Rebirth 1977 Great Era

Chapter 983 Treating Old Illnesses from the Storm Period, Having Dinner with the President of Peking University? (Two Chapters Combined)
"Then how should it be treated?" Old Ye asked curiously from the side.

Fang Yan explained, "As analyzed earlier, Principal Ji's condition is due to deficiency of both spleen and kidney, and dysfunction of qi transformation, leading to internal retention of dampness, accompanied by obstruction of the collaterals. Therefore, the treatment principle is very clear: to strengthen the spleen and kidney, and promote blood circulation and diuresis."

After saying that, Fang Yan turned to Ji Xianlin and said, "I will write you a prescription. You can go to a nearby pharmacy or hospital pharmacy to get the medicine."

“Okay!” Ji Xianlin nodded in agreement.

At this point, Elder Ye reminded him, "Don't take Western medicine while taking Chinese medicine, to avoid drug interactions."

Fang Yan was surprised that Old Ye remembered what he had told him before. In fact, he had also planned to remind him, so he took out his notebook to write it down while nodding and saying, "Yes, Old Ye is very thoughtful."

Soon, Fang Yan began writing quickly. Ye Lao and Ji Xianlin saw that Fang Yan had quickly written a prescription. To avoid Ji Xianlin not understanding it, Fang Yan also wrote an explanation of the prescription:

15g of roasted astragalus: replenishes the middle energizer and boosts qi, raises yang and lifts prolapse, and enhances the spleen's ability to transport and transform water and dampness.

Chinese yam 15g: It gently tonifies the spleen and kidneys, consolidates essence (for proteinuria), and also promotes diuresis.

15g of Poria cocos with peel: It strengthens the spleen and eliminates dampness, promotes diuresis and reduces swelling, and is especially good at removing stagnant water and dampness under the skin.

15g of stir-fried Job's tears: strengthens the spleen and promotes diuresis, clears heat and drains pus, targeting the trend of dampness turning into heat.

6g of dried tangerine peel: It regulates qi and strengthens the spleen, dries dampness and resolves phlegm, and prevents the greasy taste of tonics from hindering the stomach.

Cuscuta 15g: warms and tonifies kidney yang, consolidates essence and reduces urination, and restores the kidney's function of regulating water metabolism.

Alisma plantago-aquatica 10g: promotes urination and relieves strangury, directly draining turbid water from the kidneys and bladder.

Plantain seed 15g (wrapped and decocted): Clears heat and promotes diuresis, targeting cloudy and scanty urine, and also improves eyesight (relieves dizziness).

Motherwort 15g: It has the dual effects of promoting blood circulation and diuresis, and is especially suitable for those with kidney disease, edema, and blood stasis.

12g of Tianxianteng: promotes qi circulation and diuresis, and clears the water passages of the triple burner (echoing "if blood is not flowing smoothly, water will stagnate").

15g of purple salvia miltiorrhiza: promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, improves microcirculation (targeting blood stasis in collaterals).

10g of Ze Lan: Promotes blood circulation and diuresis, specifically targeting edema caused by blood stasis.

Euonymus alatus 10g: breaks up blood stasis and unblocks meridians, resolving stubborn blood stasis (suitable for chronic illnesses affecting the collaterals).

12g of raw hawthorn: promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, and also helps with digestion (for loss of appetite).

Pinellia ternata 10g: Dries dampness and resolves phlegm, relieves nausea and vomiting (alleviates dizziness and poor appetite).

Looking at the prescription Fang Yan had written, Ji Xianlin tilted his head and asked Fang Yan:

"Um... could you explain it in a way that I can understand?"

Fang Yan was taken aback, wondering if Ji Xianlin had communicated with the people at the China Academy of Engineering Physics. Why did they all want him to explain himself?

Want to test your literary skills?

Fang Yan thought about Ji Xianlin's previous symptoms and then explained to Ji Xianlin:

“Principal Ji, to put it simply, your current condition is like a water pipe in your house that has been neglected for a long time. Both ends are malfunctioning. The two ‘valve’ of the spleen and kidneys are rusted, so water cannot circulate properly and accumulates in the body, causing edema. In addition, some parts of the blood vessels are blocked, so water cannot be excreted, which is why you have recurring swelling and protein in your urine.”

"You see, your swelling gets really bad when you're tired, and it gets better when you rest. It's like a machine that's running out of power and has trouble pushing water. Your pale tongue and weak pulse are signs of weakness and lack of energy."

