Chapter 009: The Night Banquet's Sudden Turn
The official Ji exclaimed, "Who is it?!"
While speaking, a sudden commotion erupted outside
Upon first encountering the physician of the Ming Dynasty, Zhang Li could not help but take a few more glances.
Liu Zhixing then said a few more words before finally stepping out the door
Liu Lun immediately turned to a maid and shouted, "Quick! Throw another towel here!"
Liu Zhixing glanced at Zhang Li's expression, chuckled, and said: "It's nothing serious, it originally has nothing to do with you."
Zhang Li laughed and said: "Of course, one never tires of exquisite food and finely prepared dishes. The food and wine on the table, we both have certainly never seen in our lifetime, let alone tasted it ourselves..."
This statement becomes even more incomprehensible; what is the point of reminding oneself when there is no relation at all
Liu Zhixing supported his father Liu Lun and said, "Father, even Doctor Ji has said that Lord Li has no pulse; what difference does it make to let the young doctor take a look?"
As he was pondering, Liu Zhixing had already stepped into the room: "Young doctor, there is something I must remind you of."
At this moment, Liu Lun paid no attention to these formalities and quickly waved his hand, saying: "Doctor Ji, there is no need for excessive courtesy, quickly show it to Lord Li!"
Everyone in the hall immediately turned their gaze towards the entrance of the hall.
Behind the old man followed three or four young boys, each carrying a large medicine box. This attire clearly indicated his identity
Liu Lun was also flustered: "Ji Langzhong, this, this..."
The official Ji was thoroughly alarmed and quickly grasped Lord Li's hand again to check his pulse: "My heavens! Lord Li has no pulse!"
Liu Lun displayed a look of confusion, and Ji Langzhong said: "After all, it is the Governor, Lord Li, who is ill. I am concerned that the apprentice may not measure the dosage accurately, so I have come personally to select the medicine"
In the center of the hall, there were three banquet tables, but no one was seated at them; instead, everyone was gathered around an elderly man in a red robe, slumped in a grand armchair, who was surrounded by books and illustrations.
Zhang Li was hiding in an inconspicuous corner, observing the situation in the banquet hall
I see, Liu Lun let out a sigh: "Indeed, Doctor Ji is quite mature, thank you for your efforts"
Upon hearing these words, Liu Lun, who was already in a state of panic, suddenly felt his legs go weak and nearly fell to the ground
Panic suddenly erupted in the banquet hall
Zhang Li secretly scoffed, yet wore a serious expression on his face: "I understand! At that time, Anzi and I will definitely remain indoors without stepping out."
Upon hearing these names of medicines, Zhang Li understood in his heart that this was not the "Qianghuo Shengshi Decoction"? This formula can indeed treat headaches and fevers, but since he had not personally taken the pulse, he did not dare to ascertain the exact efficacy.
This, this is too fast, isn't it!" someone sighed softly
Headache ... ... it is killing me ... ...
Sleep
Zhang Li understood this statement, which implied that he held a lowly status and lacked proper etiquette, fearing that he might offend the officials of Dengzhou Prefecture
Liu Lun once served as the county magistrate in Penglai County, and he was somewhat acquainted with Ji Langzhong. Ji Langzhong made a bow to Liu Lun and said: "This humble citizen has met with Lord Liu."
The time for the third incense stick has not yet elapsed, when a sudden exclamation, like thunder, rang in Zhang Li's ears
The old man was dressed in a blue cloth robe, with a small belt tied around his waist, wearing a round hat on his head, and white leather boots on his feet
Zhang Li felt somewhat bewildered: "Oh?"
The physician furrowed his brow and said to the apprentice, "I will name the medicine, and you will immediately open the medicine chest for me!"
What did I just say? As long as Doctor Ji comes, how could it not be a cure for the illness! Moreover, there are those who are confident in their grasp of the situation
Hot! Hot...
Kang Xing'an, being quite carefree, noticed Zhang Li's silence and eagerly said, "Brother Li, shall we go out for some fun?"
