Chapter 346: Son
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The young man was a little embarrassed, but he still forced a smile at the two to lighten the mood.
To avoid further irritating the old scholar, the young man refrained from speaking or sitting down. He just stood quietly, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere in the pavilion.
After a while, the young man lifted his hand to reveal a watch on his wrist. He glanced at the time and sighed, “Father, it’s time for my break. 1 need to hurry up and see the patients. Please go home early and rest. I’ll come home to see you tonight.”
The old scholar retorted strongly, “You’d better never come back and upset me again. I might live a few more years!”
In fact, the young man and the old scholar looked very similar. Their facial features were firm. The old scholar’s face bore the marks of time, making him seem stubborn. However, these features on the young man’s face made him look very upright, easily giving the impression that he was dedicated to scientific research.
So, when Jiang Xia heard the young man address the old scholar, she wasn’t too surprised.
Jiang Xia recalled asking the old scholar once why there wasn’t a younger generation taking over the medicine shop. The old scholar’s expression had darkened, probably because of this very issue.
At this time, modern medicine was just making its way into the country, greatly challenging traditional medicine. The two forms of medicine were fundamentally different, so modern medicine was not accepted by practitioners of traditional medicine.
The mainstream of medicine was now comprised of younger people, whereas traditional medicine was dominated by the older generation. This collision between medical paradigms became a clash between young and old ideologies. This deadlock lasted for nearly half a century.
In the end, most of the mainstream doctors in traditional medicine passed away one after another, and modern medicine slowly became the mainstream in the country.
But even though it seemed like modern medicine had won, many eminent traditional doctors never reconciled with modern medical practices. Their deaths marked the abrupt end to the conflict.
Jiang Xia felt a sense of regret when she read about this history. Both forms of medicine could have collaborated for the greater good of society, but due to the stubbornness of the older generation, they became adversaries.
This opposition was particularly evident between the father and son.
After being scolded by the old scholar, the young man’s face paled, but he had no choice but to leave. Before departing, he still managed to flash a smile at Jiang Xia.
Jiang Xia could guess that their quarrel was about medical matters, but she didn’t know the specifics. She asked the old scholar, “Grandfather, why did you argue? My mother says that arguing hurts feelings.”
The old scholar paused, and with a much kinder expression, replied, “Your mother is right, but on matters of principle, we must stand our ground.”
Perhaps just needing someone to vent to, and thinking Jiang Xia wouldn’t understand, the old scholar rambled, “Modern medicine is invasive, trying to replace our traditional medicine, deceiving the next generation of medical students. It’s witchcraft!”
As someone from the 21st century, Jiang Xia found it hard to agree with him. Medical advancements had cured many previously untreatable diseases.
Decades ago, people could die from a common cold. Now, such an ailment could be easily treated with a simple pill.
Out of politeness, Jiang Xia continued to listen.
The old scholar went on, “This unfilial son is misguided! He wants to use the family heirloom, our scar removal ointment formula, for modern medical research! He’s dreaming; I’ll never give it to him even if I die!”
Jiang Xia was stunned. She had the same goal in mind. But judging by the old scholar’s reaction, obtaining the formula for the scar removal ointment wouldn’t be easy.
Realizing he might have been too vehement, the old scholar changed the topic with a smile, “What brings a young girl like you here?”
Jiang Xia gave a sweet smile and took out a Lingzhi spore powder from her pocket, “I came specifically to see you, Grandfather. 1 found this and wanted you to take a look..”
