Chapter 143: Chapter 130: First Diagnosis of the New Year
"Mr. Lin, my stomach hurts. It hurt all day yesterday. I didn’t sleep at all last night. This morning it’s even worse..." The first patient of the day came in clutching their stomach, with hollow eyes and sweating continuously from the forehead and neck.
It was clearly cold sweats.
"Don’t worry, you’ve come to me, and I’ll definitely help solve your problem," Lin Miao reassured the patient.
After examining the tongue coating and taking the pulse, Lin Miao said, "Lie down over there, and I’ll examine you."
The patient nodded, climbed onto the long table, then lay down. Lin Miao pulled up the screen to maintain privacy.
"Does it hurt here?"
"Yes, it hurts a lot, Mr. Lin, please be gentle..." The patient immediately started sweating heavily.
"Xia Zhu, come here and take a look." Lin Miao called Xia Zhu from outside, who was taking notes, as his senior had not come today and he let her rest at home.
"Yes, Mr. Lin."
"Mr. Lin, what illness do I have..." The patient became anxious. It’s fine to let Lin Miao examine, but Xia Zhu being a woman made him feel a bit embarrassed.
"It’s alright, Xia Zhu is my disciple. Though she is a woman, she is learning medicine. A doctor doesn’t avoid treating patients, you don’t need to worry," Lin Miao explained, allowing the patient to nod in agreement.
Under Lin Miao’s guidance, Xia Zhu proceeded with the examination as instructed.
"Observe the color of the abdominal skin, and while pressing, pay attention to the patient’s reaction. Start with pressure heavy and then lighter. Don’t be afraid, follow my instructions," Lin Miao instructed hands-on.
With Lin Miao’s guidance, Xia Zhu’s operation caused the patient to sometimes scream in pain, sometimes moan softly.
"Alright, you can get down now."
"Mr. Lin, what exactly is wrong with me?" The patient got down from the examination table, adjusted their clothes, and asked painfully.
"Xia Zhu, what do you think?" Lin Miao didn’t answer directly but asked Xia Zhu.
"Mr. Lin, it seems to be appendicitis?" Xia Zhu answered uncertainly, feeling somewhat timid.
"What type of appendicitis, is there pus within the abdomen?" Lin Miao asked again.
"Well... Xia Zhu is not sure, please instruct me, Mr. Lin." Xia Zhu humbly sought guidance, knowing she could identify appendicitis, but couldn’t determine its type.
"Hmm, appendicitis generally has three types: congestion type, damp-heat type, and heat-toxin type. Let me explain the diagnosis; congestion type initially causes a dull pain in the epigastric region, radiating pain around the navel, and soon shifts to the lower right abdomen, pressing results in severe pain, slightly tense abdominal skin, nausea, desire to vomit, belching, loss of appetite. It isn’t cold nor hot, or slightly hot, or chills, normal or constipated stools, clear or yellow urine. The tongue texture is normal or dark red, and the coating is thin white or slightly yellow, pulse slow and tight or string-like, slightly fast..."
"The ’Essential Formulas of the Golden Cabi’ states: ’Jia Cuo, the skin appears dry and rough, like overlapping scales, due to obstruction within causing blood dryness externally. The tightness of the abdominal skin, when pressed, feels soft, the qi swelling outward, but the illness isn’t in the skin layer. Accumulation is the basis for swelling, and a fast pulse indicates body heat.’
"Mr. Lin, I understand. This patient’s appendicitis should be heat-toxin type, possibly already with pus formation, but not yet burst. However, I seek instruction on treatment," Xia Zhu said.
"For treating heat-toxin type appendicitis, clear heat and detoxify are necessary. I recommend Yi Ren Fu Zi Ku Cai Tang as the primary prescription. Earlier pulse diagnosis showed the presence of qi and blood stasis, so add Peach Kernel, Red Flower, Chicken Blood Vine for blood circulation, Wood Fragrance for qi regulation. The patient has constipation, so add Rhubarb for bowel movement, decocted as medication in large water doses, and three doses should lead to recovery!" Lin Miao said.
"Xia Zhu understands."
