Taoist Doctor - Chapter 28

“Shishu??”

 

Seeing Zhou Jinyuan changing into a uniform on the spot and preparing to preside over a consecration ceremony, the villagers watching were dumbfounded.

 

They had never seen such an astonishing operation before. Could a doctor really stand in for a Taoist priest?

 

“You all go back first, and take my senior brother with you. I’ll come back with them later,” Zhou Jinyuan said to his colleagues from the hospital.

 

“…Okay, Dr. Zhou, you are truly multi-talented.” His colleagues, despite knowing that Zhou Jinyuan was a fire-dwelling Taoist, were still shocked to see him change into ritual robes.

 

They wanted to complain, but it was after work hours, and he was going to “save the day,” so they couldn’t really say anything…

 

They could only applaud the master!

 

The villagers were even more shocked. Just now, he was advising people not to be superstitious, and now he was preparing to consecrate something! Is he a miracle doctor or a charlatan?

 

Moreover, they had heard that he was invited by the famous Xianglu Temple. It was no wonder he spoke so authoritatively about their local spiritual teacher.

 

He was the real deal!

 

Xianglu Temple was a renowned Taoist temple in Haizhou Province. If their spiritual teacher dared to cause trouble, with so many Taoists there, it wouldn’t be easy to deal with.

 

The person who had previously called the spiritual teacher quickly made another call, telling them not to show up and to go back immediately. This was a true master…

 

Daoist Zhao was supported onto the vehicle of the third hospital, accompanied by a young Taoist, and left the village with the volunteer medical team.

 

Zhou Jinyuan, fully equipped and with Daoist Zhao’s peachwood sword on his back, followed the remaining young Taoists to the factory, with a crowd of villagers trailing behind.

 

Someone loudly asked him, “Are you a doctor or a Taoist?”

 

“Of course, he’s a Taoist. I knew it when he diagnosed me so accurately. He must have predicted it!”

 

“Did he really predict the illness?”

 

As he walked, Zhou Jinyuan explained, “I have two professions, just like you might work outside during the off-farming season. One job is separate from the other. Diagnosing illnesses isn’t fortune-telling, and fortune-telling doesn’t happen during work hours.”

 

He took the opportunity to explain the concept that all madness and evil are illnesses.

 

If Zhou Jinyuan had only promoted going to the hospital under his doctor’s identity, not everyone would listen, especially the superstitious villagers.

 

But now, as the person in charge of a religious ceremony, explaining when to go to a Taoist temple and when to go to a hospital, all the villagers, whether they were believers or not, deeply believed him.

 

— Thanks to Xianglu Temple’s wide renown.

 

When they arrived at the factory owner’s place, the owner was initially displeased. He had hired a high master, but now a young novice was taking over. However, seeing so many people respecting the young Taoist, he felt satisfied and regained face.

 

Zhou Jinyuan did not disappoint. His every move exuded a strong presence. Although young, he was vastly different from his junior disciples.

 

“The Supreme Principle is profound and lofty, the light and clear rise to the heavens. If one can cultivate the Way, they become true immortals. Their deeds spread for three thousand years, their times align for forty thousand years. The elixir platform opens the treasure book…” Zhou Jinyuan recited the consecration scriptures fluently and rhythmically along with the ritual music.

 

Although he had only seen it before, he remembered every word of the lengthy consecration scripture and performed the ceremony perfectly.

 

The officiating master alternated between leading the young Taoists in chanting together and chanting solo. He had to remember the steps, each corresponding hand sign, and movements, taking on the most important responsibilities.

 

The consecration ceremony lasted nearly two hours.

 

“…The Way is boundless, and the merits are unimaginable.” Reciting the final line and ending the ritual, Zhou Jinyuan relaxed. After a full day of clinic duty followed by such a long ceremony, he was indeed tired.

 

“Shishu, have some water!” A young Taoist respectfully handed him bottled water.

 

— Even the older masters in the temple needed some preparation and review before performing different rituals.

 

But Shishu Zhou, without any review time, flawlessly recited the long and tongue-twisting scriptures without a single stumble.

 

“Thank you, Daoist. Let’s go to the restaurant!” The factory owner warmly invited.

