The Female Supporting Role Shows Out

by Usui Takumii

not mine, novel multiverse. Waiting for the Translator to update.

15. 141 to 149

Zheng Zhe was an experienced doctor. He had made breakthroughs in his medical skill recently and had become more skilled in administering acupuncture and medicine. He just took a brief look at her pulse and said, "Ma'am, have you constantly suffered from abdominal pain and vomiting year round?"

The strong man who was supporting the woman nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, yes, doctor, what you said is extremely accurate. My woman does suffer from abdominal pain frequently, often accompanied by vomiting. This time it lasted for three days and three nights, so I invited many doctors but they couldn't treat her. That's why I rushed to get an ox cart to take her into the city for treatment. Doctor, please save her!"

Zheng Zhe waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, she just has normal gastroenteritis. Just take a few doses of Baohe (protect and harmonize) Decoction." After he spoke, he shouted toward the medical practitioners in the clinic, "Go and brew a Baohe Decoction immediately! I need two people to come here and help carry this madam inside to settle her down."

Several apprentices agreed in succession. Some went to brew medicine and some came to help lift the person.

Listening up to here, Lin Dan instead took two steps forward, blocking their way, and carefully warned: "Physician Zheng, there is a big problem with your treatment. I took this madam's pulse just now as well– she does suffer from gastroenteritis, but……"

Before she could finish her sentence, that woman cried out mournfully, as if in severe pain. Her husband shoved Lin Dan away and scolded: "We're already at this stage, so why are you wasting time with nonsense? Can't you see that my woman is dying of pain? Hurry up and get lost! If you delay my woman's treatment, I will smash your signboard into pieces!"

The watching passers-by sneered: "That's right, that's right, you should quickly get out of the way! Don't interfere with other's illness. You're an inexperienced, young little doctor. How dare you challenge Physician Zheng? You're really going mad for attention and fame! You also said that this madam was inflicted with gastroenteritis. Everyone here knows that Baohe Decoction was a divine medicine developed by Physician Zheng and has a miraculous effect on gastroenteritis. After one dose, the patient will be mostly recovered. Could it be that you can make a medicine better than Baohe Decoction?"

Lin Dan shook her head and said, "But it's true that Baohe Decoction cannot be used for this illness…"

Someone next to her interrupted again, "Whatever, why don't you just drop it! Obviously, this madam can't hold on much longer. What you're doing is murdering people, did you know that?"

Somebody mixed into the crowd and muttered: "Hey, I recognize her! She often goes to our mountain village trying to treat people, saying that she doesn't charge a fee if she can't treat them. In the end, after a whole year, having treated eighty to a hundred people, she only received payment twice. You can imagine how awful her medical skills are."

Lin Dan followed the voice and looked over, and the person who spoke immediately shrank his neck and hid, but the people around him all exploded, laughing at her for having an exaggerated opinion of her own abilities. Some people accused: "Your medical skills are so poor, so how could you even open a clinic? If you do things like this, what's the difference between you and a killer? A killer charges money for killing people, and you also charge money for killing people, but at least they won't be sued for taking a life. Sooner or later, you're going to get yourself beaten to death!"

The woman gritted her teeth and glared at Lin Dan fiercely while moaning. Her husband was even more straightforward, directly ramming Lin Dan away. He then cooperated with several medical practitioners to lift the woman in as quickly as they could.

Before he left, Zheng Zhe said sincerely and earnestly: "What crime is it to live? If one does not die of illness but because of a doctor, it would be better not to have a doctor than to have one. If you have no talent for learning medicine, it is better not to study it. Little girl, if your medical skill is not proficient, it is better to go out and practice. Don't be in a hurry to open a clinic. Don't you think so?"

Lin Dan nodded and said: "You're right, if you have no talent for learning medicine, it's better not to study it. I will return this sentence back to you. Did you really investigate the symptoms of that person? Before she takes the medicine, I advise you to take a closer look. The madam is not sweating, has a murmur in her chest, has thick phlegm stuck in her throat, and is losing her voice, this is…"

But it was a pity. Her words were once again interrupted, this time by Wu Xuancao, who was hurrying out: "Master, a patient is still waiting for you."

Zheng Zhe immediately walked toward Xuancao Hall. Although something flashed in his heart, he didn't catch it. He had another patient needing treatment who had abdominal cramps that felt like his intestines were twisting. Judging from the symptoms, it should be an intestinal ulcer. He had to do surgery and open his abdomen to cut off the rotten part of the intestine. Eight or nine out of ten patients with intestinal ulcers died from abdominal pain. But the solution he and Wu Xuancao jointly came up with, although risky, did have a very high probability of success. If the patient could make a full recovery, the names of him and Wu Xuancao would be permanently recorded in the annals of history and shine in the world of medicine alongside Lin Chaoxian.

Thinking like this, Zheng Zhe's heart burst into flames, and he immediately walked into the inner hall with Wu Xuancao to persuade the patient's family members to agree to their treatment plan. It was a pity that the patient was very timid. Even if he was in so much pain that he rolled all over the floor, he still adamantly refused to allow them to cut open his abdomen. His family members also didn't dare to gamble with his life. They just shook their heads and refused to relent.

Zheng Zhe and Wu Xuancao were a little discouraged, and said: "You have been in pain for two days in a row. The burning and toxicity are too high; your flesh is withered and rotten and has turned into pus, which may lead to abdominal inflammation or even an intestinal infarction*. When the time comes, even we will have no way to treat it. Go back and think about it. In this capital city, I'm afraid that doctors who dare to accept patients with this condition, other than us two, don't exist."

A decrease in blood supply to the intestines.

The patient was already delirious from pain. His family hesitated for a short period of time, but still did not dare to agree.

Zheng Zhe and Wu Xuancao were helpless and could only look on as they left. Just now, that other madam had recovered after drinking Baohe Decoction. Her stomach was no longer in pain, her complexion was ruddy, and, without needing her husband's support, she walked over and thanked Zheng Zhe repeatedly.

Seeing that the woman was carried into Xuancao Hall on her dying breath, but came out healthy and active, the passers-by's evaluation of Zheng Zhe and Wu Xuancao climbed another level again. They kept chattering that the two doctors could bring people back from the dead.

Lin Dan stood at the doorway and looked at that woman with heavy eyes. She originally wanted to go forward, but was stopped by some busybodies who grinningly mocked: "This young lady over here, you said that Physician Zheng is not proficient in medicine. Now look. At the end of the day, who's the one who actually isn't proficient? If you had stopped her from taking the medicine, I'm afraid this madam might have already died of pain."

"Why are you still talking nonsense with her? Just don't go looking for treatment from her in the future. I don't know who gave her the courage to open a clinic opposite Xuancao Hall."

Seeing that Lin Dan still wanted to come over and pester them, the strong man hurriedly pulled his woman to leave. Lin Dan was stopped by a few hoodlums, and couldn't follow even if she wanted to, so she could only give up. Just when she was about to pull free and fix those ruffians, several guards came over with big sabers and forcefully asked, "What are you trying to do?"

The several hooligans turned pale with fright, trembling like chaff, and were unable to talk for half a day. Seeing that these officials were unsheathing their sabers, they immediately screamed and fled in all directions.

Xue Boyong had gone to the street corner to buy fruit for Lin Dan, so he came back a step late. He saw the backs of these people and a murderous aura flashed through his eyes, but the moment he saw Lin Dan, he immediately restrained it and smiled gently: "It's already past noon, but you didn't pick me up from the barracks today. Was it because you were being pestered by these scoundrels? The environment in the capital is getting worse and worse. Petty criminals are running rampant. It seems like I have to present a memorial to the emperor and ask him to rectify public security in the capital."

"It's not because they were bothering me, it's because there was a misdiagnosis." Lin Dan waved her hand, her worried expression already completely gone.

When she practiced medicine in the countryside, she said that she would not receive money if she could not cure the disease. So, people from ten miles and eight provinces around all came to find her for medical treatment, but no one was willing to pay. If she went to their door to ask, they immediately lay down and pretended to be sick and tried to act dumb. Some of them even, while pretending to be sick, would try to defraud her and then get people to surround her to beat her up.

If it wasn't for Lin Dan having bodyguards as well as her own martial arts, she probably would have died outside long ago. She had only been practicing medicine for a year, but she had already seen the ugliness of human nature and her expectations for humanity had long since fallen to the lowest point. She never expected to be trusted, protected, or even loved, so she did not feel saddened when she was being attacked, insulted, or doubted.

If that lady had been right in front of her, out of a sense of morality, she might try to do something. But the other party had already left, so whether she was dead or alive, it was no longer any of Lin Dan's business.

Lin Dan had no expectations for this world, but Xue Boyong was the only exception. He didn't hate her because of those unbearable past events, but instead trusted and respected her very much and protected her wholeheartedly. This kindness, Lin Dan took in and remembered in her heart.

She took the frozen pear that Xue Boyong handed over and said calmly, "I wasn't the one who misdiagnosed, it was the other side. But it's nothing now. Brother, what do you want to eat? I'll go cook it now."

"I want to eat dumplings. You knead the dough and I'll dice the stuffing." Xue Boyong rolled up his sleeves, not at all conscious of "gentlemen stay away from the kitchen."

Lin Dan immediately became happy and said, "What a coincidence! I also want to eat dumplings. Brother, let's make dumplings with cabbage and pork stuffing. There are still a few cabbages in the cellar, so we might as well use them all up today…"

The two talked as they walked into the inner hall together, side by side. One tall and one petite silhouette looked very harmonious together, and there was even a sense of intimacy that made it difficult for outsiders to intrude. Xue Jiming, who had come to Xuancao Hall to find Wu Xuancao, happened to see this scene, his expression extremely complicated.

Ever since Eldest Brother's legs got better, he rarely stayed at home for any significant amount of time. He was always either at the barracks or at Lin Dan's place, as if he regarded it as his second home. Grandmother and Mother asked him what he was thinking. If he fell in love with Lin Dan, they could disregard past enmity, bring her back, and then marry the two. But Eldest Brother shook his head and said carefully: "What happens between me and Lin Dan does not depend on what I think, but on what she thinks. If she is willing to accept me, I will propose to her. If she is not willing, I'll wait for her for the rest of my life. I respect any decision she makes."

Xue Jiming almost suspected that his brother had been swapped out. Back then, Eldest Brother could even defy the emperor's orders, but now he took Lin Dan's wishes more seriously than his own. To Lin Dan, had he really reached the point where he would never marry if it wasn't to her?

Xue Jiming stared blankly at Xing Lin Spring for a long time until Wu Xuancao came out to call him; then, he quickly fled into Xuancao Hall. His current self didn't dare to face Lin Dan at all. She cured his brother and was a great benefactor of the Xue family, but due to his own bias, he always belittled her and excluded her, which finally led her to leave Xue Manor.

To say something unpleasant: the person who should hate, despise, and even take revenge had always been Lin Dan. But he, a grown man, had no chest at all, and instead pushed all the blame onto the other person's head. Brother was right. He was a coward. Read the most updated version of this novel and other amazing translated novels from the original source at Novel Multiverse – "NovelMultiverse dot com"

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The more he was aware of his mistakes, the more Xue Jiming couldn't let go of Wu Xuancao; it would be truly unbearable if he'd made so many mistakes only to get nothing out of it. So, he had been very clingy with Wu Xuancao recently. The other party also finally agreed to his marriage proposal.

The old madam of the second branch was acting as a matchmaker and Wu Xuancao had also made a name for herself, so it was difficult for Old Madam to refuse this marriage. She just had to hold her nose and accept it. Since Wu Xuancao was an orphan, the old madam of the second branch would help her arrange her marriage affairs. Perhaps, in a few days, the two would finally be legitimate fiancees.

Xue Jiming sat in the clinic, but his eyes swept to the opposite side from time to time, saying in surprise: "I noticed that Xing Lin Spring's lobby is extremely empty. Why is this?"

The medical practitioner who served him tea smiled sarcastically: "What else could it be? Her medical skills are too poor. It seems that Second Young Master doesn't know about the fact that just now, Physician Lin stubbornly obstructed a patient and tried to stop them from coming to our Xuancao Hall for medical treatment, saying that Physician Zheng prescribed the wrong medicine. Who is she to try to correct our Physician Zheng? She's really so audacious, anything can come out of her mouth!"

"In order to compete for business, doesn't she have to do whatever she can? That clinic of hers has been open for more than half a month, but she hasn't gotten a single bit of business. Only a few people buy herbs. In one day, she can't even earn ten copper coins. She has long had no way to make a living. If she can create drama and snatch a patient from our Physician Zheng's hands, maybe she could become famous?" Another medical practitioner ridiculed.

"Famous? I think you mean notorious! She even tried to grab that sort of patient. I think she's gone mad! That madam's gastroenteritis was already very serious. Physician Wu said that if she had come one or two days later, it would have become gastric perforation. At that time, no matter what medicine you prescribe, it would be no use; it's incurable at that stage. If she snatched that person away but was unable to cure her, wouldn't that be considered murder?"

"Yeah! She's young, after all, and doesn't know the severity of the situation. But then again, what is gastric perforation?"

"Gastric perforation is when gastroenteritis has completely ulcerated and a hole is opened in the stomach. At this stage, even if the Daluo Immortal came down, it would be difficult to recover."

"So it's like this! Physician Wu knows so much!"

The two medical practitioners chatted back and forth, but Xue Jiming kept frowning as he listened. Seeing Wu Xuancao lead a patient out of a ward, he quickly said, "Xiao Cao'er, Lin Dan was able to cure my brother's legs. That shows that her medical skills are definitely not bad. If she says that you two misdiagnosed, it would be better to investigate carefully before moving forward."

Wu Xuancao hated hearing Lin Dan's name the most, so she frowned and said, "The patient drank the Baohe Decoction prescribed by Master and her abdominal pain disappeared on the spot. How could it be a misdiagnosis? Don't be so quick to jump to conclusions just because you heard a rumor*."

