After eating, Qi Yue brought Yan’er over for further examination.

A’Ru habitually picked up paper and brush to record notes beside them, while A’Hao and Que Zhi also came over to listen carefully.

Being watched by so many people wasn’t the first time for Chang Chunlan and her daughter, but unlike before, these people observing her daughter had such focused expressions, without any trace of curiosity, disgust, or malicious excitement.

“…For this kind of condition, a few months old is the optimal time for surgery, because one operation won’t suffice – there must be two or three reconstructive surgeries as the child grows.” Qi Yue removed her gloves and held Yan’er in her arms to comfort her while speaking to A’Ru and the others.

“Young Madam, what do you need? Can it be done now?” A’Ru asked.

Qi Yue was briefly silent.

Chang Chunlan’s heart immediately jumped to her throat as she nervously watched Qi Yue.

“It can be done, but there are still problems – like anesthesia, infection prevention, and assistants.” Qi Yue said.

A’Ru felt somewhat ashamed, remembering that during those two previous surgeries, Qi Yue had essentially worked alone, as she still couldn’t overcome her fear of seeing blood and internal organs.

Qi Yue stood up as she spoke.

“Let’s go to Qianjin Hall. I’ll discuss this properly with Physician Liu.” She smiled.

When they went out, they encountered the steward returning dusty from his journey.

“Young Madam, this lowly one has returned from the Liu family.” He respectfully bowed to Qi Yue.

“Oh, what did they say?” Qi Yue stopped walking and asked with some interest.

The steward adjusted his hat covered with morning frost, with some pride.

“What could they say? Right in front of me, Old Master Liu severely punished those servant women.” He smiled.

This was the first time in his life he could stand straight and speak at someone else’s house – what a great feeling!

“I asked Old Master Liu the Marquis’s question, and Old Master Liu’s expression immediately changed.” The steward continued. “He actually said that since the Marquis feels the eldest miss is being mistreated at their place, then let the eldest miss stay at our house.”

As expected, Qi Yue snorted.

“Then let her stay. Who’s afraid of whom?” She said.

The steward chuckled.

“That’s exactly what I said.” He said with some pride.

“Let’s leave it like this for now. After we cure Yan’er, we’ll settle accounts with that old fellow.” Qi Yue said, waving at the steward. “Go on, you’ve worked hard. Go report back to the Marquis.”

The steward cheerfully replied that it wasn’t hard work and walked away happily.

Setting aside these household matters, Qi Yue arrived at Qianjin Hall and told Liu Pucheng about the cleft lip case.

“The ‘General Treatise on the Causes and Symptoms of Diseases’ mentions that people born with lip defects look like rabbit lips, so it’s called rabbit cleft.” Liu Pucheng said. “It’s caused by eating rabbit meat.”

Qi Yue laughed heartily.

“No, it has nothing to do with rabbits.” She smiled. “This is an illness, a disease caused by genetic mutations.”

“Genes?” Liu Pucheng asked in confusion.

Genes were hard to explain. Qi Yue rubbed her hands and smiled.

“There are many causes – like medications or environment – but regardless of the cause, it definitely has nothing to do with rabbits.” She said.

Liu Pucheng nodded and breathed a sigh of relief.

“So that means pregnant women can still eat rabbit meat?” He asked.

Qi Yue nodded.

“As for reconstruction, the Book of Jin also has records – cutting flesh to repair it, eating porridge for a hundred days without speaking or smiling – but few have actually witnessed it.” Liu Pucheng continued, his face unable to hide his excitement. “Young Madam, can you perform it?”

“Of course I can. This isn’t a difficult surgery.” Qi Yue nodded and smiled. “It’s just that this child has been delayed too long, and the medicine…”

When she reached this point and saw Liu Pucheng show a smile, she also smiled.

“Good, no problem. I plan to do this surgery.” Qi Yue smiled.

