Chapter 343 - 216: Forensic Doctor Ran’s Masterpiece Poem
Treating external injuries is different from other illnesses; it’s not enough to just take one’s pulse and ask about the condition. Ran Yan isn’t afraid of people seeing her neck, but it’s hard not to let those kinds of marks on her full neck lead to speculation.
However, when Ran Yan met Doctor Zhou, she mostly put those concerns to rest. He was an old man in his fifties, with a slightly hunched back, dressed in a pale green official uniform with a round collar, wearing a black gauze cap. His face was pale and his muscles slack with deep creases already forming. His eyelids drooped slightly, preventing others from easily seeing his gaze. His demeanor was neither arrogant nor overly humble, clearly one of those who saw nothing but the ailment before him apart from medicine.
Protecting the privacy of patients is also part of a doctor’s ethics, especially for an Imperial Physician.
"Seventeen, come and greet Doctor Zhou," Ran Pingyu said.
Ran Yan and Rong Qian both stood up and curtseyed to Doctor Zhou, "The child of the Ran family, Seventeen, greets Doctor Zhou."
"Seventeen flatters this old man too much," Doctor Zhou extended his hand to help her up, "No need for such courtesies, no need."
Having been in the government for decades, though as a doctor his rank topped at a seventh-grade Chief Imperial Doctor and he wasn’t involved in any significant national affairs, Doctor Zhou’s frequent dealings with high court officials gave him a profound understanding of officialdom. The moment Xiao Song asked him to come, he had approximately understood the importance of Ran Yan, thus he did not dare to neglect her.
"Assistant Minister Xiao had entrusted me to come early this morning, but I was delayed as the Emperor called upon me to inquire about the little Princess’s condition. I hope Seventeen forgives me," Doctor Zhou explained, even though he knew Ran Yan wasn’t aware of Xiao Song’s commission.
Attending to the Princess was his duty, and coming to treat her wound was merely a favor. Ran Yan, unsure how to respond and afraid that saying more might lead to mistakes, simply said sincerely, "Doctor Zhou exaggerates."
For treating wounds, naturally, it wouldn’t do to have an audience. Doctor Zhou requested that except for the personal maid, everyone should wait outside. This was also Xiao Song’s intention.
It was a minor matter, and Ran Pingyu and the others naturally complied.