Lai San's gaze was fixed intently on the several doctors and Qin Yaru in the room, his fierce stare almost capable of burning the skin.
Doctor Hao frowned as he carefully checked the patient's pulse, his expression grave. After a long moment, he said, "He seems to have suffered a severe blow to the chest. If it weren't for Consort Qin's miraculous treatment just now, he might not have survived. I can prescribe some medicine, but you should be mentally prepared."
Upon hearing this, the burly man twisted his face in anger. "What severe injury? You quack! My brother is exceptionally skilled; he only injures others—who dares to harm him?"
His voice was thunderous, shaking the house with its intensity.
Although Lai San was a layabout, he was quite well-known in Wudang County. A solitary figure, he led a group of over a hundred strong men, all robust and formidable—a true local tyrant. Though such ruffians were looked down upon by everyone, they were not to be trifled with. If he wanted to make trouble for someone, even the local gentry and officials would find it troublesome.
The staff at Ji Ren Tang were terrified, fearing that this man might go mad and destroy the shop.
"Be quiet!"
Fortunately, at that moment, the patient unexpectedly opened his eyes. Just a light utterance from him silenced the burly Lai San instantly. He looked at the man lying on the ground with tears welling up in his eyes and sobbed, "Brother, you’re awake!"
Qin Yaru was measuring the patient's pulse and breathing when she noticed him open his eyes. She was startled—what sharp eyes!
Having followed Gao Feng for many years, she had become accustomed to various decisive figures—generals bearing golden stars on their shoulders, business tycoons, political heavyweights. These individuals held high positions and over time exuded a peculiar, indescribable aura that could silence even the loudest cries of a child.
After witnessing so many such figures over the years, Qin Yaru's own resilience had greatly increased. For a while, she even felt that she could remain unperturbed even in front of the emperor. However, the moment she saw this man's eyes, she felt a chill run down her spine. Though it lasted only an instant, it left her utterly astonished.
Upon closer inspection, Qin Yaru realized that this patient and Lai San could not possibly belong to the same world. Lai San wore a coarse short robe made of rough hemp fabric, clearly indicating his impoverished status; however, this man was different.
He was quite young—only around twenty years old. Despite his pale and haggard appearance, he had sharp brows and bright eyes, an elegant demeanor that set him apart. Unable to help herself, Qin Yaru took a moment to look him over; he wore a purple shirt with a peach-red inner robe and official boots. His clothing wasn't overly extravagant but was made from excellent materials—fine silk of the highest quality.
Nowadays, common people mostly wear cloth robes, and those who can afford silk are usually from noble families, or there may be wealthy merchants who wear it privately. However, the aura of this person does not resemble that of a merchant, nor does it seem like that of a young master from a high-ranking family.
Qin Yaru considered herself somewhat perceptive in recognizing people, but at this moment, she could not discern the background of this individual, which made her feel a bit anxious. Although she was a forensic doctor and had graduated from medical school, her duty was to treat and save lives. It would be best if this person could immediately have the uncoagulated blood drawn from his body.
But she knew nothing about this person's identity or background, and the conditions were rudimentary. Her medical kit was still at home and not brought along. If she had to perform treatment and something went wrong, she did not know if it would lead to serious trouble!
The patient gasped a few times, struggling to sit up. Unexpectedly, as soon as he moved, he coughed up a mouthful of blood, frightening Lai San so much that his face turned pale. He rushed over to support him, tears streaming down his face: "Big brother, please don't move... Doctor!"
Seeing the cold sweat pouring down Lai San's forehead and his pale face, it was evident that he was on the brink of death with signs of yin and yang separation. Clearly, Doctor Hao and Ji Shenyi also noticed this. The two discussed briefly and added a prescription to stabilize his energy and save him from collapse. The medicine was quickly prepared and given to the patient.
At this time, when the doctor prescribed medicine, it was naturally not for others to see. Some good prescriptions were passed down orally through generations and were never easily shared with outsiders. Qin Yaru naturally avoided this.
After one bowl of medicine was administered, the patient's condition worsened even further; he fell into a semi-comatose state again. However, this person had an incredibly strong willpower; he bit his lip until it bled but refused to completely lose consciousness.
Doctor Hao shook his head: "We can only do our best and leave the rest to fate." His expression had already taken on a hint of indifference.
Lai San stood there in a daze when suddenly he knelt on the ground with a loud thud and knocked his head three times forcefully, causing blood to flow from his forehead: "I beg you all, save my big brother! If my big brother can be saved, Lai San will surely work like an ox or horse to repay you all!"
Elder Ji and Doctor Hao were relatively calm; they were clearly accustomed to such situations. However, Qin Yaru was startled by this display. She found it both amusing and exasperating; she sighed and shook her head: "Why go to such lengths? Is it really at the point of life and death?" Although the situation seemed dangerous due to internal bleeding, this person did not require open-heart surgery; his symptoms were not particularly severe. Why did both renowned doctors appear so grave as if they were about to tell the patient to go home and prepare for his last rites?
She forgot that this era was not the Twenty-First Century; there were no antibiotics available. Most people with severe internal injuries or external wounds would not survive.
So before Qin Yaru could finish speaking, Elder Ji and Doctor Hao turned their heads together, looking at her with rather strange expressions.
Elder Ji looked Qin Yaru up and down again, rubbed his eyes, and suddenly slapped his thigh: "Is it A Qin who has come? Ah, look at my old eyes failing me; I didn't even recognize you."
Qin Yaru smiled and said, "It's A Qin's fault. I haven't visited Elder Ji in all these years."
"Alright, no need for pleasantries. A Qin, you have always been steady. Although I don't know where you learned your medical skills, since you’ve spoken up, you must have some confidence. Why not give it a try?"
Qin Yaru was taken aback and laughed, "Elder Ji is still so open-minded."
Although the restrictions on women were not as severe as during the Ming and Qing dynasties, most people still looked down on women. At least, aside from a few specially trained female doctors, there were hardly any female physicians to be heard of. A doctor like Elder Ji, who could unreservedly allow a woman to treat patients in his pharmacy, was indeed rare.
"Please ask someone from Elder Ji's place to go to my house and bring my medicine box."
Qin Yaru ultimately couldn't stand by and do nothing. She decided not to overthink it; it didn't matter who this person was. After all, Elder Ji and Doctor Hao were here, and even if he were a notorious criminal, ignorance is no excuse.
Elder Ji was taken aback: "If you need any medicine, just let me know. My Ji Ren Tang has a complete stock."
Qin Yaru shook her head: "My medicine is a bit special." Although traditional Chinese medicine also has anti-inflammatory drugs, they are not as effective as Western medicine.
Elder Ji remained calm, but Lai San had already jumped up, wiped the sweat from his face, and said, "I'll have someone ride fast to get it right away." He didn't even ask who Qin Yaru was before rushing out of the pharmacy and whistling.
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