Chapter 6: The Master

  After Chen Jiong wished his paternal grandfather a happy birthday, his paternal grandfather smiled slightly and then asked about Chen Jiong's diagnosis and medication.

  Chen Jiong's prescription for his third uncle was not his own creation, but a recorded verified formula from the Ming Dynasty's "Famous Doctors' Case Records".

  It's hard to meet someone like San Shu who is so outspoken and unreserved.

  The development of traditional Chinese medicine, like other skills, is also a gradual accumulation. If the accumulation is not enough, some diseases cannot be accurately diagnosed, which has nothing to do with the level of medical skill. Just like climbing a mountain, without step-by-step climbing, it is impossible to reach the summit.

  Chen Jiong's education was based on the accumulation of his predecessors, so he stood at the peak. And this era, the entire medical field is only halfway up the mountain.

  Great-great-grandfather asked about the reason for taking medicine. Although they didn't understand medical principles, Chen Xuan explained one by one.

  "...Third Uncle's illness was just a gastrointestinal disorder."

  The small intestine has the function of separating the clear from the turbid. When people eat, when they reach the intestines and stomach, the small intestine separates the "clear" part of the water and grains, and then transports it to the whole body by the spleen, while the "turbid" part is sent down to the large intestine; The large intestine absorbs the water, and the remaining becomes feces, which is eliminated from the body, and the water seeps into **and is excreted in the urine.

  "Third Uncle's diarrhea is a mess, with clear and turbid mixed together, all going into the large intestine, so the diarrhea won't stop. I used Plantago Asiatica, which has a sweet and cold nature, entering the kidney and bladder, with diuretic effects. As long as urination is smooth, water and dampness won't enter the large intestine, clear and turbid will separate, and the diarrhea will naturally stop." said Chen Jiong.

  Everyone in the room was stunned for a moment after he finished speaking.

  "Is it just that simple?" Old Master Chen was taken aback.

  Chen Jiong's method is very simple and can be understood by anyone without medical knowledge: he uses Plantago asiatica to induce diuresis, using diuresis to treat sudden turmoil.

  That terrible outbreak almost took Chen San's life, and Chen Xuan only used diuretic methods...

  If this isn't cured, no one will believe what I'm saying.

  It's no wonder that before treating the disease, Chen Xuan never explained his medication and only said to try it first. This kind of explanation is not convincing without facts. Once he says it out loud, everyone will definitely laugh at Chen Xuan for being reckless and arrogant, thinking that this method can cure cholera.

  He actually recovered!

  This...

  Even with the facts staring him in the face, Mr. Chen still found it hard to believe.

  "Healing is just that simple." Chen Jiong smiled, "Using medicine is like using troops, the key is to be precise rather than numerous. As long as it's targeted at the symptoms, even the most ordinary and simple medicine can achieve a surprising victory."

  The room fell silent once again upon hearing this.

  Chen Qi's legs were numb from standing all the time. But when he heard this, he still rolled his eyes and thought to himself, "Look at how arrogant you are." "Treating illnesses is just that simple," this kind of casual tone, this attitude of looking down on medicine, really makes him want to hit someone!

  A world-renowned doctor dares to speak like this!

  You Chen Jing was just lucky by chance, cured one case, and became arrogant.

  "Zhong and you have a rare talent..." Mr. Chen laughed with praise for Chen Jing. He was also shocked in his heart, just like Mr. Chen Er, and still felt that this method was strange.

  It really cured.

  It turns out that there is also a shortcut for treating illnesses.

  Chen Jiong this kid, how did he find this shortcut?

  "Alright, all of you go now." The great-grandfather finally spoke up. "There are still guests outside, Eldest Brother, take the visitors to entertain them; Second Brother, go to the Third House and check on things. Those two sons of Third Brother are useless, you go and keep order, lest their women and children make a mess."

  The named Chen Dalao, Chen Erlao and Chen Er Chen Ying all nodded in agreement and turned to leave.

  Chen Qi panicked: What about me? Won't you let me go?

  He kept making eyes at his father and second brother.

  Mr. Chen wanted to say something and beg for mercy from the old master, but was pulled down by Chen Er, stopping Mr. Chen's plea.

  The old man didn't interfere with things, but was quite strict with his sons and grandsons, and most disliked the fact that his sons spoiled their own children.

  After a few people left, the old man said to Chen Qi: "You go sit in the western wing room first, I still have something to ask you."

  Chen Qi was about to cry.

  What's there to ask? You just keep scolding me alone.

  After scolding, I'm probably going to be grounded again!

  He didn't dare disobey Old Master either, and quietly said yes before obediently going to the western wing to wait.

  The main hall of Song He Tang was left with only Chen Jing and Old Master Chen.

  "Sit down, Young Master," said the old man.

  Chen Jing stood up and spoke from the beginning. In front of his paternal grandfathers and uncles, it was not Chen Jing's turn to sit down and answer questions. Until everyone had dispersed, the old master dispensed with the formalities and allowed Chen Jing to take a seat.

  "Yes." Chen Jiong did as he was told and sat down in the seat where Second Brother had been sitting.

