Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Wang Yao went back to Nanshan Hill right after dinner. He needed to brew a decoction to save Wen Wanâs life. Although the Nine Herbs pill had an amazing effect, it could no longer help Wen Wan.
Therefore, he included two licorice roots in the decoction. One of them was Moonlight grass, which could nurture oneâs Yin and settle oneâs mind. The other was Everlasting grass, which could calm oneâs organs and enhance oneâs fundamental health.
For now, he only included those two licorice roots, which did not contradict each other or have any side effects. He originally wanted to include Changyang, which could also repair the five organs, but he didnât have enough bonus points.
Inside Wang Yaoâs cottage, the firewood was making crackling sounds as it burned. Inside the multifunctional pot, the liquid was clear and green. It was releasing a unique smell. The decoction was soon ready.
Wang Yao went to sleep early.
Nighttime in the village was even quieter than in the cities. However, Professor Lu couldnât fall in sleep. It was not because the bed was uncomfortable. It was because he had too much on his mind.
On one hand, he was worried about Wen Wan. On the other hand, he had received a call from his wife, whom he had been with for decades. He told her he needed to accompany a friend for medical treatment and would be away for quite a while. His wife didnât ask many questions. She just reminded him to look after himself.
He had a nice wife and two good children, as well as a decent job. His life appeared to be perfect. However, he couldnât forget his first love and was willing to do everything for her. It was like he was having an affair, even though he wasnât sleeping with Wen Wan.
He couldnât tell his wife or children about Wen Wan. He had to keep it to himself.
Wen Wan, who was in the room next door, also couldnât sleep because she was tortured by her illness. She was extremely uncomfortable and sighed weakly.
The night was quiet. But, for people who couldnât sleep, the night was too long.
The sun rose as usual the next morning, but it was a bit cold outside.
Wang Yao got a call while he was still on Nanshan Hill.
âMaster, are you available today?â Pan Jun asked.
âYeah, come to the clinic,â Wang Yao said.
âGreat,â Pan Jun said. He hung up the phone happily.
âLook at you! You are like a kid,â Pan Junâs wife said.
âIâm happy. Iâm going to learn more today. Youâve tried my massage, isnât it good?â Pan Jun asked.
He hadnât followed Wang Yao for long, but he had grasped the basic knowledge of meridians and acupoints. He had also begun to learn the basic massage methods. He had started to practice massage on his family members after getting to know the methods. His first massage client was, of course, his wife, who was very happy with the treatment.
He gave his wife a massage after she came back from work one day. She said she felt much more comfortable after the massage and had a better sleep at night. She had felt refreshed and energetic the next morning. Therefore, she gave her husband lots of praise.
âYour master is fantastic,â his wife said.
âOf course,â Pan Jun said.
He had wanted to visit Wang Yao in the clinic for a long time. However, Wang Yao was away in Beijing and Dali for nearly 10 days. Wang Yao had finally returned to the village. Pan Jun didnât want to let a good learning opportunity slip away.
âOff I go,â Pan Jun said.
âDrive safely,â his wife said.
âI will,â Pan Jun said.
He arrived at the clinic while Wang Yao was still on Nanshan Hill.
âYou are early,â said Wang Yao as soon as he saw Pan Jun.
âIâm very keen to learn things from you,â Pan Jun said.
âYou donât need to work today?â Wang Yao asked.
âIâm on the night shift,â Pan Jun said.
âI see. I have a special patient today. You can take a look later,â Wang Yao said.
âOK,â Pan Jun said.
Wang Yao opened the door of his clinic. The two of them went inside.
It was a bit cold in the morning, but it quickly warmed up after the sun came out. Professor Lu, Wen Wan, and her son arrived at the clinic 9:30.
âThis is the patient you mentioned?â Pan Jun asked.
He was shocked to see Wen Wan, who looked very sick and weak. She couldnât walk into the clinic. Her son had carried her in. She seemed to be on her last gasp.
