Chapter 25: Difficult Cases

The seventh patient was a young scholar, thin and with dim eyes. After entering, he bowed deeply, “Miraculous Doctor, this illness has been tormenting me for a long time. I feel disoriented every day, my memory is fading, and I can’t focus while reading. The doctors I’ve seen all said it’s due to excessive thinking, but the medicine hasn’t helped.”

Bai Linglong carefully took his pulse and observed his expression, saying, “You have a deficiency of heart and spleen qi and blood, leading to a lack of nourishment for the mind. Previous treatments had some merits, but they failed to fundamentally replenish qi and blood or nourish the mind. I will prescribe some medicine to strengthen the spleen and nourish your heart, invigorate qi, and replenish blood. You should also pay attention to rest and relax your mind.”

The scholar anxiously asked, “Miraculous Doctor, will this illness affect my chances of passing the imperial examination? I’ve studied for a long time, hoping for a good future.”

Bai Linglong reassured him, “As long as you take the medicine on time and regulate your body, you will surely recover. The consultation fee will be three taels of silver.”

The scholar breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Thank you, Miraculous Doctor. I will take the medicine on time.”

The eighth patient was a dark-skinned farmer, carried in by his family. His legs were swollen, making it difficult for him to walk.

He said with a bitter face, “Miraculous Doctor, my legs have been swollen for months. I’ve seen many doctors, taken medicine, and received acupuncture, but the swelling hasn’t gone down. I can’t even do the farm work anymore.”

Bai Linglong carefully examined his legs, inquired about his living environment and dietary habits, and said, “You have been working in a humid environment for a long time, allowing dampness to invade your body. Coupled with a weak spleen and stomach, you are unable to transport and transform dampness, leading to edema in your lower limbs. I will prescribe some medicine to drain dampness and invigorate the spleen and stomach. Combined with a foot-soaking formula, the swelling will soon subside.”

The farmer’s wife anxiously asked, “Miraculous Doctor, how long do we need to take the medicine? We can’t afford to wait that long.”

Bai Linglong said, “Take one course of treatment first, about half a month, and then we’ll assess the situation. The consultation fee will be four taels of silver.”

The farmer’s wife quickly replied, “As long as it can be cured, we will find a way to raise the money.”

The ninth patient was a portly businessman, walking in with a belly that stuck out and a worried expression. “Miraculous Doctor, my belly is getting bigger and bigger, like I’m pregnant, but I’m a man! I’ve seen many doctors, but none of them know what’s wrong. Please take a look.”

Bai Linglong had him lie down and carefully pressed on his abdomen. She examined his tongue and pulse and said, “You have an accumulation of phlegm and dampness, and your spleen and stomach are not functioning properly, leading to abdominal distention. The previous doctors did not accurately diagnose your condition. I will prescribe some medicine to medicine to clear phlegm and dampness as well as strengthen the spleen and stomach. You should also pay attention to eating a light diet and avoid greasy foods.”

The portly businessman asked with a puzzled look, “Miraculous Doctor, can this illness be cured?I need to take care of my business.”

Bai Linglong replied confidently, “As long as you cooperate with the treatment, you will surely recover. The consultation fee will be eight taels of silver.”

The businessman frowned but still said, “As long as it can be cured, money is not an issue.”

The tenth patient was a child, his eyes vacant and his responses slow. His parents brought him in, their faces filled with anxiety, almost on the verge of tears. “Miraculous Doctor, our child has been like this ever since he recovered from a serious illness. He’s slow to react and can’t speak properly. We’ve taken him to many places, but they all say there’s no cure. Please save our child.”

Bai Linglong carefully observed the child’s expression and conducted a thorough examination, saying, “This child suffered brain damage after his illness, leading to delayed intellectual and language development. Previous treatments have not focused on repairing the brain damage. I will first use acupuncture to stimulate specific acupoints and then combine it with internal medicine to enhance intelligence and awaken the mind, as well as invigorate blood circulation. With persistent treatment, the child will gradually improve.”

The child’s parents were filled with hope and asked, “Miraculous Doctor, how long will the treatment take? What should we pay attention to?”

Bai Linglong patiently replied, “The treatment may take a long time, so you will need patience and careful care. You should communicate with the child frequently to stimulate his language skills.”

The child’s parents nodded eagerly, saying, “As long as our child can be cured, we are willing to do anything.”

The day’s consultations came to an end. Although Bai Linglong was exhausted, she felt immense satisfaction as she watched the patients leave with renewed hope.

Doctor Zhang stood by, tidying the medical instruments. He said with admiration, “Master, you were truly amazing today! These difficult cases all have hope for recovery in your hands. Not only are your medical skills extraordinary, but you also show extra care for the poor patients. You are truly a compassionate doctor.”

Bai Linglong smiled lightly and replied, “As doctors, this is what we should do. Helping these patients overcome their illnesses is my greatest wish.”

At that moment, many patients outside the medical hall, have read the notice, left with disappointment. However, they all hoped to come early tomorrow to take a number and receive Bai Linglong’s treatment.

Meanwhile, Bai Linglong eagerly awaited the next day, ready to continue her system task and use her medical skills to bring hope to even more people.