Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

They soon arrived at the Lu residence. Everyone in the Lu family, neatly dressed, was already at the door, greeting them respectfully. Mother Lu looked nervous and expectant, while Lu Yu stood tall, yet his worry was barely concealed. Seeing the Emperor and his concubine approach, everyone knelt in greeting, chanting "Long live the Emperor!" The Emperor raised his hand and said, "Stand tall."

Hua Tuo, dressed in a simple blue robe with flowing sleeves, followed steadily, carrying his medicine box. His gaze was calm, revealing the calmness and wisdom of a physician. They filed into Lu Zhi's bedroom, where the rich aroma of medicine filled the air. Lu Zhi lay weakly on the bed, his face as pale as gold paper, his body as thin as a withered tree, his eyes sunken, his lips dry and chapped.

The emperor walked lightly to the bedside, leaned over slightly, and said softly: "Father-in-law, I have invited the genius doctor Hua Tuo to treat you. I believe that coming here will be able to cure your illness." Lu Zhi slowly raised his hand like a dead branch, with a hint of helplessness and relief in his eyes, and smiled weakly: "Your Majesty, I know my body well, so why go to so much trouble." The emperor pretended to be displeased, stood up and said: "Father-in-law, the world is still in chaos, and I am still waiting for you to work for this man. You just want to give up, which is really not possible." Lu Zhi smiled helplessly, his eyes full of doting for the emperor.

Hua Tuo stepped forward, gently pulled Lu Zhi's wrist, placed his fingers on his pulse, and slightly closed his eyes, his expression focused. Everyone in the room held their breath, not daring to make a sound for fear of disturbing the diagnosis. Lu Wan stood aside, biting her lower lip, clasping her hands together in front of her chest, staring at Hua Tuo, and praying silently in her heart. Lu Yu looked at his father and Hua Tuo from time to time, his eyes full of anxiety and expectation. Lu's mother clasped her hands together and silently recited words of prayer. After a long time, Hua Tuo released his hand, nodded slightly, and began to check Lu Zhi's complexion and tongue coating, and gently pressed on his abdomen and other parts to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. The atmosphere in the whole room was solemn, and everyone was waiting for Hua Tuo's diagnosis, as if time had stopped at this moment.

Hua Tuo withdrew his hand from taking Lu Zhi's pulse, stood up, his brows furrowed like ravines, and his face as solemn as leaden clouds. He looked at everyone gravely and spoke slowly, "Lord Lu suffers from lung disease. This illness has been going on for a long time. The pathogenic factors have entered the body and are now spreading like a malignant vine, affecting many organs. The lungs are the master of qi and control breathing. Now that the lung qi is exhausted, it is difficult for the lungs to breathe in and out fresh air and expel turbid qi normally. The heart controls the blood vessels. Due to the lung disease, the flow of qi and blood is blocked, and the heart vessels are also affected. The heart blood is insufficient and the flow is not smooth, so Lord Lu often suffers from palpitations and shortness of breath. The spleen is the foundation of acquired constitution and the source of qi and blood. The lungs and spleen are mutually dependent and mutually restraining. Lung disease causes the spleen to lose its healthy function, and the essence of water and grain cannot be properly transported and distributed. The body is becoming increasingly weak, with muscles wasting and fatigue. The liver stores blood and is responsible for regulating qi and blood. Lung disease prevents the liver blood from flowing smoothly, causing abnormal regulation and qi stagnation. The kidneys are the innate foundation. The lungs and kidneys are the metal and water elements that generate each other. Now that the lung disease is serious, the kidneys are not nourished, kidney qi is depleted, and symptoms such as soreness in the waist and knees, and tinnitus have followed."

As they listened to Hua Tuo's words, their faces paled. Lu Wan's tears welled up, and her mother sobbed, covering her mouth. Lu Yu clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

Hua Tuo sighed and continued, "I'm an expert in surgery, but these deep, complex diseases are beyond my purview. Zhang Ji of Nanyang, also known as Zhang Zhongjing, was once an official who later abandoned his position to pursue a career in medicine. He possesses a vast knowledge of medicine and has delved deeply into various ailments. If he could come and help, perhaps Lord Lu might still have a chance of survival. However, the journey to find him is long, and it's uncertain whether he can come immediately."

