**Crash!**
The shop owner's small red clay teapot fell to the ground and shattered into pieces.
After hanging up the phone, he didn't bother with his eldest or third brother. Instead, he hurried into the inner room to pack his belongings.
If the eldest had been arrested and the third was wanted, then he certainly wouldn't escape either.
The shop owner was so regretful he felt like dying. How could a mere young man have such immense influence? The empire his three brothers had built over more than a decade had been utterly destroyed by this kid in just half an afternoon.
"Hands up!"
Before he could finish packing, a sharp shout came from the door. He turned to see the entrance crowded with police.
He slumped to the floor, his face pale and drenched in sweat.
After picking up Lin Yu from the precinct, Wei Gongxun repeatedly apologized, saying it was his negligence that had allowed his subordinates to act so recklessly. From that day on, he vowed to thoroughly investigate Qingyuan City and clean up its culture.
Lin Yu never expected that an unintended encounter would bring about such a dramatic change in the entire city of Qinghai.
Wei Gongxun's wife, Zheng Yunxia, appeared kind-faced, with the demeanor of a well-bred lady—the epitome of a gentle and virtuous wife and mother. She was warm and hospitable.
After taking her pulse, Lin Yu used the silver needles Wei Gongxun had prepared to perform acupuncture on her.
Half an hour later, the treatment was complete. Zheng Yunxia moved her waist slightly and felt full of energy. She exclaimed in amazement, "My back doesn't hurt anymore!"
"Just a few more sessions, and you'll be fully recovered," Lin Yu said with a smile.
"Young man, thank you so much. To have such remarkable medical skills at such a young age—you're truly exceptional. I haven't even had the chance to thank you for treating my father last time," Zheng Yunxia said, holding Lin Yu's hand and beaming. "By the way, do you have a girlfriend?"
"Young man, I'm not boasting, but my daughter is about your age. Her looks and figure are impeccable, and she has a line of suitors. If you're willing, I'd be happy to introduce you two."
Before Lin Yu could respond, Zheng Yunxia eagerly promoted her daughter to him. She simply liked Lin Yu too much. She had only heard about him before, but now, meeting him in person, she found him far more mature, steady, humble, and reserved than the average young person.
The way she looked at Lin Yu was very much like a mother-in-law appraising her future son-in-law—the more she looked, the more she liked him.
"Auntie, I… I'm alr—"
"Oh, come on! Really, now. Brother He is here to treat you, and you're talking about this!" Before Lin Yu could finish, Wei Gongxun couldn't help but chide Zheng Yunxia.
"But, Brother He, my daughter really does have both looks and talent. She's quite a match for you. You should really consider it," Wei Gongxun then added, turning to Lin Yu with a sly smile, like a true old fox.
"N-no, thank you. Um, Auntie Zheng's condition still requires some medication. If it's convenient, Bureau Chief Wei, could you come with me to the pharmacy to pick up a few prescriptions?" Lin Yu's face flushed slightly, and he felt too embarrassed to stay any longer.
Wei Gongxun drove Lin Yu to the pharmacy. On the way, Lin Yu's phone vibrated. He saw that Wei Gongxun had sent him a text message—a string of numbers.
"My daughter's contact info. You young people should chat more often," Wei Gongxun said with a grin.
Lin Yu smiled wryly, feeling somewhat shortchanged. Jiang Yan was He Jiarong's wife, but he himself was still single, yet he was labeled as a married man. But then again, what could he do? He was borrowing someone else's skin to live.
"Brother He, look! A new Jishitang Pharmacy has opened here!" Wei Gongxun exclaimed in surprise.
At the intersection ahead, a new pharmacy had opened. Flower baskets and arches adorned the entrance, and a pair of red and white embroidered lions danced lively to the beat of drums and gongs, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers.
"Jishitang has opened a branch in Qinghai. Their medicines are quite good. Let's get the prescriptions there," Lin Yu suggested.
"Alright," Wei Gongxun agreed, secretly admiring Lin Yu's magnanimity. Despite the recent unpleasantness with Song Zheng, Lin Yu was still willing to go to Jishitang for medicine.
