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Physician Chu greeted the senior healer at the door of the room with a respectful clasp of his fist, introducing himself as Chu Feichen, a physician at Zen Clinic and Pharmacy.
The boatman healer returned the gesture with equal respect. "Wang Yisheng," he introduced himself, "resident healer aboard the passengers' boat chartered by the Dragon's Edge Woodcutters company, under the magistrate's arrangements. Just call me Healer Wang."
Healer Wang's curiosity was piqued, prompting him to inquire about Physician Chu's connection to the esteemed owner of Zen Clinic and Pharmacy, Chu Haoran, also referred to as the venerable Old Man Chu. "So, do you know Old Man Chu?"
Chu Feichen appeared somewhat skeptical, noting that "Yisheng" literally means healer and "Wang" is a common family name, which also means king. 'Wang Healer? Emperor Healer?' he sneered inwardly. Despite this observation, he maintained a respectful demeanor towards the senior healer and clarified, "I'm his third grandson."
The boatman healer's eyes lit up with recognition and a hint of nostalgia. "Old Man Chu was my teacher during my apprenticeship. He taught me everything I know."
Physician Chu's skepticism turned into genuine respect. "It's an honor to meet a fellow student of my grandfather."
Healer Wang nodded approvingly. "It's a small world, indeed. But tell me, young Chu Feichen, what have you specialized in under Old Man Chu's tutelage?"
The young physician, already feeling out of his depth, panicked inwardly. He was skilled with injuries, wounds, and poisons, but illnesses and general ailments were not his forte. "I've focused on external injuries and poisons," he admitted. "Illnesses and general ailments are not my strongest suit."
The healer frowned at Chu Feichen and reprimanded him quietly but firmly, "You've got nerve, lad, focusing only on external injuries. What do you know of inner health?"
Chu Feichen mumbled back defensively, "Studying poisons involves understanding internal effects too..."
Healer Wang sighed, realizing he had no choice but to leave the patient in Chu Feichen's care since they were already at the cabin. Reluctantly, he continued to endorse the patient to the young physician. "The patient is stable now. Her fever has subsided, and her temperature is normal. She'll need nourishment and hydration for the next few hours or days until she wakes up."
Healer Wang then turned to Cook Gu, who had been hovering nearby, eager to assist. "Are you the chef?" he asked. After Cook Gu nodded in confirmation, he continued, "Listen carefully. For her meals, prepare a light congee with rice and ginger. Add a bit of shredded chicken for protein, but make sure it's easy to digest. She needs warmth and sustenance without straining her stomach."
Cook Gu nodded, mentally noting the details. "Understood, Healer Wang. Anything else?"
"Yes," Healer Wang continued. "For hydration, brew tea with chrysanthemum flowers and goji berries. It will help in restoring her energy and keeping her hydrated. If possible, add a touch of honey for sweetness, but not too much. We need to avoid any sugar spikes."
Turning back to Chu Feichen, Healer Wang began writing a detailed medical prescription on a piece of parchment. "Physician Chu, here's a list of the necessary herbs and their quantities. Huang Qi to strengthen her qi, Bai Shao to nourish her blood, and Gan Cao for harmonizing the formula. Brew these together in a decoction, and administer it thrice daily."
Chu Feichen studied the prescription carefully, committing it to memory. He recognized most of the herbs, their properties drilled into him by his grandfather, though he rarely worked with them in this combination. "I can prepare these," he said, trying to sound more confident than he felt.
Healer Wang handed him the prescription and continued, "Additionally, monitor her pulse and temperature regularly. If her fever returns, apply a cool compress to her forehead and ensure she remains hydrated." He then asked if Chu Feichen could handle the preparation.
Seeking to assert his competence, Chu Feichen responded, "I do know basic treatments for colds and fevers. I'm not completely inexperienced."
Cook Gu interjected, "Should I adjust his meals if his condition changes?"
Healer Wang nodded. "Yes, if her fever returns or she shows signs of discomfort, switch to simpler broths with minimal seasoning. Avoid any foods that are too oily or rich. Her digestive system will be sensitive."
Relieved to have passed on the responsibility, the senior healer nodded, hoping the young physician would manage. "Remember, junior Chu, inner health is just as important as treating the external injuries. Don't neglect one for the other."
With that, Healer Wang quietly departed. Chu Feichen closed the door and gathered his thoughts, focusing on the task at hand. The young physician took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders as he contemplated his next steps in caring for this unknown patient.
×××××
At the same time, Wu Chen supervised the two apprentice boys, Xiao Lin and Xiao Han, alongside Zhao Tao and four escort men to finish unloading the second wagon filled with harvested wood, timbers, and other materials. The teamwork was efficient and methodical, each person knowing their role and performing it diligently. As they worked, their whispers mingled with the sounds of labor, forming a quiet buzz of speculation.
