294 Examining General Feng's Teeth
As everyone looked on, puzzled, Zhao Zhitong began to speak, confirming their unspoken thoughts.
Zhao Zhitong smiled and explained, "Uncle Dean, I'm here now. I was just held up by some things on the way, so I arrived a little late."
Yuan Wenkang stroked his beard and chuckled. "Alright, alright, as long as you're here. Come, come, let's go inside."
With that, he prepared to lead them into the courtyard.
Just then, Yuan Wenkang suddenly remembered Li Liangcai. He stopped and asked, "Oh, right, what was it you wanted to say? And why is this large group of you gathered at my courtyard entrance? Don't you have classes to attend?"
Li Liangcai swallowed and was about to speak when Lv Wenhao interjected, "Dean, Li Liangcai says he wants to report Qiao Muchen and Zhao Yue for violating academy rules by bringing a girl from outside into the academy!"
Hearing this, Yuan Wenkang paused, glanced at Zhao Zhitong, and asked, "The girl from outside... you're referring to this Miss Zhao?"
Lv Wenhao nodded and replied quickly, "Yes, that's exactly what Li Liangcai said."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Wenkang laughed and waved his hand. "Alright, alright, I thought it was something serious."
"This young girl is my specially invited guest today. Qiao Muchen and Zhao Yue were just helping me bring her here. So, they haven't violated any academy rules."
Having explained the situation, Yuan Wenkang told the scholars to disperse. "Alright, you can all leave now."
Now that the dean had spoken and there was no more spectacle to witness, the scholars began to scatter.
Although Li Liangcai felt unwilling, he dared not cause a scene and could only depart with the others.
Thus, when Teacher Hua, who had been dragged to the scene by some enthusiastic scholars, finally arrived, he only saw the scholars already dispersing.
"Oh, it's over so soon? Have Young Master Qiao and the others been taken away by the dean to be caned?" someone asked in surprise.
Seeing their questions, Lv Wenhao squeezed through the crowd and eagerly recounted what had just happened.
The group listened in amazement. "So she really was invited to the academy by the Dean!"
Nearby stood Hua Zhengqing, clad in white. His long hair was not bound in a bun with a hairpin but tied loosely behind him, giving him an even more dashing and unrestrained air. "See?" he remarked. "I told you it was nothing, but you wouldn't believe me."
At this, some of the more curious ones couldn't help asking.
"Teacher Hua, who is that girl? Why does the dean value her so much?"
Someone joked, "Could it really be because of two wilted vegetable leaves?"
No one knew that Zhao Zhitong had given the dean medicinal vegetables and fruits.
Hua Zhengqing was also unaware of this. He chuckled. "What nonsense are you spouting? Miss Zhao is our county town's renowned little Divine Doctor. You don't know?"
"The Dean invited Miss Zhao today to treat a friend of his from the Capital City. So, don't go spreading rumors. If the Vice Dean punishes you, don't come crying to me for help."
"Alright, that's enough. Go back and review your lessons. Don't gather here anymore."
After saying that, he turned and walked away with an air of nonchalance.
Only then did the scholars have a revelation: Zhao Zhitong was a Divine Doctor!
「...」
「At the dean's office.」
Yuan Wenkang gave Zhao Zhitong a brief introduction.
This serious-faced old man was the famous General Feng.
Although Zhao Zhitong and her companions were not from the Capital City, they had certainly heard of this highly decorated and ever-victorious great general.
As for this great general, he wasn't suffering from any severe illness, merely a toothache.
He was currently sitting with a taut face, an extremely serious expression, and an icy aura emanating from his entire being—clearly, he was in a foul mood.
After Zhao Zhitong greeted him politely, she stepped forward to take the old general's pulse.
Yuan Wenkang moved to one side to quiz Qiao Muchen and Zhao Yue on their lessons, leaving space for the physician and patient.
When Zhao Zhitong finished taking his pulse, she smiled and said, "General Feng, please open your mouth so I can take a look."
Hearing this, General Feng glanced at the young girl.
In his hawklike, sharp eyes, there was a hint of appreciation.
This young girl, at such a tender age, is so composed and steady before me.
Even though I've suppressed my aura, very few can remain so calm and composed before the baleful air I've accumulated from years on the battlefield.
Even my own grandsons and granddaughters are usually as quiet as cicadas in winter when they're in my presence.
This young girl, however, is remarkably composed; her hand, as she takes my pulse, doesn't show the slightest tremor.
Seeing the patient remain still, Zhao Zhitong patiently repeated, "General Feng, please open your mouth so I can examine your teeth."
Feng Wuji finally nodded and opened his mouth.
Zhao Zhitong used a tongue depressor to observe his mouth. It was indeed a cavity that had led to periodontitis.
Zhao Zhitong nodded. "Alright."
Then she added, "General Feng, I will first apply a few needles to temporarily relieve the pain."
After that, she took out a silver needle, sterilized it over a flame, and, with Feng Wuji's cooperation, began to apply the needles.
About a quarter of an hour passed. General Feng's eyes lit up, his taut muscles visibly relaxed, and he let out a long sigh.
Zhao Zhitong stood up, put away her silver needles, and asked with a smile, "General Feng, do you feel better now?"
Feng Wuji nodded repeatedly, exhaled deeply, and exclaimed in pleasant surprise, "No wonder that old fellow Zhang Jianzi praised you so highly, young girl! Truly miraculous—just a few needles, and the pain is gone!"
In the past, when his tooth ached, the pain would torment him for several days. This time, however, the relief was immediate after just one treatment.
Zhao Zhitong smiled. "General Feng, you praise me too much. This emergency acupuncture can only offer temporary relief. To be free of pain permanently, the root cause must be treated."
With the toothache gone, Feng Wuji felt a surge of energy throughout his body; the oppressive heaviness in his head had also vanished.
His spirits lifted considerably, and he asked, "Ah, young girl, that old fellow Zhang Jianzi said he got some 'mouthwash' from you that supposedly keeps teeth healthy. Could you prepare some for me as well?"
Zhao Zhitong smiled. "Certainly. I've also recently formulated a new toothpaste powder. It can be used for brushing and effectively protects the teeth. Would you like to try it, General Feng?"
Feng Wuji asked in surprised curiosity, "Toothpaste powder? Is that a type of medicine?"
The name indeed sounded quite novel.
Zhao Zhitong pondered for a moment, then nodded. "It's similar, one could say. It's used for brushing teeth and is much more effective than salt."
Previously, people used willow twigs dipped in salt to brush their teeth.
Thus, Zhao Zhitong had consulted the books in Grandpa Bai's study, found a tooth powder formula devised by their ancestors, and after modifying and processing it, had created the current toothpaste powder.
Zhao Zhitong explained, "My family all use this, and the results are quite good. It is made by grinding and decocting ten types of medicinal herbs, such as soapberry, lotus leaf, and green salt. It has cooling, refreshing, and sterilizing properties, and it also helps to whiten teeth, freshen breath, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain."
Hearing this, Feng Wuji was thoroughly convinced and nodded. "That sounds wonderful!"
Now he could show this off to that old scoundrel Zhang Jianzi!