Rebirth 1977 Great Era

Chapter 1249 A Balanced Approach of Defense and Offense Yields Results; Let's Transfer to Peking Union Medical College Hospital! (Two Chapters Combined)
Wang Huiyuan downed all the medicine in one gulp. After finishing it, she frowned, savoring the taste, and said:

"This medicine is completely different from the previous medicine."

"The flavor is stronger, and it's also a bit spicy and astringent."

After Lao Tao spent the whole morning tinkering, all the dozen or so herbs had been reprocessed, with all sorts of odds and ends added in, so it was no surprise that they didn't taste good.

However, drinking medicine is not about tasting it; generally speaking, there aren't many Chinese medicines that taste good.

If Wang Huiyuan said that, it must mean that Lao Tao's recipe doesn't taste very good.

After all, the fact that even those who were prepared could complain about it shows just how bad it is.

Comrade Lao Tao said:

"This prescription doesn't taste very good, but isn't the point of traditional Chinese medicine to see results?"

Wang Huiyuan nodded and said to Lao Tao:

"You're right, good medicine tastes bitter but is good for the disease."

Old Tao nodded upon hearing this, and said:

"If you experience any unusual sensations in your body, please tell me. I will need to adjust your medication accordingly."

Wang Huiyuan nodded again.

Said:

"But this time I don't seem to feel anything."

Comrade Lao Tao said:

"Just wait, the medicine I'm using isn't as potent as theirs, so the reaction will definitely be slower."

Fang Yan walked over to Wang Huiyuan and took her pulse. He felt that her pulse was not much different from when he left in the morning.

Old Tao's method was indeed to reduce the potency of the prescription. If it were Tao Guangzheng's previous combination of his own prescription, the person would have already started to react by now.

At this moment, Zhang Li, who was standing to the side, asked Fang Yan:

"If we use this medicine today, do we no longer need the previous medicine?"

Fang Yan paused slightly upon hearing this question.

That's right! Old Tao's medicine was all to be used in conjunction with ammoniac, but none of the other medicines Fang Yan used before were used.

That's to keep Wang Huiyuan's condition from worsening.

Fang Yan did not answer Zhang Li's question, but turned to look at Lao Tao with a questioning look in his eyes.

This was not only Zhang Li's question, but also his biggest concern at that moment.

After all, the prescription he had given was for Wang Huiyuan’s underlying condition of “long-term illness and physical weakness with stagnant toxins”. He used Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula to replenish qi, Angelica sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong to invigorate blood, and Poria cocos and Atractylodes macrocephala to strengthen the spleen. The purpose was to “strengthen the body’s vital energy and stabilize the condition” so that the subsequent anti-toxin medication could take effect.

Now, Lao Tao's medicine is specifically for treating stagnation and toxins in the brain's blood vessels. If he were to abruptly stop taking the previous medicine, he feared that the body's vital energy would not be able to withstand the force of attacking the toxins.

Seeing the questioning look in Fang Yan's eyes, Old Tao seemed to have anticipated this question. He put down the ceramic bowl in his hand, walked to Wang Huiyuan's bedside, took her pulse again, and after feeling around the cun, guan, and chi positions with his fingers for a while, he finally spoke:

“When I came here, I saw the medicine that Director Fang had previously prepared. It was indeed a very good ‘guarding’ medicine, like laying the foundation of a house and stabilizing the foundation.”

"Guangzheng's previous prescription was made possible thanks to Director Fang's prescription; otherwise, the situation might have been more serious."

“My medicine is an ‘attack’ medicine, like using a chisel to dig into the stone in the wall. The foundation hasn’t collapsed yet, and the chisel has just been raised. How can it dismantle the foundation?”

As soon as he said that, Fang Yan immediately understood what he meant: the medicine he had prescribed earlier still needed to be used.

However, the others didn't understand, especially Zhang Li, who looked at Lao Tao with a blank expression.