Kanghe Bookstore, Xing'an, chuckled and said: "Li Ge'er, you must take your time to heal, take your time!"
When Ji Langzhong clearly saw that the visitor was merely a boy of sixteen or seventeen, he was greatly astonished and immediately shouted, "Quick! Quickly take this arrogant young man away!"
Lord Li has fainted
While preparing the medicine, Doctor Ji said to Liu Lun: "Lord Liu, the headache and fever of Governor Li are caused by the invasion of wind and dampness into the muscles. I will use this 'Qianghuo Shengshi Decoction' to dispel wind, eliminate dampness, and relieve pain. It should effectively cure the ailment!"
"The famous Ji Langzhong is here! The most renowned Ji Langzhong in the city is here!" shouted a young servant at the top of his lungs
As soon as the words fell, Zhang Li pushed the door open and stepped out, leaving Kang Xing'an standing there in a daze
Kang Xing'an set down his chopsticks and also came over, asking, "Li Ge'er, what happened?"
The official Ji nodded and said: "Upon learning that Lord Li has fallen seriously ill, I have already sent the apprentice with the commonly used medicinal herbs. If the cause of the illness is identified, we can prepare the medicine immediately"
At that moment, several young servants rushed forward, just as they were about to grab Zhang Li, a loud voice called out: "Stop! Let the young doctor take a look!"
Zhang Li was taken aback. Although Lord Li had previously mentioned experiencing a headache and fever, he was at least still conscious. How could it be that after taking this dose of "Qianghuo Shengshi Decoction," he actually fainted?
We must invite the most renowned physician in the city
Hurry! The master has given orders, quickly go and summon the doctor!
The official Ji Langzhong fiercely pinched Lord Li's philtrum, yet there was no reaction at all
Zhang Li was somewhat surprised; he had previously administered acupuncture to Xiao Liu and was unsure why Mr. Liu was seeking him out.
Zhang Li scolded with a laugh: "You rascal!"
Zhang Li also looked over and saw a thin-looking doctor in his fifties walking in briskly
The officials in the hall and the *Tu* book also began to praise the medical skills of Doctor Ji, which made Doctor Ji feel quite pleased
After the passage of the time equivalent to two incense sticks, Doctor Ji expressed a slight surprise: "Lord Li, having surpassed fifty years of age, should experience the effects of the medicine more slowly. Lord Li has already begun to sweat, and he will soon feel better..."
Do you find me bothersome? I am too lazy to serve anyone anyway
Do not go
Liu Lun's taut nerves relaxed considerably as he observed Doctor Ji instructing the apprentice to select the medicine, yet he did not dare to interrupt
The most eye-catching features in the hall are the four large vases placed in the corners, each standing over a person's height. The vase closest to me is adorned with images of bats, plum deer, and longevity peaches, symbolizing fortune, prosperity, and longevity; while the vase in the opposite corner depicts a scene of a scholar beneath a pine tree. The two large vases at the far end of the hall are not clearly visible, but they are likely decorated with auspicious and propitious designs.
So what shall we do
Zhang Li laughed and said, "Old Master Kong is merely a minor country gentleman; how can his residence be compared to the grand estate of a high-ranking official of the court?"
The physician hurriedly walked up to Lord Li and began to take his pulse and conduct an examination.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Li immediately became interested and secretly opened the door a small crack
... ...
Upon hearing these words, Liu Lun was immediately at a loss, anxiously rubbing his hands together.
Zhang Li pondered for a moment and said: "Anzi, I will go out to assess the situation. You stay here and do not go out!"
A stick of incense has burned down.
The apprentices opened the medicine chest, found the corresponding medicinal materials, and then the physician Ji took the required quantities of each material before instructing one of the apprentices to go and prepare the medicine
Outside the house, the servants were darting around like headless flies, creating a scene of complete chaos in the courtyard
The two continued their conversation for a while, just preparing to go out and explore the city of Penglai, when a voice from outside the door called out: "Xiao Langzhong - mhetushu .com .com - "
This thunderous shout was like a bolt from the blue, drawing the attention of everyone in the hall!