Literally, "Don't assume it's going to rain just by listening to the wind."

When the two medical practitioners saw that the person Second Young Master was defending was actually Lin Dan, they didn't dare to speak up. But, deep in their hearts, their contempt and disdain for Lin Dan became even stronger.

Word about what happened outside Xuancao Hall gradually spread among the populace. Another achievement was added onto Zheng Zhe's head: "prescribes medicine like a god," while Lin Dan became a clown that made him look even better by comparison. She was constantly brought up and then satirized. The Xing Lin Spring clinic she opened became more and more deserted, but Xuancao Hall's doorstep was almost trampled to pieces by patients.

Whenever the rich and powerful in the capital had whatever minor headaches and fevers, they would be sure to send a carriage to Xuancao Hall and pick up the two doctors for a consultation. The patient with intestinal ulcers who had initially refused them took the initiative to come to the door, saying that he would agree with their treatment plan.

Zheng Zhe and Wu Xuancao were overjoyed. As they took out the life and death contract and asked the patient's family to sign, they said slowly: "We will cut open the patient's belly, cut off the rotten intestines, and then sew it all back up. In half a month, at the fastest, or up to one month, at the slowest, the patient will make a full recovery."

"Can it really be cured like this?" The patient's family hesitated again when they saw the words "whether the patient lives or dies, we will not be held liable*" written on the contract.

Literally, "Life, Death, Own Responsibility."

"It can. If you survey the entire Central Plains, how many doctors would you find who can cure intestinal ulcers? Physician Wu and I previously cured a patient with an abdominal tumor using this same method. He is currently completely fine. If you don't believe me, you can go to his house and ask…" Before Zheng Zhe finished speaking, there was a commotion outside. A dozen strong men with sticks and hoes tried to rush into Xuancao Hall to smash it. There were also two people carrying a door panel behind them. A woman lay on the board, incessantly spitting out blood.

Fresh blood spilled the entire way in, as if she were giving it out for free. Some passers-by who were splattered by blood dodged, some cursed, and some followed to spectate. Someone with a good memory pointed at the woman and said, "I recognize her! Isn't that the lady who came to Xuancao Hall two days ago for treatment? At that time, because of her, the doctor of Xing Lin Spring even quarreled with Physician Zheng, saying that Physician Zheng prescribed the wrong medicine and causing treatment to be delayed."

"Looking at this situation, could it be that the doctor from Xing Lin Spring was right?" Several passers-by couldn't believe that Miracle Doctor Zheng would make a mistake.

"Who knows? Let's wait and see."

More and more passers-by crowded around, blocking the entire street. That woman had already turned into a bloody person; the rise and fall of her chest was so slight that it was not visible to the naked eye; and she was already exhaling more than she was inhaling. It was apparent that she was just on the edge of death. Her husband and son rushed to the capital with a group of fellow villagers from their hometown. They lifted their sticks and smashed Xuancao Hall, cursing and scolding in extreme rage.

Lin Dan heard the commotion and came out. Her eyes swept over that woman, but her expression was indifferent. She had persuaded her and even blocked her path. This outcome really had nothing to do with her.

Zheng Zhe and Wu Xuancao arrived in a hurry. As soon as they saw the woman, covered in blood, their expressions twisted.

"It shouldn't be! After drinking my Baohe Decoction, her illness should have been cured long ago. How could it have become this serious? Did you stop giving her medicine after going back or change my prescription at all?" Zheng Zhe asked urgently as he took her pulse.

"Three doses a day, we didn't miss a single one!" The strong man said with rancor, "If my woman dies suddenly, I will make you pay with your life!"

"That being the case, did you get the medicine from my apothecary? If you were greedy for cheap goods and went to another apothecary to get the medicine, we cannot guarantee that the Baohe Decoction will always be effective," Wu Xuancao said, shirking the blame.

"Fucking bullshit*! Back then, we didn't even leave Xuancao Hall before we grabbed enough medicine for seven days. After my woman went back and took two doses, her stomach started to hurt again. I insisted that she finish taking it, but as a result, she started to vomit blood and we had no way to stop it! Did you poison the medicine? I'm going to the yamen* to sue you for premeditated murder!"

Literally, "your mom's dog fart." Calling someone's words "a fart" means they're speaking nonsense.

The government office, usually where a judge sits and hears disputes.

The strong man charged over with a hoe; two apprentices rushed to stop him, lest he hurt their Master. Wu Xuancao had already sent someone to bring a message to Xue Jiming. Xue Manor's guards would come soon, so she was not that worried.

Zheng Zhe, risking being beaten to death, ran to the woman's side and took her pulse. The worried expression on his face was completely replaced by terror. Oh my goodness, it was all over! This person only had some inflammation when she first came, but now she was beyond saving and would not live for much longer! If the hematemesis couldn't be stopped, she would die within two hours!

The strong man saw his complexion completely change. The rims of his eyes were already so red, bloody tears almost dripped out, but he held onto the last thread of hope and asked: "Can my woman still be saved?"

"We'll talk after I stop the hematemesis." Zheng Zhe struggled to maintain his composure.

"Then why aren't you quickly prescribing medicine!" The strong man harshly urged.

Zheng Zhe hurriedly waved at several apprentices: "Go and brew Jiehui (grime-dissolving) Decoction, quickly!"

Several apprentices ran to do so. Seeing this scene, Lin Dan shook her head and sighed: "Wrong again." After her words fell, she went straight back into Xing Lin Spring, too lazy to continue watching.

However, she didn't expect some busybodies who had been observing her every move to loudly yell: "Miracle Doctor Zheng, Physician Lin said you were wrong again!"

Zheng Zhe's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't have time to pay attention to this idle gossip. Instead, he took out a set of silver needles and, one by one, plunged them into the woman's key acupoints.

The strong man violently turned his head and looked into Xing Lin Spring, only to see that Lin Dan had already lifted the bamboo curtain and gone into the rear courtyard, not wanting any part in the matter at all. Thinking of her previous warning, the strong man's mind churned, hesitating and undecided. However, he saw that when the silver needles entered his woman's acupoints, she stopped vomiting blood and twitched, seeming to have been pulled back from the edge of death. This finally dispelled his idea of going to Xing Lin Spring to seek treatment.

Zheng Zhe wiped the cold sweat off his forehead, saying Whew in his heart. Fortunately, these past few days, he had gained some new insights into combining internal energy and acupuncture. Otherwise, he would have been completely ruined today. The hematemesis had stopped. This person was no longer in immediate danger of dying.

Wu Xuancao saw the immediate effect of his acupuncture method and her eyes flashed slightly.

The expressions of the watching crowd became more and more tense; they were completely invested. Only at this point did they let out a sigh of turbid breath, exclaiming in admiration: "It is Miracle Doctor Zheng after all! If he doesn't make a move, it would be like that, but as soon as he makes a move, he can definitely save a life!"

"She was vomiting so much blood just now, but he could stop it with just a few needles. His technique is truly exquisite!"

"It's not an exaggeration to say that he brought her back from the dead!"

Amid the passers-by's praises, an apprentice ran out with a bowl of decoction, shouting loudly: "Get out of the way, the Jiehui Decoction is here! This is a life-saving medicine! If it's spilled, who will take the blame?"

The crowd quickly parted to let him pass. Zheng Zhe received the bowl of medicine and personally fed it into the woman's mouth, saying with conviction: "Jiehui Decoction can detoxify rot and poison. After one bowl, the ruptured ulcer in her stomach will be suppressed immediately. When I pull out the silver needles, you can carry her in. We will slowly give her treatment. Stay calm."

The group of villagers had already calmed down and stared at the woman with burning eyes. No one expected things to take a steep downturn. The woman screamed shrilly and sat up in shock, vomiting blood from the top while feces and urine spewed out from the bottom. Her appearance was extremely tragic.

The onlookers shouted while hurriedly retreating, commenting: "It was fine earlier, so why is she dying now? It looks like she's dying, right? It was like this when my grandmother died. She couldn't control her bowels!"

"She's dying, for real! She's already passed out!"

The passers-by stepped back further, their eyes full of horror.

The strong man threw himself onto her and shouted loudly for his wife. His sons and daughters, their eyes blood-red and their auras murderous, looked like they were ready commit a crime. Zheng Zhe was terrified. His legs were too weak to walk, so he could only half-kneel beside the woman, incessantly twisting the ends of the needles, trying to make a final struggle.

Wu Xuancao repeatedly shouted "Save her," but she was also at her wit's end.

No one knows who shouted at the top of their lungs, "Physician Lin would definitely be able to save her! She knew at a glance that you were using the wrong medicine and already warned you twice, but you just refused to listen!"

Hearing this, the strong man was like a drowning person who found a piece of driftwood. He immediately picked up his wife, staggered to the front of Xing Lin Spring's door, kowtowing and shouting, "Save her, Physician Lin, save her! I was blind as a bat before and didn't recognize Mount Tai*. I admit my mistake! I'm begging Physician Lin, please save my woman! I'll bow down to you, I'll give you silver! I beg you to come out and take a look! Please, I'm begging you!"

Mount Tai refers to an important person. (Sometimes, it's used to refer to one's father-in-law.)

The strong man struck his head onto the ground as if he didn't want his own life. His deep emotion made people tear up. His several sons and daughters quickly took out all of the copper coins and silver in their purses, lined them up on the counter inside Xing Lin Spring, and then knelt down and kowtowed together.

The bamboo curtain finally moved and Lin Dan slowly walked out, holding a similar set of silver needles in her hand. She silently held the woman's wrist, carefully probed her pulse, then pulled out Zheng Zhe's silver needles one by one and carelessly threw them to the side. She then pulled out her own silver needles and, one by one, inserted them into different acupoints. With a flick of her fingertips, the needle tail began to quiver continuously, emitting a humming sound.

Amidst this humming sound, the woman slowly opened her eyes and let out a breath of turbid air.

Seeing this scene, passers-by burst into a commotion, shouting repeatedly "She's alive," "An immortal," "That's amazing," and so on. They were stunned by Lin Dan's medical skills, which had clearly reached the pinnacle! Read the most updated version of this novel and other amazing translated novels from the original source at Novel Multiverse – "NovelMultiverse dot com"

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Lin Dan used her golden needle technique to save the woman's life, then waved her hand and said: "You can lift her in now."

"Oh, good! Thank you, doctor, thank you, doctor!" The strong man hurriedly carried his wife into Xing Lin Spring and placed her on a cot in the outer hall.

Lin Dan quickly wrote two prescriptions and ordered the servants to brew them. She fed the woman each prescription two hours apart. In the evening, the woman had greatly recovered. She no longer had abdominal pain, no longer vomited blood, and regained control of her bowel movements. Her several daughters andsister-in-laws brought in hot water and clean clothes and helped her clean herself up. By the time she was lifted back out, she actually looked like a human again.

Some of the crowd had dispersed, while others remained outside craning their necks. If Physician Lin couldn't cure the illness either, the strong man would definitely start making a ruckus and then there will be another good show to watch.

Zheng Zhe sat at the entrance of Xuancao Hall, dazed, his eyes fixed on the opposite clinic. When he saw the woman, who had made herself presentable, he suddenly stood up, as if he had seen a ghost. Wu Xuancao, who had been silently waiting for the result as well, also showed an extremely astonished expression. She couldn't help but stagger forward two steps and step out of the shop door, but then was fixed at her present position and stopped moving. This was the second time she had seen the wonders of traditional Chinese medicine through Lin Dan.

The crowd made a huge commotion, followed by a steady stream of admiring exclamations. It had only been six or eight hours, but such a serious illness had already been cured? Although this Physician Lin was young, her medical skills were really not to be underestimated*!

Wordplay here, the author used "xiao" (small) to say that Lin Dan was young, then "bu xiao" (not small) to describe her medical skills.

However, Lin Dan ignored the reactions and opinions of bystanders. She just held the woman's wrist and focused on checking the pulse, unhurriedly saying: "There is no longer any emergency. The external symptoms have been eliminated, but the internal symptoms are still there. You will need to take medicine every day and properly take care of yourself. Don't eat too much spicy, greasy, or coarse foods. Eat more light and soft foods. I will start by prescribing medicine for you to drink. Take it continuously for seven days, then return for further diagnosis."

"Yes, thank you, doctor, thank you, doctor!" The strong man and his wife knelt down in gratitude. Their children also knelt down in a big patch.

Lin Dan didn't help them up. She just turned sideways to avoid the bows. Then, she unhurriedly wrote down the prescription. Her manner was very flat; although she was saving people, she appeared to have a sense of detachment from the secular world, as if the life and death of other people were just a small plaything that she casually toyed with at her fingertips.

The strong man secretly glanced at her, his expression becoming more respectful, and even a sort of fear and trepidation arose. The fellow villagers he brought also calmed down. They became docile one-by-one, scared to even take too big a breath.

The shop was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop, but Lin Dan didn't think anything of it. She wrapped the seven portions of medicine in oil paper and said slowly, "All right. You can go back now."

The strong man reached out to pick up the paper package, thanking her repeatedly. His wife, with the support of her children, bowed her knees deeply with an extremely grateful expression.

When she was misunderstood and even shoved aside by these people, Lin Dan was never angry. Naturally, now that they revered her as an immortal, she would also not be proud of herself. Her character was just like her name*. Her every move was indifferent, making people unable to get close to her at all. After dealing with this inconvenience, she picked up a medical text as usual and flipped through it seriously, exactly as she did in the past.

The "dan" in her name means light, indifferent.

Passers-by pointed at her and discussed her spiritedly, but they couldn't disturb her in the slightest. No one knew when it started, but at some point, she had somehow become this current person who was not attached to material things and never felt sorry for herself, as tranquil as a deep pool of blue water.