The emperor had a serious expression and immediately ordered his attendants: "Send someone to Nanyang quickly and invite Zhang Zhongjing as soon as possible!" Then he said to Hua Tuo: "Mr. Hua, please prescribe some prescriptions first and try your best to relieve your father-in-law's pain." Hua Tuo nodded, sat back on the bed, and began to carefully consider the prescription. The room was filled with a heavy and depressing atmosphere.

Lu Zhi lay on his sickbed, his eyes slightly sunken, his face as pale as a withered leaf, yet revealing a sense of calm. He coughed softly a few times, slowing his breath, and looked at the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, I know my own health. Life and death are determined by fate, wealth and honor are in the hands of God. Your Majesty need not worry about me any longer. Over the years, the court has been in constant strife, and Your Majesty has worked hard on state affairs and provided so much for me and my family. I am deeply grateful. Now, please do not waste your energy on me, a dying man."

The emperor tightly grasped Lu Zhi's hand. His hands were dry, thin, and rough to the touch, and a pang of pain welled up in his heart. He leaned slightly closer to Lu Zhi, his eyes sincere and firm, and said, "Father-in-law, what are you talking about? You have been upright throughout your life, and have made tremendous contributions to the Han Dynasty. I have heard of your fame and achievements since I was young, and I have long admired you. Now I am fortunate to have your assistance, and to have Wan'er as my concubine. To me, you are not only an important official in the court, but also a family member. How can I watch you suffer from illness and do nothing? As long as there is a glimmer of hope, I will do my utmost. Even if I have to search for all the famous doctors and the best medicines in the world, I will make sure that father-in-law recovers as before."

Lu Zhi's eyes moistened as he listened to the emperor's words. He wanted to shake his head, but he could only move it slightly. "Your Majesty, I have done nothing to deserve your kindness. However, my illness is already terminal, and I do not want to cause you unnecessary trouble. Your Majesty should prioritize the country and not let me distract you." Lu Zhi's voice was weak, but every word was clear, filled with loyalty and concern for the emperor.

The emperor frowned slightly and said solemnly, "Father-in-law, the Han Dynasty needs loyal ministers and capable generals like you. You should rest and recuperate. I believe that there will be a turn for the better. I have sent for Zhang Zhongjing, his medical skills are so great that he will surely be able to bring you back to health."

Hua Tuo, at a nearby table, intently sorting his medicine box, could not help but sigh with emotion as he overheard their conversation. In this palace, where power struggles and hypocrisy abound, the emperor's genuine affection for Lu Zhi was truly rare.

Lu Wan stood by the bed, tears welling in her eyes. She bit her lower lip gently, trying not to cry out loud. Lu Yu clenched his fists and stared at his father, his eyes filled with worry and anxiety.

Hua Tuo carefully folded the written prescription and handed it to Lu Yu. His eyes were gentle and focused as he said, "Young Master, this prescription should be taken three times a day with warm water after meals. When decocting the herbs, pay attention to the heat and time. First boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat." Lu Yu took it respectfully with both hands and nodded repeatedly. "Thank you, Doctor Hua. I'll make a note of it."

Hua Tuo turned to face the emperor, bowed slightly, with a guilty look on his face: "Your Majesty has gone to great lengths to find me here, but I have not been able to treat Lord Lu. I am ashamed. I am unable to treat this disease, so I will not delay any longer." After saying this, he was about to turn around and leave.

The emperor hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Mr. Hua's medical skills are superb and renowned throughout the world. I believe you have the talent to help the world. If you could stay in the palace and serve me, sharing my worries and benefiting my subjects, it would be a great blessing for the Han Dynasty."

Hua Tuo raised his head slightly, his eyes firm. "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your kindness. However, I have been a wanderer all my life, accustomed to traveling around to treat illnesses and save lives. The palace has many rules and regulations, which may not be suitable for me. I only wish to cure diseases and eliminate disasters for the common people. I hope Your Majesty will grant me this."

