area51novel Chapter 81 Seeking Help, High-Ranking Official Pleads for Intercession
Chapter 81 Seeking Help, High-Ranking Official Pleads for Intercession
Chapter 81 Seeking Help, High-Ranking Official Pleads for Intercession
I. Still feeling uneasy, I'm looking for another way.
The two bid farewell to Murong Fangxiang's residence, their hearts heavy with unspoken thoughts. Although the other party's promise had ignited a faint hope in their hearts, their emotions remained turbulent and filled with unease.
They knew very well that even though Murong Fangxiang had a deep friendship with Chen Shanhe and was willing to help by subtly conveying her message, she might not be able to truly move the resolute and composed Chen Shanhe.
The two had long held a deep desire to learn medicine and seek enlightenment, and after self-reflection and repentance, they could no longer let go of their desire and were unwilling to give up halfway.
On the way back, the two walked slowly side by side, avoiding the attention of others, and once again discussed their countermeasures in hushed tones.
After careful consideration, the two decided to go all out and no longer rely on one person to mediate. They planned to find another influential person with a strong voice to help them plead on behalf of the other and increase their chances of successfully becoming disciples.
After careful consideration, the two quickly decided on the most suitable candidate: the high-ranking official from the provincial capital who had previously accompanied them on a house call to treat the mistress.
Zhou Deshan and Xu Jingming have practiced medicine in the provincial capital for decades and have cultivated deep connections in the local community. They are well-known and respected doctors in the field and have frequent interactions with officials in the provincial capital. They are already familiar with each other.
Given their status and experience, a visit would be perfectly polite and appropriate, and would not appear abrupt, presumptuous, or inappropriate.
Both of them knew that the high-ranking official held an important position and had personally experienced Chen Shanhe's miraculous rescue, and were grateful for his life-saving kindness.
If this high-ranking official is willing to step forward and offer advice, given his distinguished status and the weighty debt of gratitude for saving his life, the chances of success will undoubtedly increase significantly.
Having made up their minds, the two quickly tidied their clothes and appearance, suppressed their restlessness and anxiety, calmed their chaotic thoughts, and immediately set off together.
He hurried straight toward the heavily guarded and magnificent residence of the provincial official, intending to pay a formal visit, frankly express his feelings, and humbly ask for help to find another feasible way to fulfill his wish of becoming an apprentice.
Poems as proof:
The beauty was still uneasy after pleading for her return.
My heart was filled with unease.
Seek another nobleman who is reasonable and understanding.
I worship sages and saints solely for the sake of my original aspiration.
II. The Gao family received courteous treatment upon their visit.
The two walked briskly, not daring to delay for a moment, and soon arrived steadily outside the imposing and majestic gate of the high-ranking official's mansion.
The two men straightened their clothes and posture, raised their hands to hand over their name cards, and handed them to the guards on duty at the gate to announce their request for an audience.
The servants guarding the mansion, who came and went to greet guests year-round, immediately recognized the two men before them as Zhou Deshan and Xu Jingming, two renowned medical figures in the provincial capital.
Knowing the reputation and status of the two men, he dared not be negligent or hesitant in the slightest. He quickly took the visiting cards and hurriedly reported to the inner courtyard.
The high-ranking official was slightly surprised to hear that two renowned doctors had come to visit him together.
The two usually practice medicine behind closed doors and rarely visit each other. It is quite rare for them to come together today.
Without a moment's hesitation, he immediately instructed his servants to respectfully welcome the two into the mansion as honored guests.
The two walked steadily into the mansion through the long corridor. They looked up and saw that the hall was magnificent and elegant, with a dignified and grand layout, exuding the composure of an official family.
The high-ranking official had already risen and was waiting in the hall, his expression calm and amiable, and he was humble and polite to everyone.
When we met, he showed no airs of authority or arrogance befitting his high position, and treated me with the utmost courtesy as a distinguished guest.
This is because Zhou Deshan and Xu Jingming are both highly respected senior figures in the provincial medical community, with decades of medical experience, extensive connections, and upright character.
Officials and commoners often interacted and had a harmonious relationship. When the mistress suddenly fell ill, the two rushed to her aid immediately. This kindness was always remembered by the high-ranking official, so he would not neglect her in the slightest.
The servants who were serving them quickly brought over warm tea and delicate snacks, and respectfully invited the two to sit down and rest.
The atmosphere in the hall was peaceful and harmonious, without any restraint or awkwardness. The group first chatted about everyday matters, their tone gentle and unhurried.
The high-ranking official secretly wondered that the two elderly doctors, who rarely visited him, had come together today for more than just idle chatter.