 

“No need, we’ll just have some packed meals. Senior Brother Zhao is still in the hospital.” Normally, a meal at the host’s place after the ritual wouldn’t be an issue, but Zhou Jinyuan remembered that Senior Brother Zhao was in the hospital, so it wasn’t appropriate to eat and drink here. They should return early to check on him.

 

After his explanation, the owner had no complaints. “Yes, Daoist Zhao has worked hard. Please convey my apologies to him.”

 

Since the incident happened at the factory, the owner also prepared an extra red envelope.

 

…

 

Sitting in the returning vehicle, Zhou Jinyuan first took off his ritual robe, folded it neatly, and placed it with the ritual instruments. Then he ate the packed meal with the young Taoists.

 

He hadn’t eaten dinner, going directly to save the situation, and was now starving after the long day. After eating his fill, he slumped in his seat and dozed off.

 

When they were about to reach the third hospital, a young Taoist woke Zhou Jinyuan. “Shishu?”

 

“…Hmm, are we there?” Zhou Jinyuan rubbed his face and got up. “My colleague sent me a message saying that Senior Brother is resting in the emergency room after his check-up. There’s no major issue, but it’s better to observe him for a night. Let’s go check on him first.”

 

Zhou Jinyuan led them to the emergency room, where it was quite late by now.

 

The emergency center seemed a bit busy tonight. As soon as they entered, they saw a dozen young men smelling of alcohol, some with injuries, getting IV drips or bandaged up.

 

Drunken people showing up in the emergency room at night was common, and injuries were no surprise, as drinking often led to accidents.

 

The emergency doctor Zhou Jinyuan knew was examining a patient’s hand. Seeing Zhou Jinyuan, he greeted him, “He’s on a bed inside. No major issues, you can go see him.”

 

“Thank you.” Zhou Jinyuan glanced at the patient’s hand, seeing it hanging weakly. The patient, reeking of alcohol, slurred, “Doctor, what’s wrong with me…”

 

The emergency doctor, exasperated, said, “I told you, it’s from drinking too much.”

 

Another young man getting bandaged slurred, “Nonsense — how can drinking make my hand stop working? Did someone break my bones…”

 

The emergency doctor continued to deal with the drunkards, “No, and you said he was hiding, not fighting.”

 

Zhou Jinyuan just glanced at them and led the young Taoists inside. Daoist Zhao was lying flat, looking well, with a disciple attending to him.

 

“Senior Brother, haven’t you slept yet? Is it uncomfortable here? We can take you to a bed in our department.” Zhou Jinyuan asked, knowing the Chinese medicine department had available beds, which were better than the emergency environment.

 

“No need. I don’t want to move now. It’s noisy here, but I’m calm.” Seeing them, Daoist Zhao asked about the ritual. Hearing it went smoothly, he sighed in relief.

 

“Luckily, you were there, Junior Brother Zhou. Otherwise, our reputation would have been at stake. And waiting for another auspicious day would delay the host’s business.”

 

Daoist Zhao thought it was fortunate Zhou Jinyuan had an extraordinary memory. He wouldn’t have trusted anyone else.

 

“It was just a coincidence,” Zhou Jinyuan said modestly. He then told the young Taoists to return, including the disciple who had been attending. He decided to stay the night.

 

“It’s no big deal, just rest. If anything happens, you can call the nurse. There’s no need to trouble you,” Daoist Zhao quickly said, feeling bad to have Zhou Jinyuan stay after his long day.

 

“It’s better to have someone familiar around. If you need to use the restroom, I am a doctor after all. Let the youngsters rest.” Though young, Zhou Jinyuan had earned the respect of the young Taoists with his repeated displays of skill. They obediently prepared to leave, wishing Daoist Zhao a good rest.

 

Seeing Zhou Jinyuan was determined, Daoist Zhao, embarrassed, said, “I’m troubling you again. You should sleep nearby too.”

 

“Don’t worry. I’ll get some hot water.” Zhou Jinyuan took a cup and went out, sending off the young Taoists who needed to return to the mountain.

 

As Zhou Jinyuan left, the emergency doctor happened to come in and nearly bumped into him.

