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The matter of the Iron Shoe Thief was resolved. Early the next morning, Hua Manlou took Bai Tang to the Lin family to treat a patient. Lu Feng, who had a skeptical attitude towards feng shui, also came along to join the excitement. Along the way, Bai Tang took advantage of the travel time to study "Introduction to Feng Shui" and "Advanced Feng Shui," and by the time they arrived at the Lin family, he had reached an intermediate level of feng shui mastery.
The Lin family was located in a town near Jinling, beside the Qinhuai River. The town was a convenient transit point for merchants traveling between the north and south, making it economically prosperous. The residents lived much better than those in other towns. The Lin family and another family, the Zheng family, were the only two prominent households in the town, but they had been at odds for generations. It was either one stealing business from the other or secretly poaching customers, and sometimes the young people from both families would even fight when they crossed paths. In this generation, Zheng Xuanhe, the head of the Zheng family, had once liked Mrs. Lin (Sister Hua), but Sister Hua ended up marrying his rival, Lin Zhuoyan, which deepened Zheng Xuanhe's hatred for the Lin family. Zheng Xuanhe was treacherous and narrow-minded, employing more ruthless tactics than his ancestors, leading to an irreconcilable feud with the Lin family. Recently, after a series of misfortunes for the Lin family, the Zheng family took advantage of the situation to seize most of their business.
Both families lived outside of town in estates. The Lin estate covered nearly five miles, with red walls and green tiles surrounded by trees that complemented each other beautifully. In the center stood two main buildings facing east towards the rising sun; a streak of red light illuminated the ridge at their peak. On one side of the ridge was a dragon sculpture and on the other side a flying fish, facing each other. The ridge sloped down before curling upward at its edges, forming a basin that gathered water—a sign of prosperity.
Bai Tang withdrew his gaze and said to Hua Manlou, "The layout of this villa is quite appropriate; the person who oversaw its construction must have hired an exceptional feng shui master for guidance. It shouldn't be in decline."
Hua Manlou had also read several books on feng shui recently. After examining the estate's layout carefully, he nodded and said, "The residence is fine, but there seems to be an issue with the ancestral tomb."
Bai Tang replied, "Let's stabilize your cousin's condition first before we investigate the Lin family's ancestral grave."
As they spoke, the gatekeeper had already spotted them. The servants of the Lin family recognized Hua Manlou and quickly welcomed them inside. Before they could sit down, a middle-aged man came out. He appeared to be in his forties, with a thin face showing signs of fatigue but exuding a peaceful demeanor typical of an elder. Bai Tang nodded inwardly; this man was wealthy yet humble, radiating kindness.
"Uncle!" Hua Manlou quickly stood up to greet Lin Zhuoyan, the head of the Lin family.
"Seven Children!" Lin Zhuoyan rarely showed a smile but did so now. "Have you come to see Xue Tao again? Who are these friends?"
"Uncle, these are my friends. This is Lu Feng."
"Lu Feng with four eyebrows? I've heard much about you!" Lin Zhuoyan warmly welcomed Lu Feng. Lu Feng had a good reputation in Jianghu, and Lin Zhuoyan held him in high regard.
"This brother is Kalen and is Bai Gu Niang's companion. Bai Tang is the one who cured my eyes; I invited her here to treat my cousin!"
"Bai Shenyi!" Lin Zhuoyan was overjoyed. Many doctors had been unable to help his son’s illness until Hua Manlou brought back a medicine that saved him from death's door. Now that Bai Tang herself had come to treat his son, how could he not be excited? He believed Bai Tang would surely be able to cure his son.
"I didn't expect Seven Children could invite Bai Shenyi personally; I apologize for not being more hospitable!" Lin Zhuoyan bowed to Bai Tang and called out, "Where's the tea? Quickly serve our guests some good tea!"
Bai Tang slightly sidestepped to avoid Lin Zhuoyan's bow and said, "There's no need for such formalities, Mr. Lin. We won't be having tea; please take me to see your son first!"
"Bai Shenyi has traveled far; please rest for a moment. My son can hold on for a little while longer."
Bai Tang shook his head: "I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Lin, but I'm really not tired; treating your son as soon as possible will help him recover sooner!"
Lin Zhuoyan was deeply moved: "Doctor Bai, with your benevolence and skill, I admire you greatly. I will lead you to the way, please!"
When she saw the young master of the Lin family, Lu Feng was startled. The figure lying on the bed looked less like a person and more like a skeleton draped in skin. Lin Xuetao's eye sockets were sunken, his complexion was dark, and his lips were bluish. If it weren't for the rising and falling of his chest, anyone would think he was dead.
Lu Feng was not proficient in the pulse diagnosis technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine Bai Tang, so she took out a diagnostic device she had purchased from the future world, which conveniently resembled a modern women's wristwatch. Bai Tang placed the diagnostic device on Lin Xuetao's wrist.
"Seven Children, what is Doctor Bai putting on Xuetao?" Lin Zhuoyan dared not disturb Bai Tang, so he quietly asked Hua Manlou.
Hua Manlou whispered, "That is a tool used by Tang Tang to assist in treating patients."
"Oh!" Lin Zhuoyan nodded, feeling somewhat enlightened.
The high technology of the future was indeed convenient; the diagnostic device quickly examined the patient's body and reached a conclusion.
"What’s wrong? What illness does Xuetao have? Can it be treated?" Lin Zhuoyan hurriedly asked as he saw Bai Tang put away the diagnostic device.
