The elderly Chinese medicine practitioner looked at the young girl before him, unable to conceal the curiosity in his gaze. It was his first time meeting her, and he couldn’t fathom where she had found the courage to make such a claim. Yet, judging by the confidence in her eyes, she must have some genuine skill.
After a moment of contemplation, the old doctor nodded in agreement. “Very well, I’ll take a look then.”
“Ah…” Even though the old doctor had consented, the middle-aged woman hesitated. But considering she hadn’t had a proper bowel movement in a long time and the worst outcome would simply be no improvement, she decided to let the young girl try. Gritting her teeth, she nodded in agreement.
Once the woman agreed, Qin Chaoyu took a seat on a nearby chair and gestured for her to extend her wrist for a pulse diagnosis.
After completing the diagnosis, Qin Chaoyu began writing out a prescription.
Xue Shengbai once noted: “A deficiency in heart yin leads to excessive sweating, lung yin deficiency results in frequent coughing, liver yin deficiency causes rising fire, kidney yin deficiency brings about fever, and spleen yin deficiency leads to constipation.” From this, it was clear that spleen yin deficiency was the root cause of the woman’s constipation.
Thus, Qin Chaoyu’s prescription aimed to regulate the spleen’s qi to address the constipation. She prepared two prescriptions: one to treat the constipation and another to provide immediate relief.
Once both prescriptions were written, she handed them to the old doctor beside her.
The old doctor examined the prescriptions carefully, growing increasingly engrossed.
“Slap!”
He slapped his thigh forcefully, exclaiming excitedly, “These prescriptions are brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!”
Startled by his reaction, the woman quickly realized the prescriptions must be exceptional. She sighed in relief, finally seeing a way out of her predicament.
Qin Chaoyu smiled faintly, unsurprised by the old doctor’s astonishment. During her travels with her master, she had encountered many practitioners. Through exchanges with them, she had learned that many treasures of traditional Chinese medicine had been lost in this era. However, her sect had preserved them all—complete and unaltered. Classics like *The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon*, *The Classic of Difficulties*, *Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases*, *Shennong’s Herbal Classic*, and *The Green Bag Book* had been her childhood readings. As for the medical texts written by her sect’s predecessors, they were even more numerous. Blessed with a photographic memory, her mind was a treasury of invaluable prescriptions. Crafting a fast and effective remedy for constipation was a trivial matter for her.
After a long pause, the old doctor sighed and handed the prescriptions to the waiting woman.
“The prescriptions are fine, right?” Though the woman had seen the old doctor’s reaction and knew they must be effective, she still sought confirmation. After all, medicine wasn’t something to take lightly—caution was paramount.
“Not just fine—I can say without exaggeration that these prescriptions will perfectly resolve your issue,” the old doctor remarked with admiration. “This young lady is truly remarkable!”
Hearing this, the woman understood the prescriptions were excellent. Overjoyed, she grabbed Qin Chaoyu’s hands and shook them vigorously. “Thank you so much, young lady! To be so skilled at such a young age—your future is boundless!” With her problem about to be solved, the woman didn’t mind offering praise. In fact, her earlier skepticism made her gratitude even more sincere.
Qin Chaoyu remained composed under the woman’s enthusiastic response. During her travels with her master, she had treated many patients. Expressions of warmth and gratitude were common once hope for recovery was kindled.
“It’s no trouble, ma’am,” Qin Chaoyu said, picking up the two prescriptions. “Let me explain how to take these medicines.”
The woman immediately quieted down, listening attentively.
“I’ve prepared two prescriptions for you. The first is for immediate relief—a fast-acting remedy. But don’t overuse it, as it could harm your stomach. After returning home, brew this medicine before your meal and take it afterward. Remember, only once a day. Within two or three days, you should experience relief. Once you do, start brewing the second prescription. Take it twice daily—once after breakfast and once after dinner. After a week, your constipation will noticeably improve. Continue for a month, and the issue will be completely resolved.”
The woman carefully memorized Qin Chaoyu’s instructions before standing up. “Thank you, young lady. I’ll go get the medicine now.”
