Chapter 112: Inescapable (2)

Wang Zhenghe placed two fingers gently on Gongsun Helan’s wrist, narrowing his eyes as he carefully examined the pulse. After a moment, he nodded approvingly and withdrew his hand. “Young Master Gongsun’s qi and blood are balanced, the internal organs are stable, and the internal injuries no longer pose a threat.”

“Heh heh, big brother, did you hear that? Quickly bring me those two strange crutches. Hahaha, I can finally get out of bed!” Gongsun Helan beamed with pride, winking at Liu Yitiao as he requested a pair of crutches from the servant and prepared to rise.

This sudden movement alarmed Wang Zhenghe, who hurriedly steadied the crutches to stop him. “Young Master Gongsun! What are you doing? Although your internal injuries have healed, the fractures in your leg will not mend so quickly. If you move recklessly, the bones may shift out of place. Old wounds won’t heal, and new ones may form—causing injury upon injury! You must not get up yet.”

At this moment, Wang Zhenghe truly embodied the demeanor of a physician, resolute and firm in his warning.

“You old man, always spoiling the mood with your gloomy words!” Gongsun Helan scowled, displeased, but knowing Wang’s good intentions, he begrudgingly held back his anger.

“Brother, please show Mr. Wang some respect. What he says is not without reason,” Liu Yitiao interjected, stepping forward to Wang’s side and nodding in approval. Then he lifted the blanket covering Gongsun Helan and pointed to the thigh, which was securely immobilized. “Mr. Wang, look here. With this, there’s no need to worry about the bones shifting, right?”

Wang Zhenghe’s eyes brightened upon seeing this. Using external supports to assist the internal healing—ingenious! With the two wooden planks holding the leg steady, Gongsun Helan’s limb could neither bend nor twist. Movement would be straightforward and limited, greatly reducing the chance of bone displacement.

“This method was conceived by Mr. Liu?” Without needing a reply, Wang could guess. His gaze on Liu Yitiao grew more admiring. A divine healer indeed—such remarkable skill with just a small intervention.

“If this is Mr. Liu’s method, then I shall not stand in the way. Young Master Gongsun, please proceed as you wish. But when you move, be cautious not to overextend your movements. Even with the wooden supports, excessive motion could still harm your muscles and bones,” Wang advised cautiously as he stepped aside, eager to see how Gongsun Helan would walk.

“Got it, got it, you’re so nagging,” Gongsun Helan said impatiently, having the servants help him dress. Supporting himself on the crutches, he began to walk step by step.

“Truly a miraculous skill, I am impressed!” As the servants surrounded Gongsun Helan and escorted him outside, Wang approached Liu Yitiao and bowed respectfully. “The crutch technique combined with bone stabilization—future patients will be fortunate to receive such treatment! All thanks to you, sir.”

“Heh heh, Mr. Wang, you flatter me,” Liu Yitiao dodged the compliment with a smile, speaking softly. “It’s just a simple trick, nothing truly medical. Please don’t misunderstand. Let’s go out and keep watch, so no accidents occur. Please, Mr. Wang.”

Nothing medical? A remedy that aids recovery—how could it be unrelated to medicine? Wang Zhenghe scrutinized the young man carefully from behind, admiring his advanced technique at such a young age, yet puzzled by his apparent modesty and reluctance to showcase his talent.

Sigh, truly hard to fathom. Wang shook his head and followed him outside.

“Big brother!” Seeing Liu Yitiao emerge, Gongsun Helan came toward him with practiced ease, now fully accustomed to his wooden legs.

“Thank you, big brother!” Gongsun Helan raised his hand in a sincere salute. His gaze was earnest—this gesture was heartfelt.

Liu Yitiao gently patted his hand. “We’re family—no need for such formalities.” Supporting him as they walked, he said, “Tomorrow I must travel to Chang’an to visit an old friend. I expect to stay there for several days. So, today I come not only to deliver your crutches but also to bid you farewell.”

It is said that the most dangerous places can be the safest. Liu Yitiao wished to seek refuge in Chang’an, advancing his schedule by a day.

“You’re going to Chang’an?” Gongsun Helan glanced at his own attire and sighed. “It’s a pity I am injured and cannot accompany you. But you should take this.” He drew from his pocket a silver, crescent-shaped token and handed it to Liu Yitiao. “This is the Silver Moon token from the General’s residence. If you encounter any disrespectful people in Chang’an, feel free to teach them a lesson. As long as no one dies, when the authorities arrive, show them this token and you’ll be safe.”

Uh?! A cold sweat trickled down Liu Yitiao’s forehead. It seemed Gongsun Helan was no stranger to such brawls. A true brawler, yet he had once aspired to be a refined scholar!

“In that case, I won’t refuse.” Liu Yitiao carefully took the token and slipped it into his breast pocket. Though he did not plan to fight anyone, possessing this token would ease his travels in Chang’an. He disliked unnecessary trouble.

“You haven’t been to Chang’an yet, so you don’t know the customs there,” Gongsun Helan said with some irritation, noticing Liu’s indifference. “The scholars and literati there think highly of themselves, looking down on others. Every time I go, I can’t help but give them a good thrashing!”

“Oh?” Liu Yitiao raised an eyebrow. Such treatment must have caused considerable humiliation. Hmm, he would need to be cautious when he arrived in Chang’an.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful. But it’s getting late. I must prepare some things and won’t keep you any longer.” Liu helped Gongsun Helan sit on a stone bench in the courtyard, then stood and bid him farewell. “Stay calm and don’t lose your temper easily. When you have time, get out and move about more. It helps promote the flow of qi and blood and speeds up metabolism, which is beneficial for the growth of your thigh bone. That’s all for now. I’ll take my leave.”

“Safe travels, big brother!” Seeing Liu determined to leave, Gongsun Helan abandoned his plan to offer wine and instructed a young servant, “Xiao Bo, see my brother out.”

“Yes, Young Master!” Xiao Bo bowed to both Gongsun Helan and Liu Yitiao, then led Liu out of the Gongsun residence.

Meanwhile, Wang Zhenghe stood beside Gongsun Helan, pondering Liu Yitiao’s words. Accelerated metabolism? What was that? He had never heard of it before. Ah, divine healers truly are divine—their words always profound and unfathomable.