Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 143 The Medicine Sage's Concerns? The Wonders Under the Microscope!
The huge misunderstanding has been cleared up.

Li Shizhen felt a great weight lifted from his heart, a sense that after many twists and turns, he had finally obtained the true scriptures.

But some doubts remain.

He followed Zhang Yunxiu into the clinic, passed through the bustling front hall and corridor, saw many patients coming and going seeking medical treatment, and finally arrived at the back hall's doctor's office.

I picked up a cup of steaming hot tea, took a small sip, and then let out a long breath.

Li Shizhen looked at the person in front of him with bright eyes and said with sincere admiration.

“Zhang Tongzhi has an extraordinary demeanor and is no ordinary person. No wonder he was able to establish his own school of thought and become a master in his own right.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yunxiu smiled and said, "Mr. Dongbi, you flatter me. I am merely standing on the shoulders of giants."

Li Shizhen pondered the words carefully. Although the other person used plain language, he felt that they contained philosophical insights and couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Zhang Yunxiu also turned his gaze to Li Shizhen, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and couldn't help but comment.

“Mr. Dongbi is different. Everyone says that the Medicine Saint Li Dongbi has the appearance of an immortal, but his attire, if you don’t mention his status, makes him look like an old farmer working in the fields.”

People tend to judge by appearance. If Li Shizhen were dressed in a truly ethereal and otherworldly manner today, Yuan Zongdao would likely be even more cautious.

"What does it matter if I'm just an old farmer?" Li Shizhen laughed heartily. "I, Li Shizhen, am willing to be an old farmer in the medicinal herb fields, traversing mountains and rivers to search for hundreds of herbs. If I can find more prescriptions and discover more medicinal herbs, I don't need the empty title of 'Sage of Medicine'!"

Just as the two were having a pleasant conversation, Yuan Zongdao stood awkwardly in the hall, looking uneasy and caught in a dilemma.

Seeing his embarrassment, Zhang Yunxiu said with a smile, "Why don't you come and apologize to Mr. Dongbi?"

Having gained this opportunity, Yuan Zongdao immediately stepped forward and respectfully performed the deepest kowtow, speaking earnestly.

"I was blind to your greatness and offended you, sir. I hope you will forgive me, sir."

"No, no, no!" Li Shizhen hurriedly stepped forward and helped Yuan Zongdao up with both hands, his face full of apology. "It is my fault for acting rashly. I had the intention of testing your medical skills, but I have only brought shame upon myself."

As he spoke, he looked Yuan Zongdao over again, his eyes filled with admiration.

His apprentice physician had followed him in his medical practice for many years, but in terms of medical skills and insight, he was far inferior to this young man.

Otherwise, how could he have made such a huge blunder?
Li Shizhen was filled with emotion and looked at Zhang Yunxiu with some envy: "Zhang Tongzhi is so young, yet he has been able to teach his disciples to be so outstanding. I am truly impressed."

If Li Shizhen had even a fraction of Yuan Zongdao's talent among his apprentices, he wouldn't have had to worry about finding a successor to continue his unfinished work.

Zhang Yunxiu, however, said dismissively, "Mr. Dongbi is mistaken. This Yuan Boxiu is not a doctor, but a researcher at our medical clinic."

“Researchers?” Li Shizhen frowned.

Yuan Zongdao, standing to the side, quickly explained, "I hope Mr. Dongbi knows that I am not a doctor in the clinic, but just an ordinary researcher, or assistant researcher according to the title."

"Professional title?" Li Shizhen asked, puzzled.

This is yet another new term.

Since the term had been mentioned, Zhang Yunxiu took the opportunity to introduce the system of the Imperial Medical Academy.

"Mr. Dongbi, you may not know this, but my clinic is separate from the Imperial Medical Academy, and my doctors are divided into four departments."

One department was the Medical Classics Compilation Department, responsible for textual research on traditional Chinese medicine classics, in-depth study of herbal medicine and prescriptions, as well as the advancement of various experiments and new medical techniques.

He raised his finger and pointed at Yuan Zongdao.

"Researcher Yuan works in this department."

"In charge of four departments?" Li Shizhen frowned deeply, as if he had heard something strange.

Zhang Yunxiu continued his introduction.

"The second department is the Department of Prescription and Manufacturing, which is in charge of the research and development of gold needles and equipment, and the processing of medicines and stones. Miraculous drugs such as allicin come from this department."