Lin Miao wrote the prescription himself, letting Xia Zhu fill in the dosage. He glanced at it, nodded approvingly, then stamped his seal on the prescription, sending the patient to the pharmacy to obtain the medicine.
Actually Lin Miao didn’t mention, if ’Pangolin’ was added to this prescription, the results would be even better, potentially curing the patient with just one dose.
But although Pangolins exist in this world, they aren’t used medicinally. Moreover, Pangolins need processing before they can be used as medicine.
Even if available, now it’s too late.
It’s inevitable; without certain medicinal herbs at hand, even the best prescriptions are ineffective due to lack of resources.
However, it’s better not to consume Pangolin if avoidable.
Next!
"Mr. Lin, I’ve recently been belching, nauseous, and experiencing heartburn, struggling to eat and sleeping poorly..." This was a young female patient who came in, glancing around the room with her eyes, with her little thoughts almost written on her face.
Lin Miao maintained his usual expression. As a doctor, he must face all kinds of people; having seen many cases, immunity naturally forms.
What’s more, would this type appeal to him? Xia Zhu exudes a hundred times more charm than this woman.
"Madam, you have no illness, it’s just you’ve eaten too much lately and exercised little, causing gastrointestinal discomfort. I’ll prescribe medication, take it for three to five days, and you’ll be fine. Next!"
Simple and swift, without dragging.
One young woman came with her husband, feeling somewhat shy, evidently newly married.
"Oh, I’ve been sitting in this clinic since before the new year and after for nearly half a month. It’s the first time I’ve detected a slippery pulse. Congratulations, young lady, you’re pregnant!"
"Really, Mr. Lin, you’re not lying?" The woman asked excitedly.
"This kind of thing, how could I speak carelessly? However, your pulse is weak, indicating early pregnancy. Upon returning home, be cautious, avoid heavy lifting, walking, climbing stairs should be slow, and within the next two months, refrain from intimacy. If any discomfort arises, immediately seek medical attention," Lin Miao advised earnestly.
"Do I need to take fetus-preserving medicine?"
"You’re fine, why take medicine? It’s better to improve your nutrition when you go back, but don’t eat too greasy food. Just keep warm and avoid catching cold or the flu."
"Mr. Lin, after all this time, we finally encountered a joyous pulse." Xia Zhu was extremely delighted.
Lin Miao chuckled, "Don’t forget, today is the first day of our official clinic opening for the New Year, it’s a good omen."
All physicians who see this will want to share in the happiness.
...
"Mr. Dong, Mr. Dong..."
During the New Year, there’s an extended holiday period. Even Pei Jian, the prefect, doesn’t need to work. After lunch, he lies on a lounge chair in the sunny garden, holding a rare breed of a white Persian cat from the Western Regions.
He gently strokes the soft white fur, humming to the unique tune of "Lanzhou Tune" in Dongshan Prefecture, completely at ease.
This kind of day lasts for half a month. Being a government official is definitely more comfortable than being a commoner, without the daily worries about earning a living as soon as you open your eyes.
At this moment, an untimely voice cut through the air. Pei Jian opened his eyes and saw his trusted aide Zhuo Qingfeng walking through the archway. He slowly closed his eyes again, "Qingfeng, what’s the matter?"
"Mr. Dong, something really happened at Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion. According to my inquiries, Mr. Xue went to Shanglin Temple with his people yesterday..."
Even before Zhuo Qingfeng could finish his words, Pei Jian’s eyes shone brightly as he sat up straight. The news brought by Zhuo Qingfeng was too shocking.
"So, does that mean Ye Shengyuan went to heal Mr. Xue?"
"Yes, to the public, Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion claimed that Mr. Xue had caught a cold." Zhuo Qingfeng said, "They’re aware that if this matter gets exposed, Marquis Lingyang’s reputation will suffer greatly, at least in Dongshan Prefecture, it will be severely damaged."
"Heh." Pei Jian sneered, "Does Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion still have a reputation in Dongshan City?"
"Mr. Dong, isn’t this an opportunity?" Zhuo Qingfeng suggested.
"No, Qingfeng, an incident like this wouldn’t topple Marquis Lingyang, not even harm him slightly. Mr. Xue is just a son he’s cast aside. Even if he dies, Xue Chunlai wouldn’t care." Pei Jian said.