"This prescription is to 'unblock the pipes and repair the valves' for you. Astragalus, yam, and dodder seed are like oiling the two 'valve' of the spleen and kidneys, so that they can hold water and promote water circulation again. After you eat it, you will feel more energetic and your back will not be so sore."

"Poria cocos, coix seed, alisma plantago-aquatica, and plantain seed act like a water pump, draining the water accumulated in the body through urination, which can gradually reduce edema and make the urine less cloudy."

"Medicines such as motherwort, salvia miltiorrhiza, and eupatorium fortunei have the effect of 'promoting blood circulation' and are specifically designed to clear blockages in blood vessels. When blood flows smoothly, water can be drained along with it. It's like when there's a traffic jam on the road, a clearing truck first clears the way so that the cars behind can move."

"Dried tangerine peel, pinellia, and hawthorn: These are to prevent the tonics from being too cloying to your spleen and stomach. They help with digestion and stimulate your appetite, so that you can eat well, not feel nauseous, and absorb the medicine better."

"After taking this for a while, you'll find that your eyelids aren't as swollen in the morning, your legs will spring back faster when pressed in the afternoon, and there will be less protein in your urine. But this is a chronic condition, so it needs to be adjusted slowly. Don't worry, have a follow-up check-up after you finish taking it, and I'll adjust the prescription accordingly."

At this point in the dialect discussion, Ji Xianlin showed a look of sudden realization.

Now I understand.

Fang Yan then reminded him:

"Also, remember not to eat too much salt while taking the medication. Salt enters the kidneys and will worsen dampness. Also, don't stay up late. Staying up late damages the liver and kidneys, and you'll have even less energy to drain water..."

"Tell me anytime if you feel uncomfortable anywhere later."

He then tore off the prescription and handed it to Ji Xianlin.

After accepting it, Ji Xianlin thanked Fang Yan:
"Thank you so much, Dr. Fang."

He said in dialect:

"It's not hard work, but you're working even though you're sick. You're dedicated to your work despite your illness, and you're truly admirable!"

Hearing Fang Yan praise him so highly, Ji Xianlin was quite pleased and said with a smile:

"Haha, what's this about minor injuries keeping me on the front lines? The workload isn't heavy, and I can still travel around."

After saying that, he glanced at his watch and said:
"By the way, since you've come all this way, and Old Master Ye is here today, let's invite your older sister, younger brother, and... sister-in-law over for lunch at my house."

Fang Yan was taken aback and asked:

Is this... convenient?

Ji Xianlin said:
"What's inconvenient about it? It's so convenient!"

Old Ye, standing to the side, reminded Fang Yan:
"His home is in Langrun Garden, which is located on the shore of the lake behind the school. It's quite spacious."

Ji Xianlin said with a smile:

"Hmph, it's just so-so!"

You could tell he was quite proud.

Fang Yan then remembered that Ji Xianlin's two apartments on the first floor of Building 13 in Langrun Garden were Western-style buildings.

Langrun Garden at Peking University is located north of the Wanquan River, boasting a beautiful environment. Ji Xianlin himself once described it in an article:

"With lush forests and bamboo groves, surrounded by green waters, and dotted with a few earthen hills, the scenery is undoubtedly superb."

“Every year on the night of the full moon, the moon hangs high in the sky, its light shining on the blue waves. The sky above and below is hazy, and the blue expanse stretches for miles. Moreover, the fragrance of lotus blossoms wafts far and wide, and birds sing softly in their roosts. It is truly a wonderful place to admire the moon.”

It's clear that he really likes his living environment.

Fang Yan checked the time; there was still about one class period left.

Fang Yan agreed and told them that he would call home first to let his wife know.

Ji Xianlin told him to just use the office phone.

Fang Yan didn't stand on ceremony and picked up the phone to call home. Zhu Lin was in the study and answered the phone quickly. Fang Yan first asked his wife how she was feeling today, and then told her that he was having lunch at Peking University with Vice President Ji Xianlin and Ye Shengtao.

Zhu Lin was stunned for several seconds on the phone before she finally agreed.

This morning, I said I was going to Peking Union Medical College Hospital to see a leader from the China Academy of Engineering Physics, but now I'm having dinner at Peking University with the vice president and the literary giant Ye Shengtao.

Although I knew he had known Ye Shengtao for a long time, I hadn't heard of any contact between them for several days, but they suddenly got in touch today.

After hanging up the phone, Ji Xianlin said that he was going to get the medicine first, and asked Ye Shengtao and Fang Yan to wait for him there. There was a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy in their school, and he would be back soon.

