Chapter 19: A Delightful Conversation

Su Chen had already arrived at Li Jing’s residence. Li Jing’s wife was feeling fine this time and was well aware of who Su Chen was, as it was he who had cured her during his previous visit. Su Chen had brought medicine with him and took the opportunity to perform acupuncture on her again. After her treatment, she accompanied Li Jing to the main hall.

Ever since Su Chen’s last visit, Li Jing had invited several physicians from his estate to consult with them. For the past few days, he had been filled with lingering confusion.

"Nephew Su Chen, I have heard from other medical practitioners that the 'Thirteen Ghost Needles' were lost to history long ago. May I ask where you learned them?"

Li Jing did not mean to cast doubt on Su Chen; had he been suspicious, he would not have allowed him to perform acupuncture on his wife just moments ago. He was simply consumed by curiosity, eager to know the origins of Su Chen’s remarkable skills.

Su Chen smiled, having anticipated such a question. He had not known that the "Thirteen Ghost Needles" were considered lost in this era. According to standard historical records, it was Sun Simiao who would later revive this technique. However, since no one had mentioned Sun Simiao, it was clear that even he did not possess this knowledge yet.

"If anyone else were to ask, I would naturally remain silent," Su Chen replied. "But since you are like family, Uncle Li, I will tell you. Half of my medical knowledge was learned from Taoist Master Sun, and the other half came from a traveling Taoist who happened to visit Master Sun. Since Master Sun was away at the time, the visitor stayed behind and taught me a few things."

Using Sun Simiao as a shield, Su Chen no longer feared being exposed. After their conversation that night, Sun Simiao had recognized Su Chen’s medical prowess. To give him a legitimate standing, Sun Simiao had even accepted him as his junior disciple. With this title, it would be much easier for Su Chen to practice medicine in Chang'an.

"I see. It seems this Taoist must have been surnamed Dong."

Li Jing had previously made inquiries, and within the field of acupuncture, no one had ever heard of the "Dong Family’s Extraordinary Points." Now, connecting the dots, he was certain that this mysterious Taoist, even more enigmatic than Sun Simiao, must be surnamed Dong. It was surely this man who had discovered these extraordinary points that differed from traditional ones.

Su Chen had not expected Li Jing to be so imaginative, which saved him the trouble of concocting further excuses. Since these people wanted to be clever, he would let them be.

"Uncle Li, you even know this? Could it be that you are acquainted with Taoist Master Dong? I haven't seen him in years; could you please tell me where he might be?"

Su Chen’s feigned surprise was enough to make Li Jing feel satisfied. Naturally, there was no such "Taoist Master Dong." The "Dong Family’s Extraordinary Points" were actually developed by Dong Jingchang in the modern era and once served as a secret technique of the martial world. It was thanks to Dong Jingchang that acupuncture gained international recognition. This proved that the "Dong Family’s Extraordinary Points" possessed unique merits that surpassed those of ordinary practitioners. When combined with the "Thirteen Ghost Needles," the results were extraordinary.

"How would I know? I only deduced it," Li Jing replied.

In truth, Li Jing was delighted. Having guessed someone’s hidden thoughts and seeing Su Chen’s genuine surprise made him feel that this young man was trustworthy. He had heard rumors about Su Chen before, but after these two encounters, he felt certain that someone was deliberately trying to smear his reputation.

"So it was a deduction! Uncle Li, you are truly the God of War of our Great Tang; your insight is nothing short of divine."

Su Chen’s flattery was incredibly effective, delivered with such a sincere expression that it seemed entirely heartfelt. Cheng Chumo, sitting opposite Su Chen, was surprised for the first time by how eloquent his friend was. Watching him exchange pleasantries with Li Jing, the two were clearly enjoying their conversation—a feat rarely seen among the younger generation, usually reserved for those of his father’s age.

"I am aware of your situation," Li Jing continued. "I heard that you encountered some misunderstanding while treating Princess Changle, and now Changsun Chong is returning to seek trouble with you."

This was a matter everyone knew. By bringing it up directly, Li Jing was signaling that he no longer viewed Su Chen as an outsider.

"Uncle Li is right," Su Chen replied, playing the part of the innocent victim. "As the saying goes, a patient should not hide their illness from the physician. When I saw the Princess’s condition, I did not think to avoid it; I never imagined it would lead to such a misunderstanding."

Having observed Su Chen over these two visits, Li Jing felt the young man was excellent and that the rumors in the city were mostly false. Many people simply judged wealthy young men harshly out of prejudice. Having investigated the matter himself over the past few days, Li Jing was clear on the truth.

"Rest assured," Li Jing said. "When Changsun Chong returns to Chang'an, if he dares to make things difficult for you, just tell me. I don't think he would dare to be so presumptuous in front of me."

This was Li Jing’s way of offering his protection. Even Cheng Chumo was startled; Li Jing was a titan of the military, and with his backing, even Changsun Wuji would have to show respect, let alone his son. It seemed Changsun Chong’s threats had been poorly timed.

Hearing this, Su Chen stood up at once, ready to kneel and kowtow. Li Jing quickly helped him up.

"Uncle Li, you are my savior," Su Chen said, his eyes welling with tears. "I have been unable to eat or sleep these past few days. While the Su family is not insignificant, how can we compare to the Changsun family? With your support, I can finally rest easy."

Li Jing was deeply moved. To think such a fine young man was being threatened by Changsun Chong! Changsun Chong hadn't even arrived in Chang'an yet, but he had already sent word to make threats—it was truly overbearing. Seeing how he treated the Su family, one could only imagine how arrogant he was toward others.

"Don't worry, my boy," Li Jing said. "You are a good person, and your aunt’s health depends on you. How could I let anything happen to you?"

Li Jing felt he hadn't met such a sensible young man in years. Changsun Wuji had failed to raise his son properly, letting him threaten others at will—that was simply not right, and he would definitely intervene.

Only Cheng Chumo felt there was something strange about the situation. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he wondered how Su Chen had changed so drastically and gained Li Jing’s favor so quickly.

Before leaving, Su Chen left several doses of the "Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction." He repeatedly urged Li Jing to take the medicine on time, promising to return in a few days for a follow-up examination.