The two settled down, calmed their minds, exchanged a glance, and silently composed themselves before preparing to reveal their true purpose for seeking help.
Poems as proof:
Guests arrive at the deep courtyard of the mansion.
When old acquaintances meet again, treat each other with courtesy.
Slowly chatting over a cup of tea about ordinary things,
Waiting for the hall to reveal its true nature.
Third, frankly recount the difficulties of finding a master.
The casual greetings in the hall gradually came to an end, and the idle chatter gradually ceased.
Zhou Deshan slowly composed himself, his expression softening into sincerity and a hint of undisguised shame.
He quickly stood up, bowed slightly to the high-ranking official in the main seat, and greeted him with humility and respect. He no longer beat around the bush and frankly stated the purpose of their visit.
He spoke earnestly and calmly, and began to speak solemnly.
"My lord, we two would not have come to your esteemed residence without a reason, and we have taken the liberty of disturbing you by coming here today."
"I have a difficult matter weighing on my mind, and after much thought, I can only implore you, sir, to lend me your assistance."
Xu Jingming nodded gently in agreement, his face full of genuine emotion and regret. He slowly opened his mouth and carefully poured out the words that had been building up in his heart.
"We have been practicing medicine in the provincial capital for forty or fifty years. For half our lives, we have been stuck in our ways, stubbornly clinging to outdated and unchanging methods."
"They are rigid and inflexible in their thinking, lack the ability to be flexible and dialectical, rely on their seniority to maintain their arrogance, and have a narrow and shallow vision."
"Until I personally witnessed the extraordinary medical skills of the young doctor Chen Shanhe and listened attentively to his profound medical philosophy that integrates military strategy with medicine."
"After witnessing him treat the mistress of the house with a difficult and urgent illness, we finally realized the truth."
"Only then did we realize that the medical skills we had learned in our lives were merely superficial."
As they spoke, their expressions grew increasingly sincere, filled with remorse.
We have long since completely let go of the arrogance and seniority we have accumulated over half a lifetime, and all our empty fame and pride. We have bowed and knelt down many times with sincere hearts, wanting to become Chen Shanhe's disciples and learn his skills diligently.
However, Chen Shanhe refused each time, albeit tactfully, but firmly, and never agreed.
We are keenly aware that our past medical practice was narrow-minded, and we made too many mistakes by rigidly applying treatments. Now we only wish to become apprentices and devote ourselves to spiritual practice to make up for the shortcomings and mistakes left by our half-life of medical practice.
Having exhausted all other options, I have taken the liberty of coming to your door.
We are deeply grateful to you and your family for the life-saving grace of Dr. Chen, and the two have a very close relationship. Therefore, we earnestly request that you, in consideration of our past friendship, step in and gently persuade Dr. Chen Shanhe to speak a few fair words, so as to fulfill our sincere intention to admit our mistakes, repent, and humbly learn from him.
Poems as proof:
Frankly recounting the difficulties of finding a master,
Only upon awakening do we realize the hardships of learning a skill.
Let go of fame and fortune.
I only ask that you help me overcome all my difficulties.
IV. Grateful for kindness and readily agreeing
The high-ranking official sat quietly in the main seat, listening attentively to every word the two men spoke, his expression calm and serious.
He was deeply grateful to Chen Shanhe for saving his mistress's life with his miraculous skills that day. He would never forget this life-saving grace.
I deeply admire Chen Shanhe's calm demeanor, superb medical skills, and compassionate medical ethics that treat both the rich and the poor.
At the same time, he could clearly see that Zhou Deshan and Xu Jingming were truly and thoroughly repenting and reflecting on their actions.
Having set aside the arrogance of a renowned doctor who had spent half his life in the profession, he humbly acknowledged his mistakes and sincerely sought to learn. This kind of attitude is rare and precious.
The most difficult thing for a doctor is to recognize their own shortcomings, be willing to humbly learn, and even in old age, to have a sudden realization is rare indeed.
After a moment's hesitation, the high-ranking official immediately adopted a kind expression and slowly agreed.
You two seniors can rest assured. Doctor Chen has saved my Gao family's life, and I am deeply grateful.
I clearly see and understand your intentions to acknowledge your mistakes, reflect on your actions, and humbly seek knowledge.
I should help with this. I will find a suitable time to personally intervene and gently persuade you both to speak up for Chen Shanhe and do my best to fulfill your wishes.
Upon hearing this, the two were overjoyed and bowed repeatedly to the high-ranking official to express their gratitude. Their determination to become his disciples was further strengthened.
Poems as proof:
Deep gratitude will remain in my heart.
Cherishing talent and valuing learning should be the top priority.
I gladly agreed to handle everything next week.
Wait patiently for wise words to foster good relationships.