Zhang Ming slowly explained: "Elder, your liver has been affected by an abnormal flow of energy and has lost its vitality. I will use gold needles to puncture the acupuncture points and drive this bad energy out of your liver meridian. Once the liver meridian recovers, your health will naturally be restored."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was stunned. Talk of bad energy and pathogenic qi sounded thoroughly bizarre.
An elderly doctor with over forty years of medical experience could not help but shake his head: "Young man, don't talk so mysteriously. Acupuncture can indeed treat illnesses, but I have never heard of it curing serious diseases all by itself."
Inside and outside Shennong Hall, a buzz of discussion instantly erupted. Everyone was half-doubtful about what Zhang Ming was doing, figuring he was probably just showing off without any real skill.
Yet Zhang Ming acted as if he heard nothing. With a gentle flick of his hand, he began to execute the Taiji Nine Needles.
When an expert makes a move, the truth is immediately revealed.
Zhang Ming's movements were shockingly fast. Before anyone could even clearly see his technique, nine gold needles were already firmly driven into the nine key acupuncture points along the elder's liver meridian.
"He actually did it."
"This kid is really going all out just to attract attention."
People nearby cried out in surprise, a mixture of astonishment and anticipation, secretly hoping for a good show.
Just as the discussions were swirling, Zhang Jianbin called out: "Quiet, everyone."
This instantly brought the scene under control, and all eyes focused on him.
Excitedly, Zhang Jianbin rushed over to Zhang Ming and asked: "What you just used—is that the legendary Taiji Nine Needles?"
Zhang Ming looked slightly surprised: "You know about the Taiji Nine Needles?"
Zhang Jianbin was suddenly reminded of a Chinese-Western medicine exchange conference twenty years ago, where a mysterious woman used gold needles to perform the Taiji Nine Needles, curing everyone present before vanishing without a trace. He had always regretted never getting to see the person in the flesh.
Never had he expected to witness this miraculous skill again today. Trembling with excitement, Zhang Jianbin immediately dropped to his knees and begged to become a disciple: "Sir, I have loved traditional Chinese medicine my entire life. Please take me as your disciple."
This scene dumbfounded everyone. No one had imagined that the renowned miraculous doctor Zhang Jianbin would actually kneel and plead to become the disciple of a twenty-something youth.
Zhang Ming replied that he had too many troubles and wasn't suited to take on disciples, but seeing that Zhang Jianbin possessed good medical ethics, he was willing to offer him some pointers.
Hearing this, Zhang Jianbin hurriedly kowtowed in gratitude, calling him "Master" at every turn. His reaction was so swift and his attitude so sincere that it commanded respect.
In this day and age, someone like that would find it hard not to succeed.
Disregarding the gazes of others, Zhang Jianbin stood up excitedly, beaming from ear to ear. Being able to receive guidance from Zhang Ming was simply priceless to him.
Putting aside how exceptional Zhang Ming's medical skills were, just looking at his technique with the Taiji Nine Needles moments ago showed he was no ordinary person.
Such a skill was hardly something an ordinary person could ever master.
Zhang Ming pulled a notebook of medical insights he had written while studying medicine in the mountains from his tunic and handed it to Zhang Jianbin.
Zhang Jianbin accepted the notebook as if cradling a precious treasure, his hands shaking slightly. He flipped through a few pages, and his eyes instantly lit up, his entire body trembling with excitement.
The medical techniques and medicinal formulas within the notes opened up a brand-new world of traditional Chinese medicine for him.
Zhang Jianbin firmly believed that with this notebook, his medical skills would undoubtedly advance in leaps and bounds, reaching heights he had never previously dared to imagine.
As they chatted, Zhang Ming felt that the time was about right. With a gentle wave of his hand, he miraculously withdrew all the gold needles from the elder's body.
As soon as the gold needles were removed, the young woman nearby anxiously asked her grandfather how he felt.
The elder looked full of vigor. His complexion was rosy, and he declared that his body felt much lighter, his breathing was smooth, his previous aches and pains were gone, and he was brimming with energy.
Even more miraculously, the elder was actually able to stand up and walk on his own—previously, his legs had been completely devoid of strength due to his liver illness.
Now he walked with steady steps, just like someone who had never been sick at all.
Clearly, his illness had taken a turn for the better.
"Ha ha, young brother, many thanks for saving my life. I am Su Tiancan. If you need any help in the future, just say the word. I still carry some weight in Xia State." The elder expressed his gratitude to Zhang Ming and also revealed his identity.
Hearing this name, everyone was dumbfounded. They never expected that this ordinary-looking old man was actually Northern Pacifying General Su Tiancan.
As a national hero, Su Tiancan was deeply respected by all.
Although Zhang Ming had lived in seclusion for eight years, he still knew the great name of the Northern Pacifying General. Facing this elderly general who had devoted his entire life to the country, he naturally dared not be remiss, and respectfully said:
"Old General, you are too modest. You have fought for Xia State for so many years, and your contributions are immense. It is my honor to treat you."
This poised and confident attitude earned him the deep appreciation of the old general.
Among the young people of today, truly few were like him.
The old general cast a few more approving glances at him and warmed up to him, smiling as he said: "Young brother, you are my lucky star; we should get closer in the future. If you feel there's nothing to talk about with an old man like me, you can always look for my granddaughter."
With a smile, the old general added: "Young people certainly have plenty of topics to share." Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he continued: "Right, my granddaughter is Su Yuqing. You must come and visit her often."
Before his voice had even faded, a slip of paper with his granddaughter's contact information had already been handed into Zhang Ming's hand.
The old general's enthusiasm left Zhang Ming muttering inwardly, feeling as though he had been targeted by a meddlesome matchmaker. He gave an awkward laugh and advised: "Old senior, you should sit down and rest for a bit. Your body has just recovered; don't get too excited."
Listening from the side, Su Yuqing understood in her heart that she had just been "arranged" for an unexpected meeting.
At that moment, Zhang Jianbin of Shennong Hall appeared at the right time, holding several packages of medicinal herbs, and respectfully said: "Master, the herbs you requested have all been prepared."
At the sight of the herbs, great joy surged in Zhang Ming's heart. These were precisely the life-saving medicines Wei Xiaoyu needed. He hurriedly expressed his thanks, then found an excuse to bid farewell to the old general.
Zhang Ming calculated in his mind that of the thirty-six stratagems, running away is best; when traveling far from home, protecting oneself is paramount.
Thus, he headed straight for the Zhang Family old residence. Although it had endured a fierce battle overnight, it had already returned to peace, with only broken walls and ruins speaking of the fierce struggle of the past.
He retrieved his family's ancestral spirit tablets. As he turned to leave, he sensed someone following him in secret, but he paid it no mind, having already anticipated it long ago.
Upon returning to the villa, the scene before him made him pause; several young maids had been added to the household.
There was no need to guess—these meticulously dressed maids were definitely helpers arranged by Sister Shang.
"Zhang Ming, look, how do you like the helpers I found for you?" Shang Yilin greeted him the moment Zhang Ming stepped through the door.
Zhang Ming forced a smile: "Sister Shang, they are all young women. Doing this kind of work—isn't it a bit of a waste of their talents?"
"A waste of talent? A high salary is their bright future. The compensation I'm giving them is several times that of ordinary jobs, with an annual salary in the hundreds of thousands. Where else can you find an opportunity like this?"
Shang Yilin's words were both realistic and direct. "If you don't believe me, ask them—aren't they all scrambling to come here? Only those who are pretty are qualified to stand here."
Zhang Ming sighed: "Alright, Sister Shang, we'll do as you say. It's just that I..."