Chapter 004: Initial Display of Skills

Madam Kong's eyes bulged like those of a dead fish, and Zhang Li slightly nodded to indicate his understanding

Zhang Li smiled faintly and said, "Lord Kong, rest assured, I have already made some calculations."

Immediately, Zhang Li took out another needle and said to Lühé: "Please help to remove Lady Kong's stockings. The next needle is for the Sanyinjiao point, located at the ankle."

Zhang Lidao: "I wonder which direction the doctor Xue is heading towards?"

Moments later, Lady Kong's lips moved slightly, and Zhang Li knew that it must have had some effect; at the very least, Lady Kong was feeling something

Upon witnessing this situation, Master Kong urgently exclaimed: "Young doctor..."

It is a quack doctor, a quack doctor! The image of Confucius is being pecked at incessantly, like a chick pecking at rice.

I... I have actually held it in for a full seven days! Although Mrs. Kong's words were weak, they were clear and discernible

- Beizi

Zhang Li knows that this symptom of rupture and leakage is, in fact, what later generations of Western medicine refer to as functional vaginal bleeding

Green Lotus hurriedly stepped forward to pull Lady Kong's foot out from under the blanket and removed her socks Zhang Li did not think much and steadily inserted the golden needle into the San Yin Jiao acupoint near the ankle

Zhang Li looked around and finally fixed his gaze on Lord Kong: "Madam Kong's illness is critical! She is extremely weak, and ordinary soups and medicines may not be sufficient to nourish her..."

In ancient traditional Chinese medicine, it was commonly believed that excessive bleeding in cases of metrorrhagia was primarily due to heat in the blood, referred to as Yin deficiency with stagnant heat, which was often treated with medicines that clear heat and cool the blood. In fact, a small number of esteemed traditional Chinese medicine practitioners discovered that metrorrhagia is not solely associated with heat patterns, but also with cold patterns, known as Yang deficiency with stagnant turbidity

Zhang Li furrowed his brows and said, "Madam Confucius, if the symptoms I describe match, you should blink twice; if they do not match, you need not blink at all"

Zhang Li turned his head to look at the anxious Lord Kong, who was sweating profusely, and a trace of satisfaction crossed his mind: this first bet after returning was indeed correct! As for Madam Kong's illness, he was already ninety percent confident!

As the final needle was drawn, Zhang Li's expression momentarily froze, as if he were somewhat hesitant

Zhang Li's tone shifted subtly as he said, "This minor collapse is nothing I cannot handle. At present, Madam Kong must immediately apply the golden needle to revive the yang, and only then can we discuss the herbal medicine."

How could a patient with a fever possibly be covered with three layers of blankets

Seeing that Zhang Li appeared relaxed, Master Kong could not help but exclaim: "Young doctor—"

Old Master Kong said despondently: "Doctor Xue mentioned that there is no remedy left. Just now, when I returned, I encountered this young man. He claimed he could cure your mother's illness. He not only accurately described the symptoms but also mentioned some secret prescriptions, stating that if he could not cure her, he would not charge a penny. Upon hearing this, I thought it might be worth a try"

Upon hearing these words, Master Kong was so overjoyed that his heart nearly leapt from his throat. However, after a moment, he became anxious like a child being scolded by an elder, and he did not dare to make a sound, fearing that he might interrupt Zhang Li's train of thought

Lord Kong had originally anticipated a sense of expectation, but upon hearing Zhang Li's words, his face instantly turned ashen.

Zhang Li's mind began to calculate, and his expression immediately relaxed.

Madam Confucius, are you experiencing a slight pain in your lower abdomen

Zhang Li finished speaking with a crackling sound and glanced at Lord Kong, only to find him in a daze. Zhang Li paid him no mind and skillfully inserted the first needle right at the center of Lady Kong's head, precisely at the Baihui point.

Madam Kong blinked twice, clearly having understood Zhang Li's words

The bleeding disorder caused by heat manifests as sharp pain in the lower abdomen; whereas the bleeding disorder caused by cold presents as dull pain in the lower abdomen. Indeed, Madam Kong's bleeding disorder is a cold syndrome

I will apply this golden needle technique, which is divided into three groups. There are a total of nine acupoints, and each day only one group will be selected, rotating every three days. After nine days, Lady Kong's illness will be cured

It is cold

The maid named Green Lotus responded and opened the door, quickly walking out.

