Chapter 55 A Slight Stir in the Heart
Seeing the two men's obvious coldness, Ji Yun's eyes turned slightly cold, and he added clearly, "Although Doctor Meng is still young, he is quite talented in medicine. Not long ago, he passed the medical examination at the Medical Academy and received an 'Excellent' grade personally approved by the Academy. The Academy's Director, Lord Zhu, also highly praised his medical insights and clinical reasoning presented in his answer sheet."
Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Shen Bing's eyes.
He had served in the Imperial Medical Academy for many years and knew all too well how rigorous their examinations were; passing was no easy feat. After all, the person next to him had failed five or six times.
Those who receive an "excellent" grade are extremely rare, appearing only once every few years. Could it be... that this woman truly possesses extraordinary abilities?
Only then did he finally take a proper look at the "little girl" in front of him.
He stroked his long, snow-white beard, his expression softening slightly, and nodded, saying, "To receive such praise from the Imperial Physician, Doctor Meng is indeed 'the younger generation surpasses the older,' a truly formidable young talent."
Meng Yutong hadn't expected Ji Yun to speak up for her. She suppressed the strange feeling that rose in her heart, but didn't show it on her face. She only said humbly, "Doctor Shen is too kind. I am unworthy of the honor bestowed upon you by the Imperial Physician."
"This junior is of limited talent and experience. In terms of medical expertise and clinical skill, I am far inferior to you seniors. It is my good fortune to be able to discuss treatment methods with you all today. I hope you seniors will not hesitate to give me your guidance."
Song Yinshen, standing to the side, scoffed, rubbed his nose, and muttered under his breath, "It's just a medical certification exam, what's with all the talk..."
The reason Jishetang invited two doctors was naturally because one of them was just there to make up the numbers.
Therefore, the others didn't care what the person who was just there to make up the numbers said.
Ji Yun led Meng Yutong inside, and then sat down by the window opposite Song Yinshen. Meng Yutong naturally took her seat next to him, in the empty seat opposite Shen Bing.
After everyone was seated, Ji Yun glanced at the four people present, his expression serious, and got to the point: "I have troubled you all to gather here today to discuss the treatment plan for the large-scale diarrhea epidemic caused by the pollution of the Jade Belt River."
"Although the Medical Academy has already issued a notice strictly prohibiting the use of river water, some people still take chances, resulting in a daily increase in patients. It has been observed that the number of patients treated at various clinics recently is several times higher than usual. At this rate, the number is likely to continue to rise in the coming days."
"Currently, there are two main difficulties in treatment: First, the large number of patients has led to a huge depletion of the medicinal reserves of various families, which will inevitably become unsustainable in the long run. Even if the Imperial Medical Academy opens its pharmacy to provide support, it may still be insufficient. If alternative medicinal materials with similar effects can be found, it may alleviate the situation to some extent."
"Secondly, mild cases are relatively easy to manage, but severe cases of 'typhoid fever with dysentery' often occur in the elderly, children and those with weak constitutions. Extra caution is needed when administering medication, as the dosage is difficult to control and a slight mistake could damage the underlying condition."
"These two are the most urgent matters. The Medical Academy has held several meetings to discuss this issue. However, I believe that you have been on the front lines for the past few days, and have had the most contact with patients. You must have a deeper understanding of the situation and may have some good ideas and solutions to resolve this predicament."
Ma Chun nodded first, his face grave, and replied, "What Physician Ji said is exactly the biggest challenge we are facing right now. My Huichuntang clinic has treated hundreds of patients in the past few days, and the clinic's stock of essential medicines for treating diarrhea and dysentery, such as Coptis chinensis and Pueraria lobata, is running low."
"At this rate, we can only hold on for another two or three days at most before we run out of supplies. Just now, Physician Ji mentioned using materials with similar medicinal properties as substitutes, a method that I, Ma, have also considered carefully."
