Chapter 55: If the pill could truly save Zheng Lao, I'd give you my position as dean!

Yes! His Majesty!

The commander's eyes were stern as he received the order and departed.

One hour later—

Ning Jinli brought over a pile of modern burn medicine.

Upon learning that Xiao Qidi had woken once, but needing rest, Lian Qingbai gave him some medicine for internal injuries and to calm the spirit, after which he fell asleep again.

Ning Jinli did not disturb him.

She gave all the medicine she had brought to Lian Qingbai.

Lian Qingbai, being a divine doctor, after a brief explanation understood everything clearly, and he couldn't praise enough the potent efficacy of these medicines.

Through communicating with him, Ning Jinli discovered that the Lian clan, inheritors of ancient medical arts, excelled at treating various rare and complicated ailments.

For example, Xiao Qidi's internal injuries were so severe that even modern surgery might not be able to cure them.

But Lian Qingbai, using the rare medicinal herbs cultivated in Yaowang Gu, prepared pills from a secret formula that could easily cure them.

As for his external wounds, using modern medicine, especially combined with advanced medical tools, was more convenient than applying herbal poultices and also reduced his suffering.

Ning Jinli thought of Professor Zheng Lao, who had undergone surgery last night.

Just now, when she went back there to buy medicine, she also called Zheng Lao's secretary to inquire about the surgery.

The other party said the surgery wasn't finished yet, and the situation seemed unfavorable.

"May I ask, Divine Doctor Lian, do you know the Divine Farmer's Materia Medica?" Ning Jinli asked Lian Qingbai with a tentative attitude.

She remembered Zheng Lao's secretary saying that this ancient medical classic might contain a way to cure Zheng Lao.

Lian Qingbai wore a proud expression and frankly said he was the inheritor of Shennong's medical secret art, with his ancestors and clansmen together guarding the Divine Farmer's Materia Medica.

Ning Jinli was stunned.

Is this what they say—"after searching high and low without success, it comes easily"?

An expert like Professor Zheng Lao, whom one could search a lifetime for and never find, she just happened to encounter?

Before Ning Jinli could come to her senses, Lian Qingbai respectfully said, "If Fairy Jinli needs it, I can give the Materia Medica to the fairy."

Ning Jinli gasped in surprise, "Isn't the Divine Farmer's Materia Medica a secret manual guarded by your generations? Can you give it to me?"

Lian Qingbai respectfully replied, "I have heard from the soldiers of your deeds, Fairy; to give this book to you is an honor for my Lian clan, and I believe that with your noble virtue, you will be able to make greater use of it."

"However... I have a request; I ask Fairy to assist."

He said this and then knelt down.

Ning Jinli hurriedly helped him up, saying, "Divine Doctor Lian, please speak; if I can help, I will certainly do so."

Lian Qingbai said, "I would like to ask Fairy to bestow more medical tools for healing injuries."

"Good! No problem!" Ning Jinli readily agreed.

Lian Qingbai was overjoyed and immediately said that in a few days he would give her the Divine Farmer's Materia Medica.

"Still need a few days?" Ning Jinli was taken aback again.

Professor Zheng Lao's condition is critical; he probably can't wait that long...

Lian Qingbai showed an apologetic expression: "It's not that I don't want to give it now; it's because the Divine Farmer's Materia Medica is orally transmitted by each generation of the Lian clan's heads, every word is in my mind, and it takes some time to write it down. Fairy, why are you so urgent?"

"I want to save a very important person."

"I see; then what symptoms does this person have?"

"Well..."

Ning Jinli thought back carefully.

It so happened that when she called Zheng Lao's secretary today to ask about the situation, she also inquired about this matter.

It is probably a rare heart failure problem, with complex causes that modern medicine cannot clearly determine.

Whether it was Xinghan Hospital or Zheng Lao's former professional medical team, they had performed various examinations on him.

Although his heart condition was healthy, abnormal signs of failure nevertheless appeared.

And these signs had little to do with his being too old.

After listening, Lian Qingbai pondered briefly and presented a pill, saying, "This is for dried-up heart meridians and blood or blockage; Fairy, you can try the Heart-Protecting Pill I prepared for His Majesty."

Ning Jinli received the pill and exclaimed delightedly, "If someone takes this, will they get better right away?"

Lian Qingbai said, "I haven't examined the patient in person, so I don't know the exact condition and cannot speak recklessly; but if one takes this medicine, even if not immediately cured, it will improve by fifty or sixty percent. Fairy, please rest assured, this medicine has no side effects."

"All right, then thank you!" Ning Jinli carefully put the pill away.

No delay; she immediately took the pill and returned from the cave in Yaowang Gu to the workshop.

