Fame and fortune are difficult to escape throughout history. If Chen Xi remembered correctly, he once read in a book that Hua Tuo came from a family of scholars and was self-taught in medicine. There are historical records that mention Hua Tuo, in his youth, was well-versed in classical studies and health practices. He was recommended for an official position by Chen Gui while traveling in Xuzhou, and later by Huang Wan, who was the Grand Commandant. However, Hua Tuo declined both offers, showing that the lure of wealth likely didn't appeal to him much.
As for fame, the elderly man before Chen Xi was indeed a figure renowned throughout history. Thus, Chen Xi could only try his luck in persuading him. Whether it would work or not, that would depend on fate.
"Why be so formal, Governor Chen?" Hua Tuo smiled. "I never said I would leave. Since the governor prioritizes the people's well-being, how could I not assist you?"
Chen Xi sighed, realizing that any lasting change would depend on the bonds Hua Tuo would form with the medical students in Taishan. Otherwise, when Hua Tuo felt he had done enough, he would leave to travel the world and continue healing others, fulfilling his calling.
"Thank you, Master Hua," Chen Xi bowed, and Hua Tuo accepted the gesture. Only then did Chen Xi feel at ease.
"Governor, what brings you here today?" Hua Tuo asked after glancing at Chen Xi and his companions. "I assume you wouldn't have come looking for this old man unless there was something you needed."
Chen Xi smiled bitterly. Such was the prevailing mindset of this era. He recalled that hundreds of years later, Han Yu had said, "Physicians, musicians, and craftsmen are people whom gentlemen disdain." Of course, the musicians Han Yu referred to weren't those like Cai Yan, but entertainers. These groups were considered lowly by scholars, no matter how skilled they were.
Because of this, Chen Xi knew how important Hua Tuo was, but he didn't personally go to welcome him when he first arrived in Taishan. Sending Liu Yan to inform Hua Tuo of matters felt inappropriate, but fortunately, Liu Yan, now a well-known scholar, could act freely without being bound by convention. He could do as he pleased, without worrying about societal norms.
Liu Yan could act that way, but Chen Xi could not. He represented half of Taishan's dignity. If Chen Xi personally went to greet Hua Tuo, he would set a precedent, and soon he would have to greet everyone. The pride of scholars in this era wouldn't allow them to be slighted. If a lowly person received a grand welcome while they did not, they would turn and leave in indignation.
Such was the societal environment of the time, and it wasn't something that could be changed by one person or even a generation. If Chen Xi didn't want to oppose the entire scholar class, he had to avoid making foolish decisions. He was a man, not a protagonist in a story who could defy fate. He wasn't so naive.
Due to this, Chen Xi only approached Hua Tuo when necessary. In other cases, he could be more casual. Even the bow he had just given could be justified as being for the benefit of Taishan's people.
"Please, Master Hua, check the health of Taishan's officials," Chen Xi said with a smile, gesturing toward the group.
Hua Tuo glanced around, then his gaze landed on Chen Xi. He pointed to Guo Jia, Lu Su, and Fa Zheng, and calmly stated, "Including you, everyone here is in a state of physical weakness. He, he, and he—if they don't take care of themselves, their lifespans will not be long."
Chen Xi coughed, "I'll take care of it when I get back. For now, please prescribe something for these three, and then for everyone else who's unwell. We're counting on you, Master Hua."
"You can't be so reckless," Hua Tuo replied. "Though they all suffer from poisoning, each case is different. And you all have different types of physical weakness. The youngest among you is overworked, you suffer from excessive military campaigns, he has lung deficiency…"
Hua Tuo pointed to each person, diagnosing them one by one. If this were the 21st century, Chen Xi would have turned and left. But facing Hua Tuo, he had no choice but to accept it. After all, diagnosis by observation was one of Hua Tuo's specialties.
Chen Xi might have accepted it, but others did not. As expected, the irritable Fa Zheng was the first to speak up. "How can you be so sure that we have these illnesses? We didn't feel anything wrong before you mentioned it."
Although Guo Jia remained silent, he clearly had his doubts. After all, who wouldn't be skeptical? Was this some charlatan trying to scare them into believing they were ill?
Hua Tuo glanced at Fa Zheng. "You've been taking mercury-based pills, haven't you? Your emotions are unstable, your memory has slightly deteriorated, you sometimes suffer from insomnia, you've lost your appetite, and your vision is starting to decline."
With every word, Fa Zheng's face darkened. He hadn't noticed these issues before, but now that they were pointed out, he realized they were true. Especially his unstable emotions—despite his young age, he was mentally sharp and shouldn't have been so irritable.
Guo Jia, who knew Fa Zheng well, immediately realized that Hua Tuo's diagnosis was accurate. A sense of dread crept over him—could he also be ill?
"You're still young," Hua Tuo continued, ignoring Fa Zheng's shock. "Stop taking those pills, and I'll prescribe something for you. You'll be fine. As for the youngest here, more rest will suffice—no need for medication."
Hua Tuo then turned to Lu Su and Guo Jia, frowning. These two had more severe cases, and their age didn't help matters.
"This is Lu Zijing, and this is Guo Fengxiao," Chen Xi introduced them. "Please, Master Hua, speak frankly."
"Let's start with Lu Zijing. Though both are deeply poisoned, he has a stronger constitution and hasn't indulged in vices. He likely only feels occasional discomfort in his lower back. He needs to stop taking the pills and follow a month of treatment. After that, food therapy will suffice," Hua Tuo shook his head, acknowledging that this wasn't his area of expertise.
"As for Guo Fengxiao…" Hua Tuo sighed, "He has a dual deficiency of energy and essence, fewer children, pale skin, labored breathing, a persistent cough, and a general weakness. He's taken too much of the Five Minerals Powder. Stop taking it immediately—while a little can be medicinal, too much harms the body. Avoid alcohol and women, practice inner energy cultivation, and focus on food therapy. Even with some residual toxins, you'll be fine."
Guo Jia stopped fanning himself.
Hua Tuo had no good solution for the Five Minerals Powder. He could handle mercury and gold-based pills, but the Five Minerals Powder was tricky. It was a medicine for treating illness, but overuse had turned it into poison. Guo Jia's frail body couldn't withstand strong treatments—using them might kill him before they cured him.
Everyone present was intelligent and adept at reading others. They quickly realized that Hua Tuo's diagnoses were spot-on, and began worrying about their health. They might have been reluctant to see a doctor before, but no one wanted to die.