The air that had been stagnant for a long time around them finally began to circulate again, and those who had cursed Chu Nanli before but had been intimidated by her presence quickly spoke up.
"It's good that you've arrived, Elder Wen. Just now, this woman insisted she was a physician and barged ahead to stick needles into the old lady without regard for anything. Please see if the old lady can still be saved. Don't let her be killed by those needles."
Crouching on the ground, Chu Nanli glanced at the man with a mocking look in her eyes when she heard his words.
Making eye contact with Chu Nanli, the man immediately got more upset and raised his voice, "What's with that look?! Wait till Elder Wen exposes you, you witch! Then wait to be arrested by the Official Residence..."
"Quiet! If you want to argue, go away and argue!"
A curse-filled rebuke made the man's face stiffen, and realizing that it was Elder Wen who had spoken, his face turned red. He wanted to leave, but couldn't resist waiting to see Chu Nanli being humiliated.
Chu Nanli was somewhat surprised to hear the old man scolding someone.
Who would have thought, he had quite the temper.
After taking the pulse for a while, Elder Wen's expression became more and more serious, causing diverse thoughts among the onlookers.
Finally, he withdrew his hand and looked at the several acupoints where needles were inserted into the old woman's neck and head, his expression changing several times.
In the end, his gaze turned to Chu Nanli with a hint of inquiry, "Is she having heart palpitations?"
"Yes."
Chu Nanli had noticed that the old man was experienced in medicine and did not hold the previous incident of being pushed against him. She nodded in acknowledgment.
Elder Wen then asked, "Did you administer these needles?"
"Indeed."
Elder Wen's face changed instantly, very seriously, "If it's a symptom of heart palpitations and the main acupoint of the disease is in the chest cavity, may I ask why you would insert needles at acupoints above the neck instead of in the chest area?"
Chu Nanli replied, "Before the heart palpitations set in, this old lady was agitated, and her brain is still in a state of shock, causing her body to exhibit irregular convulsions. To treat such heart palpitations, it is fundamental to administer needles at the brain acupoints to alleviate the shock response."
Besides, in front of a large crowd, it would have been inappropriate for her to undress the old lady.
Elder Wen's gaze towards Chu Nanli transformed completely, his face flush with excitement, "My young friend, you are truly a medical prodigy! To be so skilled in medicine at such a young age is truly admirable to the old man! Earlier, I was impatient and offended you, I hope you can forgive me."
The crowd around them was astounded.
The man who had wanted to see Chu Nanli embarrassed now looked unbelieving and couldn't help but ask, "Elder Wen, does this woman really understand medicine!?"
Elder Wen had none of the good temper he'd shown Chu Nanli earlier and scoffed coldly.
"Ah, you're the noisy one disrupting my diagnosis."
The man's expression stiffened, full of embarrassment.
Elder Wen snorted and when his gaze shifted back to Chu Nanli, he put on a different face.
"My young friend, when did you learn medicine? Your needle technique, as well as the accuracy with which you diagnose and treat, are beyond my reach."
A wave of amazement swept the crowd.
If the common people had been skeptical about Chu Nanli's medical skills before, they were now left with only shock and admiration.
Who is Elder Wen?
Although it cannot be said that he is the best physician in the Capital City of Xia Kingdom, his reputation and credibility are absolutely very high. Elder Wen grew up poor and almost didn't survive an illness because his family couldn't afford treatment until a barefoot physician passing by saved his life.
The barefoot physician stayed at his home for a while and, seeing his talent in identifying medicinal herbs, took him as an apprentice in training.
Influenced by the barefoot physician, Elder Wen began to treat poor and kindhearted people after he started practicing medicine, with very low fees, which made him very beloved by the common people in the Capital City. Yet, because of this, he offended those profit-seeking medical houses and some minor nobles.
Chu Nanli learned of all this from the discussions among the people around her and looked at the elder before her with even more respect.
"My young friend, I have patients waiting at my clinic, so I won't chat with you any longer. We should have a proper discussion about medicine when there's a chance. I fear there are many questions I must ask you about," said Elder Wen with a candid expression, showing his eagerness to learn.
Chu Nanli felt even more respect for him.
"You flatter me. I am just an ordinary physician."
"You are too modest, my friend."
Elder Wen chuckled, looking meaningfully at the girl who was still immobilized before picking up his medical bag and standing up, "If you want to find me, just go to Apricot Blossom Lane. The neighbors there all know me."
Chu Nanli nodded and earnestly agreed.
After Elder Wen had left, the crowd looked at Chu Nanli with a new perspective, while the man who had repeatedly questioned her had already disappeared, most likely having slipped away unnoticed in embarrassment.
Chu Nanli examined the old lady's condition and, ensuring that she would wake up soon, removed the silver needles that had sealed the girl's acupoints.
The girl realized she could finally move and opened her mouth ready to curse, "You..."