Liu Pucheng was naturally very interested in this type of surgery and quickly asked what preparations were needed.

“Yan’er’s cleft lip is unilateral complete cleft. Though it doesn’t reach the nasal base, the upper lip is split. The surgery will take a long time, the wound will be large, and there will be significant bleeding. This child’s physical development is poor, so I’m not confident about post-operative infection.” Qi Yue frowned.

“Those aren’t problems. The disinfectant and anti-inflammatory herbal decoction used for the hunter’s wound cleaning last time – I’ve been researching and refining it these days. A combination of rhubarb, scutellaria, phellodendron, gardenia, and honeysuckle works best for wound cleaning and disinfection.” Liu Pucheng said.

Qi Yue breathed a sigh of relief. She had complete confidence in Liu Pucheng’s medicines.

“Then there’s one more important problem remaining.” Qi Yue said.

“Please tell me, Lady Qi.” Liu Pucheng said.

“The anesthesia problem.” Qi Yue said, taking out a sheet of paper to write on. “Yan’er is six years old. Pediatric anesthesia is different from adult anesthesia.”

Liu Pucheng stroked his beard, very puzzled by this statement.

“Anesthesia differs between adults and children?” He asked.

“I don’t know if Chinese medicine differentiates, but Western medicine… oh, the medicines my master used have significant restrictions.” Qi Yue said, briefly explaining the issues with pediatric anesthesia.

Liu Pucheng listened with half-understanding, but he nodded.

“Good, I’ll research this further.” He said.

“Then I’ll trouble you, teacher.” Qi Yue said.

Liu Pucheng nodded.

“Oh, also, this surgery requires great precision. Every step affects the post-operative cosmetic results, so retractors, sutures, and such can’t be completed by me alone.” Qi Yue said, rubbing her hands with some regret. “Moreover, I’ve never performed this type of surgery before…”

Never performed it?

Liu Pucheng pondered for a moment.

“Though you’ve never performed it, you know how to do it, right?” He asked.

Qi Yue smiled.

“Yes, I know how.” She nodded with great confidence.

Liu Pucheng also smiled.

“Then this isn’t a problem either. I can be your assistant.” Liu Pucheng said.

Qi Yue nodded.

“Good.” She smiled. “Sorry to trouble you again, teacher.”

“What are you saying? Many people would want to witness this personally but don’t have the chance.” Liu Pucheng shook his head and smiled. “This is my good fortune.”

At this, Qi Yue’s eyes lit up.

“Speaking of which, this is an excellent clinical learning opportunity. We should have the disciples come watch.” She said.

Liu Pucheng hesitated somewhat.

“This… this… would that be alright? Won’t it affect the surgery?” He asked.

Though Qianjin Hall primarily treated knife and axe wounds and the disciples had all seen blood, that kind of blood and flesh was visually different from actively cutting open skin with a knife. Thinking of Hu San’s reaction during the prefect’s son’s surgery, he could tell that many disciples would certainly panic, and if they affected or interfered with the surgery…

“This is indeed a problem. But they must adapt. We’ll be performing many surgeries in the future, and they can’t avoid participating because of fear.” Qi Yue said. “Actually, it’s quite simple. Watching and practicing more to overcome psychological barriers will solve it. I was quite embarrassed during my first anatomy class too…”

“Anatomy class?” Liu Pucheng asked, catching the unfamiliar term.

“It’s…” Qi Yue thought for a moment. “Using corpses to familiarize oneself with the human body, organs, and so forth.”

Liu Pucheng looked at her with a shocked expression.

For ancient people who held “the dead are greatest” as sacred, this would be very hard to accept, wouldn’t it?

“You really practiced like this?” Liu Pucheng suddenly lowered his voice and asked, making a cutting gesture.

Qi Yue nodded and gave a dry laugh.

