Chapter One: The Millennium Blood Ginseng
... According to the Annals of Cangzhou: “...Back then, His Majesty personally conferred upon the Shi family the governorship of Cangzhou, in recognition of their illustrious achievements...”
...
Today, Cangzhou is a city rejoicing, its streets empty as all gather in celebration. Half the city is adorned with lanterns and banners, resounding with the thunder of drums, all to honor Shi Tianhe’s eightieth birthday—a testament to his extraordinary stature!
Who is Shi Tianhe? The most renowned physician in all of Cangzhou! Famed throughout the land!
The Shi family, a lineage of famed physicians, their reputation echoing throughout the nation and beyond.
For a time, the Shi residence was thronged with guests; famed gentry and dignitaries from all around Cangzhou were in attendance.
Elites from the worlds of government, commerce, and medicine all came to pay their respects, a clear measure of Shi Tianhe’s prestige!
Suddenly, the ceremonial master of the Shi household announced in a resounding voice:
...
“Major Sun Miao, Commander of Cangzhou, presents a pair of gilded jade qilin to Elder Shi! Wishing the venerable celebrant happiness as boundless as the Eastern Sea and longevity as eternal as the Southern Mountain!”
“Qian Kun of Cangzhou’s Hall of Benevolence presents three stalks of hundred-year ginseng to Elder Shi! Wishing the venerable one health and vitality!”
“Li Cheng, Commandant of Chaozhou, presents the celebrated painting ‘Rivers and Mountains for Ten Thousand Miles’ in honor of Elder Shi, wishing fortune to flow eastward and great prosperity!”
...
For a time, jubilant voices echoed throughout the Shi family estate, congratulations pouring in from all sides.
...
“The old master is truly hale and hearty—a sign that he’ll live to a ripe old age!”
“Thank you for your kind words, Lord Li. On behalf of my father-in-law, I offer my gratitude,” Ji Chunyan responded with a respectful bow.
At that moment, Yan Yuanqing approached and smiled at Shi Yurou, who stood to the side.
“Don’t worry, Yurou. The gift I prepared is absolutely heartfelt.”
Yan Yuanqing handed over a long, elegant gift box. The ceremonial attendant received it, noting its exquisite craftsmanship. Glancing at Yan Yuanqing, he thought: after three years of marriage into the Shi family, she’s made little impression—could it be she intends to stand out today?
The attendant wondered silently, but as he opened the box, he was momentarily stunned.
“A carrot?”
He looked at Yan Yuanqing in confusion, his face betraying his astonishment.
He hesitated to announce it, but a voice urged from behind:
“What are you dawdling for? Announce the gift!”
Seeing the endless line of guests awaiting their turn, the attendant had no choice but to proceed according to the gift register.
He proclaimed loudly, “Yan Yuanqing, granddaughter-in-law of the Shi family, presents one red carrot to Elder Shi, wishing the venerable one peace and good health!”
Boom—
The words fell like a clap of thunder. The crowd was struck silent for a moment, then whispers began to ripple.
A carrot?
Moments later, the hall exploded with laughter like rolling thunder.
A carrot!
...
“She actually brought a carrot? Has that good-for-nothing been kicked in the head by a mule?” Shi Xueyi, Yurou’s cousin, sneered, laughing so hard she clutched her stomach.
Shi Wenle snickered as well, “Well! Sister Yurou certainly married well! Not only has he achieved nothing in three years, but on grandfather’s grand birthday he presents a carrot? Truly unafraid of making the family a laughingstock!”
Ji Chunyan’s face turned livid at these words!
She strode over, seized Yan Yuanqing, and dragged her aside, scolding furiously.
“You useless thing! It’s not enough to embarrass yourself at home, you have to disgrace us before all of Cangzhou?!”
Yan Yuanqing tried to explain, but Ji Chunyan snatched the gift box, glaring as she inspected it.
It truly was a plant indistinguishable from a carrot, her lips trembling with rage.
She knew better than anyone—her father-in-law valued his reputation above all else!
Yan Yuanqing could have given anything, but a carrot? This was a slap in the face to the Shi family!
“Utter disgrace!”
Turning to the helpless Shi Yurou beside her, she pulled her over.
“Yurou, you saw what happened today. The Shi family’s name has been dragged through the mud because of her. If you care at all about our reputation, you’ll do as I say—divorce her at once!”
Ji Chunyan could not wait to sever all ties with Yan Yuanqing.
Such humiliation!
Yan Yuanqing hurriedly protested, “No! Mother, that’s not a carrot—it’s a millennium blood ginseng! Have you ever seen a carrot that large? Blood ginseng is crimson throughout, the color so vivid—can’t you see the difference?”