Chapter 168: I don’t want a son-in-law like this, I want a son-in-law like that!
The eunuch lowered his head and laughed, “Perhaps you understand! Mr. Principal is knowledgeable and talented, with broad knowledge. He has created flying divine instruments like air balloons and watercraft like air cushion boats. It’s not hard to understand that he also knows a bit about medicine!”
“Well, that’s true!” The Empress nodded. She had always found Lin Beifan mysterious and seemed to possess knowledge far beyond this era. Not to mention his two top inventions, he always found unconventional solutions to difficult problems, effortlessly solving many seemingly insurmountable challenges. It seemed like there was nothing he couldn’t handle!
Having some knowledge of medicine was also not difficult to understand. What bothered her was that he was too good at hiding his abilities, keeping many things concealed and not letting outsiders know. Despite possessing incredible martial arts skills, he pretended to be a powerless scholar.
“How is this medical book written?” the Empress asked. She was very curious about everything regarding Lin Beifan.
“This medical book is overall very good! Besides containing extensive medical knowledge, it also exposes many misconceptions that people have had for a long time, broadening my horizons!”
“Furthermore, it includes methods to rescue several common difficult conditions! If these methods are effective, it will truly benefit the people! Even I couldn’t resist buying a copy to read!”
The Empress’s interest was piqued. “Really? Bring the medical book here for me to see!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
In no time, the Empress had a copy of “Li’s Medical Formula” in her hands and eagerly began reading it, focusing on the parts modified by Lin Beifan.
It was at this moment that she realized the silver needle poison testing method was not entirely reliable. There were some highly poisonous substances that couldn’t be detected with silver needles, while some foods that appeared poisonous were actually harmless according to the silver needle test.
She also discovered that using the mouth to suck out snake venom was an incredibly unsafe method of treatment. If one was not careful, both the patient and the rescuer could end up poisoned and in a perilous situation.
Furthermore, she discovered that the blood-recognizing method, passed down for thousands of years, was actually baseless. Any blood would mix together, regardless of whether it belonged to relatives or not.
And so on…
The Empress gradually became enthralled in the book.
It felt like watching a scientific revelation, irresistibly captivating!
“This book is quite interesting!” the Empress laughed.
“What Your Majesty said is absolutely right!” the eunuch responded.
The Empress continued reading and finally came across several new methods of treating illnesses and saving lives.
“To think that night blindness can be cured so easily, it’s amazing!”
The Empress sighed, “In the army, there are many soldiers who suffer from night blindness! They can’t see clearly at night, which affects their combat effectiveness! That’s why military campaigns and battles are not chosen to be conducted at night unless necessary. If this method can truly treat night blindness, it will significantly enhance the army’s strength!”
The Empress pondered and spoke to herself, “We can try implementing this method in the military! If the results are significant, we can extend it to the entire army, and the military power of Great Wu will undoubtedly be enhanced!”
The Empress continued reading and came across the treatment method for athlete’s foot.
“Again, in the army, there is no scarcity of soldiers suffering from athlete’s foot,” the Empress sighed once more.
She had visited military camps before and discovered many soldiers suffering from athlete’s foot. The odor was truly unimaginable, detectable even ten miles downwind, making her lose her appetite for days. Moreover, athlete’s foot not only caused a foul smell, but also itching, numbness, and skin ulcers. This, of course, affected the soldiers’ combat effectiveness.
“This method can also be implemented in the military!”
The Empress continued reading and found the treatment method for a disease called “big neck.”
“In remote and rugged areas, cases of ‘big neck’ disease are everywhere. It was believed to be a divine punishment, with no cure! Now it turns out that it’s caused by a lack of a substance in the body, a nutritional deficiency!”
“We can pass down this method and spare the common people from suffering!”
The more the Empress read, the more delighted she became. She realized that this book was truly a treasure trove!
“This book is so comprehensive! It contains methods for treating many diseases and common injuries, making it a perfect military medical book! If the army is equipped with this book, it will undoubtedly reduce casualties and significantly enhance military power!”
“Lin my dear, you have once again made a great contribution!”
The Empress laughed happily, “Spread the word and make this book a military medical manual! Additionally, conduct small-scale experiments with the methods for treating night blindness, athlete’s foot, and other conditions. If they prove effective, promote them throughout the entire army!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
With the Empress’s support, the sales of this medical book became even more booming!
The Li family was astonished!
They had initially just intended to write a medical book, hoping to pass down their medical skills and benefit more people. They never imagined that this specialized medical book would sell so well or that it would bring them wealth.
But now, it was selling so hotly. The first 10,000 copies were quickly sold out, and even the court placed orders for their books. For a time, their books became highly sought after in Capital!
They made a fortune solely based on this book!
It was quite unexpected!
