The Ming Dynasty: The opening scene features Zhu Di angrily accusing him of illegitimate succession.

Chapter 92 Oh? He's become the Grand Secretary (Please subscribe)

Lin Yue took a deep breath, leaned closer to the brocade couch, and began to carefully observe Empress Xu's condition.

A flushed face, heavy breathing, and an abnormally rapid and forceful pulse are clearly symptoms of an acute attack of hypertension, as commonly known in modern times.

Lin Yue made a judgment in his mind, but considering that the one who was ill was the Empress, and he was not a professional doctor, he was not very confident, so he turned to look at Han Shuang and Jiang Yongwen who were standing to the side.

Both were senior imperial physicians in the Imperial Medical Academy, with superb medical skills. Han Shuang was skilled in surgery, especially in treating external injuries and emergencies during battles, while Jiang Yongwen was skilled in typhoid fever and miscellaneous diseases, and his treatment of lingering fever was particularly effective.

"You two imperial physicians," Lin Yue asked in a low voice, organizing his thoughts, "the Empress's pulse is strong and forceful, her face is flushed and her eyes are red, and her breathing is heavy. This is... a symptom of excessive blood flow affecting the brain."

The two imperial physicians, Han Shuang and Jiang Yongwen, exchanged a glance. Instead of commenting on Lin Yue's judgment, they stated their own assessment.

Han Shuang said in a deep voice, "What Scholar Lin said is accurate. Judging from the Empress's symptoms, it is undoubtedly a stroke."

Jiang Yongwen then added: "The Empress's face was red and her eyes were bloodshot. Her jaw was clenched tightly and she could hardly open it. Her hands were clenched like iron. Her breathing was rough and rattling with phlegm. Her pulse was wiry and strong, and it did not dissipate when pressed."

This is a sign of Yang stagnation, with wind-Yang disturbing the upper body, and phlegm-fire obstructing the orifices. All symptoms combine with blood and Qi, which rush upwards, leading to a major collapse.

Han Shuang thought for a moment, then took out a silver needle from her sleeve and said.

"When a patient is dizzy and confused, one should puncture the twelve Jing-Well points to release blood, remove the stagnant blood, and open the mind."

"We have already tried pricking the Renzhong and other acupoints, but to no avail. Perhaps we should first puncture the Shixuan acupoints to release blood and guide the Qi and blood downwards, and then discuss other matters?"

"No!" Lin Yue reached out and pressed down on Jiang Yongwen's wrist, which was holding the needle, and shook his head repeatedly.

"Stroke-related occlusion is caused by the upward reversal of qi and blood. If bloodletting is performed, it will cause a sudden change in the pressure in the blood vessels, which will damage the brain."

According to modern common sense, bloodletting is strictly prohibited for treating coma caused by hypertension, as rapid changes in blood pressure can worsen the condition and damage the brain.

Zhu Di paced back and forth in the hall, watching Lin Yue communicate with the imperial physician. His expression was extremely anxious, showing none of his usual calm and ruthless demeanor.

The Zhu family has always produced romantics.

At the age of seventeen, Zhu Di married Empress Xu, the daughter of a military family. The two shared similar interests and were both very interested in warfare. In the fourth year of the Jianwen reign, Zhu Di ascended the throne and in November of the same year, he made Xu his empress. Breaking with convention and making an exception, he announced this to the world alone, becoming the first empress in thousands of years to enjoy this honor.

Empress Xu passed away in the fifth year of the Yongle reign at the young age of 46. Zhu Di was devastated and suspended court for 100 days. In the twenty-second year of the Yongle reign, Zhu Di died of illness during a northern expedition. Before his death, he did not forget his wish to be buried with the Empress. In the end, he was buried in the same mausoleum as Empress Xu in the Changling Underground Palace. Apart from the two of them, no other concubines were buried with him.

Emperor Yongle glanced at Empress Xu, who was unconscious on the bed, and quickly went to Lin Yue. He didn't say anything harsh, but simply held Lin Yue's hands tightly and spoke earnestly.

"Minister Lin, I trust you! Tell me how to treat her, and I will do it. As long as you can save the Empress, I will reward you handsomely!"

Seeing this, Lin Yue had no choice but to bite the bullet and go for it.

Fortunately, since his last serious illness, his health and memory have improved a lot. He can basically remember everything he sees, and some of his past memories are now very clear.

Lin Yue pondered for a moment, then began to direct the group.

"Eunuchs, take three folds of brocade cushions and place them at the head of the Empress's bed, raising it three inches. Position her on her right side to prevent phlegm from entering her airway!"

