Chapter 12 May Your Future Be Bright and Promising

Over the next three years, Chen Xun began accompanying Ning Si on medical visits, traveling to villages, and solving various difficult cases. Sometimes, when faced with minor troubles, he would inadvertently reveal his sixteen-pack abs. Chen Xun always carried a small notebook with him, filled with numerous questions, and Ning Si, being quite patient, continuously provided answers to Chen Xun's inquiries. Such a diligent apprentice was truly rare to come by. However, on one occasion, when they went to a wealthy household for consultation, Chen Xun accidentally revealed a large axe hanging from his waist. Everyone was shocked and bewildered—was this really a doctor?! Chen Xun simply smiled awkwardly at the situation, thinking it was normal to carry an axe when traveling. Calmly adjusting his robe to cover the axe, he inadvertently revealed two more axes, causing the household servants to be on high alert, holding long sticks as if facing a formidable enemy. Chen Xun, with a gentle smile on his face, kept explaining that it was understandable to carry a couple of weapons while wandering the world. If it weren't for Ning Si by his side, a major conflict might have erupted. As Ning Si conducted the consultation, the people in the wealthy household couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat. If they encountered an incurable condition, would this young man simply chop the patient with his axe to solve the problem? Chen Xun, observing their expressions of confusion, continued to smile and nod reassuringly, urging them to relax. The people quickly responded with forced smiles, nodding their heads like little chicks pecking at grains, sweat dripping down their faces incessantly. 

At Pingtai Medical Hall, the sun was shining brightly today, and the spring scenery was beautiful. Chen Xun had now changed into a doctor's robe, and every passerby respectfully addressed him as Doctor Chen. "Doctor Chen, please save him!" A commoner supported a man with a dark complexion into the medical hall, his face filled with urgency. Chen Xun's eyes narrowed as he observed the man's appearance from a distance; the poison had already penetrated his bloodstream deeply. If they had arrived any later, it would have been too late to save him. "Was he bitten by a snake?" Chen Xun laid the man on a nearby bed; there were two small wounds on his hand, clearly inflicted by snake fangs. "No, Doctor Chen, he ate poisonous mushrooms." "Ah?" Chen Xun was taken aback, he began examining the pulse, his expression changing dramatically. He then turned to the commoner and said, "After eating poisonous mushrooms, he was also bitten by a snake..." Bang. The commoner immediately knelt down, crying out in distress, "Doctor, please save him!" "I'll write you a prescription; go get the medicine first, we might still be able to save him." Chen Xun wrote and drew on a piece of paper, then handed it to the commoner, who, upon seeing it, had a change in expression, realizing he didn't have enough money to buy the medicine. "It's alright, I'll cover the cost for now. You can repay me when you have the money." Chen Xun said calmly, offering whatever help he could. He had earned quite a bit of money over the past year by treating wealthy patients. "Thank you, Doctor, thank you!" The commoner was overjoyed, tears streaming down his face. Chen Xun nodded; in this world, if a man falls, his whole family falls with him. He did what he could within his means to help those in need. However, he soon realized he had made a mistake...

Word of Chen Xun's kindness gradually spread, and the other doctors at the medical hall all had families to support; they couldn't afford to be as generous as Chen Xun, using their own money to help the common folk seeking medical treatment. Chen Xun had been elevated to a pedestal, with rumors circulating that he was a miraculous doctor who treated patients for free and even extended credit for medicine. It was as if they were about to present him with a banner. Countless impoverished people flocked to him, but Chen Xun soon found himself financially strained. He refused to burden others or coerce the medical hall into following his charitable deeds. Only a few of the debtors came to repay their debts, and he truly had no money left. The tide turned, and some people began to curse him for being indifferent to death, a hypocrite. Even those he had helped before now looked at him with disdain. Some people who had come from afar upon hearing his reputation no longer received credit for medicine, spat in front of the medical hall, feeling they had wasted their time coming all this way. Bad news travels fast, and it was said that the Pingtai Medical Hall had a dishonest doctor who always carried three axes with him, clearly not a good person. In the backyard of Pingtai Medical Hall, Chen Xun no longer dared to conduct consultations in the front hall. "Well, well, the clown turns out to be me." Chen Xun laughed heartily, a hint of desolation in his laughter, even the attendants and doctors in the medical hall looked at him differently. "You like to pretend, don't you? Are you still pretending now? Many people in the medical hall were secretly mocking him; Chen Xun had once stolen their limelight. "Moo! Moo!" The big black cow nuzzled Chen Xun's face, having learned of the situation recently, the news was spreading everywhere. "Old cow, you see, didn't I say before, we should only help our friends around us? Do you understand my intention now?" "Moo!" The big black cow looked at Chen Xun with pity; it had never seen him so disheartened. In its eyes, Chen Xun was always optimistic and cheerful. "You underestimate me. I foresaw all of this; I just wanted to prove the meaning of that phrase to you." Chen Xun forced a smile, holding the big black cow's head tightly against his own, their faces close. "Moo~" The big black cow nudged Chen Xun, its emotions unusually low, but deep down, it was filled with extreme anger. "Old cow, let's leave. This place isn't suitable for us. I'll go bid farewell to Master Ning." Chen Xun patted the big black cow, realizing he had severely impacted the medical hall's business. He didn't want to hinder anyone. "Moo!" The big black cow jumped up; it didn't want to stay here either, quickly running off to pack their belongings. Chen Xun watched its busy figure, feeling a warmth in his heart, a faint smile on his lips. Ning Si's residence. Chen Xun had changed back into his original green attire, no longer wearing the medical hall's doctor's robe. "I am aware of the situation and understand your difficulties," Ning Si sat in the main seat, his eyes filled with vicissitudes, and slowly said, "Human nature is inherently evil. This is a phrase I have summarized over the years of practicing medicine, hoping it will guide you on your future path." "I will never forget Master Ning's teachings," Chen Xun bowed solemnly, having learned so much in the past decade. Ning Si picked up a nameless book from the table, explaining, "This is my experience over the years, and I am giving it to you." "Ah?" Chen Xun was surprised, taking a step forward to receive the book, "Master Ning, I am truly grateful." Ning Si tried to pull the book, but his face changed as if it was clamped tightly by iron tongs. "Hehe, it's alright, take it." "Thank you, Master Ning!" Chen Xun swiftly secured the book at his waist, impressing Ning Si with his speed. "Go on, come back when you have time." "Master Ning, thank you for your hospitality. If anything happens at the Ning residence, even if it's far away, I will rush back." Chen Xun's expression turned serious as he bowed respectfully. Ning Si nodded repeatedly, saying, "For the past few years, I have been observing you. You are wise beyond your years, not an ordinary person. Stay true to yourself." Chen Xun slowly raised his head, giving Ning Si one last glance before turning and leaving. Watching Chen Xun's departing figure, Ning Si smiled faintly, "Young Chen, may your future be bright and promising."