Chapter 29 The Thirteen Needles of Ghost Gate
Shen Qingtang said calmly, "Yes, so I added a few more ingredients." Seeing everyone's curiosity, she didn't keep it a secret and directly told them the Chinese medicinal herbs she had added.
Sun Yun pondered for a while, then stood there dumbfounded, finally stammering, "You...you're being too bold." Take Pinellia and Aconitum for example, their medicinal properties are mutually reinforcing and mutually antagonistic. If the dosage and ratio are not appropriate, it is very likely to cause symptoms of arrhythmia or poisoning.
If you're not careful, you could die from eating it; this is no exaggeration.
Sensing Sun Yun's unspoken meaning, Shen Qingtang shook her head and said, "I strictly controlled the dosage, so there won't be any problems with this formula." Although this was an ancient formula that automatically came to mind, she didn't completely trust it. She had also reasoned about the combination of medicinal properties and found that this formula cleverly balanced the medicinal power and toxicity, which is why she chose to process the Qi-tonifying pill.
After all, this is a pill for Brother Qin to take, so there can be no mistakes.
Although Huang Minmi was young, she was born into a family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and was very knowledgeable. She quickly realized the ingenuity of the prescription and looked at Shen Qingtang with admiration, saying, "Sister Shen, you are really amazing! You even thought of using these few herbs." She added with starry eyes, "You truly are my idol." Not only is she of outstanding character, but her medical skills are also extraordinary.
"Is it really that amazing?" Qin Sumiao, who knew nothing about medicine, naturally didn't understand the people in front of her who were so impressed. She touched her nose and asked with a hint of doubt. But soon, she saw that the usually calm and collected Old Huang was slapping his thigh and saying excitedly, "Using plantain instead of violet and using sorghum wood as medicine, I never thought of using such a method. Using poison to fight poison seems dangerous, but it actually brings out the strongest medicinal properties. This prescription is truly amazing and wonderful."
He laughed loudly, "Young friend Shen, your medical skills are extraordinary, probably far surpassing my eldest disciple. With you here, is there any fear that Young Master Qin's legs won't be able to stand up?" Thinking of Qin Guanlan's leg condition just now, he stroked his chin, his eyes darting around, and said with certainty, "Do you already have a treatment plan in mind?"
Hearing this, everyone in the villa was overjoyed, but because their hopes had been dashed, although they smiled, a hint of worry still flashed in their eyes.
Upon hearing this, Sun Yun felt a chill in his heart. He glanced at his master with a wistful and helpless expression. Originally, he had been thinking of taking Shen Qingtang, this peerless genius, as his disciple, but now that his master said that Shen Qingtang's medical skills were superior to his, no matter how thick-skinned he was, he would never dare to say it.
Huang Linli was so engrossed in the joy of discussing medical techniques that he didn't notice the resentful look in Sun Yun's eyes. Huang Minmi, however, noticed Sun Yun's forced smile and asked in confusion, "Senior Brother, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing, it's nothing." Sun Yun sighed softly, a bitter smile creeping onto his face.
His dream of having a prodigy as his student has vanished, and there's no point in saying anything more now.
Ge Youan: "..." Faced with an adult who didn't tell the truth, she pouted and was too lazy to ask any more questions.
Upon hearing Huang Linli's question, Shen Qingtang's eyes lit up. She thought to herself, "Old Huang is truly remarkable; he found a solution in the smallest clues." So she readily admitted, "Old Huang, I do indeed have an idea." She pursed her lips and raised her voice slightly, "I wonder if Old Huang has heard of the Thirteen Ghost Needles?"
Old Huang's brow twitched, and he looked at Shen Qingtang with piercing eyes, saying, "I have not only heard of it, but I have also witnessed it with my own eyes. A physician who can master the Thirteen Ghost Needles can be called a ghost doctor. Once he steps into the gate of life and death, he can snatch a life from the Black and White Impermanence." He smiled and said, "Although the rumors circulating in the streets are somewhat exaggerated, they are not entirely unfounded. My junior sister knew this skill back then, but it is a pity that she passed away early and did not take on a disciple or pass on any knowledge to future generations. It is truly a pity."