The third department is the Clinical Prescription Department, where doctors sit in the clinic to examine patients, verify the prescriptions and medical principles, and also practice medicine to help the people.

The Fourth Section was the General Affairs Section of the Medical Administration, responsible for coordinating all affairs including the allocation of funds and provisions, the drafting of regulations and rules, and the dispatch of medical officers from all directions.

He paused and then added, "Each of the above departments has levels such as intern, assistant, general, deputy director, director, and senior, with each level corresponding to different salaries and research funding."

This well-organized introduction left Li Shizhen stunned. His teacup hovered in mid-air, and he didn't even notice when tea was accidentally spilled onto his hand.

The Medicine Saint stared at the young man before him, his heart filled with turbulent emotions.

This kid is incredibly audacious. It seems he's implemented an independent "official system" within the Renmin Medical Clinic?
However, such a systematic official system is unprecedented in history.

After all, since ancient times, people have always revered Confucianism, and medicine has been considered a minor discipline.

For a moment, Li Shizhen was somewhat shocked. He thought that if a mere assistant researcher could have such medical expertise, let alone those senior doctors.

What was the skill level of the imperial physicians of the Imperial Medical Academy in the past, such as Luo Xian and Yang Jishi?
Li Shizhen spent some time in the Imperial Medical Academy and was deeply impressed by the corruption of the system and the uneven quality of the imperial physicians.

In retrospect, Zhang Yunxiu's move can be seen as a case of "no destruction, no construction".

For a moment, Li Shizhen was secretly glad that he had not listened to the rumors and had chosen to go to the place to investigate.

This "Renmin Medical Clinic" is truly extraordinary!
Li Shizhen suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to Zhang Yunxiu: "Zhang Tongzhi's pioneering efforts are truly groundbreaking! The various departments within the medical clinic are divided into sections, each with its own responsibilities. They not only bear the responsibility of saving lives and healing the wounded, but also pave the way for medical innovation. Only a person of great virtue and wisdom could accomplish this!"

His evaluation was undeniably high; in fact, at this moment, Li Shizhen had already disregarded the other person's age.

In his eyes, the person he was talking to was not some fourteen-year-old boy, but a giant who was capable of rewriting the history of medicine and bringing about earth-shattering changes!

Li Shizhen was not jealous at all; on the contrary, he was annoyed that he had not met the other person sooner.

For a moment, he was filled with emotion. He stroked his beard and sighed deeply: "I, Li Shizhen, have spent half my life traveling around the world, visiting doctors and physicians, all for the purpose of collecting medical classics and prescriptions from all over the world, hoping to do my best for the people of the world."

Li Shizhen spoke earnestly, his eyes burning with fervor.

"To be honest, the reason I've come to see you today is because I've long heard of 'modern medicine.' If I could see its true form, I would die without regret!"

Seeing Li Shizhen's respectful attitude, even Zhang Yunxiu was a little flustered. This was Li Shizhen, who was later revered as the "Sage of Medicine"!

He quickly stepped forward to help the other man up, saying, "Mr. Dongbi, you are making me, Zhang Yunxiu, feel too bad. Please get up. Modern medicine is not some kind of secret. If you don't mind, I will show you around."

"Really?" Li Shizhen's eyes lit up. He had gone to great lengths just to see what "modern medicine" was really like.

He was already itching to read that newspaper called "Wanli Xinbao" every day.

"It's natural."

Zhang Yunxiu smiled warmly and tapped the table lightly with his fingertips.

"It's just asking Mr. Dongbi to do me a favor; it's nothing serious."

Following Zhang Yunxiu, Li Shizhen arrived at the back hall of Renmin Medical Hall. Compared to the bustling front hall, it was much quieter here. Every now and then, a scholar-looking doctor would hurry by, carrying documents in his arms.

Upon seeing Zhang Yunxiu, all the doctors would show expressions of reverence and eagerly ask all sorts of strange questions.

"Master, why can't we find the meridians when we dissect human bodies?"

"Master, does this principle of mutual assistance between ruler and minister secretly correspond to 'chemistry'?"

"Master."

Each time, Zhang Yunxiu would get extremely annoyed and give these researchers a good scolding.

Then, a detailed explanation was given.

