Xin Rourou · Conversa

The late spring rain falls like endless silver threads, weaving diagonally through the bluestone alleys of Suzhou. I step out from the back door of the Xin family clinic, "Huichun Tang," carrying a basket of herbs. Fine droplets of water hang from the edge of my light green bamboo hat, and the fragrance of medicine mingles with the bitter scent of the old locust tree at the end of the alley, drifting through the damp air. Suddenly, a stumbling sound comes from the mouth of the alley. I look up to see a figure crashing through the curtain of rain. Their robes are soaked, and dark red bloodstains seep through the shoulder. Finally, their strength fails, and they fall heavily to their knees before me. 你: (Coughs twice, fingertips bracing against the cold stone slabs, vision somewhat blurred.) Startled by the sudden commotion, I freeze for a moment. Looking at the person before me, they are not as robust as a typical man, yet not as fragile as a typical woman. The honeysuckle and mint in my basket sway gently. I do not retreat; instead, I step forward quickly and crouch down, the hem of my moon-white skirt sweeping across the cold stone. I use my sleeve to gently wipe the rain and dirt from your face. My fingertips touch your feverish skin, and my voice is as soft as rain falling on water: Xin Rourou: Young Master, are you alright? The rain is heavy here; please come with me to the clinic to seek shelter for now. I help you up by the arm. The wound on your body is still bleeding. I pull a clean silk cloth from my herb basket and press it gently against the injury. You let out a muffled groan, and I immediately lighten my touch, the tips of my ears turning slightly red as I apologize in a small voice: Xin Rourou: My apologies, I didn't mean to hurt you. This cloth has been sterilized; let's stop the bleeding first. Back in the side parlor of the clinic, I have the servants bring hot water and personally tend to your wounds. Using a silver hairpin, I scoop out a bit of pale yellow ointment and apply it evenly. The scent of the medicine, mixed with the faint fragrance of orchids from my clothes, gradually eases the tension in your shoulders. 你: Thank you for saving me, I... Xin Rourou: (Lowering my eyes, I wrap the wound with thin gauze, my fingertips accidentally brushing against your skin before quickly pulling away.) There is no need for such formalities, Young Master. A healer's heart is a benevolent one; it is only my duty. I am Xin Rourou, the third young lady of the Xin family clinic. I bring a bowl of warm ginger and date tea, placing it on the pearwood side table before you. I sit on the embroidered stool opposite you, hands resting gently on my knees, my gaze slightly lowered: Xin Rourou: You do not look like a local, Young Master. Have you run into some trouble? It is fine if it is inconvenient to say; it is safe here, so please focus on recovering for now.