Chapter 141: Chapter 141: Jiang Xinghai Sits for Consultation, No Patients
"It’s just an honorific title. Don’t take it too seriously."
Jiang Xinghai gave a faint smile, his expression otherwise unreadable.
"Hmph!"
Nong Cuiru snorted coldly.
’The title "Medical God"... Even the ten National Medical Saint Hands of the National Medical Hall wouldn’t dare use it for themselves!’
’And this Jiang Xinghai had the gall to shamelessly invent such an arrogant title for himself?’
’How utterly ridiculous!’
"Everyone, time is limited today, so we only have ten spots available. We ask that anyone who is perfectly healthy step back and leave these opportunities for those with persistent illnesses. Thank you for your cooperation, thank you..."
Lin Liping, Feng Lulu, and Ma Long reminded the crowd that was forming.
"That’s actually Granny Nong! I’ve heard of her—she’s one of the ten National Medical Saint Hands from the National Medical Hall!"
"That’s right, I think Granny Nong is from the He Family in Central State. Her medical skills are said to be miraculous!"
"Yes, that’s right! A lot of people with chronic conditions from the Provincial City travel all the way to Central State just to see her!"
"This is fantastic! Granny Nong is actually here in Jizhou! I’m getting in line first!"
"No, I am!"
"Please, everyone, don’t argue. Let’s keep things orderly."
While trying to maintain order, Lin Liping reminded the crowd, "But this gentleman here is the new Medical God, you know."
But no matter how much she tried to introduce Jiang Xinghai, even with Feng Lulu and Ma Long joining in, it was no use. All the people who came for a consultation merely glanced at Jiang Xinghai before lining up neatly in front of Granny Nong.
It couldn’t be helped.
People have long held a subconscious bias about traditional medicine: only the old and famous possessed truly miraculous skills.
After all, Granny Nong was one of the ten National Medical Saint Hands!
Her status and skill both ranked in the top ten nationwide!
As for the new "Medical God," Jiang Xinghai?
Not only had they never heard of him, but the moment they saw he was just a young man, they dismissed him without a second thought.
And so, the line for the only ten available spots formed exclusively in front of Nong Cuiru.
Nong Cuiru looked extremely gratified.
She had always been revered for healing the sick and saving lives.
It was true in the past, and it was still true today.
"Old Nong," Xue Zhong said, feeling a headache coming on, "today is supposed to be an assessment for Jishan Hall, but all the patients are lined up for you. What are we going to do?"
"Granny Nong, should we send five of them over to Jiang Xinghai?" Lin Liping quickly asked.
"We’re not going over there!"
"That’s right! We came here seeking a renowned master. How can you send us to some wet-behind-the-ears kid?"
"If Jishan Hall is going to be this unfair, you might as well just shut down for good!"
The ten patients in line practically fell over themselves to mock Lin Liping.
Lin Liping was mortified. ’No one wants to see Jiang Xinghai?’
’Then again, what they were saying made sense.’
Jiang Xinghai smiled. "How about this: the next ten people to see me will each receive a lifetime 50% discount card for all medicine purchases at Jishan Hall. Any takers?"
"That works!" Lin Liping was the first to agree.
Xue Zhong was also pleased and nodded, glancing at Nong Cuiru.
After all, Nong Cuiru was the assessor for the day.
"You can decide the terms yourselves. It has nothing to do with me," Nong Cuiru said with a detached nod.
The plan was quickly finalized.
"I’ll do it!"
A man in his sixties who hadn’t been able to get a spot in Nong Cuiru’s line was the first to step up to Jiang Xinghai.
He didn’t believe in Jiang Xinghai’s medical skills either.
However, a 50% discount card on medicine was a great deal for someone like him who needed medication year-round.
"Me too!" A middle-aged woman stepped forward.
"I’ll join," a pregnant woman added, moving over.
Soon, there were ten people.
"Excellent."
Xue Zhong looked at the two lines of people waiting for their consultations.
Then, he turned to Nong Cuiru and Jiang Xinghai. "Now that everything is ready, let’s begin. We’ll start with Master Nong, followed by Divine Doctor Jiang, and then you can alternate. How does that sound?"
Neither party had any objections.
"Then let’s begin."
Granny Nong glanced at her precious grandson, He Zixing, before turning to the first patient.
"Granny Nong, I usually have..."
The first patient had just started to describe his condition when Granny Nong held up a hand, cutting him off.
"You don’t need to say a word. I will diagnose you."
Oozing with confidence, Nong Cuiru placed her fingers on the man’s wrist. She then studied his facial features and nodded to herself. "You suffer from chronic tinnitus that has resisted treatment, and you often experience dizziness. Is that correct?"
"Incredible!"
The first patient’s face lit up with joy. "Granny Nong truly lives up to her name as a National Medical Saint Hand! I’ve had tinnitus for seven years, and it’s been troubling me this whole time..."
"Say no more. I will write you a prescription."
Granny Nong took out a pen and paper and wrote down a prescription: one wild boar’s heart, one gram of cinnabar. Slice half the heart, coat the slices with cinnabar, and steam them on a plate before eating. The next day, prepare the other half in the same manner. You will be fully recovered three days after consumption.
"Thank you, Granny Nong!" the first patient said, his eyes welling with grateful tears.
Granny Nong waved her hand dismissively, her gaze shifting to Jiang Xinghai at her side.
