Chapter 53: The Monk Who Won the Courtesan's Favor

Liu Shenwei’s words left Pei Min utterly confused—some internal energy cultivation method, some hereditary heart ailment—none of it made sense.

Liu Shenwei, realizing he had spoken too abstrusely, rephrased carefully: “In other words, the blood flowing within the human body moves at a normal speed. If it flows too fast, it harms the body; if too slow, the blood vessels become congested, which is even more damaging.”

This time Pei Min understood, his face full of shock and astonishment. Poor blood circulation—wasn’t that what later generations called insufficient blood supply? He hadn’t expected Liu Shenwei’s grasp of medicine to be so advanced. Though he didn’t use the technical terms of the 21st century, his understanding of blood flow rivaled that of modern times. Pei Min’s respect for the late immortal doctor Sun Simiao, who had passed away years ago, only deepened.

Liu Shenwei continued, “Sun Pu’s illness lies in his heart, inherited from his mother. It is caused by poor circulation between the heart and lungs.”

Pei Min glanced at Sun Pu busily working inside and thought to himself, what cruel fate! Sun Simiao was a divine healer, renowned for saving countless lives throughout his lifetime, yet his own descendants suffered so many hardships—premature birth and heart disease. Was it heart disease or coronary heart disease? Pei Min, not being a medical scholar, did not know precisely. Yet even in the 21st century, these were stubborn ailments, let alone in the technologically backward Tang dynasty.

Seeing Pei Min grasp the situation, Liu Shenwei smiled and said, “It’s thanks to my master’s unparalleled medical skill. He understood that this kind of heart disease was difficult to cure with medicine alone, so he developed a comprehensive breathing and health cultivation method—an internal energy practice designed to strengthen the muscles and accelerate blood flow within the body, compensating for the poor circulation between the heart and lungs.”

Impressive! Truly impressive!

Inwardly, Pei Min gave Sun Simiao a thumbs-up. Logically, those with heart or coronary disease should avoid strenuous exercise. Yet this breathing and health method could promote smoother blood flow without running or jumping—perfectly suited to address the problem.

“The breathing method,” Liu Shenwei went on, “uses internal friction to expend muscular strength, speeding up blood flow. Practicing it long-term causes some damage to muscles and bones. Sun Pu has been practicing since he was six. At first, to coax him, we only said it was a fun health exercise. Over time, it became a habit, and we never explained the risks, which led to misunderstandings. I only learned about this recently when Sun Pu mentioned it. That Hu monk Hui Fan has trapped us here at Yuzhen Temple, preventing us from going out. We had to rely on Taoist Ye to inquire about your whereabouts. Meanwhile, I hope you haven’t forced yourself to practice this method and harmed yourself. Fortunately, your bones and muscles are unusually strong, and you haven’t pushed yourself. The breathing method hasn’t caused you much harm; in fact, it has inadvertently tempered your physique. This was beyond my expectation.” Liu Shenwei chuckled. “It was a stroke of fate. My master designed this internal friction health method with Sun Pu’s age in mind. Children’s bones and muscles are flexible, so the movements are easier. Once mature, the bones harden, making the practice extremely difficult. That you, sir, have managed to complete it is truly surprising. I feared such an outcome, which is why I reside here at Yuzhen Temple—to build a reputation, hoping you would hear of it and come.”

Pei Min secretly felt fortunate. During that period, he had been preparing for the imperial examination and had not engaged in intense physical activity. Unexpectedly, this proved to be a blessing in disguise. He said, “Perhaps it’s because I practiced swordsmanship and secretly trained in dance from a young age. My body’s flexibility surpasses that of most people. At first, it was uncomfortable, but with practice, I became accustomed.” He paused before asking, “Does this mean I can no longer practice that method? If truly forbidden, it is a pity.”

Liu Shenwei pondered briefly. “Not that you can’t practice it, just that it must be in moderation. You are still growing, and your body recovers quickly. If supplemented with external assistance, it might even strengthen your constitution.”

Pei Min’s eyes brightened.

Liu Shenwei added, “Whether this is truly effective, I’m not entirely sure. Theoretically, it’s possible.”

Pei Min asked, “Does external assistance mean using special techniques to help muscles recover?” Though not versed in medicine, he had once studied fitness to appear more impressive and knew some basics—that fitness involves muscle training through aerobic and anaerobic exercise to enhance strength.

He had suspected that Sun Pu’s internal friction method leaned toward anaerobic exercise, requiring full-body exertion and considerable stamina. Generally, anaerobic workouts cause muscle soreness lasting several days. But if muscle pain could be quickly alleviated, wouldn’t that allow daily intense training, making one’s body stronger and sturdier?

He shared this idea with Liu Shenwei.

Liu Shenwei praised, “You and I think alike. I believe it’s feasible, though it remains untested.”

Pei Min hastened to say, “Don’t call me ‘sir.’ Just call me Pei Min.”

Moved, Liu Shenwei said, “A newly minted top scholar! How rude of me. What a coincidence to have you right next door.” Pressured by Hui Fan, he was temporarily trapped at Yuzhen Temple. But many believers and patients frequented the place, often chatting about current events in Chang’an. The city’s hottest topic was none other than Pei Min, the champion scholar favored by Princess Taiping. Liu Shenwei was well acquainted with his story.

Pei Min wanted Liu Shenwei’s help in strengthening his physique and asked, “Why are you still trapped here at Yuzhen Temple? What happened originally? That villainous monk Hui Fan is truly reckless...”

Liu Shenwei sneered, “It’s not recklessness but fear. He dares not let me leave.” He hesitated, then gratefully recalled Pei Min’s prior assistance.

Pei Min said, “If you have difficulties, speak freely. I’ll help think of a plan. What can one evil monk do against us?”

Liu Shenwei reflected, agreeing that being confined here was no solution. He nodded, glanced around, and saw only a stranger named Xue Ne.

Pei Min quickly said, “Grandfather Xue is no outsider.”

Xue Ne spoke up, “Old doctor, you have quite the memory lapse. You once treated my father.”

Liu Shenwei looked at Xue Ne for a moment before realization dawned: “So you are the Grand Commander...” He had not known Xue Ne’s civilian status.

Xue Ne said no more, only murmuring, “In the emperor’s presence, who dares be so bold...”

Liu Shenwei smiled wryly, “That day, Hui Fan invited me to diagnose him. I found he suffers from a venereal disease...”