Chapter 4: The Son-in-Law Offers a Bounty

Hearing him about to mention that absurd method of compensation again, Lu Jinping quickly waved his hand to interrupt him, frowning as she carefully examined the girl's complexion. She took the girl's hand and noticed that one side of her palm was peeling, and there were some small red rashes on her hand.

Indeed, in the eyes of all parents, their own children are always the best. Therefore, in the eyes of Old Master Gao, his daughter is as beautiful as a celestial being, which is why he offered a high price. He believes that as long as this so-called high price can save his critically ill daughter, he can recruit a son-in-law who comes to the door. Not only would he marry his daughter, who is as lovely as a flower, but he would also inherit his family business. This is because Old Master Gao has only this one child, and the family business can only be passed on to his daughter and son-in-law. Unfortunately, he lacks an objective understanding of his daughter's appearance. He does not realize that the reward he has proposed is, in fact, a severe test for the young doctor who harbors illusions.

Old Master Gao shook his head and said: "No, she refuses to eat. The food is placed by the bedside, and even when I try to feed her, she cannot swallow a single bite"

Although he studied Western medicine in university, Traditional Chinese Medicine is a required course in the medical field, and a certain number of hours must be dedicated to its study. Therefore, he understands some basic concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, but he is far from being able to treat patients. This includes pulse diagnosis; he only understands some theoretical principles and has no practical skills at all. Currently, he is merely putting on a show.

Just maintain this, as he is merely putting on an act. Holding her wrist like this, he turned to Old Master Gao and asked: "When did your daughter start feeling unwell? When did she realize she was ill? What were the symptoms at that time?"

Old Master Gao quickly bent down to comfort her, saying: "Dear daughter, this doctor is a renowned physician invited by your father. He is here to treat you, and his medical skills are exceptional. With the right medicine, ailments are cured, and many have been healed by him. He has successfully treated many cases like yours, so he will definitely be able to cure you. Rest assured! You must listen to the doctor and take your medicine properly, and you will recover soon."

Upon hearing the old gentleman's words, Lu Jinping realized that he was indeed in a state of desperation, resorting to any means possible. It seemed that not only had he consulted doctors, but he had also invited Taoist priests to perform rituals, and not just a few, otherwise he would not have spoken in such a manner

Let’s do this: you bring the food over, and I will talk to her. Once she has eaten something and has some strength to speak, I will need to ask her questions to understand her condition. If she doesn’t say a word, that would be troublesome. Traditional Chinese medicine... ah no, doesn’t the doctor emphasize observation, listening, inquiry, and palpation? If there is no inquiry, it would be difficult to accurately grasp the condition, so we still need to find a way to get her to eat something

Upon hearing this, Old Master Gao felt that although the young man’s words were somewhat harsh, he was indeed very sincere and straightforward. If he did not possess some genuine ability, he would not be so proud. Unconsciously, he felt a bit more hopeful in his heart. He hurriedly said: "Yes, my daughter’s illness has not been cured by many doctors. I hope that you, young sir, can work wonders and restore her health. If you can cure my daughter’s illness..."

Old Master Gao hurriedly agreed and brought Lu Jinping and the maid Ye Qingqing to the daughter's boudoir in the backyard

Lu Jinping's eyes brightened, and he slowly nodded. He turned to Old Master Gao and said: "Today, have you given your daughter something to eat?"

Lu Jinping sat down, carefully observing Miss Gao's complexion, and took her wrist to check her pulse

During the Tang Dynasty, there was not the same level of vigilance between men and women as seen in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, nor were there as many taboos. Therefore, physicians could directly enter a woman's room to provide medical care without needing to check her pulse through a mosquito net or placing a handkerchief on their wrist. Thus, when Lu Jinping and the others entered, the daughter of Old Master Gao was lying on the bed without the mosquito net being drawn down. Standing nearby were the maidservants, the old nurse, and the three wives and concubines of Old Master Gao. Therefore, when Lu Jinping and the others entered, the daughter of Old Master Gao was lying on the bed without the mosquito net being drawn down. Standing nearby were the maidservants, the old nurse, and the three wives and concubines of Old Master Gao.

Old Master Gao had no idea how many times he had repeated this statement. Every doctor who came would boast about it in a similar manner, and he had heard it so many times that his ears had become calloused, yet it was of no use. However, these words provided a sense of reassurance, so in order to comfort his daughter, he also repeated them verbatim many times, to the point that it had become quite natural for him.