This was Jishitang's first branch in Qinghai, marking its official entry into the city. As such, its location, scale, and decor were all top-notch.
Song Zheng's grandfather, Song Minghui, the current head of Jishitang, was personally presiding over the opening ceremony. He was surrounded by a group of disciples and descendants of Jishitang.
As the eldest grandson of the Song family, Song Zheng was naturally present as well.
"Everyone who enters the store today will receive a fifty percent discount on consultations and medicines!" Song Minghui declared with robust energy before cutting the red ribbon to open the doors to customers.
"He Jiarong?" Song Zheng was somewhat surprised to see Lin Yu.
"I'm here to pick up medicine. What, not welcome?" Lin Yu said with a smile.
"You're welcome," Song Zheng replied coldly.
"Xiao Zheng, who is this?" Just then, Song Minghui walked over.
"Oh, Grandpa, this is He Jiarong, the one I told you about—the one who cured Elder Zheng's strange illness," Song Zheng said, glancing at Lin Yu with lingering dissatisfaction.
Song Minghui's interest was immediately piqued. "Young friend, my grandson tells me you have exceptional medical skills and can even perform the 'Asking Life' acupuncture technique. I've been deeply impressed. I wonder if you could demonstrate your skills today and let this old man learn a thing or two?"
Song Minghui's words were tactful, seeming to praise Lin Yu but carrying a hint of challenge.
Over the years, Jishitang had built a renowned reputation, always setting the standard in traditional Chinese medicine. Never before had they been outshone by anyone. Yet, his most talented grandson had been bested by Lin Yu. Naturally, Song Minghui felt somewhat不服气 (unconvinced).
Though nearing seventy, he still had a competitive streak, especially when it came to Chinese medicine.
"Elder Song, you flatter me. I only know a little about medicine. How could I dare show off in front of you?" Lin Yu hurriedly declined.
Little did he know that his modest words sounded more like arrogance to Song Minghui.
"Young people are indeed full of vigor.正好 (It so happens that) our clinic has many patients today. Why don't we take this opportunity to spar and learn from each other?"
With that, Song Minghui extended his hand, gesturing for Lin Yu to enter the clinic in the side hall.
"This…" Lin Yu felt somewhat为难 (hesitant). If he lost, he would surely be ridiculed by Song Zheng and the others. If he won, it would embarrass Elder Song, especially on his opening day.
But Song Minghui's firm attitude seemed to leave no room for refusal.
"Brother He, show them what you've got," Wei Gongxun urged, seeming equally eager.
He had seen He Jiarong's medical skills—exceptional among the younger generation, truly deserving the title of "divine doctor." Meanwhile, Elder Song of Jishitang was widely recognized as a giant in the field of Chinese medicine. A contest between them promised to be a good show!
The周围的人 (bystanders), hearing that Elder Song was going to compete with a young junior, also watched with anticipation. Of course, in their minds, Elder Song was sure to win.
"What's wrong, He Jiarong? Are you scared? My grandfather competing with you would indeed be bullying you. How about this: I'll compete with you on his behalf. If you still don't dare accept, then you're nothing but a quack who relies on trickery! I demand you quit Chinese medicine and stop harming people!" Song Zheng suddenly stepped forward,咄咄逼人 (aggressively pressing).
After losing to Lin Yu last time, he had been stewing in frustration until now. He was eager to use this opportunity to turn the tables.
Song Minghui didn't stop him, tacitly approving. He believed Song Zheng could win. After hearing his grandson describe how Lin Yu had treated Elder Zheng, he felt Lin Yu seemed more like a charlatan.
"Fine, I'll spar with you," Lin Yu said, provoked into acceptance.
Competing with Elder Song would give Lin Yu pause, but dealing with someone as arrogant and conceited as Song Zheng, Lin Yu felt no need to spare his feelings. Since he wanted a contest, Lin Yu would give him one!
Hearing there was excitement to watch, the crowd in the pharmacy stopped their shopping and squeezed into the clinic.