Old Tao had no choice but to continue explaining: "The qi-tonifying and spleen-strengthening medicine that Director Fang prescribed before must be continued, but the dosage must be adjusted. For example, the astragalus used before was 15 grams, but now it must be reduced to 10 grams. This qi-tonifying medicine is too strong and will 'push back' my anti-toxic medicine, leaving the stagnant toxins nowhere to go, and they will instead run rampant; but stopping it completely is also not good, if the body's vital energy cannot keep up, it is easy to 'harm the enemy a thousand while damaging yourself eight hundred' when attacking the toxins, and Comrade Wang will have problems."

As he spoke, Old Tao turned to Tao Guangzheng and instructed him:

"Go and get Director Fang's previous prescription. I'll mark a few adjustments to the dosage. Angelica sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong should also be reduced. They were 10 grams each before, but now each should be reduced by 3 grams to avoid excessive blood-activating effects that could clash with the strong potency of my sal ammoniac and damage the blood vessels. Poria cocos and Atractylodes macrocephala don't need to be changed. The spleen-strengthening herbs need to be sufficient. The spleen is the 'foundation of acquired constitution.' Only when the spleen is healthy can the efficacy of the medicine be properly utilized, and the 'turbid substances' produced during the attack on toxins can also be expelled."

Upon hearing his father's words, Tao Guangzheng quickly rummaged through the drawer for the prescription. Once he had it, he saw his father take out a pencil stub shorter than a thumb and begin circling the prescription, explaining to him as he drew:

"Director Fang, look, there's a herb in this prescription called roasted licorice root. It used to be six grams, but now it needs to be increased to eight grams. Roasted licorice root can harmonize all the herbs. It can both alleviate the dryness of my sal ammoniac and help to 'twist' your qi-tonifying herbs and my detoxifying herbs together, preventing them from undermining each other."

Fang Yan nodded, and Lao Tao added:

"There is also Ophiopogon japonicus, which we didn't add before, but we can add five grams now. When medicine attacks toxins, it can easily deplete body fluids. Comrade Wang just said that the medicine 'burns the throat,' which should mean that the body fluids are a bit damaged. Ophiopogon japonicus can moisten the lungs and generate body fluids, and it can also protect the heart yin, so that the medicine's strength will not disturb the mind."

Fang Yan nodded: "Good idea! Ophiopogon japonicus enters the lung and heart meridians, which can replenish body fluids and clear the fire in the upper burner, which corresponds to the dryness of the brain meridian. Add five grams and pair it with roasted licorice root. One moistens and the other harmonizes, which can reduce the 'heat' in the medicine."

Wang Huiyuan listened attentively and couldn't help but ask:

"Won't it taste even worse if I take those two medicines together?"

Her words made everyone laugh. Old Tao smiled and said, "Dr. Fang's prescription is different from mine. His medicines all taste sweet."

"As long as it's not mixed with my medicine, it should taste pretty good."

Wang Huiyuan suddenly realized.

Zhang Li quickly wrote it down and then asked:

"How should we take those two medicines? Should we take them together, or take them at different times?"

Old Tao thought for a moment and said, "I'll drink my medicine to counteract the poison first; I'll drink the medicine that Director Fang adjusted half an hour later. This way, the qi-tonifying medicine will hold its effect while the poison-countering medicine will work its magic, and they won't interfere with each other."

After he finished speaking, he paused and added, "After taking the medicine, let Comrade Wang eat some porridge or soft noodles. Don't let him go on an empty stomach. The medicine that attacks the poison can damage the stomach. Porridge can protect the gastric mucosa and also help the medicine to go down."

Just then, Master Haiteng walked in from outside.
He was holding a small cloth bag containing dried Ophiopogon japonicus.

He said:
“This is authentic Zhejiang Ophiopogon japonicus, grown in temples when I was in Zhejiang.”

Fang Yan was a little surprised. What's that old monk carrying in his pocket? He's like Doraemon, pulling things out of his pockets.

