Taoist Doctor - Chapter 37

“These people must have taken advantage of my absence from Yingzhou to spread rumors widely, just like they did in Haizhou, fabricating stories about me being an ill omen or an undercover agent, when they themselves are the ones who have done shameful things…” After a ten-minute walk, Rong Shouyun continued to complain incessantly, deeply resentful of the monks’ actions.

 

Moreover, as they climbed higher, they encountered more Taoists, who couldn’t help but glance at Rong Shouyun’s bald head.

 

— At the mountain summit, there weren’t many people. Since Lu Ling Mountain didn’t have a cable car, reaching the top required at least two hours of hiking. Many people with insufficient stamina only made it halfway, to the temple, and then turned back down.

 

Those who made it to the summit were either in great shape or Taoists.

 

“To be fair, you’ve been a source of misfortune for others who haven’t done anything wrong either,” Zhou Jinyuan remarked with a sigh. “Maybe the news from Haizhou has spread here too, with the ease of information exchange these days.”

 

Fortunately, their family’s reputation in Yingzhou was still good, so they weren’t mistakenly believed to be undercover agents.

 

Rong Shouyun was at a loss for words. He wanted to argue that it was superstitious, but everyone else would likely be very adamant about their beliefs…

 

In Yingzhou, as elsewhere, Buddhist temples generally had more devotees than Taoist temples.

 

For instance, Taoist priests on Lu Ling Mountain would sometimes bitterly comment that the popularity of the incense at the mountain’s midpoint was not necessarily due to the prevalence of Buddhism but merely because it was in a prime location.

 

It was said that local forums often had posts from suspected Taoists advocating for relocating the Taoist temple and the nearby school.

 

This way, the Taoist temple’s incense offerings would increase significantly, and students climbing the mountain to attend classes wouldn’t be criticized for their poor physical condition…

 

Of course, no one paid any attention to these posts.

 

When Zhou Jinyuan and his group arrived at the temple gate, they saw the temple master of the summit’s Taoist temple standing there. Despite the cold weather, he was anxiously looking around, clearly waiting for someone.

 

They were dressed in Taoist robes, and several of them were quite conspicuous.

 

Upon seeing them, the temple master greeted them warmly: “Brother Zhou! You’ve arrived!”

 

“Ah, Temple Master,” Zhou’s father and he exchanged greetings. “Are you waiting for guests?”

 

“No, no, not at all. Just taking a stroll and happened to see you all, haha.” The temple master’s gaze flickered as he looked at Zhou Jinyuan and greeted him, “Jinyuan, long time no see. I heard you’ve been preaching in other regions.”

 

Zhou Jinyuan returned the greeting, “Yes, I’ve been working there recently.”

 

“And Xixue is also out of town, right? Haha.” The temple master was very fond of Rong Xixue. Not only him, but the abbot of the midpoint also liked Xixue very much.

 

Rong Shouyun visited less frequently, but Rong Xixue came with the Zhou family more often. Although they were brothers, the attitudes of religious practitioners towards them were very different, and the temple master even thought Xixue would be quite talented as a Taoist priest.

 

Most importantly, it was said that even the monks believed Xixue had talent, and it was better if someone was competing for him…

 

After chatting about Zhou Jinyuan’s new job, they continued inside. Although the incense offerings were relatively sparse, there were still devoted followers, and many rituals were needed at the end of the year. The temple was still stocked with many ritual supplies.

 

This Taoist temple was ancient, with old architecture and many towering ancient trees and even rare plants.

 

Rong Shouyun last visited here as a child. Reflecting on past experiences, he couldn’t help but comment, “The environment at the summit is much better than at the midpoint!”

 

The temple master seemed startled, looked back at him, and dryly laughed, “You can’t say that. We’re at a higher altitude here, with stronger UV rays in summer and lower temperatures in winter. Especially in freezing weather, with frost on the paths, it’s very difficult to go up and down the mountain. This year, there have been several sprains and injuries…”

 

“What? It’s so severe?” Rong Shouyun looked around and suddenly felt the Taoist temple, which had seemed serene, was now filled with hidden danger.

 

Rong Xixue suddenly interjected, “How is the Taoist priest who got injured? He’s studying orthopedics.”

 

Rong Shouyun: “Yes, yes. Do you need help?”

 

Temple Master: “…”

 

Temple Master: “He’s about recovered, thank you.”

 

The group entered the main hall, and Zhou’s father began setting up offerings.

