Chapter 132: A Verbal Duel with a Quack

Lu Feng finished taking Mr. Liang’s pulse, then examined his legs. Rolling up the pant legs above the knees, he carefully inspected before concluding that Mr. Liang did not suffer from polymyositis.

Wang Shunyi found it laughable—a mere youth with no medical training had the audacity to claim he had misdiagnosed the patient.

Wang Shunyi couldn’t fathom where this insolent boy’s confidence came from to challenge his diagnosis. He shook his head, sneering dismissively, unwilling even to argue—a debate with someone ignorant was like casting pearls before swine.

However, with dozens of students watching and irritated by Lu Feng’s doubts about his medical skill, Wang Shunyi resolved to teach the impudent youngster a lesson.

“Young man, you’re too inexperienced. Eat a few more years of rice before you boast. Traditional Chinese diagnosis isn’t as simple as feeling the wrist,” Wang Shunyi said with a barely concealed sarcasm.

“TCM diagnosis is not just pulse-taking; it requires the four examinations: observation, listening and smelling, questioning, and pulse-taking,” Lu Feng began confidently. “Observation means looking at complexion and movements. When Mr. Liang spoke, rolled up his pant legs, and turned his head, I observed his actions carefully. I noted that except for the disease in his lower legs, no other part of his body showed symptoms—that’s observation.”

“Second is listening and smelling. Mr. Liang’s voice was strong and clear, indicating no major organ dysfunction. So, the leg symptoms likely aren’t caused by internal organ complications. Third is questioning. I didn’t ask because all the answers are in Mr. Liang’s medical records, which I’ve reviewed thoroughly. For the past three years, aside from leg pain, he has had no other illnesses. Lastly is pulse-taking, which I have done. I am confident Mr. Liang does not have polymyositis.”

Lu Feng presented his reasoning clearly, yet Wang Shunyi continued to sneer, “The four examinations—anyone who’s heard of ancient medical masters would know them, even if not a doctor.”

“What else can you say besides calling me too young and ignorant? Since you insist Mr. Liang has polymyositis, then tell me your basis for that diagnosis,” Lu Feng challenged directly.

“That’s exactly what I intend to teach my students today,” Wang Shunyi snorted and began explaining. “Mr. Liang was misdiagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at another hospital. Indeed, he has arthritis, but it’s mild and treatable with medication. However, after recovery, his leg pain did not improve but worsened, along with muscle weakness symptoms.”

Wang Shunyi laid out his diagnosis fully: “Muscle weakness with arthritis is a classic symptom of polymyositis, a rheumatic disease. Therefore, I used acupuncture designed for inflammatory diseases. As expected, after a week of treatment, Mr. Liang’s pain was significantly reduced, and his muscle weakness alleviated—he was able to stand and walk.”

Lu Feng shook his head and pressed further, “Do you really base your confident diagnosis of polymyositis solely on the fact that acupuncture helped him stand?”

“What else? If he didn’t have polymyositis, why would acupuncture work?” Wang Shunyi grew irritated from being challenged so boldly.

“Acupuncture can relieve muscle weakness because techniques for inflammatory diseases often ease such symptoms. But you mistake symptom relief for curing the disease itself. You’re so proud of this improvement you fail to see the patient’s real condition,” Lu Feng retorted angrily.

Illnesses are complex; patients often develop complications. No doctor can guarantee a perfect first diagnosis. A competent physician must continuously revise their diagnosis to ultimately heal the patient.

Yet Wang Shunyi proudly believed his diagnosis was flawless, treating Mr. Liang with acupuncture for six months—not curing but merely delaying the illness.

Lu Feng’s anger wasn’t personal—it stemmed from Wang Shunyi’s lack of responsibility as a doctor, prioritizing reputation over true patient care.

Mr. Liang, whose legs had been paralyzed for over half a year, knew some medical basics. Listening to the argument, Lu Feng’s points sounded reasonable, yet his youth made him trust the older doctor more. After all, in traditional medicine, seniority often implied reliability.

Still, the body was his own, and hearing doubts raised, he wanted clarity.

“Um… Doctor Wang, this young man seems to have a point. Perhaps a reexamination is in order?” he asked hesitantly.

Already annoyed, Wang Shunyi snapped, “Do you doubt my diagnosis? Trusting a greenhorn like him could leave your legs ruined!”

“If your diagnosis is wrong, it’s wrong. Is it forbidden to say so? No doctor claims never to err, but at least they should recognize mistakes. Healing the patient should come first,” Lu Feng replied steadily.

“Wrong diagnosis?!” Wang Shunyi paced angrily, then sneered mockingly. “A troublemaker like you—I can’t believe I’m wasting time arguing. Young man, go eat more rice, read more books. The world isn’t shaped by your words.”

Lu Feng smiled coldly, “I speak only of the patient’s condition; you attack my age. Are you afraid of losing to a younger man?”

“Lose to you? Ridiculous.” Wang Shunyi, fuming, unbuttoned his jacket and placed his hands on his hips, visibly flustered.

Some students eager to curry favor with the professor chimed in, “Exactly! How could Professor Wang be wrong? Su Muyu, who did you bring here? Looking for trouble?”

Embarrassed and unable to respond, Su Muyu stomped anxiously, “Ah…”

Lu Feng pulled her behind him and, facing the crowd’s suspicion, proposed confidently, “If you don’t believe us, let me treat Mr. Liang. In just one hour, he will stand and walk without pain.”

Disbelief rippled through the audience.

How could a student claim to cure a patient in one hour when a professor had treated him for half a year without success?

Wang Shunyi found the situation absurd and laughed bitterly. “I don’t mind. If you’re not afraid of responsibility, go ahead. But it depends on whether Mr. Liang is willing. One hour… utterly laughable.”