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

Xia Hongliang's groundbreaking argument, like a powerful whirlwind, completely stirred up the atmosphere in the century-old auditorium of the provincial university of traditional Chinese medicine.

After the silence came an even more heated discussion and unbelievable exclamations. On the judges' panel, Mr. Lu Yuanmin lavished praise on Xia Hongliang and the Kyoto team, elevating their status to a new level.

Cheng Yi stood there, his expression shifting constantly.

He was hailed as the leading figure of the new generation of Wu School of Medicine since childhood. He studied under Master Lu and Dean Wu and had a smooth and successful career. He had never suffered such a setback.

Moreover, it was in the clinical diagnostic process, which he was most proud of, that he was completely suppressed by the other party with such a bizarre yet irrefutable line of reasoning.

A complex mix of shock, shame, resentment, and a hint of admiration surged within him.

"This is the second patient treated in this round of clinical practice,"

Lu Yuanmin's booming voice carried an undeniable conclusion: "Dr. Xia Hongliang of the Kyoto team demonstrated precise diagnosis, ingenious yet classical thinking, and a bold yet meticulous treatment plan that directly addresses the core of the pathogenesis, leaving everyone in awe. In this round, the Kyoto team wins!"

"Wow!"

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience. This time, it wasn't just the supporters of the Kyoto team; many local doctors and students from the province also couldn't help but applaud Xia Hongliang's outstanding performance.

When medical skills reach a high level, they transcend sectarianism; the insight that goes straight to the essence is enough to earn the respect of any true healer.

Xia Hongliang bowed slightly, his carefree smile fading and replaced by a calm demeanor.

Xia Hongliang walked back to his seat, and Zhuang Qiwen patted him hard on the shoulder. Yu Shiyun, Zeng Yunhui and others also looked at him with admiration.

"Well done, Dr. Xia!" Li Chengjie said excitedly.

Xia Hongliang smiled but didn't say anything, though a barely perceptible glint of fatigue mixed with excitement flashed in his eyes.

It's a pity that Yingchu wasn't there and didn't get to see her amazing performance.

Three losses in a row!

The atmosphere among the provincial teams representing the bulk-selling group had reached rock bottom.

Cheng Yi silently returned to his seat, his hands clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white from the force. The team members behind him were even more demoralized, barely daring to look up at the disappointed and doubtful gazes from below the stage.

Vice Dean Wu Yongping looked grave. He sighed inwardly as he watched Cheng Yi's distraught state.

He knew that this competition was a huge blow to the proud and arrogant Cheng Yi. But it was also a necessary step in his growth, only the price was rather heavy.

The host clearly hadn't expected such a one-sided situation and tried his best to maintain order at the scene.

"Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! Thank you, Dr. Xia, for the insightful thoughts you've given us! Now, let's welcome our last patient of the day, who will be the key to determining the final outcome of this round!"

All eyes were once again focused on the stage.

A thin, sallow-faced, sunken-eyed middle-aged man was helped up. He walked unsteadily and needed someone to support his arm, as if a gust of wind could blow him over.

The large screen lights up:

Patient Zhao, male, 52 years old

[Western medicine diagnosis: Decompensated cirrhosis (post-hepatitis B), refractory ascites, electrolyte imbalance, hypoproteinemia]

[Brief Medical History: Hepatitis B history for over 20 years, diagnosed with cirrhosis 5 years ago. Recurrent ascites in the past year, requiring multiple hospitalizations for paracentesis, albumin infusion, and diuretic treatments, with increasingly poor results.]

The patient's ascites has increased rapidly over the past month, causing severe abdominal distension, difficulty breathing, very low urine output, and severe edema in both lower extremities. Accompanying symptoms include nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, itchy skin, and jaundice.

The resident physician added, "The patient currently has a distended and hard abdomen, with a dull sound on percussion, and an alarmingly large abdominal girth. There are obvious varicose veins in the abdomen. The daily urine output is less than 400 ml. Liver function is extremely poor, with a Child-Pugh score of C."

"From a Western medicine perspective, the prognosis is considered extremely poor, and multiple critical condition notices have been issued. The family is unwilling to give up and hopes to seek treatment from traditional Chinese medicine."

Looking at the shocking data on the screen and the patients' suffering, everyone in the audience gasped.

This is a truly "dead certificate"!

Western medicine had almost exhausted all its methods, and the patient's life hung by a thread. To compete in "clinical treatment" under these circumstances was far more difficult and stressful than with the previous two patients.

This is not only a test of medical skills, but also the ultimate test of a doctor's will and sense of responsibility.

"Please send your last player onto the field!" The host's voice carried a hint of heaviness.

On the provincial team's side, everyone's eyes were on Cheng Yi.

Cheng Yi is their backbone and currently the only person who might be able to save face.

However, Cheng Yi sat there with a somewhat vacant look in his eyes, as if he had not yet fully recovered from the previous round of blows.

One of the team members urged in a low voice, "Senior Cheng, it's your turn!"

Cheng Yi's body trembled slightly. He raised his head and looked at the critically ill patient on the stage, then at the calm and composed Kyoto team opposite him, and finally his gaze fell on Wu Yongping, who was expressionless, and Lu Yuanmin, who had deep eyes, on the judges' panel.

He took a deep breath and tried to stand up, but found his legs to be as heavy as lead.

He knew that if he lost again, the disorganized provincial team would be utterly defeated in this highly anticipated competition, and the reputation of the Wu School of Medicine would be completely ruined. This pressure was almost suffocating him.

Just as Cheng Yi was struggling internally and was about to force himself to get up, Zhuang Qiwen from the Kyoto team slowly stood up.

Zhuang Qiwen did not look at Cheng Yi, but faced the host directly and said calmly, "I will treat this patient."

Zhuang Qiwen's voice was not loud, but it carried a strange soothing power, instantly attracting the attention of everyone present.

Chen Yang watched Zhuang Qiwen's retreating figure, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.

Zhuang Qiwen took the initiative to shoulder the heaviest burden, giving Cheng Yi and the provincial team some breathing room. This magnanimity already shows the demeanor of a great man.

Zhuang Qiwen steadily made his way towards the patients.

His steps were steady, his gaze focused and peaceful, as if all the noise around him did not exist, and his world consisted only of the life in front of him that desperately needed to be saved.

Upon approaching the patient, Zhuang Qiwen first carefully examined the patient's overall condition, especially the swollen, drum-like abdomen with prominent veins, as well as the swollen, shiny lower limbs and scrotum.

Then, I began a gentle consultation.

Zhuang Qiwen’s voice was deep and clear as he patiently inquired about the patient’s abdominal distension, diet, bowel movements, dry mouth, bitter taste, and other details.

"Uncle, does your stomach feel bloated and tight, or do you feel like there's water sloshing around inside?"

When you feel nauseous and want to vomit, do you dry heave or actually vomit something? What comes out?

"Does your mouth taste bitter? Do you want some water? Would you like some cold or hot?"

Every question was meticulous and to the point. Although the patient was weak, he answered intermittently under Zhuang Qiwen's gentle guidance.