The Martial Doctor-Chapter 93 - 92: Putting Everything on the Line

The Imperial Pharmacy’s assessment of Lin Miao’s "independent consultation" application from Dongshan Prefecture was the subject of intense discussion.

The primary advocate for approval was naturally Wan Bin, who had been sent to Lanzhou for oversight and had witnessed and supervised the face-to-face examination in Dongshan Prefecture.

Moreover, he had given Lin Miao the recommendation from his own "Qihuang Research Institute," essentially binding his future in the Imperial Pharmacy to Lin Miao.

Lin Miao had the determination to attempt the "Path to Sagehood" trial, and Wan Bin was naturally determined to fully support him.

He had personally witnessed Lin Miao’s medical skills, such as pulling a woman from the brink of death due to hemorrhage, a feat few in the entire Imperial Pharmacy could accomplish.

Apart from those national-level physicians.

Lin Miao displayed extraordinary medical skills and, faced with many famous doctors, remained composed and eloquent, showing his psychological resilience.

Wan Bin was absolutely convinced Lin Miao had the ability to obtain this "independent consultation" qualification.

The only issue was that Lin Miao ranked third in Dongshan Prefecture’s written exam for medical practitioners, and third in the face-to-face exam as well—being a "double third."

Historically, with such results, an "independent consultation" application would be dismissed outright by the officials at the Imperial Pharmacy.

Typically, to have a chance of approval, one needed to be a "double first" and have some renown, being listed among the young talents recognized by the Imperial Pharmacy.

This was because granting an independent consultation qualification wasn’t just a straightforward approval for execution. Instead, the Imperial Pharmacy would dispatch a two- to three-person team for comprehensive supervision.

This team would incur considerable expenses over a one-year trip, and many were unwilling to undertake such work unless the candidate was worth it.

Yet exceptions existed.

If one had a significant background, the Imperial Pharmacy wouldn’t make it difficult, as ultimately they would be spending the Imperial Pharmacy’s funds, which were essentially state funds, not their personal money.

Wan Bin had returned to Li Jing three days prior and was busy for all three days working on Lin Miao’s "independent consultation" qualification. However, his hard work yielded feedback that chances were slim.

This was because those in higher positions didn’t believe what he said.

How could a seemingly unknown lad be so remarkable? Such a person would have long been discovered and renowned.

Thus, Leng Qingfeng, the deputy head responsible for review and approval at the Imperial Pharmacy, did not believe Wan Bin’s statements, especially since the application lacked even his own mentor’s Medicine Master Order, and he disliked those "seeking attention."

Thus, even when Wan Bin submitted the "application" to him in person, it was denied outright.

Young people, not grounded, reaching for unattainable heights—such individuals further invoked Leng Qingfeng’s disdain. Studying medicine, which among them didn’t endure years of hardship to emerge?

Genius?

Could a dragon be born in shallow waters?

He hadn’t heard of it; throughout history, no such precedent existed.

Figures like the Three Sages, he didn’t believe such achievements would be replicated. The Three Sage’s ancestors were outstanding, but they too received proper educational pedigree from a young age. An unknown boy wanted to walk the "Path to Sagehood" of the Three Sages—simply overestimating oneself, beyond comprehension!

It was clear that Leng Qingfeng’s route was a dead end, but Wan Bin didn’t give up. Above Leng Qingfeng was Chief Jiang Xian, recognized as one of Da Li Dynasty’s top five national physicians, a senior who enjoyed mentoring young talent, and who happened to be Wan Bin’s master’s uncle.

(Among Da Li Dynasty’s top five national physicians, one served at the Imperial Pharmacy, another at the Royal Imperial Hospital, one at Sansheng Hall, one at Medicine King Sect, and another at the Reclining Buddha Temple.)

Without this connection, Wan Bin wouldn’t be doing so well within the Imperial Pharmacy.

Wan Bin spent a night at Jiang Xian’s home, finally obtaining permission to grant Lin Miao an "independent consultation" qualification.

However, Wan Bin himself had to arrange the supervisory personnel dispatched by the Imperial Pharmacy to Dongshan City, totaling three people, responsible for all their expenses in Dongshan City. (Aside from their official salaries paid by the state, Wan Bin had to cover everything else for their accommodation, food, and transport.)

Wan Bin had to remain in Li Jing for a year, with his supervisory duties on hold.

Money wasn’t the issue; the problem was finding people willing to leave a comfortable position in the capital to go to a place like Dongshan City.

Even though Dongshan City was the premier city in the northwest and quite prosperous, it couldn’t compare to Li Jing.

If no one was found, then Jiang Xian’s previous promises would naturally become null.

Wan Bin knew this was Jiang Xian intentionally presenting a challenge, hoping he’d retreat in the face of adversity, and of course, it served as an excuse to persuade Leng Qingfeng.

If not, with Leng Qingfeng obstinately refusing to relent, there’d be no chance given.

After all, this fell within Leng Qingfeng’s jurisdiction. If he staunchly disagreed, even Jiang Xian as chief couldn’t compel him.

With no alternatives, Wan Bin had to seek favors, using up years of accumulated goodwill.

At this stage, it wasn’t just for Lin Miao but also for his own sake. Otherwise, wouldn’t he become a laughing stock among colleagues at the Imperial Pharmacy?

Couldn’t let it go without a fight.

Wan Bin did have some goodwill at the Imperial Pharmacy, and within the given time, he managed to find three individuals meeting the supervisory criteria and reported them on Deputy Head Leng Qingfeng’s desk.

"Mr. Jia, Wan Bin, how did you persuade this stubborn old man?" Seeing the first name on the list, Leng Qingfeng couldn’t help but take a deep breath and ask.