"Did you see the patient?" Zhao Tao murmured, his voice barely audible over the clinking of timbers.
"I caught a glimpse," Wu Yunzhou replied. "He looked like he'd been through a war. Cuts, muddied, and those odd shoes. Where do you think he's from?"
"Who knows?" Escort Zhu Changli chimed in. "And did you notice the items he carried? Some of them were strange, almost otherworldly."
"Like what?" Escort Bao Hong asked, his curiosity piqued.
Zhu Changli paused for a moment, looking around to ensure they weren't being overheard. "There was a small bronze compass, but it wasn't like any compass I've seen before. The markings were foreign, and it had an intricate design etched into the back. There was also a rugged belt filled with strange, colorful stones in different shapes. I swear, some of them seemed to glow faintly in the dark."
"And that tool," Zhao Tao added, his eyes wide with excitement, "it's unlike anything I've ever seen! At first, I thought it was just some strange hat, but it's made of this hard, smooth material, not wood or bamboo."
Xiao Lin leaned in, curious. "What did it do?"
Zhao Tao continued, "Well, I put it on my head, and it has this strap that secures it under your chin. But the craziest part is the light. There's this small, bright light on the front. When I accidentally pressed something, it lit up with such intensity that it nearly blinded me and Master Wu."
Bao Hong looked astonished. "A light? Not fire?"
"Exactly!" Zhao Tao said, nodding. "No fire at all. It just shone a powerful beam that lit up everything ahead. Master Wu was just as mesmerized as I was. I've never seen anything like it in my life."
"Maybe he's a traveler from a distant land," Escort Chun Haoyu suggested. "Or perhaps he's involved in something... mystical."
They continued their hushed conversations, their imaginations running wild with possibilities, but they kept their focus on the task at hand.
In the gathering hall, Master Jiang and Xiao Bai settled near the fireplace, perched at the edge of the long table, anticipating the return of their companions. They took advantage of the wait to debrief on the day's tasks, focused on their responsibility for processing the delicate timbers as a team. Master Jiang, renowned for his meticulous approach and seasoned expertise, took the lead in the debrief session.
"Xiao Bai, what did you think of today's haul?" Master Jiang asked, his tone reflective.
Xiao Bai, eager to learn and contribute, replied thoughtfully, "The timbers were of good quality, but some pieces had minor imperfections. We need to be careful when processing them to ensure we get the best use out of each piece."
Master Jiang nodded in agreement. "Precisely. Remember, every imperfection can become an asset if used correctly. We need to assess each piece individually and decide its best use. Today, we managed to salvage quite a few pieces that others might have discarded."
Xiao Bai's eyes lit up with understanding. "I noticed that too. With some careful work, those imperfect timbers can be turned into valuable items."
Master Jiang smiled, a hint of pride in his voice. "You've got a good eye, Xiao Bai. Always remember, our craft is as much about seeing potential as it is about skill. For example, that knotty piece we found today can be carved into a beautiful decorative piece. It might not serve as a beam, but it can still add value."
The crackling fire enhanced the cozy atmosphere. Master Jiang leaned back, reflecting, "Our ancestors believed each tree has a spirit and story. Working with timber is not just shaping wood but honoring its life and history. This respect gives our craftsmanship soul."
Xiao Bai listened intently, intrigued. "I never considered that perspective. It makes our work more meaningful."
Master Jiang nodded. "Indeed. Precision and skill are vital, but creativity sets us apart. Experimenting with new designs and techniques often leads to our most beautiful pieces."
Their conversation was interrupted by the sight of the boatman healer, Wang Yisheng, leaving. Master Jiang called out to him. "Healer Wang, wait a moment!"
Healer Wang paused and turned back, curiosity evident on his face. Master Jiang Liheng and Xiao Bai rose from their seats. Master Jiang approached the healer at the entrance of the cabin, and they exchanged greetings with a respectful clasping of fists.
"Please, join us for dinner," Master Jiang invited. "We would be honored to have you."
Healer Wang smiled but shook his head. "Thank you, but I must return to my crew. They'll be waiting for me."
Understanding Healer Wang's need to return, Master Jiang still wished to express his gratitude. He hurried to the fireplace and handed a freshly lit torch lamp to Xiao Bai. "Take this to the healer," he instructed. "Make sure he has light for his journey back."
Xiao Bai nodded and hurried over to Healer Wang. "Here you go," she said, offering him the torch lamp. "Thank you for all your help."
The healer accepted the lantern with a nod of gratitude. "You're welcome," he replied warmly. "Take care of that young man now."
Meanwhile, Master Zhao, Xiao Feng, and Escort Hua Meilin volunteered to fetch Wu Meifen from her nearly completed twelve-hour ancestral vigil at the ancestral home of Ling Kai.