 

Rong Shouyun touched a pillar and said, “Tsk tsk, it has such a historical feel, very peaceful.”

 

The temple master laughed heartily, “Haha, ancient site, but it’s prone to dampness, and very chilly in both winter and summer! We even have to do our homework here at night.”

 

The sense of tranquility was replaced by the cold dampness, and Rong Shouyun withdrew his hand.

 

“Temple Master, I noticed a few unfamiliar faces earlier. Are they new Taoist priests?” Zhou’s father asked.

 

“Ah… no, they’re new devotees coming to help…” the temple master replied.

 

“How many Taoist priests are there?” Rong Shouyun asked casually.

 

The temple master seemed overwhelmed and turned around, hesitantly saying, “Actually, we don’t need more people. The recruitment notice should have been removed…”

 

Rong Shouyun was momentarily confused. “???”

 

It wasn’t until Zhou Jinyuan couldn’t help but chuckle, holding back his laughter, that Rong Shouyun came to his senses. “…………… I didn’t come here to be a Taoist priest!”

 

Rong Shouyun’s fame extended beyond the Buddhist circles to the entire Haizhou religious community. The temple master, fearing Rong Shouyun might want to become a Taoist priest, was anxious since he knew Rong Shouyun and Brother Zhou were acquaintances. He worried what if Rong Shouyun decided to become a Taoist priest?

 

Their Taoist temple couldn’t handle Rong Shouyun’s whims!

 

As soon as Rong Shouyun praised the temple, the temple master was terrified and started explaining frantically.

 

“It was a misunderstanding; he has already decided to return to the secular world and co-establish a clinic with my son,” Zhou’s father said with a hearty laugh, finding it very amusing.

 

Rong Shouyun: “…”

 

Why are they laughing so happily? It’s clear they are father and son.

 

Seeing their expressions didn’t seem fake and with Zhou’s father even vouching for him, the temple master finally relaxed a bit, “Sorry, sorry.”

 

He seemed flustered, weighed his options, and then said, “I’ll go light some incense for you, wishing for success in your endeavors…”

 

Rong Shouyun: “…”

 

Since Rong Shouyun wasn’t there to cause trouble, the temple master didn’t stay to follow them closely. With the New Year approaching and many things to handle in the temple, he went off to attend to his duties.

 

Instead, another familiar person came over to greet them, an old patient of Zhou’s father.

 

Upon seeing her, Zhou’s father said, “Oh, you’ve come up the mountain too? You shouldn’t tire yourself out.”

 

The old patient smiled, “I’ve been taking it slow, just strolling up here. I plan to stay for a couple of days. What a coincidence to run into you. And Dr. Zhou, it’s been a long time.”

 

“Ms. Xu, long time no see. Since we’ve met, let me check your pulse,” Zhou Jinyuan said as he approached to give her a check-up. “How’s your diet been lately?”

 

Rong Shouyun, unfamiliar with her, glanced over and asked casually, “What illness does she have?”

 

“Esophageal cancer. I treated it with Jinyuan, and it’s been cured,” Zhou’s father answered.

 

Rong Shouyun understood that when Zhou’s father mentioned the patient was “clinically cured,” it meant that the cancer was in remission.

 

Currently, medicine cannot guarantee a 100% cure for cancer, and there is a five-year survival rate used for most cancers.

 

— If a patient shows no signs of recurrence within five years after treatment, the likelihood of recurrence becomes very low, and they can lead a normal life. This is considered cured or close to being cured.

 

When Zhou’s father first treated this patient, Zhou Jinyuan was nearing the end of his training. Zhou’s father had devised a major plan, diagnosed the phlegm and obstruction, and then Zhou Jinyuan executed the treatment.

 

The patient was quite brave and possibly had little hope left. Zhou’s father, however, always fought until the last moment, struggling against the disease. No matter how severe the situation, he extended the patient’s survival as much as possible and alleviated their suffering as much as he could, striving for consensus and achieving the best outcome.

 

The patient had no objections to Zhou Jinyuan’s responsibility. At that time, she could barely eat and couldn’t even take medicine, suffering from medullary esophageal cancer.

 

Zhou Jinyuan changed his usual precise style of medication to using large doses of Pinellia combined with other herbs, allowing the patient to slowly take the medicine. As a result, a month later, she could eat steamed buns.

 

Under the care of this father-son duo, her condition remained stable for years. Now, when Rong Shouyun saw her, she looked like a healthy person.

 

Zhou Jinyuan performed a follow-up examination, and her pulse was also in good condition. After giving a few instructions, the patient left in a cheerful mood.