Xue Jiming, who had hurriedly rushed over to helpWu Xuancao out of trouble, had remained at Xuancao Hall, across the street, all along. He thought: If Lin Dan couldn't handle this matter either, he couldn't not bring his guards to her clinic and support her. But Lin Dan's behavior greatly surprised him and finally made him confront the fact that she had changed.

She was no longer that little girl who orbited around him. Suffering made people grow up. After experiencing betrayal, the breaking of her engagement, separation, and accidentally harming others, she had already been reborn and achieved enlightenment. She didn't avoid her own mistakes, but shouldered all of the responsibility. She took care of her eldest brother meticulously, and, in order to cure him, even studied medicine every day without slacking off. In order to gain experience and temper her medical expertise, she started wandering remote villages.

What she had learned in a year was probably even more than what others had learned in a lifetime. Looking at her tranquil profile, Xue Jiming's heart was full of bitterness.

Zheng Zhe struggled for a while before finally standing up, walking to the door of Xing Lin Spring step by step, and bowing deeply: "May I venture to ask Physician Lin: those two times that I diagnosed and treated the patient, where did I go wrong?" If he didn't figured this out, he would never be able to forget it for the rest of his life.

Lin Dan raised her head and looked askance at him, but she didn't act pretentious, instead gently saying: "That woman was in extreme pain when she was brought, but there was not a single drop of cold sweat on her forehead. Moreover, her face was flushed, there was a murmur in her chest, and her voice was hoarse. These are symptoms that she was suffering a cold (windchill*) and that cold energy had entered her head. Her gastric pain and vomiting were extremely severe, but her pulse was deep and tense, very distinctly so. If you examined it very generally, you would naturally be drawn in by the internal symptoms and forget the external symptoms. All illnesses should first be examined from the surface. You ascertained the internal symptoms and became engrossed in giving her medicine, but neglected the external symptoms. Without resolving the external symptoms or treating her cold, how could you prescribe Baohe Decoction? Baohe Decoction contains radish seeds, mongolian snakegourd, dried unripe citron, green tangerine peel, and so on, which have the effect of eliminating and directing. But it aggravated her cold, causing her to have constant diarrhea and be unable to swallow food. This greatly damaged her vital energy. Without eating and drinking, her gastrointestinal symptoms would sharply worsen. Within two days, she would naturally collapse."

Windchill is when windy and frigid energy enter the body. These are both destructive energies. It is also the Chinese understanding of how one catches a cold. If you want to reconcile the perspective of TCM with that of western medicine, think of it like this: we think of the common cold as a result of germs, but in order for microorganisms to wreak havoc in our body, our immune system needs to have been compromised, and these two energies have the effect of weakening the body. Also, the name "cold" insinuates that our ancestors noticed the same pattern: people catch a cold after they catch a chill. Modern doctors, however, will disagree, even though the common cold ismore common in winter. But the ancients were stupid and we know best now, right?

Lin Dan put down her medical book and said succinctly: "In theInternal Canon, there is a saying: Laborers grow sprouts, and the best medical practitioners treat the beginning stages*. You are indeed able to cure serious illnesses, but you shouldn't overlook minor aches and ailments. It is by treating these minor aches and ailments that you accumulate knowledge and experience bit by bit. Take that woman's acute condition as an example: if you had noticed the symptoms of her cold and first counterintuitively treated the surface, making her to sweat it out, andthengiven her Baohe Decoction, treating her digestive system, that later situation would not have occurred."

Short for Yellow Emperor's Internal Canon, which is a very real and very famous text, still used by TCM doctors today.

There is a legend in Chinese medicine that one of the most well-known miracle doctors in Chinese history once claimed that he was the worst doctor out of all three of his brothers. His eldest brother was the best because he treated illnesses before their symptoms even started; his second brother was second best because he treated illnesses when their symptoms had first begun; and he himself was the worst because he only treated illnesses when they were already at an advanced stage. But his other two brothers were not well-known because people don't understand how much more skill it takes to prevent illness and keep it from causing any damage to the body.

Zheng Zhe carefully chewed on her words and his slightly unreconciled expression was slowly replaced with shame. He bowed deeply, his eyes suffused with red, and sighed: "Many thanks, Physician Lin, for your enlightenment. I was the one who didn't investigate the exterior and interior correctly and nearly harmed a human life! These past few days, I had made some breakthroughs in my medical skill, so I was too engrossed in scaling the summit and going down in history, but forgot that 'One cannot travel a thousand miles without taking a single step'. Physician Lin can see the minutest detail with the utmost clarity. You are an expert on par with the Yellow Emperor*. After hearing your words today, this old man has benefited a lot. I am full of regret and shame!" After he finished speaking, he bowed deeply again, then staggered back into Xuancao Hall.

The author of the Yellow Emperor's Internal Canon, known as an originator of many elements of Chinese culture, including TCM.

Wu Xuancao wanted to help support him, but he waved his hand and declined. A person who had originally been in good spirits, hale and hearty, seemed to have aged a dozen years overnight.

Xue Jiming looked at the renowned Physician Zheng, then looked at Lin Dan with her tranquil expression, and his eyes were also suffused with remorse. Witnessing Lin Dan's methods of saving the dying and healing the wounded and listening to her various insights on the medical arts, it was not difficult for Xue Jiming to realize that her medical skills were already exquisite. Of course Wu Xuancao couldn't even be compared with her, but even Zheng Zhe might be slightly inferior.

The illness that she could see through at a glance, Zheng Zhe couldn't understand even after serious investigation, to the point where he even nearly harmed a human life. It turned out that when she stayed in Xiaofeng Pavilion all day reading medical books, she wasn't putting on an act, nor trying to hang onto Xue Manor – she was really, truly studying. However, he himself said to her face that he would give her medical books to Wu Xuancao and Zheng Zhe, and even declared with certainty that these things were useless in her hands.

And now, reality had clearly shown him who the truly useless one was. Thinking of this, Xue Jiming rubbed his face, feeling ashamed and unable to show his face.

Just at this moment, Lin Dan glanced in the direction of Xuancao Hall. Without thinking, he dodged behind a pillar for fear of being seen by her.

Wu Xuancao's heart was full of shock, but she also noticed his unusual behavior and asked with pinched brows, "What are you doing?"

"I, I have no face to appear in front of people." Xue Jiming accidentally blurted out the truth.

Wu Xuancao was slightly stunned, then looked toward Lin Dan, her gaze becoming very complicated. If she had obtained those medical books, the one who revived the dead and put flesh on bones would now have been herself.

The confrontation between Lin Dan and Zheng Zhe quickly got around the capital. One was a little girl in her youth; the other was a prestigious, venerable doctor. Who would win and who would lose, who was high and who was low, should have been obvious at a glance. But in the end, that unknown little Physician Lin actually forcibly saved the person whom Miracle Doctor Zheng almost killed. And her dialogue with Miracle Doctor Zheng in front of the door to Xing Lin Spring also spread to the ears of various doctors.

Doctors who originally thought the rumors were wrong immediately started praising little Physician Lin in every possible way. Resolve the surface and treat the root – these words were easy to say, but extremely difficult to do. Even if those venerable doctors who had practiced medicine for decades kept these four words in their hearts at all times, they would still make mistakes from time to time, causing illnesses that were initially not so serious to become extremely severe and endangering lives.

It was easy to treat people to death, but too difficult to bring them back to life. This incident was tantamount to a wake-up call, ringing in the ears of every doctor. Meanwhile, the previously deserted Xing Lin Spring became as busy as a marketplace overnight, bustling with much noise and excitement.

Seven days later, the strong man brought his wife to Xing Lin Spring for a follow-up consultation, attracting everyone's attention again. That woman was now ruddy, plump, and looked to be very healthy. It was hard to imagine her appearance seven days ago, when she was so thin she was unrecognizable and had almost died.

The two of them thanked her many times and knelt down and kowtowed. When they walked out of Xing Lin Spring and looked at Xuancao Hall across the street, they immediately showed a vicious expression. But Zheng Zhe came out at this moment, offered them one hundred taels of silver to make amends, then picked up his medicine box and prepared to leave the capital.

Wu Xuancao' surgical techniques inspired him, but many of her treatments were a fantasy story to him, extremely unrealistic. He had already made some breakthroughs, but he almost forgot the true heart of a doctor. If he didn't go out to gain experience at this time, but continued to work in isolation, perhaps he would cause even bigger trouble. The best medical practitioners treated the beginning stages – he would forever remember this sentence.

When he left, he left behind a medical book authored by himself on acupuncture and moxibustion techniques. He thought that it would be of help to Wu Xuancao and also considered it the conclusion of their master-disciple relationship. He strode to the front door of Xing Lin Spring and saw that Lin Dan was taking a pulse, so he didn't go forward to disturb her, but instead bowed respectfully and then boarded an ox cart to leave.

Lin Dan glanced at him and nodded slightly. It could have been considered a goodbye.

Wu Xuancao couldn't make Zheng Zhe stay and could only watch the ox cart disappear around the corner of the street. Her expression gradually transformed from resentment and loathing to distress and bitterness.Read the most updated version of this novel and other amazing translated novels from the original source at Novel Multiverse – "NovelMultiverse dot com"

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144

Others had no idea how Xuancao Hall got its current prestige – only Wu Xuancaoknew it most clearly. When she transmigrated over, Xuancao Hall was already run down and struggling to stay open. All she had was a bunch of worthless medical skills that she couldn't use in this backward era. She could only rely on some medical books left by the original host's parents and follow them word for word, straining to stay open.

Later, she rescued Xue Jiming and was rewarded with hundreds of taels of silver. At last, she didn't have to live in fear that the landlord would reclaim the storefront. She was also lucky enough to save that farmer whose belly had been pierced by ox horn; she shocked the world with her suturing technique. That was the only reason she got the title of miracle doctor. If it wasn't for Zheng Zhe being attracted to that reputation, she would have been exposed long ago. How could she have been as carefree as she was now?

In her era, there was a very popular adage that went something like this – if you want to wear a crown, you have to bear its weight. And she wore the crown of "Miracle Doctor", but she did not have the strength to match it, so it was like she was walking on ice, every step filled with fear and trepidation, care and caution.

Being a physician was a very sacred profession. If it was done well, it would save the dying and help the wounded. If done poorly, it would harm peoples' lives. How could she not know how powerful it was? Therefore, she worked hard to learn the techniques of traditional Chinese medicine from Zheng Zhe, originally thinking that if things continued like this, based on her own wits, she would sooner or later have the foundation to live in this world.

But now, she had only learned the most superficial amount, but Zheng Zhe actually decided to go out wandering. This was no less than a bolt from the blue to her. After Zheng Zhe left, where could she find a doctor who was skilled enough to support Xuancao Hall? And who would help her actualize her plans to bring surgery into this era?

Currently, Xuancao Hall had a very famous reputation. There would inevitably be an endless stream of patients seeking treatment. These things that were originally considered glorious had now become a burden, pressing on Wu Xuancao until she couldn't breathe. She was afraid that her true self would be seen through and even more afraid of losing her reputation.

Every day, she lived in apprehension. She could only hold the medical book that Zheng Zhe left her, flipping through it without eating or sleeping as well as constantly cultivating her internal energy. She really did make some headway. But before she could rejoice, a patient came to her door and begged her for help, putting her at a loss.

This patient wasn't some random person. It was that patient with the intestinal ulcers. Under Zheng Zhe and Wu Xuancao's rigorous persuasion, he had signed a life and death contract and furthermore had paid the consultation fee in advance. He was originally scheduled to have the operation today. Hearing the news of Zheng Zhe's misdiagnosis, his family originally planned to cancel the treatment, but before leaving, he suddenly had a flare up and was hanging on by a single thread.

The money was paid and the person was dying. His relatives did not dare to delay, immediately bringing out the carriage and hurrying to Xuancao Hall as if a wildfire were chasing them, shouting for help at the top of their lungs. Nine out of ten patients with intestinal ulcers would die; it was extremely difficult to treat. If they swapped to another doctor, there wouldn't be enough time, nor would there be complete certainty. They would rather trust Wu Xuancao this once.

Looking at the dying patient, Wu Xuancao's face turned pale. Once one mounted a tiger, it would be hard to dismount*. The one who persuaded others to sign the life and death contract was her, but now the one who said she couldn't cure it was also her. If this person died, she would probably be beaten to death as well.

Meaning it's difficult to stop halfway.

The reason why the previous operation where they removed the tumor was successful was because Zheng Zhe prescribed Mafei (boiled hemp) Powder* for the patient to prevent him from feeling pain during the operation, as well as sealing the blood vessels with acupuncture to prevent the patient from bleeding out. He had also been in charge of all postoperative treatment. The medicine he prescribed could not only promote healing, but also inhibited inflammation. All of these factors combined were the only reason they could save a life.

An ancient Chinese sedative/anesthetic.

But Wu Xuancao was only responsible for opening the abdominal cavity, cutting off the tumor, and suturing the wound. Without the aid of advanced technology and specialized medication, there was only so much she could do. Whether she could save someone depended thirty percent on technology and seventy percent on luck. Zheng Zhe was a doctor from ancient times. He believed in the principle of valuing the broom as one's own* and not passing his skills on to outsiders. For him to bestow Wu Xuancao with his original acupuncture and moxibustion technique before leaving was already extremely exceptional. How could he also leave behind his prescriptions for Mafei Power and other medicines?

Meaning that he valued what was his and didn't give it away.

Without knowledge of anesthesia and hemostasis, as well as antipyresis and thrombolysis* to promote healing, Wu Xuancao could not perform surgery at all. Not to mention the fact that in a single operation, the number of problems to be resolved weren't limited to just these three.

Hemostasis is stopping blood, antipyresis is preventing fevers and inflammation, and thrombolysis is clearing blood clots.

She looked at the patient whose life was hanging by a thread and did not make a move for a long time. But several of her apprentices couldn't wait any longer, urging: "Master, we will carry him into the operating room immediately. Master should quickly prepare the equipment."

