Chapter 109

C109 – Couldn’t Stop His Sad Mood

Imperial Doctor Wu advised Tang Yue, “Your ability to acquire medical skills at such a young age is commendable, but remember not to become complacent.”

“You’re absolutely right,” Tang Yue replied with a bow and a smile. “I have a request to make.”

Imperial Doctor Wu listened patiently.

“I wish to become your apprentice and learn traditional medical techniques,” Tang Yue proposed after careful consideration. In this era, Western medicine still had a long way to go, primarily in terms of technological advancements and medical expertise.

Consequently, the optimal approach in adapting to the current circumstances was to embrace Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and incorporate some knowledge of Western medicine. Combining both Eastern and Western medical practices would be most advantageous.

“...” Imperial Doctor Wu’s expression underwent a sudden transformation, rendering him speechless with shock.

He had already felt that his earlier words might have appeared overly reliant on his seniority. However, if he were to genuinely accept Tang Yue as his disciple, how would Crown Prince view him? What would the people of Ye City, as well as those in South Jin, think of him?

Would he end up tarnishing his own reputation?

“Why do you believe so? Your medical skills already surpass mine. I doubt I have anything to teach you,” Imperial Doctor Wu shook his head.

Tang Yue sat face to face with him and posed a straightforward question, “How would you recommend treating typhoid?”

“Typhoid?” Imperial Doctor Wu sat upright and responded earnestly, “Typhoid fever is a common and complex ailment. When a patient presents with symptoms like chills, headache, coughing up white phlegm, nasal congestion, and an absence of sweating, their pulse may be either tight or slow. In such cases, treatment involves frying with green onions and ginger.

But if the symptoms include fever, throat pain, coughing up yellow phlegm, a thin or yellow tongue coating, a red tongue tip, and a rapid pulse, and the patient consumes mulberry, honeysuckle, and pericardium, it may be an even more severe form of typhoid. In such cases, where the patient experiences fever without significant elevation in temperature, along with vomiting, diarrhea, headache, limb pain, and a lack of sweating, the previously mentioned prescriptions may prove ineffective.”

Tang Yue recited the symptoms, saying, “This appears to be a gastrointestinal cold or a hot summer cold, for which Cangshu, Chen Pi, Thick Park, Baizhi, Fu Ling, Large Belly Skin, Half-summer, licorice cream, patchouli oil, and purple sesame oil can be used. These ingredients are combined to create patchouli righteous water infused with dried ginger juice.”

“A cold?”

“Indeed, a cold is another term for describing typhoid.”

“The young gentleman may be youthful, but his knowledge of medicine surpasses my lifelong learning. I’ve been studying medicine all my life, and I truly admire him,” sighed Imperial Doctor Wu.

Tang Yue blinked and swiftly turned around. “Imperial Doctor Wu, you flatter me. I have only a rudimentary understanding of medicinal formulas and can identify just a few dozen common herbs. I couldn’t recognize some of them even if they were right in front of me.”

Imperial Doctor Wu shook his head, expressing his melancholy. “I fear the young gentleman will find it amusing. It has been decades since I last heard of such herbs, but there are still countless undiscovered plants in the world.”

Tang Yue felt somewhat helpless. The world of herbs had myriad names, and over the span of a thousand years or so, the herbs remained the same, but their names might have changed several times. It was quite common not to recognize them.

“I genuinely seek your guidance. I am ignorant about acupuncture and medical inquiries,” Tang Yue admitted.

“If you are truly eager to learn, you need not formally take me as your teacher. We can mutually learn from each other,” Imperial Doctor Wu suggested, his eyes sharp.

Tang Yue’s eyes gleamed with enthusiasm as he clasped Imperial Physician Chen’s hand and expressed, “I never imagined that I’d encounter a gynecologist. In the future, I entrust my younger sister’s well-being to Imperial Physician Chen.”

“Young master, your praise is too generous. Moreover, I no longer hold the title of Imperial Physician. Please call me Elder Chen.”

“Haha... Alright, Elder Chen, let’s get down to discussing the reward,” Tang Yue wanted to resolve the matter promptly. It wasn’t just about him; there were also the seven apprentice alchemists who had dedicated years to their studies.

Money wasn’t an issue for Tang Yue, so he was quite generous with his offer. His salary exceeded that of Imperial Doctor Wu’s, and in addition to that, there were year-end bonuses and various perks. He even enjoyed four days of rest each month, which was undeniably a significant benefit.

Everyone was eager to sign the contracts that Tang Yue had prepared right there. Tang Yue and his associates agreed to acquaint themselves with the surroundings tomorrow. When the first batch of herbs arrived, there would be personnel to begin processing and organizing them.

At noon, Tang Yue was still contemplating whether he should prepare a meal to satisfy their appetites when unexpectedly, food was delivered to them.

Imperial Doctor Wu’s concierge brought in the food with an inscrutable expression, and upon closer observation, it was evident that he had wobbly legs.

“Which restaurant sent this food?” Imperial Doctor Wu, being advanced in years, often ordered food from outside since his children were not with him.

The gatekeeper hesitated for a long moment before stammering, “They... they said it’s from the Crown Prince’s residence.”

Tang Yue stepped forward and saw two familiar figures carrying two large food containers. He couldn’t believe his eyes.

Hehe, was this concern for his well-being or something else?

“Young sir, His Highness’s servant has delivered food for you and the Imperial Physicians. His Highness believes it’s good for you to discuss medical matters, but you must take care of your health as the wedding date approaches. Don’t let your health deteriorate. If you require anything, simply instruct this servant.”

A hush fell over everyone as they finished speaking. Then, they turned their gazes to Tang Yue, wondering, “Is this really the Crown Prince they know?”

Tang Yue felt his face flush. He was about to respond when Imperial Doctor Wu pulled him aside. “The wedding date is approaching? The young sir is getting married. I’m overjoyed!”

As he prepared to open the food containers and present a gift, an old friend whispered in his ear. The sight of Imperial Doctor Wu’s startled expression left everyone wide-eyed.

“Haha...” Tang Yue scratched his nose and addressed the group. “Let’s dig in first. The chefs in the Crown Prince’s residence are renowned for their culinary skills. Everyone, come and savor the flavors.”

There was no need for words; the enticing aroma had already wafted through the air. Moreover, the Crown Prince’s chefs were rumored to be exceptional, surpassing even the imperial chefs by several notches.

It was rumored that because of this, the Crown Prince had no choice but to send two of his chefs to the palace, ensuring that the rumors did not spread any further.

“Crown Princess... this old man is truly impolite.” Imperial Doctor Wu bowed, tears welling up in his eyes. Anxiety gnawed at his heart.

Despite Tang Yue being a man, he was also the future Crown Princess, residing and dining at his palace. It left no room for ambiguity. He couldn’t fathom what the Crown Prince might think.

When Imperial Doctor Wu arrived, he realized that he might have unwittingly put himself in a precarious situation. What the heck!

He suddenly wanted to send them away, but with everyone present, he couldn’t say a word. All he could do was join them for the meal. Regardless of how delectable the food was, it couldn’t dispel his inner unease.