âYou guys didnât sleep well last night?â Wang Yao could tell this after taking a glance at them.
âYou are right,â Professor Lu said.
âCome here, take the decoction first.â Wang Yao gave Wen Wan a small bowl of decoction to take.
The decoction was nice and warm. Wen Wanâs son helped her hold the bowl.
âI have three Nine Herbs pills here. Have her take one each day.â Wang Yao gave the pills to Professor Lu.
âOK,â Professor Lu said.
Wen Wan stayed in the clinic for 30 minutes after taking the decoction. Wang Yao reviewed her before letting her leave.
âWhat do you think of that patient?â Wang Yao asked Pan Jun.
âI think she is beyond cure,â Pan Jun said.
âYes. Do you think she can tolerate massage therapy?â Wang Yao asked.
âI donât think so,â Pan Jun said after thinking for a moment.
Although massage therapy increased blood circulation, it was not suitable for every patient. Wang Yao had told him what kind of patients and conditions could handle massage treatment, as well as what kind of patients wouldnât be able to tolerate it.
A patient in critical condition should never get a massage. Their body was too weak to tolerate that kind of treatment, which was considered external stimulation.
âMaster, what is her condition?â Pan Jun asked.
âInitially, it was renal failure. Now, she has multiple organ failure,â Wang Yao said.
âOh my god! That patient?â Pan Jun remembered Wang Yao had mentioned the patient to him.
âYes,â Wang Yao said.
âI thought you had been treating her for a while. How come she has become so ill?â Pan Jun asked.
âShe stopped receiving treatment for some time because she had to go back to look after her sick mother.â Wang Yao briefly explained to Pan Jun what had happened with Wen Wan.
âShe is a good daughter, but she has gone to the extreme.â He had never come across such kind of people, even after working in the Lianshan Peopleâs Hospital for so many years. âMaster, given her condition, do you think you can save her life?â
âIâll try,â Wang Yao said.
He began teach Pan Jun massage technique. Pan Jun was very attentive and busy taking notes. Before long, it was lunch time.
âShall we have lunch together? My treat,â Pan Jun said.
âOK,â Wang Yao said.
They went to the restaurant in the village next door, as usual. Both of them were regular customers.
âHi, Dr. Wang!â The owner knew Wang Yao well.
Actually, Wang Yao had been running his clinic for quite a while, so a lot of people from surrounding villages had went to see him. All of them were happy with the treatment they received from him, so Wang Yao had gained himself a good reputation. Anyone with a tricky medical condition would think of him.
Wang Yao and Pan Jun ordered a few dishes. They chatted as they enjoyed their meal.
A group of people arrived while Wang Yao and Pan Jun were eating. Soon, another group showed up. Before long, the parking lot was full of cars.
âBusiness has been good?â Wang Yao asked.
âYeah, the restaurant has been quite busy lately. You know, that hot spring resort in Li Family Creek has opened,â the owner said.
âI see.â Wang Yao had completely forgot about the resort.
âIâve been to the resort. Itâs pretty good,â the owner said.
âI see,â Wang Yao said.
He and Pan Jun returned to the clinic after lunch. No one came to the clinic during this time of the day since almost everyone was having lunch.
âYou can have a rest here,â Wang Yao said.
âOK,â Pan Jun said.
He laid down for a while. He then got up to read the book about massage on Wang Yaoâs table.
Two patients came to the clinic in the afternoon. Both of them were elderly people who suffered from leg pain.
âDo you want to have a try?â Wang Yao asked.
âSure,â Pan Jun said.
âIs he qualified?â one of the patients asked.
They had come to the clinic to see Wang Yao.
âOf course. Heâs a doctor working at Lianshan Peopleâs Hospital,â Wang Yao said.
âReally?â The old patient was still doubtful until Pan Jun showed him his name badge.
The patientâs condition was straightforward. He overused his legs for years. He was a suitable candidate to receive massage since the therapy was effective in treating muscle pain.