Shen Qingtang never expected that Huang Linli had some knowledge of the Thirteen Ghost Needles. She had been exploring on her own, so having someone to discuss it with was naturally a fortunate thing for her, especially since it concerned Brother Qin's legs.
She took the initiative to invite him, saying, "Master Huang, I have a handwritten annotated edition of 'The Complete Collection of Huangfu Ancient Prescriptions' in my room, which details the treatment method of the Thirteen Ghost Needles. Would you be willing to come and discuss it with me?"
As a doctor, Huang Linli was naturally interested in these things and immediately nodded, saying, "Yes, of course, it would be my honor."
The two hit it off immediately and went upstairs so fast that Qi Yi couldn't help but mutter, "Is this what they call meeting too late?"
Qin Guanlan followed the door until it closed in on him. He pursed his lips and said, "This matter concerns the treatment of my legs. Perhaps I should go and listen to it as well."
Su Rong immediately chimed in, "Yes, yes, let's go listen too."
Seeing the expectant looks on everyone else's faces, Sun Yun smiled helplessly and stopped them, saying, "What Master wants to discuss with Shen Qingtang is very obscure and profound. No matter how big the room is, it can't accommodate all of us. Why don't we leave them a quiet environment to discuss it?"
Sun Yun's words were veiled, but that didn't prevent those present from understanding their meaning. A group of people who didn't know anything about medicine would only cause trouble if they went up there; it would be better for them to wait patiently below.
Su Rong was not disappointed by Sun Yun's refusal. Instead, she said repeatedly, "Alright, alright, let's not go up. Let Elder Huang and Qing Tang discuss how to treat Guan'er's legs."
After saying that, she asked uncertainly, "Dr. Sun, I didn't quite catch what you said. Did Old Huang say that with Qingtang around, there's still hope that Guan'er can stand up again?"
Qin Sumiao answered first, "Mom, you heard me right, I heard it too." She said expectantly, "Shen Qingtang just mentioned a treatment method called the Thirteen Ghost Needles." She couldn't help but exclaim, "I didn't expect her to be so amazing." Of course, she didn't say the last sentence: "She seems even more amazing than Old Huang."
After all, even Elder Huang was helpless with his elder brother's legs, but Shen Qingtang had a way to treat them.
Sun Xing was still somewhat saddened by the loss of his talented apprentice, and couldn't help but sigh, "Yes, she was really amazing."
Qin Guanlan was filled with mixed emotions and echoed, "Qingtang has always been very capable." At first, when he heard Qingtang say with such certainty that she would cure his legs, he did not believe her at all. But gradually, Qingtang delved deeper into medical skills and became more and more skilled in acupuncture. It can be said that he had witnessed her progress in medical skills.
Hearing Old Huang's assertion, a glimmer of genuine hope ignited in his heart. Honestly, who truly wants to spend their entire life in a wheelchair? He had once wanted to accept his fate, almost seriously tried to, but Shen Qingtang repeatedly pulled him up, urging him not to submit to fate's arrangements.
Thinking of the scene where Shen Qingtang took Su Rong to the gallery to cause trouble that day, he could no longer suppress his desire: he wanted to stand up and stand by Shen Qingtang's side forever to protect and cherish her.
Seeing that the living room sofa was almost full of people, Xiaoqing and Xiaxia brought over pastries and flower tea, and took out some beef jerky and placed it on a plate.
Huang Minmi was still young and innocent, not as complicated as the adults thought. She thought she was just having a medical exchange with her idol and her father. She hadn't eaten enough in the morning, so she picked up a piece of beef jerky and stuffed it into her mouth.
The moment she tasted it and chewed it, her eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "Mrs. Qin, this beef jerky is so delicious!" Huang Minmi was Huang Linli's daughter and had eaten plenty of good food since childhood; beef jerky was nothing compared to that. But she could confidently say that this was the best beef jerky she had ever eaten in her life.
These words broke the tense atmosphere of waiting. Su Rong covered her lips and smiled, saying, "This was made by Qing Tang for my daughter. She is not only good at medicine, but also has a skillful hand at cooking."