"No!" Wu Xuancao shouted, her eyes betraying the intense struggle she was feeling. She couldn't even imagine if this person died on her operating table, what kind of consequences there would be. This was a savage era. The legal system had many deficiencies, causing social chaos. Retaliation was above national law. If a doctor harmed people, they would definitely be beaten to death. Even the authorities would not care.

Last time, Lin Dan helped Zheng Zhe resolve a difficult situation, helping him save a patient's life. He later compensated one hundred taels of silver and completely settled the issue. But this time, no one could help Wu Xuancao out. Once the patient was sent to the operating room, she would be the only one responsible for life or death, success or failure.*

Translator's Note: Even though the patient and his family signed the life and death contract, it would be nearly impossible for Wu Xuancao to enforce it. If they lynched her right there, the authorities would never arrive in time. Part of the authority of the life and death contract lay on Zheng Zhe's reputation, which he lost after that misdiagnosis, and which is also no longer a factor anyway for obvious reasons.

She couldn't help but ask herself: Can I afford it?

The answer was naturally no……

She gritted her teeth and, with great difficulty, spit out a sentence: "Physician Zheng has left. I can't cure this disease. Please ask someone else."

"You were the one who said that you could cure it, and you are also the one saying you can't cure it. You waited until my brother was so sick he's on the edge of death to ask us to find someone else. Are you deliberately trying to harm him?" The patient's family flew into a rage immediately. He seized her collar and said: "You better hurry up and treat my brother. If anything happens to him today, you will pay!"

"I really can't cure this disease." Wu Xuancao closed her eyes and spoke helplessly. If she was given a sterile operating room and an intensive care unit, she would be able to treat this patient in twenty minutes. How could she be in such a difficult situation?

"A few days ago, didn't you keep saying that only you can treat this disease? If you had told us earlier that you couldn't cure it, how would we have delayed so much time? Look, my brother is already at this stage! If he dies, you would be a murderer! You're just a fame-seeking charlatan!" The man shouted with rage while the patient lying on the bed breathed feebly, on the verge of death.

The apprentices of Xuancao Hall looked at Wu Xuancao with suspicious eyes and faintly realized something, but did not dare to say anything. Master's medical skills didn't seem to be as brilliant as rumored?

The man paced back and forth in the hall, viciously kicking and trampling everything he saw, extremely frenetic. His wife tried to soothe him, but she herself started to lose her voice as tears came to her eyes.

The hall full of people was raucous. Them smashing the inner hall attracting busybodies to crowd around and watch. No one knows who shouted at the top of their lungs, "If it can't be cured here, why don't you try Xing Lin Spring? Little Physician Lin's medical skills are no worse than Physician Zheng's. She may have a way."

People outside the door immediately agreed: "Yeah, yeah, little Physician Lin is also very amazing!"

The man's eyes lit up and he immediately shouted: "Quick, quick, quick, hurry up and carry my brother across the street! I was really blinded by the fame of Xuancao Hall and forgot about little Physician Lin!" The group of people eagerly yet chaotically lifted the patient and swiftly rushed towards Xing Lin Spring.

Wu Xuancao looked at their anxious silhouettes, feeling very embarrassed, but she also secretly heaved a sigh of relief. The fastest way to treat appendicitis* was through surgery. In this era of backward medical skills, she was very curious how Lin Dan would confront this illness that had been known as an incurable disease.

This is the first time appendicitis has come up. Appendicitis is related to ulcers and they can be mistaken for each other. Translator's note: I previously translated "ulcer" as "carbuncle", but carbuncles are usually under the skin, not internal.

Xing Lin Spring's business had picked up and Lin Dan had needed to recruit a few more resident physicians and apprentices before she could barely manage to deal with it. Seeing the young man being lifted in through the door, she could not help frowning. She opened her mouth and said, "Intestinal ulcers? How long has he had this condition?"

"It's been seven days. In the first three days, he had bowel movements. Later, he couldn't even pass stools. Urination also came with a sharp stinging pain, extremely unbearable. Little Physician Lin, do you think you could cure this disease?" The man wiped the sweat from his forehead while looking at Lin Dan with an earnest and eager gaze.

The patient's clothing had already been lifted up, revealing a swollen and red abdomen; his mouth was incessantly vomiting filth, occasionally mixed with some foul-smelling feces; his legs were bent and he dared not straighten them. It was intestinal ulcers, without a doubt. Lin Dan carefully took his pulse, then looked at the patient's eyelids and tongue again, nodded and said, "The intestinal ulcers led to an intestinal infarction. He can still be saved. Someone come, prepare five catties of white radish and another twenty-four qian* Yuanming* Powder and put it all in a pot to brew together. Add the radishes in three batches; as soon as one batch is finished cooking, scoop it out and add the next batch. Reduce two catties of water to one catty and set aside for later use."

This is the same character as the one for "money" but represents a unit of weight worth one tenth of a tael.

*This means something like "(recover) the original (state) by clearing (things out)."

As her words fell, she quickly wrote out a prescription and instructed: "This is Gongdu Chenqi Decoction*. Add water until it's two cun* above the herbs, add white wine until it's five cun, steep for three quarters of an hour to expedite the breakdown of the herbs, then brew it with a fierce flame for another quarter of an hour. Fetch the radish juice and mix it evenly. Every two hours, feed the patient one bowl. Continue to have him take it until his bowels are unclogged."

This means "Attack Poison, Receive Qi."

Pronounced "tswuhn," (ts "one/won"), this is a medical unit of measurement, typically the width of the thumb. As everyone's thumb size varies, when measuring locations on a patient's body, one must take into account the patient's thumb size. "Two cun below the belly button" would be a different number of inches/centimeters depending on whether the patient was an eight-year-old child or and adult, but should be roughly the same ratio. Outside of the body, a cun is similar to our inch.

The apprentices didn't dare to delay, and, holding the prescription with both hands, hurriedly left. Several resident doctors immediately gathered around and looked at Lin Dan with burning eyes.

Intestinal ulcers were one of the incurable diseases. Nine out of ten patients died. Even imperial physicians in the palace were helpless when they encountered this disease, not to mention the fact that this particular, grave situation was a combination of intestinal ulcers and intestinal infarction. But little Physician Lin's complexion was normal, her directions appeared orderly, and her prescription was unique – endlessly creative and difficult to pin down. However, even though the several resident doctors were full of doubts, they did not dare to inquire arbitrarily, lest they disturb little Physician Lin's thought process. The opportunity to practice medicine in Xing Lin Spring allowed them to learn much more than opening a clinic on their own!

After prescribing the medicine, Lin Dan took out gold needles and pierced the patient's Jinjin (gold river), Yuye (jade fluid), Chize (foot-long pool), and Weizhong (accumulated middle) acupoints and more. Black blood leaked out. She then stuck the needle through the Lanwei (appendix), Zusanli (foot three miles), Neiguan (inner door) acupoints and more. Her fingertips pinched the tail of the needles, lifting, piercing, twirling, and turning, then forcefully thrusting the needles in and leaving them there. After doing all this, the Gongdu Chengqi Decoction was also ready, so she immediately fed it to the patient. Within two quarters of an hour, the patient's vomiting had stopped, his cramps had eased, and he actually revealed a bit of a serene appearance.

After another two hour, the patient's symptoms improved even more. Lin Dan finally had him drink a bowl of radish water mixed with medicine. After waiting a short period of time, the patient once again had abdominal cramps that felt as if his intestines were twisting. He rolled back and forth. From deep within his abdomen, a drumbeat repeatedly sounded. He also started continuously burping.

His brother was terrified and said anxiously: "Just now, he had clearly already made a major recovery, so why did the attack become worse after taking the medicine instead?"

That crowd that was jammed into the doorway to watch also showed nervous expressions.

"There's nothing wrong. This is a normal reaction. Continue to feed him medicine, this time half a bowl more." Lin Dan waved her hand and an apprentice immediately brought two bowls of radish water and fed them to the patient.

At this moment, the patient finally clutched his stomach and started groaning: "Brother, I, I want to go to the bathroom! My stomach is so bloated!"

The man hurriedly went to look at Lin Dan, but Lin Dan was one step faster. She removed the needles from the patient and told him to go behind the screen to relieve himself. A quarter of an hour later, there was a rushing sound behind the screen, followed by a wave of stench. The onlookers covered their noses one after another and retreated. Even the patient's family were almost unable to take it. They hurriedly stopped breathing and turned their faces away.

Only Lin Dan had no reaction, her expression calm.

After another quarter of an hour, the patient finally finished. Lin Dan then went behind the screen to examine his excrement, came back and touched his already no longer swollen abdomen, and said, "I'll prescribe him another Qingchang (clear intestines) Drink to purge any excess impurities. If he's well taken care of, he should recover in three doses."

The man stared at his brother's flattened abdomen, then pinched his fingertips, which were gradually warming up, and was so moved, he started crying.

The passers-by who stood at the doorway all clucked their tongues, unable to believe that little Physician Lin had so easily cured the intestinal ulcers! One must know that that was actually an incurable disease!Read the most updated version of this novel and other amazing translated novels from the original source at Novel Multiverse – "NovelMultiverse dot com"

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145

What happened in Xing Lin Spring had also been taken in by the medical practitioners and apprentices of Xuancao Hall. Everyone looked at each other in dismay, each with different expressions, but they could no longer look down on Lin Dan as they did before. It should be known that in order to cure that patient with intestinal ulcers, they personally watched Zheng Zhe and Wu Xuancao repeatedly formulate and reject operation plans. During the treatment process, they needed to open the abdominal cavity. This was already extremely difficult. Post-surgery nursing would require them to waste even more time and energy. As long as even a single part of the process went wrong, the patient might die, and the success rate was only forty or fifty percent.

To say something unpleasant – it was precisely because the patient's situation was hopeless and no cure existed that Zheng Zhe and Wu Xuancao would think of performing surgery. They were treating a dead horse as if it were alive and just trying their luck. This was commonly understood. The patient's family knew it, Zheng Zhe and Wu Xuancao knew it, the medical practitioners and apprentices of Xuancao Hall knew it, and even the patient himself knew it. Once you had this disease, other than trying your luck, what else could you do?

But now, this man who had been doomed to die was easily brought back to life by Lin Dan. The herbs she used were all worth very little. From start to finish, the treatment didn't cost more than five taels of silver. The patient was admitted in the morning and could go home in the afternoon; the recovery speed was extremely fast, making everyone who witnessed it dumbfounded.

With his family member supporting him, the patient repeatedly bowed to Lin Dan with a very grateful expression. As he paid the consultation fee, his elder brother fell into a daze for a moment, then quickly ran to the door of Xuancao Hall and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Return my deposit of fifty taels! When you wanted to perform surgery, in addition to the deposit, you also wanted to charge me another two hundred taels of silver. You even asked me to sign a contract that said that my brother was not guaranteed to be saved, making us take responsibility for life and death. But look, my brother was saved by little Physician Lin! From start to finish, it only took five taels of silver and eight hours."

He spat fiercely and his tone was very disdainful: "Bah, what "miracle doctor"? I think "quack doctor" is more like it! Charging me so much money but not even being able to guarantee that he'll live, then saying that treatment can't be done at the last minute and delaying my brother's illness for no reason! If it weren't for little Physician Lin's extraordinary medical skills and how quickly it took effect, my brother would have died today! From now on, our family will never come to Xuancao Hall for treatment ever again! Whoever comes is a fool!"

The apprentices and medical practitioners of Xuancao Hall had always attached great importance to protecting the shop's reputation. If anyone said a single sentence about how Xuancao Hall was no good, they would immediately rise to attack them. But this day, they actually started blushing and didn't dare to refute a word.

When the passers-by heard the man's words, they all showed astonished expressions and commented, "Oh my goodness, from start to finish it would have costed two hundred fifty taels of silver* to treat one illness. Isn't this daylight robbery?"

Literally, "my mother," a common swear word.

*"Two hundred fifty taels of silver" is also a way to call someone an idiot. An emperor experienced an attempt on his life so he set a one thousand tael bounty for the assassin to turn themselves in. Four different people turned themselves in, so the emperor bestowed each with two hundred fifty taels of silver, then executed them.

"Did you not hear him clearly? How much money it would have cost is the trivial part. The important thing is that they couldn't even guarantee that the patient will be cured at all. They even want you to sign a life and death contract to exempt them from taking responsibility! If that's how they really do things, then I would never have agreed to undergo treatment. I would have run much earlier. They're taking money to harm a life!"

"They wanted them to sign the life and death contract because they were afraid that if the disease wasn't cured, the patient's family would make trouble, right? It's obvious that Physician Wu's medical skills aren't all that. A disease that little Physician Lin could cure in two or three moves requires cutting open the belly on her side and signing a life and death contract. She makes it seem like it's so hard to treat or something."

"From this, it's clear that although the two doctors are around the same age, there is still a big gap in their level of ability."

The passers-by shook their heads and dispersed. Henceforth, such an impression was left in their hearts – although Wu Xuancao's medical skills were high, after all was said and done, she couldn't compare with Xing Lin Spring's little Physician Lin. Little Physician Lin could even drive Miracle Doctor Zheng away. Her medical skills were probably far superior to those of the other two.

As a result, Xing Lin Spring's business became more and more prosperous. Many doctors were attracted by its reputation and became resident doctors, treating patients on the one hand while following Lin Dan to learn medicine on the other. There was no need for her to deliberately impart any secret skills. As long as they stayed by her side and watched how she applied acupuncture and medicine, everyone benefited quite a bit. Her method of treating patients was very unique, focusing on speed, stability, and efficiency, leaving her contemporaries far in the dust.

By evening, the story of her curing a patient with intestinal ulcers had already been spread by passers-by, and her prestige started to faintly overtake that of Wu Xuancao.