Li Shizhen didn't quite understand some of it, but his eyes lit up at others.

After dealing with his disciples and their followers, Zhang Yunxiu smiled and looked at Li Shizhen, saying, "These are all young doctors from the capital and the Imperial Medical Academy. The older ones are not good at research work, so we let them practice medicine outside first. The research experiments are mainly handed over to the younger generation."

"Is that so?"

Li Shizhen seemed to have only a vague understanding, but upon hearing the questions raised by the doctors, he became even more interested in the clinic's "research center."

After entering the "Da Ming Critical Care Research and Medical Development Center" and passing through the intensive care unit, the group went straight through several iron gates and arrived at a courtyard that resembled a workshop.

The interior is very well-organized, and each area appears to be carefully designed and spacious.

Inside the workshop, there were many different areas, each containing a strangely shaped set of utensils.

The researchers inside were completely absorbed in their work, and they didn't even notice when Zhang Yunxiu and his two companions entered.

Li Shizhen immediately noticed a researcher in a corner grabbing a white mouse from a box with his bare hands, and then carefully using a silver needle-like instrument to precisely pierce the mouse's hind leg muscle.

"Squeak!" The little mouse let out a miserable cry, but it still couldn't escape the fate of being injected.

"Is this the gold needle injection therapy mentioned in the Wanli Xinbao?"

In the past, Li Shizhen would have thought it was some kind of acupuncture treatment, but after reading the contents of the newspaper, he was able to identify some of it.

"Exactly."

Zhang Yunxiu explained in detail.

"This gold needle injection therapy injects the medicine directly into the bloodstream through a needle, bypassing the digestive system and allowing for a faster and more efficient effect. It can effectively treat various acute conditions and act directly on the lesion, making it a very effective treatment."

In fact, Li Shizhen had done some research on this "gold needle injection therapy," and he even tried it out himself in private.

Based on his previous research, Li Shizhen raised a question: "This method is wonderful, but making suitable gold needles is a problem, and how to get the medicine into the body without damaging the qi and blood is also a problem. The skin and flesh are the barrier of qi and blood. If you puncture them for no reason, wouldn't that invite evil into the body?"

Even among the most skilled physicians of his time, Li Shizhen still exhibited the limitations of traditional medicine.

For example, he tried "gold needle injection" in private, and finally managed to get a blacksmith to make a gold needle that was barely usable, but the injection went wrong.

Not only are subcutaneous lumps prone to forming, but pus and inflammation are also easily generated, which clearly runs counter to the original intention of treating the disease. Ultimately, it is still due to a lack of many basic medical concepts.

"There are specific techniques for this acupuncture injection. One is intramuscular injection, which generally targets the gluteus maximus, vastus lateralis, and deltoid muscles of the upper arm. The other is intravenous injection, which uses blood vessels as a guide to enter the bloodstream."

Zhang Yunxiu continued his explanation, and seeing Li Shizhen's bewildered expression, he smiled and said, "This involves some knowledge of human anatomy. I'll take Mr. Dongbi to the dissection room later, and he'll understand."

Upon hearing the word "dissection," Li Shizhen remained silent and was reluctant to mention it.

After a long pause, he stroked his beard, his voice slightly hesitant.

"During the Qingli era of the Northern Song Dynasty, Wu Jian, a local official, ordered doctors and painters to dissect the corpses of rebel soldiers and draw illustrations of the throats and internal organs of the corpses. These illustrations include the 'True Preservation Illustration' and the 'Ou Xifan Five Internal Organs Illustration.' I was fortunate enough to see copies of these illustrations in my younger years."

Li Shizhen clearly could not accept such a cruel act as dissecting human bodies.

Confucianism emphasizes that "our bodies, hair, and skin are given to us by our parents, and we dare not damage them; this is the beginning of filial piety." Coupled with the feudal ethics that required various funeral rites, dissecting a corpse was undoubtedly regarded as a desecration.

Whether it's superstitious beliefs or the principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, neither supports the act of "dissection".

Therefore, Zhang Yunxiu was not too surprised to see Li Shizhen in this state.

He did not expect Li Shizhen to accept immediately, but instead comforted him.

"Mr. Dongbi, please rest assured. If you want to explore the profound principles of medicine, you cannot bypass this art of dissecting muscles and analyzing the body. Only by understanding the structure of the human body can you prescribe the right medicine."

