Section 6: The Second Generation of Officials

"Did you promise me?" Cao Ning'er, filled with rage, almost poked Cao Fu's nose with her delicate finger, "How dare you say such a thing?"

Upon entering the apothecary, the man first adjusted his cap and belt, appearing quite reminiscent of the demeanor of Zilu at the moment of his death. When he saw Cao Ning'er, his eyes brightened, and he immediately smiled, saying: "So the young lady is also here, that is good. Ji Yuan, is the land deed ready?"

Cao Ning'er, filled with anger, coldly said: "Xiahou Heng, what brings you here?"

However, Cao Fu dares to lose, and of course, there are those who dare to take the challenge. His father, Cao Hong, is not an easy opponent, and those who dare to win the land deed of the Cao family pharmacy certainly have some background.

Cao Ning'er, as a woman, is able to wield economic power in the Cao Hong family; it is evident that this is due to Cao Fu's ineptitude

In fact, there is no need for anyone to explain; the idea of flying solo is merely a way to roughly clarify the cause and effect. Behind every successful man, there is usually one or several unassuming women, while around every successful woman, there are certainly many unsuccessful men

Cao Ning'er saw that Fu Bo was neglecting his own health, only thinking about the matters of the pharmacy, and felt a slight pang in her heart. She raised the box and said, "Fu Bo, you need not worry, the deed to the pharmacy is still in hand"

What kind of good doctor is this young servant who can cure ailments just by shaking his arms a few times?

Cao Fu was initially worried about the life of Uncle Fu, knowing that Uncle Fu had served in the Cao residence for many years. If he were to pass away just like that, if his father were to find out, he would likely not only skin him alive but also break his legs. Upon seeing that Uncle Fu was fine, he immediately realized his own predicament and was about to leave quietly, but unexpectedly, he was stopped by his sister.

Xiahou Heng chuckled and said, "It turns out that Brother Jiyuan has not yet informed the young lady about the matter, but I do not mind sharing it..." After a pause, Xiahou Heng continued lightly, "In fact, it is just a trivial matter; Brother Jiyuan and I made a bet at the Ruxian Tower, and as a result, Brother Jiyuan lost."

As everyone observed Shan Fei probing like Cao Xin, they all secretly shook their heads, thinking to themselves that the second manager of the Cao's Medicine Hall was certainly not someone who merely idled away his time. If even Cao Xin could not diagnose the illness, who could possibly believe that a servant would possess insights superior to those of Cao Xin

Cao Fu's face was pale as she said softly, "Sister, you must save me this time."

Uncle Fu has awakened" Cao Ning'er called out softly

In this brief moment of solitude, I have clarified the relationships involved and decided that it is best to simply watch the performance

Upon seeing the young lady, Uncle Fu wept and said: "Young lady, I am useless; the deed to the pharmacy that you entrusted to me has been taken away by the eldest young master."

Cao Ning'er was momentarily taken aback, unsure why this unreliable elder brother was being so obedient this time. However, she quickly realized that the sound of hooves was coming from outside the pharmacy. In an instant, several people strode over, and the one leading them was tall and elegant, with a long sword at his waist, its sheath entwined with golden threads, and a beautiful jade tassel hanging from the sword, presenting the image of a refined young gentleman.

Xiahou Heng? After making a concerted effort to search my memory, I finally recall that this person seems to be the son of Xiahou Yuan. He has a keen interest in archaeology; however, I do not have a deep impression of these second-generation officials who have little to do with antiquities, and I have never excavated this fellow's coffin, so naturally, I know very little about him

However, even when flying solo, one knows what one is doing

In earlier years, Western medicine vehemently denied traditional Chinese medicine, scoffing at the study of meridians and even denying the existence of meridian points. This was later proven to be a fallacy of Western medicine, as the twelve meridians of the human body do indeed exist. Subsequently, the study of meridians flourished. During the era of independence, having some knowledge of meridian theory was quite common, while some simple treatment methods were kept shrouded in secrecy within hospitals, fearing that teaching patients would lead to the doctors' demise. However, these methods quietly gained popularity among the general public.

This indicates that Xiahou Yuan's march was extremely swift, embodying the characteristics of contemporary special forces

Moreover, diagnosing the illness is of little significance; the pressing priority at present is to treat the illness and save lives

He does not need to take the pulse

Cao Ning'er, sharing the common thoughts of the others, frowned slightly upon seeing this. She exchanged a glance with the maid Cui'er and Cao Xin, signaling them to act according to her instructions.

No dynasty has been without this social class

Uncle Fu was overwhelmed with joy and tears, as he took the box, opened it, and took a glance inside, letting out a sigh of relief

Just now, when he acted to save Uncle Fu, it was a matter of life and death; he certainly could not just stand by and watch someone perish. Now, upon seeing the aura of this young master, he automatically stepped back, and without needing to ask, it was clear that this person must be one of the current official second-generation elites

Cao Ning'er, however, could not watch the play and coldly gazed at Xiahou Heng, waiting only for his answer

However, at this moment, with the door panel of the single flight blocking the way, Cao Fu would not linger; after just a few steps, she reached the door and was about to leave when she suddenly turned back and walked quickly again

Cao Ning'er glanced at Shan Fei, unable to hide her surprise, but soon turned her gaze to Uncle Fu and whispered, "Uncle Fu, how are you doing?"