After Xue Boyong left the barracks, he never returned to Xue Manor but went directly to Xing Lin Spring. As soon as he entered the rear courtyard, he said, "I heard that you cured an incurable disease today?"

"Intestinal ulcers don't count as an incurable disease. My ancestor was good at treating acute diseases. In his lifetime, he encountered twenty-two cases of intestinal ulcers and cured them all. I drew on the experience of my ancestor, so my techniques were naturally better than those of ordinary doctors. I'm just taking advantage of my family inheritance." Lin Dan was scrubbing the sheets, her hands turning red from cold.

Those who had dealings with the clinic were all patients. This one vomited a mouthful of blood, that one was incontinent, and so on, making a huge mess in the sheets. They had to be washed and replaced every day.

Xue Boyong rolled up his sleeves, took over the sheets as if it were natural, and said gently, "I'll wash it. You've worn yourself out a whole day now, so go take a rest."

Lin Dan shook her head: "I only need to sit and diagnose when I'm in the clinic. But you, on the other hand, have to go through a lot of training* in the barracks. When all is said and done, who's the tired one?"

Literally, "touch, crawl, roll, hit," referring to physical training.

Xue Boyong chuckled softly: "We're both tired. Why don't we just hire a few servant women. They can also take care of you."

When Lin Dan heard these words, she immediately wiped her hands, went back into the room, and fetched a small notebook, pointing each line out for him to read: "Our clinic has only started to make money this month. In the first few months, we had to buy herbs and pay rent. It was really not an insignificant sum of money. We finally made some money this month with great difficulty, but I used it to hire apprentices and resident physicians. When there are more patients, more herbs are consumed. Expenditure in this area is inevitable and the flow of money is very large. We must ensure that we have five hundred taels of silver in our purse at all times for this…… Brother, you do the math. Where do we have any spare money to hire servants with?"

She said "we" each time she opened her mouth, as if she had already regarded this place as their shared home. There was no alienation and much intimacy in her words, which made Xue Boyong cheer up instead. He looked at Lin Dan with tenderness in his eyes and sighed, "Since that's the case, I'll come back a little earlier and help you do the chores."

Lin Dan was not polite with him. She pointed at the basin and said, "Let's work together to wring out the sheets. Then, you chop wood and I'll cook. Brother, don't you worry. Xing Lin Spring's business will only get better and better. When I have money, we can hire a few more servants and you will never be asked to do chores again. It's been really hard on you these days."

In Xue Manor, Xue Boyong never had to do chores, but when he came to her place, he had to do laundry, chop wood, and cook, making him cut a sorry figure from head to toe. Xue Boyong deigned to do it all because of her. How could she not be grateful? She originally wanted to refuse him, yet she had to admit that if a home didn't have a man to support it, if she were by herself, she would really be too busy to do everything.

Xue Boyong could have paid out of pocket for Lin Dan to hire a few servants, but he didn't do that. He liked to hurry back every day to help her with chores. In this way, he could slowly integrate into her life and become an indispensable part of this home. He and Lin Dan each held one end of the sheet, slowly wrang it out, then hung it on the clothesline. Together, they poured out the basin of dirty water. One of them chopped firewood and the other went into the kitchen to cook. The division of labor was very clear.

Several bodyguards hid outside the door and craned their necks, but did not dare to go in. They noticed the general sending a meaningful look in this direction, so they immediately left. After leaving Xing Lin Spring, they sighed and said, "Why do you think the general bothers with all of this? He doesn't act like a proper noble heir. Instead, he comes to Miss Lin's place to be a laborer. It's like he's addicted."

"This is something you don't know. When you do chores for your sweetheart for a long time, you will naturally become a family. The general is using a strategy. At first, Miss Lin even told the general to return to Xue Manor and said not to worry about her, but now, if the general doesn't come the entire day, she has to go to the barracks to find him. Don't you see that she can't be without the general anymore?"

"So that's the case. I hope the general's efforts will come to fruition earlier rather than later."

A group of people laughing as they discussed, obviously very optimistic about this couple.

Lin Dan's days became better, but Wu Xuancao's days became much more difficult. Without Zheng Zhe in residence, it was difficult for her to support Xuancao Hall alone. If the people who came for treatment were commoners, she could still say that she was studying and push them onto the other medical practitioners for treatment. However, if she encountered someone whose identity was high, she had to go personally or else risk offending them.

Just a single sentence from one of these people could destroy Xuancao Hall in one day and ruin Wu Xuancao. She couldn't hide and she didn't have the guts to hide.

What could go wrong, would go wrong*. On this day, the Marchioness of Wu'an, who had some connections with her, came to seek treatment, saying that her right upper limb was cold and numb, sore and weak, and that she often experienced symptoms such as headaches, convulsions, and fainting. She used to be a woman with a full figure, but now she was so thin that only a handful of bones remained. If it wasn't for the support of the two maids on her left and right, she would probably topple over at any time.

Literally "whatever she was afraid of, that was what came." I translated it into Murphy's Law.

The Marchioness of Wu'an fainted on the street two months ago and it was Wu Xuancao who promptly administered first aid and finally brought her back. Naturally, she trusted the other party completely. Walking into the inner hall, smelling the strong scent of medicine, she immediately felt much more at ease and asked softly: "Xuancao, my disease is not hard to treat, right?"

"Let me check your pulse for you before we say anything." Wu Xuancao had already learned to check a pulse and was calm at this time, but the next moment, when she put her fingertips on the Marchioness of Wu'an's wrist, her complexion changed.

"Xuancao. Why do you look like this? Is it because my illness is very serious?" The Marchioness of Wu'an's eyes were red and her face was desperate. In fact, she had seen many imperial physicians and taken many medicines, but there was no progress, so she personally came to Xuancao Hall for a consultation. If even Wu Xuancao couldn't cure her illness, then she really didn't know who else to turn to.

Wu Xuancao shook her head and did not dare to speak. She tried harder to feel the pulse, but found nothing. The Marchioness of Wu'an was sitting in front of her, alive, but she couldn't feel a pulse. What kind of disease was this? Before transmigrating, she was only a general surgeon. It would be absolutely impossible for her to claim to understand and be able to cure all diseases.

Why was there no pulse? A lot of options appeared in her mind at once. It might be a problem with the aorta; it might also be a deficiency of blood or qi; it could even be a heart disease. Arterial problems were then split into many types, such as sclerosis, dissection, thrombosis* and so on and so forth. There were even more types of heart diseases; it was impossible to say them all in one breath.

Aortic valve sclerosis is a thickening of the aortic valve. Aorta dissection is a tear in the inner layer of a weakened area of the aorta and is also known as an aneurysm. Aortic thrombosis is a blockage in the aorta, often due to a blood clot or plaque.

For these diseases, the simplest and most efficient treatment was undoubtedly surgery. From removing emboli, grafting the aorta, or dilating blood vessels, to bypass surgery, replacement, or even a heart transplant – these treatment methods did not even have the prerequisites for implementation in this backward era. Even if they could be implemented, Wu Xuancao didn't have the skills to do them.

Emboli are blockages.

The Marchioness of Wu'an's illness, she had no way to treat it!Read the most updated version of this novel and other amazing translated novels from the original source at Novel Multiverse – "NovelMultiverse dot com"

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146

The Marchioness of Wu'an had been ill for a long time, and, having heard of Wu Xuancao's reputation, naturally pinned her hopes on her. However, at this time, the other party had a difficult expression and was speechless for a while; she clearly had no grasp over the situation. She immediately became nervous and tentatively asked: "Xuancao, this disease of mine isn't that serious, is it?"

Wu Xuancao immediately returned to her senses and opened her mouth with difficulty, "To answer Madam, I can't figure out your illness. I'm really sorry."

"You can't figure it out? How could that be?" The Marchioness of Wu'an had a hard time accepting reality. Her limbs had been getting more and more numb and signs of paralysis had gradually been appearing. If things continued like this, she would probably become handicapped. If one could live well, who would want to be a half-dead cripple? It was difficult for her to imagine such a scene, and the dread in her heart was even worse than the discomfort in her body.

"Please check again," she said imploringly.

Wu Xuancao could only check the pulse again, then shake her head with a solemn expression.

The rims of the Marchioness of Wu'an's eyes flushed, and tears almost fell on the spot.

In order to cover up her own embarrassment, Wu Xuancao immediately beckoned several resident physicians: "All of you, come take a look. Madam's illness is very strange. Let's all put our heads together. Maybe we can find a solution."

Several people immediately gathered around and took turns to check the Marchioness of Wu'an's pulse. Each one's expression was weirder than the previous. After the last one was finished, the whole room was actually completely silent. No one dared to start speaking.

No matter how slow the Marchioness of Wu'an's reactions might be, she could see that there was a problem. She hurriedly opened her mouth, "Respected doctors, what illness do I have? Don't be shy. Just tell me, I can accept it."

The group of people huddled together and muttered for a spell, then shook their heads and said, "Madam, it's not that we can't find out what disease you have, but that you don't have a pulse at all. This is the first time we have seen this kind of strange illness in our decades of medical practice. Without a pulse, a person should be dead, but you are still alive and well. This is truly unimaginable."

Wu Xuancao's vision was broader than theirs, and naturally knew that not having a pulse wasn't that odd, but she couldn't express her suspicions. If she didn't say it, she could pretend that she couldn't cure it and then wash her hands of the matter; if she said it and the other saw hope, wouldn't they pester her and try to force her to treat it? She was a general surgeon, so she had no idea how to perform these types of operations. Even if she could do them, there was no way to actually implement it with the current conditions..

Thinking of this, she waved her hand regretfully: "Madam, I'm very sorry. We can't cure your illness. Please find someone more qualified. The imperial doctors in the palace are quite experienced and knowledgeable; perhaps they will have a cure."

"But the imperial doctors have already been treating me for more than a month. There has been no sign of improvement; that's why I came to find you. If even you can't cure me, who else could I look for?" The Marchioness of Wu'an's face was full of anxiety and unease.

Wu Xuancao was left speechless, but an apprentice standing behind her murmured, "You could go across the street to Xing Lin Spring. Little Physician Lin's medical skills are very good. She may have a solution."

"Xing Lin Spring?" The Marchioness of Wu'an had been ill for quite a bit, and she hadn't had any interest in news about the outside world. Naturally, she didn't know about Lin Dan, who had only recently gained fame.

Her maid immediately leaned close to her ear and whispered, "To answer Madam, little Physician Lin brought a patient with intestinal ulcers back to life a few days ago and also saved a patient who was almost treated to death by Physician Zheng. For this reason, Physician Zheng has already gone far from the capital to practice outside. Little Physician Lin's medical skills should be better than Physician Zheng's."

"Oh my. I've only been cooped up for two months, and such a divine person appeared in the capital? Why didn't you say so earlier!" The Marchioness of Wu'an's hope rekindled and she immediately urged: "Hurry up and help me across the street, quickly."

The two maids promptly held onto her arms and hurried towards the opposite side, not even bothering to take another glance at Wu Xuancao.

Wu Xuancao felt extremely uncomfortable in her heart, but she still stood up and followed them over. She wanted to see how Lin Dan would treat this patient who had no pulse. Could traditional Chinese medicine really beat Western medicine? Impossible!

The apprentices and resident physicians in Xuancao Hall also followed, their faces full of anticipation.

"Which one is little Physician Lin? Little Physician Lin, please hurry and take a look at our madam. She has been ill for more than two months. Currently, she can't even walk by herself." The two maids kept scanning the inner hall and finally found her in a corner grinding the herbs.

"Oh? Bring the patient here." Lin Dan wiped her hands clean and said in a calm voice, "The light over here is brighter, which is more convenient for diagnosis."

The two maids quickly helped the Marchioness of Wu'an over. The resident physicians in Xing Lin Spring who weren't busy stood up and surrounded the two of them in a circle. Lin Dan had recently become obsessed with concocting traditional Chinese medicine. Unless a patient was dying, she usually wouldn't take action, so there had been fewer learning opportunities for everyone.

Now that a critically ill patient had come to the door, how could they miss out? Naturally, they rushed over to observe. Not only did the doctors of Xing Lin Spring do this, but the doctors of Xuancao Hall did as well. It could be seen that Lin Dan's medical skills had been widely recognized in the field. Conversely, Wu Xuancao's various deeds increasingly provoked suspicion.

Lin Dan seemed to be used to the feeling of being the center of attention, and her expression was unflustered from beginning to end. The Marchioness of Wu'an, however, was a little uncomfortable, but she didn't dare to protest.

"Put your hand here." Lin Dan took out a clean pulse pillow.

The Marchioness of Wu'an immediately placed her wrist on top.

"How long have you been ill, and what are the symptoms?" She asked while probing her pulse.

The Marchioness of Wu'an answered her questions one by one, observing her expression at the same time.

The tips of Lin Dan's brows slightly jumped up, then quickly smoothed out again, explaining, "You have pulseless disease, which is caused by a deficiency of kidney yang as well as blocked meridians. You need to replenish blood and boost your kidney yang, dissolve the blockage and clear your meridians. I will write you a prescription of Wushe* (black serpent) Decoction for you to drink first. Come back for further diagnosis in seven days." Before she had finished her sentence, she had already written a prescription and handed it to an apprentice.

Several apprentices fought for it at once, but they were interrupted* by a few resident physicians, who snatched the prescription away and studied it while grabbing the herbs, their expressions eager. The apprentices and doctors of Xuancao Hall were very envious, but they didn't have the face to make a fuss in another's shop, so they could only watch with their eyes wide open.

Literally, their "beard was cut off".

The Marchioness of Wu'an said in disbelief, "Pulseless disease? Is that what this is?" This little girl was neither surprised nor confused, as if it were as ordinary as a headache or a minor fever.