The emperor saw that Hua Tuo had made up his mind, and though he felt sorry for him, he did not force him to stay. "Since Mr. Hua is committed to serving the people, I will not force him to stay. I admire your noble character."

The crowd gathered around Hua Tuo as they walked out of the Lu Mansion. Lu Wan said softly, "Divine Doctor Hua, thank you so much for your service today." Hua Tuo smiled and nodded, "Your Majesty, you are too polite. This is a doctor's duty." Lu Yu and his mother also thanked Hua Tuo.

When they reached the palace gate, the emperor bowed to Hua Tuo again and said, "Take care on your journey, Mr. Hua. If there is any need for you in the future, please do not refuse." Hua Tuo returned the greeting, "Your Majesty, rest assured. If there is an opportunity, I will definitely serve you."

Hua Tuo's Advice

Hua Tuo shouldered his medicine chest, paused, and after weighing his options, he finally turned to face the emperor. He cupped his hands, bowed his head slightly, and said, "Your Majesty, may I have a moment with you?" A flicker of doubt crossed the emperor's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure, nodded, and walked with Hua Tuo to a quieter spot to the side.

Hua Tuo raised his head, his eyes filled with solemnity, and said softly, "Your Majesty, although I cannot diagnose and treat Lord Lu's illness, from your appearance and your aura, I sense that something is amiss with you." The emperor's lips curled up into a faint smile, and he said with some ease, "Oh, Divine Doctor Hua, what is wrong with me? Tell me."

Hua Tuo bowed slightly and continued, "Your Majesty, the heart is the organ of the monarch, and it is the source of the spirit. Your Majesty's face, from my observation, appears to be a little dull, and your lips are slightly bluish purple, which are not auspicious signs. Could you allow this old minister to feel your Majesty's pulse?" The emperor initially held out his arm with a relaxed look. Hua Tuo extended three fingers, gently placed them on the pulse point of the emperor's wrist, and closed his eyes to concentrate. After a moment, Hua Tuo opened his eyes and pondered, "Your Majesty's pulse is indeed knotted and astringent. And have you ever felt palpitations, chest tightness, or restless sleep? These are all symptoms of heart disease. The heart governs the blood vessels, and if the blood flow is not smooth, the meridians are blocked, which will damage the heart over time. Your Majesty is usually busy with state affairs and overly worried, which may cause blockage of the heart vessels. This symptom should be treated with more care, nourishing the body and calming the mind. Your Majesty can reduce your workload, rest more, and supplement it with a light diet and moderate exercise, which will be beneficial to both body and mind."

The emperor raised his chin slightly, a hint of doubt in his eyes, and said, "I am young and have not noticed anything unusual. Are you exaggerating?"

Hua Tuo maintained his respectful demeanor, bowing slightly as he patiently explained again, "Your Majesty, I have practiced medicine for many years and would never speak without reason. Heart disease is like a poisonous snake lurking in the shadows, silently inflicting harm. Your Majesty's pulse is stringy and knotted, a sure sign of stagnant Qi and blood. The heart is the master of all the internal organs; without a clear master, all other organs are in danger. Your Majesty is preoccupied with countless affairs, worrying about the country and the people, and exhausting your energy. This has all depleted your Heart Qi. With Qi and blood stagnant, it's difficult to nourish the whole body, hence the onset of palpitations and chest tightness. Insomnia is also a sign of restlessness. Your Majesty must not take it lightly."

Seeing the emperor still looked unconvinced, Hua Tuo continued his advice, "Your Majesty, do not be so burdened or calculating. You should calm your mind, reduce worries and hidden venom, and allow your heart to slow down. Don't dwell too deeply on daily matters. Be broad-minded, tolerant, and maintain a good mood. Your Majesty cares about the world, and a healthy body is the blessing of all people. Although I am not talented, I remember your Majesty's kindness and ask you to take care of yourself as soon as possible."