Fang Yan and Old Ye agreed.

Then he went out.

Fang Yan then inquired about Old Ye's recent health. Last time, he reported double vision in his left eye and paralysis of the eye muscles. (See Chapter 590)
At that time, Fang Yan treated him with a prescription that tonifies qi and strengthens the spleen, dispels wind, resolves phlegm, and unblocks the meridians. Later, he and Mao Dun, also known as Mr. Shen, were discharged from the hospital together.

When Fang Yan saw him this time, she asked about his condition and learned that he had recovered.

Now that I'm older, my joints and muscles are a bit stiff.

“Then I’ll set your bones right!” Fang Yan said.

"Right here?" Old Ye asked, somewhat surprised.

Fang Yan looked around the room and said that as long as there were chairs, that would be fine:
"no problem."

"Then... then come on!" Old Ye now had considerable trust in Fang Yan's skills.

Then Fang Yan began to work on Old Ye, first performing a targeted rehabilitation repositioning, and then performing bone setting on places that Old Ye himself didn't feel, but Fang Yan could see and even touch.

In fact, the bones of the elderly are more brittle, and there are some risks involved in bone setting, but Fang Yan is quite confident in his Luo's bone setting technique.

In addition, his control over his body is top-notch, so doing these things is still easy for him.

After it was done, Old Ye felt completely relaxed and had no discomfort at all. Fang Yan had applied just the right amount of force.

"That feels so good!" Old Ye twisted his body, feeling several times more flexible.

It's like giving your body a makeover.

Fang Yan's traditional Chinese medicine methods are indeed well-deserved of their reputation.

Then Fang Yan performed a diagnostic examination on Old Ye, checking whether he had any hidden illnesses.

The old man has been experiencing bloating after eating lately.

In traditional Chinese medicine, bloating falls under the category of "abdominal distension," which is often caused by spleen and stomach weakness, qi stagnation, dampness obstruction, or food accumulation.

Mr. Ye's condition was bloating without obvious pain, but it worsened after meals, indicating that his spleen and stomach function was weakened and unable to effectively digest food, leading to qi stagnation in the middle jiao.

Given his advanced age, he likely suffers from insufficient Yang energy in his spleen and stomach, which hinders the flow of Qi, resulting in a feeling of fullness.

Moreover, his tongue was pale, swollen, and had a white, greasy coating, and his pulse was deep, thready, and slow—all typical signs of spleen and stomach weakness.

This was because the old man's stomach was not strong enough. Fang Yan took out a silver needle and gave him two acupuncture needles, which made the old man burp several times on the spot.

Then he touched his stomach and said:
"I feel like there's no gas in my stomach right now!"

Fang Yan didn't prescribe any medicine for him, but just taught him a method.

Practice "Supporting Heaven and Regulating the Three Burners" 30 minutes after meals. This involves raising both hands and taking 10 deep breaths, then massaging the abdomen clockwise 81 times.

Following the method taught to him in the local dialect, Old Ye began to perform the movements on the spot.

Whether it was because he felt refreshed after the dialect bone setting or because the action really worked, Mr. Ye felt that his stomach discomfort had disappeared.

"Just keep doing it every day from now on. If there's anything wrong, just let me know," Fang Yan said to Old Master Ye.

Old Ye nodded, and then he said to Fang Yan:

"Why don't you go tell your family now and ask them to come over after class, so that the three of you don't have to work three different classes and then they'll all be off to the cafeteria by the time you get there?" Just as Fang Yan was about to reply, Ji Xianlin returned and said:

"No need, I'll just go to the broadcasting room and announce it after school."

The two people in the room were startled when they saw that he had returned carrying a medicine bag.

"The medicine has been prepared," Old Master Ye said to Ji Xianlin.

Ji Xianlin nodded:

"Yes, I've picked them all up. I was going to come back right away, but I ran into an acquaintance and we chatted for a bit. Then I went back to call home and told them to cook a few more dishes... I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

Old Master Ye said:
"It's nothing. Fang Yan just gave me some physiotherapy and bone setting, and I feel much better now."

Ji Xianlin said with a smile:

"That's great! We can get treatment without having to wait in line today."

"Hahaha..." Old Ye laughed along.

These days, you have to wait in line to get medical treatment using local dialects, and there's no guarantee you'll get an appointment.

Unless you already have some connection with him, it's quite difficult to get him to treat you. Actually, it's mainly because the higher-ups want to promote his rare medical skills so that overseas Chinese businessmen feel that their money is well spent.

