A Shift in the Village's Gaze
The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of fresh dew as Mo Bei stepped outside his small clinic. The once skeptical villagers now greeted him with warm nods and respectful bows. It was a subtle shift, yet one that spoke volumes. Respect wasn't demanded—it was earned, and Mo Bei had done just that through his dedication.
Children ran past him, laughing, and he noticed a few carrying rough-bound copies of his book, "Foundations of Health: A Doctor's Guide." The schoolteacher had agreed to distribute it, and already, the younger generation was absorbing knowledge that would save lives.
"Doctor Mo!" A woman hurried toward him, cradling her child. "My son has had a fever since last night!"
Mo Bei crouched, his eyes scanning the boy's flushed face. His system immediately activated, overlaying an analysis of symptoms.
[Diagnosis: Early-stage typhoid fever. Cause: Malnutrition and poor hygiene.]
His expression hardened. He had been focused on treating illnesses, but he had yet to address the root cause—poor diet and hygiene practices still plagued the village.
"Don't worry," he said gently, "I will take care of him."
The mother's eyes welled with relief as he led them inside.
Dealing with Disease and Root Causes
Mo Bei quickly prepared a mixture of fever-reducing herbs, blending them with honey to ease the child's discomfort. But treating the boy was just a temporary fix. He needed to address the cause.
By midday, he had gathered the villagers. "Many of you eat little more than rice and dried vegetables," he stated. "A proper diet is necessary to keep the body strong against disease."
Some nodded, but others hesitated. "We eat what we can afford," an older woman said. "Meat is scarce, and fresh vegetables spoil quickly."
Mo Bei took a deep breath. Change was the hardest medicine to swallow.
"I will teach you how to grow medicinal herbs and nutrient-rich plants in your yards," he offered. "Even small improvements can make a difference."
His words struck home. Before long, the villagers were preparing small gardens and learning about nutrition.
[System Notification: Contribution to Public Health Detected. Reward: 20 System Points.]
A small smile tugged at Mo Bei's lips. It seemed the system recognized his efforts beyond just curing individuals.
That night, Mo Bei sat in his study, pouring over his medical texts and system store. His latest earnings allowed him to purchase the "Rare Herbs Compendium."
As soon as he confirmed the purchase, a wave of knowledge flooded his mind—new plants, their properties, rare antidotes…
He exhaled sharply. "This will change everything."
The next day, he wrote a letter to a merchant caravan that passed through the village monthly. With his newfound knowledge, he listed rare herbs that could enhance his treatments. If he could get them, his practice would reach an entirely new level.
[System Notification: Long-term Planning Recognized. Reward: Strategy Attribute +1.]
Mo Bei chuckled. "I see, so the system rewards more than just immediate results."
His vision was expanding. It wasn't enough to be a village doctor. He needed influence, resources, and knowledge from beyond these borders.
A Royal Summon?
Days later, as he was grinding herbs, a horse-drawn carriage arrived. A man in fine silk robes stepped out, his eyes scanning the humble clinic with barely veiled skepticism.
"You are Doctor Mo?"
Mo Bei wiped his hands. "That's me."
The man handed him a sealed letter. "You have been summoned to treat an esteemed noble in the provincial capital. Your reputation has reached the ears of the powerful."
Mo Bei's brow lifted slightly. He had expected recognition, but not this soon. Was this an opportunity or a trap?
Regardless, he wasn't going to refuse. If he truly wanted to change the world, he needed to step beyond the village.
And so, with his medical kit and system guiding him, he took his first step toward a greater destiny.