In the main hall of the Changsha Commandery yamen.
Several patients were lined up, and as if it were their turn, anticipation shone in everyone's eyes.
On the prefect's chair in the main hall sat a middle-aged man in his forties, attending to a patient.
Though not old, his entire face was etched with four words—weather-beaten!
His wrinkles were deep, making him look like a man in his sixties. His facial features were sharp and distinct, a demeanor only acquired through experiencing much separation and loss.
His eyes were not large but exceptionally spirited. As he felt the pulse, his eyes would open and close… he was carefully diagnosing!
He was none other than the Prefect of Changsha Commandery—the Medical Sage Zhang Zhongjing!
"Turbid qi breeds all ailments… Old sir, go get this prescription for 'reducing turbid qi.' Decocted twice in water, taken warm, you will feel better tomorrow, and likely recover in five days!"
Zhang Zhongjing spoke as he wrote the prescription on a crumpled piece of paper.
The paper was called "Cai Hou Paper." It was not widespread in this era, mainly because it was too creased… few used it for writing. However, Zhang Zhongjing had too many prescriptions to write daily. If he used bamboo slips and silk, even as the prefect of this commandery, he might not afford it.
On the paper was a neat line of small seal script characters—
—"Wu Zhu Yu, Ren Shen, Ban Xia, Sheng Jiang, Da Zao…" followed by the corresponding required quantities, with different dosages for daily consumption. Zhang Zhongjing wrote very meticulously.
"Thank you, Prefect Zhang…" The old man carefully put away the prescription, kowtowing repeatedly…
Zhang Zhongjing had his disciple help him up and, without further pleasantries, began the next patient's consultation.
"Where do you feel unwell?"
This was often Zhang Zhongjing's usual opening question…
"Prefect Zhang, I… I…"
The words stumbled out. This time, the patient was a young man in his teens. This voice… Zhang Zhongjing found it somewhat familiar!
He looked up… wasn't this the son of General Huang Zhong, the mighty Huang Xing, known throughout Jingnan—Huang Xu!
Zhang Zhongjing remembered that his given name was Yongsheng! Huang Yongsheng!
When Huang Zhong chose a given name for his son, he had specifically come to ask Zhang Zhongjing for his opinion!
Speaking of which… in the third year of Chuping, the Governor of Jing Province, Liu Biao, appointed Huang Zhong as Zhonglang General. He was stationed in You County, Changsha, along with his nephew Liu Pan. Ostensibly, it was to guard against bandits in Jingnan, but any discerning person could see… this stationing was to strengthen control over Jingnan.
Zhang Zhongjing was indifferent to this. He had no particular desire for the position of Prefect of Changsha. It was just that… he was dedicated to overcoming the difficulties of treating cold-related diseases. Holding an official position made it more convenient for him to travel around, seek out, and gather medicinal herbs.
However… Huang Zhong and Zhang Zhongjing hit it off immediately. They were of similar age and both cared deeply for the common people and the world. They could talk for hours.
As for Huang Xu, he was Huang Zhong's only son and the apple of his eye…
It was just that… this child had been frail since childhood, often requiring Zhang Zhongjing's prescriptions for treatment.
"Your father and I are close friends, and young master Huang is frail. I have instructed that you need not queue when coming for prescriptions."
Zhang Zhongjing's words were kind and amiable… just as he would speak to his own son.
"Uncle… I… I… I think I have contracted a cold-related disease." Huang Xu stammered for a long time before finally speaking, and this statement caused the usually composed Zhang Zhongjing to furrow his brow.
"What…" Zhang Zhongjing quickly reached out to feel Huang Xu's forehead. It was burning hot!
Then he felt his hands, cold…
His back… also cold…
Zhang Zhongjing was becoming unsettled. He asked Huang Xu to open his mouth to examine his tongue… it was thin, white, and moist. The tongue body was pale. Various symptoms indicated signs of a cold-related disease, though it was still in its early stages and not easily detected!
This…
His brow furrowed heavily. He could treat various complex diseases, but this cold-related disease… he… he was powerless!
"Does your father know?" Zhang Zhongjing asked urgently…
A long sigh escaped, and Huang Xu shook his head.
Indeed, Han Sheng did not know…
In Zhang Zhongjing's memory, Huang Zhong had recently led troops to quell a rebellion in Guiyang. He… he did not yet know that his precious son had contracted a cold-related disease!
This…
As Huang Zhong's dear friend, Zhang Zhongjing knew very well… how much Huang Zhong cherished his only son!