  The old man was already eighty years old, thin and gaunt, with white hair at his temples like snow. He was in high spirits, with a ruddy complexion, looking ten or more years younger than his actual age.

  Not to mention ancient times, even in later generations with such advanced medical science, it is still extremely rare for an 80-year-old to be so vigorous.

  For example, my great uncle is sixty-two this year and looks less spirited than an old man.

  The old man's eyes were bright and piercing.

  After a pause, the old man said: "Qin has learned medicine! Who is the master who taught him?" His tone was very affirmative.

  Others might think Chen Jing was just lucky or happened to cure Old Master Chen by chance, but the old master didn't think so.

  At the age of eighty, he managed this vast family business with an eye that was still as sharp and astute as it had been in his youth. Just like Chen Cang said, the value of medicine lies not in its quantity but in its precision. To be able to diagnose so accurately and use medicine in such a plain and unremarkable way, Chen Cang's medical skills were far beyond what ordinary people could imagine.

  Superb medical skills can make the ordinary seem miraculous.

  Such superb medical skills shouldn't be possessed by a sixteen-year-old youth like Chen Jing.

  "There was no one to teach me." Chen Xuan said, "At home there were several medical books, 'Huangdi Neijing', 'Nanjing', 'Jin Kui Yao Lue' and so on, all of which were bought by my elder brother. When I got tired of reading, I would also read them to pass the time, and after a while, I could recite them fluently."

  There is a medical book on the other side of Qiwan Lane, and Old Master Chen knows about it.

  Chen Jiong's parents were in poor health.

  His father was initially okay, but later suddenly became thin and frail, and later relied on medicine to sustain himself. Chen Jie's mother gave birth to seven children in a row, but only raised Chen Jie and his brother Chen Zhang, which shows that his mother herself had big problems.

  During those days when his parents were bedridden, Chen Zhuang's elder brother Chen Zhang was also anxious. The doctor's words were often unreliable, and Chen Zhang, who thought himself cleverer than others, spent money to buy medical books and studied them at home, wanting to treat his parents himself.

  But before Chen Zhang could make a name for himself, his parents passed away.

  After his parents passed away, Chen Zhuang put down the path of studying medicine and devoted himself to reading books. The next year, he passed the imperial examination.

  Chen Zhang is the most outstanding among the Chen family's Yu Zibei generation. Unfortunately, he was born in Qiwan Lane, if he were born in Jingzhong Lane, without those trivial matters at home, he might have entered school even earlier.

  Chen Jie said that he could recite medical books at will and it shouldn't be an exaggeration, judging from his performance in treating the disease this time.

  Could it be that this child is more gifted than his elder brother?

  I heard that Chen Jiong is a bit dull and stupid, not as clever as his elder brother?

  Mr. Chen thought he had a keen eye for people, but he couldn't tell what was true or false in Chen Jing's words. This child seemed indifferent, not getting angry when bullied by Chen Qi, and not boasting after curing Lao San, as if it were just something he did casually, without any pretence.

  This calm and unruffled demeanor left the worldly-wise Old Man Chen bewildered.

  "...it turned out that the Central Plains were self-taught." Old Master Chen smiled, then slightly revealed a serious expression. "Studying medicine is considered a good background, but it's not as good as reading books. Since the imperial examination system was established over 130 years ago, our county has produced a total of 50 xiucai, 21 juren, and 3 jinshi, which can be considered famous."

  More than 130 years ago, there was the imperial examination system...

  Is this the Tang Dynasty?

  In Chen Jing's heart, a slight ripple arose.

  And then this ripple disappeared quickly. Xia Shi Liang Guo, Xia Shi Liang Guo, this space-time does not exist in history, why must it be forced into one's own familiar historical context?

  He couldn't help but smile inwardly.

  The imperial examination system has been in place for over 130 years, and the entire county of Wang has produced three jinshi and twenty-one juren, which is indeed a high yield!

  To know, every three years once spring imperial examination, a total of only fifty people were admitted as jinshi. That was the national reference number.

  Wangxian is a small place, and in over 100 years, it has produced three people, which is truly rare.

  Among those twenty-one juren, there was Chen Jiao's elder brother, Chen Zhang.

  Chen Zhang is the third person in the Chen family to become a Juren in several hundred years.

  It's clear how difficult this subject is!

  It's ironic that something so difficult is attracting a large crowd.

  Old Master Chen is now saying these words, and Chen Jing can anticipate that he will next advise him not to take the wrong path, and that studying is the right way.

  As expected, Chen Jing thought to himself, Old Master Chen had already spoken up: "Your older brother is the third scholar in the Chen family's 130 years. You're a clever child and should study hard and take the imperial examination path. Being a doctor may save people's lives, but it's just a strange skill, not being one's own master..."

  These words can be considered as earnest teachings.

  He didn't mention Chen Jiong's current whereabouts again.

  The Chen family was also unwilling to believe that Chen Jie's brother had passed away. The Chen family still hoped that this scholar could become a successful candidate in the imperial examination and bring honor to their family.

