Chapter 004: The Divine Doctor Bestows Skills

Although Ma Xin and other generals of the Zheng army viewed the Qing Dynasty's lock river defense line as merely a desperate performance, similar to the tricks played by Sun Hao in the past, caution is always prudent

In the future, the cotton cloth used for dressing wounds must be boiled in water for disinfection before applying it to the wound. This can help minimize the risk of wound infection. Additionally, if possible, use cotton cloth that has a loose weave, as it allows the wound to breathe appropriately, which facilitates healing more effectively

On the wide river, waves surged, and over a thousand ships of various sizes densely occupied the waterway. Among them were large three-masted vessels equipped with dozens of cannons, accompanied by supply ships, paddle boats for reconnaissance and escort, as well as the small yet formidable "Dragon Gun Boats" which were equipped with large-caliber cannons at both ends.

As Ma Xin was once again planning in his heart how to conquer the "Rolling River Dragon" three days later, someone came to report that the scout team had discovered an unidentified individual. The subordinates were unsure how to handle the situation and requested his decision.

Zhu Mingzhong, while suturing, explained the essentials of suturing wounds and how to tie the thread without reservation to the other medical officers. Everyone appeared to be eager to learn. In this era, hardly anyone would, like him, selflessly impart their "unique skills" to others. The other medical officers could not help but feel grateful. Each one of them displayed an attitude of utmost respect. Selflessly imparting his "unique skills" to others, how could the other medical officers not feel a sense of gratitude? Each one of them appeared extremely respectful.

The thirteenth year of the Yongli era of the Ming Dynasty, in the month of June

Since this person harbors loyalty towards our Ming Dynasty, and with the prince's order for this expedition to the north, we must treat the refugees kindly. These righteous people have come to seek refuge, and we must not dampen their spirits. Furthermore, in a few days, our army will be attacking the Hu people at 'Rolling River Dragon.' At that time, casualties are inevitable, and having an additional medical officer in the army can certainly save a few more lives. Well... let us keep him in the army as a medical officer!

The Qing army's naval force is merely a small fleet of boats, which naturally does not impress Ma Xin. However, the true defense line of the Eastern barbarians, who are not accustomed to naval warfare, does not lie in the naval forces on the river, but rather in their strategic control of the river's key points.

In the dim light of the cabin's oil lamp, Zhu Mingzhong stood in the swaying cabin, stitching the wounds of the injured. To conserve the limited number of sutures in the medical kit, he opted not to use those sutures but instead employed the mulberry bark thread recorded in ancient texts. Although there are many accounts of surgical suturing in ancient books, very few practitioners utilize them. The likely reason is that the sutures have not been sterilized, which may lead to an increased risk of infection at the wound site, thereby undermining the purpose of suturing. Despite the existence of such medical texts, the actual use of these methods remains rare.

In reality, even so, it is still a rare privilege. One must understand that generally, itinerant doctors do not require the intervention of a deputy commander. If it were not for his peculiar attire and exceptional medical skills, how could this have reached Ma Xin's ears?

Before the wound was sutured, Zhu Mingzhong instructed an assistant nearby and then explained further

The grand fleet, taking advantage of the southeast monsoon, sailed upstream along the river, bombarding the Qing army's river defense positions on both banks, the sound echoing like thunder. Faced with this terrifying spectacle, the Manchu river defense navy, which usually flaunted its power on the Yangtze River, had all its ships that had not yet sunk to the riverbed fled behind the "Rolling River Dragon" defense line at Guazhou, no longer daring to attempt to obstruct along the river.

Upon hearing this, Ma Xin was quite perplexed. If the origin was unclear, one should simply ask; if not, then one should face severe punishment. If he were to be questioned about every trivial matter, he would surely be overwhelmed by such mundane concerns.