He paused, displaying a mature and composed demeanor, "For example, one could use 'Qinpi' to replace part of 'Huanglian' to clear heat and dry dampness, and use 'Weihezi' to replace 'Shiliupi' to astringe the intestines and stop diarrhea."
"However, the bitter and cold properties of Qinpi are somewhat lacking, and its ability to stop dysentery may be insufficient; although roasted Terminalia chebula can astringe, it has no effect on killing parasites. Using it for dysentery caused by this epidemic may only treat the symptoms and not the root cause. After much thought, I have not yet found a perfect solution, so I would like to hear your opinions."
Upon hearing this, Shen Bing stroked his long, snow-white beard, his expression solemn, and said, "Doctor Ma's concerns are not without merit. However, in the art of medicine, a slight error can lead to a great mistake. Especially during an epidemic, we should strictly adhere to the ancient methods of the *Shanghan Lun* and *Jinkui Yaolue*, and follow the proven prescriptions verified by sages throughout history."
"The prescriptions currently used to treat this disease, such as Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang and Bai Tou Weng Tang, are all effective prescriptions that have been verified over thousands of years. The combination of the principal, assistant, adjuvant, and guide herbs is exquisite. How can they be easily changed due to a temporary shortage of medicinal materials?"
"If the medicine is replaced arbitrarily, the efficacy may be insufficient or the properties of the medicine may be incorrect, which may delay the treatment or even aggravate the condition. In my opinion, we should do our best to obtain the original prescription medicines, which is the right way."
Song Yinshen, listening from the side, grinned, thinking to himself: "That old scholar is at it again! He spouts off ancestral methods without any flexibility. It's easy for him to talk when he's not in the situation; he doesn't have to worry about the medicinal herb inventory, so of course he can speak so easily!"
He couldn't help but interject, "Dr. Ma, don't listen to him! Our Scutellaria baicalensis and Aucklandia lappa in Jishetang are almost gone these past two days. If the Imperial Medical Academy can send some more in time, we might be able to hold on for another day or two. Otherwise, we're afraid we'll run out of food tomorrow!"
He turned to the crowd, his tone urgent, “I think Dr. Ma’s thinking is on the right track! Using other medicinal herbs that we have more reserves to replace them is a pragmatic approach. For example, I once treated a patient with chronic diarrhea who was extremely intolerant to Coptis chinensis and would vomit immediately after taking it.”
"I then tried using 'Sophora flavescens' in combination with 'Sanguisorba officinalis charcoal' as a substitute. Although the effect was slightly slower and the course of treatment was a bit longer, the patient was eventually cured and did not relapse. This shows that as long as the core pathogenesis is grasped, the medication is not immutable!"
Shen Bing immediately retorted: "Nonsense! How could you alter the prescription without consulting me? Who knows if you just stumbled upon it by chance, and the patient's illness was nearing its end, and their own yang energy was recovering, and it had nothing to do with the medicine you used!"
Song Yinshen spread his hands and retorted, "Doesn't that just prove that the human body has its own ability to heal? As long as the general direction of the medication is correct, and with the help of conditioning, the body will gradually repair itself! What kind of medicine to use is sometimes not the key!"
"You! How can you confuse a common case of chronic diarrhea with the pollution of the river and the rampant epidemic? This is a serious matter, not something to be taken lightly!" Shen Bing's beard trembled with anger.
Seeing that the two were starting to argue and the atmosphere was tense, Ji Yun coughed lightly. His voice was not loud, but it carried an air of authority and instantly stopped the two from talking.
He turned his gaze to Meng Yutong, who had been listening silently without uttering a word, and asked slowly, "Doctor Meng, do you have any insights on this matter?"
The eyes of the other three people at the table also turned to her.
Having listened carefully to the opinions of all parties, Meng Yutong had a general understanding of the predicaments of the other two clinics. As Ji Yun had said, the problems were nothing more than the scarcity of medicinal materials and the difficulty in treating serious illnesses. She also had a plan in mind for alternative medicinal materials.
