Physician's Odyssey Chapter 478 - A Ritual

Although Su Tao hasn't been in Beijing for long, many things happened during his time here. First, he became the face of headlines, and now, he had become famous within Beijing's upper circle.
Men were afraid of fame, while pigs were fearful of being fattened. Being famous didn't necessarily mean good news. Song Sichen sounded pissed when he called, the commotion that Su Tao created here was too great. The National Healer Selection was in the preliminary phase, and it was unavoidable for Su Tao to be swept in a controversy.
There's a principle in China that if there's a controversy, then they would choose to cut it off. A debate happens when there's a conflict between good and bad. Although cutting it off meant the bad would be removed, that also meant that the good would also be eliminated.
This sort of philosophy might save trouble, but it's also the reason why many industries in China couldn't develop.
It's because many new things were generally accompanied by controversies, which develops into the mainstream and pushes the development of society.
That was also the case for the National Healer Selection. Because of Su Tao's controversy, the judges were extremely troubled. However, they ultimately decided to allow Su Tao to sit for the second round. After all, Su Tao had various powers backing him, not to mention that Su Tao gave off a righteous and proactive image.
From the 'traitor' incident, it ended with Su Tao proving that he's not someone that favored another country over his own, and he had shown his capability by spreading his influence beyond his motherland. The judges weren't deaf or blind, and they were filled with expectations for someone like Su Tao.
"Su Tao, both Old Dou and I hope that you can get through the National Healer Selection, but the commotion you created in Beijing is too great. It has been days since Old Dou slept peacefully and he has been troubled with helping you to appease some of the strict judges." Song Sichen patiently explained before he continued, "There's no issue with your medical skills, but I'm worried that someone might set you up."
"It shouldn't be that complicated." Drums started to roll in Su Tao's heart as he appeased, "Isn't the National Healer Selection fair and just?"
"The National Healer Selection only recruits the elite of the elite, and they won't abuse their power. But it's easy to obstruct someone from entering from the many clauses since every single selection is strict. According to my knowledge, the reason why you made it through the preliminary was due to someone backing you up. But if you want to progress to the last phase, then you have to be cautious. After all, that person can't possibly shield you all the time." Song Sichen bitterly smiled.
Su Tao understood Song Sichen's meaning, and it was probably Sire Shui and Sire Cao helping him. Otherwise, it's impossible for him to get through the preliminary phase with all the commotion circulating around him. Thus, he sincerely replied, "Thank you, Master, for your reminders."
Song Sichen knew that Su Tao was a smart fellow, and the latter would know what to do after his reminders, so he earnestly said, "There are a total of three phases in the National Healer Selection; the preliminary, examination, and ruling phase. The preliminary phase is mainly to determine if the candidate is worthy based on their résumé and personal data. The examination phase is for the judges to interview the candidates, and the topics touched on will be casual. Not only does it involve professional knowledge, but it might also involve the present situation and politics. After all, National Healers are to provide service for the leaders in the country, so they are required to have some knowledge. As for the ruling phase, it will be in the form of a medical skill competition and picking the best three out of ten candidates."
After a brief understanding of the processes, Su Tao replied, "I will prepare for the examination phase seriously by researching news and other points of interest."
Nodding his head, Song Sichen's anger was appeased and smiled. "You've displayed a brilliant performance by defeating Kim Jung-ho at the International Medical Summit. Our TCM Alliance intends to focus on this topic, in which we hope that we can nurture more saplings in the industry."
Song Sichen was clearly using the 'hit-and-give' tactic, by reprimanding Su Tao before giving him a sweet. This was also a common tactic used in education.
Embarrassed, Su Tao modestly smiled. "It's just a small incident, and I don't think we have to make such a big fuss over it, do we?"
"The country needs more people like you to bear the banner. Don't feel pressured, since it's your responsibility. With great power, comes great responsibility." Song Sichen solemnly replied.
"Thank you, Master, for your encouragement!" Su Tao replied earnestly.
Letting out a sigh, Song Sichen continued, "Beijing is messy, it's a miniature of the country's society. There are all sorts of people in the city, and not only do you have to participate in the National Healer Selection, but you also have to expand your contacts there. I believe that it will be beneficial for you in the future. At the same time, you have to be cautious not to create too many enemies."
Su Tao knew Song Sichen's effort. But he had already created quite a number of enemies by now. However, he still comforted Song Sichen on his lips, "Please be reassured. I will definitely clamp my tail between my legs in this period."
"As if I'd believe your words!" Song Sichen helplessly smiled and continued, "There are a few of your Senior Brothers in Beijing, which I will greet them beforehand. They will help you out if anything happens, so you don't have to be too worried about being bullied."
