Chapter 52: The Three Yin Intersection Eases Menstrual Pain

"I will do my best. Tell me about the patient’s condition so I can get a general understanding," Lu Feng said in a casual tone.

Zhou Fuqu wiped her mouth with a napkin, set it down, and replied, "That cannot be disclosed."

"Cannot be disclosed? To diagnose, observation, inquiry, and examination are indispensable," Lu Feng said, puzzled.

Zhou Fuqu maintained her icy demeanor, responding coolly, "I am seeking a renowned physician."

"If you want a famous traditional medicine doctor, I’m afraid I’m not that well-known yet," Lu Feng replied, sensing her aloofness and responding in kind.

"You are forthright. Meeting you is fate. This meal is on me," Zhou Fuqu said, then lifted her napkin and stood to leave.

"Miss Zhou…" Su Dao'an and Fang Huijuan stood up simultaneously, calling after her.

Su Dao'an, knowing the reason for Zhou Fuqu’s attitude, hurried after her. "Miss Zhou, Yun’an has over thirty registered traditional medicine practitioners, but I didn’t bring any of them to meet you—only Lu Feng. Don’t you want to know why?"

Zhou Fuqu glanced back at Su Dao'an. "Are you suggesting his medical skills surpass those thirty registered practitioners?"

"Of the other renowned doctors, I can’t vouch for them, but within Yun’an, Lu Feng is unquestionably the best. That, I guarantee," Su Dao'an affirmed immediately.

Zhou Fuqu looked at Lu Feng anew, but his youthful face made it impossible for her to reconcile him with the image of a sage-like master.

"Miss Zhou, why not let Lu Feng take your pulse? See if he can tell you anything—consider it a test of his abilities. Would that be acceptable?" Su Dao'an suggested.

Zhou Fuqu considered for a moment, about to agree.

Lu Feng, however, spoke first. "No need for the pulse. She isn’t sick. Her main issue is menstrual pain, which happens to be acting up now."

Lu Feng met Zhou Fuqu’s angry gaze and continued, "You don’t wish to stay here, partly because you don’t trust me, and partly because you’re uncomfortable and want to return quickly. The foundation on your face is thicker than usual, covering the darkness beneath your eyes, and your lipstick is bright to conceal the pallor of your lips. You avoid sugar for fear of gaining weight, which makes the pain worse than most. I suspect you usually rely on painkillers, but those only treat symptoms, not the cause, making your pain increasingly severe—sometimes so bad you want to writhe on the floor!"

Zhou Fuqu’s expression grew more and more unpleasant. Having her menstrual pain revealed in public was a sensitive matter for an unmarried woman.

Su Dao'an watched Zhou Fuqu anxiously, unsure if she would explode.

Lu Feng, undeterred, continued, "Menstrual pain isn’t a major illness, but it’s hard to treat—it requires regulation. Next time you’re in pain, drink brown sugar water. It’s a common remedy but highly effective. Also, I can write a prescription—make an herbal pillow from the ingredients. When the pain strikes, heat the pillow in a microwave for a few minutes, then place it on your abdomen. Within three months, your pain will improve."

Su Dao'an immediately beckoned a waiter for paper and pen, setting them before Lu Feng to write the prescription.

Lu Feng wrote simply: ‘One pound of red beans.’

Zhou Fuqu looked at the prescription and asked, "Is that it?"

"Yes. Precision matters more than complexity. Red beans are the best external remedy for menstrual pain. If you want internal medicine, use a blood-tonic prescription, but judging by your figure, I doubt you’d willingly take supplements," Lu Feng replied.

Zhou Fuqu’s expression shifted uncertainly, for Lu Feng’s diagnosis was spot-on. She indeed suffered from menstrual pain, disliked sweets, and had studied abroad.

The condition began while she was overseas, where access to traditional medicine was difficult, so she relied on painkillers. They worked well at first, allowing her to study and work normally, but in recent years the pain had worsened, just as Lu Feng described—sometimes so severe she wanted to writhe on the floor.

After years of relying on Western medicine, the relief was always temporary; as soon as she stopped the medication, the pain would return the following month, again and again.

Zhou Fuqu felt a little more confident in Lu Feng’s medical skill and said, "You do have some ability, but this alone is not enough. My grandfather’s illness is not minor. He has seen many famous doctors across the country, and without real skill, it cannot be cured."

"I know nothing of your grandfather’s condition, so if I said I could cure him now, would you believe me?" Lu Feng shook his head.

"I want to see what else you can do," Zhou Fuqu said, sitting down.

"Very well, let me show you. Old Su, bring a gold needle," Lu Feng said.

Su Dao'an immediately asked the waiter to bring the health center’s gold needle set.

Lu Feng reached out, "Miss Zhou, please remove your shoes and place your foot on this chair."

"You’re going to perform acupuncture?" Zhou Fuqu asked suspiciously.

"Yes. You want to see true skill? A prescription takes time for effect. If you want fast results in traditional medicine, nothing beats acupuncture," Lu Feng smiled.

Half convinced, Zhou Fuqu removed her shoes and placed her foot on the chair.

Her feet were pale and flawless, like freshly peeled lotus roots, delicate enough that the blue veins beneath the skin could be seen.

The waiter brought the gold needle, unwrapped a new one, and handed it to Lu Feng.

The health center’s gold needles were sterilized and individually packaged, so they could be used directly without alcohol.

Lu Feng took the gold needle in one hand and gently held Zhou Fuqu’s foot with the other, his thumb searching for the correct spot. Once found, he inserted the needle, twisted it a few times, and let go.

After a single needle, Lu Feng stopped.

Zhou Fuqu had expected several needles, but was surprised when he only used one, and asked with a frown, "Is that all?"

"Don’t you feel less pain?" Lu Feng retorted.

Zhou Fuqu was taken aback. Whether it was psychological or truly miraculous, she did feel less pain. Moments ago, she only wanted to hurry home for painkillers, but now, though the discomfort lingered, she could sit calmly.

"It does seem a bit better," Zhou Fuqu said uncertainly.

"San Yin Jiao relieves menstrual pain, one needle is enough. The consultation fee is thirty thousand. Remember to pay when you leave. If you want me to see your grandfather, bring an invitation another day!" Lu Feng said, removed the needle, and left.

Zhou Fuqu remained cold and proud.

Lu Feng, too, had his temper. He had held back only because she was a patient. Now that the consultation was over, he showed no more courtesy and left without another word.