She met everyone's gaze with a calm expression, speaking slowly and deliberately. Her voice was clear and gentle, like a flowing stream, exuding a calm and composed strength: "What you seniors have said is all reasonable. In my humble opinion, we may divide patients into three categories based on the degree of poisoning and the severity of their symptoms, and treat them differently accordingly, which may alleviate some of the pressure on the medicinal materials."
"Firstly, the mildest type: these patients only experience diarrhea, without obvious fever, severe abdominal pain, or lethargy or other accompanying symptoms, and their physical condition is generally good, with a healthy spleen and stomach."
"For this type of case, the Coptis chinensis, which is in short supply in the prescription, can be replaced with Sophora flavescens and Fraxinus chinensis, which have similar medicinal properties but are relatively abundant in stock. The patient should take the medicine first and be instructed to go home and rest for three days and be closely observed. If the symptoms improve significantly after three days and the diarrhea stops, then the medication is no longer necessary; if it does not improve, then we can discuss changing the prescription."
"Secondly, those with moderate symptoms: These patients experience frequent diarrhea or have already developed mild fever, abdominal pain, and general malaise, indicating a relatively severe condition. For these patients, it is recommended to continue with the original prescription, such as Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang, and not to easily change the core medicinal materials."
"The scarce medicinal materials currently collected from various sources, along with medicines provided by the Imperial Medical Academy, can be prioritized for use by these patients. Once their condition stabilizes and their fever and diarrhea subside, they can be treated according to the treatment plan for the first category of patients, using alternative medicines to consolidate the therapeutic effect."
Her approach of "tiered diagnosis and treatment and differentiated medication" was clear, logical, and to the point. It not only ensured the efficacy of treatment for critically ill patients but also cleverly alleviated the pressure of drug shortages. It was a feasible solution under the current circumstances and impressed everyone present.
Ma Chun's eyes immediately revealed undisguised admiration, and he clapped his hands, saying, "Brilliant! Doctor Meng's strategy is profound yet simple, incisive and to the point. It not only protects the critically ill but also addresses the minor symptoms, and it also solves the problem of medicinal materials! It is truly comprehensive!"
Shen Bing also lowered his eyes, his fingers unconsciously twirling his beard as he pondered deeply. Although he still harbored doubts about changing the prescription, he had to admit it.
Meng Yutong's method is indeed the most pragmatic and comprehensive choice at present, adhering to the principle of "treating the symptoms in urgent cases and addressing the root cause in less urgent cases" to the greatest extent possible. He nodded slightly, which can be regarded as tacit approval.
"Wait!" Song Yinshen suddenly frowned and interrupted, "You just said there are three categories, and you've only mentioned two. What about the third category? Stop keeping us in suspense!"
This woman keeps only half of what she says; she's so inconsiderate.
Meng Yutong turned her gaze and met Ji Yun's. Ji Yun was also quietly looking at her, his eyes deep and thoughtful, as if he had already expected her to bring this up. He simply nodded slightly to her, indicating that she could speak freely.
Meng Yutong composed herself, turned to the crowd, and continued, "This third category is precisely the thorny problem that I most want to discuss with you seniors today. I wonder if any of your clinics have recently treated patients whose diarrhea has worsened, even developing into severe cases of typhoid fever and dysentery?"
"The symptoms include: persistent high fever, severe abdominal pain, bloody and purulent diarrhea, extreme lethargy, and even convulsions and delirium. These patients are mostly elderly people and children, who are already weak in the spleen and stomach and lack vital energy. When they are severely affected by this epidemic, their condition can easily deteriorate rapidly and become extremely dangerous."
Upon hearing this, Ma Chun's expression hardened. He suddenly remembered someone and was the first to respond: "If that's what Dr. Meng said... I did indeed see a boy of about ten years old today. His symptoms seemed more severe than others; his face was flushed and he had a fever. However, because there were so many patients and it was so noisy, I couldn't examine him carefully. So, I prescribed him a common antidiarrheal medicine along with the others with milder symptoms and told him to take it at home..."