Hearing his words, Su Tao felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He felt especially grateful for Song Sichen, as this was an elder that genuinely thinks about him. Aside from teaching him how to be a person, he also shielded him from the storms.
Not to mention that someone like Song Sichen placed great importance on the relationship between a master and disciple. After all, a master for a day was equivalent to a father for life; this has been imprinted into the mind of someone like Song Sichen.
After touching on other topics that require attention in the National Healer Selection, Su Tao hung up the call. Although he did not talk to Old Dou earlier, he knew that the latter must've been worried sick about him recently.
When Su Tao entered the bathroom, he washed his face and told himself that he had to be focused. His motive this time was to participate in the National Healer Selection, and he cannot afford to be distracted by anything else.
Thus, he secluded himself at home for days to look through Song Sichen and Dou Fanggang's medical notes, the information of other past National Healers, as well as his competitors.
Two women who shared a resemblance sat in a café. If one didn't pay too much attention to the details, they might even consider the two ladies to be sisters. They were Ni Jingqiu and Wang Qiaozhen.
"Mom, you don't have to be nervous when Su Tao comes. Just answer whatever he asks you." Ni Jingqiu smiled as she faced her mother. "His medical skills are great, and my asthma is now under control, which I will fully recover after a period later. The banquet was actually part of my plan to get him to take a look at you, but I did not expect so much to happen."
"So that's the case! I'm actually really intrigued, what's your relationship with him?" Wang Qiaozhen then sighed, "I'm not a stubborn person. If you'd told me earlier, I would have definitely promised you. You don't have to lie to me and claim that you're bringing me to meet your new boyfriend!"
As Ni Jingqiu stirred her mango juice, she wore a smug look on her face. "You already have a phobia for doctors. If I didn't resort to this method, would you be willing to meet Su Tao with me?"
"That lad is pretty good-looking, but he's too young. If you're thinking of dating him, I will definitely not agree to it!" Wang Qiaozhen shook her head.
Rolling her eyes at her mother, Ni Jingqiu explained, "Mom, Su Tao is just my bestie! Don't wander your thoughts!"
"Bestie?" Wang Qiaozhen frowned. "Those are usually for 'leftover' women who failed to find a partner and find a man to console their feelings. Don't be foolish, and immediately stow that thought away!"
Ni Jingqiu chuckled as she wiped the tears off the corner of her eyes. "Mom, I'm only twenty-six this year. Isn't it still far from the age of being a 'leftover' woman?"
"The youth of a woman withers in an instant. Twenty-six is already the declining years of your youth. I initially wanted you to get married this year, but the plan fell apart." Wang Qiaozhen sighed.
Ni Jingqiu knew her mother's current feelings. The two of them were born with asthma, and to give birth to her, her mother had risked her life. This was also the reason why her mother pampered her so much.
Stretching out her hand, Ni Jingqiu held onto her mother's hand and promised, "Mom, don't worry about it. I will definitely marry myself off before the age of thirty."
Nodding her head, Wang Qiaozhen replied, "Don't think of just coping with my urging and go find yourself someone suitable. Don't get someone like Huo Kun again."
As Ni Jingqiu acknowledged, the bell rang from the entrance and she immediately directed her gaze over. When she saw Su Tao rushing in, she stood up and waved her hand in his direction.
As Su Tao walked over, he first greeted Wang Qiaozhen out of manners.
When Ni Jingqiu examined Su Tao, she asked upon seeing his haggard looks with stubbles of a mustache, "What's with your haggard appearance?"
"I was focusing on my last-minute sprint on studies, so I've been locking myself at home." Su Tao frankly replied.
"What are you sprinting for?" Wang Qiaozhen asked with a smile.
Su Tao did not hide it from her and confessed, "My trip to Beijing is to participate in the National Healer Selection."
However, Wang Qiaozhen had no idea what the National Healer Selection was, so she smiled. "It's good for young people to constantly seek improvement."
As Ni Jingqiu called the waiter over, she ordered a cup of green tea for Su Tao and smiled. "Let's not beat around the bush. Help me take a look at my mother's disease, and you must definitely cure her!"
"Aunty, please put your hand out for me to take your pulse." Su Tao bitterly smiled.
However, Wang Qiaozhen briefly hesitated. When she saw her daughter's encouragement towards her, she finally stretched her hand out.
Su Tao's pulse-taking process was fast, which he already had a rough gauge of Wang Qiaozhen's condition by the time the tea was served.
Seeing Ni Jingqiu's face filled with expectation, Su Tao replied, "Aunty's condition is extremely complicated, and normal methods are useless. I'm afraid that we have to resort to a ritual to cure her condition!"