Speaking of which, Huang Zhong was in his fifties this year. He had this son only in his prime, and his wife had died during childbirth. He had not remarried since!
It could be said that all of Han Sheng's efforts were poured into his son, Huang Xu…
If something were to happen to him, then… Han Sheng, he…
…
Just then…
The sound of footsteps approached from outside the door. Entering the yamen was the black-clad elder who had just been talking to Cao Xiu.
He was the chief clerk of the Changsha Commandery Prefect's yamen. Being the seventh son in his family, he was known as Wang Qi!
He was considered the prefect's assistant. Logically, he was an important advisor within the yamen. However… their prefect was entirely devoted to medical arts, making this chief clerk somewhat idle.
"Reporting to Prefect Zhang, the Governor of Yan Province, Cao Cao, has sent some bamboo slips. The messenger said he wishes to meet Prefect Zhang…"
At this moment, Zhang Zhongjing's mind was in a state of turmoil. All he could think about was Huang Hansheng's son, Huang Changsheng. He had no mood to meet the messenger from Yan Province.
"Leave the bamboo slips here. We can discuss the meeting tomorrow…" Zhang Zhongjing waved his hand…
"Yes…" Wang Qi noticed his displeasure… and placed the bamboo slips on the desk.
Having accepted Cao Xiu's gold, he deliberately kept a small secret. He unfolded half of one bamboo slip, hoping to attract Zhang Zhongjing's attention this way.
Having done so, he slowly retreated towards the door…
"Chief Clerk Wang, wait…"
Zhang Zhongjing remembered something and quickly called out to Wang Qi. Wang Qi thought there was a turn of events and turned around directly. Little did he know… Zhang Zhongjing was merely giving instructions. "The hall is closed for today! No more patients will be treated… Tell the common folk to come back tomorrow. Today… today we see no one."
"Yes… Yes…" Wang Qi replied.
This was normal. The common folk could also understand. Prefect Zhang was also human, and practicing medicine was a rather taxing affair. It had happened before that Zhang Zhongjing closed his doors to visitors due to exhaustion while mid-treatment.
However… Wang Qi noticed an eleven or twelve-year-old boy in the yamen, who seemed to be… the only son of Zhonglang General Huang Zhong, Huang Xu… This…
Wang Qi's eyes flickered as he muttered to himself, likely young master Huang Xu had fallen gravely ill, and Prefect Zhang needed to free up time to diagnose him fully!
As the chief clerk, Wang Qi knew about the prefect's personal relationship with Huang Zhong. He immediately closed the door…
The yamen was closed to visitors today!
Of course…
This action left Cao Xiu helpless…
He felt like the bag of gold was wasted! Fortunately, Wang Qi had arranged an inn for him, telling him to wait patiently… No matter what, he definitely wouldn't be able to see him today.
"Alas!" Cao Xiu sighed helplessly… He was anxious about the matters entrusted to him by young master Lu…
He also didn't want to linger here for too long!
Once he started waiting, when would it end!
…
Inside the yamen's main hall.
"Young Master Huang, you need not be afraid. Although cold-related diseases are incurable, I have managed to cure one or two cases… perhaps…"
Even saying this, Zhang Zhongjing felt uncertain in his heart.
Those so-called one or two cases that were cured were merely very, very rare successful instances among over a thousand cases of cold-related diseases.
Considering the enormous base number, it was negligible…
"Uncle, you don't need to comfort me…" Huang Xu seemed to have accepted his fate… He shook his head.
"Every year, thousands die in Changsha Commandery from cold-related diseases. If Uncle could cure it, he would have done so long ago… I… I no longer hold any hope."
Hmm…
Zhang Zhongjing paused.
Although a bit harsh, it was the truth.
"I will write a letter to have your father return."
"No…" Huang Xu waved his hand. "Father always tells me about how he practiced archery and riding from the age of six, and how he was famous in Jingnan at thirty, always advancing and never retreating, always winning and never losing… I… I don't want to affect Father's judgment because of me!"
At only ten-odd years old, Huang Xu could speak so decisively…
In his heart, his father was always a great hero, both on the battlefield and at home!
"But…" Zhang Zhongjing wanted to say something more…
Huang Xu's words preempted him. "Uncle Zhongjing is a Medical Sage. How could you not know that cold-related diseases are incurable? I have been weak and sickly since childhood. I have never given Father a moment's peace. Now… now that I have contracted this cold-related disease, knowing I will die, why make him worry and cry with me?"
"Over the years, he… he has cried for me countless times. When I die… please, please allow me to be selfish just this once, and let Father know as late as possible. Father is the great hero who commands respect in Jingnan. I don't want to hear Father's cries!"