It was a delightful surprise!
“All of this is because of Mr. Principal! If not for Mr. Principal, this book wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be published, let alone become popular throughout the city and gain the attention of the court!” Elder Li Yuzhen couldn’t contain his emotions, tears streaming down his old face. He was extremely excited.
“Indeed! Without Mr. Principal, this book wouldn’t exist!” Li Yulang was also very excited and happy.
“Go and visit Mr. Principal again, and tell him the good news!”
So, they visited Lin Beifan’s residence once again, this time with the whole family and bringing generous gifts, showing great respect.
“Thank you, Mr. Principal! Without your assistance, this book would never have been published, let alone become popular. All our efforts would have been in vain!” The elderly man bowed deeply.
Lin Beifan quickly helped the old man up. “You are an elder, there’s no need for such a gesture. Please stand up. To me, it’s just a small matter. Nothing to be mentioned.”
“You might think it’s a small matter, but it means the world to us. We can never repay this favor in our lifetime!” The old man said excitedly.
“You’re being too polite. Please come inside and have a seat.” Lin Beifan invited them into his house, and after a cup of tea, the old man presented a tray of silver, around 2,000 taels. He said, “Mr. Principal, this is part of the manuscript’s payment. We saved half of it, and the other half is yours. Please take a look!”
Lin Beifan waved his hand dismissively. “No need. Take it back. This small amount of money means nothing to me. Just continue with your medical practice and helping people. That would be the greatest reward for me.”
“Thank you, Mr. Principal!” The old man bowed gratefully.
At that moment, Lin Beifan shook his head and showed signs of fatigue.
“Mr. Principal, is everything alright? Are you feeling unwell?”
Lin Beifan shook his head. “It’s just that I’ve been busy with official duties lately, which makes me tired. I’ll be fine after a good rest tonight.”
Seeing this, Li Yuxin unexpectedly felt concerned. Bravely, she stood up and rolled up her sleeves slightly. “Mr. Principal, let me give you a massage to relieve your fatigue. I’ve learned a set of massage techniques that can relax your muscles and nerves, soothe your mind, and relieve fatigue.”
The old man quickly added, “Yes, Yuxin’s massage technique is truly miraculous. Let her help you relax and alleviate your fatigue.”
Lin Beifan waved his hand. “There’s no need for that…”
“Please, Mr. Principal, don’t refuse. It’s the only way we can express our gratitude!” the old man insisted, bowing again.
Lin Beifan finally relented. “Alright, give it a try!”
“Thank you.”
Li Yuxin, with a hint of excitement, stood behind Lin Beifan and gently pressed her jade-like fingers on his temples.
Lin Beifan noticed that her fingers were fair and delicate, like a work of art.
Lin Beifan noticed that her hands had a faint medicinal fragrance, which smelled very pleasant.
Lin Beifan also realized that her massage was indeed comfortable.
“Mister, is the pressure appropriate?” Li Yuxin’s voice sounded.
“So much more comfortable!” Lin Beifan sighed, unconsciously closing his eyes and enjoying it.
At this point, the old man stood up. “Mr. Principal, we will take our leave and not disturb your rest. Yuxin, you can stay behind and finish the massage before coming back.”
“Yes, grandfather!” Li Yuxin responded shyly.
Lin Beifan said, “Let me see you off!”
The old man declined several times. “There’s no need to trouble you, we can go back on our own.”
Lin Beifan insisted, “Then I’ll have Dali see you off!”
After they left the Lin residence, Li Yulang couldn’t understand. “Father, why did we leave in a haste and only leave Yuxin behind? It seems quite impolite!”
“Are you really dumb or just pretending? Can’t you see it?” The old man retorted impatiently. “Yuxin clearly has feelings for Mr. Principal. I’m creating an opportunity for them to spend time together!”
“Oh? So that’s it!” Li Yulang was dumbfounded. “But Father, Mr. Principal seems to already have a wife and concubines.”
“He hasn’t married officially, nor has he taken in any concubines. Where did you hear about his wife and concubines? Even if he did have them, they are just his mistresses. They don’t count officially! Besides, someone as talented and promising as him, a charming and talented man, wouldn’t have multiple women? Take yourself as an example, you also took in a concubine!”
Li Yulang fell silent. “Well…”
“Furthermore, our Yuxin has reached a marriageable age, but she hasn’t found anyone she likes. That’s why she’s still available! However, now that she has met Mr. Principal, a talented man matched with a beautiful woman, it’s a perfect match!” The old man smiled proudly.
“But…”
“Don’t ‘but’ anymore. Even if you don’t want a son-in-law like him, I want a grandson-in-law like him! I will decide on Yuxin’s matters, and you must not interfere!” The old man said angrily.
“Yes, Father!” Everyone reluctantly agreed.