Lin Dan explained in a mild-mannered tone: "Pulseless disease, also called life numb pulse, is an innate imbalance caused by deficiencies in both the spleen and the kidneys. Madam has a deficiency of kidney yang, which causes internal yin and cold to flourish. Blood vessels congeal when they encounter cold. A deficiency of blood leads to blood flow not being smooth and circulation being slow. Over time, the veins will become obstructed and even blocked, until the pulse is as obscure as silk or even non-existent. The treatment process for this disease is very slow and requires long-term use of medicine to recover. Madam, please be at peace and do not worry."

Describing the pulse is also a way of naming a condition. The most famous would probably be "slippery pulse," which signifies pregnancy.

The Marchioness of Wu'an saw that her tone was ordinary, and the panic in her heart disappeared bit by bit. She touched her numb right upper limb and said hoarsely, "Can I really recover?"

"As long as you persist in taking medicine, there will be an effect." Lin Dan's tone was very calm and unhurried. For her, this type of pulseless disease was not difficult to treat.

The Marchioness of Wu'an nodded again and again: "Okay, I will definitely persist in taking medicine. Thank you, doctor!" A disease that the bystanders couldn't see, Lin Dan could expose with a few words. If she couldn't be believed, who else could be? Even if there hadn't been a healing effect yet, the Marchioness of Wu'an had already been comforted by her calm and unperturbed attitude.

After sending the patient away, Lin Dan continued to grind herbs. Meanwhile, the prescription she had drawn up had already been hand-copied by several resident physicians and taken to be studied.

Wu Xuancao stealthily withdrew to outside the doorway, her heart full of skepticism, but also feeling faintly shaken. She didn't believe that Lin Dan could really cure the Marchioness of Wu'an's illness. Without sophisticated diagnostic equipment or a pulse to go by, how could she determine the root of the illness? If she could't find the root, would the prescription she formulated really work? But she looked so calm and confident, her whole body exuding a persuasive charisma. No matter how desperate a patient was, in front of her, they could only involuntarily calm down. This was an authoritative bearing that only doctors at the apex could achieve.

How long had Lin Dan been studying medicine? Were her medical skills really that superb? Wu Xuancao shook her head and said in her heart that she would wait to see the results in seven days.

Seven days later, the Marchioness of Wu'an came, as appointed, but she stepped into the threshold of Xing Lin Spring on her own, without needing a maid to support her, with a bright smile on her face. Seeing her so lively and full of energy, the doctors and apprentices in the shop were all stupefied, and the doctors and apprentices from Xuancao Hall also squeezed onto this side of the street, watching with burning eyes.

A disease that others couldn't cure for more than a month, in Lin Dan's hands, it only took seven days to see a miraculous effect. Divine, truly divine!

"Little Physician Lin, my right upper limb has recovered sensation now. It's just that my body is still a little exhausted, so I can't stand or sit for a long time. Please quickly help me take a look. Do I have a pulse this time?" She stretched out her hand with a grin.

Lin Dan casually took the pulse, nodded, and said, "Although the pulse is weak, it has already greatly improved. There is no need to change the prescription. Continue to drink Wushe Decoction, three doses a day. I hope you will not find it too troublesome."

"It's not troublesome, not troublesome at all." The Marchioness of Wu'an waved her hands again and again with a respectful expression. For a disease that couldn't even be treated by the imperial hospital, little Physician Lin could create an improvement with just one prescription. How would she dare to ignore her instructions? If it had been a normal day, she would certainly find it unbearable to have someone show a cold face in front of her, speaking deeply and rhythmically. But when this person was replaced by little Physician Lin, she would instead feel an unending stream of security. The colder and more indifferent she was, the more she showed that the patient's illness was not a big deal. This attitude was extremely reassuring.

"Little Physician Lin, this is the consultation fee. Please accept it." She personally handed over a purse with several golden leaves tucked inside.

Lin Dan put the purse directly into the drawer and didn't even bother to look at it. If there was less money, she would not be disdainful, and if there was more, she would not be afraid, as if everything was right and proper.

This ordinary attitude of hers made the Marchioness of Wu'an feel more and more at ease, and the favorability she felt for her rose in a straight line. The group thanked her repeatedly and sent many gift boxes before leaving.

Wu Xuancao stared at the carriage going into the distance, her face alternating between red and white, extremely spectacular to behold. The Marchioness of Wu'an's condition had greatly improved, which meant that Lin Dan's diagnosis was correct. She actually cured an illness that even surgery might not necessarily be able to treat. Was traditional Chinese medicine really that magical? Or was it that the inheritance of the Lin family had its own profound mysteries?

At this moment, the desires that Wu Xuancao had stifled in her heart surged up again, but she didn't notice that the doctors and apprentices in the shop had completely changed how they looked at her. They used to have a lot of admiration for her, but now a deep suspicion had arisen in its place. Ever since Physician Zheng left, she seemed to have never treated anyone again. Did she have no time, or no ability?

Just as they were wondering about this, Xue Jiming hurried in with a comatose infant in his arms and yelled, "Xuancao, come and help!"

Translator's Notes:In this chapter, Lin Dan repeatedly treats drinking medicine as a chore or a difficult thing to endure – which, for many people, it is. However, living a healthy lifestyle on a daily basis is similarly difficult for almost everyone. This is a principle of health that is less prevalent in Western medicine. Yes, a doctor may recommend exercise and cutting back on junk food. But in traditional Chinese medicine, you'll see more specific and even (by our standards) more intrusive "suggestions." Some examples include: wake up at this particular time and do this specific exercise, do not get angry at your family, avoid all frozen foods and drinks, and do not walk around barefoot. (Every single example I just listed, I have personally heard a TCM physician recommend in a legitimate clinic during diagnosis.) So, in a lot of ways, we are responsible for our own illness (unless it's congenital, infectious, or an accidental injury – such as the Marchioness of Wu'an's illness, the plague in the second arc, or Xue Boyong's paraplegia) – and even then, we are responsible for our own recovery.

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147

Since his brother's legs recovered, Xue Jiming seldom went to the barracks. In any case, there was his older brother at home as a pillar. He was inferior to Brother in every aspect, so why would he go to the army and garner disdain? Brother's subordinates all looked down on him. They were deferential on the surface, but behind his back, they would say that he was weak and inept. Even if he had the motivation to improve himself, his determination was gradually whittled away.

He might as well be like before and continue to eat, drink, and be merry, traveling the mountains and rivers freely. Wouldn't that be more enjoyable? On this day, he originally planned to go out to meet with friends, but when he passed by the second branch's courtyard, he heard shocked shouting coming from inside. When no one answered his yells, he ran in to check the situation. It turned out that the second branch's eldest daughter-in-law's infant son suddenly fainted. No matter whether he was pinched on the Renzhong* or given medicine, he never came to. His body was like a little burning coal, scalding to the touch, and his limbs twitched from time to time. His illness was extremely acute.

Literally "human center," the philtrum (the groove under the nose above the upper lip).

The eldest daughter-in-law of the second branch told the servants to go invite a doctor and at the same time went to her mother-in-law and the Old Madam for an executive decision, and then circled the room like a headless fly.

Xue Jiming didn't have time to think about the separation between men and women. He quickly walked over and touched his nephew's forehead, and exclaimed in alarm, "So hot*!"

He says it in a way that also means that his hand feels scalded.

The eldest daughter-in-law of the second branch, Madam Xiao, burst into tears when she saw her brother-in-law and said intermittently, between sobs, "Jiming, you, you have to come up with something! Ran'er has been cramping up, and his body is getting hotter and hotter, if it goes on like this, it will really be a big problem!"

"Let's go! I'll take you to find Xiao Cao'er. She is a skilled doctor and will definitely be able to save Ran'er. If you send someone to look for a doctor, going back and forth will waste quite a bit of time. Why don't we just directly go?" Xue Jiming picked up his nephew and immediately left, Madam Xiao hurriedly following behind him.

Not long after, Old Madam and the old madam of the second branch also heard the news and rushed to Xuancao Hall, where a noisy crowd of people squeezed into the shop, quite a sight to see.

Lin Dan also emerged when she heard the noise. Seeing that Old Madam and the others were extremely anxious, she didn't go over and greet them. When others didn't come to her for medical treatment, it showed that they didn't trust her medical skills. If she shamelessly stuck her face on them, they would not only be upset, but would even think she was being nosy and delaying the child's treatment. Since this was the case, why would she try?

She stood at the doorway and watched for a while, then turned back to the inner hall to continue processing herbs. She didn't stick her nose into it.

Two quarters of an hour later, Xue Boyong and the eldest son of the second branch, Xue Yangfan (set sail), also came from the barracks. One rushed into Xuancao Hall, but the other only stood outside to check the situation before going into Xing Lin Spring.

Hearing the familiar footsteps, Lin Dan immediately raised her head and asked, "Brother, did you take a look over there?"

"I took a look, it looks like he caught a cold and has a bit of a fever." Xue Boyong's brows were tightly furrowed.

Lin Dan wiped her hands on her apron and said hesitantly, "Brother, I didn't go over there to take a look just now and I don't know what kind of illness the child has. Why don't I go over now?" Taking Brother's face into consideration, she would go and do her best to treat him even if others disliked her for it.

She didn't expect Xue Boyong to unhurriedly wave his hand: "Don't go over. Let Wu Xuancao take care of it. The second branch only has two di sons*. Wu Xuancao once saved the older one from drowning, so when the younger one became ill, they would naturally look for her again. They trust Wu Xuancao far more than they trust you, not to mention the fact that Second Grandmother is acting as a matchmaker between Wu Xuancao and Xue Jiming and wants to make them into one family. Even if you go, you won't get a chance to stick your hand in. You will instead be disdained by them. Just forget about it."

Sons of the proper wife.

Was Brother afraid that I would be bullied? Thinking of this, Lin Dan felt cozy in her heart, and her always expressionless face couldn't help but reveal a smear of a sweet smile.

Xue Boyong took one glance at her and also couldn't help the corners of his mouth hooking up. Only in front of Lin Dan would he reveal a tender side. To other people, even his relatives, he could barely hide his callousness. He had led the Qin army's armored cavalry to conquer the surrounding countries. His hands were stained with too much blood, and he had once even killed tens of thousands of prisoners in a pit. How could he be compassionate?

But Lin Dan was not even the slightest bit scared of such a Brother, but rather was a little fond of it. She took out a throat lozenge from a drawer and stuffed it into her mouth, then took out another and fed it to Xue Boyong, her eyes curved like two crescents: "Brother, this is my newly developed throat lozenge, it can cure dry and hoarse throats. Brother, you run drills all day so you need it the most. I made a big box for you, don't forget to take it with you later."

"So sweet." When he said this, Xue Boyong stared straight at her. It was hard to tell whether he was praising the candy or the little girl.

Lin Dan didn't notice at all, and explained slowly: "Of course! I simmered snow pear, loquat, and licorice root into a very thick juice, then let it cool and cut it into pieces. Thinking of Brother's preference for sweetness, I even added a few spoons of honey. Brother, do you still like sweet things?"

"I like it." Xue Boyong smiled and nodded while taking off the little girl's apron and putting it on himself, saying softly, "Sit to the side, I'll help you grind the herbs."

"Okay." Lin Dan stood up and wanted to go to the rear courtyard, but Xue Boyong grabbed her wrist and asked anxiously, "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to the kitchen to prepare lunch." Lin Dan tilted her head to look at him, unintentionally looking adorable.

Xue Boyong's heart was slightly itchy, and he said hoarsely: "It's still early. Why be in such a hurry? Sit next to me and read some medical books. You're not allowed to leave."

Lin Dan didn't ask him why either. She just obediently agreed, sat down, and picked up a medical book to read. If there are no critically ill patients in the shop, she usually wouldn't take action, so she had plenty of free time. She also recently began to copy her ancestor and write down her own experiences practicing medicine. She even developed a strong interest in pharmaceuticals. She held a book in one hand and a pen in the other, writing as she read, with a very focused expression.

Xue Boyong sat beside her and pounded the herbs, his body filled with strength but paired with an apron. His appearance was a bit comical, and he frequently attracted the sidelong glances of passersby. But he didn't care at all. After pounding the herbs for a while, he would take a glance at Lin Dan. He seemed to be enjoying himself.

—

Time passed tranquilly in Xing Lin Spring, but Xuancao Hall was in deep water and scorching fire.

Wu Xuancao was surrounded by three circles of the Xue family, so one could imagine the pressure she was under. After taking the pulse, she checked Xue Ran's pupils and tongue, and used a homemade stethoscope to listen to his chest. Her expression became more and more solemn.

She had long been able to tell that Xue Ran had acute pneumonia, also known as acute infantile convulsion. It was a common disease in childhood. Even in modern times, the mortality rate was high, not to mention the ancient times when medical technology was extremely undeveloped. Seeing the anxious faces of the Xue family, and the infant whose face was already turning purple and almost no longer breathing, her mind buzzed.

There were no antibiotics, no specific medications, no ventilators, no intravenous injection tools… She didn't know how to treat acute pneumonia at all.

"Force the child to drink water, lest the fever evaporate too much of his body's water content. Bring a basin of warm water over, and I will give him a bath first. Are there any ice cubes left in the cellar? If there are any, bring it over quickly, chill a handkerchief with them and lay it on his forehead. Also, put an ice pillow behind his head. Hurry!" Wu Xuancao gave orders in an orderly manner.

The crowd of apprentices immediately split up. Some drew water, some fetched ice cubes, and everything was quickly prepared. Seeing Wu Xuancao's* confident commands and composed expression, as if everything were in her grasp, Madam Xiao and the old madam of the second branch were completely relieved. Xue Jiming and Xue Yangfan quickly withdrew out to the door, lest there would be too many people squeezed into the room, disturbing the treatment.

Author made a mistake and put Lin Dan here.

But several of Xuancao Hall's resident doctors shook their heads, looking worried.

