Chapter 36: Cui Wenbin Causes a Commotion at the Medical Clinic

Su Chen’s medical clinic was bustling with patients every day. In just a few short days, he had already gained a formidable reputation throughout Chang’an City. Moreover, his fees were quite modest, as Su Chen had never intended for the clinic to be a source of profit.

Early one morning, a group of over a dozen men arrived at the clinic’s entrance carrying a stretcher. The apprentice opened the door and, sensing ill intent from the arrivals, hurried inside to report the situation to Zhou Taifu. Su Chen had delegated much of the clinic’s management to Zhou, which allowed him to free up more of his own time.

"So many people arriving this early? Did you get a clear look at them?" Zhou Taifu asked his subordinate.

"Yes, it seems they are from the Cui clan of Qinghe. I suspect they haven't come with good intentions." Zhou's apprentices were experienced, having followed their master for several years.

"You lot, go inside and fetch Young Master Su. Tell him what is happening here, while I go out to see for myself."

Usually, Zhou Taifu could handle most matters on his own. However, since the visitors were from the Cui clan of Qinghe—a prominent aristocratic family—this was clearly an extraordinary case. Nevertheless, being a former imperial physician, Zhou remained composed. If this were a minor clinic, the situation might be different, but the Su family was not to be trifled with, especially given that Su Chen’s brother-in-law was none other than the current Crown Prince, Li Chengqian. Even the Cui clan would not dare to act recklessly in such a place.

Outside, the dozen or so servants had already brought the stretcher into the lobby. Leading them was the Cui family’s steward. Seeing Zhou Taifu emerge, the steward stepped forward and grabbed Zhou’s robes.

"Hurry, look at our young master! Your clinic must cure his legs today..." The steward was about to utter further threats when Zhou Taifu brushed his hand away. Even back in the imperial palace, no one dared to treat him with such disrespect.

"Hmph. If you are here to seek medical treatment, we will naturally do our utmost. But if you are here to act with arrogance and tyranny, this clinic will not tolerate it." Zhou’s tone was imposing. Even this minor steward had been far too insolent to dare grab his clothing.

"Fine. Just look at our young master first."

The steward did not dare to cause more trouble. Right now, Cui Wenbin’s legs were of the utmost importance. They had been broken for two days already. Ever since he was carried home from the pleasure district, Cui Wenbin had been wailing in pain, cursing "that slut" under his breath. All three of his "legs" had been shattered. His family had frantically summoned physician after physician, but none were of any use until they brought in Wang Wei from the Wang clan of Taiyuan yesterday.

As a seasoned physician, Wang Wei’s heart sank the moment he saw the injury. This was the only male heir of the Cui family’s main branch. He realized the trouble was immense, but without asking too many questions, he conducted a thorough examination. Both legs suffered from comminuted fractures; if it were just one site, it could be managed by a doctor skilled in bone-setting. But Cui Wenbin’s legs were shattered in so many places that they were essentially held together by nothing more than a layer of skin; the slightest pressure might cause them to fall off. The third injury was even more tragic—it was effectively useless. The boy’s lineage had come to an end.

Unable to help, Wang Wei ultimately recommended Su Chen’s clinic. Given that everyone in Chang’an knew Su Chen had successfully fitted Niu Jianhu with a prosthetic, the steward had brought Cui Wenbin to the clinic first thing in the morning.

"The fracture is quite severe. Even if we attempt to set the bones, there is no guarantee it will be effective. Several meridians have also been severed," Zhou Taifu noted, feeling a jolt of shock. This was Cui Wenbin of the Cui clan. Now that he had been crippled, it was clear that even if the legs were reattached, he would be a cripple or a limper for life. As for that third injury, it was beyond repair; he would never be able to father children.

"How is it?" the steward asked, anxiety mounting.

Just then, Su Chen, having been informed by his apprentice, walked out from the back. Cheng Chumo, who had been resting in the clinic, was also woken up by the commotion.

"The Divine Physician has arrived," the commoners whispered. Everyone turned to look. The Cui steward was taken aback; he had not expected the legendary physician who had been the talk of the town to be such a young man. They knew Su Chen was young, but as the junior disciple of Sun Simiao, he had been the center of attention in Chang’an for several days.

The steward felt a sense of unease. To him, someone like Zhou Taifu looked like a true master, while this wet-behind-the-ears youth seemed hardly qualified to be a doctor.

"I won't let him treat me! I was harmed by him—I won't have him treat me!" Cui Wenbin slurred, his speech unclear, yet he persisted in his refusal. After all, it was the people in Su Chen’s circle who had broken his legs.

Su Chen and Cheng Chumo had only just seen Cui Wenbin a couple of days ago. Neither had imagined that when they met again, he would be in such a state.

"Multiple comminuted fractures and completely severed meridians. It’s clear this was the work of an expert, and they intended to kill him," Zhou Taifu said, stepping over to Su Chen to explain the situation.

Su Chen went over to inspect the injuries himself. Despite Cui Wenbin’s desperate attempts to struggle, he was pinned to the stretcher and unable to move. It was evident that Cui Wenbin was extremely resistant; he would rather be treated by anyone else. The steward kept trying to persuade him, reminding him that a patient shouldn't be picky about their doctor.

After examining the patient for a while, Su Chen stood up and exchanged a look with Zhou Taifu. In their hearts, they both knew the situation was beyond saving. This was not a matter of medical skill; if a leg is shattered into fragments throughout its entire length, there is nothing left to work with. The only option was to amputate as quickly as possible, or the patient’s life might be at risk.

However, the Cui family was unwilling to accept this, which made things difficult. Attempting to save the legs was impossible; this case was far more severe than Niu Jianhu’s. Niu had only lost a foot and could walk with a prosthetic, but even with prosthetics, Cui would never walk again—at best, he would be confined to a wheelchair.

"Take him back. We are powerless to help. It is not that we do not wish to treat him, but he must prioritize saving his own life. Amputation is the only way," Su Chen said, shaking his head without hesitation. Shattered to this degree, even if he were placed on the operating table, the result would still be amputation. In this era, no one else could possibly cure him.