Chinese medicine: from rural hospitals to top three hospitals in Kyoto

Gao Anliang was taken aback by Wen Manlu's words, then suddenly realized what she meant, and couldn't help but show a wry smile on his face.

“Disciple… Lulu, what you’re saying is really…”

Gao Anliang shook his head and chuckled: "That may be true, but Elder Xiao is of very high seniority and highly respected in the medical field. If he insists on lowering himself to participate in the competition, he will indeed be considered a contestant in this competition, subject to the 'restraint' of Director Chen, the chief judge."

"But if he were to challenge Director Chen at the finals under the guise of seeking advice or discussion, and Director Chen accepted the challenge, it would be seen as bullying the weak; if he didn't, it would be seen as cowardice. Either way, it would inevitably give others grounds for criticism. This... this is practically a conspiracy!"

Wen Manlu smiled and said, "I have confidence in Chen Yang."

As she spoke, Wen Manlu looked at Chen Yang and said, "Is Elder Xiao determined to embarrass you? Just for the title of 'Yangshen Cup'?"

"However, if Director Chen really wins, Old Xiao will be in a bit of a passive position."

Gao Anliang said with a smile, "This year's Medical Competition is not only called the 'Yangshen Cup,' but Chen Yang is also the chief judge. It wouldn't be wrong to say that all the participants are Director Chen's students."

Chen Yang gently patted Wen Manlu's hand to reassure her, but his eyes grew deeper and brighter, showing no fear but rather a hint of excitement.

"The struggle for fame and fortune has existed since ancient times. The title 'Yang Shen' is just a nickname given by netizens."

Chen Yang said with a wry smile, "This time, I was also forced into this situation by Elder Wen and the others."

"That's what I said."

Gao Anliang said, "But for some seniors who value their reputation more than their lives, they might feel that Director Chen, this young man, is overstepping his bounds."

As he spoke, Gao Anliang placed a newly delivered final competition procedure plan on Chen Yang's desk.

"Xiao Jingyun, a scholar who devoted his life to studying the Treatise on Febrile Diseases, was particularly skilled at using classical prescriptions to treat difficult and complicated diseases. He was known as 'Xiao the One-Prescription,' meaning that his prescriptions often produced results after just one dose and cured the disease after two. His theory of 'supporting Yang' was unique and had a great influence in the field of traditional Chinese medicine in the north."

Gao Anliang spoke with great familiarity, clearly having conducted in-depth research on Xiao Jingyun.

"If he were to launch an attack, it would undoubtedly be in his area of ​​expertise, using the most orthodox theories to question you, Director Chen, or to question the 'unorthodox' diagnostic and treatment approaches of Zhuang Qiwen and Yu Shiyun, whom you admire."

"The purpose is nothing more than to prove that only the traditional Chinese medicine that follows ancient methods and is passed down in an orderly manner is the orthodox approach, while my advocacy of 'appointing people based solely on their talents' is breaking the rules and leading Chinese medicine astray."

Chen Yang nodded in agreement, saying, "Director Gao's analysis is thorough."

"So how should we respond? Should we argue our case again regarding the selection of judges for the final round, or adjust the format of the final assessment?" Gao Anliang asked.

"No need."

Chen Yang shook his head and said with a smile, "Let him fight his way, I'll fight mine. Since Elder Xiao wants to use force to overcome skill and suppress people with absolute strength and prestige, then I'll accept it."

As he spoke, Chen Yang looked at Gao Anliang with intense eyes: "Director Gao, the final round process, especially the diagnosis and treatment of difficult clinical cases, can be designed to be more challenging. It should not only test the contestants' conventional thinking, but also set up some problems that require breaking conventional thinking and even integrating new knowledge to solve."

Gao Anliang was taken aback at first, but then he understood Chen Yang's intention.

