At this moment, Zhao Hou returned. Hearing that Lu Ming had treated his wife, he came over. "Anmin, how is Madam's condition?"
Lu Ming's expression was calm. He didn't know why, but during the examination, the panel showed it was breast cancer.
Cancer wasn't scary, because it could be treated simply by activating the diagnostic skill and using blueprints to create medicine for internal and external application.
Diseases that were incurable in modern times had no choice but to submit before the system.
Lu Ming explained his diagnosis, "Madam's shortness of breath is likely caused by her breasts. If it were tuberculosis, there would be pain, coughing up blood, severe coughing, and a sallow complexion. Madam does have these symptoms, but she also has other ailments, which is why I inquired. There are no privacy issues when it comes to treating illness. If Madam feels offended, she doesn't have to discuss it."
"I cannot disclose such matters." Madam Zhao Hou was unwilling to ruin her reputation for such a thing. Besides, if she told him and agreed, what would happen to her husband?
"Anmin, are you confident you can cure her?" Zhao Hou's first reaction wasn't anger or shame. To him, his wife was just family, relatives; they hadn't shared a bed for a long time, so why would he be agitated?
"I'm not entirely confident. Treatment will need to last a year, including acupuncture, medication, and rehabilitation training—all are indispensable. Zhao Hou, to be honest, I'd prefer not to treat her." Lu Ming was quite straightforward, directly telling him that treatment was unnecessary; he could go home, eat and drink well, and just wait to die.
These words stunned everyone present. Was this something a doctor would say? How could a doctor tell someone to die?
"Why is that?" Zhao Hou realized, knowing that while Lu Ming was lecherous, it was normal; at least last night he had taken Wang Lang's wife and daughter.
What kind of man doesn't have lust? "Besides, it's not like I haven't treated women before. My own sister highly recommended it, and I don't believe she would have an affair with Lu Ming. Their ages are different; what a joke!"
"Because of the differences between men and women, my ability to conduct research is limited by the fact that servants and attendants can be manipulated at will. Madam is, after all, Madam; there are certain things that are inconvenient for her. Even for a man, facing another man can sometimes be awkward. Although I would very much like to treat Madam in exchange for the Marquis's favor, compared to Madam's reputation, such a thing is out of the question. If my method cannot be followed, simply administering medicine will be completely ineffective, so there's no need to lie." Lu Ming was quite straightforward; he had decided to be an honest person.
Even if you feel offended, you won't feel any anger, because that's just who you are.
When a good person does something bad, no one will think they did wrong; instead, they will suspect that it might not be a bad thing after all.
Lu Ming was able to do this because of his previous honesty and the benefits it could bring; this was what gave him the right to speak.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have the right to make people suspect he was lying.
To the imperial family and powerful clans, commoners were nothing but ants. Who would care about the life, death, or dignity of ants?
Many factors combined determined Lu Ming's chosen path. It could only be said that he stumbled upon the perfect opportunity, doing just the right thing—that was all.
Madam Zhang said somewhat disapprovingly, "Why are you like this? Is curing illness really that difficult?"
"It's not difficult, just the method is wrong. Even a skilled cook can't cook without rice." Lu Ming shrugged helplessly, which amused everyone.
Lord Zhao hesitated for a moment, seemingly making a decision. "Anmin, how confident are you?"
"About 70-80%. The main problem is that I have many other things to manage. The Western Garden Army project hasn't even started yet. We need to recruit local militia, and we also need to recruit enough capable military officers. Adding all that together, we also need to ensure a stable supply of materials so that we can be fighting on our own in six months. It's difficult." Lu Ming shook his head, explaining his difficulties. "Now we also have to treat the sick and provide medical care; it's truly difficult."
"Don't worry about supplies. If you need anything, just ask me, and I'll take care of it. His Majesty's Imperial Household Department is under my jurisdiction; this kind of thing can be handled. As for Minister Yuan, just ask him for what you need. If he won't give it to you, I'll help you get it back." Lord Zhao wanted to preserve his reputation and maintain a certain, unspoken connection.
The concept of a "lucky wife" in Chinese folklore has existed since ancient times; it shouldn't be ignored.
He vividly remembered the fortune teller from the highly respected Xu family saying that his destiny was one of great wealth and honor, all thanks to a virtuous wife.
Spiritual superstitions and physiognomy were things one could easily dismiss with a laugh.
But Lord Zhao believed in them, even to the point of being overly superstitious.
However, given his status and power, very few dared to humiliate him.
Therefore, he didn't want his wife to die so soon; at least, as long as she lived, she could bring him good fortune and ensure his continued prosperity!
"Lord Zhao, it's not a matter of anything else," Lu Ming said, pausing to give him some time to process the situation, "It's that acupuncture is needed in sensitive areas, which involves the separation of men and women. This is disrespectful to the lady and also to the Lord. Please forgive my inability to help; the Lord has been incredibly kind to me, and without his recommendation, I wouldn't be where I am today. But I cannot bring myself to disrespect the Lord."
He then stood up, clasped his hands in a deep bow.
This tactic of feigned retreat is well-executed; lust is a double-edged sword.
If Lu Ming had acted too hastily, it would have aroused suspicion—this is Marquis Zhao, after all.
He is Emperor Ling's secret accomplice and confidant, and he claims to control the Imperial Household Department. What kind of place is that?
It's the Han Dynasty emperor's private treasury. The Empress Dowager, Emperor, and Empress can all draw money from here. Gifts for the imperial family and princes during festivals all come from the Imperial Household Department.
The Imperial Household Department is a behemoth; it can basically control everything it can.
Such a person cannot be easily fooled or deceived.
Lu Ming wouldn't be so foolish as to offend a marquis for a mature woman. That's not a matter of courage or cowardice, but whether it's worth it.
If you don't understand the power of the Imperial Household Department, consider this: Xiang Yu faced an army of 300,000 men at the Battle of Julu, where he famously burned his boats—these were armed by slaves from the Imperial Household Department. These were the emperor's private property. This wasn't all. Just a glimpse into the whole picture, a single leaf revealing the depth of autumn, showed how formidable the Imperial Household Department was.
Even after the Eastern Han Dynasty, its power and strength had diminished considerably, it was still something Lu Ming could guess. He knew it was very strong, but he didn't know just how strong.