Chapter 8, Artemisia

The students and assistants of the medical clinic should not boast about themselves, as the patients and their families have already given their thumbs up: "Li Family Medical Clinic, a miraculous revival!"

While Pang Xian was diagnosing the condition, an apprentice had already prepared the ink and laid out the paper, asking him to write down the prescription to take to the pharmacy for medication. Additionally, the prescription needed to be documented as a medical case for future reference. Qin Lin observed this and found it quite formal.

The specific remedy for malaria is quinine, derived from the cinchona tree native to South America, which has certainly not yet been introduced to China. How then could Pang Xian provide treatment?

Li Shizhen waved his hand and said with a smile, "The patient is the priority, there is no need to rush." After saying this, he examined the pulse of the patient on the stretcher, then walked over to Pang Xian's side, looked at the medical record he had written, and nodded slightly as he read, clearly believing that his disciple's prescription was appropriate and that the patient would surely be saved.

I wonder why this Bull Dali is so enraged

Pang Xian wore a cold expression, snorted through his nose, ignored Niu Dali, and continued to methodically have the old woman switch hands to continue taking her pulse.

Suddenly, this giant man, resembling a diamond, rushed in front of Qin Lin in just a few steps. His massive body stirred up a gust of wind, and his expression was quite menacing as he gritted his teeth. He extended his palm, as large as a fan, intending to grab him by the collar.

Niu Dali's face was pale, large drops of sweat were falling from his forehead, and his substantial body was trembling uncontrollably. With a thud, he knelt on the ground and bowed his head to Pang Xian in apology

Pang Xian received about eighty percent of the true teachings from Li Shizhen, and his medical skills were quite remarkable. He quickly diagnosed the illness of the patient, saying: "The patient's pulse indicates that she is usually in good health, but she has been to a place with damp and hot miasma, and has contracted a case of warm malaria. This illness is fierce and can be life-threatening, but as long as it is treated in a timely manner, it is not difficult to recover."

Unexpectedly, Zhang Jianlan scanned the apprentices in the clinic and finally looked at Qin Lin with a cunning expression: "Junior Brother Qin, since you are not familiar with the properties of the medicine, start with grinding the herbs and practice your skills first"

Zhang Jianlan and Bai Lian exchanged a glance, filled with a sense of schadenfreude

Qin Lin was lost in thought, ignoring everything around him

Only Qin Lin noticed that Pang Xian's gaze contained more approval than reproach. It turned out that Pang Xian had excellent eyesight and had clearly seen the entire process of Qin Lin pushing aside Lu Yuanzhi and then blocking in front of Qing Dai.

Qing Dai was unaware that Qin Lin was thinking about artemisinin. She only noticed that Qin Lin's expression was fluctuating; at times he appeared troubled and anxious, while at other times he seemed to feign calmness. She thought he was quite frightened by Niu Dali, so she softly "comforted" him: "Qin Shidi, what are you afraid of? As long as Mr. Pang cures that brute's mother, he won't make things difficult for you... Hey, I must say, you coward, I can't believe you have caused so much trouble. How did you get on his bad side?"

In a moment of helplessness, Qin Lin could only cross his hands and raise them upwards, resting them on the opponent's wrist. He felt an overwhelming force coursing down his arm; with this strike, not only did his arms nearly fracture, but even the bones and joints throughout his entire body were cracking audibly.

Quinine, also known as cinchona bark originating from South America, has dominated the position of the sole effective treatment for malaria for several centuries. However, it has significant toxic side effects and its cure rate is not particularly high

Niu Dali let out a sound and got up from the ground, pointing at Qin Lin, and said with a cheerful smile: "That sounds great! Doctor Pang is truly a good person. If you can cure my mother's illness, I won't hold it against this little, little brother anymore"

Qin Lin secretly laughed at himself for being overly worried about imaginary troubles

Although Li Shizhen said not to rush, Pang Xian could not keep his master waiting for long. He swiftly completed the medical case and prescription, then handed it to his first disciple, Zhang Jianlan: "Go to the pharmacy and fetch two bundles of Qinghao, mix it with water and extract the juice. When the patient transitions from feeling cold to having a fever, administer it. I believe there will be no major issues, and improvement should be seen within one or two hours."

Cough, cough..." Pang Xian, who was examining the old woman’s pulse, furrowed his brows and said coldly: "How strange, is this a medical clinic for treating illnesses, or a martial arts school for sparring?"

Zhang Jianlan and Bai Lian, along with their apprentices, were greatly alarmed upon witnessing this and quickly moved to the sides to avoid being hit by the brawny man, fearing that a collision would result in broken bones and torn muscles, which would be an undeserved disaster

He originally intended to say "little brat and - picture - book," but at the last moment changed it to "little brother"

Traditional Chinese medicine often involves decocting medicinal herbs to create tinctures for consumption. However, when it comes to using Artemisia annua to treat malaria, the method changes to "crushing and taking the juice directly"—this indicates that ancient physicians were already aware that the therapeutic effects of Artemisia annua on malaria would be destroyed by boiling, and thus they specifically recorded the correct method of administration

Although Niu Dali did not exert his full strength in this grab, he was unexpectedly blocked by a seemingly frail young man. He was slightly taken aback, and then he made another attempt to seize him.