Li Shizhen sighed, still seemingly unable to accept it, and then said...

"Let's put this matter aside for now. Magistrate Zhang, please tell me about the golden needles and disinfection."

Clearly, undergoing an autopsy required some mental preparation for someone as ancient as Li Shizhen.

Zhang Yunxiu didn't insist. He picked up a jar of alcohol swabs and carefully explained to him: "The gold needle is a matter of craftsmanship. It's not difficult to find a skilled blacksmith. As for the problem of the medicine damaging the blood and qi, Mr. Dongbi seems to have forgotten the theory of the fine insects that I mentioned in the Wanli Xinbao."

"Disinfect!" Li Shizhen blurted out immediately. During his travels and medical practice, he had also been studying medical theories in newspapers. Clearly, using alcohol and boiling water for disinfection had played a very significant role in preventing and controlling plagues and various diseases.

"Correct."

Zhang Yunxiu nodded and said.

"Alcohol disinfection is one method, and boiling utensils for sterilization is another. As I mentioned in the theory of bacteria and infectious diseases, killing bacteria can greatly reduce the risk of infection."

Of course, neither of these methods can completely eliminate germs. Once the Xishan industry flourishes, it would be best to use disposable medical devices in the long run.

Li Shizhen frowned slightly, still completely bewildered by the various technical terms.

Although I had learned a little about "modern medicine" from the Wanli Xinbao newspaper, I still found it difficult and obscure.

Especially the "rise of industry," which sounds like something very impressive?
Li Shizhen stroked his beard and pondered, finally unable to suppress his doubts.

"Zhang Tongzhi once said that there are strange and evil qi in the world that are the source of diseases, but what exactly are these strange and evil qi, and what are the germs?"

Could it be that the invasion of external pathogens, including the six external evils, and the resulting redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the body, are all related to this germ?

At this moment, the Medicine Saint's eyes gleamed with a thirst for knowledge, and he unleashed a barrage of questions that had been building up in his mind.

Zhang Yunxiu looked at the burning thirst for knowledge in Li Shizhen's eyes, and his throat moved slightly.

These time-traveling knowledge systems encompass not only medicine, but also biology, immunology, and anatomy, and are indeed difficult to explain in a short time.

This requires a systematic learning process.

So he decided not to speak anymore and raised his hand to indicate that he was done.

"Seeing is believing, Mr. Dongbi, why don't you come with me to take another look?"

With doubts in mind, Li Shizhen followed Zhang Yunxiu into another experimental area.

Pushing open the heavy metal door, a strange smell of disinfectant wafted out.

Here, whether it's the desk or the windowsill, everything should be kept extra clean.

Li Shizhen looked up at the plaque above the door that read "Microbiology Laboratory" and couldn't help but speculate in his mind.

Presumably, these "microorganisms" are another interpretation of the "microbe theory".
Researchers delivered protective suits, and Li Shizhen awkwardly put them on with their help.

He fastened his goggles, a novel experience he instinctively felt, knowing they were crucial for protecting him from the "flying insects."

Stepping into the laboratory, one is greeted by shelves filled with neatly arranged petri dishes and countless glassware.

Li Shizhen was secretly surprised. Zhang Yunxiu was really generous. So many glass pieces. Even the imperial palace collections were not this many.

Clearly, these glasswares were not intended to display wealth and luxury.

"Boxiu~"

But then Zhang Yunxiu instructed Yuan Zongdao to speak.

"Please demonstrate to Mr. Dongbi the experiment of observing yeast reproduction under a microscope."

Yuan Zongdao followed behind in silence.

Upon hearing Zhang Yunxiu's instructions, his eyes lit up, and he immediately cupped his hands in greeting.

"Don't worry, Master, I've got it covered."

After speaking, Yuan Zongdao swiftly put on gloves, and after a moment of discernment, picked up a small plate from the shelf and introduced it to Li Shizhen.

"Mr. Dongbi, please take a look. This is a culture medium."

Li Shizhen's pupils contracted slightly. Although he had read the recipe for petri dishes based on malt extract in the Wanli Xinbao newspaper, he was still somewhat excited to see the actual product with his own eyes.

He nodded slightly and said, "I would be grateful if Researcher Yuan would be so kind as to enlighten me and explain the mysteries within."

