When Chen Ming had been compiling his medical work for Ye Renxin, Ye Renxin had once suggested that it would be best to present the book to the Heaven Dou Empire, so that its various medical methods could be widely disseminated.
Originally, Chen Ming had planned to consider this idea at a later time. But now that "Xue Qinghe" had come to him directly, the opportunity had presented itself perfectly. Without hesitation, he took out a neatly bound set of books from his soul tool.
"Your Highness, please take a look."
He pushed the thick volumes toward Qian Renxue. With a hint of curiosity, she opened the topmost book and began to skim through its contents, only to find that it was filled with methods for treating common ailments.
There was nothing particularly extraordinary about the medicines, the techniques, or even the illnesses described. The text leaned more toward structured instruction—clearly outlining what conditions were, how they should be handled, and what could be done to alleviate or temporarily treat them if a full cure was not possible.
As a power-type Spirit Master, Qian Renxue had only casually browsed a few medical texts in the past. In her memory, those works—whether from the Spirit Hall's archives or the Heaven Dou Empire's collection—contained far more advanced techniques and remedies than what was written here.
After flipping through it briefly, the only thing she could discern was that the book covered a wide range of common conditions in a comprehensive manner, and that its barrier to entry was quite low.
However, when she moved on to the subsequent volumes—those aimed at Spirit Masters and the military—her expression shifted slightly, and she nodded with growing interest.
"Were all four of these books written by you, Brother Chen?"
"I wouldn't say 'written'—more like compiled," Chen Ming replied calmly. "I studied poison techniques under Senior Dugu and medical arts under Senior Ye. But while reading, I noticed a problem. Most medical texts only consider how to treat illnesses under ideal conditions—when medicine is sufficient, and time is abundant."
"But I grew up in a small village. I've seen too many so-called 'unreasonable' cases—situations where there's no money for treatment, no medicine available, no time to recover, or even no doctor at all."
"So I thought, why not gather those common, yet unorganized methods and compile them into a single work?"
He gestured toward the books as he explained.
"The first volume is intended for common civilians. Ordinary healers can read it easily, and the entry barrier is low. It has broad applicability and does not require particularly rare materials."
"Especially for conditions like diarrhea, dysentery, postpartum care for women, and early childcare for infants—it can significantly improve survival rates among the populace, helping more people live and maintain their health."
"The second volume is written for Spirit Masters. It focuses on identifying herbs in the wild, treating injuries, stabilizing issues with one's Martial Soul, and handling wounds inflicted by spirit beasts, as well as various forms of poisoning."
"The third volume is written for the military. It records battlefield first-aid techniques as well as methods for handling injuries in daily situations. With it, survival rates among soldiers can be increased, and the proportion of permanent disabilities significantly reduced."
At first, Qian Renxue didn't pay much attention to Chen Ming's explanation. But as he continued, she gradually began to grasp just how weighty his intentions truly were.
The medical system in this world was, quite frankly, abysmal. It relied almost entirely on the rare existence of healing-type Spirit Masters. Yet among support-type Spirit Masters—already the rarest category—those with healing abilities were the fewest of all.
Worse still, healing Spirit Masters could hardly survive on their own. Because of their unique abilities, they were almost always absorbed into powerful families, sects, imperial factions, or noble households. In many smaller cities, there simply were no healing Spirit Masters at all.
Under such circumstances, ordinary people had no choice but to endure illness through sheer will.
Only now, as her fingers traced the spine of the books, did Qian Renxue truly feel their weight—not physical, but the burden of what they represented.
"I thank you on behalf of the citizens, Spirit Masters, and soldiers of the Heaven Dou Empire," she said, rising to her feet and cupping her hands solemnly toward Chen Ming. "As for your reward, I will discuss it with my father, and it will be granted without delay. Contributions like this—benefiting both the nation and its people—are nearly unprecedented within our empire. They may very well influence the balance of the entire continent."
Her expression turned resolute.
"This matter is of great importance. I must return to the palace at once to report to my father. Please forgive my haste."
As she spoke, she placed the four books into her storage soul tool, preparing to leave. Just then, Ye Renxin hurried over, carrying a small bundle in his hands. One glance at "Xue Qinghe's" expression was enough for him to realize that the two had already spoken privately.
Stepping forward, he pressed the bundle into her hands and said earnestly, "Your Highness, Xiao Ming compiled these medical texts out of a healer's compassion—for the sake of the nation, its people, and all under heaven. I ask that neither you nor His Majesty let such sincerity be betrayed."
"I will handle this matter properly," Qian Renxue replied without hesitation. "If anyone dares to claim this merit for themselves or act against you or Viscount Chen, I will personally see their head fall."
Only then did she glance down at the bundle in her hands.
"Senior… what is this?"
"It's a medicinal preparation made primarily from whale rubber," Ye Renxin explained. "Since Your Highness was unwilling to undergo a physical examination, this is the best I can offer. Whether it proves effective or not, I ask that you inform me afterward."
"…Whale rubber."
Qian Renxue might not have firsthand experience, but she certainly knew what it was used for.
In this era, the strengthening effects of whale rubber on a Spirit Master's body had yet to be discovered. Its only recognized purpose was… as an aphrodisiac. And when used as the base of a medicinal concoction, its intended effect was painfully obvious.
For a moment, the surging determination in her chest felt like it had been abruptly cut off mid-flight, leaving her choking on embarrassment.
Seriously? Is this hurdle something I just can't get past? Do I absolutely have to show some kind of… interest in that sort of thing?
The problem is—I'm a woman! I'm not even attracted to women! What am I supposed to do with this, find someone to test it for me?!
In the end, she could only force herself to accept it with an awkward word of thanks before hastily leaving the Nine-Heart Begonia residence.
—
Inside the imperial palace of the Heaven Dou Empire, Emperor Xue Ye had just been in the middle of selecting his nightly companion when he received word that the Crown Prince had urgent matters to report.
Though annoyed, he knew his son was not one to act without reason. With a sigh, he reluctantly straightened his robes and made his way to the bedchamber to grant an audience.
The moment he saw Xue Qinghe, his first thought was whether this son of his truly had… certain unspeakable deficiencies. But as he listened to the report, his expression gradually grew serious, his imperial bearing returning in full.
Taking the medical texts, he began to flip through them. The descriptions were simple yet thorough, accompanied by practical diagrams that were easy to follow. Even someone like him, with no medical background, felt that he could imitate the steps and handle minor injuries or illnesses in an emergency.
If such knowledge were to be spread throughout the empire… wouldn't that bring about a complete transformation?
This Chen Ming truly was a pillar of the state. Not only was his personal talent exceptional, but he had also produced something of immense benefit to the entire empire.
"Crown Prince," Xue Ye said at last, lifting his gaze, "what do you think of this Chen Ming?"
"Exceptionally gifted—a true pillar of the realm."
For a fleeting moment, perhaps because she had been repeatedly questioned about her "condition" earlier, Qian Renxue's mind drifted absurdly to Chen Ming's appearance and physique—before she quickly realized what the emperor actually meant.
"A talent like this," Xue Ye continued, "may not necessarily serve as an official in court, but we cannot let him slip away so easily. Since he belongs to the younger generation, you should bring him into the Crown Prince's residence as an aide. Only then can I feel at ease rewarding him properly."
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