This Zhejiang Ophiopogon japonicus is mainly produced in Hangzhou, Yuyao and other places in Zhejiang Province. It is also known as "Hangzhou Ophiopogon japonicus". Compared with Sichuan Ophiopogon japonicus, Hubei Ophiopogon japonicus and Fujian Ophiopogon japonicus, it has significant differences in many dimensions.

Although all Ophiopogon japonicus have the basic effects of "nourishing yin and promoting body fluid, moistening the lungs and clearing the heart", due to differences in quality and ingredients, their applicable scenarios are significantly different. Zhejiang Ophiopogon japonicus is generally more suitable for "severe yin deficiency", while other Ophiopogon japonicus are mainly for mild tonification and are suitable for "mild conditioning".

This does fit Wang Huiyuan's symptoms quite well.

As he spoke, the old monk handed the Ophiopogon japonicus to Zhang Li.

Zhang Li received the Ophiopogon japonicus with a heart full of gratitude. From Fang Yan's overnight efforts to save her mother's life with acupuncture, to Lao Tao's time-consuming preparation of the antidote, and then to Master Zhu Liangchun and Master Hai Deng's help in coming up with ideas, everyone was doing their best for their mother's illness.

Wang Huiyuan leaned against the headboard, looking at the people in front of her. Her eyes were a little red, but she smiled and said, "With you all helping me like this, I'm sure I'll get better."

Old Tao said to her sincerely:

"Don't worry, as long as we uphold our righteous spirit, target the stagnant toxins, and take it one step at a time, we will definitely be able to cure this disease. Now lie down and rest for a while. After taking the medicine that Director Fang has adjusted, you will feel more stable tonight."

After saying that, he went to get the medicine.

Tao Guang was helping out from the side.

Seeing that Wang Huiyuan was alright for the time being, Fang Yan went over to watch Lao Tao prepare the medicine. His method was very interesting and had its own unique style.

As instructed, Zhang Li soaked the Zhejiang Ophiopogon japonicus in warm water. The Ophiopogon japonicus quickly unfurled into a spindle shape, its cross-section revealing a translucent jade color, and even the water had a sweet aroma.

"This Ophiopogon japonicus looks different. The ones I bought at the pharmacy before were never this clear after being soaked." Zhang Li handed the soaked Ophiopogon japonicus to Lao Tao, her tone full of amazement.

Old Tao took the Ophiopogon japonicus, sprinkled five grams into the earthenware pot, and then added Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula, and other medicinal herbs according to the adjusted recipe, and simmered it over a low flame.

"Zhejiang Ophiopogon japonicus should be added later; cooking it for too long will dissipate its thirst-quenching properties."

As he spoke, he kept an eye on the fire; the flame was so small that the medicinal soup was barely bubbling.
"Director Fang's adjusted medicine is meant to be 'gentle and nourishing,' otherwise it will become 'strong tonic,' which would clash with my anti-toxic medicine."

Fang Yan watched from the side and suddenly noticed that when Lao Tao was getting the medicine, he weighed each herb twice with a small scale, and even picked out any extra half a gram of roasted licorice.

"Is the old gentleman so particular about dosage?" Fang Yan asked.

Old Tao didn't even look up: "Treating illness is like farming. Too much fertilizer will burn the seedlings, and too little will prevent them from growing. Comrade Wang is weak, and even half a gram off could cause problems... Once, when I was treating someone with a cough, I added three grams of astragalus. The patient was so anxious that he couldn't sleep that night. I've remembered that lesson for thirty years."

Fang Yan suddenly realized that there was such a story behind it.

While Lao Tao was brewing the medicine, he went back and forth to ask Wang Huiyuan several times about how she felt.

However, the reactions were quite weak, and Wang Huiyuan could even say she felt nothing if she didn't pay close attention.

If Fang Yan and Tao Guangzheng's previous use of medicine was like a powerful attack that blasted a mountain, their current approach is more like a gradual infiltration and erosion.

