Chapter 332: A Sharp Conversation
Wu Yunfeng looked closely at the curved suture needle and the fine catgut sutures, showing great interest as he asked, "These are new to me. Could you explain their use?"
Bai Ruozhu pondered for a moment before replying, "Why don’t we get a piece of pork and have a local woman demonstrate on it. It’d much more straightforward than verbally explaining."
Wu Yunfeng nodded, and Jiang Yichun turned to leave the Flower Hall, quickly returning with a pig’s leg.
"Sir, please make a cut here," Bai Ruozhu suggested.
Jiang Yichun nodded, raising his hand to slash at the pig’s head.
A twitch crossed Bai Ruozhu’s lips. Was it necessary to cut that deep? She can’t just suture the skin; she must also stitch the internal muscles. Jiang Yichun was seriously not on the same page.
Bai Ruozhu didn’t reach for the catgut, but took out a cotton thread from her pocket. She explained to Wu Yunfeng, "Catgut is quite difficult to manufacture, so I don’t want to waste it."
She then threaded the needle and began suturing the wound on the pig’s leg with proficient movements. Despite being watched by two icy men, she didn’t appear nervous at all.
Wu Yunfeng watched in astonishment, understanding why the needle was curved — to suture flesh together. This suturing technique was different from sewing clothes; each stitch demanded a knot, a process that required dexterity in the one performing it.
"Ordinary threads can also suffice for suturing, but when the wound heals, the thread inside has to be removed. Since the thread and the flesh sometimes fuse together, it can cause quite a bit of pain upon removal," Bai Ruozhu continued explaining, "However, catgut isn’t always available. Under such circumstance, stronger ordinary thread would have to do."
There were too many wounded people on the battlefield; it was simply not feasible to manufacture that much catgut.
"I have also written down the method to produce the catgut. Please, take a look," Bai Ruozhu handed a sheet of paper from the bag to Wu Yunfeng.
Wu Yunfeng swiftly read the contents, then carefully folded back the paper and placed it within his jacket. He then looked at Bai Ruozhu and asked, "How does a mere villager like you come to know such things? Did a master teach you?"
"In response to your question, sir, I have not met any masters," Bai Ruozhu replied, "Two years ago I dreamt of an old man with white hair and beard who touched my head with his finger. Gradually, new knowledge about healing people emerged in my mind. Initially, I found it incredible, but later found it all to be correct after cross-referencing." Bai Ruozhu repeated this again. As she had told the story multiple times, her expression didn’t alert Wu Yunfeng.
Wu Yunfeng stared at Bai Ruozhu for a while before responding, "Huh, what a peculiar event! It seems you are destined to bring benefit to the people."
Although his words indicated appreciation, Bai Ruozhu could see a sharp glint flashing over Wu Yunfeng’s eyes.
"Whether I can benefit people or not, I dare not say. But I do know about keeping my mouth shut in regards to matters like the suturing technique. And when I discover more such techniques in the future, I will surely offer them to the Imperial Court first to contribute to my country, Danliang." Bai Ruozhu thought for a moment before responding calmly.
Upon hearing this, Wu Yunfeng laughed. This woman sure was smart, ensuring to demonstrate her loyalty immediately and even suggesting that she could contribute further in the future. This would at least make the court reconsider if they ever contemplated silencing her.
But when did he ever hint at such an intention? This woman was too cautious. Though if she hadn’t been this prudent, she probably wouldn’t have risked saving Jiang Yichun under such dire circumstances, not to mention possessing the necessary skills to do so.
He had delayed his visit a few days to investigate Bai Ruozhu, at times worrying that she worked for the opposition, planning to plant a spy near Jiang Yichun. However, his investigation revealed no discrepancies concerning her, with the only questionable point being about her missing husband, Chang Sheng. But with no news on Chang Sheng, it was highly unlikely he could be the mastermind behind all of this.
Most importantly, he and Jiang Yichun had identified the ones who had targeted Jiang Yichun. Although the main instigators remained elusive, Wu Yunfeng was certain that they had no connection to Bai Ruozhu.
At this point, Bai Ruozhu’s heart was in her throat. Jiang Yichun’s master was too difficult to guess. He better not actually be intending to harm her.
"I heard that you’re willing to personally teach the doctors sent by the court?" Abruptly stopping his laughter, Wu Yunfeng stared at Bai Ruozhu as he asked this question.
Bai Ruozhu nodded, "This suturing technique appears simple, but requires certain skills, like regulating tension while pulling the thread, deciding the length of each stitch, and understanding the right angles for needle placement. If these aren’t followed, it could prove detrimental for the wound or increase the patient’s discomfort. It would better if I could instruct a few doctors face-to-face before they go and teach others."
"What if someone can’t endure the pain from being sutured on their flesh?" asked Wu Yunfeng.
"If conditions allow it, we can use anesthesia. Or, a doctor can use acupuncture to alleviate the patient’s pain. But if neither of these methods are possible, the patient will have to endure the pain. While it might be painful, quick suturing is beneficial in the long run; the wound heals faster, lessening the chance of it opening again. A moment’s pain is well worth this advantage." Bai Ruozhu thought to mention how she had sutured Jiang Yichun without using any such alleviating measures due to the urgency of the situation. He didn’t make any sound, but she decided against saying this — after all, she had sedated him and it was likely he did not recall the event.
"Alright, I will submit these materials as soon as possible, then we will send doctors here. And remember what you’ve said: watch your mouth." Wu Yunfeng reminded Bai Ruozhu, his countenance turning stern.
"Yes, I wouldn’t dare risk my own life," Bai Ruozhu bent in acknowledgement.
Wu Yunfeng was pleased that the woman before him was clever; it truly made communication easier. He waved a hand, saying, "You may leave."
Bai Ruozhu curtsied before taking her leave, with Jiang Yichun following her to the main gate.
"My master may seem strict, but he means no harm. Don’t overthink it," Jiang Yichun quietly reassured Bai Ruozhu as they stepped outside the gate.
Bai Ruozhu nodded, "I understand. If he wanted to hurt me, he wouldn’t have taken all this trouble. Go back quickly; I can walk on my own."
Jiang Yichun nodded, returning to the mansion.
Observing his return, a smile played at Wu Yunfeng’s eyes, "You seem quite concerned about this woman."
"She is the person who saved my life, as well as my benefactor. I believe she may still be of help to me in the future," Jiang Yichun said stiffly. If Bai Ruozhu heard this, she would certainly tear him apart.
"Good, it seems you’ve learned to plan ahead. I’m quite pleased to see the growth you’ve undergone because of these events," Wu Yunfeng clapped Jiang Yichun on the shoulder, showing no signs of suspicion.
Jiang Yichun quietly breathed a sigh of relief.