This needle, a curved needle is required; while a straight needle can be used for mending clothes, it is somewhat inconvenient for suturing wounds. Only a curved needle can facilitate the suturing of wounds effectively

The officer reporting stated that the unidentified individual claimed to be named Zhu Mingzhong. When questioned, he insisted that he was a wandering doctor, having traveled with his master for many years. As for his origins and experiences, he knew nothing, only saying that he was found by his master among the corpses in Jiading, and he was unaware of anything else. The scout who discovered Zhu Mingzhong reported that from the man's words, it was evident that he harbored loyalty to the Ming Dynasty. Observations indicated that he did not appear to be a spy for the Tartars. Furthermore, upon hearing that the army had entered the Yangtze River, he immediately cut off his braid and was captured by the scouts sent out while on his way to enlist.

A person of unknown origin

Finally, wipe the wound again with strong liquor

However, he is merely a small-time itinerant doctor. In Ma Xin's eyes, such a minor doctor is naturally not worth a glance. Yet, in just a few words, he has already defined the position of this itinerant doctor.

Regardless of whether it is mulberry bark thread or silk thread, of course hair can also be used to suture wounds, such as vascular sutures, as hair can be absorbed by blood vessels. However, it is essential to ensure proper disinfection, which means it needs to be soaked in strong alcohol

From Zhenjiang on the southern bank of the Yangtze River to Guazhou on the northern bank, the Qing Dynasty expended a significant amount of manpower and resources to construct a long dam across the river using large timber and boats. The dam is three zhang wide, topped with earth, and suitable for horseback riding. Wooden railings are installed on the top of the dam, allowing for shooting at the river from behind the railings. Cannon positions are established at intervals, and downstream of the wooden dam, a one-foot diameter iron chain crosses the Yangtze River to block sea vessels. Additionally, several floating camps are positioned on the river's surface, ready to reinforce any weak points at any time. On the island of Tanjiazhu in the middle of the river, there are also two thousand soldiers and more than ten cannons stationed.

Whether doctors in this era can understand what disinfection and sterilization are is not important; what is important is to tell them that they must do so, just like the strands of mulberry bark thread soaking in the strong liquor in the porcelain bowl beside them

According to the scout, this person possesses exceptional medical skills, particularly in the treatment of wounds. His technique of suturing wounds with needle and thread is known even among military medical officers, who have only heard of his name but do not know how to apply his methods. Therefore, I, a humble subordinate, do not dare to make a decision on my own and have come to seek guidance from the esteemed commander

As evening approaches, the rising sun has painted the western horizon red, casting its glow upon the surging river surface

Fate is always so marvelous. Just a few hours ago, Zhu Mingzhong was still practicing as an "unlicensed black doctor" in the urban-rural fringe populated by a large number of migrant workers in the south. Now, he has transformed into a medical officer of the Zheng family army. Although he holds no official rank, Zhu Mingzhong believes that with his groundbreaking "surgical" skills, achieving success and fame is only a matter of time.

After listening to his subordinate recount the background and details, Ma Xin couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity. Although it was curiosity, that thought quickly faded, as it was merely a trivial matter, unworthy of his distraction

Zhu Mingzhong explained while treating the injured person lying on the table, and several medical officers looked on in astonishment at his suturing technique

Oh!

Admiral Ma Xin furrowed his brow as he gazed at the map depicting the "Rolling River Dragon," which was the "Lock River Defense Line" constructed by the Qing Dynasty using several iron chains to block the river. This was the first formidable obstacle the fleet encountered after entering the Yangtze River. As anticipated before the expedition, the Zheng family army's fleet faced no effective resistance upon entering the Yangtze River. While sinking several Qing warships in the downstream waters, they did not even fire a shot, instead relying on the wind to ram their heavy Fuchuan vessels into the Qing warships, swiftly crushing them to the riverbed like a vehicle running over a mantis.

Forgive me, but this person truly exudes an air of strangeness in every aspect

In the center of this fleet composed of thousands of ships, a large four-masted treasure ship flies a grand banner from its central mast. The banner flutters in the river breeze, inscribed with the words "Restoration of the World, General Zheng, Defender of the Nation." This marks the northern fleet of General Zheng Chenggong, who has just crossed the Yangtze River at Jiangyin.

How can such a powerful river defense be breached by the army advancing against the current

Sometimes, success often arrives a little earlier than one might expect. Almost as soon as he entered the medical camp, Zhu Mingzhong's suturing technique, which was praised by others as "ghostly and divine," astonished the medical officers.