Old Master Gao said with a bitter smile: "I understand this principle as well, but when the food is brought to her lips, she simply refuses to eat, and there is nothing I can do about it"

Old Master Gao found it somewhat strange, feeling that this young doctor was different from others in his approach to diagnosing illnesses. He had just placed his hand on his daughter's wrist when he immediately began to inquire about her condition. Typically, a doctor would either first ask about the illness or silently check the pulse and observe the tongue before asking about the condition. It is rare to see someone diagnosing the pulse while simultaneously asking about the illness, as being distracted by listening to the patient's responses would hinder the ability to accurately perceive the changes in the pulse under his fingers. From this perspective, the young doctor was not as impressive as he had imagined. Old Master Gao's face once again revealed a look of disappointment.

Old Master Gao nodded repeatedly upon hearing this and quickly instructed the maid to bring a bowl of millet ginseng porridge from the kitchen for the young lady to eat

Lu Jinping made her already light movements even lighter, almost gently resting on the woman's wrist. Even so, the woman still shuddered slightly

Lu Jinping waved his hand to interrupt him: "Old man, there's no need to say anything. I am already aware of your conditions. Let's not waste any more time; we should proceed as soon as possible!"

Old Master Gao did not express the doubts in his heart, but answered directly: "My daughter has been ill for about four or five months. At first, she didn't want to eat, was always having diarrhea, and felt weak. I called a doctor who said she had typhoid fever and prescribed medicine for her, but it had no effect at all; instead, her condition worsened. She has been eating less and less, feels weak all over, and just lies in bed without wanting to get up. I called a doctor again, who reiterated the diagnosis of typhoid fever and prescribed more medicine, but again, it was ineffective, and her condition continued to deteriorate. She eats even less now, feels weak all over, and lies in bed without wanting to get up. Moreover, no one can touch her; if anyone does, she complains of pain. Alas, I really don't know what is wrong. I specifically went to the capital to invite a royal physician to examine her, but it was also of no use. Now, I can only place my hopes on you, young master, and I hope you can definitely cure my daughter. If you can cure her..."

Of course, Lu Jinping did not come here with the intention of becoming a son-in-law to inherit the family business; he was merely forced into this situation by his friend, the fat Yao and others. However, he was curious to see if his medical skills could possibly help cure the illness of Old Master Gao's daughter. If he could succeed, he would not need to become a son-in-law, and he could still receive a reward, which would at least alleviate his financial pressures and spare him from worrying so much about making a living.

Lu Jinping looked at the face of the old man Gao's daughter, who was lying on the bed, and couldn't help but smile bitterly and shake his head. Not to mention how the girl with the illness compared to the illustrations, even considering the condition set by old man Gao that whoever could cure his daughter’s illness could marry her, it is likely that even a capable young doctor, after seeing her appearance, would weigh in his heart whether he should indeed cure her illness. This is because his daughter was truly too ordinary-looking, and one could even say somewhat unattractive. Even considering the condition set by old man Gao that whoever could cure his daughter’s illness could marry her, it is likely that even a capable young doctor, after seeing her appearance, would weigh in his heart whether he should indeed cure her illness. This is because his daughter was truly too ordinary-looking, and one could even say somewhat unattractive

When his fingers touched the girl's wrist, she suddenly twitched as if her wrist had been pricked by a needle. She barely opened her eyes, glanced at Lu Jinping, rolled her eyes, and then closed them again, letting out a painful cry through her nose

Occasionally. There have been a few times when she ate something and then vomited. However, she hasn't vomited in the past few days. — Young Master, what do you think is wrong with my daughter? Some doctors say she is suffering from an injury, which is the most common opinion, while others say she is possessed. Yet, despite trying every possible remedy, nothing has worked. Surely you must have a good solution? Is it medication? Or perhaps a ritual?

Lu Jinping said to Old Master Gao: "Let’s not discuss those matters for now; first, let’s give your daughter something to eat. A person is like iron, and food is like steel; going without a meal makes one anxious. If she doesn’t eat, her health will deteriorate, and she will lack the strength to resist illness"

However, having hope is better than being disappointed; he still needs to be patient and give the doctor as many opportunities as possible

Has she ever vomited