Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Zhang Fubao's brows furrowed, her eyes filled with worry. She opened her lips slightly, her voice gentle and concerned, "Sir, why do you work so hard? Look, day after day, you diligently diagnose and treat so many patients without interruption. Yet, the number of patients in this world is as numerous as the stars in the sky. Whether you treat one more or one less person, it seems unlikely to change the situation in this vast sea of ​​illness. Sir, your health is the most important thing. You must not harm your health through overwork."

Hua Tuo raised his hand slightly, patting his weary head, which was resting on it. He sighed deeply and said, "Alas, that being said, in my heart, I cannot bear to abandon any life that has a glimmer of hope. Just think about it: if a family has a patient bedridden, the heavy burden is like a mountain, enough to drag down the entire family's vitality. Moreover, in today's world, the political situation is bleak and the people are starving and living in poverty. It is unknown when these difficult times will turn around. All I can do is to contribute my humble part in this torrent. But you, my friend, come from a wealthy family and could have lived a life of luxury, yet you possess compassion, empathizing with the suffering of ordinary people and interacting with them without any arrogance or arrogance. Such a kind heart is truly rare and precious, truly a true talent of our time."

When Zhang Fubao first met Hua Tuo, he was apprehensive and introduced himself as Sun Bofu, also known as Sun Ce. Hua Tuo had traveled extensively throughout his life, and the name Sun Ce was well-known, so how could he be easily deceived? Moreover, his sharp eyesight instantly revealed Zhang Fubao's female identity. However, Hua Tuo, a man of broad mind and unconcerned with fame, was unconcerned with such pretense. He saw that Zhang Fubao was kind-hearted, dressed in fine, well-made clothes, evidently from a wealthy family, yet without any air of arrogance. He sympathized with the suffering of the poor, treating them with meticulous care and even spending money on medicine for them. In Hua Tuo's eyes, this was enough. For him, as long as he was dedicated to the well-being of the people, status and position were fleeting, so why should he care? Hua Tuo thought to himself, if everyone in the world could have such good thoughts and righteous deeds, how wonderful the world would be. He hoped that such a scene could spread everywhere so that people could all be free from the torture of illness and hardship.

Hua Tuo slowly rose and walked to the entrance of his thatched cottage. He lifted the straw curtain slightly and looked out carefully at the sky. He saw that the once azure sky had been stained by dusk, and the sunset glow in the west was reduced to a few wisps of red, like a burnt-out charcoal fire. The dim light spread feebly across the earth, foreshadowing the approaching night. He turned back to the house and said to Zhang Fubao earnestly, "My friend, it's almost dark. You'd better hurry back to the city. The roads are difficult in this desolate countryside. Don't worry your family."

Zhang Fubao's lips curled upwards with a hint of cunning, still feigning an air of natural masculinity. He deliberately rasped his voice, mimicking Sun Ce's tone, and said, "Sir, you're wrong! Since I, Sun Ce, raised my army, I've fought far and wide, sleeping in the open air as a daily routine. Every time I've been caught in the glare of swords, teetering on the brink of life and death. Why should I fear this little night? I, Sun Ce, have roamed Jiangdong for years, and have seen every kind of battle. How could I let the darkness stop me? Besides, I've always acted according to my heart, not let family concerns hold me back? Now, with this rare opportunity, free from the tedious military duties, I can chat with you at your leisure. We've known each other for ages, yet we've never had the chance to sit down quietly and discuss the myriad ways of life and the compassion of medicine. Today is a godsend opportunity; it would be a pity to let it slip away. Sir, there's no need to persuade me; just chat with me."

Hua Tuo observed Zhang Fubao's serious, nonchalant demeanor, and pondered. He knew that the closure of the city gates was a rule that ordinary people had to follow, but this young man seemed to ignore it. Her nonchalant attitude must have meant she was of high rank, able to freely pass through the city gates without being subject to curfew. This undoubtedly confirmed the young woman's distinguished and extraordinary family background. She must have a powerful family behind her to maintain such confidence.

Hua Tuo was a man of open-minded character, and he no longer worried about Zhang Fubao's insistence. A look of delight appeared on his face, and he said, "Well, my friend, since you are so interested in having a long chat with me, I would be delighted. It is a real pleasure to have someone to chat with."

Zhang Fubao's eyes rolled, his face filled with curiosity. He then turned and instructed the maidservant beside him, who was acting as a servant, "Hurry and arrange some food. Ask the best restaurant in the city to prepare it carefully." The maidservant obeyed and was about to leave when Hua Tuo quickly raised his hand to stop her. He frowned slightly and said, "Don't be too elaborate. Keep it simple. A simple meal will be enough to fill your stomach. Why go to such great lengths to prepare food from the city's best restaurants? Such extravagance is simply not what we should do."

Zhang Fubao playfully stuck out his tongue and said, "Alright, alright, I'll do as you say. Let's just prepare some simple meals. I thought I'd come here specifically to seek your advice, so a formal ceremony would be a sign of respect." Hua Tuo shook his head slightly and smiled, "Alas, how could I care about empty reputations and material possessions? I shouldn't be too particular about food and drink. You see, simple meals are often the key to longevity. Indulging in extravagant meals will only breed troubles and illnesses." Zhang Fubao seemed to be lost in thought, then nodded in agreement. "Sir, your advice is truly enlightening."

