Han Li tightened his brows, saying nothing. He had just finished taking the pulse, examining the tongue coating and pupils, and had already初步 determined that this poison was a composite one—similar to the "Chuan Xiang Si" he had previously used. To effectively neutralize each of the various toxic components, Han Li still lacked the necessary skill and had only decided to try the "Qing Ling San" and a few other unconventional methods. As he thought of this, he quietly cursed himself for not being able to remove the poison, yet passed the challenge onto his other physicians, while maintaining the appearance of deep contemplation and careful study. A moment later, Zhao the Elder couldn't hold back and asked, "This young man! Can you really save Li the Elder? Just say something!" "Zhao Elder, you're being rather impatient. Didn't you see that Han the junior is actively working on a solution? Please be patient!" Before Han could respond, Ma the Gate Master stepped in, once again acting as a good-natured interlocutor and gently criticizing Zhao.
Old Zhao narrowed his eyes, about to speak, but before he could open his mouth, Han Li gently cleared his throat, interrupting him. This simple act drew a moment of surprise from the others in the room. At that moment, Han Li realized that, at his young age of just over a dozen years, he was imitating the coughing manner of an elder—something rather comical. Yet it didn't matter much; his purpose had already been achieved, and he certainly didn't wish to hear any further disputes between the two. "This poison is a complex blend, and its removal is indeed quite challenging. I cannot guarantee a complete success, but I would like to attempt it. During the process, there may be risks—potentially life-threatening to Elder Li. Would the others still prefer for me to take the initiative?" Han Li pretended to be hesitant, delivering these words. To him, the better the situation, the more preferable it would be if he didn't have to undertake the task—his confidence in succeeding was truly uncertain.
Han Li's words left the family members in the room stunned, none daring to agree to have him immediately administer the antidote—though aside from Han Li, it seemed the other physicians were no better. After a pause, Li Senior's wife, Li, suddenly spoke up:
"How confident are you, Doctor Han, in saving our senior husband?"
"Five out of ten," Han Li replied without hesitation.
"Then go ahead and save him, Doctor. Should my husband unfortunately pass away, I will not blame you at all—this is simply fate." Li spoke with firm determination, surprising Han Li, who had expected her to hesitate.
"Brother-in-law, don't you think we should consider this more carefully? This young doctor is so young—I find it rather remarkable." Senior Zhao grew increasingly anxious, eager to urge Li to reconsider her impulsive decision.
"I've thought this over carefully. If we don't let Doctor Han administer the antidote, I believe my husband won't make it through tonight. It would be better to take a risk—there's still a fifty-fifty chance of recovery."
Li lightly lowered her head, her voice soft with a touch of melancholy. "This...?" Zhao elder was left speechless. Han Li glanced at the others, who all seemed to agree with Li's decision, and then reached into his medical bag, pulling out a jade-green bottle. From it, he poured out a red pill. "Who will fetch a bowl of warm water and dissolve this pill in it, then give it to Li elder to take?" "I will," came a clear voice before Han Li even finished speaking. Zhang Xiu'er, who had been gazing at the ground with red eyes all along, immediately responded and stepped out of the room. Li Feiyu paused slightly, then quickly followed, which made Han Li silently admire her in the background—though he couldn't help but feel a strong sense of disdain for Li Feiyu. Not long after, Zhang Xiu'er entered with a look of resignation, hands empty. Behind her, Li Feiyu carefully carried a white porcelain bowl, closely following.
The people in the room couldn't help but smile at this scene, their faces expressing the delight of watching a good show, which made Zhang Xiu'er feel a gentle blush rise to her cheeks, her demeanor clearly that of a young, bashful maiden. However, this development eased the tension in the room considerably, bringing relief and comfort to several of the guests. Li Feiyu calmly held out the bowl to Li Shi. "Doctor Han, do you think this water is suitable?" Li Shi turned to seek Han's opinion. "It's good," Han said, glancing at the white bowl and nodding. He then took the bowl in one hand, dropped the pill into the water, and within moments, the entire bowl turned a deep red. "Just pour it into Li Elder's bowl. Women are usually more careful, so it would be better if you do it yourself." Han extended his hand and returned the bowl to her. Li Shi promptly agreed, without hesitation.
To her, every word spoken by Han Li at this moment carried the weight of her husband's life—how could she possibly fail to listen?
"Actually, what is this medicine?" Watching Lady Li carefully pour a large bowl of red liquid into the Elder Li's mouth, one spoonful at a time, Zhao Elder couldn't help but ask this question that everyone in the room had been eager to know.
"It's a decoction I prepared myself, specifically designed to detoxify. I hope it proves effective," Han Li said calmly.
He didn't want to reveal the name of his "Qingling Powder"—who knew that such a sacred detoxifying remedy might bring unforeseen complications? It was safer to keep it discreet.
After the medicine was administered, within the course of one meal, the dark patches on Elder Li's face began to fade gradually, and the spots of poison on his body started to lighten and shrink.
This clear improvement was obvious even to someone unfamiliar with the matter—Elder Li's condition was steadily improving, and the situation was clearly turning positive.
Upon seeing all this, the people in the room could not help but smile brightly, their gaze toward Han Li now vastly different from when it had first begun—only Zhao the Elder still found it difficult to hide his displeasure, lightly snorting, though his expression had softened somewhat. Seeing that no further action had been taken on his part, yet the poison was already beginning to subside, Han Li himself was somewhat surprised. "Clearing and Invigorating Powder" proved to be so effective—it truly exceeded his expectations. Perhaps the poison was not as severe as he had originally thought. Thus he mused. As the situation appeared to be improving, Han Li felt a certain sense of frustration. There were two reasons for this: first, he had previously mentioned that the process of detoxification carried certain risks. If, in the end, the poison simply dissolved so easily, wouldn't that seem like him deliberately misleading everyone? Second, while "Clearing and Invigorating Powder" worked so well for others' poisons, it failed to take effect on him. This continued to trouble him, as he still struggled with the lingering issue of the阴poison within his own body.