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Wei Ruo explained, “Pneumonia is not something that remains exactly the same in all cases. This year, the weather has been abnormal—Taizhou Prefecture has encountered a bitter cold unlike anything in past years. Under such unusual climate conditions, it’s possible for the illness to present with variations.”
She continued, “Although these patients show different complications, the signs of pneumonia are still there. The pulse, the lung sounds, and many other symptoms all point in this direction. Therefore, I have reason to believe that pneumonia is the most likely cause.”
Hearing her explanation, Doctor Cheng found it somewhat reasonable. Though he was the eldest and most experienced among them, he was not the kind of stubborn old man who clung rigidly to his own views.
When dealing with younger physicians, Doctor Cheng felt that sometimes their opinions were worth heeding.
Especially in this case—after several senior doctors had tried treating the illness based on past experience without success—listening to fresh ideas might be the new way forward.
“In that case, it does make sense to make some adjustments to the existing pneumonia prescriptions, and see if they can be effective against this illness,” said Doctor Cheng.
He then turned to ask the others, “What do you all think?”
The others voiced their agreement. At this moment, everyone was united in one purpose: to help the patients recover as quickly as possible, reduce deaths, and lower the number of cases. Protecting the city’s people also meant protecting their own families.
No one cared about whose contribution was greater, nor whether their own knowledge was being challenged.
Even the most skilled physician had shortcomings, and if a younger person outperformed them, there was no shame in it.
Once the direction was set, the group began discussing prescriptions, exchanging ideas on the formulations.
After a morning of discussion, they finalized a new prescription.
“Let’s try it first on a few of the younger patients,” Doctor Cheng suggested.
Wei Ruo and the others agreed with his proposal.
It wasn’t about favoritism—it was that if something unforeseen went wrong, young people with stronger bodies could withstand it better, giving the doctors a chance to intervene.
Though this approach was risky and could harm some patients, it was, at present, the most practical and effective solution.
They no longer had the luxury of time; the longer they delayed, the more people would die.
In the afternoon, Wei Ruo and the other physicians treated the patient they had selected.
The patient was the head constable of the prefectural yamen, forty years old, strong and well-built. With his own consent and that of his family, he agreed to let Wei Ruo and the others attempt treatment.
In addition to prescribing medicine, Wei Ruo planned to perform acupuncture as a supplementary therapy.
As Wei Ruo inserted the needles, Doctor Cheng and the others stood by and observed. To their astonishment, they found that this young man named Xu Heyou, despite his age, wielded the needles with exceptional technique and precision—his technique surpassed even that of veteran physicians who had practiced medicine for many years.
After finishing, Doctor Cheng, who had been holding back his words for some time, could not resist speaking,“Master Xu, I truly did not expect it. At such a young age, your skill with the needles is extraordinary!”
Wei Ruo replied, “Doctor Cheng flatters me. There is still much I must learn from all of you.”
Like the others, Wei Ruo would never grow arrogant just because she excelled in one area. She knew that these senior physicians likely possessed skills she herself lacked, and she still needed to learn much more.
After the acupuncture, Wei Ruo gave the patient the medicine to take, and then instructed him to rest.
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