"Deputy Head Leng, I’ve found the people for you. All expenses for the three over the year needn’t cost the Imperial Pharmacy a cent. Given the conditions you set, all are met, so the application for Lin Miao’s ’independent consultation’ should be approved now?" Wan Bin, who initially held no grievances against Leng Qingfeng, was now full of them, practically grinding his teeth as he spoke.

"Guan Biyun, she is still awaiting punishment..."

"Awaiting punishment? The court hasn’t actually sentenced her. She’s still a doctor in the Imperial Pharmacy, isn’t she?" Wan Bin retorted.

Two physicians, one medical assistant; the physicians are responsible for supervision, while the assistant is tasked with recording and organizing relevant medical records.

The last one, he didn’t even bother looking at the name; it should be some newcomer, probably just looking for a chance to spend a year gaining experience.

There are plenty of such people in the Imperial Pharmacy, without backing but eager to progress, clinging to strong figures or enduring to build their credentials. If they can’t find support, then they can only endure.

The Sect Leader has spoken, and the steps have been provided. If Leng Qingfeng insists on blocking him, it’s not just completely falling out with Wan Bin but also discrediting the Sect Leader.

After all, this is just a joke. I suspect the Sect Leader doesn’t favor it and deliberately set such harsh conditions.

Since they insist on making a fool of themselves, let’s just wait and see the spectacle.

This kind of joke hasn’t occurred in many years. Whatever should be blocked has been blocked. Even if others laugh, it will be at Wan Bin and this young man named "Lin Miao."

"Wan Bin, this year there are two other applicants for ’Independent Diagnosis’ qualifications: the grandson of the Medicine Master Sect Leader, born with an innate medicinal scent, and Sumeru Dharani, a disciple of the Reclining Buddha Temple’s Medicine Bodhisattva. They have all applied for independent diagnosis qualifications to the court, along with you, an unknown young lad. It’s the first time in nearly a decade such a lively scene unfolds!" said Mr. Leng, the Deputy Sect Leader.

Provide these two with a companion to play along.

"This indicates that medicine is about to experience significant prosperity!"

"Since ancient times, countless have succeeded in the first step on the path to sainthood, but how many have reached the end?" Leng Qingfeng mused.

"Yet, they’ve all left their mark in history, unlike us. Who will remember us in a hundred years?"

"Take good care of yourself, Wan Bin." Leng Qingfeng didn’t say much more, stamping the approved application before handing it back to Wan Bin.

"Thank you, Deputy Sect Leader, for fulfilling my request."

...

In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed. Despite no news from Li Jing, rumors started to spread among the local medicine community in Dongshan City’s circle.

Most rumors suggested Lin Miao’s application for the ’Independent Diagnosis’ qualification was unfavorable, accusing him of being overly ambitious and embarrassing Dongshan’s medical community. Some even speculated that Lin Miao achieved his success through his pretty senior sister.

Indeed, Sun Youwei’s stunning appearance at Xu Qixi’s birthday banquet left a lasting impression on many.

Since she is Lin Miao’s senior sister, she must be even more capable than her junior. The senior sister sacrifices herself to pave the way for the junior...

It’s not surprising that such speculations arose.

Sun Youwei is also the only daughter of Lin Miao’s mentor, and Lin Miao’s past performance seemed lackluster. However, Sun Youwei, being a daughter with health issues since childhood, was adopted by Mr. Sun, ostensibly a disciple but essentially a son-in-law.

His desire to apply for ’Independent Diagnosis’ qualification is probably because he fears exposing his incompetence. After all, if he went to a clinic, everything would be revealed, leaving no secrets.

Only through independent diagnosis could he avoid being discovered.

These rumors are only believed by those who don’t understand the situation. Those truly aware of the conditions for the ’Independent Diagnosis’ qualification wouldn’t believe such gossip.

Especially since that emergency rescue, apart from Xia Zhu’s assistance, had no outsiders present, witnessed by numerous renowned physicians in Dongshan City.

Sun Youwei didn’t even appear, so where is the cheating and falsification?

...

In fact, no news is actually the best news.

Lately, Lin Miao spends his days either reading at home, practicing martial arts, or tinkering with herbs to create some novel items unseen by others.

After producing Ejiao, he personally tried it, finding the taste almost identical to his memory, but the medicinal effect was significantly enhanced.

With just a little taste, he felt signs of "heatiness."

Thus, when using it for his senior sister, he halved the dosage. After consuming it, the next day’s effect was remarkable.

Not only was sleep better, but the next morning her energy felt renewed; her cheeks were rosy, and her skin glowed with red richness.

Then Lin Miao let all the ladies try some as well, with excellent effects.

Apart from "Musk Wind-chasing Ointment," Lin Miao also specifically formulated ointments for swelling, blood circulation, pain relief, rheumatism, contusions, evidently prepared for future "public diagnosis."

Then he visited Xia Yuan at summer bamboo’s house.

Specifically, he checked the pulse of Xia Zhu’s mother: tense pulse, qi stagnation, blood stasis, diagnosed as angina, coronary heart disease, and poor kidneys. Using Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction, Xia Zhu’s mother, after taking a dose that night, woke up the next morning feeling her heart no longer pained, her whole being much lighter.

Xia Yuan saw this with his own eyes, naturally convinced. If his daughter hadn’t already apprenticed to Lin Miao, he would have wanted to learn from him himself.

Despite being rigid, Xia Yuan is candid and genuine, with no flaws in character. Lin Miao doesn’t mind Xia Zhu returning and sharing what she learned with her father.

Medical expertise only truly becomes valuable when it helps more people, and who uses it isn’t important.

Deeply impressed by Lin Miao’s character and ethos, Xia Yuan was almost ready to burn yellow paper, sealing a brotherhood oath.