  Chen Jing did not refute the old man face to face. They had already separated from the family, and the banner of loyalty could not be controlled in the seven-bend alley. Chen Jing studied medicine, and the old man could suggest but not control.

  "Yes, grandson will remember."

  The old man was very pleased. Then he said, "...... This morning your uncle brought the gift list for me to see, and the screen fan sent by your aunt is not cheap. Your brother is not at home, you should be frugal everywhere, and shouldn't be so extravagant."

  "This is our heart's desire, great-grandfather's birthday, we are only afraid that the gift is too shabby." said Chen Jing.

  Mr. Chen smiled again.

  He didn't say anything about helping Chen Jing's family.

  The Chen family knew that Li, whom Chen Zhuang had married, was extremely competitive and refused to accept even the slightest favor from others. It had been heard that they were having a hard time making ends meet, but as a result of Old Master's birthday banquet, the gifts sent by Li were almost comparable to those of the first wife, and were particularly valuable.

  That proud and arrogant woman cannot be offered help proactively, or else it would be belittling her.

  "I know you're filial," said the old man. "It's getting late, and you haven't eaten yet. Go ahead and eat, then come back early, so your sister-in-law won't worry."

  Chen Jiong said yes.

  He came out of Songhe Hall and went to Sanfang for a trip.

  Third Uncle has woken up, but his spirit is still not good.

  After pulling for so long, San Shu's whole body was exhausted.

  After drinking the car front son soup, he urinated twice and didn't have diarrhea anymore. The people in the three rooms saw Chen Jiong return again, so they had to be polite with Third Aunt, Fourth Sister-in-law, and several cousins for a while.

  "I've cooked some rice porridge for San Shu, and put it in front of his bed. Whenever he's thirsty, he can just drink it like water. Don't eat anything else today, tomorrow morning we'll cook some more rice porridge and vegetable soup. San Shu hasn't eaten anything for several days now, the vegetable soup will help stimulate his appetite and get his digestive system working normally again. After eating rice porridge and vegetable soup for a day or two, he should be able to eat normally again. Just don't make it too greasy, stick to light food." Chen Jing instructed.

  The three houses listened and took note seriously.

  Then, Fourth Uncle went to pick herbs.

  "All of you go out, I want to have a word with Yang." Third Uncle was weak and listless, but he forced himself to be energetic.

  The women all withdrew in succession.

  "Also, Juan, go to the big kitchen and get some food. Ask your brother if he has eaten yet." Third Uncle said to his second son.

  His second son, ninth in line among the Chen clan, named Wei, styled Jujuan, is thirteen years old this year.

  Chen Jiu listened and respectfully said yes, then turned around and left.

  When only Chen Jing and San Shu were left in the house, San Shu sat half on the bed, his voice weak and powerless: "Xiangji, thank you very much today..."

  Chen Jiong smiled and said, "If it weren't for Third Uncle believing in me, no matter how good my skills were, I would have been helpless. There's no need for Third Uncle to thank me, we're family after all, how could I just stand by and do nothing?"

  Third Uncle nodded in satisfaction.

  He was convinced that Chen Jing had great talent, which could be seen from playing chess. This child will not be a mediocre person in the future. Especially Chen Jing's maturity at a young age is simply astonishing.

  Mr. Chen is almost fifty years old and cannot be so calm.

  He left Chen Jing alone, not just to thank him.

  "Today, that kid went too far. I didn't even have the energy to get up and say a word, but I heard everything clearly." Third Uncle sighed, "Your Second Uncle was present too, but he didn't intervene either. Don't blame him. Your Second Uncle is an illegitimate child, always cautious and careful not to offend anyone. When I recover, that kid won't be able to escape, Third Uncle will help you get justice back."

  Chen Jiong didn't expect San Shu to say a few words alone.

  He smiled and said, "Third Uncle, you can rest assured and focus on your recovery. Seventh Brother is just a spoiled child, how could I possibly see eye to eye with him?"

  Just then, Chen brought in the dishes.

  Chen Jiong then had dinner in the third house and found his nephew Chen Wengong, together they returned to Qiwan Lane.

  His sister-in-law asked him if there was anything interesting today. Chen Jing didn't mention the medical examination today, but simply mentioned that his third uncle was ill.

  ——*——*——

  In Songhe Hall, after Chen Jing left, Old Master Chen called in Chen Qi and asked him, "What good deed did you do in the third house today?"

  The old man's tone was cold and clear.

  Chen Qi's heart skipped a beat.

  He is overbearing and cruel to the servants and younger brothers, but does not dare to be arrogant in front of the old master. Being scolded by the old master, he becomes timid and stammers: "...... didn't... didn't do anything. They... they don't believe me, and my son also spoke up for me."

  "Hmph!" The old man sneered, "You brothers are friendly and respectful to each other, that's good, I'm at ease now."

  With this sarcastic tone, saying words of praise made Chen Qimao's hair stand on end. Chen Qi knew that the old man was speaking in reverse.

  "In the past, I always taught you to be harmonious with your brothers. Now it seems that you have finally made progress and listened. Since you are so promising, you can't waste your time anymore. From tomorrow on, you will follow me to study and live in Songhe Hall!"