Tang Dynasty: Saving Lives and Helping Others, Li Lizhi Falls for Him

The next morning, Shen Chang'an went to provide free medical consultations as usual, and did not close up shop until after noon.

He returned to the courtyard, changed into a clean robe, and carefully examined the medicine box—the wooden needle case, several bottles of pills, and a small packet of ginseng slices were all neatly arranged.

Looking at the sky, it's almost Shenshi (3-5 PM).

Shen Chang'an slung his medicine chest over his shoulder and walked into Chang'an City.

Zuixianlou, located on the banks of Qujiang Pool, is one of the most famous restaurants in Chang'an.

The three-story pavilion is built by the water, with upturned eaves and carved beams and painted rafters.

A plaque with gold lettering hangs in front of the building. It is said to have been inscribed by a famous scholar of the time, and the calligraphy is vigorous and elegant.

Shen Chang'an arrived at the building, gave his name, and the waiter respectfully led him upstairs.

A private room on the third floor, at the end of the corridor.

Before even getting close, Shen Chang'an sensed the unusual atmosphere.

Outside the private room, four imposing and tall guards stood on either side, with swords at their waists and piercing eyes; they were clearly elite soldiers.

Cuizhu was standing outside the door waiting. When she saw Shen Chang'an arrive, she quickly went to greet him, her face showing apology.

"Dr. Shen, I'm really sorry, there are some rules... please forgive me."

Shen Chang'an nodded slightly: "It's alright, that's how it should be."

He didn't want to see Li Chengqian if it weren't for the system task; it would be troublesome and thankless.

At the same time, two guards stepped forward and quickly checked his medicine box. After confirming that there were no foreign objects, they also briefly searched his body.

Once they confirmed there were no hidden weapons or long weapons, they stopped short of attacking and retreated.

"Dr. Shen, please come with me." Cuizhu pushed open the door and stepped aside to lead the way.

Shen Chang'an stepped inside.

The private room was enormous, three times the size of a regular private room.

Directly opposite the door is a six-panel landscape screen, painted on silk with the clouds and sea of ​​Zhongnan Mountain, layer upon layer of peaks, shrouded in mist and haze, with free and unrestrained brushstrokes, which should be the work of a famous artist.

In front of the screen was a large, long table made of rosewood, covered with a brocade tablecloth, on which were several plates of exquisite pastries and fruits, and a small bronze tripod, from which incense was burning, its fragrance delicate and just right.

Two couches with soft brocade cushions were placed by the window. Outside the window was Qujiang Pool, its blue waters rippling, with several painted boats slowly gliding by, and distant green mountains like dark eyebrows.

On the north wall hangs a scroll with the four large characters "宾至如归" (guests feel at home), written in a dignified and steady style.

On each side hangs a hanging screen, painted with orchids and bamboo, elegant and refined.

A three-legged bronze incense burner stood in the corner, wisps of smoke rising and filling the room with fragrance.

Next to it was a display cabinet, on which several pieces of porcelain were arranged in a staggered manner—a celadon lotus vase and a white porcelain double-eared bottle. Although they were decorations, each piece was exquisite.

The ground beneath my feet is paved with bluish-gray square bricks, so shiny they reflect light like a mirror.

Although the furnishings in the private room were not ostentatious, every item was of the highest quality, exuding understated luxury.

Shen Chang'an glanced around and already understood – with such a grand display, Zuixianlou was no ordinary place in Chang'an.

After looking around, his gaze landed in the center of the private room.

A boy, about fourteen or fifteen years old, sat at the head of the table.

The boy was still developing and not very tall, but he sat upright with his back straight, clearly having received very strict etiquette training.

He wore a moon-white round-necked robe, a jade belt around his waist, and black leather boots. Although it wasn't a formal suit, he was impeccably dressed and exuded an extraordinary air.

He was extremely handsome—his face was like jade, his eyebrows and eyes were delicate, his nose was high and straight, his lips were thin, and he had a touch of heroic spirit. His eyebrows and eyes were somewhat similar to the "Miss Li" he had seen outside the city that day.

