The *Plain Questions: Treatise on Disease Capacity* once stated, “For those with neck abscesses, some are treated with stone needles, others with acupuncture and moxibustion, and all recover.” In *Classified Notes of Guisi: Completion of Upholding the Plain Questions* compiled by Yu Zhengxie of the Qing Dynasty, it is also said: “The ancestral qi, nutritive qi, and defensive qi are the constants of life. Beyond acupuncture and moxibustion, decoctions are the most balanced.” These passages highlight the significant utility of acupuncture and moxibustion. It can be said that acupuncture is a treasure of traditional Chinese medicine. However, as history has passed, many secret techniques have been lost. Nowadays, there are still TCM practitioners who practice acupuncture, but their skills are superficial—they can handle simple moxibustion, but deeper techniques are beyond them.
Thus, when Li Zhongming heard that Qin Chaoyu intended to use acupuncture to treat coronary heart disease, it made sense that he shamelessly insisted on staying. Beyond this, Li Zhongming was also concerned for Qin Chaoyu. Though he initially approached her out of gratitude, over time, he had come to regard her as a younger generation member, even a close friend despite their age difference.
From its name alone, coronary heart disease clearly relates to the heart. Since ancient times, heart-related illnesses have been difficult to treat, so Li Zhongming’s concern was understandable. While he had faith in her, he wasn’t entirely sure of her capabilities or the extent of her medical skills. His support was based more on his understanding of her character than her proven expertise.
At this point, further discussion was futile. Li Zhongming had already made up his mind—he would protect his young friend throughout the treatment process. If the treatment failed, his status would ensure the Gu family wouldn’t target her too harshly. He could even claim responsibility publicly, shielding her reputation from significant damage.
Having considered every angle, Li Zhongming settled in to observe Qin Chaoyu’s treatment with peace of mind.
Unaware of Li Zhongming’s behind-the-scenes efforts, Qin Chaoyu devoted her full attention to treating Gu Guohai.
After that day, the Gu family had diligently followed Qin Chaoyu’s instructions, soaking the elder Gu’s feet to lower his blood pressure. Since she had emphasized that treatment could only begin once his blood pressure stabilized, the family took it seriously, administering the foot soaks morning and night.
After a week, Gu Guohai’s blood pressure had indeed dropped significantly.
Gu Zhixue examined the latest blood pressure records with delight. He had never heard of a coronary heart disease patient achieving such stable blood pressure levels. His confidence in Qin Chaoyu grew substantially.
Perhaps this young woman could truly work miracles!
Under her husband’s influence, Chen Junya also began to trust Qin Chaoyu. The more she believed, the more ashamed she felt about her earlier attitude.
In a private booth at Qingling Bar, a group of wealthy second-generation heirs gathered, drinking, singing, and reveling wildly.
Some were scions of Yuzhou families without inheritance rights or those who had no interest in taking over the family business. Others were hangers-on seeking connections. Gu Zhiqian clearly belonged to the former.
This time, however, he arrived and immediately drowned himself in alcohol—a stark departure from his usual demeanor, making his foul mood obvious to all.
Noticing Gu Zhiqian’s distress, Qian Shaofeng’s eyes gleamed with opportunity. He approached with feigned concern, “Young Master Gu, feeling down? Who dares upset you? Tell me, and I’ll teach them a lesson!” Aware that his family’s wealth, though impressive to ordinary people, paled in comparison to true old-money elites, Qian Shaofeng was desperate to climb the social ladder. He played hard and partied harder, but even so, he remained a peripheral figure. Seeing Gu Zhiqian’s mood, he sensed a chance to prove his worth.
Gu Zhiqian paused mid-drink, glaring at the seemingly concerned man with sharp eyes. “Get lost!” he snapped before resuming his drinking.
A mere lackey had no right to call him “brother.” Did this fool think he didn’t see through his schemes? Though frustrated by his father’s deception and eager to punish the fraud, Gu Zhiqian wasn’t about to entertain toxic suggestions.
Qian Shaofeng’s expression darkened, his fists clenching to suppress the urge to lash out.
*Patience. All the effort and humiliation couldn’t be wasted. One day, he’d make this arrogant, insulting bastard feel the same degradation.*
*Just a useless second-generation brat—utter trash!*
~
That day, the sky was a pristine blue without a single cloud, the gentle breeze carrying the first respite from Yuzhou’s summer heat—the temperature hadn’t exceeded 35°C for the first time in weeks.
Gu Family Villa
“Can we begin the treatment now?” Gu Zhixue asked eagerly.
Qin Chaoyu nodded. “Yes. The preparatory measures this past week have been very effective, so we can start ahead of schedule.”
“Then please proceed!”
Qin Chaoyu carried her aged wooden medical case into the elder Gu’s bedroom.
Thanks to the week’s regimen, Gu Guohai’s complexion had improved, no longer deathly pale.
Seeing Qin Chaoyu, the source of his hope, Gu Guohai smiled. “Time to begin, isn’t it?”
Approaching the bed, Qin Chaoyu set her case down carefully before replying, “Your condition has stabilized well this week. We can proceed with the first acupuncture session.”
After a pause, she added reassuringly, “The procedure isn’t painful. Just rest, and it’ll be over when you wake.”
The old man chuckled. “At my age, do you think I’d fear a little needle? Go ahead, young lady. Don’t hold back on my account!”
Then, turning to his son, he instructed, “Zhixue, even if the treatment fails, don’t blame her. If it’s my fate, so be it. Our Gu family doesn’t bully others!”
Gu Zhixue’s eyes reddened slightly—it felt like a final wish. He nodded repeatedly. “Don’t worry, Father. I’d never do such a thing!”
“Good. That’s good.” Closing his eyes, Gu Guohai said, “Begin, young lady.”
Though Qin Chaoyu doubted the elder’s precautionary words were necessary, she appreciated the sentiment. “Everyone except Dr. Li, please leave.”
Gu Zhixue hesitated, as if wanting to say more, but ultimately turned away, leading his wife out with resolve.
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