 

The emergency doctor, having just freed up, said to Zhou Jinyuan, “Master, I didn’t get to ask earlier. I heard after your free clinic today, you performed a ritual and battled a village charlatan?”

 

His gaze respectfully followed the young Taoist priests trailing behind Zhou Jinyuan, careful not to outpace their martial uncle. These were the lackeys of a great deity in their sect…

 

“This is too ridiculous, the charlatan didn’t even show up.” Zhou Jinyuan looked at him, speechless. “Hey, it was my senior brother who got injured, so I filled in for him to conduct a consecration ceremony. I’ve been meaning to ask, why is the emergency department always at the forefront of spreading rumors? How do they spread so quickly? Who starts them?”

 

He was curious about the emergency department, wondering why they had time to spread rumors despite being so busy. “Is it—”

 

“Huh? Really? I don’t know either?” The doctor on duty chuckled innocently. “I don’t know who said that… So, you weren’t in a battle but conducting a consecration ceremony?”

 

“Yes, and I went to help during my off hours. You didn’t say anything to Director Xie, did you?” Zhou Jinyuan suddenly became wary.

 

Director Xie wasn’t in the hospital at the moment, but he didn’t want to be lectured about it when he came back the next day.

 

“No, no!” The on-duty doctor had just finished speaking when the drunk patient started shouting again.

 

“Doctor—doctor, come here—”

 

A fairly large young man twisted his body like a snot-nosed child and started whining.

 

The on-duty doctor, covered in goosebumps, had no choice but to walk over.

 

The drunken patient grabbed the doctor’s hand, “Doctor, why can’t I move my hand yet—”

 

The doctor felt quite exasperated. “I already told you, it won’t get better in a day. This is radial nerve damage caused by alcohol poisoning. You’ve been drinking for a long time; it’s not going to heal quickly!”

 

“You—you’re lying, drinking causing nerve damage…” The patient grabbed the doctor’s white coat.

 

On-duty doctors dread dealing with drunk patients, especially ones who seem to have been in a fight. Their rambling made no sense. The doctor, unable to lose his temper, tried to pry his coat from the patient’s grip with a wry smile.

 

“Let me take a look. Alcohol poisoning causing radial nerve damage?” Zhou Jinyuan walked over and examined the patient’s hand. Not only was the wrist limp, but the finger joints couldn’t flex.

 

“Who are you? Why are you grabbing my hand?” The young man, reeking of alcohol, said, “Only doctors can grab my hand.”

 

“I’m a doctor too. Don’t you want to treat your hand?” Zhou Jinyuan pressed his pulse firmly. “Sit still! Let me check your pulse!”

 

At his stern command, not only did the whining patient sit up straight, but even his companions beside him, like schoolchildren being scolded by their teacher, straightened up involuntarily.

 

The on-duty doctor silently admired the deity, daring to educate drunken social youths…

 

“Let me try some acupuncture.” Zhou Jinyuan felt the remaining needles from the free clinic should suffice.

 

“No, no…” The drunken patient, entering a phase of inexplicable sadness and crying, looked away from the needle in Zhou Jinyuan’s hand in fear.

 

The young Taoists, who were supposed to leave, stayed out of curiosity to watch their martial uncle treat the nerve damage with acupuncture. The patient’s wrist was so limp it seemed serious.

 

For this kind of condition, known as radial nerve damage in Western medicine, it’s referred to as flaccid syndrome in Chinese medicine, like Qu Guan-feng’s leg. Zhou Jinyuan selected several acupuncture points on the injured hand such as Quchi, Shousanli, Zhigou, and Yangxi to invigorate qi and blood, and to relax the tendons and activate collaterals.

 

The on-duty doctor, seeing the acupuncture points, thought they were quite scientific.

 

Even though he didn’t know the specific functions of these points in Chinese medicine, having studied modern anatomy, he knew the deep branches of the radial nerve distributed at these points!

 

Moreover, the patient began to call out after being needled—the sensation was so strong it was uncomfortable. The on-duty doctor found it fascinating that acupuncture alone could provide such strong stimulation, comparable to some instruments.

 

…

 

At that moment, several young men ran into the emergency center, looked around, and then fixed their eyes on the group.