A chorus of astonished voices erupted in the banquet hall
Liu Lun felt overjoyed and repeatedly said, "Doctor Ji truly possesses exceptional medical skills"
Kang Xing'an, however, was indifferent and indulged himself in a feast.
Moments later, Doctor Ji smiled slightly and said in a clear voice: "Apothecary, come here and listen to Fang prepare the medicine!"
The physician, with a well-thought-out plan, stroked his beard and remarked: "The medicine has just entered the stomach; it still needs to be absorbed"
The official Ji ordered in a rapid succession: "Qianghuo, Duhuo, Gaoben, Fangfeng, Gancao, Manjingzi, Chuanxiong ... ... "
Everyone turned their gaze towards the sound, and the one who spoke was none other than Young Master Liu Zhi Xing!
Due to the considerable distance, Zhang Li could not clearly discern the situation of the old man in the red robe. Several groups of maidservants arrived, each carrying a copper basin, and someone continuously handed towels to the old man to wipe his face.
Liu Lun appeared extremely anxious. He gently patted the chest of the old man in the red robe and said, "Lord Li, how are you feeling? The servants have already gone to summon the doctor, and he will be here soon"
"Li Ge'er, what do you think Lord Liu is serving at the banquet outside?" Kang Xing'an asked with some curiosity
Let me take a look
Something is wrong, Lord Li has fallen ill
Hearing this, Liu Lun nodded repeatedly, acknowledging that Doctor Ji is indeed a thoughtful person
Isn't that so? If the esteemed fourth-rank governor, Lord Li, were to die suddenly at the Liu residence, how could Liu Lun possibly escape responsibility?
Liu Zhixing said: "Today, my esteemed father will host a banquet at the residence, inviting various officials from Dengzhou Prefecture, including Governor Li. During this banquet, you, the young doctor, and Brother Kang must remain indoors and absolutely must not come out"
Seeing that Lord Li's condition was critical, Zhang Li disregarded everything else and rushed forward with large strides
At this moment, Liu Lun had completely lost his official authority and instinctively nodded at hetushu.com. The fact that Lord Li had no pulse at all truly frightened him to death.
"Jilangzhong! You have come just in time! Quickly show it to Lord Li, I am dying of anxiety!" Liu Lun was so anxious that he was sweating profusely. This Governor, Lord Li, was his direct superior. If it were not for their shared age, it would be impossible for the dignified fourth-rank Lord Li to lower himself to attend a banquet at the home of a seventh-rank official. Who would have thought that amidst the joy, such an embarrassing situation would arise!
... ...
Before long, the young apprentice brought the prepared medicinal soup, and Doctor Ji hurriedly administered it to Lord Li himself
"Truly worthy of being Doctor Ji, truly worthy of being the foremost physician in the capital!" someone exclaimed in admiration
As the lights begin to glow, the Liu residence is filled with the sounds of clinking cups and lively conversation
The people in the hall were all dumbfounded, as they witnessed a young man rush up to Lord Li, seize his hand, and begin to take his pulse
In the room, Zhang Li looked at the several plates of stir-fried dishes on the table and truly had no appetite
The official Ji Langzhong had beads of sweat the size of soybeans on his forehead and cheeks, seemingly unable to believe the reality before him: "How could this happen? Rheumatism manifests on the surface; it should be resolved through sweating... it should be resolved through sweating!" Lord Li was drenched in sweat, his entire official robe soaked, and the medicinal soup was clearly taking effect; how could this be?!
Kang Xing'an nodded slightly: "That is true." Then, feeling somewhat anxious, he said, "Li Ge'er, if Xiao Liu Xuan's condition improves, will we be kicked out? After all, our status..."
Upon arriving in the guest room and just having set down his luggage, Kang Xing'an's excitement was evident: "Li Ge'er, tsk tsk, this Liu residence is truly spacious, far more impressive than that of Lord Kong!"
Zhang Li shook his head and smiled, saying, "That young Liu Xuan is too young, and his injuries are healing rather slowly. I estimate that we can just hang around and enjoy ourselves this month!"