After examining the pulse, the physician from Hundred Herbs Hall frowned. "Judging by the pulse, there are no apparent illnesses, merely some weakness. How long has Gu Sinian been in this condition? I recall he had no hidden ailments."
The female physician from Hundred Herbs Hall knew Gu Sinian, and her tone suggested familiarity. It was understandable, as Gu Sinian had been the one to seek Hundred Herbs Hall's help for Song Mingze's treatment.
"Are you Luo Wanqing?" Qi Zhenzhen suddenly remembered what Gu Sinian had told her about Hundred Herbs Hall. Hundred Herbs Hall had two proprietors: Du Zhong, the current head of the Du family, the largest medicinal herb merchant in Da Feng, and Luo Wanqing, who possessed legendary medical skills. At that time, Hundred Herbs Hall was merely a small apothecary. It was only after Du Zhong and Luo Wanqing joined forces that Hundred Herbs Hall developed rapidly, becoming the most renowned medical clinic in Da Feng.
"Oh? You know me?" Luo Wanqing removed her mask and examined Qi Zhenzhen. "You wouldn't be the one Gu Sinian is going to marry, would you?"
Qi Zhenzhen nodded, simultaneously appraising Luo Wanqing. She hadn't expected her to be so young, appearing to be only in her early twenties. Considering that Hundred Herbs Hall had been established for over a decade, this meant Luo Wanqing was merely a teenager when she partnered with Du Zhong. To be skilled in medicine at such a young age? Qi Zhenzhen mused, wondering if she had started learning medicine in the womb. Even then, it seemed impossible to become a famous physician in just over a decade.
"How long has he been in this condition?" Luo Wanqing asked.
Qi Zhenzhen recounted everything she knew in meticulous detail.
Luo Wanqing's expression grew serious. "Gu worms? No wonder the pulse showed nothing!"
"Is there a way?" Qi Zhenzhen asked anxiously.
"For now, we can only suppress it. To remove it will require some effort, and the conditions at the border are too rudimentary for that," Luo Wanqing replied.
"If it's suppressed, will he wake up?"
"In principle, yes, but I can't guarantee it," Luo Wanqing said, spreading her hands.
Qi Zhenzhen didn't hesitate. Gu Sinian's condition was precarious and couldn't afford further delay. It was crucial for him to wake up first, consume some food to maintain his bodily functions, and then other matters could be addressed.
"Then I'll trouble you."
Luo Wanqing glanced at her. "You're quite decisive, much better than those demure young ladies from noble families. Good, I like that."
"Dr. Luo's medical skills are miraculous, and Zhenzhen deeply admires them," Qi Zhenzhen said.
Luo Wanqing smiled and took out a porcelain bottle from her embrace, pouring out two pills. "Crush them and mix them with water to feed him. If my prediction is correct, he should wake up within an hour. Prepare some soft, congee-like rice porridge to feed him once he wakes." After speaking, she sat to the side.
Luo Wanqing showed no intention of leaving, and Qi Zhenzhen did not shy away, using the same method as before to feed him the medicine.
"Just wait," Luo Wanqing said. "I'm very curious about you, shall we chat? Your kimchi is truly delicious, no worse than what I ate in Bangzi Country."
After saying this, she looked at Qi Zhenzhen with a half-smile.
Qi Zhenzhen was greatly alarmed but showed no outward reaction. "May I ask where this Bangzi Country Dr. Luo speaks of is? Is it a country outside of our Da Feng?"
Luo Wanqing's smile widened. "Gu Sinian has been in a coma for over a month. Once he wakes, his limbs might not function properly. People are like machines; if they aren't moved for a long time, the parts will malfunction."
Qi Zhenzhen looked at Luo Wanqing with mixed surprise and suspicion. "So, we're from the same village?"
Luo Wanqing snapped her fingers. "Hello, fellow villager."