Of course, there are other purposes as well, namely to maintain the current cure rate for dialects.

The more people seek medical treatment, the more likely it is to encounter those who cannot be cured, so hospitals help with screening first.

Dialects are no longer just a tool for doctors; they are also a powerful tool for the government to engage in foreign exchange investment.

People with a bit of fame generally can't compare to his current value to the country.

Both Ji Xianlin and Ye Lao understood it clearly.

Fang Yan then chatted with Ji Xianlin about the prominent figures at Peking University.

Besides his younger brother, there were quite a few others.

Peking University has never lacked such people. I heard several famous people from Ji Xianlin's dialect. These are all people who will become famous in the future. Of course, there are also a few who will become famous all over the world. They are too low-key now and have not yet entered Ji Xianlin's field of vision.

Fang Yan had originally planned to bump into these people on campus, but after hearing what Ji Xianlin said, she felt that it was unrealistic for her to have a chance encounter with them. Just like her, these people were always surrounded by a group of people wherever they went.

When it was almost time to end get out of class, Ji Xianlin led them out of the office and into the broadcasting room.

He asked about the dialect, and inquired about the classes and names of the older sister and younger sister-in-law, in addition to the younger brother. Then, as soon as the bell rang to signal the end of get out of class, he announced it over the loudspeaker.

The broadcast didn't say what the reason was, it just said to send someone to the broadcasting room.

This gave the older sister, younger brother, and sister-in-law quite a fright, because only the three of them were called, which easily led people to think that something had happened at home, so they ran over immediately.

When they arrived at the broadcasting room, they were even more terrified to find that it was a dialect broadcasting station.

The younger brother asked:

"Brother, what happened?"

The eldest sister asked:

"Yes, what happened?"

The sister-in-law asked somewhat nervously:

"Is that my sister?"

Fang Yan, exasperated, explained to them:
"No, I just wanted to have dinner with you guys."

Three people: "..."

Then Ji Xianlin stepped forward and explained to them, which made the three of them understand what was going on.

The younger brother wiped the cold sweat from the back of his neck:

"Scared me!"

The eldest sister also said:
"I was almost scared out of my wits just now!"

My sister-in-law also said:

"My legs went weak..."

When Ji Xianlin saw the misunderstanding he had caused, he was both amused and exasperated. He hadn't meant it, but they had misunderstood.

"It's all my fault!" Ji Xianlin apologized to the three of them.

Faced with the vice principal's apology, the three quickly said it was just a small misunderstanding and there was no need to apologize.

Then Ji Xianlin said:
"Now that the misunderstanding is cleared up, let's all go to my house for dinner."

As he spoke, he took the lead and walked towards his house.

The group left the office building and strolled through the Peking University campus.

It's late April on the Peking University campus, and the spring breeze carries the scent of new greenery.

At lunchtime, everyone flocked to the school cafeteria.

The poplar trees lining the main road to Ji Xianlin's home are full of new buds. At noon, the sunlight filters through the branches and leaves, casting dappled patterns of gold. Occasionally, the sound of bicycle bells ringing can be heard as students carrying books hurry by.

On the way, some girls saw the little guy and immediately greeted him, but when they saw that he was the vice principal, they quickly ran away.

"I have always believed that banning dating in college is a very wrong policy!" Ji Xianlin said with feeling.

Old Ye, who was standing nearby, heard him spouting nonsense again and quickly coughed twice:

"Cough cough..."

Ji Xianlin snapped out of his daze and quickly said:
"However, on the other hand... since it's a rule set by the higher-ups, as the vice principal, I can only support it!"

Fang Yan shook his head helplessly; Principal Ji was also suffering from the aftereffects of the ordeal.

Heading towards Langrun Garden, one can see the shimmering waters of the back lake, with newly blooming lotus leaves floating on its surface. Several water birds skim across the water, creating ripples.

The willows along the bank sway gently, their branches drooping to the water's surface, like someone casually dipping their brush in ink and drawing a few curves on a green satin.

Fang Yan suddenly felt a little envious of this environment; no wonder Ji Xianlin wrote about it in his diary.

I'd probably be quite pleased with myself if it were me.

Ji Xianlin walked at the front, changing the subject he had just started, and pointed to the courtyard with its blue tiles and white walls in the distance, saying:

"Langrun Garden was originally a bestowed garden during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the place where Heshen once lived. Now it has become our 'Shangri-La'."

Then he began to tell the history of the place.

