The busy work continued without even a moment for lunch, stretching all the way to half-past two in the afternoon.
Since there was a meeting at the Huadu Traditional Chinese Medicine Association office building at three o'clock, Jiang Yichun called Wan Yunting, who had just finished seeing the last patient in the queue. Without even a chance to eat lunch, Wan Yunting, along with Dai Qiuyue, Jiang Yichun, and Li Chengde, drove directly to the association building.
"Elder Sun, you've arrived..."
At the entrance of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association office building, three to five people were gathered. Some were members of the association from neighboring cities, and a few were renowned TCM doctors specially invited from provinces like Xisheng and Minsheng.
For instance, Ding Huixiang, known as the foremost "Blade" in the TCM world, was not only a master of medical skills but also one of the best in preparing medicinal herbs within the TCM community.
Ding Huixiang had been specifically invited by Gu Yuanbai to discuss the establishment of the Lingnan Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Association.
Also present was Physician Meng Kang, from a prestigious TCM family in Minsheng province. He was also the president of the Minsheng Association and a close friend of Gu Yuanbai, who had invited him to come overnight.
In addition to these well-known renowned doctors and masters from various provinces, many member physicians from provincial TCM associations had also been invited. Combined with the local TCM masters of Lingnan Province, the meeting participants numbered over a hundred.
"Old Ding, Old Meng, you've arrived."
Gu Yuanbai, accompanied by his granddaughter Gu Luotang, Qi Miaomiao, his eldest disciple Lu Zijin, and his second disciple Du Hua, was at the building's entrance, welcoming the friends who had specially traveled from other provinces.
"Old Bai, the turnout today is quite impressive."
Ding Huixiang and Meng Kang were contemporaries of Gu Yuanbai. Seeing the continuous stream of people arriving, they understood the importance of this meeting.
"It concerns the future of our TCM, so we had to invite everyone to discuss which path we should take!" Gu Yuanbai's old face was serious as he spoke earnestly to these two old friends.
Ding Huixiang, stroking his beard with his large hand, nodded. He exchanged glances with the refined and gentle Meng Kang and said, "Old Bai, we are here today to express our views. Regardless, I support you going it alone!"
"I support it too," Meng Kang agreed with a smile.
Gaining the support of his two old friends, Gu Yuanbai smiled and shook his head slightly, saying, "It's not for me to go it alone, but for all of us to find a bright, correct, and revitalizing great path for the future of TCM!"
"Well said."
Immediately, Wei Renxin, Song Sinan, and Zhang Xiaoyu arrived, each bringing their fathers and grandfathers.
Wei Datong was the renowned physician from Zhan City in Lingnan Province and Wei Renxin's father.
The elder in the white shirt next to Song Sinan was named Song Chengqi, the twelfth-generation inheritor of the Song family, a prominent TCM lineage in Yuanshi City.
The middle-aged man with Zhang Xiaoyu was her father, Zhang Fenglin, the dean of Qing City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a physician of extraordinary skill.
"Elder Song, Datong, and Fenglin, the three of you have arrived."
Gu Yuanbai was extremely pleased to see Song Chengqi, Wei Datong, and Zhang Fenglin personally attend.
When it was time to recruit TCM teachers during the TCM education reform, these three had unhesitatingly sent Song Sinan, Wei Renxin, and Zhang Xiaoyu.
"Yuanbai, I support your decision regarding the future path of our TCM."
Song Chengqi was six or seven years older than Gu Yuanbai. Although he was over eighty years old, he was still quite robust.
"Excellent, with Elder Song's support, we will surely find the correct path for TCM." Gu Yuanbai held Elder Song's old hand, patting it with excitement.
"Heh heh, Old Song, you've arrived quite quickly."
Immediately after, a loud and sharp voice was heard. Ye Zhaohui, accompanied by a middle-aged man, was supporting an octogenarian.