Hoo…
Zhang Zhongjing let out a long sigh…
This… this…
At such a moment, even he… did not know what to do. Should he… write a letter to inform Hansheng, or… or listen to this child and fulfill his final wish.
Huang Xu's voice continued.
"Cold-related disease… I know I will die within a month. Uncle Zhongjing, I… I have one last request. This… this is a letter. By the time Father returns, I am afraid I will be dead. Please… please give him this letter for me, and tell him… tell him that your son has let him down this life. If… if there is a next life, I still want to be Father's son, and this time I will surely take care of him in his old age!"
*Pat…*
With one word, Huang Xu knelt on the ground, his head repeatedly kowtowing towards the ground like pounding garlic…
*Dong… dong… dong…*
His forehead struck the ground, producing crisp sounds.
At this moment… Zhang Zhongjing, even though he was a physician accustomed to life and death, could not help but shed tears!
"Get up… Yongsheng, get up…"
Zhang Zhongjing helped Huang Xu up. "No matter what, let your uncle try… perhaps, perhaps there will be a turn of events!"
Upon hearing this, Huang Xu raised his head. Although he knew… his uncle's words were more like comfort.
But… he still sat down and extended his wrist for Zhang Zhongjing to feel his pulse…
Treating? A placebo treatment?
And it was better that he didn't feel his pulse…
Upon feeling the pulse, Zhang Zhongjing's brow furrowed even tighter. He had encountered the symptoms of cold-related disease in Huang Xu before!
And for those previous few cases, he had exhausted all methods…
But the result was invariably the same: complete failure!
According to Zhang Zhongjing's research on cold-related diseases over the years, this belonged to a state where both external and internal qi were weak, and the yin and yang qi were simultaneously depleted.
To deal with this symptom, he had previously used the moxibustion needle method, but the result was that the patient's internal organs were severely damaged, and they died prematurely.
He had also used the sweating method, but the effect was minimal… and even counterproductive!
This time… what method should he use?
Zhang Zhongjing couldn't help but furrow his brow…
"Nephew, why don't you rest for a moment, and let your uncle ponder how to prescribe the medicine…"
"Alright…" Huang Xu was obedient… and sat to the side obediently.
Zhang Zhongjing returned to his desk and picked up his brush, starting to repeatedly deduce a series of treatment plans.
His years of research into cold-related diseases had taught Zhang Zhongjing that the most terrifying aspect of this disease was that one could not use medicine indiscriminately…
Under the influence of cold, the human body was already filled with cold toxins. Coupled with the fact that medicine had a three-tenths toxicity, as long as even one medicine was used incorrectly, it could accelerate the onset of the cold toxins.
But to achieve a complete cure and administer the correct medicine… with Zhang Zhongjing's current understanding of cold-related diseases, how could it be so easy?
Hoo…
With a long sigh, Zhang Zhongjing wrote down a prescription on the paper, but… as soon as he put down the pen, he shook his head. No… this would replenish the vital qi but not the external qi… and could not curb the depletion of yin and yang qi.
He wrote another prescription, still shaking his head…
No, still not right… there were still aspects to consider.
At this moment, Zhang Zhongjing felt—difficult, so difficult!
In such a winter season, with the cold biting, sweat beaded on his forehead!
He constantly thought, constantly deduced… but in reality, the problem of cold-related diseases, which had remained unsolved for decades, could not be understood in an instant!
It was merely doing one's best and accepting fate!
Furrowing his brow, squinting his eyes… Zhang Zhongjing's gaze swept over everything before him. He lacked inspiration. If… if only a senior could leave him some hint!
Just then…
Zhang Zhongjing discovered something…
That's right, it was the bamboo slips left by Chief Clerk Wang on the desk. They seemed to be sent by Cao Cao, the Governor of Yan Province. One of them was slowly unfolding, and its content caught his eye.
—The beginning of spring, first month, the Dipper points to Gen; Rain Water, mid-first month, the Dipper points to Yin.
—Startled Insects, second month, the Dipper points to Jia; Vernal Equinox, mid-second month, the Dipper points to Mao.
At first glance…
What ingenious characters!
They seemed to be related to seasonal illnesses. Could it be… that these bamboo slips were medical texts?
At this time, Zhang Zhongjing was sensitive. Let alone medical texts, even a casual sentence would pique his interest greatly…
His head subconsciously moved a bit closer to the bamboo slips…
—Spring air is warm and mild, summer air is hot and sultry, autumn air is cool and clear, winter air is icy and biting. This is the order of the four seasons' proper qi.