The area where Langrun Garden is located was originally one of the gardens bestowed by Emperor Kangxi to his sons. After expansion and renovation, it became a private garden for the Qing Dynasty imperial family.

During the Qianlong era, the garden layout here was basically completed. It was known for its landscape design, pavilions and towers, and adopted the garden-making concept of "though made by man, it seems to have been created by nature".

The garden changed hands multiple times, having been owned by members of the imperial family, including Prince Qing Yonglin and Prince Gong Yixin.

During the reign of Emperor Yi, the garden was named "Langrun Garden," meaning "bright and gentle," and became a place for literati to gather.

During the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era, with social changes, the function of Langrun Garden gradually shifted from royal private property to educational and academic purposes.

In the 1920s, Langrun Garden was purchased by warlord Chen Shufan, and later sold to others due to debt problems.

In the 1930s, Yenching University (the predecessor of Peking University) began to expand its campus, gradually acquiring surrounding gardens, including Langrun Garden, and incorporating them into the Yenching University campus plan.

At this time, Langrun Garden became a residential area for Yenching University teachers. Famous scholars such as Bing Xin and Wu Wenzao once lived here. Western architectural elements were added to the garden, but the traditional garden layout was still preserved.

In 1952, during the nationwide reorganization of higher education institutions, Yenching University was merged into Peking University, and Langrun Garden officially became part of the Peking University campus.

After that, Langrun Garden was mainly used as a residential area for teachers. Ji Xianlin's residence was originally called "No. 62 Yannan Garden" and was later changed to No. 13 Langrun Garden.

Passing through an archway covered in wisteria, the path suddenly opens up before you. A winding path paved with blue bricks leads in, flanked by neatly trimmed holly bushes. At the end stands a two-story Western-style building, its exterior walls covered in ivy, the lush green leaves climbing up the walls and filling the gaps between the bricks.

In front of the building is a small courtyard of about half an acre, with several crabapple trees planted on the east side. They are in full bloom, and the pink and white petals fall softly onto the bluestone slabs.
On the west side was a small grape trellis, the vines had just begun to spread out, and under it were two rattan chairs and a stone table. On the table was an open thread-bound book, with a crabapple petal on one of its pages.

"Come in quickly, don't mind the mess in the yard." Ji Xianlin smiled and pushed open the dark green wooden door, the hinges making a soft "creak".

A pair of cloth-soled shoes sat in the entryway, and several ink paintings and calligraphic works hung on the wall. Upon closer inspection, the most eye-catching piece was a painting of a horse by Xu Beihong in the middle, its hooves raised as if about to gallop, which looked quite imposing.

Of course, it's still slightly less sophisticated than the snow scene picture of Taiqing Palace in Fangyan's home.

Passing through the entryway, you enter the living room. A large desk stands by the window, piled high with thread-bound books and manuscripts. Under the paperweight lies a yellowed letter with Sanskrit writing faintly visible.

He's bringing his work home with him.

On the other side of the living room is an open-plan dining room, where a round table is neatly set up, with freshly cooked home-style dishes in white porcelain bowls and plates.

Judging from the dialect, there was Mu Shu Pork, Steamed Ribbonfish, Stir-fried Cabbage with Vinegar, Stir-fried Shredded Potatoes, Egg Drop Soup, and a large bowl of golden millet porridge.

"Dehua!" Ji Xianlin called out towards the kitchen.

"Coming!" came a response with a Shandong accent.

Just then, a noise came from the inner room. Ji Xianlin's wife was carrying out a plate of steamed buns. Seeing everyone arrive, she quickly wiped her hands with her apron and greeted them with a smile:

"Please sit down, please sit down. There are no delicacies here, just vegetables grown by ourselves."

Fang Yan noticed a framed photograph hanging on the wall. It was a photo of Ji Xianlin and his wife taken in Tsinghua University in their early years. The two were standing under an ancient locust tree, with old classrooms with blue bricks and gray tiles behind them.

Both husband and wife were from Shandong. His wife was born in 1907 and was four years older than Ji Xianlin.

I only attended primary school and know about 1,800 characters.

In 1929, 18-year-old Ji Xianlin married her under the arrangement of his aunt and uncle and the words of a matchmaker.

After marriage, she gave birth to a daughter, Wanru, and a son, Yanzong.

“Come, try this stir-fried cabbage with vinegar, it’s my wife’s specialty.” Ji Xianlin served everyone a bowl of porridge. “We’re not talking about academics today, we just want to have some fun.”

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

There will be an extra chapter later.

(End of this chapter)