Pang Xian's expression was rather indifferent, showing little concern.

Unexpectedly, Qing Dai was right behind Qin Lin. In her surprise, she forgot to dodge. Just as Qin Lin was about to sidestep to execute the Capture Fist, he noticed her position. If he avoided Niu Dali's charge and used the "Neck Lock and Ear Slap" from the side, the unstoppable Niu Dali would inevitably crash into Qing Dai.

Qin Lin furrowed his brows into a "川" shape. Considering his identity as a novice in medicine, he felt it inappropriate to directly inform Pang Xian. Instead, he said to Qing Dai: "Artemisia annua should not be boiled for the treatment of malaria, as high temperatures destroy the active ingredients, rendering it ineffective."

Ah, I thought you hadn't studied medicine, but it turns out you know quite a bit. No wonder Grandpa said your method for treating snake bites is quite good!" Qing Dai raised her delicate brows, looked at Qin Lin with curiosity, and after a pause, continued: "The 'Elbow Behind Prescription' states that one handful of Qinghao, two liters of water, and the juice should be extracted and taken to treat warm malaria with remarkable efficacy. Just extracting the juice is sufficient; indeed, there is no need to boil it.

Suddenly, Qin Lin asked anxiously: "Do all the medicinal materials need to be boiled?"

Qingdai's bright and sparkling eyes widened in confusion, not understanding Qin Lin's intentions. She hesitated and said, "You mentioned boiling the medicine, so of course it needs to be boiled."

Doctor Pang, I was wrong; please do not take it to heart. If I mistakenly diagnosed my mother, I would regret it even if I were to hang myself!

Malaria is a prevalent disease in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. In China, it is particularly common in Hubei, Lingnan, Jiangxi, and Fujian. This scourge has claimed millions of lives in Southeast Asia and Africa. It is estimated that the number of patients who died from malaria throughout the entire 20th century exceeds the combined death toll of both World Wars

However, Qin Lin was merely a boy of fifteen or sixteen years, while the opponent was a burly man with a strong build. Just the act of "lifting" him had already exhausted all his strength, leaving no energy to "kick". He was already lamenting in his heart.

Originally, the technique he employed was the "Rising Kick" from the Capturing Fist. After positioning both hands, he quickly retracted while leveraging the opponent's strength, simultaneously launching a left leg kick to the opponent's lower abdomen. The move was exceptionally fierce

It is no wonder, for we are the descendants of Yan and Huang, and the Yan Emperor is indeed the Shennong who tasted a hundred herbs

Qin Lin suddenly realized, slapping his forehead, how could he have forgotten about Artemisia annua? Hehe, after all, I am not studying clinical medicine.

The place where Qin Lin originally worked was not far from a planting base and production factory for Artemisia annua; however, as a forensic doctor dealing with the deceased, he did not have a deep impression of the medications used to treat the living

Qing Dai followed his gaze and saw that between the main hall of the medical clinic and the pharmacy, there were seven or eight stoves, steaming as they boiled the medicine. Three or four assistants were attending to them, ensuring that nothing was burnt dry or overflowing. She looked around but could not discern any issues.

Pang Xian listened to Niu Dali's words, feeling both amused and exasperated. He scolded, "A physician's heart is like that of a parent. Even if a mortal enemy seeks treatment at our clinic, I would still examine and treat him carefully. The art of medicine is to save the world; since we have taken up the mantle of healing, how could we use our skills to threaten or take revenge on patients? You are being utterly unreasonable!"

After listening to Pang Xian's diagnosis, Qin Lin nodded quietly. Although he was not a clinical physician, he was aware that traditional Chinese medicine refers to malaria as "warm malaria." Patients experience alternating chills and high fevers, commonly known as "shaking fever." This condition is prevalent in the Lingnan region, particularly in Guangdong and Guangxi, and is an infectious disease transmitted by the bites of Anopheles mosquitoes, which thrive in humid and warm environments, often referred to in folk terms as places with miasma.

Lu Yuanzhi and Qingdai stood on the left side of Qin Lin. When Niu Dali rushed over, the chubby boy was momentarily stunned. Upon realizing that this unknown man intended to grab Qin Lin by the collar, the chubby boy stepped forward to reason with him. However, Qin Lin gently pushed him aside.