Fang Yan had her pulse checked several times, but there was almost no change in her pulse.

After the medicine was brewed, Tao Guangzheng brought it into the room.

I've already explained it clearly, so there's no need to explain what this medicine does now.

Wang Huiyuan took the adjusted medicine bowl. The warm medicine soup had a sweet taste from the Zhejiang Ophiopogon japonicus, and it was much milder than Lao Tao's antidote. She drank it down in one gulp, and even smacked her lips when she put the bowl down.

"This medicine feels good; it leaves my stomach feeling warm, unlike the burning sensation from the previous bowl." Fang Yan smiled and said to Wang Huiyuan.
"Just think of it as drinking sugar water to change the taste in your mouth."

Wang Huiyuan nodded. There weren't any major changes in her body, which made her feel a little more relaxed. Her previous reaction had been so severe that she felt like she had just walked through the gates of hell.

Although the dialect made her feel quite reliable, she was genuinely frightened.

As they were talking, Zhang Li went to clear away the bowl that Wang Huiyuan had finished drinking from.

At this moment, Wang Huiyuan suddenly raised her hand and pressed it to her chest, saying:

"I felt like there was something stuck in my throat earlier, but now it seems to have gone down with the medicine, and even my breathing is much easier." She took a deep breath, and the faint phlegm sounds caused by the stagnant toxins in her lungs had indeed faded a bit.

Fang Yan quickly stepped forward to take the pulse. The pulse at the cun position under his fingertips was no longer as strong and tight as before, but instead had become softer.

The others looked at Fang Yan, waiting for him to give his conclusion.

After taking the pulses of both hands, Fang Yan said, "It must be the Zhejiang Ophiopogon japonicus and roasted licorice root that have taken effect. They not only promote the production of body fluids but also harmonize the medicinal properties, thus mitigating the harshness of the anti-toxic drugs."

"Aunt Wang, stick out your tongue so I can see it." He then asked Wang Huiyuan to stick out her tongue.

Wang Huiyuan listened and did as instructed. Everyone saw that when Wang Huiyuan stuck out her tongue, the red on the tip of her tongue had faded by most, and the edges of the yellow, greasy coating at the base of her tongue had also begun to lighten.

"The tongue coating has also improved, which means the dampness and turbidity are slowly dissipating," Fang Yan said.

"Although the physical reaction was not strong, there was still a reaction in the pulse and tongue."

Old Tao stood to the side, watching Wang Huiyuan's condition, and his tense brows finally relaxed:
“I knew it, slow and steady wins the race. This adjusted medicine is like loosening the soil for crops. You have to loosen the soil first so that the fertilizer can seep in. The previous anti-toxic medicine was the ‘fertilizer,’ and Director Fang’s medicine is the ‘soil loosening.’ Now that the soil is loose, the fertilizer can slowly reach the roots.”

Old Tao secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Wang Huiyuan's reaction was really too mild; he even thought he had made a mistake in some step.

It seems I need to adjust the medication, he thought to himself.

Tao Guang was taking notes in his medical record when he heard this and couldn't help but ask his father:

"Then there was no reaction just now because the soil wasn't loose enough?"

"That's right!" Old Tao patted his shoulder. "This Comrade Wang has severe spleen dampness. The dosage of the blood-activating medicine was reduced before, and the dampness and turbidity blocked the blood and qi, so the medicine couldn't penetrate at all. Now, after the medicine resolves the dampness, and with the addition of Ophiopogon japonicus to generate fluids, it's like clearing the 'path' of the blood and qi, so the medicine can go along the path."

Tao Guangzheng nodded and continued writing on the medical record.

If this medical case is successful, it will be his first project after joining the research institute, and he will be working on it with the institute's director.

No, we also need to add my own father, Master Hai Deng, and the Five Poisons Doctor Zhu Liangchun.

This lineup is really strong; it feels like they're about to reach the pinnacle of their lives.

When his wife and kids arrive, they'll be absolutely stunned to find out what a commotion he's caused.