"Then how should Mr. Dong deal with Mrs. He?"
"This family has always been unruly, selfish, especially since Xue Chunlai was made a marquis, he’s even more above the law. They never feel they’ve done anything wrong, it’s always others who are wrong. But as long as Consort Xue is favored, we can’t touch Xue Chunlai; the root lies in the palace." Pei Jian said.
"Mr. Dong, Consort Xue has no foundation in the court, just her brother Marquis Xue Chunlai. If we cut off this support, even if Consort Xue is favored, it would be futile?"
"Qingfeng, you’re oversimplifying it." Pei Jian said, "Consort Xue is at the peak of her influence now, and we can only avoid the sharp edges. My appointment to Dongshan Prefecture is to bide my time. Since Mrs. He intends to cover it up, why not assist her? Issue the order to prohibit spreading rumors about Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion."
"You’re actually planning to help them cover it up?"
"Of course, I’ll make sure Mrs. He and Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion owe me a favor." Pei Jian chuckled.
"What about Mr. Lin?"
"This Mr. Lin truly has some skills; I heard he even successfully treated a child bitten by a dog. His medical prowess is quite extraordinary?"
"Yes, many people in Xiuyue Square and two supervisors from Li Jing witnessed it first hand, so it should be true." Zhuo Qingfeng nodded.
"Qingfeng, do you think he has a chance of passing the ’Path to Sainthood’ trial?" Pei Jian’s curiosity was piqued, asking.
"Looking at the current situation, it seems promising."
"I heard that last year three people applied for the ’Path to Sainthood’ trial and were approved. How are the other two doing?"
"Pharmacist Sun reportedly diagnoses a hundred people a day, expected to complete the trial in a hundred days." Zhuo Qingfeng said, "As for Pharmacist Buddha’s disciple Xu Mitu from Reclining Buddha Temple, his speed is swift too. During his first clinic session, people overwhelmed his consultation spot because Xu Mitu is a monk who also has to study Buddhist Dharma, allowing for only half-day consultations. But he’s inherited Pharmacist Buddha’s ’Observing Color Skill’; he can almost instantly assess patients’ symptoms and prescribe medication, with only a one percent misdiagnosis rate among his patients..."
"So, these two outshine our Mr. Lin?" Pei Jian asked.
"Yes, both are exceptionally talented in medicine. Both Pharmacist Sun and Xu Mitu have well-established reputations, lacking nothing in terms of patients. Not to mention full support from the Pharmacist Sage and Reclining Buddha Temple, completing the ’Path to Sainthood’ trial is only a matter of time. Although our Mr. Lin seems promising, compared to these two, he’s likely not at their level."
"Does our Mr. Lin have any advantages?"
"He does. Mr. Lin is younger, two years younger than Pharmacist Sun, four years younger than Xu Mitu. Moreover, until now, the patients treated by Pharmacist Sun and Xu Mitu only have common diseases, rare diagnoses. If Mr. Lin’s remedies for ’rabies’ are effective, that alone far surpasses the other two." Zhuo Qingfeng analyzed.
"Qingfeng, do you think I should support Mr. Lin?" Pei Jian stood up, holding the cat, pacing within the limited space of the garden, looking up and asking.
"Mr. Dong means, if Marquis Lingyang’s Xue family retaliates against Mr. Lin, are we supposed to protect him, right?"
"Hmm."
"This really depends on how Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion responds if they’re truly intent on retaliation, Mr. Dong, Qingfeng suggests you best avoid entanglement." Zhuo Qingfeng advised sincerely, "Since you wish to remain hidden, then do so thoroughly."
"Give me some time to think it over." Pei Jian closed his eyes, "Qingfeng, arrange for someone to keep an eye on Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion and Xiuyue Square, report any developments immediately."
"Understood, Mr. Dong."
"Also keep an eye on Shanglin Temple. This Fawu monk, I’ve tried several times to invite him for meditation and discussion, but he always avoids meeting. Is it because he’s wary of my closeness with the Eastern Palace?"
Zhuo Qingfeng lowered his head slightly; the topic was too sensitive, making it difficult to respond. As a trusted aide, one must know what to say and what not to say.
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