Upon hearing this, Sun Yun also picked up a stick and ate it. He was quickly won over by the spicy and savory taste, nodding repeatedly and saying, "It is indeed delicious."
Qin Sumiao tilted her head back and said with a sense of pride, "You have no idea how popular this beef jerky is. Every time it's sent over, I feel like I'm being robbed. My classmates keep stuffing it into their mouths even though they say it's spicy."
Qin Guanlan suddenly said, "Qingtang's cooking skills are quite good, and she makes me a medicinal meal every three days." His plain and straightforward explanation contained a hint of subtle boasting.
"Medicinal cuisine?" Upon hearing this, Sun Yun suddenly smiled and said, "It seems that Shen Qingtang and Master have a lot in common."
Sun Yun's words were not unfounded. Huang Linli himself highly valued traditional Chinese medicine dietary therapy. The medicinal cuisine he created, combining the properties of ingredients and herbs, not only regulated the spleen and stomach, replenished qi and blood, but also boosted immunity. His Yonghetang Medical Clinic always had no trouble selling its medicinal cuisine daily.
Three hours later, Huang Linli finally finished his discussion with Shen Qingtang. He was sore-mouthed but increasingly excited. He concluded, "Young friend Shen, your method is completely feasible. You can treat him with confidence."
He was amazed that the young man was so well-versed in so many medical skills at such a young age. No matter which book he mentioned, the young man could understand the case he was referring to. He couldn't help but say, "Young friend Shen, may I ask who your teacher is? If your teacher were still alive, I would definitely like to pay him a proper visit."
Upon hearing this, Shen Qingtang shook her head and said, "I don't have a master." Perhaps noticing the shock and confusion in Huang Linli's eyes, she paused and said, "I learned medical skills on my own through medical books."
Huang Linli was stunned and took a deep breath. To reach such a level through self-study alone—what kind of unparalleled genius was this? From Shen Qingtang's conversation, he had already concluded that she had a master, most likely a reclusive, extraordinary healer, which was why she had taught such a prodigy. He was even considering discussing with her master the possibility of having him take Shen Qingtang in and pass on his own skills to her.
However, he never expected that Shen Qingtang was self-taught. He was deeply shocked, and his idea of taking her as a disciple vanished. He kept saying with emotion, "Young friend Shen, your medical skills will definitely surpass mine in the future. If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask." He had already regarded her as a close friend despite their age difference.
Upon hearing this, Shen Qingtang said, "Thank you for your kind words, Elder Huang. I only want to heal Brother Qin's legs now."
Seeing the other person's somewhat dejected look, Huang Linli asked in confusion, "Isn't there already a treatment method?" They had been discussing it for quite a while.
Shen Qingtang's usually calm face showed a rare hint of anxiety: "This method is feasible, but it will take at least two or three years." After saying that, a trace of worry flashed in her eyes. After all, two or three years is not two or three months. She wondered if Brother Qin could wait that long.
Huang Linli, being a man of great experience, immediately saw through Shen Qingtang's worries. He smiled and comforted her, saying, "Young friend Shen, you're putting too much pressure on yourself. I can't even cure Young Master Qin's legs, but you can. It's only a matter of two or three years. Why can't he wait?" After all, it's not a lifetime.
Seeing that Shen Qingtang still had a furrowed brow, he continued, "Actually, I have a medical book that is specifically for practicing acupuncture. It can help you achieve twice the result with half the effort. Within six months, you should be able to master the Thirteen Ghost Needles."
"As for people who are paralyzed in both legs due to the same disease, it shouldn't be hard to find. I have many patients at Yonghetang, so there's a good chance one will appear. The probability is quite high."
Upon hearing this, Shen Qingtang's eyes lit up as she took the medical book. After flipping through it a few times, she immediately realized its value and declined, saying, "Elder Huang, this is far too precious. I cannot accept it so easily." Although she said this, her eyes lingered on it.
Huang Linli shook his head and said, "Isn't your 'Complete Collection of Huangfu Ancient Prescriptions' precious? Yet you still gave it to my daughter." After saying that, he gave an embarrassed smile, touched his nose, coughed, and said, "Actually, I have another favor to ask of you."