Seeing Madame Kong looking emaciated, it was evident that she had become extremely weak. Zhang Li asked softly, "Madame Kong, I have some understanding of your condition, but I still have a few questions to ask you. Are you able to speak?"

Madam Kong merely tilted her head slightly, her lips parted for a long time, yet she could not utter a single word

As the descendant of a renowned family of traditional Chinese medicine, Zhang Li possesses profound knowledge in the field, yet at this moment, he finds himself deep in thought

Zhang Li did not pay him any mind. After making up his mind, he stood up and bowed to Madam Kong, who was lying on the hospital bed: "Madam Kong, I hope you will forgive my boldness. As the saying goes, a physician should have a benevolent heart. I have come solely to treat your ailment, without any ulterior motives. The Qihai acupoint is located one and a half inches below the navel, and I fear that administering the needle might be somewhat abrupt..."

This requires very careful discernment

Old Master Kong said: "Doctor Xue prescribed a modified version of the Angelica Blood Nourishing Soup, but there has been no improvement whatsoever"

She is not hot

Old Master Kong heard Madam Kong speaking and hurriedly rushed to the bedside, with a few drops of murky tears in his eyes: "Madam, Madam, are you feeling any better? You can actually speak now?"

Old Master Kong was taken aback, yet he had no idea that Zhang Li had even more shocking words awaiting him

Zhang Li furrowed his brows slightly: "I went out today to sell some mountain goods, and I did not bring any golden needles. I wonder if there are any golden needles at Lord Kong's residence"

Zhang Lidian nodded and said: "Since Lady Kong has agreed, I must take my leave. Green Lotus, you may lift Lady Kong's garment three inches, exposing an inch and a half below the navel"

Zhang Li did not hesitate, swiftly inserting the needle one and a half inches below the navel of Lady Kong, precisely at the location of the Qi Hai acupoint

Suddenly, Zhang Li discovered a detail

As soon as the words left her mouth, Lady Kong blinked desperately twice

After approximately half a stick of incense, Lühé entered the room holding a box of golden needles and presented it to Zhang Li.

Madam! Wow—" Green Lotus was both surprised and delighted, and she unexpectedly cried out with a wow.

Zhang Li gently pressed the pulse of Lady Kong with his right hand, and the pulse on the right hand was deep and fine. Soon, with the help of the maid, Zhang Li also took the pulse of Lady Kong's left hand, which was indeed the pulse of a small string. It was truly a typical pulse indicative of a collapse syndrome, yet it was unclear why the physician Xue mentioned by Old Master Kong had been ineffective after prolonged treatment

Pulse diagnosis is merely one aspect of "inspection, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation"; the key to Confucianism's condition lies in the word "inspection"!

Zhang Li knew that wealthy families generally kept gold needles at home for emergencies. In ancient times, the needles used in acupuncture were referred to as gold needles, not because they were made of gold, but as a term of reverence. In this era, how could those who practiced acupuncture possibly be quacks

Madam Kong actually wrapped herself in three whole layers of blankets

After a moment of tea time, Lady Kong let out a long sigh, and a faint voice emerged from her lips: "Ah... so comfortable..."

Master Kong felt his heart rise to his throat, murmuring: "Golden needle, golden needle..."

Yes! It is indeed a quilt!

Old Master Kong signaled for the young maid to bring a stool. After Zhang Li sat down, he began to take the pulse of Madam Kong. Noticing that Zhang Li had a certain method to his approach, Old Master Kong couldn't help but feel a bit more convinced in his heart and started to feel some anticipation.

Old Master Kong was taken aback; this young man actually had a pulse that was exactly the same as what Doctor Xue described for his wife. Could it be that he truly possesses some skill? In a moment of urgency, Old Master Kong blurted out: "I wonder if the young doctor has any miraculous remedies?"

Madam Kong immediately closed her mouth, and Master Kong quickly said: "Yes! Yes!"

