Chapter 96: The Final Disciple

By referencing medical terminology and translating it accordingly, Principal Xu could barely make sense of the material; even with just a rough understanding, he was so excited that his hands trembled, his lips quivered involuntarily several times, and he quickly composed himself, pressing his lips into a firm line.

Principal Guo smiled broadly—how could he be the only one to be so stirred? “Well? Do you want this student?”

“Yes!” Principal Xu replied instinctively, then suddenly sobered and, somewhat awkwardly, added, “I do, but only if she passes the examination. I won’t let you sneak her in through the back door.”

Principal Guo laughed heartily. “So even you have your principles, old man.”

He wanted the student, yet couldn’t compromise his standards; and to say he did not want her was simply impossible.

“What are you saying?” Principal Xu feigned a frown, then turned to Zhong Yuxiu, “Comrade Zhong, I’ll give you a few questions on the spot. Is that alright?”

“That’s fine.”

Principal Xu’s expression softened. He rose and went to his desk, actually writing out a few questions and handing them to her. “If you can solve these, I’ll personally teach you.”

“Comrade Zhong, old Xu’s medical skills are quite impressive. Study diligently under him, and you won’t go wrong,” Principal Guo said with a twinkle in his eye.

Zhong Yuxiu’s eyes shone brightly as she thanked him, took the notebook with both hands, and began working on the questions immediately. Principal Xu’s questions were all medical in nature, especially leaning toward traditional medicine. Although he claimed he would not grant her special favor, he was clearly offering her a gentler challenge.

Nevertheless, the questions were profound, subtly probing the extent of her knowledge.

People who have lived to their age are no fools; they see through a great deal.

Recalling the medical classics she had read, Zhong Yuxiu answered each question. Where she was unsure, she wrote down what she believed correct and noted her uncertainties for further study.

“Principal Xu, I’ve finished,” said Zhong Yuxiu, handing back the notebook.

After reading her answers, Principal Xu looked at her intently. “You’ve memorized the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon?”

“Yes, my memory is quite good. After reading it a few times, I can remember it and hardly ever forget.”

“No wonder.” Every answer was by the book, yet it was difficult to gauge the depth of her understanding. “Just how good is your memory?”

Principal Guo also leaned in, but Zhong Yuxiu had no intention of revealing her full abilities. “At present, I can remember after reading something once.”

So what if her mental strength could no longer improve? This body had mastered the essence of focus, granting her a photographic memory.

“Amazing!” Principal Xu was truly astonished. Throughout history, those with photographic memory were exceedingly rare; genius or not, few reached such heights. “Tell me, what medical books have you read?”

Unsure of his intentions, Zhong Yuxiu repeated to Principal Xu what she had told Principal Guo.

Principal Xu rose and retrieved several thick medical tomes from the bookshelf, including the Pharmacopoeia, Prescriptions for Universal Relief, The Collection of Reviving Life, and The Complete Book of Madness. Returning to his seat, he pulled out The Collection of Reviving Life. “Have you read this one?”

“Yes.”

Principal Xu hesitated, then picked up Prescriptions for Universal Relief. Zhong Yuxiu nodded again. He next selected the Pharmacopoeia, and Zhong Yuxiu answered once more, “I have.”

“And this one?” Principal Xu held up The Complete Book of Madness.

Zhong Yuxiu glanced at it and shook her head. “I haven’t.”

“This is a medical text from the Qing dynasty, primarily about diseases like leprosy. Read the last three pages and recite them from memory.” He intended to test the true depth of her abilities, not let her pass too easily.

“Alright.”

Zhong Yuxiu opened the final three pages. The text was written in vertical columns, but, accustomed to such formats from ancient times, she had no trouble reading it.

To avoid seeming too conspicuous, she spent half an hour before putting the book down. “Principal Xu, how should I recite it? Forwards or backwards?”

“In such a short time, you can recite it backwards?” Principal Xu was surprised.

Zhong Yuxiu was momentarily speechless—she’d spoken too soon.

“Ahem.” With a slight cough, she replied, “I can manage.”

“Manage?” Principal Xu scrutinized her, then said, “Recite it forwards first. If you make no mistakes, try it backwards.”

“Alright, I’ll begin now.” With a solemn expression, Zhong Yuxiu began, each word from her memory emerging with clarity. “The Complete Book of Madness. General Discussion of Madness. In ancient times, madness was called ‘li feng,’ also known as malignant disease, black and white leprosy, favoring red and white patches…”

As her recitation smoothed out and quickened, Principal Xu checked every word. When she finished, he found not a single error.

“Impressive.” Principal Xu raised his thumb in approval, genuine admiration in his eyes. “Not a single mistake. Now try reciting it backwards.”

“…suitable for distinguishing between internal and external, severe and mild…”

She recited it backwards, still without a single slip. This time, not only Principal Xu but Principal Guo was amazed. Though aware that Zhong Yuxiu was highly intelligent with an excellent memory, neither expected her abilities to reach such heights—likely not even Professor Ding knew.

Principal Xu was thoroughly satisfied. With a memory so extraordinary, mastering the intricacies of traditional medicine would not be difficult; the true challenge lay in prescribing after mastering the theory. “Are you certain you wish to study under me? Once you start, I will not let you give up halfway.”

“Principal Xu, once I have resolved to do something, I do not change my mind. The phrase ‘give up halfway’ simply does not exist in my dictionary.” If she were so easily dissuaded, she would never have pursued research.

Principal Xu seemed to realize this as well, nodding with satisfaction. “Very well, from now on you will study under me. At my age, I had not intended to take on another student, but your talent is exceptional. I will accept you as my last disciple. I lead a class on traditional Chinese medicine therapy; you will join them.”

“Yes, teacher,” Zhong Yuxiu replied, her expression calm.

Principal Xu’s satisfaction with her composure and unflappable demeanor only deepened.

“Then, you will begin studying with me tomorrow.”

“Isn’t that a bit soon?” Principal Guo interjected.

Principal Xu gave him a sidelong glance, then looked back at Zhong Yuxiu. “From now on, I’ll call you Yuxiu. Calling you ‘Comrade Zhong’ all the time feels awkward. What do you think?”

“You are my teacher—you may call me as you wish.” In ancient times, a teacher was like a father, and at the coming-of-age ceremony, a teacher had the right to give a student an alternate name.

“Then Yuxiu it is.” Principal Xu’s face lit up with a broad smile. “Yuxiu, I’m still not clear on your current progress. You’ll need to tell me so I can tailor my teaching to your needs.”

Zhong Yuxiu smiled and nodded, stating that she had simply read those medical texts, with no other experience.

Principal Xu nodded. “Then start with the medical books in my study. When you’re not in class, come to my office and read through all of them. Memorize them as best as you can—once you’re familiar, you’ll have laid a solid foundation. Then I’ll take you along on consultations and gradually teach you how to prescribe, diagnose pulse, and perform the four diagnostic methods.”

“Alright.”

Zhong Yuxiu agreed to all of Principal Xu’s instructions without hesitation; after all, prescribing medicine was secondary—her true interest lay in the medical books in his office.