Chapter 1189: Chapter 1189: Finish What You Start
Lin Tian said with a mix of amusement and exasperation, "Teacher, how could I not trust you? The prescription you gave is absolutely the best in the world; there’s no way I’d change it."
"You’re getting full of yourself, aren’t you? Do you think I don’t know your skills? If I ask you to look, then just look." Zhao Xuefeng was a straightforward person, always speaking his mind.
Everyone in the room was used to this scene. Lin Tian could provide many prescriptions, and his reputation was already so well-known nationwide, no one believed this was Zhao Xuefeng’s doing. People were more inclined to believe Lin Tian’s medical skills surpassed Zhao Xuefeng’s.
Lin Tian didn’t hold back either; he took the prescription and looked over it briefly. It was a very standard formula to nourish the meridians, improve circulation, and aid excretion. The herbs and doses used were mild, probably because they were afraid Lin Tian’s body couldn’t handle anything too potent.
This is the advantage of herbal medicine: it can be mild or aggressive, adaptable and person-specific. Though it works slowly, it has no side effects and can treat other bodily issues.
After reading it, Lin Tian said, "Teacher is teacher indeed; this prescription couldn’t suit me better: one bit more would be too much, one bit less would be too little."
Zhao Xuefeng laughed, pointing at Lin Tian teasing, "You little rascal, even your flattery is so polished. You just say nice things to appease me. Since you say this prescription suits you, then take it as prescribed."
"Mm." Lin Tian nodded in agreement.
"Then Qingtang and I will come back to check on you in a few days, rest well." Zhao Xuefeng instructed repeatedly.
"Take care, teacher."
Zhao Xuefeng nodded and stood up. Only after turning around did he notice that besides Bai Shishi and the others, many other family members filled the room, nearly standing it full. Yet, no one dared to make an unnecessary sound, as if they had a lot to say.
Zhao Xuefeng let out a soft hum, raised his hand, and loudly said, "Disperse, all of you. What he needs most now is rest. Why are you all standing here? Do you doubt my medical skills?"
"Mr. Zhao, how could we not trust you? We just..."
"Just what?" Before the other person finished, Zhao Xuefeng frowned and said angrily, "Seeking credit? Or trying to establish connections? This isn’t the time. Out you go, out you go. We’ll talk about it later."
Immediately, the crowd looked at each other, at a loss for what to do.
They couldn’t afford to offend Zhao Xuefeng; his medical skills gave him strong connections with major families, making him a valued guest.
Could they offend such a guest? Obviously not.
To avoid conflict, someone wise, standing somewhat forward, cupped his hands towards Zhao Xuefeng and Lin Tian and said, "Then I will visit Lin Tian in a few days. Rest is indeed a top priority."
"Thank you." Lin Tian nodded and smiled at him, remembering his face.
The wise man cupped his hands again and then turned to leave. However, before he could exit, Mei Ruyan’s voice sounded from behind: "Next time, don’t come empty-handed, bring some elixirs or something."
Upon hearing this, the man nearly stumbled and fell on the spot. Young lady, you can’t just blatantly demand like that!
Miaoqiu covered her mouth and chuckled. Her sister was indeed mischievous enough, putting those old men in an awkward spot. Next time anyone visits, they must bring something; otherwise, they’ll lose face.
Everyone except those close to Lin Tian cupped their hands to him as they left.
Honestly, without those people whose intentions were not purely medicinal, the air in the room felt much fresher.
Lin Tian never expected his teacher to handle these ancient martial families so firmly, dismissing them in a few sentences.
"You all should leave too, let him rest a bit more." This time, Zhao Xuefeng spoke to the girls in the room, as well as Wu Hong and Wu Zong.
Mei Ruyan was a bit upset; she had been worried for several days, and now that Lin Tian just woke up, they couldn’t even talk for a few minutes?
But when Bai Shishi pulled her out and gave her a wink, Mei Ruyan’s displeasure dissipated. It was better to let Lin Tian rest a bit longer, as they also needed rest; they hadn’t been sleeping well these past few days.
"Wu Zong, wait, I have something to ask you." Lin Tian called.
...
Zhao Xuefeng was Lin Tian’s teacher, and out of courtesy, Lin Tian should have seen him off. But since Lin Tian was lying in bed, Bai Shishi and the others had to escort Zhao Xuefeng out.
Upon leaving the yard and crossing the threshold, Zhao Xuefeng stood under the eaves and said to Bai Shishi and the others, "This is far enough. You all should go back and rest more."
"Goodbye, sir."
...
Luoyan Dock was built in accordance with the imperial palace. Walking down the red walls and yellow roof corridors, gazing at the cloud dragons and jade rabbits on the walls, Zhao Xuefeng sighed softly, "Are you still thinking about that rascal?"
"I’m not." Zhao Qingtang gently shook her head.
"Hehe, the girl’s grown up and has secrets from her grandpa now." Zhao Xuefeng said with a laugh.
Zhao Qingtang had always been understanding since she was a child. Although she had a bit of a tomboyish nature, she couldn’t hide her feelings. Though she said no, her emotions were written all over her face. Given Zhao Xuefeng’s experience, how could he not see through it?
When Lin Tian had his accident, Zhao Xuefeng was called over here. Zhao Qingtang insisted on coming along, and he, as a grandparent, naturally wouldn’t refuse.
Initially, he hoped this girl could lend a hand. But unexpectedly, when it came to Lin Tian’s condition, she applied herself even more seriously than he did.
When Zhao Xuefeng and some Western doctors declared Lin Tian a vegetable, only Zhao Qingtang refused to believe it. Yet, she didn’t argue with others, including Zhao Xuefeng. Every morning, noon, and night, she’d perform acupuncture on Lin Tian with silver needles. Every session left her drenched in sweat, looking exhausted.
This was the result of her concentration and the aftereffects of lack of rest.
During Lin Tian’s days of illness, Zhao Qingtang was the person who spent the most time with him.
The prescription previously shown to Lin Tian wasn’t written by Zhao Xuefeng but by Zhao Qingtang—standard yet gentle, with a lot of thought put into it.
When Zhao Xuefeng showed Lin Tian the prescription, it was Zhao Qingtang who worried the most about his response. Then, when Lin Tian praised the prescription, Zhao Qingtang was the happiest.
She didn’t want anyone to know her contributions, so to outsiders, it all seemed like Zhao Xuefeng’s credit.
"If you can’t let go, then stay." Zhao Xuefeng said.
"No need. He doesn’t lack someone like me around."
"Can those others even compare to you? They don’t hold a candle to you. Grandpa taught you to follow through since you were little. Lin Tian’s illness isn’t fully cured yet, leaving now is leaving things unfinished."
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