—In winter, the weather is severely cold, all things are hidden deep. The noble person is meticulous and does not suffer from the cold. Those who are exposed to it are called those who suffer from cold.
—Those who suffer from the qi of the four seasons can all become ill. Those who fall ill from cold do so because it is the most prevalent and deadly qi.
This…
Zhang Zhongjing's eyes widened suddenly. His lips trembled, appearing hesitant.
After a long while, he murmured:
"Cold… this is… this is a medical text about treating cold-related diseases."
Once this thought emerged, Zhang Zhongjing grabbed the bamboo slip…
And quickly unfolded it.
The content within sprang into view—
—Any affliction by cold, if it transmits through the meridians, will become a hot disease. Even if the heat is severe, the patient will not die. However, if one is affected by cold twice and becomes ill, many will die.
—If both the Cun and Chi pulses are slightly taut, it indicates that the Jueyin meridian has been affected, and the illness will manifest in six to seven days. As the pulse circulates through the genitals and connects to the liver, there will be vexation, fullness, and shrinking of the scrotum. If these three meridians are affected and the illness has entered the visceral organs, all can be purged.
—Cold transmitted through the meridians reaches Taiyang. The pulse is floating, urgent, and rapid. There is fever, no sweating, and restlessness. Administer decoction.
Upon seeing this, Zhang Zhongjing's pupils contracted violently, as if he had seen incredible text, as if he had heard the ancient Shen Nong guiding him.
Most importantly… one of the symptoms mentioned here was identical to that of his nephew Huang Xu!
Instantly… Zhang Zhongjing was dumbfounded. He was stunned. After a long time, he softly murmured:
"Use decoction… what decoction?"
That's right, the part currently unfolded ended with the words "use decoction." As for what decoction to use… that was in the later part, which was still rolled up and not yet opened.
Zhang Zhongjing's body trembled violently. His shocked appearance made Huang Xu inexplicably nervous.
Huang Xu was a good child. He did not wish for his uncle to suffer a mental breakdown because of his illness!
If that happened, then he… would have caused trouble!
"Uncle… Uncle? Has something happened?" Huang Xu asked…
But at this moment, Zhang Zhongjing had no time to answer. His eyes were fixed on the text on the bamboo slip, and his hands quickly unfolded it…
For a moment, his mind was like a paste, seemingly disbelieving…
But upon careful consideration, he felt that… the content of the bamboo slips completely verified his attempts and deductions over the years…
…It was not groundless!
And finally… corresponding to the symptoms, the name of the decoction used—Huang Qin Jia Ban Xia Sheng Jiang Tang is the main treatment. If there is vomiting, supplement with Huang Lian Tang!
Hiss…
Huang Qin, Sheng Jiang, Huang Lian…
Zhang Zhongjing meticulously pondered the medicinal effects of these three herbs. He had already been studying cold-related diseases for many years. "Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases" was created by him twenty years later. Many of his prescribing styles were related to his usual attempts…
Therefore, Zhang Zhongjing captured a sense of familiarity from this prescription. Following this familiarity, the more he pondered, the more he felt that this prescription was brilliant… For Huang Xu's symptoms, using Huang Qin and Sheng Jiang as the main ingredients, with Huang Lian and other herbs as supplements, was the most suitable for treatment!
"There's hope… there's hope…"
Zhang Zhongjing became completely excited.
"Young Master Huang, please wait a moment, I will prepare the medicine…"
Zhang Zhongjing put in his utmost effort, and his face became extremely serious, but the corners of his mouth were obviously curved upwards. He was smiling… truly smiling! Smiling with confidence and clarity!
This…
Huang Xu was taken aback. It seemed that ever since he truthfully told Uncle Zhongjing about his condition, Uncle Zhongjing had always been worried. Why… was he now… smiling against his usual demeanor?
Could it be that he found a prescription to cure him?
This was too absurd, wasn't it?
This thought appeared for only a moment, and Huang Xu shook his head abruptly. This was a cold-related disease! How could there be a method? If there were a method… why would the Han Dynasty need to lose hundreds of thousands of lives to this disease every year!
But… but the overwhelming confidence on Uncle's face could not be mistaken. He… could he…
At this moment… Zhang Zhongjing had already begun to gather herbs…
He repeated several prescriptions in his mouth, "Ma Huang, three liang, with nodes removed; Gui Zhi, three liang, with skin removed; Gan Cao, two liang… Oh, how could I forget Huang Qin, Sheng Jiang, and Huang Lian?"