One of them reminded: "Physician Wu, these measures you've taken can only temporarily relieve the child's fever. If you want to stop his convulsions, you also need to immediately prescribe medicine! If you're late by even a little bit, even if the child is rescued, he will have some serious sequelae."

Acute convulsion was one of the four major childhood diseases, and it was classified as an acute and critical illness. If medicine was not given with all due speed, the child could die at any time. What was even more frightening was that this disease came quickly and changed rapidly. It was difficult for doctors to formulate the most suitable prescription in the shortest time. If an herb was wrong, or even if too much or too little of it was put in, it would not be efficacious. Even doctors who were the most experienced with treating children did not dare to guarantee that they would cure convulsions, let alone Wu Xuancao, who had only learned a little bit of Chinese medicine.

She was stunned on the spot with a look of distress on her face.

Xue Yangfan was frightened by the doctor's words, and hurriedly asked, "What sequelae?"

"It could devolve into epilepsy, mental retardation, imbecility, and so on. We are not skilled in medicine and dare not prescribe at will." Several doctors shook their heads and sighed, expressing that their hands were tied. The people who came had military power and a precious status. They couldn't treat the illness and didn't dare to treat the illness, for fear that if the illness wasn't cured, Xue manor would hold a grudge. What's more, they didn't lie. Acute convulsions was too complicated a condition. Even the tiniest bit of hesitation could cost a life, and the consequences were very dreadful.

A few years ago, the imperial hospital's Fang Yuan (square courtyard*) was condemned and demoted by the emperor because he failed to cure the seventh prince, who had been suffering from acute convulsions. He was a distinguished figure in the field, with extraordinary medical skills, but even he was helpless in the face of this illness, let alone an ordinary doctor? Wu Xuancao and Zheng Zhe had long had names of equal fame to him. They should be about to treat it.

Yes, the author really named a person this.

Thinking of this, several resident doctors were afraid that Wu Xuancao would drag them into the water again, so they saluted in unison and said: "This time, only Physician Wu can deal with it. We will provide assistance from the side." Last time, when the Marchioness of Wu'an came seeking medical attention, they had been very dissatisfied with Wu Xuancao's act of throwing the pot*. If little Physician Lin hadn't been able to cure the pulseless disease, who knew how much of a fuss the Marchioness of Wu'an would raise with Xuancao Hall!

When someone is "carrying the pot" in Chinese culture, that means they are the one being blamed. "Throwing the pot" means shifting blame.

Hearing this, Xue Jiming immediately urged: "Xiao Cao'er, quickly prescribe medicine for Ran'er! If you don't, his thrashing will have severe consequences!"

Even in a coma, Xue Ran was still twitching in bursts. His nostrils opened and closed, his lips and fingers were blue, his limbs were rigid and cold, his body burned like coal, but there was no sweat at all. His Yangguan* (yang gate) had completely closed.

This is also known as the gallbladder meridian.

Wu Xuancao gritted her teeth and said, "I will cool him down first, then prescribe medicine. If the high fever persists, it will burn his brain."

When Xue Jiming heard it, he thought that sounded reasonable, so he hurriedly stepped forward to undress his nephew. Madam Xiao and her mother-in-law also ran over to help, and after tossing for a while, finally placed Xue Ran on the ice pillow.

Madam Xiao touched her son's scalding forehead and sobbed: "It's useless! These methods are completely useless, the heat hasn't reduced at all! Xuancao, hurry up and think of something! She grabbed Wu Xuancao's shoulder and shook her, clearly on the brink of collapse.

Wu Xuancao's head was covered in cold sweat. She held a pen in her hand, but couldn't write even half a word for a long time. Prescribe medicine, what medicine? There were thousands of medicinal herbs that could reduce fever and clear cold, but she didn't know how to combine them to form the best curative effect.

She really couldn't do it!

---

Seeing Wu Xuancao hold a pen without writing a single word for a long time, the several resident doctors looked at each other in dismay, their suspicions deepening. One of them urged: "Physician Wu, the priority is saving his life. Even if you don't have a complete grasp of it, you should also formulate a prescription first and give it a try."

Wu Xuancao broke free from Madam Xiao's grasp and sat down slowly, but her fingers trembled incessantly. There was no way she could arbitrarily write up a prescription to try to fool her way through. First, because several doctors were right here and would be able to see through it at a glance. Second, because this was a human life after all, and her conscience couldn't handle it. She picked up the pen, messily wrote the word Mahuang, then could no longer continue.

Literally "numb yellow," ephedra.

"Jiming, I'm sorry… I don't know how to prescribe medicine… You should find someone else for treatment." She finally raised her head and said with tears streaming down her face.

"What did you say?" Xue Jiming thought he had heard her wrong.

Madam Xiao was stunned for a while, and then disbelievingly exclaimed in a low roar: "Wu Xuancao, don't joke around at this stage! Back when my eldest son drowned, it was you who breathed him back to life. You can even save someone after slicing open their belly. How is it possible that you can't save my Ran'er! Hurry up and prescribe something! I'm begging you! Do you need me to kowtow to you?"

Madam Xiao cried and fussed and, in the end, went as far as to directly kneel down. The two old madams were also mentally and physically exhausted, full of bewilderment.

Wu Xuancao's pressure increased, knowing in her heart that if she continued to omit the truth, she would be propped up onto a sky-high pedestal by these people and unable to come down. Treating someone else to death, she would have to pay with her life; but if she treated Xue Ran to death, the situation would be even worse, so she could only grit her teeth and admit: "Sister-in-law, I really can't do anything. It's useless to try to force me. Saving Xue Meng and saving Xue Ran are two completely different things. When Xue Meng was drowning, I used first aid techniques. As long as the method is right, anyone can do it. It has its own principle and isn't anything mysterious. But saving Xue Ran would rely on internal medicine treatment. I don't understand it, so I can't treat it. I know how to perform surgery, but I don't know medicine or pharmacology. The medical skills I learned and the medical skills here are from completely different systems."

Madam Xiao listened but didn't understand, and pursued, "Isn't it all medical skills – how come the doctors next to you could treat it, but you can't?"

Wu Xuancao was also a little anxious, and retorted: "This kind of disease is a critical illness, can any doctor guarantee to treat it? Sister-in-law, what you're doing is forcing people into a difficult place!"

"I'm the one forcing people? You are obviously a doctor, but you say that you don't understand medicine and pharmacology. Instead, you accuse me of forcing people? You swindler! Ran'er, who will save my Ran'er!" Madam Xiao's last bit of hope was dashed. All she could do was hug her comatose and convulsing infant son and wail.

Old Madam and the old madam of the second branch were also full of disbelief. Had there even been anyone who could cure diseases and save people without knowing medicine and pharmacology, and even pass for a miracle doctor? Oh, that's right, originally Zheng Zhe was in Xuancao Hall, so Wu Xuancao's title was probably gained by standing in the other's halo. However, when others addressed her like that and came to the door asking for treatment, she never told the truth, but kept up the facade. For the sake of fame, for the sake of profit, she could abuse human lives and neglect life and death!

No wonder she always went out with Zheng Zhe to diagnose, never daring to act alone; no wonder she was so slow to come up with a treatment plan for Boyong's legs; no wonder without Zheng Zhe, she hid in the name of studying medicine and didn't see any patients! It turned out that she was a complete fake!

Old Madam's impression of Wu Xuancao instantly fell to the lowest point, and in her eyes appeared a faint sense of loathing. Remembering that her grandson was already engaged to the other party, she felt like she had swallowed a hundred flies. The old madam of the second branch was also both resentful and embarrassed. She raised her walking stick to hit Wu Xuancao.

Although Xue Jiming's heart was full of stupefaction, he still unconsciously stepped forward to shield his fiancée from the blame.

"Xiao Cao'er, what nonsense are you saying? You could even cure me when I was poisoned by snake venom, how could you not understand medicine." He said hoarsely.

Wu Xuancao whispered: "The antidote was passed down from my father, so I just directly fed it to you. My medical skills aren't bad… It's just that I don't know Chinese medicine. Jiming, you have to believe me."

She didn't understand medicine, but her medical skills were also very good – no matter how Xue Jiming tried to understand these words, they seemed strange. He though his fiancée was being a sophist, and his heart felt extremely uncomfortable, but he also had no choice but to protect her, "Sister-in-law, stop hitting. The priority is saving his life. Lin Dan's Xing Lin Spring is just across the street. She has superb medical skills and should be able to help us."

Old Madam hurriedly opened her mouth, "That's right, that's right, Dan'er could cure Boyong's legs, and certainly can cure Ran'er's convulsions. Come, let's go across the street!"

"Lin Dan?" Madam Xiao and the old madam from the second branch looked absent-minded, as if trying to remember what Lin Dan looked like.

But Xue Yangfan couldn't wait any longer, picking up his infant son and walking towards the other side of the street. As he brushed past Xue Jiming and Wu Xuancao, he ferociously glared at them with blood-red eyes. If anything happened to his son, he would never let this couple go! One was blind and the other had no conscience. No wonder they flocked together!

"Hurry up and follow. Don't bicker with her any more!" Old Madam gave Madam Xiao a push.The other party finally came back to her senses and staggered to catch up.

After the Xue family left, there was silence in Xuancao Hall. Several resident doctors looked at each other, saluted, and said: "Miss Wu, since you don't understand medicine and pharmacology, why did you say you would teach us medical skills? You are not being honest! Well, we will be leaving. Farewell!"

What "needing to go into seclusion to delve into the medical arts," it all turned out to be an excuse to shirk responsibility and preserve her own reputation. They had practiced medicine for many years and had never seen anyone more presumptuous than Wu Xuancao. Everyone knew that practicing medicine was for the sake of aiding the world and saving people. Without real ability and learning, how could anyone act rashly? If something went wrong, one "sorry" would never be able to conclude the matter. That was an actual human life!

Medicine King Sun* once said: "One should and should not be a doctor. One must have talent, cleverness, and enlightenment and read tens of thousands of books. After that, one may aid the world. Otherwise, few would not be killers, using medicine to disguise the knife blade. To avoid death, my children, be cautious and do not take doctors lightly!" TheInternal Canonalso had a saying – do not teach unless it's to the appropriate people, and do not impart unless it's the truth. This is the correct way.

Sun is his surname, pronounced "swuhn." His full name was Sun Simiao and he was one of several renowned divine doctors in Chinese history.

From this, it could be seen how sacred and solemn the practice of medicine was. There was no room for the least bit of recklessness, neglect, or jokes. And the various ways in which Wu Xuancao handled things violated all the taboos of practicing medicine. It was shameful to associate with her!

Several resident doctors left angrily, and all the apprentices also began thinking about leaving. If today's matter spread outside, the reputation of Xuancao Hall would definitely become notorious. If they wanted to study medicine, they couldn't have anything to do with Wu Xuancao. If they didn't leave now, then when?

Thinking of this, all the apprentices dispersed in confusion, not even wanting this month's salary.

Wu Xuancao looked at the completely empty inner hall and finally realized that her career was over. It had always been her dream to be a doctor and save people. Even if she transmigrated into ancient times, she had never given up. She really did use what she had learned to save several people; this was an undeniable fact. She had never harmed anyone, so why did everyone negate everything she had done before just because of some tiny blemishes?

She clutched her hair and slowly squatted on the ground, silently shedding tears.

Xue Jiming gently patted her back and said in a husky voice: "Since you don't know medicine, you should stop trying to keep this clinic open. If we married quickly and lived our lives out privately, wouldn't that be better?" However, the person he originally fell in love with really was that other Wu Xuancao, who had superb medical skills and a kind and beautiful heart, and not the current Wu Xuancao, who had been angling for fame and deceiving the world. His heart was filled with remorse and regret, and even more vacancy and lostness. He had been the one to choose the person, so he would be the one to walk the road. If he didn't persevere, what else could he do?

"Ran'er's situation was very dangerous, I have to go over and take a look." After saying this, he left without looking back even once. The silhouette of his back as he left in a hurry was almost like he was trying to escape from something.

Wu Xuancao wiped her tears away and also followed him over. She knew that Lin Dan always had a way. There seemed to be nothing in the world that she couldn't do.

When the patient had been sent over, Lin Dan and Xue Boyong had just been preparing to have a meal. When the two walked to the outer hall, they both had strange expressions on their faces.

"Wasn't it just a fever from a cold? Why couldn't Wu Xuancao treat it?" Xue Boyong's face was filled with doubt. From what he remembered, although Wu Xuancao's medical skills were not as good as Lin Dan's, they were not lacking.

"Ugh, let's not talk about it! That Wu Xuancao is just a swindler. She doesn't understand medicine at all!" Old Madam was too embarrassed to raise her head.

The old madam of the second branch and Madam Xiao wanted to kneel as soon as they saw Lin Dan, but Xue Boyong used the tips of his shoes to stop their knees from bending, and said coldly, "Don't use emotions and righteousness to coerce Lin Dan. His illness is in such a critical state – if it's cured, that's because Lin Dan's medical skills are excellent, but if it's not cured, that's just Xue Ran's fate. Even if you don't want to accept that, you have to. Don't try to wail and fuss or threaten to beat or kill."

"We know. We won't make a fuss. Dan'er, please quickly take a look at my grandson!" The old madam of the second branch didn't dare to refute at all.

Seeing this, Xue Boyong finally signaled Lin Dan.

Lin Dan walked up to the sickbed, carefully checked the afflicted child's pulse, and muttered to herself, "Acute infantile convulsions… his condition is somewhat serious."

"Then is there any way he can be saved…" Before Madam Xiao even finished her sentence, she saw Lin Dan took out a set of silver needles, pierce them into her son's fingers and toes, the tips of both ears, Baihui (hundred gathering), Dazhui (large vertebra), and other places. Black blood leaked out. As soon as she wiped off the drops of blood, her son began to wail. He had woken up. Beads of sweat appeared on his body, and his ice-cold palms and soles also started warming up.