He wore a black Tang suit and leaned on a dragon-headed cane. His white hair fell to his earlobes, and his face was ruddy. His pair of triangular eyes exuded a sharp and sinister ferocity. This person was Ye Zhaohui's grandfather, Ye Hongzhang, the inheritor of the renowned Ye School of Medicine in Zhongshi, Lingnan Province, and a proponent of the "Attacking Evil" school of thought.
"Ye Hongzhang, why is he here?"
Wei Datong and Zhang Fenglin frowned, surprised by Ye Hongzhang's presence.
Song Sinan, Wei Renxin, and Zhang Xiaoyu saw Ye Zhaohui supporting Ye Hongzhang. Ye Zhaohui still had that arrogant and overbearing demeanor. They were surprised he dared to return to Huadu!
The other middle-aged man was Ye Hongzhang's assistant. He helped Ye Hongzhang as they walked over with Ye Zhaohui. Gu Yuanbai's brow furrowed; he did not recall inviting Ye Hongzhang.
"Elder Ye, you have arrived."
At this moment, Weng Dehai, accompanied by his disciple Dong Yuanlang, strode forward. He first greeted Ye Hongzhang and then smiled at Gu Yuanbai, Ding Huixiang, Meng Kang, Song Chengqi, and others, saying, "I specifically invited Elder Ye. After all, for such an important conference, how could Elder Ye not be present to offer his counsel!"
Ye Hongzhang's sinister triangular eyes cast a sideways glance at Gu Yuanbai, Song Chengqi, and the others. His sharp voice sneered, "Gu Yuanbai, I've heard everyone saying you're trying to break away from the orthodox lineage in the capital and start your own faction – aren't you rebelling!"
At these words, many people around exchanged glances and began to gather, eager to witness the spectacle.
Meanwhile, from the roadside in the distance, a silver sedan slowly approached. It was Wan Yunting, bringing Dai Qiuyue, Jiang Yichun, and Li Chengde.
"Elder Ye, your words are too harsh."
Facing Ye Hongzhang's accusatory tone right from the start, Gu Yuanbai remained calm and replied with a smile, "Rebelling is something I wouldn't dare to do. The reason I'm doing this, Gu Yuanbai, is simply to find the correct path for the future of our TCM."
"Hmph."
Ye Hongzhang snorted heavily. He waved his hand and declared, "This is fallacy and heresy. Is the current path of our Traditional Chinese Medicine Association not the correct one?"
"No."
Ding Huixiang knew of Ye Hongzhang but had never interacted with him. Seeing him publicly berating and accusing in front of everyone, he couldn't help but stand up to speak on Gu Yuanbai's behalf. "Elder Ye, don't you even look at the news from a few days ago and see what Sima Hongyun did when he came to Huadu!"
"Do you truly believe that someone like him can lead our TCM towards a path of revival and prosperity? What they, the Sima family, do behind the scenes is nothing but tarnishing the reputation of our TCM!"
"Exactly, everyone knows how Sima Hongyun became the vice-chairman of the association..."
Immediately, others around chimed in, murmuring in agreement.
"I won't comment on this matter. Chairman Wentang has already severely punished Sima Hongyun."
Ye Hongzhang remained unyielding and pointed at Gu Yuanbai with sharp words, "But for you, Gu Yuanbai, to attempt to re-establish another Traditional Chinese Medicine Association is a violation of the association's rules. How can a country have two Traditional Chinese Medicine Associations? Are you, Gu Yuanbai, not committing treason?"
"That does seem to hold some truth..."
At this, the association members around began to nod and discuss quietly upon hearing Ye Hongzhang's words.
Gu Yuanbai's eyebrows twitched slightly. Being questioned so aggressively by Ye Hongzhang at the entrance in front of everyone, he was momentarily silent.
Ding Huixiang intended to retort, but Gu Yuanbai held him back, indicating there was no need to continue.
He knew that Ye Hongzhang was inherently aligned with the Sima family's faction.
Seeing Gu Yuanbai rendered speechless by the interrogation, Weng Dehai couldn't help but reveal a smug, sinister smile...