Send another person to fetch the silver tube.

Several eunuchs glanced at Zhu Di and hurriedly stepped forward to carefully move Empress Xu's body. Another eunuch brought soft cushions and placed them layer by layer at the head of the bed, adjusting them to a suitable angle.

Lin Yue bent down, pried open Empress Xu's mouth with his fingers, and examined her throat by candlelight. Seeing a small amount of phlegm, he signaled to the eunuch to bring a silver spoon and gently scraped it out.

"Physician Han," Lin Yue turned to Han Shuang, "quickly take twelve grams of Uncaria rhynchophylla, keeping the hooked stems and branches, remove the leaves, and decoct it in an earthenware pot. After the water boils, decoct for another fifteen minutes. Do not decoct for too long, lest the medicinal effect be lost."

"Physician Jiang, please take one pill each of Suhexiang Pill and Zhibao Pill, and dissolve them in warm water," Lin Yue continued.

Jiang Yongwen nodded and took out two gilded boxes from his medicine chest. Upon opening them, a dark brown styrax pill and a vermilion treasure pill were clearly visible.

The eunuch served warm water, and Jiang Yongwen used a pestle to crush the pills, slowly dissolving them into a paste, which he then placed in a small white porcelain bowl.

Lin Yue looked at Kuai Yue one last time and said, "Si Yaodian, quickly take a handful of fresh chrysanthemums, pound them in a bamboo mortar to extract the juice, and feed it to her through a silver tube. Then take ten grams each of Evodia rutaecarpa and Ligusticum chuanxiong, mix them with aged vinegar to form a paste, and quickly apply it to the Empress's Yongquan acupoint."

Kuai Yue had no suspicions and went to do as instructed.

What Lin Yue said were basically methods that have been proven effective in later generations.

Uncaria rhynchophylla contains rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline, which have the effect of "relieving wind and stopping spasms". Modern research has confirmed that it can inhibit the vasomotor center and dilate peripheral blood vessels. However, it can only be decocted for 15 minutes. Decoction for too long will have no effect.

The combined use of Suhexiang Pills and Zhibao Pills can significantly improve cerebral circulation, reduce cerebral edema, and quickly reverse hypertension symptoms. They were kept in the Imperial Pharmacy during the Yongle reign and were the standard medicines for emergency treatment in the palace.

Applying Evodia rutaecarpa and Ligusticum chuanxiong vinegar externally works on a similar principle, dilating blood vessels and relieving symptoms of hypertension.

Everyone in the hall performed their duties, with Lin Yue in the center directing the proceedings.

A moment later, Han Shuang personally brought over the Uncaria rhynchophylla decoction, its color a clear yellow, steaming hot.

Lin Yue took the long-spouted silver (similar to a small pot with a long spout) brought by the eunuch, inserted the spout into the gap between Empress Xu's teeth and fed her orally. Seeing that she still had a basic swallowing reflex, he beckoned to Kuai Yue to come forward and feed her.

Various medicines and methods were used simultaneously, and after about half an hour, it was unclear whether Lin Yue's methods worked or Empress Xu managed to overcome the crisis on her own, but she eventually slowly woke up.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Di was overjoyed and quickly bent down, bringing his hands close to her: "Miaoyun, you're awake? It's me, it's Adi."

Empress Xu's breathing slowed, her eyes gradually cleared, and she gently stroked Zhu Di's cheek, her voice weak.

"Your Majesty, do not worry, I... am fine, just a little dizzy."

After saying that, he tried to get up.

"Your Majesty, you must not act rashly!" Lin Yue hurriedly stepped forward to stop her.

"At this moment, you must not shake your head violently, otherwise the flow of qi and blood will be reversed, which may cause a second fainting spell."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di quickly helped Empress Xu lie down.

Emperor Yongle turned to Lin Yue and said, "Minister Lin, thank you so much! Is there anything else we should pay attention to? Please tell me."

Lin Yue cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress must keep her head and body at the same level for three days. She cannot sit, stand, or walk. She must stay in bed for all her eating and sleeping needs."

Avoid strong light and loud noise. Eat mainly light porridge and avoid spicy and greasy foods to prevent overburdening the spleen and stomach and causing imbalances in qi and blood.

'

After speaking at length, Lin Yue added, "I am only proficient in emergency treatment. As for specific treatment methods, you may consult the people in the Imperial Hospital."

Zhu Di nodded repeatedly and instructed Hou Xian beside him: "Pass on my decree! Silence must be maintained inside and outside the Western Palace. Those who disobey will be severely punished!"

