Chapter Twenty-Six: The Golden Needle Barrier-Clearing Technique

After nearly two months, when Sun Taichong saw Du Shiyi again, all traces of his earlier underestimation had vanished. Whether the young prodigy from Duling in Jingzhao had exhausted his literary talent or not, he had so deftly gained Sima Chengzhen’s favor, and then, when others shunned the locust-catching affair as if it were a viper, he had stepped forward. Now, with the imperial censor arriving in Dengfeng, he found the entire county office mobilized, the surrounding villages actively engaged in catching locusts. Even if Du Shiyi himself would not be credited, the county office owed him a debt of gratitude. And, as if that were not enough, once his success was secured and he had retired, he became a disciple of the illustrious Lu Hong, bringing with him the eleventh son of the main branch of the Cui family from Yongfeng Ward in the Eastern Capital.

After receiving the sheet of paper personally delivered by Lu Wangzhi, containing the Eight Needle Methods and a prescription for medicinal decoction, Sun Taichong deliberated for three days before finally undertaking this journey to Xuanlian Peak. In his early years, he had performed several golden needle cataract operations, most of which came with the caveat that success or failure was in the hands of fate. He had tried all manner of decoctions post-surgery, with mixed results—some regained their sight, some remained blind, and others suffered lasting ailments from excessive bleeding or festering wounds. Thus, he had long hesitated to intervene in Lu Hong’s eye disease. Yet, this unassuming sheet of paper sent by Du Shiyi now weighed on him like a thousand junctures.

Among the high and mighty, those afflicted with internal cataracts were countless. If what was recorded on this page proved true, he could forge endless good relations in the future! Ultimately, he first went into Dengfeng County itself and performed the procedure on a patient nearly blind from a similar round cataract. When the results far surpassed his previous efforts, he finally resolved to proceed.

Now, having thoroughly cleansed his hands, he inhaled deeply and glanced at Pei Ning, a fellow disciple of Lu’s who was meticulously sterilizing the golden needle. With Du Shiyi and Lu Wangzhi standing by, Sun Taichong could not help but speak, his voice grave: “Master Lu, if this procedure succeeds, you will be able to see clearly again, and your photophobia should also improve. But if anything goes amiss…”

At his words, Pei Ning’s face changed dramatically, but Lu Wangzhi remained calm and composed. “Daoist Sun, please proceed without worry. My master has long hoped to regain his sight. Moreover, this cave is cramped; whenever students come for lectures, at most a score can attend each session. If Master Lu could leave the cave and teach all his students together, that would be true equality in education!”

“Wangzhi has said everything I meant to convey.” Lu Hong smiled and nodded, casting a reassuring glance at Pei Ning. “Sanlang, you needn’t be so anxious. Even if I am to remain in darkness, I still have you all by my side. The teachings are committed to my memory; no classes will be delayed or interrupted on account of this.”

“Master Lu…”

Seeing Pei Ning’s eyes redden, Du Shiyi too felt his heart grow heavy. He could guarantee the accuracy of his diagnosis and the precision of the Eight Needle Methods transcribed from the Complete Treatise on the Eye, and the prescription was apt for the illness. Yet, this was a matter of inserting a needle into the eye to remove a cataract—an undertaking fraught with risk. Even though Sun Taichong was renowned as the foremost physician in the region, as Lu Hong had remarked, not even the legendary Sun Simiao could cure every illness. If anything should go wrong now…

“Nineteenth Young Master, do not fret. At least your prescription has brought me hope.” With these words, Lu Hong smiled, “Zifang, you may proceed.”

Though he had performed needling procedures in both past and present lives, this was the first time Du Shiyi had ever witnessed an eye operation in person. He watched as Sun Taichong used his left thumb and forefinger to part the eyelids, then, with his right thumb, forefinger, and middle finger, held the needle, studying the contours of Lu Hong’s eye with utmost care before suddenly inserting the needle at the precise spot. For a moment, Du Shiyi felt as if he could scarcely breathe. He watched as the needle entered, probing and maneuvering with deft precision, rolling aside the cataract, finally clearing the opacity. Sun then used the needle’s shaft to cleanse the central well and surrounding area of residual blood and pus, before withdrawing it in one unbroken movement. The succession of swift, deft actions left him speechless; even his heartbeat seemed suspended. Only when Sun Taichong, drenched in sweat, let out a long breath and casually tossed the golden needle into a basin of clear water did Du Shiyi finally swallow hard.

It was Pei Ning who first broke the tense silence: “Daoist Taichong, Master Lu’s eyes…”

But Sun Taichong did not reply immediately. Instead, he gazed intently at Lu Hong. In the next instant, Lu Hong let out a hearty laugh: “I haven’t seen things so clearly in years! Daoist Sun, I am deeply grateful!”

“Boundless Heavenly Lord!” Even Lu Wangzhi could not help but clasp his hands and utter a prayer before turning to Sun Zifang and bowing deeply. “Thank you, Daoist Sun, for restoring Master Lu’s sight!”

“There’s no need for thanks. I have gained much as well.”