His face showed regret and lingering fear as he lamented, "Alas! If it really was typhoid fever with dysentery, wouldn't I have delayed the diagnosis?!"
Meng Yutong gently comforted him, "Dr. Ma, there's no need to blame yourself too much. The medicine you prescribed is indeed appropriate. If the child's condition does relapse or worsen, his family will bring him back for treatment. Right now, my Zhaoyutang is taking in three patients who have developed severe typhoid fever and dysentery, all of whom are elderly, young, or frail."
"For such patients, medication must be used with extra caution. Strong medicines can easily damage their already weakened vital energy. Therefore, I often choose herbs that are relatively mild in nature but also have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and stopping dysentery, such as Pulsatilla chinensis, Fraxinus chinensis bark, and stir-fried Paeonia lactiflora, in order to gradually treat the disease, support the body's resistance and eliminate pathogens."
She changed the subject, a hint of worry appearing between her brows: "However, this method also has its problems. If the treatment course is prolonged, the patient's body will suffer greatly. Young children are in the process of growth and development and need sufficient nutrition;
"The old man's vital energy is already depleted, and he cannot withstand a prolonged illness. A prolonged illness will deplete his qi and damage his yin, potentially harming his very foundation, which would be a net loss. Therefore, Yutong would like to ask the seniors if they have any good strategies to break this predicament?"
Her words were clear and logical, explaining the issue thoroughly.
Upon hearing this, the three doctors opposite him fell into deep thought, their faces showing difficulty, as if they were stumped by the question.
Just then, Ji Yun's slender fingers tapped lightly twice on the table beside her, drawing Meng Yutong's attention back.
His voice was deep and steady as he continued, "These past two days, I've also gone to Ji'an Hall for follow-up appointments with Xiaohui and Xing'er. The situation is indeed as you said; although the illness is being slowly controlled, the effects are too slow."
"My colleagues and I have also discussed this at the Medical Academy. Since the source of this water pollution is livestock that have died from disease, the pathogenic aura they carry is extraordinary. Perhaps we can add a medicine that can calm the disease, detoxify, and dispel foulness to the prescription in order to stop the spread of the disease and reverse the situation."
He paused slightly and pointed out the key point: "However, common medicinal materials with strong effects of relieving epidemics and detoxifying, such as Dryopteris crassirhizoma, Isatis tinctoria leaf, and Isatis tinctoria root, are mostly very bitter and cold in nature. At this moment, the patient's spleen and stomach are already weak and cold, and the body's vital energy is insufficient. If the coldness is excessive, it may not only fail to detoxify, but may also suppress the pathogenic factors, damage the yang energy, and worsen the condition. Therefore, the dosage and compatibility are extremely difficult to control."
Shen Bing immediately nodded and quoted from classical texts, saying, "The physician Ji's concerns are very valid. According to classics such as the Treatise on Epidemic Diseases and the Treatise on Febrile Diseases, medicinal materials that can target this kind of 'filthy poison,' such as 'Lithospermum erythrorhizon,' 'Viola yedoensis,' and 'Chrysanthemum indicum,' although they have detoxifying effects, Lithospermum erythrorhizon is laxative, Viola yedoensis is mild, and Chrysanthemum indicum tends to disperse wind and heat. For this 'cold-damp epidemic dysentery,' none of them are the best choice."
Ma Chun added: "Furthermore, although 'dandelion' can clear heat and detoxify, it is cold in nature and should be used with caution in this condition. 'Honeysuckle' is more dispersing in nature, which is slightly different from the pathogenesis of 'clearing the toxins trapped in the blood' that is urgently needed at present."
“Sick livestock… to quench the plague and detoxify… the medicine must not be too cold in nature…” Meng Yutong frowned, pondering carefully in her mind. Unconsciously, she turned her head to look out the window. She saw that everyone in Zhaoyu Hall had finished dinner, and in the courtyard, Baizhi was tending to the Purple Snow Ginseng by the shelf she had set up.
In a flash, she suddenly remembered the jars of medicinal herbs that Liu Sijun had given her on the day the museum opened.