All palace servants attending to the Empress must move with utmost care, and their meals must be prepared according to Scholar Lin's instructions. Each of the three daily meals must be reviewed and approved by Scholar Lin before being served!

Hou Xian bowed and accepted the decree, then quickly left the hall to deliver it.

Seeing that Zhu Di had begun to speak quietly with the Empress, Lin Yue slowly withdrew.

Han Shuang and Jiang Yongwen exchanged a glance, their gazes towards Lin Yue now filled with more admiration.

Others might not be able to tell, but they could see that Scholar Lin was not just randomly providing medical assistance; he had come prepared and was well-versed in medicine.

Jiang Yongwen stepped forward half a step, cupped his hands and bowed: "Scholar Lin's medical skills are truly exquisite, but there is one thing I do not understand."

"Her Majesty's condition, according to the *Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion*, should be treated by puncturing the Jing-Well points to release blood and remove stagnant blood in cases of stroke with closed-ended stroke. Why does the scholar so strongly oppose this method?"

Han Shuang also stepped forward to inquire, stroking his white beard with his fingertips: "And the scholar used Uncaria rhynchophylla to decoct later, and also applied Evodia rutaecarpa and Ligusticum chuanxiong vinegar paste to Yongquan acupoint. I think the combination is suitable for calming the liver."

However, while Uncaria rhynchophylla can calm wind, why apply it later in the body? And how can applying it to the Yongquan acupoint relieve symptoms of excessive upward movement?

Lin Yue was somewhat panicked upon hearing this. He was just an ambitious young man with only a mediocre skill. He didn't know anything about the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine. He was just applying modern first aid knowledge and his fragmented memories haphazardly.

Lin Yue thought for a moment and decided to change the subject to his area of ​​expertise. He was going to talk to the imperial physician about some basic modern knowledge.

So he waved his hand and said, "You two imperial physicians are unaware that the actual root cause of stroke lies in changes in blood pressure."

"Blood pressure? What do you mean?" the two asked in unison.

"Hmm...it's probably the pressure of blood and qi circulation in the blood vessels," Lin Yue explained with some difficulty.

"Her Majesty the Empress experienced excessive pressure in her pulse, like a river surging, which overwhelmed her brain and caused her to faint."

Bloodletting is like a sudden burst of a dam; the abrupt change in pressure can damage the brain's blood vessels. Blood loss should be stopped, but it must be done in a natural, controlled manner.

Jiang Yongwen frowned slightly: "The theory of blood pressure has never been recorded in detail before, which is truly strange. However, upon closer examination, it seems quite apt."

Fearing the two would delve deeper, Lin Yue continued to change the subject.

He started talking at length about common sense in modern medicine, going on about blood pressure, blood sugar, the five internal organs, nearsightedness, blood supply to the heart, surgery, and wound infection.

Lin Yue spoke eloquently: "There are still tiny evils in the world that are difficult to see with the naked eye," called bacteria, which can cause wound infections and internal diseases.

If you two don't believe me, I recently made a microscope that can reveal the shape and the object itself.

He then changed the subject, quoting a classical text: "As Xunzi said, 'The superior man is not born different, but he is good at making use of things!'"

In ancient times, Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs, relying entirely on his mouth and nose. Bian Que relied on his keen eyesight and sharp hearing to observe, listen, inquire, and palpate. Ancient physicians also knew how to use tools to assist in medicine. The use of Bian stone for hot compresses to treat diseases and the use of bronze figures to mark acupuncture points are all examples of using instruments to assist in medicine.

It is evident that medical progress has always been inseparable from technological innovation and the refinement of tools.

As the Great Learning says, "If you can improve yourself one day, do so every day, and keep improving yourself." The same applies to medicine!

If one only clings to the old theories of bloodletting to open the orifices and ancient methods and books, and refuses to explore new things and study new principles, how can one understand the symptoms of blood pressure?

"If there were no treasure ships to produce transparent glass for making microscopes, how could we discern the shapes of bacteria?"

Lin Yue was merely guiding the conversation and offering some inspirational quotes to keep things going, but Han Shuang and Jiang Yongwen listened with rapt attention, nodding repeatedly and expressing their strong agreement with Lin Yue's words.

Han Shuang bowed and said, "Scholar, you are truly a genius! This new theory directly addresses the root of the disease, surpassing even Bian Que's observation of complexion and Hua Tuo's dissection of the internal organs!"

Having studied medical principles for decades, I now realize the vastness of the world and the profundity of medicine!