In the capital city, beneath the feet of the Son of Heaven, the Son of Heaven holds little significance. However, these second-generation officials certainly have their backgrounds and connections through their clans, so it is best to avoid conflicts whenever possible.

He is a long-time resident of the Cao family, having watched Cao Fu and Cao Ning'er grow up, and has always been loyal to the Cao family. After the establishment of Xudu, many members of the Cao clan moved to Xudu, and he also followed them, taking charge of the management of the Cao family's pharmacy, even personally safeguarding the land deeds of the pharmacy.

Flying solo will not cut the pulse

Place your fingers on the pulse point of the elder Fu, with all four fingers together, and you will have located the Qimen acupoint on Elder Fu's arm

It is said that men have four great bonds: having fought together, having shared confinement, having disposed of stolen goods together, and having visited brothels together. I do not know whether Xiahou Yuan and Shi Zai, who were known for their indulgence, ever visited a brothel together with Cao Cao, but I do know that the first three bonds between these two are undoubtedly as strong as iron. In fact, this is true; Xiahou Yuan and Xiahou Dun from the Xiahou family were among Cao Cao's most trusted individuals, second only to his cousins Cao Hong and Cao Ren. One could say they are not just brothers, but closer than brothers.

This is quite a sophisticated technical task. In fact, during his era, there were very few traditional Chinese medicine practitioners who truly knew how to take a pulse. Many of those who appeared to be taking pulses were merely providing psychological comfort to their patients, and some were even unaware of what they were doing.

Cao Ning'er, seeing that Uncle Fu was no longer in danger, let out a sigh of relief and cast a grateful glance at Shan Fei. She then turned to Cao Fu, who was walking away, and said: "Cao Fu, stop right there!"

She certainly knows what a brothel is; just hearing about it feels like an offense to her ears. She has long been aware that Cao Fu is a good-for-nothing, but she never expected that this worthless elder brother would actually sell off the Cao family's assets for the sake of a woman from a brothel.

Uncle Fu has always regarded the pharmacy as his own home. When he saw the eldest son wanting to sell the pharmacy, he tried his best to calm Cao Fu and secretly instructed the second manager to find the young lady. However, he did not expect that the eldest son would actually take the land deed away. In a moment of anger and anxiety, he fainted.

Cao Fu merely nodded and said softly, "Sister, you should give him the land deed. Eldest brother promises you that he will never gamble again in the future"

Upon hearing this name, Dan Fei furrowed his brow. He is gradually integrating into the current era, yet he still adheres to the principles of a successful person: to conduct his work with high profile, but to maintain a low profile in his personal conduct

However, he is aware that Xiahou Heng is the son of Xiahou Yuan, who is said to be quite an impressive figure. It is said in the army that—Chief Military Officer Xiahou Yuan, five hundred in three days, one thousand in six days

Cao Ning'er turned pale and looked at Cao Fu, asking, "Is what he said true?"

Moreover, historical records indicate that Xiahou Yuan had also served time in prison for Cao Cao in his early years

The useless second-generation official in his era was regarded as a fool, and it seems that this fool has certainly been outsmarted by Young Master Xiahou, leading to the loss of the land deed of the Cao family pharmacy.

Ximen Point, a specific acupoint on the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian among the twelve meridians of the human body, is located on the palmar side of the forearm, five inches from the wrist crease. Contemporary scientific validation has shown that long-term massage of the Pericardium Meridian can alleviate cardiac pressure and enhance blood supply.

Cao Xin and Cui Er had already reached the door when they heard the words, turned back to take a look, and immediately rushed back. Upon seeing Shan Fei's expression, it was markedly different from before.

Xiahou Heng, a somewhat familiar name

The treatment employed for sudden heart disease is a common method. He is not a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, but has spent many years in the wild. Regardless of whether it is traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine, he believes that only those who can cure illnesses are doctors, while those who charge money are merely medical swindlers. He is quite familiar with the simple treatments for common and frequently occurring diseases, and naturally has some confidence in treating a condition like that of Uncle Fu.

A pang of sorrow struck her nose, and tears shimmered in her beautiful eyes. Cao Ning'er wanted to say something but ultimately held back. She turned to Xiahou Heng and said: "Young Master Xiahou, I do not know what wager you have, but that is a matter between you. Today, I make it clear to you that you will not obtain the deed to the Cao family pharmacy!"

The left thumb pressed down on the Qimen acupoint on Uncle Fu's left arm, while the right hand grasped Uncle Fu's left palm. The left thumb was turned in reverse, and the right hand shook outward. After holding his breath and concentrating, he shook for about ten times, and then he saw the eyeball beneath Uncle Fu's tightly closed eyelids move slightly. He then switched to the Neiguan acupoint on Uncle Fu's arm and shook several more times. After a violent fit of coughing, Uncle Fu suddenly opened his eyes.