At the moment when Pang Xian was writing, the steward Liu Quan came in from the back hall, his face beaming with joy. He looked at everyone and said loudly: "Mr. Pang, King Jing has invited you to a banquet in honor of the Old Master and the Third Master because you treated the heir's illness so well last time. The Old Master has asked you to get ready, so let's go now"

Pang Xian chuckled silently, realizing that there was nothing much to say to a rough person like Niu Dali. He then looked at Qin Lin and said: "This is a medical clinic, not a martial arts school. To study medicine, one must maintain a calm state of mind in order to comprehend the principles of healing. From now on, you are not allowed to cause trouble outside."

Until the 1970s, during the Vietnam War, in order to ensure the health of soldiers, Chinese experts extensively searched ancient texts and consulted traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. They discovered that the crystals extracted from Artemisia annua were particularly effective against malaria, which changed the dominance of quinine in the treatment landscape. It boasts advantages such as good efficacy, minimal side effects, and a high cure rate, receiving commendations and funding support from the World Health Organization. This represents a significant contribution of traditional Chinese medicine to humanity.

Pang Xian confidently stated: "Artemisia annua is an excellent remedy for treating warm malaria. This substance is pungent, bitter, cold, and non-toxic. In addition to treating warm malaria, it can also cure children's wind-cold shock and fever"

Qin Lin was completely at a loss. He recognized the brawny man who was roaring as the militia member named Niu Dali, who had stopped him when he left the city that day, yet he could not understand why their reunion felt as if there were deep-seated enmity between them.

The people of Qizhou may not know about the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, but they certainly know about the Prince of Jing's residence. It is said that Pang Xian treated the illness of the Prince's heir, and the esteemed elder even specially hosted a banquet to invite him, which elicited sounds of admiration both inside and outside the main hall

Qin Lin nodded to Pang Xian, feeling the other party's sincere goodwill. At the same time, he also noticed that Zhang Jianlan's expression became even more sinister when she saw Pang Xian whispering to him

The Li Family Medical Hall consists of three courtyards. At the front, centrally located on the street, is the main hall of the medical hall. To the west is the school, while to the east is the pharmacy, which is quite sizable. Zhang Jianlan hurriedly took the prescription and soon returned from the pharmacy with Artemisia annua.

Knowing that there is a specific medicine for treating malaria, Qin Lin steadied his resolve

Many apprentices are eager to take on the task of grinding medicine, as cases of malaria are relatively rare in Qizhou. Personally grinding the juice of Artemisia annua is considered a valuable experience in practicing medicine.

Qing Dai carried a faint fragrance of medicine, her voice was as clear as silver bells, and her breath was like orchids

Niu Dali suddenly realized upon hearing this; they were still in Dr. Li's clinic! He quickly lowered his raised hand, obediently letting it rest beside his thigh, turned around, and half-bowed respectfully, saying

Seeing that Pang Xian was still writing the medical case, Li Jianfang furrowed his brows and said, "Brother Pang, His Highness King Jing has hosted a banquet; it is not appropriate to keep the esteemed guest waiting for too long"

To treat the illness, of course, is to come and treat my mother. I am a rough person, lacking in manners, and I have offended Doctor Pang; please do not hold it against me, please do not hold it against me

Having written only a few lines, Li Jianfang accompanied Li Shizhen out. Li Shizhen was still wearing the dark robe he had on while gathering herbs in the mountains, adorned with a jade-colored silk sash. In contrast, Li Jianfang had changed into a new blue silk long gown, impeccably groomed from head to toe

Qin Lin could not laugh, as if his two arms were about to break. Qing Dai inadvertently tugged at his arm, causing him to grimace in pain

Qin Lin pushed aside Lu Yuanzhi, fully aware that his strength was far inferior to Niu Dali's, making it impossible to engage in a direct confrontation. He had originally planned to sidestep and let him pass, then execute the capture technique "grabbing the neck and striking the ear" to hit his temple. Even if the opponent practiced hard qigong, he would still experience a significant bout of dizziness and disorientation.

Qing Dai was just frightened by the boorish Niu Dali, but having accompanied her grandfather through the wild mountains and desolate areas of Qizhou, she had encountered numerous venomous snakes and fierce beasts, making her much braver than ordinary women. Seeing Niu Dali kneeling awkwardly before Pang Xian, she couldn't help but laugh and whispered, "Hey, Junior Brother Qin, that big man is really amusing..."

Pang Xian, along with his master Li Shizhen and junior brother Li Jianyuan, left the medical clinic at the invitation of King Jing. Just before departing, he brushed past Qin Lin and quietly said: "Although Niu Dali is rough, he is not a bad person. As the head of the local militia, he usually acts quite fairly and is also very filial to his mother... If you have any grievances with him, it would be best to resolve them as soon as possible."

The juice of Qinghao is mixed with water to treat malaria. Since it is taken directly without being boiled, the juice is cold. At this moment, Niu is covered with several cotton blankets yet still shivers from the cold. Even with the medicine, she cannot take it. Pang Xian has made up his mind to wait until she has a fever to administer the medicine, so he is writing the medical record at a leisurely pace.