Chapter 23: System Task

Bai Linglong had just returned to Qingyan Mountain after treating patients when the familiar mechanical voice of the system rang in her mind: “System task released. Go to the medical hall for consultations, seeing ten difficult cases each day that have previously been deemed untreatable. Deadline: one month. Reward: ten thousand points and one lottery gift pack.”

Bai Linglong paused for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully.

Ten thousand points, along with a lottery gift pack, would undoubtedly be a great boost to her medical skills.

After a brief moment of contemplation, she turned to Doctor Zhang beside her and said, “Doctor Zhang, starting tomorrow, I will be available for consulting at the town’s medical hall. Please put up a prominent notice on the door, clearly stating that I will only see ten previously diagnosed difficult cases each day. Patients should come to take a number in advance. If the ten slots for the day are filled, I will not accept any more patients. This rule will last for a month.”

Doctor Zhang looked puzzled, scratching his head as he couldn’t help but ask, “Master, isn’t it too few to only see difficult cases, and only ten each day? Many patients are eagerly waiting for your treatment.”

Bai Linglong’s expression remained calm as she patiently explained, “Difficult cases are different from ordinary ailments. They require a significant amount of time and effort for diagnosis and research. I must ensure that each patient receives the most meticulous treatment without any oversight.”

Although Doctor Zhang still felt uncertain, he respectfully replied, “Yes, Master, I will take care of it right away.”

The next morning, as dawn broke, a long line had already formed in front of the medical hall.

Bai Linglong, dressed in a simple and clean outfit, sat calmly inside the medical hall, her eyes reflecting confidence and determination.

The first patient, supported by others, entered: a thin middle-aged man with a sallow complexion and vacant eyes, who appeared unsteady on his feet.

In a weak voice, he said, “Miraculous Doctor, I’ve seen many doctors who all said there was no hope for my condition. I feel fatigued all day, can’t digest anything I eat, and suffer from insomnia and vivid dreams at night. Please help me!”

Bai Linglong had him sit down, gently grasping his wrist to take his pulse. After examining his tongue, she pondered for a moment before saying, “You have a weak spleen and stomach, compounded by excessive worry, which has led to dysfunction in your organs. The medications prescribed by previous doctors had some merits but did not address the root of the problem. The prescription I will give you focuses on regulating the spleen and stomach, combined with methods to soothe the liver and relieve qi stagnation. If you take the medicine on time and maintain a positive mood, you will gradually recover.”

The thin middle-aged man’s eyes flickered with a glimmer of hope, but he asked with some concern, “Miraculous Doctor, can my illness really be cured? My family has already spent a considerable amount of money on my treatment.”

Bai Linglong smiled reassuringly, saying, “Don’t worry. As long as you actively cooperate with the treatment, there will definitely be a turnaround. Regarding the consultation fee, I see that your family isn’t well-off, so I’ll only charge you three taels of silver.”

The middle-aged man was immensely grateful and thanked her repeatedly.

The second patient was a young woman, looking haggard with red, swollen eyes, surrounded by her family as they brought her in. She sobbed and said, “Miraculous Doctor, I have these strange rashes all over my face. They itch and hurt. I’ve seen so many doctors and used various medicines, but not only did it not get better, it’s gotten worse. I can’t even go out to see anyone.”

Bai Linglong carefully examined the rashes on her face and inquired about her diet, lifestyle habits, and other details before saying, “You have an accumulation of toxins in your body, compounded by exposure to some allergens, which has caused the toxins to manifest on your skin. The treatments you’ve received may have focused solely on superficial inflammation and itch relief without addressing the internal detoxification.”

She continued, “I will prescribe some medicines to clear heat and detoxify, as well as to dispel wind and dampness. Combined with an external ointment, you should see improvement soon.”

The young woman’s mother anxiously asked, “Miraculous Doctor, is the medicine bitter? My daughter hates taking bitter medicine.”

Bai Linglong smiled and replied, “Good medicine is often bitter, but I will do my best to adjust the prescription so that it’s not too acrid. As for the consultation fee, five taels of silver will suffice.”

The young woman’s family nodded eagerly, thanking her profusely as they left.