Xiao Qidi was under Lian Qingbai's care, so naturally there was nothing to worry about.

As for the Spacetime Portal, after it was reopened this time, why it led to Yaowang Gu, she currently had no spare time to study it.

In short, saving Zheng Lao comes first!

Ning Jinli returned to the workshop, took the Heart-Protecting Pill, and drove straight to Xinghan Central Hospital.

Upon arriving at the hospital, she learned that Professor Zheng Lao had just finished surgery and had been sent back to a private ward.

Although the surgery was completed, the effect was not ideal.

Professor Zheng remained unconscious, with no sign of improvement.

He had never married in his life, had no descendants; other family members either had predeceased him or lived abroad.

Before losing consciousness, he had instructed his secretary to notify the nation's high officials and friends in the industry, as well as former students, after his death, so as not to disturb everyone's work.

Therefore, at present only his secretary and the medical team formed by Xinghan Hospital, together with related personnel, were present.

Ning Jinli entered the ward and saw Professor Zheng wearing an oxygen mask, his body covered with various unknown tubes, and she felt a sourness in her nose.

Not long ago he looked perfectly fine, but now he has become like this.

"Secretary Li, I have a heart pill here; please give it to Grandfather Zheng right away," Ning Jinli produced the pill Lian Qingbai had given her, "just put it into Grandfather Zheng's mouth."

The secretary hesitated, staring at the dark, peanut‑sized pill in her palm, and asked, "What medicine is this?"

It concerns the old professor's life, so he wouldn't dare give it to anyone carelessly.

Ning Jingli said, "It's a heart‑protecting medicine made by a descendant of the Divine Farmer's Materia Medica. People say that even if it doesn't cure completely, one dose can improve the condition by five or six points."

The secretary's eyes suddenly brightened, and she instinctively reached out to take the medicine.

But her hand stopped abruptly; after a moment she said, "How about we first consult the treatment team."

Immediately, she called the people outside the ward inside.

However, Ning Jingli could only say that the pill was made by a descendant of the Divine Farmer's Materia Medica and that it was roughly effective with no side effects; she had no further explanation.

The treatment‑team members all expressed doubt.

Someone said the medicine's origin was unclear and that they couldn't give it to Professor Zheng just because she claimed it worked.

Another said Professor Zheng's condition was currently very unstable; if the medicine caused any trouble, it would be disastrous.

Yet another added that at the very least the medicine should be tested first.

In short, after a quick discussion, everyone refused to feed the medicine to Professor Zheng.

Ning Jingli broke out in a cold sweat, frantic that the life‑saving medicine was right in her hand yet stalled here.

"Secretary Li, you have to believe me—give it to Grandfather Zheng right away!" she pleaded to the secretary.

Seeing her urgent and sincere gaze, the secretary was deeply conflicted, "Miss Ning… I trust your character, but treating Professor Zheng must follow the doctors' advice. I'm sorry… I…"

"If he doesn't take it now, it'll be too late!" Ning Jingli shouted.

"Stop shouting!" the attending physician said, his face darkening. "Miss, Professor Zheng needs quiet and must not be stimulated. You should leave at once!"

Ning Jingli clutched the pill, glanced at the secretary's conflicted expression, then surveyed the other doctors and nurses who were already irritated.

Finally her gaze fell quietly on Professor Zheng lying on the bed.

There was no way…

Since she couldn't persuade them, she had to gamble everything!

She tightened her grip on the pill and stepped toward the ward door.

Just as everyone thought she was leaving and even gave her way, she suddenly spun around and lunged toward the bed!

"What are you doing!" the attending physician exclaimed, "Stop her!"

Ning Jingli rushed forward in one breath, tore off the oxygen mask, and shoved the pill into Professor Zheng's mouth!

The other doctors and nurses recovered, surged forward, and with seven hands and eight arms desperately tried to block her.

Someone twisted her shoulder, another yanked her clothing, and a third clutched her arm tightly.

Just as the pill was about to go in, the crowd's combined force stopped her.

"No!" Ning Jingli shouted while struggling, "Please, believe me!"

The attending physician roared, "Drag her out and call the police!"

"Doctor," the secretary stepped forward and pleaded, "Miss Ning is certainly not a villain; she surely wants Professor Zheng to be fine, she just acted impulsively… Please don't call the police."

The attending physician sighed, "Fine, I understand the sentiment. You persuade her properly. Don't cause more trouble; we'll do our best."

Ning Jingli felt hopeless.

She couldn't break free from the crowd, and during the struggle the pill fell onto the bed.

A nurse frowned, pinched the pill, and was about to toss it out the window.