As the woman headed to the pharmacy counter, the old doctor stroked his beard thoughtfully. With curiosity, he asked, “Young lady, who was your master? These prescriptions are extraordinary—fast-acting and highly effective. They remind me of an old acquaintance of mine.” His tone carried a hint of nostalgia, suggesting deep fondness for this person.
Qin Chaoyu’s heart stirred. The only ones who could produce similar prescriptions were members of her sect. But after her master’s passing, she was the sole remaining disciple. Given the old doctor’s age, could he be referring to her master?
“My master’s name was Qin Bingwen,” she replied.
“Q-Qin Bingwen?!” The old doctor stood up abruptly, even more excited than when he had seen the prescriptions.
“Yes, that’s his name.” Seeing his reaction, Qin Chaoyu guessed he must have known her master.
The old doctor’s hands trembled slightly before he slowly calmed down. “No wonder, no wonder… Young lady, I knew your master. In fact, he once did me a great kindness!”
Qin Chaoyu lowered her eyelids, deep in thought. Was that so? Yet her master had never mentioned such a person.
The old doctor continued, “In my youth, I was arrogant. Gifted in Chinese medicine, I mastered in ten years what others might take twenty or thirty years to learn. This made me dismissive of others. My attitude earned me many enemies, and they devised a plan to humiliate me. They introduced me to a patient with a bizarre condition and provoked me into taking the case. Blinded by pride, I fell into their trap. But I couldn’t cure the patient, whose family wielded considerable influence. Failure would have ruined my reputation and harmed my family. That’s when I met your master. He taught me how to treat the patient, saving me. To me, his kindness was akin to a second life. Sadly, I never saw him again after that.”
The old doctor recounted the story matter-of-factly, as if it were insignificant. He didn’t mention the family reprimands he endured, how close he came to being disowned, or the isolation he faced. But even unspoken, Qin Chaoyu could guess.
She could tell the old doctor came from a traditional Chinese medicine family—one that prioritized family interests above all else. Any threat to the family’s reputation was unacceptable. Given his youthful recklessness had endangered the family, his ordeal must have been severe.
After sharing his story, the old doctor regarded Qin Chaoyu with warmth. “Did your master come to Yuzhou with you?”
Qin Chaoyu’s expression shifted slightly, her eyes glistening. “Master… he’s no longer with us.”
“N-no longer?!” The old doctor closed his eyes, grief-stricken. He had missed his chance—his benefactor was gone forever.
After a long silence, he comforted her, “Your master showed me kindness I could never repay before he disappeared. I’m not an ungrateful man. Meeting you today has eased some of my regret. How long will you be staying in Yuzhou, young lady?”
“I’m here for university. I’ll likely stay long-term.”
“In that case, if you ever need help, this old man knows a few people here. Don’t hesitate to ask.”
Qin Chaoyu didn’t refuse. She recognized his goodwill. But was she really the type to attract trouble? Why did everyone she met offer assistance?
—
That night, Qin Chaoyu returned home. She had spent the entire afternoon at Tongrentang. The old doctor, knowing she studied Chinese medicine, had engaged her in discussion before inviting her to visit the pharmacy whenever she wished. She understood his intention—to help her build her reputation quickly. She filed away his kindness in her heart.
After parking her bicycle in the yard and placing Tuantuan on her shoulder, Qin Chaoyu strolled around the villa’s small garden.
The space was sizable, filled with well-tended flowers and plants—likely maintained by the villa’s staff. Though neat and beautiful, Qin Chaoyu, accustomed to mountain life, felt it wasteful to grow only ornamental plants here.
After some thought, she decided to visit the flower and bird market the next day to buy vegetable seeds and fruit saplings. It would also serve as a cover for her spatial abilities.
She slept soundly and rose early the next morning. After two hours of practice, she set off on her bicycle to the market.
The flower and bird market was located on Guozhong Street. Though it was morning, the place buzzed with activity. Farmers from around Yuzhou brought plants harvested from the mountains to sell, including rare flowers and trees. Many plant enthusiasts frequented the market at this hour, hoping to stumble upon hidden treasures.
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