"In the future, we two will need to learn more from the scholar and explore new frontiers in medicine!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yue broke out in a cold sweat again. Would he still want to ask him about medical matters in the future? No way, or he would give himself away.

Lin Yue quickly replied modestly, "You two imperial physicians are too kind. I am but a humble scholar, how could I possibly know anything about medicine?"

"7

Lin Yue was talking with Han Shuang and Jiang Yongwen when he suddenly heard a sound behind him. Before he could turn around, he heard Zhu Di speak.

"Minister Lin, you just turned the tide and saved the Empress's life. Your merit is immense, and I wish to reward you handsomely. What reward would you like?"

Lin Yue turned his head and bowed, thinking that if this was a reward, he would probably rise to a higher official rank. When would he die in the service of the country? He couldn't possibly die from overwork in office.

So he continued humbly, "Your Majesty, it is because the Empress is blessed with good fortune that she was able to turn misfortune into good fortune and danger into safety. I was merely fortunate to be there and dare not take credit for it."

"It is already my great fortune to have been able to relieve Her Majesty's acute illness; I dare not presume to ask for any reward."

"When I say I will reward handsomely, I mean I will. How can a ruler of a nation go back on his word?"

Zhu Di advised, "Minister Lin, there's no need to be so modest. Just ask for gold, silver, wealth, fertile land, beautiful houses, or promotions."

After a moment's thought, Lin Yue realized that he didn't care much about material possessions. He was indeed very interested in beautiful women, but he wasn't a lecherous devil and wouldn't do something as abstract as asking for a beautiful woman's favor. In the future, having more wives would also be a burden.

So he said, "If Your Majesty truly wishes to reward me, why not exempt me from the three-month salary penalty? My family is poor, and I am experiencing some hardship in my life."

Zhu Di was taken aback upon hearing this, then clapped his hands and sighed deeply.

"Not coveting power or wealth, Lin Hanlin was truly an upright and incorruptible official, a model for courtiers."

Emperor Yongle continued in a deep voice, "Issue my decree!"

Lin Yue was promoted to Academician of the Hanlin Academy (a fifth-rank official position, two ranks higher than Hanlin Attendant Reader) for his meritorious service in protecting the emperor. He was put in charge of the seal of the Hanlin Academy, oversaw the affairs of the academy, served as an advisor to the emperor, concurrently served as Grand Academician of the Left Spring Palace, concurrently served as a lecturer, was in charge of advising the emperor, and also served as acting Prefect of Yingtian Prefecture, acting on behalf of the Prefect of Yingtian Prefecture.

He also bestowed upon the government a three-courtyard residence within the city of Yingtian Prefecture, to be repaired immediately by the Ministry of Works.

Lin Yue was greatly surprised upon hearing this. Such a generous reward was unacceptable; how could he possibly die for his country in the future?

He quickly declined, saying, "Your Majesty's kindness is greatly appreciated! However, I truly dare not accept such a generous reward..."

'

"Don't refuse." Zhu Di waved his hand to interrupt him. "You have great talent and a heart for the country. What I have given you is not even a fraction of your merits. In the future, you should do your best to assist me and offer more good advice."

Lin Yue's heart stirred slightly, and he felt it would be difficult to explain himself, so he simply expressed his gratitude: "Your Majesty, I will certainly do my utmost and live up to your trust!"

The position of Hanlin Academy Academician is essentially the position of Grand Secretary of the Cabinet. In the future, his words will carry more weight in discussions. At most, he can serve in the Ming Dynasty for a few more years and ruthlessly penetrate deeper to kill more cannibalistic tribes and Japanese pirates.

Zhu Di nodded in satisfaction, then turned to look at Empress Xu in the inner palace, leaving Lin Yue standing there. Han Shuang and Jiang Yongwen looked at him with not only admiration but also envy.

To receive such favor from the emperor was truly rare in the Ming Dynasty.

A moment later, Hou Xian entered the hall again, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, Imperial Physician Dai has arrived outside the palace. Shall we summon him in?"

Zhu Di looked at Lin Yue, who said, "Imperial Physician Dai is very experienced. We can summon him in to discuss the follow-up treatment methods together."

Zhu Di nodded: "Summon."

Not long after, Dai Sigong, who was nearly eighty years old, walked into the hall with the help of a eunuch, leaning on a cane.

He first bowed to Zhu Di, then went to the bedside, carefully took Empress Xu's pulse, and inquired about the treatment process. After listening, he greatly praised Lin Yue.