"Mom, does Dad still visit you twice a week? You know, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him. I wonder if he’s doing well. Do you know?"
"Mom, I’ve decided to pursue Chinese medicine, even though Dad insists I should study cardiology. Did you know that my first-choice major for the college entrance exams was Chinese medicine? But Dad changed it to integrative medicine without telling me. That’s why I’ve held so much resentment against him."
"Mom, I really love Chinese medicine. I think it has a lot to do with Grandpa. When I was young, I loved watching him prepare herbs and treat patients. One day, as he rocked in his chair, he told me, ‘Su Ye, your name is also the name of a medicinal herb. Chinese medicine is not just about the herbs; it’s a profound knowledge. Each herb has its unique flavor—bitter, sweet, sour, spicy, or pungent. Together, they form remedies tailored to specific ailments. But the intricate principles of healing? They’re like life itself—few truly understand them.’"
The afternoon sunlight suddenly dimmed as a cold wind picked up. The tulip petals swayed in the breeze, hinting at an approaching rain.
He stood up and smiled at the gravestone. "Mom, I’ll be going now."
* * *
Instead of heading straight home, he went to his grandfather’s house in the old part of town.
He Su Ye’s grandfather was a renowned practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, with a family history tracing back to imperial physicians of the Ming and Qing dynasties. He had once served as president of a university of Chinese medicine and later as a health department director before retiring to a semi-secluded life.
It was his grandfather who had named him "Su Ye."
Entering the house, He Su Ye didn’t go straight to the study. Instead, he wandered into the courtyard, sniffing the drying herbs one by one.
His grandmother spotted him first. "Old man, Su Ye is here!"
At that moment, He Su Ye was frowning at one of the herbs. His grandfather appeared behind him and said, "That’s tulip root! You’ve studied so much and still can’t recognize it?"
Feeling embarrassed, he muttered, "It’s not a common herb in practice—mostly used as an ornamental plant."
His grandfather chuckled, squatting down to pick up a piece and roll it in his hand. "It’s in Huatan Tounao Wan and Qige San. Bitter, neutral, non-toxic. It regulates qi, relieves stagnation, cools blood, and breaks stasis. It’s used for chest, abdominal, and rib pain, hysteria, fever delirium, and jaundice. See? You’re still not skilled enough."
With a serious expression, He Su Ye replied, "I’ve decided to switch to the Chinese medicine department for my doctorate. I’ll study internal medicine under Professor Gu Ping."
His grandfather looked surprised. "That old rascal! The one who used to argue with me all the time? He’s strict—his students used to call him the ‘Ruthless Taoist.’ You’re in for a tough time!"
He Su Ye didn’t respond, instead quietly examining the tulip root in his hand. "Grandpa, I brought tulips to visit Mom today."
A long silence followed. Then his grandfather stood up. "It’s been a while since you went home. You should visit your father. I may be his father and your grandfather, but I can’t mediate between you two. He’s made mistakes, sure, but… sigh."
He nodded but hesitated. "I’ll find time to visit. Don’t worry, Grandpa. I’ve made mistakes too, but it’s hard to explain everything."
From the living room, his grandmother called, "Dinner’s ready! Su Ye, we made your favorite sweet-and-sour ribs!"
His grandfather hurriedly gathered the herbs, shouting, "Boy, it’s going to rain! Help me bring in the herbs before you eat!"
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