No one was born knowing how to do this…

“Actually, it’s not just surgery. As doctors, what we must do is familiarize ourselves with the human body’s internal organs, skin, blood vessels, and so on. Though it’s in books, the most important thing is direct observation…” She also lowered her voice. “So… it’s necessary… you understand.”

Liu Pucheng looked at her and nodded.

He really understood? Qi Yue was somewhat surprised.

“If we’re talking about this kind of practice.” Liu Pucheng pondered for a moment and said in a low voice, “I can find a place.”

Qi Yue’s eyes widened. No way! Not only did he understand, but he also…

“You also have corpse sources?” She lowered her voice while asking with some excitement.

Liu Pucheng looked at her and nodded. Qi Yue’s eyes immediately lit up.

“Excellent! This means I can arrange anatomy classes!” She said.

Liu Pucheng shushed her and looked around carefully with some caution.

Though they had them, it certainly wasn’t something that could be made public. Qi Yue understood and nodded, also making a silencing gesture.

“Let me go ask and see how it works.” Liu Pucheng said in a low voice.

Qi Yue nodded.

“As soon as possible. I can first do a cleft palate surgery demonstration.” She said in a low voice. “We can familiarize ourselves with coordination while also giving the disciples psychological preparation.”

Liu Pucheng nodded.

“Master, class can begin.” Hu San poked his head in from outside.

He found the expressions of the two masters in the room somewhat strange.

“Masters, what are you talking about?” He asked curiously.

“Nosy.” Liu Pucheng said, while looking at Qi Yue, remembering yesterday’s disciples discussing “What will the lady teach today? The art of bringing the dead back to life?”

Qi Yue laughed heartily.

“No, it’s artificial respiration and cardiac massage.” She smiled.

These disciples were too dramatic – bringing the dead back to life indeed! Though from a certain perspective, it could indeed be called the art of bringing the dead back to life.

“That’s right. This is very important in emergency rescue. Sometimes it really is bringing the dead back to life.” She said.

“Then I’ll also listen.” Liu Pucheng quickly picked up paper and brush.

“Artificial respiration has two types: mouth-to-mouth and mouth-to-nose…”

“…A’Ru, come demonstrate…”

Seeing A’Ru lying on the mat prepared beforehand, the disciples crowded over, afraid they couldn’t see clearly.

Qi Yue knelt on one knee, explaining while personally demonstrating. Watching her lean down for mouth-to-mouth with A’Ru, the disciples looked shocked.

When Qi Yue said everyone should practice too, there was an uproar.

“…Nobody move, nobody move, don’t mess around…” Hu San jumped out like a mother hen protecting chicks, standing in front of A’Ru on the ground with a somewhat warning look at all the disciples.

Qi Yue laughed, and A’Ru also sat up, her face red as she glared at Hu San.

“Pair up among yourselves and practice with each other. Practice the technique first.” Qi Yue said.

Hu San’s face turned red.

“Oh, like this.” He scratched his head and smiled embarrassedly. “You scared me…”

Besides shock, there seemed to be some regret on his face.

“I’ll need to make a mannequin.” Qi Yue said to Liu Pucheng. “That would be very convenient, and easier for me to explain.”

“Like the bronze figure in my room?” Liu Pucheng asked.

“No, it needs to be human-sized, made of wood.” Qi Yue said.

“Master, leave it to me.” Hu San said.

Qi Yue nodded. All the instruments so far had been made by Hu San. This young man truly had no talent in medicine, but he was clever and had strong hands-on creative abilities.

“During this period, we’ll repeat what we learned today. Everyone can practice more during rest time. For us who study medicine, there are no shortcuts – just watching and practicing more.” Qi Yue clapped her hands, ending today’s lesson.

“Thank you for your teaching, Master.”

Watching the room full of disciples bow in unison, Qi Yue smiled somewhat embarrassedly, and the loneliness, isolation, and fear brought from that other time and space greatly diminished in her heart.

Actually, whether ancient or modern times, as long as one knows what to do and goes to do it, one can live very well.