Chen Yang is trying to force Xiao Jingyun to make a move in the finals. While Xiao Jingyun is certainly experienced and has a solid theoretical foundation, Chen Yang's skill level is not bad either. Judging from Song Luojun's critical illness, Chen Yang's skill level is already on par with Wen Xiuping and others.

No wonder Wen Manlu had so much confidence in Chen Yang.

"I understand!"

Gao Anliang perked up: "I'll go and communicate with the expert group right away to improve the final competition plan."

In fact, Gao Anliang also knew that the best way to deal with a famous doctor like Xiao Jingyun was to forcefully subdue him; otherwise, no matter how much he said, it would be useless.

"Well, let's go."

Chen Yang nodded, "Remember, everything should be based on assessing the true level of medical skills. Be fair and impartial. There is no need to deliberately favor anyone or target anyone. True gold is not afraid of being tested by fire."

Gao Anliang accepted the order and left, his steps becoming lighter. He had been somewhat worried, but seeing Chen Yang so calm and composed, his worries dissipated considerably.

Only Chen Yang and Wen Manlu remained in the office.

Wen Manlu walked to Chen Yang's side, gently leaned on his shoulder, and whispered, "I'm always a little worried... the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease."

Chen Yang embraced her, feeling the slight movements of the little life inside her, his heart filled with tenderness and determination.

"Lulu, do you remember when I was in Fenghai City?"

Chen Yang said softly, "Back then, all I wanted was to be a good doctor and cure every patient who came to me."

"Later, I went to the provincial capital, then to Kyoto, and gradually got to where I am today. I've met more and more people and faced more and more complex issues. But I always remember that I am first and foremost a doctor."

"Medical skills are for healing and saving lives, not for competing or seniority-based advancement. Old Xiao's desire to compete, to prove something, is his obsession. As for me, I only need to do what I'm supposed to do—organize this competition successfully, select truly capable and promising TCM talents, and promote the development of TCM. As for personal honor or disgrace…"

Chen Yang paused, his tone calm yet powerful: "When it comes to healing and saving lives, nothing else matters."

"If Xiao Jingyun asks me about my medical skills, I will answer him with my medical skills. As for who is right and who is wrong, that will be judged by the public."

Facing Xiao Jingyun, who ranked nineteenth on the list of famous doctors, Chen Yang did not dare to be careless. At this level, the outcome often depends on the right timing, location, and people.

"Mm." Wen Manlu nodded; this was also why she liked Chen Yang.

.......

As the date of the finals approaches, the top 100 contestants from all major competition regions across the country have begun to arrive in Kyoto.

At Kyoto International Airport and train stations, you can see people carrying luggage who practice traditional Chinese medicine everywhere.

Some of them were dressed in suits and ties, like academic professors; some wore Tang suits and cloth shoes, exuding the demeanor of traditional doctors; and others, like Zhuang Qiwen, were simply dressed, their faces weathered, yet their eyes were exceptionally calm and sharp.

Hotels in Kyoto, especially those near the Kyoto International Medical Center, were almost fully booked by the contestants and their families. A faint medicinal aroma and an invisible tension seemed to permeate the air.

Online discussions about the finals are in full swing.

Someone compiled a list and brief information on the top 100 contestants. Zhuang Qiwen and Yu Shiyun, due to their unique backgrounds and advancement experiences, became among the most watched figures. Xiao Jingyun's participation, on the other hand, caused quite a stir in the industry.

"My goodness! Even Elder Xiao has come out of retirement? This year's 'Yangshen Cup' is incredibly prestigious!"

"Is Elder Xiao going to support Director Chen Yang? It seems he thinks highly of Director Chen!"

"The person upstairs is too naive! Think carefully about Elder Xiao's identity and seniority, and then look at Chen Yang's age and the title 'Yang Shen'... There's a lot more to this than meets the eye!"

"Wow... now that you mention it, the finals are going to be quite a show!"

"No matter what, I believe in Director Chen Yang! His ability to discover Zhuang Qiwen and Yu Shiyun proves his vision and courage!"