Chapter 22: Pulse Diagnosis Record-Depois de renascer, ela não reconhece ninguém, toda a família vai para o crematório(Xiao Lin voltou para casa para jantar.)

At times, Wen Qiao would even point out flaws in the prescriptions written by the imperial physicians and suggest corrections. The previous prescriptions were not strictly wrong, but they leaned too heavily toward mild nourishment. By changing just one or two ingredients, Wen Qiao elevated the efficacy of the entire formula to a whole new level, leaving the physicians in awe of her medical prowess.

Perhaps this was the power of pure talent. The physicians had to admit that Wen Qiao was indeed capable, unlike the imperial physician from the palace, who always held his head high, acting as if he were the most knowledgeable person in the world.

Wen Qiao, not wishing to lower herself to his level, sat to the side, waiting for the maid sent by Nanny Song to return with the Empress Dowager’s medical records. Seeing that she wouldn't even grant him a glance despite all his posturing, Physician Zhang gnashed his teeth in anger and retreated to the back, head bowed.

*Hmph,* he thought, *let that arrogant girl be smug for now. We shall see if she remains so confident once the records are in her hands.*

The Empress Dowager’s condition was indeed difficult to treat; without proper medication and care, she might not have many years left. Since the girl was willing to take on such a thorny case, he was happy to let her. It would spare him from the Emperor’s blame if anything were to happen to the Empress Dowager. With a ready-made scapegoat standing in front, Physician Zhang was more than happy to step back.

Wen Qiao guessed his thoughts but had no time to entertain them. The maid returned quickly, and as Wen Qiao sat in her chair, flipping through the records, her brow furrowed. The more she read, the more troubled she appeared. Seeing her expression, Physician Zhang felt a surge of triumph. These records were taxing even for him, let alone a young girl. He did not believe for a second that she could cure the Empress Dowager’s deep-seated ailments.

Wen Qiao skimmed the records rapidly, grasping the essence of the situation at a glance. She was not furrowing her brow because the condition was intractable, but because the prescriptions were mundane—hardly even effective enough to suppress the illness. At best, they were harmless, but they offered little benefit.

Indignant, Wen Qiao looked up at Physician Zhang and said, "I have heard that the Empress Dowager’s health has been under your care, Physician Zhang. I must ask, since these records are so detailed, why are most of these medications merely tonics rather than curative treatments? Some ingredients were entirely unnecessary and even diluted the effect of the primary drugs. I do not know how you attained the position of Head Physician, but in my view, your competence is severely lacking. Nanny, please have a maid bring me paper and ink. I shall write a new prescription. Once the other physicians have reviewed it and found no issues, have the maids prepare the medicine for the Empress Dowager."

Wen Qiao’s words flowed like a machine gun, leaving Physician Zhang stunned. He stared at her, wide-eyed, unable to believe his ears. Wen Qiao met his gaze with calm composure, though internally she was anxious.

The writing materials arrived quickly. Wen Qiao took up the brush, not caring about the elegance of her calligraphy, only focused on finishing the prescription. Her hand moved as quickly as her racing thoughts.

When Nanny Song handed the prescription to the other physicians, many wore expressions of astonishment. Only Physician Zhang was excluded. He was still fuming over being publicly humiliated, and he refused to look at her work. However, seeing his colleagues’ surprised reactions, his curiosity began to gnaw at him.

"I must say, this is the most miraculous prescription I have ever seen," one physician remarked. "By replacing just two ingredients, the efficacy of the original formula has been vastly improved, and it is perfectly suited to the Empress Dowager’s current state. It is not overly harsh and avoids side effects. In my opinion, this is an excellent prescription."

"Indeed! I never imagined someone outside the Imperial Medical Academy could possess such masterful medical skills. May I ask who your mentor is, Sixth Miss Wen?"

The more they praised her, the more desperate Physician Zhang became to see it. However, the other physicians subtly closed ranks, effectively isolating him. Physician Zhang had always been arrogant, looking down on his colleagues and constantly interfering in their cases to claim credit. His position as Head Physician was not earned through medical skill, but through political maneuvering and currying favor with the Empress. In truth, he was a fraud, and his colleagues had long harbored resentment.

Seeing a chance to put him in his place, they were happy to elevate the young girl. When Physician Zhang tried to push through the crowd, another physician unceremoniously bumped him aside with his hip, sending the older man tumbling to the floor.

"If the Head Physician did not trust the girl’s skills at first, then there is no need for him to look at her prescription now," one physician stated coldly. "We serve the master, yet you have kept these records to yourself for years, never allowing us to consult on them. Now that we finally have a chance to contribute to the Empress Dowager’s recovery, you suddenly want to intervene? Had you been willing to discuss these matters with us, the Empress Dowager’s health would not have deteriorated to this point."

Nanny Song’s expression darkened. She was horrified to learn that these physicians had been keeping such secrets, especially when the Empress Dowager’s health was at stake. She realized then that Physician Zhang had likely been lining his pockets while neglecting his duties.

"Physician Zhang, you may explain yourself to the Emperor," Nanny Song said firmly. "I cannot make the final decision, but since the other physicians approve of the Sixth Miss’s prescription, I shall have the medicine prepared immediately."

Before the maids could even depart, the Emperor arrived. "Nanny, what is happening? I heard reports that the Empress Dowager suddenly collapsed. I was told her health was stable!"

The Emperor was clearly anxious. Nanny Song cast a sharp look at Physician Zhang before explaining the situation to the Emperor, detailing the negligence and the discovery of the new, superior prescription.

The Emperor turned his gaze to Wen Qiao, who sat quietly. "Physician Zhang, you had best prepare a reasonable explanation for me. Qiao-er, you have done well. If not for you, I would not have known how dire the situation had become." He then turned to Wen Qiao. "Tell me, how is the Empress Dowager exactly?"

Wen Qiao stood, bowed, and replied, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager’s body is severely depleted. While it should have been possible to cure her years ago, the accumulation of untreated ailments led to today’s collapse. I cannot say if the old roots of the illness can be fully eradicated, but I can certainly restore her strength. I have devised a new prescription that the other physicians have reviewed and approved. I ask that you entrust her care to me, Your Majesty. I have the confidence to improve her health, though I fear what might happen if we continue on the previous path."