After eating, Qi Yue brought Yan’er over for further examination.
A’Ru habitually picked up paper and brush to record notes beside them, while A’Hao and Que Zhi also came over to listen carefully.
Being watched by so many people wasn’t the first time for Chang Chunlan and her daughter, but unlike before, these people observing her daughter had such focused expressions, without any trace of curiosity, disgust, or malicious excitement.
“…For this kind of condition, a few months old is the optimal time for surgery, because one operation won’t suffice – there must be two or three reconstructive surgeries as the child grows.” Qi Yue removed her gloves and held Yan’er in her arms to comfort her while speaking to A’Ru and the others.
“Young Madam, what do you need? Can it be done now?” A’Ru asked.
Qi Yue was briefly silent.
Chang Chunlan’s heart immediately jumped to her throat as she nervously watched Qi Yue.
“It can be done, but there are still problems – like anesthesia, infection prevention, and assistants.” Qi Yue said.
A’Ru felt somewhat ashamed, remembering that during those two previous surgeries, Qi Yue had essentially worked alone, as she still couldn’t overcome her fear of seeing blood and internal organs.
Qi Yue stood up as she spoke.
“Let’s go to Qianjin Hall. I’ll discuss this properly with Physician Liu.” She smiled.
When they went out, they encountered the steward returning dusty from his journey.
“Young Madam, this lowly one has returned from the Liu family.” He respectfully bowed to Qi Yue.
“Oh, what did they say?” Qi Yue stopped walking and asked with some interest.
The steward adjusted his hat covered with morning frost, with some pride.
“What could they say? Right in front of me, Old Master Liu severely punished those servant women.” He smiled.
This was the first time in his life he could stand straight and speak at someone else’s house – what a great feeling!
“I asked Old Master Liu the Marquis’s question, and Old Master Liu’s expression immediately changed.” The steward continued. “He actually said that since the Marquis feels the eldest miss is being mistreated at their place, then let the eldest miss stay at our house.”
As expected, Qi Yue snorted.
“Then let her stay. Who’s afraid of whom?” She said.
The steward chuckled.
“That’s exactly what I said.” He said with some pride.
“Let’s leave it like this for now. After we cure Yan’er, we’ll settle accounts with that old fellow.” Qi Yue said, waving at the steward. “Go on, you’ve worked hard. Go report back to the Marquis.”
The steward cheerfully replied that it wasn’t hard work and walked away happily.
Setting aside these household matters, Qi Yue arrived at Qianjin Hall and told Liu Pucheng about the cleft lip case.
“The ‘General Treatise on the Causes and Symptoms of Diseases’ mentions that people born with lip defects look like rabbit lips, so it’s called rabbit cleft.” Liu Pucheng said. “It’s caused by eating rabbit meat.”
Qi Yue laughed heartily.
“No, it has nothing to do with rabbits.” She smiled. “This is an illness, a disease caused by genetic mutations.”
“Genes?” Liu Pucheng asked in confusion.
Genes were hard to explain. Qi Yue rubbed her hands and smiled.
“There are many causes – like medications or environment – but regardless of the cause, it definitely has nothing to do with rabbits.” She said.
Liu Pucheng nodded and breathed a sigh of relief.
“So that means pregnant women can still eat rabbit meat?” He asked.
Qi Yue nodded.
“As for reconstruction, the Book of Jin also has records – cutting flesh to repair it, eating porridge for a hundred days without speaking or smiling – but few have actually witnessed it.” Liu Pucheng continued, his face unable to hide his excitement. “Young Madam, can you perform it?”
“Of course I can. This isn’t a difficult surgery.” Qi Yue nodded and smiled. “It’s just that this child has been delayed too long, and the medicine…”
When she reached this point and saw Liu Pucheng show a smile, she also smiled.
“Good, no problem. I plan to do this surgery.” Qi Yue smiled.
Liu Pucheng was naturally very interested in this type of surgery and quickly asked what preparations were needed.
“Yan’er’s cleft lip is unilateral complete cleft. Though it doesn’t reach the nasal base, the upper lip is split. The surgery will take a long time, the wound will be large, and there will be significant bleeding. This child’s physical development is poor, so I’m not confident about post-operative infection.” Qi Yue frowned.
“Those aren’t problems. The disinfectant and anti-inflammatory herbal decoction used for the hunter’s wound cleaning last time – I’ve been researching and refining it these days. A combination of rhubarb, scutellaria, phellodendron, gardenia, and honeysuckle works best for wound cleaning and disinfection.” Liu Pucheng said.
Qi Yue breathed a sigh of relief. She had complete confidence in Liu Pucheng’s medicines.
“Then there’s one more important problem remaining.” Qi Yue said.
“Please tell me, Lady Qi.” Liu Pucheng said.
“The anesthesia problem.” Qi Yue said, taking out a sheet of paper to write on. “Yan’er is six years old. Pediatric anesthesia is different from adult anesthesia.”
Liu Pucheng stroked his beard, very puzzled by this statement.
“Anesthesia differs between adults and children?” He asked.
“I don’t know if Chinese medicine differentiates, but Western medicine… oh, the medicines my master used have significant restrictions.” Qi Yue said, briefly explaining the issues with pediatric anesthesia.
Liu Pucheng listened with half-understanding, but he nodded.
“Good, I’ll research this further.” He said.