Chapter 16: Venting and Defecation

Most of the onlookers were not versed in medicine, so they knew little about the ancient golden-silver needles. Yet these words came from the venerable physician Yin Rong of Renxin Hospital in Yuehu City.

Yin Rong, though past sixty, still radiated vitality, especially in those keen, spirited eyes. Since it was Yin Rong who spoke, Hu Sihai naturally realized that this item was not some ordinary object, and promptly invited Yin Rong to examine it together.

"That name sounds rather mysterious," someone in the crowd muttered, though these discordant voices quickly faded.

Yin Rong studied the needles with utmost seriousness. After about ten minutes, he turned to Zhang Shen and asked, "Young man, are these yours?"

Zhang Shen nodded.

"Could you tell me where this treasure came from?" Yin Rong continued, worried Zhang Shen might misunderstand, so he added, "Don't mistake my curiosity—I'm a medical man myself. I’ve only read about these ancient golden-silver needles in books. The one time I saw them in person was many years ago. I never imagined fate would let me witness them again today."

"They were passed down from my master," Zhang Shen replied.

"May I ask your master’s name?"

Hearing Yin Rong’s question, Zhang Shen hoped he might have some clue about his master and answered, "Luo Baiyang."

"Luo Baiyang?" Yin Rong shook his head. "I don’t know this name, but these ancient golden-silver needles are indeed genuine."

Zhang Shen had hoped to glean some news about his master from Yin Rong, but it seemed he was left empty-handed. Somewhat disappointed, he prepared to put the needles away.

But Yin Rong had not yet satisfied his curiosity. "Young man, don’t rush. Let me take a closer look."

Zhang Shen ignored him and moved to pack the needles.

"This silver needle I brought to today’s banquet has its wonders," Zhang Shen said suddenly, causing a stir. At that moment, a young man standing behind Yin Rong stepped forward.

"You brat," the young man snapped, "our Director Yin is giving you face by examining your needles. Everyone knows Director Yin is a highly respected veteran physician in Yuehu City. You should be grateful for his attention."

Zhang Shen hadn’t expected the banquet would bring trouble upon trouble. Well then, since things had come to this, why not use the needle to pierce the very core of the matter?

"May I ask your name, sir?" Zhang Shen said, maintaining the composure befitting a doctor.

"At least you show some sense. My surname is He, and my given name is Yu," the young man sneered.

He Yu was one of Yin Rong’s protégés, brought along today to witness a grand occasion.

"He Yu, have you heard of something called a diagnosis?" Zhang Shen asked.

He Yu failed to grasp Zhang Shen’s meaning. "What are you talking about?"

"To reciprocate is courtesy. Today I’ll give you a few words," Zhang Shen replied.

"Go ahead."

"Have you been suffering from insomnia lately? Stomach cramps, but unable to relieve yourself, and moreover—"

He Yu bristled, annoyed at Zhang Shen's abrupt pause. "Moreover what? Say it!"

"Are you sure?"

"Stop wasting time. Speak!"

As the conversation reached its climax, Zhang Shen deliberately paused. "Since you insist... Also, your abilities in that regard have been severely diminished. Is that correct?"

He Yu’s face became a storm of conflicting emotions. True, it was unseemly to discuss a man's private troubles in front of so many people, but he had asked for it. Though irritated, he couldn’t lash out, for every word Zhang Shen spoke was accurate.

His health had steadily declined, and after five or six years of marriage, he and his wife were nearly sleeping in separate beds. How could Zhang Shen possibly know all this? Was his gaze like an X-ray?

On the other side, Yin Rong listened, then looked at He Yu. He understood He Yu was trapped—the choice to speak could mean salvation, but silence would let these problems haunt him for life.

After much deliberation, Yin Rong whispered a few words to He Yu. A moment later, He Yu nodded.

He Yu stepped in front of Zhang Shen. "My earlier words were shortsighted. I hope the master physician will not take offense. I’ve seen many doctors for this illness, yet none could help. Might you be able to cure it?"

Zhang Shen smiled. "It’s simple. You have stagnant qi blocking your body. One prick with the silver needle and your troubles will vanish."

"Stagnant qi?" He Yu was skeptical.

Beside Zhang Shen, Jiang Muyun was intrigued by this method.

He Yu had reached a point of no return. He asked, "Master physician, where should the needle be inserted?"

"Just a gentle prick on the abdomen," Zhang Shen replied.

Upon hearing this, He Yu lifted his shirt, exposing his stomach.

Zhang Shen took out the ancient golden-silver needle and, without hesitation, inserted it into He Yu’s abdomen. Then he gently withdrew it. Immediately, an unbearable, foul sound erupted.

Everyone recoiled, even Yin Rong kept his distance from He Yu.

"This is only the first. Three more, and you’ll be cured," Zhang Shen said.

He proceeded to prick He Yu’s abdomen again. This time, He Yu was wary, bracing himself, but soon felt the urge to release gas. He tried desperately to hold it in, his face flushing red, until another offensive sound echoed.

"See? Your body is full of turbidity—no wonder your health suffers," Zhang Shen remarked, and once more applied the needle.

"I can’t hold it any longer!" He Yu cried, heedless of the needle still in his belly, and dashed toward the entrance, hands clamped over his groin.

Someone whispered, "Did he soil himself?"

Zhang Shen spoke calmly, "Rest assured, he’s merely heading for the restroom. His illness is cured now. Just don’t indulge excessively in the future."

"So the fellow is a refined scoundrel! Never would have guessed," some murmured from behind.

Zhang Shen packed away the needle, muttering, "I never thought such a trivial matter would require the silver needle."

Jiang Muyun tugged at Zhang Shen’s sleeve. "You didn’t bring that treasure just to vent, did you? Isn’t it supposed to have miraculous uses?"

Zhang Shen slapped his own head. "Right, how could I forget?"

He turned and walked toward Hu Sihai.

"Chairman Hu, I have a matter I’d like to discuss with you privately," Zhang Shen said.

Seeing Zhang Shen’s skill, Hu Sihai instructed Shen Feng to entertain the guests and led Zhang Shen upstairs to the study.