Bai Tang spoke: "Young Master Lin does not have an illness; there is a malevolent energy within him that is continuously devouring his vitality, which is why he has become like this."
"Malevolent energy? What kind of malevolent energy?" Lin Zhuoyan exclaimed in shock.
"Is it really a feng shui issue?" Hua Manlou sighed and shared Bai Tang's earlier speculation with Lin Zhuoyan.
Lin Zhuoyan was frightened; unlike Hua Manlou and Lu Feng, who were from the martial world, he was just an ordinary wealthy man and had great faith in feng shui and metaphysics.
"Doctor Bai, please be sure to save my Lin family!" Lin Zhuoyan pleaded, unable to believe that Bai Tang was not only a miraculous doctor but also knowledgeable in feng shui and metaphysics.
"Rest assured, Master Lin. I will go to your ancestral grave to investigate shortly!"
"It’s already noon; let’s have lunch first and rest for a bit before going!" Hua Manlou suggested.
"Yes, yes, let’s eat lunch first! Shuangsi, go to the kitchen and tell the chef to prepare some good dishes for our esteemed guest!" Lin Zhuoyan called for a maid to relay the message to the kitchen.
Bai Tang smiled, knowing the crux of the matter. Indeed, there was no need to rush. She purchased a "Zhengyang Pill" and placed it in Lin Xuetao's mouth. The Zhengyang Pill was not as effective as the Peiyuan Pill for nourishing the body, but it was rich in Yang energy and could neutralize the cold Yin energy within Lin Xuetao.
"Alright, I have given Young Master Lin the appropriate medicine. He will wake up in half an hour. It would be best to prepare some plain congee for him," Bai Tang informed her father and cousin, who had been anxiously waiting.
"Thank you, Divine Doctor Bai!" Lin Zhuoyan exclaimed joyfully; her son was saved.
The servants of the Lin family acted quickly, and a table full of delicious dishes was laid out, all featuring the distinctive Jinling Cuisine. This included Jinling Duck, Jinling Fresh Fish, and Jinling Grass. According to Chen Zuolin's "Jinling Miscellany," it is recorded: "The duck is not produced in Jinling but is sourced from the areas between Taibo and Gaoyou. The wild ducks gather in flocks, crossing the river southward and settling in ponds. They are fattened for about ten days before being sold in markets, known as 'Crystal Duck'; roasted over a fire until the skin is red but not charred, called 'Roast Duck'; coated with sauce and boiled until flavorful, known as 'Sauce Duck'; yet none can compare to 'Salted Duck,' which is considered the supreme delicacy—light yet delicious, fatty but not greasy. In winter, they are salted and aged, referred to as 'Board Duck,' which people from afar love to purchase as gifts. In markets, except for 'Crystal Duck,' all ducks have their wings and feet cut off and their livers sold separately, known as 'Four Pieces.'" This shows how much people in Jinling love duck. The river shrimp dishes in Jinling Cuisine are also famous; aside from the four famous fish from the Yangtze River (Shad, Catfish, Knife Fish, and Carp), Jinling chefs create various shrimp dishes like Prawn Tails and Lantern-Shaped Dumplings. They are particularly skilled at making shrimp paste into uniquely shaped dishes with distinct flavors. Jinling Grass refers to Artemisia, with stir-fried Artemisia being a representative dish.
Bai Tang hadn't eaten Jinling Cuisine for a while, and it tasted delightful now. During this time, Lin Xuetao woke up and drank half a bowl of plain congee; his face regained some color and finally looked less like a corpse. After the meal, Lin Zhuoyan took the four of them up the mountain to check on the Lin family's ancestral tomb.
The Lin family's ancestral tomb was on the same mountain as the Zheng family's ancestral tomb. It was said that the ancestors of both families had become enemies over this mountain's feng shui treasure site. The town backed onto Lingyan Mountain—not to be confused with Lingyan Mountain in Suzhou—but located eighty miles from Jinling City. The most famous site on this mountain is Lingyan Temple. "In southern dynasties there were four hundred eighty temples; how many towers stood amidst misty rain," wrote Du Mu in "Jiangnan Spring," which everyone is familiar with; Lingyan Temple is one of those four hundred eighty temples. Lingyan Temple has a long history dating back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties period; within its grounds stands a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree that remains lush despite its age. Although its roots show signs of having been struck by lightning and are blackened, it does not affect its growth. The town rests against a branch of Lingyan Mountain called Xishan; the four of them climbed along the mountain path to the northern foothills of Xishan. The foothills refer to a mid-mountain area where a flat piece of land suddenly appears, resembling antlers protruding from a stag's head; hence it is called "foothill." The northern foothills of Xishan feature a large platform where one can stand and look up at surrounding peaks; looking down reveals rivers embracing all four mountains.
Bai Tang praised, "Indeed, this is a place rich in energy and wealth—surrounded by peaks with water embracing it; mountains represent energy while water represents wealth—truly a prosperous dragon's den! No wonder your two families have been feuding over this land for generations!"
Lin Zhuoyan nodded repeatedly as he led them toward the north direction. After walking for a short while, they saw a giant tomb situated on the platform with an inscription reading "Tomb of Ancestors of the Lin Family." On either side of the tombstone stood two massive stones rising abruptly from the ground, flanking the tombstone majestically.
Bai Tang marveled inwardly and thought: The raised stone on this platform resembles a fish body while these towering stones represent fish eyes—this is indeed a dragon's den resembling a carp! Those buried here will either be wealthy or noble descendants; yet why does the Lin family have so few descendants now? This generation is nearly extinct?
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