 

“Alright, let’s light some incense first. May medicine flourish and people be free from suffering!” Zhou’s father said as he waved his sleeve.

 

……

 

As a Buddhist, Rong Shouyun did not participate in lighting incense, offering only his silent wishes.

 

The Zhou family went through the various halls for worship. When they reached the Sanqing Hall at the back, they saw the temple master had come again, this time accompanied by a young couple. They were both very good-looking and appeared to be college students.

 

“Ah, here,” the temple master called out. “Brother Tao, please wait a moment and take a look at this patient.”

 

The young woman was the daughter of an old devotee of their Taoist temple, studying elsewhere, and had brought her boyfriend home for the New Year.

 

Originally, they wanted her boyfriend to stay at their house, but he said he had a chronic illness and poor sleep, and wasn’t comfortable staying there, so he preferred to stay in a hotel.

 

The girl was disappointed and mentioned it to the temple master while climbing the mountain because she remembered the temple master knew a famous Taoist doctor locally.

 

However, her boyfriend was reluctant, mumbling, “It’s not necessary. I think it’s fine…”

 

“Do you have something against traditional Chinese medicine? This doctor is particularly skilled and very famous here. It’s lucky to meet him today! Don’t think only big hospitals have famous doctors,” the girlfriend said in a low voice.

 

They didn’t realize that several people present had keen hearing and could hear everything clearly.

 

“I don’t have anything against it. I actually wanted to see a traditional Chinese doctor. I just thought it wasn’t worth the trouble…” The boyfriend stammered.

 

“What kind of logic is that? It would be less trouble to come here first, wouldn’t it? Are you going to see him or not? If not, I’m going down the mountain,” Zhou’s father said with his hands behind his back.

 

The couple: “…”

 

They hadn’t expected that everyone could hear them.

 

The girlfriend quickly said, “Sorry, doctor. Please take a look at him! He hasn’t slept well for many years.”

 

She knew Dr. Zhou well. If Dr. Zhou was willing, he could choose any hospital in the city. But if he didn’t, she might not be able to get an appointment for days!

 

Thanks to their good relationship with the temple and the introduction by the temple master, the boyfriend had no way to refuse and finally ended up in front of Zhou’s father. He struggled for a moment and said, “Doctor, I’m not lying. I’m not opposed to traditional Chinese medicine. My friend introduced me to a very skilled traditional Chinese doctor in Haizhou, who is reputed for treating difficult cases.”

 

He seemed to provide details to prove he wasn’t making things up. “I planned to see this doctor, and he said he could contact that doctor. The doctor in Haizhou’s Third Hospital, Zhou Jinyuan, is quite famous recently. I don’t know if you’ve heard of him…”

 

Zhou Jinyuan: “Who is looking for me?”

 

Zhou’s father, accustomed to seeing patients casually, was chatting quietly with Rong Xixue and didn’t pay much attention until he suddenly heard his own name.

 

He approached with the same casual posture as his father, hands behind his back. “What’s the matter?”

 

Boyfriend: “???”

 

He looked confused.

 

Zhou’s father coolly said, “You were looking for Zhou Jinyuan, and here he is, my son.”

 

Boyfriend: “……………”

 

Zhou Jinyuan laughed, “What’s going on? You want me to treat him instead of my dad? This is new; I’ve never encountered such a request before.”

 

Even if they wanted him to treat their illness, it was one thing, but to replace his father with him was unheard of; it was usually the other way around.

 

The boyfriend was flustered, wondering what luck he had to run into the real deal. “You, you’re really Zhou Jinyuan? Aren’t you in Haizhou?”

 

“I’m from Yingzhou. Of course, I return home for the New Year,” Zhou Jinyuan said naturally.

 

“That’s even better!” The girl was particularly pleased, “You don’t need to hesitate now.”

 

The boyfriend’s mouth twitched, “Y-yes…”

 

Zhou’s father and Zhou Jinyuan exchanged glances. They had seen many patients and immediately noticed the boyfriend might have some concerns. Zhou’s father tentatively asked, “What specifically is wrong with your sleep?”

 

Boyfriend: “Uh, I have many dreams and feel restless.”

 

Zhou’s father said, “Let me take your pulse.”

 

The boyfriend hesitated before extending his hand, wondering if the treatment would actually be effective.

 

Dr. Zhou took his pulse and then made a dismissive gesture. “Insomnia. It’s not hard to treat.”

