The Lucky Farmgirl

Chapter 2376: Chapter 2351: Instructions

Insiders see the subtleties. After Doctor Ding removed two needles, he addressed the onlookers, "All right, the person will be fine for now. Let’s wait and see until the medicine is administered."

Su Jian still had needles on his stomach and waist. Upon hearing this, he asked, "What do you mean by ’wait and see’?"

Originally skeptical about Su Jian’s recovery, his dubious friends saw that he could actually speak and partly relaxed, now curiously watching Doctor Ding.

Doctor Ding hesitated for a moment and then said, "An intestinal abscess... one can indeed treat it with decoctions, but for acute cases like the Young Duke’s, it’s often a severe intestinal abscess. Therefore, we need to clear the intestines and expel pus. Doctor Zhou Junior used acupuncture to regulate the meridian energy and facilitate discharge, which is an excellent therapy. With medicine, this should be effective. Administer for a decade, using needles every other day, and it should heal."

"But if after the medication, removing the pain-relief needles doesn’t show obvious improvement, then it’s possible the intestines near the abscess have necrotized, and they will need to be cut."

Everyone widened their eyes in surprise, especially Su Jian, who nearly moved back, asking in shock, "You, you want to cut open my stomach?"

Doctor Ding immediately reassured him, "Young Duke, rest assured. It’s just a very small incision. Surgeons do this regularly, and Doctor Zhou Junior even performed an abdominal surgery before, so cleansing intestines like this is hardly a concern."

"That’s because it’s not your stomach being cut!" Su Jian retorted displeasedly. Last time was dire, and he was unconscious. This time he wouldn’t allow it unless... there was truly no choice.

Manbao sat to the side, consoling him, "It’s okay, it’s not confirmed yet. There’s a chance there hasn’t been necrosis, just an abscess, so there’s still the possibility of recovery. At worst, I’ll skip the Lantern Festival tomorrow and visit your home for acupuncture."

Manbao’s comfort made him feel a bit better. Afraid to move, he asked, "Imperial Doctor Zhou, can you give me a few more needles?"

Manbao: "...I don’t think that’s necessary. Needles aren’t better the more you use them. I’m afraid of causing more harm."

The steward quickly ran in, happily informing them there was medicine in the storeroom. It had already been prepared and would be ready to drink in about two moments.

So, many people either sat or stood, staring at Su Jian’s belly, even Young Master Cui from next door and others gathered around the screen, watching Su Jian’s stomach.

This was their first time witnessing Zhou Man diagnosing someone, and there was, admittedly, a different feeling in their hearts.

Looking at Bai Shan standing by, he seemed utterly unperturbed that Manbao was pressing on another man’s belly, even handing her a moistened cloth to wipe her hands, asking beside her, "If surgery is needed to cleanse the intestines, where would it be performed?"

Manbao thought for a moment and replied, "Of course, Jishi Hall would be best, though if he’s unwilling, it can also be done at the Su’s residence."

Bai Shan asked, "Where to cut?"

Manbao pointed to the deepest spot of his previous puncture, "Right here. It doesn’t need to be large, just a small incision."

Then reassured Su Jian, whose expression looked troubled, "Look, it’s far from your old wound and won’t overlap."

Everyone focused their attention, vaguely seeing a long, winding scar where his clothes were lifted, clearly from a past suture.

Everyone swallowed hard.

The medicine was brought over, and Manbao did not remove the remaining needles, letting him drink the medicine instead. After drinking, he soon needed a trip to the toilet, and Manbao removed the needles.

Manbao and Doctor Ding sat and waited. When he was helped back in, Manbao checked his pulse, pressed on his stomach, and congratulated him based on his reactions, "It seems there isn’t necrosis. Congratulations."

Su Jian breathed a sigh of relief.

Manbao said, "Don’t be too relieved yet. Young Duke, this intestinal abscess is due to unrestrained and unhygienic eating habits, plus you’ve consumed so much alcohol. Having had surgery on your abdomen before, losing so much blood then has affected your body. Though appearing no different from ordinary people in daily life, moderation in diet, abstaining from alcohol and excess is crucial, or the body can’t handle it, leading to ailments. Especially alcohol, which is a major harm to you."

She glanced at the wine on the table, saying, "Young Duke should exercise restraint in the future."

Manbao wasn’t particularly close to him, but out of respect for the Crown Prince and Princess, she advised him earnestly once more. Otherwise, she would have given medical advice long ago, why would she be so detailed now?

In the end, Su Jian held his stomach and went home.

Doctor Ding turned to Manbao and said, "This illness needs attention. If the decoction is ineffective, it’s best to remove it early, or the pain could be deadly."

Manbao nodded and said, "Will you visit the Su family?"

Doctor Ding smiled and said, "My prescription is decent, but I’m no match for you in acupuncture. I noticed you used three more acupoints than I’m familiar with..."

The two started discussing while standing in the viewing area, Bai Shan ignored them, pulling Zhao Liulang and a few others inside to dine, and instructed the stable steward, "Prepare a table of wine and dishes for my mother’s side as well."

The steward bent over, agreeing. He said that the costs incurred by Manbao and the others at the stable that day would be covered by the stable, as a thank you from the Young Duke to Manbao.

Zhao Liulang immediately asked, "What about my expenses here?"

The steward looked troubled, "Oh, Sixth Young Master, this is a small business..."

Zhao Liulang sneered, "This is still a small business? Fine, fine, I won’t trouble you, scram."

The steward happily replied, then retreated.

Manbao and Doctor Ding spent half an hour discussing intestinal abscesses. After staying for lunch, he only then left.

Manbao and the others remained until evening, not only watching several polo matches but also personally participating in horseback riding. Lady Liu came to ask her to compete. Seeing there was no entry fee for the stakes, she agreed, but unfortunately, she didn’t win.

Ms. Zheng also rode around once, mainly making many friends during this trip. They exchanged visiting cards and made plans to go out for tea and visit the flower streets next time.

It’s the real flower streets; the peonies are about to bloom, and it’s the season for the annual flower competition.

Ms. Zheng was still thrilled when she got home, Bai Shan smiled and said, "Mother, if you like, we’ll take you out next time."

This time, Ms. Zheng didn’t hesitate, gently saying, "If it doesn’t disturb you, I’ll join you for fun."

Just as they walked in, Zhou Wulang and the steward came over together, "Manbao, you’re finally back, we have guests at home."

Manbao asked, "Who?"

"It’s the steward from the State Duke Pi’s residence, bringing a box of silver," Zhou Wulang said quietly, "Says they want to invite you over to treat their family’s young duke. You weren’t home, I didn’t know whether to accept, so I dared not take it."

The steward was here to report on this matter, but he said, "I was to send someone to fetch Young Master and Miss Man, but the steward stopped me, saying it wouldn’t do to bother Miss Man near the Lantern Festival, telling us not to fetch them but to wait at home."

The condition should not be urgent.

Upon hearing this, Manbao felt at ease, exchanged a glance with Bai Shan, and guessed it might be for follow-up treatment.