Chapter Forty-One: Hua Tuo Joins

As one of Liu Yao’s most prominent generals, Huang Zhong naturally possessed an impressive residence. Liu Yao had long since constructed numerous grand mansions outside the provincial governor’s estate, intending to gift them to his trusted commanders. Huang Zhong’s residence stood as the first house on the left side of Liu Yao’s estate. The two soon arrived at the location.

As they approached the entrance, they noticed the main gate was left open. Inside, Huang Zhong was pacing anxiously, his face tense with worry.

“Han Sheng, I apologize for being late today,” Liu Yao said, his tone filled with regret.

“Master, Divine Physician Hua, you’ve finally arrived!” Huang Zhong exclaimed with delight upon seeing Liu Yao and Hua Tuo. He had been waiting impatiently, but dared not disturb Liu Yao directly, his heart troubled.

Liu Yao said, “Enough, Han Sheng. Let the Divine Physician examine Huang Xu without delay.”

“Yes, Master. Divine Physician, please, come in quickly,” Huang Zhong said urgently, leading them inside.

Following Huang Zhong into the main hall, they saw Huang Xu seated in a chair, with Lady Huang carefully administering medicine to him. Over the years, Huang Xu had grown into a youth of fifteen or sixteen, yet the long struggle with illness had left him frail, appearing much the same age as Liu Yao himself. However, thanks to the prescription left by the imperial physician years ago, his health had improved considerably; he could now sit upright and no longer suffered from severe coughing as before.

Upon seeing Liu Yao, Huang Xu and Lady Huang immediately rose to greet him, “Greetings, Master.”

Liu Yao hastily helped Huang Xu to his feet. “Huang Xu, your health is delicate, there’s no need for such formalities. Take care of yourself above all.”

“Thank you, Master,” Huang Xu replied gratefully. Liu Yao was not only his savior but had visited him often through the years. Huang Xu longed to recover and one day repay Liu Yao by contributing to his cause.

“Divine Physician, please examine him,” Liu Yao urged.

Hua Tuo nodded, stepping forward to take Huang Xu’s pulse. Time passed slowly, each moment weighed with anxious anticipation by Huang Zhong’s family.

Finally, Hua Tuo withdrew his hand. Huang Zhong immediately asked, “Divine Physician, how is my son? Is there any hope?”

Hua Tuo stroked his beard and spoke slowly. “The young lord’s illness is grave. It stems from congenital weakness in childhood, compounded by persistent exposure to cold and damp as he grew. Ordinarily, he would not have survived past fifteen.” Hua Tuo paused, then continued, “Yet it seems he has been taking medicine regularly, which has sustained his life and even brought some improvement. Is the prescription still available? May I see it?”

Without hesitation, Huang Zhong produced the prescription written by the imperial physician five years earlier and handed it to Hua Tuo. “Please, Divine Physician.”

Hua Tuo examined it thoroughly, occasionally exclaiming in amazement. “Ah, so many rare and precious herbs! No wonder the young lord’s condition has not declined, but improved. That is excellent. With such a foundation, I need not fear that strong medicine will overwhelm him. Rest assured, General Huang, within seven days, I shall return you a healthy son.”

“Truly?!” Huang Zhong cried out in joy. “Thank you, Divine Physician!”

Hua Tuo chuckled, “It is but a small effort. You should thank the one who provided the prescription and such rare herbs. Otherwise, the young lord might not have lasted until now.”

Huang Zhong knelt before Liu Yao, expressing his gratitude. “Thank you, Master. Had you not provided these medicines all these years, my son would not have survived.”

“Han Sheng, you’re at it again! I’ve told you, there’s no need for such ceremony,” Liu Yao said, helping Huang Zhong up, somewhat displeased. “If you truly wish to thank me, then slay more enemies for me on the battlefield and earn honor—this will be the best gratitude you can offer.”

“Master, rest assured. My life has long belonged to you. I shall devote myself entirely to repaying your great kindness,” Huang Zhong declared passionately.

“Father, Master, cough, when I recover, I too wish to go to battle and repay my debt of life to you,” Huang Xu said resolutely, coughing slightly.

Liu Yao laughed heartily. “Huang Xu, when you are well, I will give you the opportunity—like your father, you may go to battle and slay the enemy.” Huang Zhong gazed at his son with deep affection, his eyes full of gentle pride.

Over the next seven days, Hua Tuo began treating Huang Xu. Each day, Huang Xu endured arduous therapy, spending two hours immersed in a steaming tub filled with countless beneficial herbs. This was only the beginning: cupping, acupuncture, herbal decoctions—despite his youth, Huang Xu endured it all, earning the admiration of Liu Yao and others. His steadfast determination, fueled by his desire to repay Liu Yao, was as crucial as the rare medicines.

Seven days passed swiftly. Huang Xu’s treatment concluded; only rest remained before full recovery.

With Huang Xu’s matter settled, Hua Tuo had no reason to stay and bid Liu Yao farewell.

Seeing Hua Tuo about to leave, Liu Yao was unwilling to let him go. He hurriedly tried to persuade him, “Divine Physician Hua, we have met only briefly, but you are advanced in years—how many more can you endure wandering? Why not settle here in Youzhou? I promise you will not be mistreated.”

Hua Tuo was deeply moved. Physicians had never been highly regarded in the Han, yet Liu Yao valued him so greatly, inviting him to stay with such respect. For a moment, Hua Tuo hesitated.

But finally, he gritted his teeth and replied, “I thank you for your noble offer, Master. Yet since my youth I vowed to practice medicine for all under heaven, to drive away illness from the poor and afflicted. To remain in Youzhou for long would violate my oath.”

Liu Yao was pleased, sensing an opening, and pressed, “Elder Hua, you are mistaken. Roaming the land, you are but one man, while the people of Han number in the millions. How many can you save alone? And medicine costs money; you, on your own, can only afford so much. You cannot climb mountains for herbs every day, can you?”

“This…” Hua Tuo was momentarily stumped, but insisted, “I only seek a clear conscience. I will save as many as I can.”

A smile curled on Liu Yao’s lips. “Elder Hua, what if I have a way so all under heaven could afford treatment and medicine? Would you be willing?”

Human nature is shaped by emotion and desire; everyone has their own weakness or passion. By appealing to these, winning someone’s allegiance is no longer so difficult.

Sure enough, Hua Tuo’s eyes lit up, his voice filled with delight. “Master, is it true? Is there really such a way?”

“Indeed!” Liu Yao nodded. “But it requires your help, Elder Hua. I need you to stay in Youzhou. Would you aid me?”

Without hesitation, Hua Tuo replied, “If Master truly has such a method, I will do my utmost.” For Hua Tuo, so long as he could heal the world and fulfill his vow, where he resided was of little importance.