"Stop! Don't throw it!" Ning Jingli roared, "It's a lifesaver! Please, please believe me!"

She lost control again, arousing strong resentment from the doctors.

Thus they were no longer courteous; their movements became rough, pulling and dragging her out of the ward.

At that moment, Professor Zheng slowly opened his eyes, his breath like a wisp, and whispered, "Xiao Ning… you're here…"

"Grandfather Zheng!" Ning Jingli burst into tears.

Everyone halted, carefully gathering around the bedside.

Professor Zheng asked with effort, "What's happening to you all?"

Ning Jingli wiped her tears forcefully and, at top speed, explained the single pill she had brought to save him.

Professor Zheng's gaunt, aged cheek broke into a smile, "Xiao Ning, thank you… Since this is your heartfelt intention, I will of course… take it… Feed the medicine… to me."

"No, Professor Zheng," the attending physician urged, "You've just barely awakened; we can continue examinations and treatment. You must not take medicine recklessly."

Professor Zheng said, "Even my own wishes can't be honored… Then I don't want to continue treatment, it would waste medical resources… That's not good…"

The doctors and nurses' eyes reddened, and the secretary clenched her teeth nearby, holding back tears.

"Let me take it; I trust Xiao Ning," Professor Zheng requested.

The group hesitated repeatedly; considering the gravity, they could only summon the dean.

Time ticked by second after second.

The barely revived Professor Zheng's breath grew ever weaker.

The real‑time vital‑sign monitor beside him indicated he could slip into a permanent sleep at any moment.

The doctors were eager to begin the next round of treatment immediately.

Ning Jingli was anxious to give the medicine to Professor Zheng.

But they still had to wait for the dean's approval.

A few minutes later, the dean huffed and ran over.

He had learned the situation by phone on his way, and upon entering the ward said, "Professor Zheng, we absolutely cannot let you take any risk. Even if you blame me, I'll still say this."

"No one knows what the medicine Miss Ning brought actually is!"

"Even if she means well, what if something goes wrong? What if it harms you instead? That would cause irreparable loss to our country!"

After saying that, he immediately ordered all unrelated personnel to leave, allowing the treatment team to begin the rescue.

Ning Jinli was just asked to leave like that, her whole body felt as if her soul had been drained, and she slumped sitting in the corridor outside the ward.

Almost…

Just a little more and I would have fed Grandfather Zheng the medicine…

Unfortunately, it fell short at the last moment.

She hugged her knees, blaming herself nonstop; she really should have gone up and given the medicine without a word as soon as she entered the ward, otherwise it wouldn't have come to this…

In the ward, Professor Zheng weakly beckoned to the secretary.

The secretary lowered her head, turned her ear, and listened carefully.

The director handed over the scene to the medical team, then also left the ward; as he stepped out, he almost kicked Ning Jinli.

He frowned, "Miss Ning, you should just leave; I can't let you run wild."

"I'm not being reckless." Ning Jinli lifted her head, eyes red, and said, "I... I also know you're doing this for his own good, but I simply can't make you believe me..."

The director saw her tear-filled eyes, felt somewhat reluctant to scold her, and patiently said:

"Old Zheng's safety is no small matter; if, despite using all proper medical means to save him, he still couldn't be saved, that would be understandable."

"But if, because you casually gave him some medicine, it caused his death, that responsibility — you couldn't bear it, nor could I; the entire Xinghan Central Hospital would face the state's harshest punishment."

"Even stepping back, even if your pill wouldn't kill him, he is already critically ill; when he eventually dies, it won't be your or my fault, yet it will become our responsibility."

"You're still young, maybe you don't understand these things; I've made myself clear enough — go back and think it over carefully."

After listening to the director's lengthy persuasion, Ning Jinli slowly rose to her feet.

"I understand," she said with a determined gaze, "I can also see the hospital's considerations, and I know my action itself is against the rules, but I still have to tell you, that pill is absolutely effective!"

The director rubbed his forehead, massaging his temples, "You little girl, why are you so stubborn? The true Shennong Bencaojing has been lost for thousands of years! Where would there be any inheritors? I became director after decades as a doctor — don't I know more about medicine than you? I know you mean well, but you're too young and naive; your eagerness to save others is being exploited by quacks."

Ning Jinli pressed her lips; although she said nothing more, she still wore a stubborn expression.

The director was torn between laughter and tears, "Alright, if that pill really could save Professor Zheng, I'll give you my position as director!"

No sooner had he spoken than the ward door opened.

The attending physician stepped out, solemn expression, and said, "Director, Professor Zheng... has taken that pill."

The director exclaimed in shock, "Didn't I say not to let him take it? What's going on?!"