Thinking about it, Tao Guangzheng was actually a little excited!
No sooner had she finished speaking than Wang Huiyuan suddenly said:
"Oh dear, I suddenly feel like I need to go to the bathroom."

As she spoke, she started to get out of bed.

However, he was still a little weak and couldn't get up right away.

Fang Yan quickly helped her up, and Zhang Li also helped from the side.

Wang Huiyuan swayed a little after standing up, but she quickly adjusted and walked towards the toilet with her daughter once she was steady.

At this moment, Old Zhang whispered to Fang Yan and the others:

When will her balance problem be resolved?

Fang Yan picked up the conversation and said:

"From a Western medical perspective, the body's balance function depends on the coordinated action of the brain's central nervous system, vestibular system, visual system, and somatosensory system. Among these, the cerebellum, brainstem, and parietal lobe of the brain are key centers for balance regulation. If this glioma invades or compresses these areas, it will directly disrupt the balance regulation pathway. Judging from Aunt Wang's condition, her balance is currently in a mild, early stage. Mr. Tao's detoxifying medicine will gradually clear away the stagnant toxins, which will reduce the pressure on brain tissue and the impact on blood supply. On the other hand, the adjusted qi-tonifying and spleen-strengthening medicine and Zhejiang Ophiopogon japonicus can improve the circulation of qi and blood throughout the body, providing more sufficient nutritional support for the balance center."

"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, as treatment progresses, the stasis and toxins dissipate, and the tumor progression is brought under control, her balance function will most likely gradually improve."

Fang Yan recalled Tao Guangzheng's medical case from 1993 in his previous life, and said:

"If it goes quickly, it should take about ten days; if it goes slowly, it won't be too long."

After speaking in dialect, Comrade Lao Tao also said:
"Dr. Fang is right. After the treatment, Comrade Wang's condition should get better and better, so you don't need to worry too much."

Hearing Fang Yan and Lao Tao's words, Lao Zhang finally felt relieved.

Meanwhile, after returning, Wang Huiyuan said with a smile:
"My urine is lighter in color than in the morning. Before it was like strong tea, now it's a bit like amber. Also, my lower back doesn't feel heavy after I go to the toilet. Before, I always felt like there was a stone hanging on my lower back."

Old Zhang's eyes lit up, and he quickly walked to Wang Huiyuan's side, saying to her:
"Then try bending over and see if your back is still stiff?"

Wang Huiyuan bent down gently as instructed, her fingers touching her knees. She exclaimed with delight:

"Oh, I can bend down now! Yesterday I could only bend halfway and it hurt so much I couldn't straighten up, but now it doesn't hurt at all, just a little sore."

"Sour is a good thing!" Fang Yan said with a smile.
"The soreness indicates that the blood and qi are starting to flow to the waist. Previously, there was stagnation and toxins blocking the flow, so there was no soreness at all. Now that there is soreness, it means that the stagnation and toxins are dissipating."

At this moment, everyone noticed Wang Huiyuan's complexion. The bluish-gray tinge that had been there before had completely faded, and her cheeks had turned a light pink, with even her lips regaining some color.

"Look at the things in the distance again, are they still blurry?" Old Zhang asked, pointing to the magnolia tree outside the window.

Wang Huiyuan looked up, her eyes widening slightly:

"Um... I can see a little better now! Before, it was like looking through a fog, but now I can see things more clearly."

When Comrade Lao Tao heard this, he took out a small porcelain bottle from his hand:

"This is a medicated ointment made of pine needle ash and magnetite powder. I was just thinking that Comrade Wang's brain stasis hadn't dissipated yet, so I mixed some. In a little while, use a cotton swab to apply some to his temples. The pine needle ash can guide the medicine upwards, and the magnetite powder can suppress the stasis and prevent it from rising upwards at night."

Old Zhang took the porcelain bottle, opened it, and there was a faint scent of pine resin. Following the master's instructions, he gently applied it to Wang Huiyuan's temples.

