Shen Yiru was deeply satisfied with Doctor Sun’s integrity. Ren’an Hall needed a physician with such backbone, and the female apprentices she intended to train required a mentor who was not driven by fame or fortune. She bowed deeply to Doctor Sun and then explained in a gentle, steady voice:
"Doctor Sun, you need not worry. The reason I am offering you a monthly salary of ten taels of silver is not merely to have you consult at my Ren’an Medical Hall. I also require you to pass on your medical expertise to the female apprentices we are taking in. Few doctors are willing to teach their skills to others, so you may consider this a high price I am paying for your knowledge. Furthermore, do not concern yourself with the fear that your high salary will force me to overcharge the patients who come to Ren’an Medical Hall. I, Shen Yiru, am not a person driven solely by profit. I have many business interests beyond this medical hall, and I have never been short of money. I do not wish to run this clinic for profit, but rather to continue the medical traditions of my master and uphold their legacy of healing the sick and saving lives."
Hearing this, the deep furrow in Doctor Sun’s brow gradually smoothed out. Shen Yiru continued, "You also need not worry about having your hands tied once you begin consulting at Ren’an Medical Hall. I grant you the authority to provide free consultations at your own discretion. Whenever you determine a patient to be in poverty, you may choose to waiv…
Chapter 92