Though he had not performed the operation himself, Du Shiyi found himself drenched in sweat, his legs weak beneath him. He watched as Pei Ning hurried to Lu Hong’s side, quietly asking questions before, his face alight with joy, he helped the patient to recline and rest. Du Shiyi wiped his brow with his sleeve, but in the next moment saw both Sun Taichong and Lu Wangzhi looking his way.

“The Eight Needle Methods for cataract extraction you provided far surpasses anything in the Treatise of the Dragon’s Eye. Today’s success is owed to you, young Master Du!” Sun Taichong smiled and saluted him. “Do you happen to recall the entire text?”

“Forgive me, Daoist Sun. After the severe illness I suffered last year, I now remember less than half of what I once read,” Du Shiyi replied with an apologetic smile. Seeing Sun Taichong’s evident disappointment, he added, “If I recall more in the future, I’ll be sure to write it down for you!”

Du Shiyi’s candid admission brought some regret, but Sun Taichong, well-versed in medical literature, knew the true value of the Eight Needle Methods and understood it was folly to demand more. Smiling kindly, he said, “Young Master Du, do not pressure yourself. Your health comes first. Let me check your pulse again—the previous prescription should be changed now.”

Since volunteering for the locust-catching mission at the county office, no one from Songyang Temple had visited him. Now that Sun Taichong offered again, Du Shiyi readily extended his left wrist. After checking his pulse, Sun Taichong smiled, “Your vital essence has recovered, and your meridians are much stronger. You no longer need the tonic medicine. I’ll write you a new prescription to fully restore your health, so there will be no lingering ailments. By the way, the wind-dispelling powder and antelope horn decoction you recommended have been prepared. Please bring them to Master Lu later.”

As Lu Hong needed rest after the surgery, Sun Taichong was accompanied to the door by Lu Wangzhi. That morning, Lu Hong had been moved to Lu Wangzhi’s own thatched hut for the procedure. Now, news of the successful operation had spread, and the disciples and scholars gathered outside erupted in joyous cheers. Sun Taichong received endless gratitude as he left the hut. Soon, Pei Ning emerged with his signature stern face and cold voice, quieting the excited crowd.

“No noise—Master Lu must rest for several days!” With that succinct command, and seeing everyone finally fall silent, he turned to Sun Taichong and gave a deep, respectful bow. “Daoist Taichong, for removing Master Lu’s cataract, we disciples will be forever in your debt.”

Sun Taichong smiled in return, but Pei Ning continued in his calm tone, “Yet had it not been for our junior brother transcribing the Eight Needle Methods and the accompanying prescriptions, Master Lu would not see again. I know some among you once had doubts when Master Lu took him as a disciple. Whether the locust campaign was auspicious or not is for Heaven and the people to judge, but that our junior brother has restored Master Lu’s sight is beyond dispute. Debate all you wish on scholarly matters, but if any of you dare to disparage his character again, you need not remain at Lu’s Thatched Hall!”

From his seat in Lu Hong’s hut, Du Shiyi heard every word clearly. In recent days, he had grown closest to Lu Wangzhi, and he had become acquainted with the outspoken Fourth Senior Brother Hou Xiao and the cheerful Second Senior Brother Song Shen. Only Pei Ning had always seemed aloof and unapproachable, so it surprised him that it was this cold-faced man who had spoken most protectively on his behalf.

Just then, he heard Lu Hong, lying quietly, speak in a soft voice: “Sanlang is simply warm-hearted beneath a cold exterior. He may seem strict as a steward, keeping everyone in order, but he cares the most for his fellows. His elder brother, Pei Kuan, is an assistant magistrate in the Ministry of Justice. That same upright, unyielding temperament runs in their family!”

Hearing this, Du Shiyi smiled, “Though Third Senior Brother seems cold, his conduct is righteous—he is a true gentleman.”

“A gentleman is open and upright. If you ever have questions in your studies, seek him out,” Lu Hong replied.

“Yes, Master. I understand.”

“As for your First Senior Brother…” Lu Hong paused a moment, then smiled. “Living together, do not only learn his carefree ways. I raised him from childhood, but his nature is wholly unlike mine. He is quick-witted and eloquent, but shuns fame—whenever he composes a poem or essay, he destroys it at once. Even I am helpless before him.”

Recalling Lu Wangzhi’s absentmindedness, offset by his grace at crucial moments, Du Shiyi could not help but laugh. He stayed and chatted with Lu Hong for some time, and, seeing that his master was gradually falling asleep, his breathing slow and even, Du Shiyi finally rose quietly. Though his sweat had long since dried, a sticky feeling lingered on his skin. Now that he had helped cure his teacher’s eyes, he thought he might spare a moment to visit Lady Du Thirteen, and quickly left the hut. But before he could find Pei Ning to inform him, he saw a crowd on the mountain path outside, and a commotion broke out.

Soon after, Cui Jianxuan pushed through the crowd, running straight up to him, out of breath: “Du Nineteen, the imperial censor sent to inspect the locust plague has arrived. Since he’s come to Mount Song, he insists on meeting Master Lu. My Seventh Uncle is accompanying him!”