Since the clinic had limited space, many could only crowd outside, craning their necks to see inside.
Song Zheng and Lin Yu sat on either side of the consultation desk and began diagnosing patients.
The first patient was a man in his thirties. He sat down without speaking, pointed to his throat, and could only make "ah, ah" sounds.
After just a glance, Lin Yu lowered his head and began writing a prescription.
Song Zheng was still feeling the patient's pulse, frowning as he said coldly, "You can diagnose without taking the pulse? Do you think you're a god?"
"For a minor illness like this, you still need to take the pulse? Are you an idiot?" Lin Yu replied unhurriedly.
The围观的人群 (onlooking crowd) burst into laughter.
"You!" Song Zheng glared at Lin Yu angrily. "Then tell me, what illness does he have, and what prescription should be used?"
"咽中伤生疮 (Throat injury causing sores), unable to speak, with local redness, swelling, ulceration, and secretions in the throat. It should be caused by a previous burn or puncture from a foreign object," Lin Yu said calmly.
Upon hearing this, the patient pulled his hand back from Song Zheng's grasp, nodding vigorously while making "ah, ah" sounds and giving Lin Yu a thumbs-up.
Song Zheng's face turned铁青 (ashen). Indeed, Lin Yu was right.
He had initially recognized it too, but to be safe, he had taken the pulse, afraid it might be少阴客热引起的咽痛 (sore throat caused by Shaoyin guest heat), as the two conditions were similar and easily misdiagnosed.
He hadn't expected Lin Yu's eye to be so sharp—able to identify the patient's condition at a glance without pulse-taking.
Not daring to delay, Song Zheng quickly prescribed a "Kujiu Decoction" (苦酒汤方). When he pushed it forward, he found the patient had already taken Lin Yu's prescription—which was exactly the same as his.
As the patient stood up, he repeatedly gave Lin Yu a thumbs-up.
"Again!" Song Zheng gritted his teeth.
The next patient was a middle-aged man. He appeared thin and sallow, clutching his abdomen. Weakly, he said, "Doctor, I haven't been able to eat properly for half a month. A while ago, my stomach was uncomfortable, and I was constipated, so I took some laxatives. But then I started having abdominal bloating and pain, and I couldn't eat at all. I've tried many Chinese medicines, but nothing helped."
After listening to his description, Lin Yu and Song Zheng each took his pulse and then lowered their heads to write prescriptions.
Song Zheng wrote: "Cinnamon twigs 3 liang, Licorice root 2 liang, Peony root 6 liang, Jujube 12 pieces, Ginger 3 liang (to be sliced). Boil the five ingredients in 7 sheng of water until reduced to 3 sheng. Remove the dregs and take warm in three doses."
Lin Yu's prescription was similar, but it included an additional ingredient: Rhubarb (大黄), 2 liang.
"Are you trying to kill someone?" Song Zheng glanced at Lin Yu's prescription and said coldly, "The Cinnamon and Peony Decoction I prescribed is sufficient. Why did you add rhubarb? Such a heavy dose—do you know it could be fatal?"
Song Zheng's words were somewhat exaggerated. While long-term use of rhubarb can indeed damage the spleen and stomach and may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and other symptoms, it is not lethal.
But having finally caught Lin Yu in a mistake, Song Zheng naturally exaggerated the consequences. Moreover, his argument wasn't entirely without merit.
While the dose Lin Yu added might be harmless to ordinary people, this patient happened to have a damaged spleen and stomach. Adding rhubarb at this point could indeed burden the spleen and stomach and lead to other complications.
Hearing this, the crowd in the clinic grew restless. Especially after hearing that rhubarb could be fatal, they began to criticize Lin Yu.
"So irresponsible!"
"What kind of doctor are you? Prescribing the wrong medicine can kill people, you know!"
"Without even basic common sense, how can you practice medicine?"
Seeing that he had successfully stirred up the crowd's anger, Song Zheng looked at Lin Yu with smug satisfaction, thinking, *Let's see you boast now. Didn't expect to slip up, did you?*