The next day, they headed to the county town again. This time, Dashan's health had improved, so the group took his ox cart.
Dashan had been running a bit of a fever for the past few days. At his age, the slightest symptom would worry his children and grandchildren to no end, and they would always force him to rest at home.
But a man who had worked hard his whole life couldn't sit still. The moment he felt a little better, he was back out looking for fares.
Xu Su Ying chatted with Dashan about staying healthy during the autumn and winter. Dashan listened intently but replied dejectedly, "It doesn't matter how careful I am. I'm just old. This body isn't what it used to be."
"Whether someone's old isn't just about age, but about their health. If you ask me, you're in better shape than my De'an. Don't be fooled by his youth—he's a scholar, with a scholar's constitution. All show and no substance."