After the maid took the order and left, Zhang Fubao finally couldn't suppress his curiosity and asked Hua Tuo: "Sir, I saw that the man with a serious leg injury drank a kind of soup, and his consciousness gradually became blurred, and even the pain was relieved a lot. I wonder what kind of soup it is?" Hua Tuo stroked his beard with a leisurely look and said slowly: "This is the Ma Fei San that I carefully developed before. This Ma Fei San is made of Datura flower as the main ingredient, supplemented by raw aconite, fragrant white angelica, angelica, and Chuanxiong. Many other herbs are used. Datura flower, with its pungent, warming, and toxic properties, possesses anesthetic and analgesic properties, making it the key ingredient in Ma Fei San. Raw Aconitum can dispel wind and dampness, warm the meridians, and relieve pain; Fragrant Angelica dahurica can reduce swelling, drain pus, and relieve pain; and Angelica sinensis and Chuanxiong can invigorate qi and blood circulation. These herbs, when carefully ground and prepared in specific proportions and taken with wine, can induce a deep sleep during surgery or injury, relieving the patient from severe pain and greatly alleviating their suffering.

Zhang Fubao exclaimed in admiration, "This recipe reduces pain for patients and opens up a new avenue for treating serious injuries. It's truly a miraculous medical remedy."

Zhang Fubao's face showed a mixture of confusion and emotion. He said, "Sir, you possess such superb medical skills, why do you work so hard? With your medical proficiency, you would surely be treated as a distinguished guest among the dignitaries, and wealth and glory would be easily within your reach. Why would you bother running around among the common people every day, enduring such fatigue and hardship?"

Hua Tuo straightened his face, his expression solemn and dignified, and said: "There are more than just you and me who are good at medicine in the world. If you just pursue temporary wealth and glory, it is indeed easy to get. However, how many people in the world can really go to the clinic to seek treatment from famous doctors? I dare not claim that my medical skills are too extraordinary. At most, I can be considered above average. But I absolutely do not want to be bound by wealth and glory. The people of the people are in dire straits! Whenever those in power launch an attack for the power in their hands and the selfish desires in their hearts, In war, countless innocent people will be injured and in urgent need of medical treatment. Furthermore, the civilian population is suffering due to the constant war, and even ordinary patients cannot afford to enter a clinic for treatment due to lack of funds. Today, it is precisely because too many people focus solely on fame and fortune, while neglecting the fundamental purpose of healing and saving lives, that the people of the world are unable to seek medical treatment and suffer from deep pain. Although I may not have earth-shattering talent, I have a basic understanding of the art of medicine. I only hope to treat more people and do my part, so that my life on this earth will be worthwhile.

Zhang Fubao looked at Hua Tuo with admiration and respect, and praised him sincerely: "Sir, you have such a noble character and care about the world. You are truly a unique national hero in the world! Sir, please don't be modest and say that your medical skills are only above average. Based on my little experience and knowledge of traveling all over the country, your medical skills are undoubtedly top-notch in the country." As Zhang Fubao spoke, he unconsciously imitated Sun Ce's heroic tone and demeanor, as if he were really a hero who had traveled all over the country and was knowledgeable.

Hua Tuo couldn't help laughing when he saw this, but he didn't expose him. He just smiled and said, "Oh, my friend, when it comes to traveling all over the country, you still haven't traveled as far as I have. Not to mention the distant Wancheng, Zhang Ji and Zhang Zhongjing in Nanyang, he is a master in the treatment of internal medicine. I am just more proficient in these surgical injuries because I often come into contact with wounded patients on the battlefield, but when it comes to internal medicine skills, it still belongs to Zhang Zhongjing." Hua Tuo's words made Zhang Fubao feel a strong yearning in his heart. He was full of longing and expectation for Zhang Zhongjing, whom he had never met, and the broader world of medicine.

By this time, the maid had brought the food. Although Hua Tuo had instructed them to keep it simple, the few light dishes presented to the table, while not as luxurious as the feasts of fish and meat, were exquisitely prepared, clearly the product of the master chefs of the city. Seeing this, Hua Tuo couldn't help but laugh, jokingly saying, "Haha, I've enjoyed another delicious feast with you today, my friend."

Zhang Fubao, having learned so much from studying medicine with Hua Tuo, developed a deep respect for him. She diligently served Hua Tuo the food, her every gesture radiating respect. As they ate, they delved into a profound discussion of medical matters, ranging from diagnosis to the subtle nuances of pharmacology and medicinal properties, to the flexible application of various prescriptions. Their conversation was so captivating that before they knew it, the sky was fading. By the time they finished their meal, the darkness had completely settled in, a blanket of inky black. The wilderness couldn't compare to the bright lights and safety of the city. Just as Hua Tuo was about to offer further advice, Zhang Fubao, realizing the lateness of the hour, rose and solemnly bid him farewell. Filled with a wealth of knowledge and a deep respect for Hua Tuo, she stepped into the night, heading towards the city.