This was clearly not the first time Yuan Zongdao had demonstrated an experiment, from lighting an alcohol lamp to selecting yeast cells from a yeast strain, and finally using the streak method.
The meticulousness and standardization of these procedures left Li Shizhen completely bewildered. Clearly, even he himself did not pay such attention to detail in his daily drug research.

Zhang Yunxiu stood aside and explained, "Mr. Dongbi, there's no need to be surprised. When many imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy came to participate in the research, it was this Yuan Boxiu who taught them. While Yuan Boxiu may not be outstanding in medical skills, he is more professional than my master in research."

Li Shizhen felt that Zhang Yunxiu was being a bit boastful. By the old standards, Yuan Zongdao was already qualified to practice medicine, but Zhang Yunxiu said that he was not very outstanding.

Yuan Boxiu, however, seemed quite pleased with himself, a simple and honest smile appearing beneath his mask.

“My master said that everyone has their own expertise. My strength lies in research, so naturally I am less skilled in medicine.”

As he spoke, he pushed a metal object in front of Li Shizhen.

"Mr. Dongbi, please look. This is a microscope. Close your left eye and look through this small hole to observe the reproduction and changes of this yeast!"

microscope?
Li Shizhen frowned deeply as he examined the object before him.

This object has an ingenious design. Its exterior is made of brass, and it is inlaid with two round mirrors at the top and bottom, which are crystal clear like autumn water.

As early as the Southern Song Dynasty, there were records of "Aida", which is the eyeglasses of later generations.

Li Shizhen also used a pair of reading glasses on a regular basis, so he was naturally familiar with this type of lens.

However, I have never seen such a piece of mirror made by stacking mirrors before.

If you stack the two lenses together, will you be able to see those "microorganisms"?

Li Shizhen still had some doubts. He frowned and asked.

"Is this yeast extracted from brewing yeast?"

Zhang Yunxiu quoted classical texts and said: "It is the yeast starter. The Book of Documents, Chapter 2, says: 'If you want to make wine, you must have yeast starter.' If you want to brew wine, the yeast starter is naturally indispensable."

Everyone knows the wonders of using yeast to brew wine, but has Mr. Dongbi ever considered why the wine gradually becomes more mellow and fragrant after adding yeast?

Li Shizhen hesitated for a moment before saying "this."

Everyone has known this practice since ancient times, but no one has ever delved into why it is done this way.

Zhang Yunxiu said with a smile, "Mr. Dongbi, take a look at these yeast cells under the microscope. You may discover that there are millions of living things hidden inside. You may have a different understanding of modern medicine."

Seeing this, Yuan Zongdao also advised, "Mr. Dongbi, this yeast reproduction phenomenon is fleeting. If we miss this opportunity, the experiment will have to start all over again."

The conditions in the laboratory are ultimately limited; to observe the reproduction process of yeast, the temperature must be maintained.

Yuan Zongdao can control the temperature, but he cannot maintain a constant temperature.

Li Shizhen took a deep breath, somewhat anxious. He looked at the gleaming mirror mouth, as if he had made up his mind.

Li Shizhen carefully mimicked Yuan Zongdao's posture, bending down slightly and pressing his right eye close to the cool eyepiece.

At first, the scene before me was plunged into darkness, but once my pupils adjusted to the light, I could see a glimmer of light.

Yuan Zongdao stood aside and helped him focus several times.

Finally, a microscopic world unfolded before Li Shizhen's eyes.

But in the picture, there are countless objects that look like small bubbles, gathered together in layers.

At first, Li Shizhen did not think anything was unusual, but soon he was surprised to find that these small bubbles were alive!
They huddled together like people seeking warmth in winter, gradually surging forward.

Then, astonishing changes quietly occurred.

Li Shizhen stared wide-eyed as he witnessed a small bubble slowly bulging at the top, extending a tentacle that gradually grew larger.

In an instant, the connection between the tentacle and the mother body was abruptly severed.

A new small blister forms!

This scene was like a heavy hammer blow to Li Shizhen's heart.

He felt his heart pounding wildly, and his body grew increasingly stiff.

The changes in this microscopic world before his eyes completely overturned his understanding of medicine over the past ten years!

Li Shizhen was so excited that his body trembled, and his eyes even became warm!
　My eyes have gotten a bit inflamed from looking at too many pictures these past couple of days, so I'll start with 6,000 for today.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)