The scholar in blue gave a reluctant acknowledgment and stepped aside. It was only at this moment that Zhang Li realized that the one afflicted with the collapse was the wife of Lord Kong, and he began to ponder quietly in his heart

Master Kong exclaimed: "Madam, Madam! Ever since your condition has worsened, your health has declined day by day. Seven days ago, after taking the medicine from Doctor Xue, your illness has become even more severe, to the point where you can hardly speak..."

"Golden needle, golden needle... Ah! Golden needle! Yes!" Lord Kong slapped his forehead and said, "Green Lotus, why aren't you quickly going to fetch the golden needle for the young doctor?"

... ...

It seems that Doctor Xue relied solely on pulse diagnosis, accurately identifying the condition but merely prescribed a modified version of the Angelica Blood Nourishing Decoction based on experience, without distinguishing between the fundamental concepts of cold and heat in traditional Chinese medicine. It appears that his level of expertise is not particularly high.

The scholar in blue furrowed his brow and said, "Father, how could this young man possibly treat illnesses at such a young age? You are just grasping at straws in your desperation!"

Under the leadership of Confucius, Zhang Li arrived at the entrance of the courtyard of Madame Confucius. As it was a private residence, the male servants and Kang Xing'an could only wait outside the courtyard.

The green lotus lifted the quilt, revealing Lady Kong's body, and then she slightly raised her clothing, exposing Lady Kong's navel

Hoo—Zhang Li exhaled deeply, and now a diagnosis can be made

Before the treatment shows any improvement, one must not speak too definitively; this level of tension is indeed grasped quite accurately

Green Lotus hesitated a bit, but Lord Kong, unable to contain his impatience, said: "What are you still dawdling for? The young doctor is a divine physician, a divine physician! Quickly, take the acupuncture points!"

As Zhang Li stepped into the room of Madame Confucius, a wave of dizziness washed over him, nearly causing him to stumble. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the windows of the entire chamber were tightly shut, and as soon as he entered, the maid casually closed the door behind him.

The indoor air is stuffy, making Zhang Li feel a wave of nausea. In this era, it is taboo for women in confinement to be exposed to the wind, and the fear of excessive bleeding has become deeply ingrained in people's minds. Zhang Li does not wish to complicate matters further, so it is best to take the pulse first before proceeding.

At this point, all three needles of Zhang Li were inserted into the acupoints of Lady Kong, and then he slowly began to perform the technique of needling and manipulating the needles

Upon arriving at the bedside, Zhang Li saw a woman of around fifty lying on the bed. Her eyes were hollow, her body emaciated, and there was not a trace of color on her face

Zhang Lixin thought, the prescription prescribed by Doctor Xue is primarily for the treatment of symptoms related to blood deficiency and yang rising with fever, which is quite standard and does not seem to be incorrect. However, Lord Kong claims it is completely ineffective; what could be the reason for this?

Today the situation is critical, first need to stimulate the Baihui point to strengthen the lower source, then stimulate the Qihai point and Sanyinjiao point to invigorate the spleen and replenish qi, thereby regulating blood circulation

Zhang Li opened his mouth and said: "Lord Kong, Lady Kong's right pulse is deep and fine, while the left pulse is a small string; it is undoubtedly a case of miscarriage."

Zhang Li said to Lord Kong: "Madam Kong is currently unable to receive nourishment; I will not prescribe her any herbal medicine. I can save her life solely with this golden needle!"

Zhang Lixin thought: This... I still consider the ancient custom of men and women not being close, yet I did not expect Lady Kong to be so straightforward...

Madam Kong displayed a look of disdain: "That Doctor Xue is nothing but a quack, bah—" Madam Kong pretended to spit, but ultimately lacked the strength to do so.

Before Zhang Li could finish speaking, Lady Kong's eyes suddenly blinked rapidly

Zhang Li stopped the needlework, somewhat unwillingly, and frowned as he said: "Madam Confucius, your symptoms have only alleviated; do not speak too much, you must conserve your strength."

Zhang Lidong: "Madam Confucius, do you feel any stabbing pain in your lower abdomen?"

Indeed, Old Master Kong had a certain inclination to treat a dead horse as if it were alive, but upon hearing his son's words, he felt somewhat embarrassed and retorted angrily: "What do you know! Since ancient times, there have been secret prescriptions for serious illnesses, which are all closely guarded secrets. If we happen to come across one, it might just save your mother's life!"