 

The boyfriend, initially worried, felt a bit disappointed upon hearing this diagnosis.

 

“This is more about addressing emotional issues. Since you’re familiar with Taoist practices, you can help him improve his mood by reciting scriptures. When his mood improves, he’ll naturally sleep better,” Dr. Zhou instructed the girlfriend, who promptly began taking notes on her phone.

 

Taking advantage of the situation, Zhou Jinyuan pulled the boyfriend to a corner and took his pulse again.

 

“I thought you already examined me,” the boyfriend said, puzzled.

 

Ignoring him, Zhou Jinyuan whispered, “Have you ever been treated for this condition before?”

 

“Uh, yes. It’s been over ten years and hasn’t improved.”

 

Zhou Jinyuan: “Have you seen a traditional Chinese doctor? Did they always suggest kidney supplements?”

 

The boyfriend looked as if he had been struck by lightning. “I… I…”

 

It’s embarrassing for anyone to be told they need kidney supplements, and the boyfriend was at a loss for words.

 

“Your condition actually has nothing to do with the kidneys, so those treatments would be ineffective,” Zhou Jinyuan explained. “And after ten years, it’s clearly affecting your mood, which is causing your sleep problems.”

 

Noting the boyfriend’s anxious and shocked reaction, Zhou Jinyuan reassured him: “I understand it’s awkward. My father intentionally redirected your girlfriend because issues like bedwetting are sensitive.”

 

The boyfriend swallowed hard, feeling like he wanted to collapse. His true issue was not insomnia but rather an embarrassing condition: bedwetting. He had been reluctant to discuss it with his girlfriend and had only framed it as a sleep problem.

 

For over ten years, he had suffered from involuntary bedwetting several times a night, requiring him to wear adult diapers. He had tried various treatments without success. The fact that Zhou Jinyuan and his father had pinpointed the problem without being told made him feel hopeful.

 

“How should I address this?” the boyfriend asked, trying to control his excitement and speak quietly.

 

“This condition is generally treated through the liver rather than the kidneys. From what I see in your tongue coating and pulse, it seems related to liver dysfunction affecting fluid regulation, leading to bedwetting,” Zhou Jinyuan explained.

 

Despite the connection between bedwetting and the kidneys, it actually involves the liver, which affects the lower abdomen and reproductive organs.

 

The boyfriend was not sure why the liver was involved but decided to trust Zhou Jinyuan. “I’ll follow your advice.”

 

“Later, my father will prescribe medicine. Follow the treatment and come back for a follow-up,” Zhou Jinyuan said, patting his shoulder and smiling as if they were just having a casual conversation.

 

The boyfriend looked gratefully at Zhou Jinyuan. His long-standing and humiliating condition had made him increasingly despondent, and the doctor’s sensitivity to this issue was comforting.

 

Seeing this, Dr. Zhou ended the topic. “I’ll prepare the prescription. Take the medicine as instructed and come for a follow-up in a few days.”

 

“Thank you. I was initially reluctant, but I feel so embarrassed now!” The girlfriend observed her boyfriend’s sudden shift from resistance to enthusiasm and was speechless.

 

“That’s alright,” Dr. Zhou said casually, not taking it personally.

 

Many patients experience various emotions and behaviors due to their illnesses. As a doctor, it’s important not to be overly affected by these. Dr. Zhou’s principle has always been to treat both the heart and the illness.

 

Otherwise, you might cure the illness but severely damage the person’s self-esteem, which is not necessarily a positive outcome.

 

—

 

In the afternoon, they finally descended the mountain.

 

At the mid-point of the descent, a few monks noticed them and stood at the temple gate to watch.

 

They did not attempt to stop them but simply watched as they left.

 

Dr. Zhou remarked, “I think they’re just here to see what you look like.”

 

Rong Shouyun: “…”

 

When they reached the foot of the mountain, they saw several church members at the entrance, handing out promotional pamphlets. “Hello, do you know about God? Please take a look.”

 

Seeing the group approach, they whispered among themselves and then quickly packed up the pamphlets and left.

 

Everyone except Rong Shouyun: “Hahahahaha…”

 

The unity of the people at Luling Mountain was impressive!

 

Rong Shouyun: “…”

 

How much can one tolerate?

 

Rong Shouyun turned towards the departing church members and threatened, “Give me a pamphlet!”

 

They were so frightened that they hurried away even faster.

 

Rong Shouyun, finally finding some amusement, shouted, “Why are you running? I just want to learn about your products!!”

 

Passersby: “…………….?!”