Madam Xiao was stunned at the sight, and the two old madams and Xue Yangfan were also stupefied, unable to return to their senses for a long time. On the contrary, it was the two brothers, Xue Boyong and Xue Jiming, whose complexions looked normal, as if they had long expected this.

Lin Dan ordered the apprentice to hold the child's hands and feet, then quickly pierced the Yongquan (gushing spring), Hegu (enjoined valley), and Renzhong (philtrum) points with acupuncture needles, then used the sparrow pecking technique to prick the Siliao (silk joint) point. She left the needles in for a short while, then pulled them out. The infant's twitching very quickly ceased, and his crying gradually faded.

"The convulsions have only been temporarily halted. He still needs to take medicine to consolidate the curative effect. I will first prescribe him a dose of Lingshe (antelope/musk deer) Zhijing (spasm stopping) Powder first, and then put him under observation." Lin Dan quickly grabbed a dose of medicine, then personally brewed it and fed it to the child. After about two quarters of an hour, the child's fever completely subsided, and his convulsions stopped.

When Madam Xiao took her barely one-year-old son into her bosom, he rooted around her chest, as if he were hungry and looking for milk to drink. Madam Xiao burst into tears of joy, hugged her infant son tightly, and spoke, choked with emotion, "Thank you, Physician Lin, thank you!"

A miracle doctor! The disease was cured the moment the medicine was taken! The old madam of the second branch widened her eyes, her heart full of shock. Xue Yangfan didn't know what to say, but the man who was strong like an iron tower, facing Lin Dan, looked like he was about to cry as well, the rims of his eyes red. He couldn't thank Lin Dan enough.

When Wu Xuancao heard the child start to cry, she knew that Lin Dan really had a solution. When she saw the crying stop, she finally completely admitted defeat. She lifted her head to look at the signboard, which read "Xing Lin Spring", then looked back at the empty Xuancao Hall, something cryptic flashing across her eyes.Read the most updated version of this novel and other amazing translated novels from the original source at Novel Multiverse – "NovelMultiverse dot com"

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In the end, several apprentices still spread word of Wu Xuancao illegitimately practicing medicine in spite of not being familiar with medicine and pharmacology. Fearing what people would say, she closed Xuancao Hall and spent all day at home, immersed in the study of medicine. Xue Jiming persisted in wanting to marry her. Old Madam and Madam Xue couldn't stop him and could only let him do as he wished. He had already withdrawn from one marriage, which caused so many catastrophic events. If he withdrew again, who knew how many calamities it would stir up. Well, the grandchildren had their own paths to happiness……

In late spring, Wu Xuancao married into Xue Manor, becoming the second daughter-in-law of the main branch. At some point, the former Xuancao Hall, across the street from Xinglin Spring, became a grocery store.

On this day, Lin Dan closed up shop and entered the kitchen to make a plentiful dinner. The dinner table was large, with a complete menu of vegetable and meat dishes, yet the seat opposite hers was empty. She ate a few mouthfuls without any appetite, zoned out for a while, then finally put down her bowl and chopsticks, took out a food box, and placed the still steaming dishes into it one by one.

A quarter of an hour later, the ox cart she had taken arrived at Xue Manor. She knocked on the corner gate.

"Wow, Miss Lin came to visit!" When the gatekeeper saw who it was, his expression was both surprised and happy. These days, Lin Dan's reputation as a miracle doctor had spread all over the Qin kingdom. The capital's rich and powerful all considered it an honor to meet her. As long as anyone became severely ill, Xinglin Chun was certainly the only choice and no other clinic would do. She was good at treating acute illnesses. The disease was cured the moment the medicine was taken; her skill in medicine had reached perfection. She could be called the number one in the present age.

When Lin Dan left the manor in anger, the gatekeeper would never have guessed that the next time she visited, it would be in this way. She had become the most popular figure in the capital. Many people tried to make friends with her, but they could never find a way to. It was no exaggeration to say that when she came to Xue Manor, it was a precious foot stepping on lowly ground, bringing glory to their humble home.

"Miss Lin, please wait a moment. I will report to Madam and Old Madam." The gatekeeper bowed again and again to apologize, then closed the door and hurried to make the report.

Since the last time she left, Lin Dan had never returned to Xue Manor again. She gave the corner gate a push and found that it didn't move at all, so she could only stand there and wait. After a while, the sound of many footsteps came from within the walls, and then the front door slammed open. Old Madam, Madam Xue, the old madam from the second branch, and several sisters-in-law all came out with enthusiastic smiles on their faces.

Lin Dan had goosebumps all over, but she had no choice but to step forward and politely greet them.

Old Madam continuously said "good," Madam Xue held her arm and kept saying that she had become thinner, did she not eat well, and so on. The second branch stood aside and watched smilingly. They waited for the three to finish chatting before coming forward, all calling her "little sister Lin*."

Calling a younger girl "little sister" is a sign of intimacy and familiarity.

Lin Dan bit the bullet and made small talk with these people. When they finally led her in the door, she said, "Is Brother at home? I haven't seen him for three days. I feared that his condition had recurred, so I specifically came to pay him a visit."

Old Madam's eyes lit up and she immediately nodded: "He's here, he's here, he just got off duty. He must be in Xiaofeng Pavilion at the moment. You know the way. You should go see him."

Madam Xue also pursed her lips and smiled approvingly.

Lin Dan endured the weird feeling in her heart and left. She only let out a sigh of relief when she stepped through the door of Xiaofeng Pavilion. Coming here, she suddenly felt like she was coming home. Her pores opened* and she felt extremely delighted.

According to Chinese medicine, pores open in warmth, comfort, and health (and close in the cold).

At this time, Xue Boyong was flipping through a military book. Li Zhong brought him a cup of hot tea, looked at him strangely for a bit before giving a reminder: "Eldest Young Master, your book is upside down." He could read a book upside down for a whole hour – Eldest Young Master was indeed capable.

Xue Boyong's empty eyes immediately focused, glanced towards the page, and then supported his forehead and sighed. After enduring three days, he was really somewhat unable to hold it anymore! At this moment, a guard quickly walked into the study, saluted, and said, "General, Miss Lin is here."

Xue Boyong immediately stood up and hurried toward the door. When he saw Lin Dan, carrying a massive food box, his overcast face immediately cleared with a handsome smile.

Lin Dan was also very happy to see Xue Boyong. She opened her mouth and said, "Brother, you haven't been to my place in three days. Did something happen, or are you not feeling well?"

But Xue Boyong didn't answer. He just strode over quickly, took the food box, and then rubbed the little girl's head.

Seeing his ruddy complexion and steady steps, Lin Dan also felt relieved. She followed him into the side hall, put the food on the table, and said candidly, "Brother, when you're not here, food loses its taste."

The smile hidden at the bottom of Xue Boyong's eyes deepened, but he put on an act and sighed: "Lin Dan, in the future, I might not come see you as often."

"Why?" Lin Dan's brows fiercely furrowed. She felt extremely uncomfortable in her heart.

"A single man and a single woman, always alone in one room… others will gossip. I'm a man, so I won't be affected, but you are a woman and need to pay attention to reputation and integrity." Xue Boyong placed chopstick-fulls of all of the best dishes into Lin Dan's bowl.

"Brother, I'm not afraid of others gossiping." Lin Dan waved her hand, her tone very lighthearted. What was reputation and integrity, could it be eaten*?

Chinese slang meaning "what use is it?"

"You might not be afraid, but I can't harm you." Xue Boyong continued to refute.

Lin Dan found herself in a dilemma, racking her brains trying to figure out how to persuade Xue Boyong to stay. In fact, she had a lot of strength; any dirty work, she could do by herself, and without Xue Boyong, she could still live. However, whenever she ate a meal looking at the empty dining table and listening to the quiet and desolate wind, she felt as if something was missing in her heart. It was stifling. When Xue Boyong didn't come, she didn't eat well, she didn't sleep well, and she felt like her life was all messed up.

She bit her lip, revealing a fretful expression for the first time.

Xue Boyong coughed and pretended to be casual as he said: "If we get married, we can appropriately be together. What do you think?"

Lin Dan looked at Xue Boyong, stunned, completely unable to answer. She had chosen to follow a solitary path, neither having to serve parents nor carry on her ancestral line. Whether or not she married really didn't matter. But what if the object of marriage was Xue Boyong…

As she tried to picture it, a pattering of footsteps came from outside the door, interrupting her train of thought. Xue Jiming and Wu Xuancao entered together and said in unison, "Brother, hearing that Lin Dan had come, we made a special trip to apologize to her."

The blue veins on Xue Boyong's temples jumped, and he gritted his teeth and said: "You really came at such an opportune moment."

When Xue Jiming saw his brother's dark and heavy expression and heard his frozen tone, he panicked in his heart, and when he saw Lin Dan turning her head to look at him, his eyes became even more evasive. He lowered his head and said earnestly and sincerely, "Brother, we'll leave as soon as we finish speaking. We promise not to disturb you." As the words fell, he bowed deeply toward Lin Dan and said, "Lin Dan, back then, I was the one who wronged you. This apology came too late, I hope you will forgive me for that. I also take the blame for lending your books to Xuancao and Physician Zheng without permission. If you're still angry, take this whip. You can flog me and I won't resist."

He respectfully offered up* a horse whip, his cheeks were flushed with humiliation.

The formal and respectful way of handing something to someone else involves using both hands. This could apply to a teacup, a business card, a sword, and so on.

"I accept your apology. Let's let bygones be bygones." Lin Dan flicked the whip, her tone serene. She had never been angry with Xue Jiming. She had never taken this person to heart at all.

But Xue Jiming didn't know what she was thinking, so he couldn't help showing a relieved expression.

Wu Xuancao immediately said, "Lin Dan, it was wrong of me to take your book without permission. Please forgive me."

Lin Dan gave a perfunctory hum* without saying whether she forgave her.

In Chinese, this sound is "en," pronounced more like "nn." It's usually similar to "uh huh" or "okay" in that it can be a casual "yes," but sometimes, it is just an acknowledgement that you heard something.

Wu Xuancao gritted her teeth and spoke again, "Lin Dan, can I ask you to be my master* and learn medical skills from you? If you can teach me, I can also pass my surgical techniques to you."

Teacher, in case that wasn't clear.

Lin Dan finally looked her in the eye. She refused, saying, "I don't accept disciples, and I'm not interested in your surgical techniques. You also know the profundity of the Dao of medicine. Medicine and pharmacology are enough for me to study for a lifetime. Where would I get the energy to study anything else? What's more, the surgical techniques you speak of are actually very difficult to implement. A single mistake could turn a rescue into a murder. There are limits to my medical skills, and I dare not carelessly wade into these waters."

Wu Xuancao endured the humiliation and said: "There are some surgical techniques that would still be very useful to you, you'll see after you learn it. Lin Dan, I'm begging you, please teach me!"

Seeing how pitiful his wife was, Xue Jiming couldn't help but look toward his brother, hoping that he could say a few words for her.

Xue Boyong looked at his younger brother coldly and said, "Jiming, if you were rich and lived comfortably, and a stranger knocked on your door, asking to exchange one hundred taels of silver for your household's millions, would you be willing?"

Xue Jiming was stunned speechless and didn't know how to answer.

Xue Boyong said again: "Or if we put it another way, let's say you inherited your father's position as the Zhenguo (nation-guarding) Marshall General. Suddenly, one day, a stranger comes and asks to exchange his title of Chief with your title of Marshall General. He begs you to consider his earnestness and sincerity, as well as his weakness and pitifulness, and grant his wish. Would you be willing?"

Xue Jiming shook his head decisively: "Of course not." Before he finished speaking, his face flushed red. He hurriedly pulled his wife to his side and rebuked in a low voice, "Don't keep making things difficult for Lin Dan! Her medical skills were passed down through her family, not to be taught to outsiders."

Wu Xuancao argued: "Eldest Brother, how do you know that what the other party is holding is only one hundred taels of silver and not a priceless treasure?"

Xue Boyong raised his brows slightly. Just as he was about to speak, Lin Dan had already opened her mouth: "Brother doesn't understand medicine, but I do. Your surgical technique is not feasible at present. If you cut open the patient's stomach, how do you stop the pain? How do you stop the bleeding? How do you find the diseased organs? How do you deal with the disease? And how do you ensure that the wound in his stomach will not lead to infection after you suture it?"

Wu Xuancao was struck speechless by this series of questions.

Lin Dan then slowly shook her head: "See, even you can't answer these questions. How could you teach me?"

Wu Xuancao had nothing else to say.

Xue Jiming's face oscillated between red and white. He was extremely embarrassed. It was only now that he realized that the reason Wu Xuancao took the initiative to come to Lin Dan to apologize was not because she felt remorseful, but was for the sake of learning the other's family skills. If the other party was unwilling, she would use all means, by hook or by crook, to coerce or bribe, even to the point of using himself. Who was this Wu Xuancao, and why was she so unfamiliar to him?

He grabbed his wife's wrist with quite a bit of strength and said forcefully, "Lin Dan is unwilling, so you should just forget about it. Properly stay at home and care for your husband and children." As the words fell, he dragged her and left, his silhouette extremely hasty.

Xue Boyong's good mood had been disturbed by these two people. He had no hope of getting a reply to his question from before. He added some more food to Lin Dan's bowl, gently telling her to eat a little more.

But Lin Dan tugged at the hem of his clothes and said straightforwardly, "Brother, let's get married."

Xue Boyong's chopsticks suddenly fell to the ground, making a clattering sound.

Lin Dan looked at his dumbfounded expression and suddenly chuckled: "Brother, I like the feeling of you protecting me."

Xue Boyong then returned to his senses, took her into his arms, gently kissed the top of her head, and, as if making a solemn oath, seriously said: "Lin Dan, I will protect you for the rest of our lives."Read the most updated version of this novel and other amazing translated novels from the original source at Novel Multiverse – "NovelMultiverse dot com"