She suddenly turned her head, and in her excitement, she grabbed Ji Yun's sleeve and blurted out, "Perhaps we could give the stone lotus seeds a try!"
“Stone lotus seed…” Ma Chun frowned and pondered, “This medicine is neutral in nature, sweet and slightly bitter in taste, and is good at clearing damp heat, stimulating appetite and stopping vomiting. It is especially effective in detoxifying poppy and mushroom poisoning. It has a remarkable effect on chronic diarrhea, thirst and vomiting, which is exactly what is needed for ‘pacifying epidemics and detoxifying.’ Moreover, the medicine is mild and does not harm the body’s vital energy.”
"However, they mostly grow in the marshes and wetlands of the south, and are rarely seen in our Lin'an area. My Huichuntang has been in business for nearly a hundred years, and after all my efforts, I only have a small box left. I treat it like a treasure and dare not use it casually."
Even the century-old Huichuntang only has a few left, let alone newly established clinics like Jishetang and Zhaoyutang, which are probably unheard of, let alone have any left in stock.
Ji Yun lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on the slender white hand on his sleeve. His body stiffened slightly, his expression tightened instantly, and after a moment of silence, he said slowly, "This medicine is indeed rare, and there is no stock in the Imperial Medical Academy's pharmacy."
Meng Yutong was completely focused on the prescription at the moment and was unaware of her lapse in composure. She naturally withdrew her hand, and her face returned to its usual dignified and calm expression. She then asked, "Leaving aside the origin of the stone lotus seeds for the moment, do you seniors think it is feasible to use their properties in medicine to relieve the current critical condition of typhoid fever and dysentery among these elderly and young patients with severe illnesses?"
After a moment's thought, Ma Chun nodded solemnly: "Judging from its medicinal properties, meridian tropism, efficacy, and indications, lotus seed has astringent properties while clearing heat, detoxifying without harming the body's vital energy, and stopping dysentery without leaving any pathogens. It is exactly the right treatment for this kind of complex pathogenesis where the body's vital energy is already deficient and the pathogens have not been completely eliminated! Based on my experience, I am at least 80 or 90 percent certain!"
Song Yinshen had never even heard of this medicine before, and asked in astonishment, "How can you not consider its origin? Do you perhaps possess this medicine?"
Meng Yutong readily nodded, her eyes bright and clear: "By sheer coincidence, I do indeed have some. There happen to be several seriously ill patients in Zhaoyutang. I will go back tonight to consider the prescription and try using lotus seeds as the main ingredient to treat them. If the prescription proves to be effective, I will send someone to deliver the draft prescription, along with some lotus seeds, to your clinics in the next couple of days. This may alleviate your immediate crisis."
Upon hearing this, Ji Yun's expression faltered slightly. He subconsciously raised his eyes and gazed quietly at the profile of the woman beside him.
The soft lamplight outlined her slender figure. Her long eyelashes drooped slightly, but they couldn't hide the clear and firm light in her eyes, which shone like stars in the dark night, making it hard to look away and stirring one's heartstrings.
Faced with this occasion, she remained as calm and gentle as ever, composed and dignified among her seniors. What was even more remarkable was that, despite possessing such a rare and precious medicine, she showed no selfishness, generously sharing it with everyone to help them overcome this difficult time.
His gaze fell on her, but it seemed as if he saw the shadow of another person.
Ji Zhao was like this during his lifetime: he was pure of heart, kind and generous by nature, and upright and honest in his dealings with others.
He suddenly exclaimed that this woman's heart was indeed as pure as crystal, clear and bright, with its own radiance.
Shen Bing looked at Meng Yutong with a complicated expression, momentarily at a loss for words. Such precious medicinal herbs, and she spoke of them so casually, giving them away so easily?
Is he genuinely generous, or does he simply not know what's good for him?