"Elder Huang, please speak," Shen Qingtang asked, though she was still puzzled.
Huang Linli smiled and said, "I don't know if you'd be willing to sell the formula for the Qi-replenishing pill. I can offer ten million to buy it outright. If you don't think that's a good option, you can cooperate with my Yonghetang and share the profits. For every Qi-replenishing pill sold, you can receive one-twentieth of the profit."
Shen Qingtang pursed her lips, about to speak, but was interrupted by Elder Huang, who said, "This matter is not urgent, you can think about it slowly."
In fact, Huang Linli already had the answer in his heart: the former was short-sighted and unsustainable, while the latter was a long-term, sustainable approach. Smart people know which to choose.
"By the way..." he casually mentioned, "Now that you have passed the primary TCM physician license exam, you will soon be able to get your license and be qualified to intern at a clinic, whether it is my clinic or my eldest apprentice's clinic, you can go there."
Shen Qingtang naturally understood Elder Huang's good intentions. After all, years of studying in isolation and working in isolation are nothing more than harming oneself and others for a doctor. Only by experiencing enough actual cases can one truly understand the underlying principles and improve their medical skills.
However, she already had a plan in mind, so she politely declined, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Elder Huang, but I also own a clinic, so I don't have to worry about finding a place to practice."
Over the past few months, the accounts of Renxin Medical Clinic under her name have become increasingly strange. Every time Shen Qingtang sees them, she only replies with "OK," seemingly ignoring them, but in reality, she simply chooses to keep it to herself. Once she finishes her current tasks, she will naturally have time to investigate the irregularities.
Huang Linli frowned slightly, asked about the exact location of the clinic, and then exaggeratedly breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "Thank goodness, it's only more than ten kilometers away, so my clinic's business shouldn't be affected."
Hearing this, Shen Qingtang was both amused and exasperated. Yonghetang's business had been built on Old Master Huang's reputation. Even though he himself was overseas, his apprentices were all pillars of the business, making it extremely successful. His earlier words were just a compliment and a joke. The two continued chatting at the clinic for a while, with Old Master Huang offering many insights into running the clinic. As they talked, they also discussed medicinal cuisine. Old Master Huang realized that Shen Qingtang's theories aligned with his own, and he felt as if they had known each other for a long time.
If Xia hadn't come up and knocked on the door to remind them it was mealtime, the two of them might have continued chatting.
Shen Qingtang said with a guilty look, "I'm sorry, Elder Huang, for taking up so much of your time."
Huang Linli waved his hand and said, "This is not a delay, but my good fortune. Young friend Shen, it has been a long time since I have had such a pleasant conversation with someone." Huang Linli is now undoubtedly the number one person in the contemporary Chinese medicine field, and few people can have in-depth exchanges with him. But in fact, the feeling of being aloof and isolated is not pleasant. Over the years, he has increasingly missed the days when he was a student, when everyone was a naive teenager, chattering away as they interpreted medical books and put forward their completely different ideas.
As if suddenly remembering something, he cleared his throat and raised his voice, saying, "Young friend Shen, your Thirteen Ghost Needles will definitely cure Young Master Qin's legs. It will take at least a year, and at most five years. You can rest assured and do whatever you want." Huang Linli's imposing voice quickly carried downstairs, easing the worries of the people at the table below.
Knowing the other party's good intentions, Shen Qingtang immediately cupped her hands to Huang Linli and said, "Thank you, Elder Huang."
Because Old Huang had to attend a meeting overseas that afternoon, he had to leave in a hurry without having lunch. Huang Minmi said with a reluctant expression, "Sister Chen, next time if I have any parts of the medical book that I don't understand, I'll come to you."
Shen Qingtang nodded and said, "Of course." Sun Yun then handed over a business card with a smile. He had learned from Huang Linli that the other party was going to run his own clinic and said, "Come to me if you need anything. I can help with things at the clinic."
He thought to himself, even if he couldn't take Shen Qingtang as his apprentice, it would be good to be friends with her. A golden carp is no ordinary fish; with her extraordinary medical talent, she might just be able to carry him to new heights someday.
