Chapter Thirteen: Silver Needles to Expel Poison

Ye Cheng did not reply. He picked up a slice of white radish and gestured for Old Master Qin to open his mouth. Then he fed the radish to him.

After about ten minutes, the entire plate of radishes had been consumed. Having finished, Ye Cheng sighed, stood up from the bedside, and addressed Li Wuwei:

"This is called Silver Needle Crossing the Acupoints. It's developed from the principle of using silver needles to test for poisons."

"The old master's poisoning is severe; the toxins have penetrated deep into his extraordinary meridians."

"So I employed this method, starting with the Ren and Du meridians."

"These two are the primary meridians in the human body. I used silver needles to seal off their pathways to the other meridians."

"Then I used the principle of the radish's venting to stimulate the flow of his qi and blood."

"The silver needles have two purposes. First, the breath released by the radish, guided by the needle, doesn't exit through the usual tailbone, but through the acupoints around the body."

"Second, as the toxins flow along the meridians and reach the needle, the movement of qi and blood gradually draws them to the needle."

"In this way, before long, you will witness the toxins emerge from the silver needles on the old master's body."

"Do you understand?"

Ye Cheng explained simply.

However, he did not tell Li Wuwei that he had originally intended to treat Old Master Qin with a gentler, nourishing approach. Only after seeing what kind of man Qin Baoguo was did he change his mind, opting for the more aggressive Silver Needle Crossing method.

Ye Cheng had another purpose for doing so: to ensure that if, one day in the future, Old Master Qin forgot his debt and sought to repay kindness with enmity, he would have a way to counterattack.

"So that's how it is. Valley Master, you truly are a peerless physician, to have conceived such a profound method. I am deeply impressed," Li Wuwei exclaimed with newfound understanding and admiration.

"Has the old master been saved?" Qin Siyuan, standing nearby, asked in astonishment.

"Not yet. His body is too weak. Right now, I have only removed the toxins from his main meridians using radish. The toxins in the other meridians and organs will not be fully cured for at least half a month to a month."

"Still, Wuwei knows what to do. Wuwei, stay here for a while. Once the old master's illness is healed, it's not too late to leave."

Ye Cheng explained briefly and instructed Li Wuwei.

"Understood, Valley Master. You mean his qi and blood are too weak, so the radish can't be used excessively all at once. According to the distribution of the meridians, you plan to wait until he's stronger, then apply the needles several more times to expel the toxins?"

Li Wuwei nodded excitedly.

"Yes, you're quite perceptive," Ye Cheng nodded.

"The silver needles are working—look."

Everyone looked at the old master's body, and indeed, just as Ye Cheng had described, black liquid was slowly seeping from the silver needles. At the same time, Old Master Qin's complexion visibly improved. His once clouded gaze grew much clearer.

"Divine Doctor Ye, I—I—a worthless old man—deserve death. I—I apologize to you," Old Master Qin, barely recovered, struggled to open his mouth, expressing profound 'regret' to Ye Cheng.

"It's best not to speak apologies. The radish has released much of your breath; now you should focus on recuperating."

"Once the toxins in your Ren and Du meridians have been cleared, you should have your good son prepare more ginseng for you."

"Boost your qi and blood, or you won't even be able to say a few words before dying."

Faced with Old Master Qin's 'deep remorse,' Ye Cheng's heart remained unmoved, and he spoke deliberately, with a hint of implication.

Though Old Master Qin was extremely weak, his mind remained sharp. As soon as Ye Cheng spoke, he understood clearly.

He had harmed Ye Cheng before, and today his son had offended him again. Ye Cheng's words were clearly urging him to stage a display of righteous justice against his own son.

Knowing this, the cunning Old Master Qin refrained from thanking Ye Cheng further and instead turned his head, raising his hand with effort toward Qin Baoguo.

"Come, someone. Drag this rebellious son out and beat him within an inch of his life!"

At once, several servants waiting outside the sickroom entered, and swiftly seized Qin Baoguo, who had been trembling nearby.

"Father, I was wrong! I was wrong, isn't that enough? You can't beat me to death—I'm your own son! Father! Father!"

Qin Baoguo saw that the old master had not only truly survived, but was thoroughly enraged with him. He immediately tried to kneel and beg for mercy.

Just then, the servants released Qin Baoguo.

Old Master Qin saw this and was inclined to spare his son. But when he looked up, he found Ye Cheng watching him.

Clearly, his ploy had been seen through. There was no choice but to let his son suffer a bit. Otherwise, in today's situation, either his son's life wouldn't be spared, or the doctor would leave with his illness half-cured.

"Drag him out and beat him within an inch of his life!"

Old Master Qin, still weak, ordered the servants with stern resolve.

The servants, understanding his intention, dragged the wailing Qin Baoguo from the room.

"Old Master Qin is a man of principle and justice. Ye Cheng, the younger generation, is impressed."

Only then did Ye Cheng's mood ease slightly, and he smiled faintly.

"I am deeply grateful to Divine Doctor Ye for his rescue. Forgive me for being too frail to pay proper respects."

Seeing Ye Cheng's demeanor soften, Old Master Qin felt a surge of pride.

He thought: You want me to kill my own son? Am I so foolish? I know my own servants well enough.

Ye Cheng, though you have done me a great favor, you must understand my feelings—I have only one son. If I kill him, who will mourn for me in the future?

Yet, just as Old Master Qin was feeling triumphant, Ye Cheng abruptly changed his tone:

"Old master, people often say the Qin family's laws are strict, but I, Ye Cheng, have never witnessed them firsthand. Since you are to punish your son today, I humbly request to observe this lesson. Would you be willing?"

Ye Cheng's words carried immense force.

On hearing them, Old Master Qin, already weak, nearly coughed up blood.