11 – Medicinal Herbs, Acupuncture

‘Oh? Xiao Yan could tell that Grandpa Chen was practicing martial arts?’ Old Doctor Chen asked with a smile.

‘No, I couldn’t.’ Xiao Yan shook her head. ‘Brother said that Grandpa Chen was practicing martial arts and told me not to disturb you.’

‘Sorry, Grandpa Chen, we didn’t know you were practicing martial arts.’ Lu Qing said with an apologetic expression.

‘It’s fine. What I’m practicing is just a simple routine to keep the body active, nothing worth calling martial arts.’ The old doctor waved his hand nonchalantly.

‘But I think Grandpa Chen’s moves are quite impressive!’ Xiao Yan said earnestly.

‘Hahaha, I’ve been practicing this martial routine for my whole life. For this old man to receive a compliment from you, young one, makes it all worthwhile!’

Hearing the child’s innocent words, Old Doctor Chen laughed heartily.

Seeing the old doctor so happy, Lu Qing also felt relieved.

He was actually a bit worried that the old doctor had some rule against watching him practice martial arts, and if so, they would have broken that taboo.

‘Let’s go inside. I’ll give you an acupuncture treatment first.’

Old Doctor Chen picked up Xiao Yan and said to Lu Qing.

Lu Qing respectfully followed the old doctor into the courtyard.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, he was drawn to the various medicinal herbs being dried all over.

He glanced around and noticed one herb he recognized, the very same Beef Bone Herb that grew in their own yard.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time to identify all these herbs.

‘Grandpa Chen, are all these herbs being dried in the courtyard?’ Lu Qing asked.

‘Yes, that’s right. Why, do you recognize medicinal herbs?’ The old doctor was a bit surprised.

‘Not really.’ Lu Qing replied. ‘I just noticed that one of these herbs seems to be the same as the one growing near our house.’

‘Which one?’

‘The one drying in that basket.’ Lu Qing pointed in a direction.

Xiao Yan also looked at the blue flowers on the herb and nodded repeatedly, ‘Yes, yes, we have many of these growing outside our yard, and even the cows like to eat them.’

The old doctor glanced at it, ‘Indeed, that’s called Beef Bone Herb. It’s a very common medicinal herb.’

‘Beef Bone Herb.’ Lu Qing repeated the name and asked, ‘Grandpa Chen, what is Beef Bone Herb usually used for?’

‘It’s mainly used for treating bruises and injuries.’ The old doctor answered casually and then looked at Lu Qing, ‘Why, are you interested in medicinal herbs?’

‘Yes,’ Lu Qing answered honestly. ‘Xiao Yan told me that it was you who cured her illness with a single prescription, which made me feel that medicinal herbs are truly magical. They may just be some flowers and plants, but they can relieve pain and save lives.’

‘Learning about medicine isn’t easy. It requires courage, care, a clear mind, and the ability to read and understand medical texts.’

The old doctor did not mock Lu Qing’s idea but patiently explained it to him.

‘I do know a few characters.’ Lu Qing quickly said.

He wasn’t lying.

From his memories, the original owner did know some characters, and he found that these characters were quite similar to the Chinese characters from his previous life, just more complex in strokes.

‘You also know how to read?’ Old Doctor Chen was surprised once again.

In this rural area, finding someone who could read was not easy.

Lu Qing, just an orphan, actually knew how to read?

‘My grandfather taught me some characters when he was alive, but I’m a bit dull-witted. After his death, I forgot some of them, and I can only recognize them, not write them.’

Old Doctor Chen then remembered Lu Qing’s family situation.

It was rumored that Lu Qing’s grandfather was once a scholar who had fallen on hard times.

He had fled to this place along with the villagers.

But before he came here to live in seclusion, he had already passed away, which prevented him from meeting him.

Moreover, he had heard from the villagers that Lu Qing’s father was naturally spirited and not suited for studying. In his youth, he often infuriated Lu Qing’s grandfather, who eventually never finished his studies.

Unexpectedly, the young Lu Qing had actually learned to read some words.

It’s a pity that Lu Qing’s grandfather passed away early; otherwise, perhaps the Lu family would have produced another scholar.

Old Doctor Chen sighed again, looking at Lu Qing with even more warmth in his eyes.

No wonder he felt Lu Qing’s speech and demeanor were different from ordinary village boys; it must be due to his grandfather and father’s teachings.

“Since you’re interested in herbs, from now on, every time you come for acupuncture, I’ll allow you to dry herbs with me for half an hour. As for how much you can remember, that will depend on your own understanding.”

“And you.” Old Doctor Chen patted Xiao Yan’s head,

From now on, you can come with your brother. Grandpa Chen will make some medicinal food for you. How can you stay so weak?”

Lu Qing was overjoyed and quickly thanked him: “Thank you, Grandpa Chen. Xiao Yan, quickly thank Grandpa Chen!”

“Thank you, Grandpa Chen～”

The little girl, although she didn’t know what medicinal food was, obediently thanked because her brother said so.

“No need to thank me. Seeing your frail body, Grandpa Chen feels pity.” The old doctor said kindly full of affection.

Inside the house, the old doctor put Xiao Yan down and took out a needle pouch.

He said to Lu Qing: “Get on the bed and take off your shirt.”

Lu Qing took off his shirt as directed and laid down on the wooden bed.

Seeing his scrawny chest, Old Doctor Chen fell silent for a moment before pulling out a silver needle from the pouch.

Xiao Yan, seeing such a long silver needle, showed a hint of fear on her face.

But she knew Grandpa Chen was treating her brother, so she stayed quietly without making a fuss despite her fear.

“Don’t be scared, and don’t move. I’ll start the acupuncture now.” The old doctor said to Lu Qing.

Lu Qing nodded.

He wasn’t scared.

In his past life on Blue Star, he had experienced traditional Chinese acupuncture and was quite familiar with it.

The old doctor gently inserted the silver needle into one of Lu Qing’s acupuncture points. Lu Qing didn’t feel any pain as the needle went three inches into his flesh.

After inserting one needle, the old doctor didn’t hesitate and immediately took out another silver needle from the pouch and inserted it into another acupuncture point.

In no time, eighteen silver needles were inserted into various acupuncture points on Lu Qing’s upper body.

As for Xiao Yan, she had long covered her eyes, not daring to look at her brother who looked like a porcupine.

Upon inserting the eighteenth silver needle, the old doctor didn’t immediately let go of the needle.

Instead, he pinched the end of the silver needle and gently twisted it.

Immediately, something magical happened. Lu Qing felt a warm stream of energy flowing from the needle.

It tingled and felt very comfortable.

At the same time, a wave of drowsiness hit him, making his eyelids heavy, and he soon fell asleep.

“Grandpa Chen, is Brother asleep?”

Xiao Yan peeked through her fingers.

“Yes, your brother’s body is too weak. My Vitality Needle will let him sleep soundly.”

“Oh.” Xiao Yan responded.

Grandpa Chen was saying something she didn’t understand again.

“Let’s go, let your brother sleep here for a while. We’ll go outside.” The old doctor stood up.

“Where are we going?”

“Grandpa Chen will make something delicious for you…”