this matter has been decided, we must hurry up and prepare for it.

After all, a clinic cannot be opened just like that. The medicinal materials, apprentices, and location, everything has to be carefully arranged.

Back in my room, I hurriedly called Xiao Cui over and excitedly announced, "Xiao Cui, we're going to open a clinic!"

When Xiao Cui heard this, her eyes widened: "Miss, are you serious? Did the master agree?"

I smiled and nodded. "Yes, my father has already agreed! But we need to make good preparations. We need to arrange the location, herbs, and apprentices."

Xiao Cui jumped up excitedly: "Miss, you are amazing! Our Yang Mansion is going to be bustling with activity now. You are the 'strongest female doctor' in Yingtian Mansion!"

I looked at her with a serious expression, "Don't be so happy. We have a lot of things to do next. You have to help me come up with ideas on how to set up our clinic, what to name it, and how to prepare the herbs..."

Xiao Cui immediately patted her chest and vowed: "Don't worry, Miss! I will do my best to help you run the clinic beautifully!"

In the next few days, I began to busy myself with preparations for the clinic.

Yang Shiqi was indeed very helpful. He not only sent several reliable managers to help me choose a site, but also contacted several reputable medicinal material merchants.

As for apprentices, I plan to select a few smart servants from the Yang Mansion, teach them some basic medical skills, and then slowly train them after the clinic opens.

The biggest headache for me was the name of the clinic. After all, this was a big deal, and the name had to be catchy yet dignified, ideally with a touch of modernity.

"Miss, what should we name our clinic?" Xiao Cui asked curiously while helping me sort the medicinal materials.

I rested my chin on my hand, thinking. "Hmm... 'Clinic for Rescuing the Injured and the Dead'? 'Miraculous Hands and Rejuvenating Body'? Those names sound too old-fashioned. I need to come up with something that has a classic feel while still being modern."

Xiao Cui tilted her head and thought for a long time, then suddenly had an idea: "Why not call it 'Ren Xin Tang'? Benevolent heart and benevolent skills, this name sounds very much like a doctor!"

My eyes lit up. "'Renxintang'? Hmm, that's great! It's simple yet elegant, and it also embodies the idea of ​​a doctor's compassion. This is it!"

After everything was ready, I finally set a date for the opening of the clinic.

In the future, my "Renxin Hall" will become a medical holy place in Yingtian Prefecture. The combination of modern medicine and ancient wisdom will surely shine here!