 

The on-duty doctor noticed them, thinking they were friends of the drunks, coming to check on them.

 

But the next moment, those people pointed over and said, “There they are!”

 

They marched over, glaring at the drunken youths, muttering fiercely.

 

The on-duty doctor and other medical staff turned pale. Worse than dealing with drunken patients is having another group come to seek revenge!

 

These were clearly not friends but the ones who caused the drunks to be here. And they weren’t done, coming to the emergency room to continue the fight.

 

The doctor’s heart skipped a beat, but having been in the emergency department long enough, he quickly and tacitly helped the medical staff get the patients up, preparing to lock them in the duty room.

 

Once the door was closed, they’d call security, their usual response to such situations.

 

But Zhou Jinyuan wasn’t that quick. He was still focused on his acupuncture, twisting the needles, merely frowning at the surrounding commotion without stopping.

 

“Dr. Zhou, hurry!” The on-duty doctor urged, already at the duty room door. Seeing Zhou Jinyuan couldn’t make it in time, he quickly closed the door and ran back. He couldn’t leave Zhou Jinyuan and the others outside.

 

Zhou Jinyuan, concentrating on his acupuncture, didn’t respond. The young Taoists, quick-witted, didn’t run and instead silently blocked in front of him.

 

The Taoists from Xianglu Temple practiced martial arts daily, strong and fit, unlike the drunken youths who had drunk heavily. If it came to it, they wouldn’t lose in a “persuasive” fight.

 

This was another reason the on-duty doctor dared to run back.

 

“Damn, is he still doing acupuncture here?”

 

At the opponent’s curse, the patient seemed to sober up, struggling to get up and trying to move his fingers. They seemed to flex… but the next moment, Zhou Jinyuan slapped him back down, immobilizing him.

 

“What are you doing? Do Taoists mind other people’s business?”

 

“Sir, we’ve already called the police…”

 

“What does this have to do with you?”

 

“How dare you touch our martial uncle!”

 

…

 

The scene became more chaotic, with the opponents bewildered. The medical staff were one thing, but why were Taoists joining the fray? When did the Third Hospital and Xianglu Temple become brother units?

 

As the needle pierced deeply and twisted to obtain qi, Zhou Jinyuan finally breathed a sigh of relief. His face darkened as he looked at these people, then reached back and pulled out the wooden sword from the young Taoist’s back, the one he had used earlier in the day, and stepped forward.

 

A wooden sword?

 

Before the opponent could laugh, Zhou Jinyuan already swung it, touching the opponent’s leg.

 

The young man didn’t expect such quick action and couldn’t dodge. He felt a sharp weakness in his leg and fell to his knees.

 

For the others, Zhou Jinyuan used the same technique, tapping their backs or legs. In no time, they were all on the ground! He even tapped the drunken patient again, making him collapse as well.

 

“… Damn!” The young man on the ground, clutching his leg, still felt the sharp pain, unable to move and crying in frustration. He couldn’t figure out how to relieve the bone-deep pain.

 

They had never encountered such a scene while fighting. Usually, people ran away from their fierce looks, like the medical staff just now hiding in the duty room.

 

But this young man, with a wooden sword, knocked them down with a few taps!

 

“You dare move with needles in you?” What a headache, no wonder everyone feared dealing with drunken patients.

 

Zhou Jinyuan continued to educate the patient, adjusting his position. He still had needles in him, and if they got pressed too deep, it wouldn’t be good.

 

By then, hospital security had rushed over, and the young men seeking revenge were still wailing.

 

The security guards lifted the men, seeing they stood firmly without any apparent injuries. From their crying, you’d think they were in great pain, but lifting their pant legs revealed no bruises.

 

One guard was puzzled. Why didn’t it hurt once they stood up? Kicking their legs, they felt no pain.

 

“What are you looking at? Trying to scam us? Go see the police!” The security guard took them away.

 

…

 

The on-duty doctor had only heard of the deity subduing wild patients, but seeing it in person for the first time, he was exhilarated.

 

Seeing the situation calm down, he immediately posted in the department chat:

 

Those not on duty tonight will regret it. Dr. Zhou came to the emergency room and subdued some drunken troublemakers with his wooden sword!