At a glance, Shen Chang'an knew that the man in front of him was none other than Li Chengqian, the eldest son of Li Shimin and the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty.

However, Shen Chang'an noticed that Li Chengqian's complexion was abnormally pale, his lips were also pale, and there were obvious dark circles under his eyes, which was obviously caused by long-term weakness and poor sleep.

His eyes were clear, but carried a natural air of nobility and aloofness.

At this moment, those eyes were scrutinizing Shen Chang'an from head to toe, their gaze filled with undisguised examination and... dissatisfaction.

Li Chengqian's first reaction upon seeing Shen Chang'an was to raise an eyebrow slightly.

"So young?"

Although he didn't say anything, those two words were clearly written in his eyes.

In his mind, which doctor with superb medical skills wasn't over fifty years old with gray hair and beard? The most famous doctors, both inside and outside the palace, were at least over forty.

The guy in front of me looks to be no more than twenty years old. How much skill can he possibly have with words?

If it weren't for his sister's repeated recommendations, saying that she had seen it with her own eyes, he would never have made this trip.

"You're the Doctor Shen my sister mentioned?" Li Chengqian's voice was indifferent, carrying an air of superiority.

"This humble subject, Shen Chang'an, greets you, young master." Shen Chang'an bowed respectfully, neither humble nor arrogant.

Li Chengqian nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then casually pointed to the couch beside him: "Sit down."

The tone was as if it were an act of charity.

Shen Chang'an didn't mind and calmly took his seat.

Cuizhu quietly stepped aside and poured tea for the two of them.

Li Chengqian did not rush to diagnose the patient, but instead inquired about her background first.

Where is your home? Who did you study under? How many years have you studied medicine? What are your specialties?

There weren't many questions, but every sentence was tinged with probing.

Shen Chang'an answered one by one: His home is located southeast of Qixia Gate outside Chang'an City. He studied medicine for several years under a wandering physician and is skilled in treating internal injuries and miscellaneous diseases.

He didn't talk much, but his points were clear and his demeanor was neither arrogant nor humble.

"Were you providing free medical consultations outside just now?" Li Chengqian asked again, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible skepticism.

"Yes." Shen Chang'an nodded.

Li Chengqian didn't ask any more questions. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and tilted his head slightly to indicate to Shen Chang'an that they could begin.

Shen Chang'an knew that this meant he had to consult a doctor first.

He didn't refuse and asked, "How has your health been lately, young master?"

Li Chengqian put down his teacup and said calmly, "There's nothing seriously wrong with me, I just get tired easily. The doctor said I have a congenital deficiency and need to recuperate slowly."

As he spoke, he raised his eyelids and glanced at Shen Chang'an, the meaning of which was very clear—that's what the doctors inside and outside the palace all say, what can you say that's different?

Shen Chang'an remained calm and continued, "How is your diet, young master?"

"It's acceptable."

"What about sleep?"

"Sometimes good, sometimes bad."

"Is there any abnormal sweating?"

Li Chengqian paused slightly, frowned, seemingly unaccustomed to being questioned so probingly, but since it was his sister's idea, he still answered:

I occasionally sweat at night.

Shen Chang'an nodded and asked a few more questions—whether she was prone to catching a cold, whether her symptoms worsened during seasonal changes, and how she was usually in good spirits.

Li Chengqian answered each question in turn, his tone remaining indifferent throughout.

Having asked enough questions, Shen Chang'an said, "Please extend your hand, young master, so I may take your pulse."

Li Chengqian rested his wrist on the table, revealing a section of his fair arm.

Shen Chang'an placed three fingers on his cunkou (a point on the back of his mouth), closed his eyes, and quietly circulated his spiritual energy.

[Spirit Eye Technique] Silently activated.

Although his eyes were closed, the flow of qi and blood in his meridians and the condition of his internal organs were clearly displayed in his mind.

After this investigation, Shen Chang'an had a clear understanding of the situation.

He also knew why, in the future, Li Chengqian fell off his horse and became lame.

But he showed no sign of it on his face. After a moment, he withdrew his hand, opened his eyes, but did not speak immediately. Instead, he pondered for a moment.

"Young master, I have a few points to make."