Ma Chun hurriedly stood up, cupped his hands, and bowed deeply: "Doctor Meng is very kind! I thank you in advance! However, this medicine is precious. Since Huichuntang has some left, we will not use Doctor Meng's stock for the time being. Doctor Meng can distribute the medicine to Jishetang for emergency use."
Song Yinshen was completely stunned at this moment. He had previously discussed with Shen Bing in private that Zhaoyutang and Meng Yutong seemed to be all show and no substance, and were by no means practical doctors.
She hadn't been given a kind look at all in this teahouse today. She never expected the other party to be so magnanimous! Keep in mind that several medical clinics were competing for official appointments, yet she was willing to selflessly share such a life-saving remedy?
In an instant, he blushed and felt extremely ashamed, and his previous contempt vanished.
He lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously fiddling with the brass clasp on his medical kit, his voice hesitant, completely devoid of his usual arrogance: "Thank you... thank you, Doctor Meng. I... was rude just now."
Meng Yutong smiled slightly, her expression remaining calm and composed, and said in a clear voice, "Seniors, you are too kind. No matter how precious the medicinal herbs are, they are ultimately for treating illnesses and saving lives. If they cannot be used to save lives and heal the wounded, they are nothing but inanimate objects locked in a cabinet, what meaning do they have? Since we are all doctors, we should have benevolent hearts and practice benevolent arts. Today's mutual assistance is only to relieve the suffering of the people and to fulfill the duty of doctors. You really don't need to worry about it."
Her voice was clear and resonant. Upon hearing this, the people at the table were all moved, and they all stood up, abandoning all their previous contempt or probing thoughts, and solemnly bowed to her.
This time, it wasn't just empty formalities; it was genuine, heartfelt respect and admiration.
Meng Yutong turned to Ji Yun beside her, her tone natural and sincere: "Physician Ji, since the Imperial Medical Academy has no reserves of lotus seeds, I will count some and distribute them to you later. The northern section of the Imperial Street is close to the source of pollution, so there will likely be more and more patients suffering from severe typhoid fever and dysentery. You may also allocate some to the clinics there that urgently need them, which may alleviate their immediate crisis."
Ji Yun nodded, his gaze shifting slightly as it fell quietly on her face. He solemnly said, "For Doctor Meng's generous act, I, on behalf of the Imperial Medical Academy and all the medical clinics in Lin'an City that are in distress, express my sincere gratitude."
With the business concluded, the group did not linger. After exchanging farewells, they rose and left the teahouse, each hurrying back to their clinic.
Ji Yun and Meng Yutong were the last to leave the teahouse and walked side by side to the entrance of Zhaoyu Hall.
Night had fallen, and the lanterns in front of the door swayed gently in the breeze.
"Physician Ji, please wait here for a moment while I go in and sort out the lotus seeds," Meng Yutong said, turning to go inside.
Before she could make a move, Ji Yun took half a step forward and gently tugged at the corner of her sleeve in a very natural manner.
With his back to the dim lights of the long street, the light and shadow under the eaves cast a soft outline on his handsome profile. The flickering candlelight reflected in his eyes was like fine black jade being soaked in warm water, flowing with an indescribable gentle and refined light, which was less cold than usual and more profound and unfathomable.
“Dr. Meng,” his voice was slightly lower than usual, “may I accompany you to visit those critically ill patients you are treating? It would also be a good opportunity to discuss with you in detail the prescriptions using lotus seeds. Having another person to consider the prescriptions might help us determine the safest approach more quickly, so as not to delay treatment.”
Meng Yutong paused slightly, then relaxed. Ji Yun's medical skills were superb, and he had been practicing medicine for many years. With his consultation, the prescription would surely be more comprehensive. Without giving it much thought, she readily nodded in agreement: "That's fine then, thank you for your trouble, Physician Ji."
Seeing her agree so readily, the deep light in Ji Yun's eyes seemed to suddenly shift, like a warm current flowing beneath the ice, becoming even more vivid.
He released the soft fabric of her sleeve from his fingertips, took a half-step forward, and stood beside her, his voice regaining its usual calm: "It's my duty, why bother?"
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