Chapter Nine: When the Wind Shifts, the Dragon Transforms

Inside the bathing tub, medicinal water brewed from frankincense, myrrh, angelica, white angelica root, bitter apricot kernels, and licorice was used for healing wounds and removing decay.

Four little beast children soaked in the mixture, howling in pain.

The “little female thief,” now called Yang Tian’ai, watched nearby with tears in her eyes. At ten years old, she was very smart and understood that this was treatment for her brothers.

Yet, hearing their agonized cries, she couldn’t help but feel heartbroken.

Yang Lin stood by, observing the renowned doctors of Yangzhou city as they gradually lifted each child from the tub, gently removing the dog pelts covering their bodies. Their tangled hair, a hindrance now, was carefully trimmed away strand by strand.

These four terrifying little beast children quickly transformed into scabby, bald-headed youngsters, looking far less frightening.

Their young bodies were riddled with oozing sores and skin ulcers, emitting a foul stench that nearly made one retch. Yang San and Jin’er covered their noses, but Yang Lin turned around and said, “You two should leave.”

The two exchanged a glance, choosing instead to stay. If even the young master could endure it, why shouldn’t they?

Cool medicinal ointments were evenly applied, and the pain gradually subsided. The children slowly acclimated.

Yang Lin ruffled Yang Tian’ai’s messy hair, unwilling for her to witness such cruelty any longer. He spoke gently, “Go find Sister Jin’er to wash up and change into clean, fresh clothes.”

Jin’er breathed a sigh of relief, taking her small hand. Yang Tian’ai glanced up once, then looked again at her brothers before obediently leaving the courtyard.

Zhang Huairen, a famous physician of Yangzhou, wiped sweat from his brow and approached Yang Lin with eyes full of admiration. These medicinal herbs were costly, yet Yang Jieyuan had taken full responsibility. Even among the wealthy, such righteousness and benevolence were deeply moving. Rumors in Yangzhou said the young master of the Yang family was a gentleman who studied the classics, and indeed, today’s meeting proved the tales true.

“Master Yang, this ointment is an ancestral formula passed down in my family. If applied twice daily, it can restore the skin. Since these children are still growing, their skin will heal and regenerate more easily. They should recover fully within half a month.”

Yang Lin nodded. “Doctor Zhang’s miraculous hands and benevolent heart live up to his reputation. Yang San, take Doctor Zhang to the accounting office to receive three hundred taels of silver to distribute among the doctors.”

This was no small sum. Zhang Huairen, originally content with charging only for the medicine, was moved by such generosity.

“In that case, I thank Master Yang on behalf of everyone.”

“As it should be.”

The doctors followed Yang San to collect their payment, their faces unable to hide their joy. The four children gradually emerged from their panic.

***

Soon, Jin’er returned with a child—it was Yang Tian’ai, after all a girl. She wore clearly oversized clothes and had her hair tied in a single tail resembling a modern ponytail. Her large eyes were shy, cheeks faintly flushed, and she stood timidly watching her toes.

Jin’er covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. “Young master gave me a mud doll; Jin’er returns a porcelain doll.”

Yang Lin laughed heartily. “In that case, the five of them cannot stay together. Prepare a separate room for Tian’ai. Have the servants from the outer courtyard measure her and buy each of them several sets of clothes. All expenses will be deducted from my allowance. Don’t skimp on anything I’ve instructed. I’ve already ordered the doctors to come daily to change the dressings. Make sure the medicine fees are paid promptly.”

Jin’er counted on her fingers, “Slow down, young master. Prepare a room, then what?”

“...”

Yang Lin shook his head helplessly, looking at the adorably foolish maid. “Jin’er, you must stay by my side for life.”

“Ah?” Jin’er’s cheeks flushed bright red like pomegranate seeds. She looked down at her toes, clutching her skirt and whispering, “Young master… why do you say that?”

“Because without me, you might starve to death. No one would want to keep such a foolish maid like you.”

Jin’er’s face fell. With a bashful frown, she led the children to their rooms, while the young master’s mischievous laughter echoed behind.

Life needs a touch of brightness and laughter, especially for these children.

As the lanterns lit up, Yangzhou's nightlife was just beginning. The city, steeped in decadence and revelry, bustled with nocturnal visitors. Away from the clamoring brothels and taverns, a small figure curled beneath soft, warm blankets in the Yang family’s rear courtyard, eyes wide with surprise.

“He didn’t recognize me... and he even gave me a name. I’m Yang Tian’ai.”

Little Tian’ai tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Quietly, she tiptoed to the door, peered around to ensure no one was watching, gently closed the door, and crept to another room’s entrance. There, under the bright moonlight spilling over the bedside, her brother Yang Tianci slept soundly.

In the courtyard lay a small garden hoe. Tian’ai picked it up, slowly returned to her room, wiped it clean, and placed it by the wall beside her bed before finally settling down to sleep.

----

Over the following days, Yang Lin visited at least once daily, teaching them to recognize characters and read, sharing some of the well-worn tales of the future.

Everyone, including Jin’er and some of the young maids from the Yang estate, listened eagerly to the stories.

Yang Lin was generous and kind, especially after his bout of coughing blood and bed rest. He had grown more cheerful and witty, often joking with the maids, causing them to blush deeply. To the servants, the current young master was far more likable than before.

***

The five children grew close to Yang Lin and even began to speak, marking the first step toward becoming normal. The eldest sister, Yang Tian’ai, played a significant role.

“Look at this character: the left side is a wood radical... Yang Tianning!”

Yang Lin held a brush mid-stroke but noticed a child nodding off and grew frustrated. These children were saved by him; he could not raise them merely to serve tea and wait on others. He had inherited his host’s scholarly talents and hoped teaching them would be effortless.

Yet gradually, he realized some of the children were not interested in learning and instinctively resisted.

Yang Tianshu was especially fearful, looking at him like a frightened little beast. The others wore similar expressions of dread.

Seeing these pitiful children, particularly the four little beasts, Yang Lin sighed helplessly.

The cruelty of the kidnappers had not only ravaged their bodies but also destroyed their humanity, making them more like tamed beasts.

After some thought, Yang Lin decided to change his teaching approach. Just as he set down his brush to speak, Yang San came running, breathless.

“Big Master, Big Master... he’s leaving, he’s leaving.”

Yang Lin replied irritably, “Catch your breath first. Who’s leaving?”

Yang San leaned on his knees, panting. “Tong Guan, the eunuch attendant, is leaving. Governor Cai sent word to inform you.”

“Oh? Prepare the horses. We’ll see him off.”

A surge of excitement rose in Yang Lin’s heart. Once this man returned to Bianliang, his and Cai Jing’s names would frequently reach Emperor Zhao Ji’s ears.

Most likely, Cai Jing would soon be summoned to the capital and appointed Chancellor, ruling the land, while Yang Lin himself would take the imperial examination in the spring.

Jinling was no ordinary pond fish. The east wind destined for Yang Lin was about to blow. Whether he could soar high depended on this unconventional eunuch of history.