While collecting the herbs, Zhang Zhongjing did not forget to compare them with the bamboo slips. He was always known for his meticulousness in practicing medicine.
Especially when saving lives, he dared not make the slightest error or negligence.
And Huang Xu could clearly see the light in his eyes… a brilliant light!
…
…
Yan Province, Chenliu Commandery.
A vast mansion. This was Xi Zhicai's mansion… More than ten days ago, his cold-related disease had completely healed.
However… Cao Cao was worried about a recurrence and specifically asked Lu Yu for a medical official to take care of Xi Zhicai…
It had been fifteen full days until today…
Indeed, after such a serious illness and fifteen days of recuperation, Xi Zhicai felt he had gained weight…
Not only had he gained weight, but he also felt more energetic.
For a moment, he had an illusion. He felt as if he could punch Xiahou Dun to the ground…
Of course, this was just an illusion!
One day early in the morning, it was rare. The weather was not particularly cold today… The sun was high in the sky, and the long-lost gentle sunlight bathed the earth, as if… it heralded the end of the coldest season.
Seeing that the weather was good, in the afternoon… Xi Zhicai dressed up specially, even tidying the small mustache on his chin, making him look exceptionally charming.
He washed his face, then asked the servants in the mansion to tie up the prepared wild chickens and ducks. A group of people walked out of the mansion.
Merchants doing business outside the gate saw Xi Zhicai and quickly greeted him.
"Libationer Xi, you have recovered well… You even gained weight after a trip to the gates of hell. Huh… Why are so many of you carrying so many wild chickens? Where are you going?"
Xi Zhicai smiled faintly.
Two words came out of his mouth—"To express gratitude!"
Upon hearing "to express gratitude," the merchants at the gate were startled…
Based on his understanding of Xi Zhicai, this military advisor and libationer of the Cao camp was an extremely proud person. Let alone actively expressing gratitude, even if someone came to thank him for his kindness, he wouldn't even acknowledge them!
Just as the merchant was still surprised by Xi Zhicai's words…
Xi Zhicai, along with his attendants carrying wild chickens, appeared before the Cai mansion.
Now…
The Cai mansion's gate no longer had the bustling scene of patients lining up from more than ten days ago…
Under Lu Yu's tutelage, there were now no less than fifty physicians in Chenliu Commandery who could diagnose and treat cold-related diseases. Physicians from other prefectures and commanderies also sent medical officials to learn.
The Cai mansion no longer needed to accommodate patients five days ago. Cao Cao specially arranged a large medical office for Lu Yu…
Appointing him as the head of the medical office, in charge of all medical officials in the eight prefectures of Yan Province and the four prefectures of Xu Province!
As the saying goes, to wear a crown, one must first bear its weight. Lu Yu was also helpless about this. He had even confessed to Cao Cao that he did not understand medicine. The "Madam" he had fabricated before was merely to gain prestige and make these medical officials more obedient…
He felt uneasy about managing so many medical officials.
Who knew that Cao Cao patted him on the shoulder and said simply—If you don't say you don't understand medicine, who dares to say you don't understand medicine!
Yes…
Yan Province now? Who the heck dares to say Lu Yu doesn't understand medicine… He was truly a man of leisure!
Lu Yu was the man who had conquered cold-related diseases, an authority in the medical field… If he stomped his foot, the entire Han Dynasty's medical community would tremble! Who would argue with Lu Yu?
Helplessly… Lu Yu reluctantly became the head of the medical office.
However, he visited the medical office with fingers on one hand. Most of the time, it was his disciples seeking his guidance… and Lu Yu would dismiss them casually.
The nine words were: "If you have problems, don't ask me, go read books!"
The more he was like this, the more people found him profound…
Master is awesome!
Speaking of which, today… Xi Zhicai had specifically inquired and learned that Lu Yu was at the Cai mansion, hence he rushed over.
"Master… we have arrived at the Cai mansion. Should we inform him?"
An attendant asked Xi Zhicai…
Xi Zhicai shook his head, then walked to the gate of the Cai mansion. He looked up at the gilded sign, then took a deep breath, knelt at the gate of the Cai mansion, and remained still, kneeling straight!
The Confucian way of kneeling is very particular…
One can only kneel before the ruler, the father, and the teacher…
However… when the title of "savior" appears, it is a different kind of kneeling!
The grace of saving a life is like a rebirth…
Lu Yu healed Xi Zhicai's cold-related disease, just as if Xi Zhicai's father had given birth to him once, and Lu Yu had given birth to him again…
It was equivalent to being half a father. This kneeling… was perfectly justified!
…
…