Faced with this goodwill, Shen Qingtang naturally did not refuse and readily exchanged contact information.
After politely seeing the three off, Su Rong pursed her lips and said hesitantly, "Qing Tang, are you going to work at the clinic in the future? Can't you stay at home to take care of Guan'er?" She knew that Shen Qing Tang owned a pharmacy, but for most of them, it was just an asset.
They all hire someone to watch the shop instead of choosing to help themselves.
Qin Guanlan immediately noticed the worry in Su Rong's heart. He pursed his lips and called out, "Mom," his words carrying a hidden warning. Soon, his gaze fell on Shen Qingtang, his serious expression softening. He smiled and expressed his support, saying, "Qingtang, if you want to go to the clinic, then go ahead. Qi Yi and Qi Er are looking after things here, and..." He paused, then added, "I'll be working at the company from now on. It's boring for you to stay here every day."
Qin Sumiao thought that Shen Qingtang going to the clinic would improve her medical skills and heal her brother's legs sooner, so she didn't object and said with a smile, "Sister Shen, you go ahead. I'm back now and can take care of my brother."
Su Rong bit her lip and reluctantly said, "In that case, you should go and come back as soon as possible."
Shen Qingtang blinked, bent down slightly to tidy up the stray hairs on Qin Guanlan's forehead, and said, "Aunt Su, I will. I won't forget the acupuncture and massage morning and night."
Hearing this, Su Rong breathed a sigh of relief and finally smiled broadly, saying, "That's good, it's good for you to accumulate some practical experience as soon as possible. We won't stop you. It's quite nice for a woman to have a career."
*
VG Brand Department Single Makeup Room
"Xiaoxiao, go out for a moment." After receiving a phone call, Sister Mei, Shen Ruowan's agent, hurriedly pushed open the door to the dressing room. Her delicate makeup was crumpled up, and she began to shoo her away in an irritable tone.
The makeup artist smiled and said weakly, "But Xiao Wan is going to shoot a magazine cover soon, and this flower will be finished soon. The head of VG's advertising department just came to urge us."
Sister Mei sneered, "What's the rush? They'd love for us not to go now." Shen Ruowan frowned, sensing something was amiss. After the makeup artist went out and closed the door, she asked, puzzled, "Sister Mei, what happened?"
Agent Mei took a deep breath and said, "I just received a notification from the VG director that this shoot has been cancelled. They've replaced you because you don't fit the magazine's style."
Shen Ruowan: "..." This excuse was so perfunctory that she didn't even bother to complain. She looked at Sister Mei across from her and said in a somewhat annoyed tone, "Could it be that you and VG didn't communicate well?"
VG is one of the four major fashion magazines in the entertainment industry. This year, she finally got a solo cover and was determined to top the trending search list, but the promotion plan was stillborn.
The replacement, especially the last-minute one, was something Shen Ruowan, who had been in the entertainment industry for several years, was no longer a naive girl. She could tell at a glance that there must be something fishy going on.
Sister Mei shook her head and said, "That's impossible. VG offered this shoot on their own initiative, and they were very enthusiastic." After saying that, she paused and said, "Xiao Wan, why didn't you like the couple's video with Young Master Qin in your latest Weibo post? Did you and Young Master Qin have a falling out?"
She adopted a knowing look and softened her voice, saying, "Xiao Wan, you still have to coax a man, especially since Second Young Master Qin is deeply in love with you. He even turned down a leading role in a famous director's film for you."
Hearing this, Shen Ruowan felt a little impatient. She didn't know why everyone around her was bringing this up, emphasizing Qin Rongyun's contributions, but in fact, it had nothing to do with her.
But she still wore her signature smile and said, "Sister Mei, no, Rong Yun and I have always had a good relationship. I even went to the Qin Mansion to see him not long ago."
"Then what's going on?" Sister Mei asked, puzzled. "VG is a subsidiary of the Qin family, and I've withdrawn several proposals from cooperating with you. I asked around and found that these companies are more or less related to the Qin family."
"Even your regular guest position on the most popular children's variety show, 'Cute Little Ones,' has been replaced."
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Author's Note: The Medical Clinic instance is now open! [Panda head emoji]
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