Wang Huiyuan closed her eyes and after a short while said:

"My temples feel cool, and my head doesn't feel throbbing anymore. Before, I always felt like there were ringing sounds in my head, but now it's much quieter."

She leaned against the headboard, a relaxed smile on her face, and said:

"I feel much more comfortable now. I don't feel that tightness anymore. I even want to talk to you guys more. I don't feel tired like before."

When Lao Zhang heard this, he almost kowtowed to Fang Yan and Lao Tao.

Old Tao glanced at his watch; since taking the adjusted medicine, the effects have been even better than expected.

However, he still said:
"We need to keep a close eye on things tonight. I've heard about what happened last night. When the blood stasis is being dispersed, it tends to cause trouble when the lung meridian is at its peak. I'll boil some pine needle water and prepare some silver needles so we can deal with any situation that might arise."

Tao Guangzheng nodded:
"I'll keep watch in the living room tonight. We'll take turns watching, and I'll make sure nothing goes wrong."

Judging from their words, it seems they plan to stay up all night for treatment.

It's actually quite easy to understand. If this matter is handled well, Tao Guangzheng's research institute here will be established. This Wang Huiyuan in front of him is not only from the Ministry of Health, but also someone who is called "Auntie" in the local dialect, so her status is obviously not ordinary.

The father and son did their best, which not only demonstrated the virtues of doctors but also earned Tao Guangzheng goodwill in the local dialect community.

We can't expect Director Fang to stay up all night here every day, can we?
“It’s good that Comrade Guangzheng has this intention, but there’s no need to be so tense. Our treatment is a ‘protracted war’ rather than a ‘blitzkrieg’. If we break down, we won’t be able to monitor the effects of the medicine tomorrow, which would be a loss.”

He turned to look at Lao Tao, his gaze falling on the faint red veins in the other man's eyes. Lao Tao had spent the morning processing medicinal herbs and adjusting prescriptions, and then spent the afternoon tending to the decoction. He had already exhausted a lot of energy.

He said to Comrade Lao Tao:

“Sir, you need to rest even more. You are most familiar with the properties of this prescription. Tomorrow, we will need you to adjust the medicine according to Aunt Wang’s reaction. If you get tired, our rhythm of ‘attacking the poison and protecting the body’ will easily be disrupted.”

"We'll have someone specifically assigned to keep an eye on things tonight."

Before Lao Tao could speak, Secretary Huang chimed in:

“I also think Fang Yan’s arrangement is better. The main reason is that the changes after you take this medicine are not as drastic as those of Fang Yan’s. Having someone specifically watch over you and arranging for you to rest in the next building will be convenient if anything happens.”

Old Zhang also said:
"Let's arrange it this way. We feel bad for keeping you watching over us all the time."

At this moment, Lao Hu, who had been silent all along, couldn't help but speak up:
"Actually, if you ask me, the best thing to do is to transfer directly to Peking Union Medical College Hospital."

Upon hearing this, Secretary Huang lowered his voice and reminded him:
"Wouldn't that mean word of this has already leaked out?"

He's still unsure if he can be 100% cured. If he transfers to Peking Union Medical College Hospital, wouldn't he be exposed to the public eye?
Old Hu waved his hand and said:

"Hey, that's easy. Just arrange a special care ward, only allow specific people to enter, and have them sign a confidentiality agreement. That way, Fang Yan will have an easier time, and you guys will have an easier time too."

After he finished speaking, he glanced at Old Zhang's family.

After the suggestion was made, Fang Yan couldn't help but nod in agreement.

He was the first to support:
"Hmm, that makes sense. Why don't we just move there? The conditions there are much better than staying at home."

Old Zhang looked at his wife and daughter.

After exchanging glances, the three finally nodded.
"Okay, then we'll do as Mr. Hu and Director Fang say."

PS: The basic chapter of 6000 words has been updated.

(End of this chapter)