Chapter Forty: The Five-Animal Frolics

“Whew.” Liu Yao let out a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his brow. He murmured to himself, “At last, it’s been resolved.”

“Reporting to my lord, all these patients are now stable. As long as they continue taking the medicine I’ve prescribed on schedule, they will make a full recovery,” Hua Tuo approached and said.

Liu Yao glanced at Hua Tuo, who seemed full of vigor and astonishingly hadn’t even broken a sweat. He couldn’t help but feel a bit disheartened.

“Doctor Hua, I truly must thank you for your help this first time. It’s getting late—why not return to Ji County with me? I’ll hold a banquet so we can properly rest for the night. Besides, there’s someone else there in dire need of your medical skills,” Liu Yao suggested.

Hua Tuo glanced at the sky, which was already darkening. Indeed, it was late, and he did need a place to stay. Moreover, he had developed a favorable impression of this governor who cared for the people as if they were his own children, and he had already promised to treat the person Liu Yao mentioned. So he agreed.

Liu Yao immediately sent a trusted guard ahead on horseback to arrange the banquet at Ji County and to invite Huang Zhong to join them. As for Liu Yao and the others, they made their way leisurely toward the city.

In the governor’s mansion at Ji County, the banquet was already prepared, and Huang Zhong had been waiting for some time. As Liu Yao and his companions entered the hall, Huang Zhong hastened to pay his respects, “Greetings, my lord.” He then looked curiously at the unfamiliar, white-haired elder beside Liu Yao, while Hua Tuo, in turn, sized up Huang Zhong with a look of puzzlement.

“No need for formalities, Han Sheng,” Liu Yao said casually. “Please, everyone, take your seats.”

Once all were seated, Hua Tuo couldn’t help but point to Huang Zhong and ask, “My lord, is this the person you wish me to treat? Forgive my bluntness, but this warrior has vigorous energy and a robust physique—surely he is a general of extraordinary skill. Could there be some mistake?”

Hua Tuo had assumed that since Huang Zhong was waiting, he must be the patient Liu Yao wanted him to save. Yet, with a doctor’s practiced eye, he could see that not only was Huang Zhong free of illness, he was actually healthier than most. This left him rather confused.

Liu Yao was momentarily taken aback, but quickly realized Hua Tuo’s misunderstanding. He thought to himself, “To think Hua Tuo’s medical skill is so profound he could discern Huang Zhong’s condition at a glance! Truly a divine physician.” He resolved then and there to keep Hua Tuo by his side.

“Doctor Hua, you misunderstand. This is the father of the person in need of your care,” Liu Yao explained.

“Oh, I see. The mistake was mine,” Hua Tuo replied with a gentle smile.

At last, Huang Zhong understood what Liu Yao and the white-haired elder had been discussing. He recalled Liu Yao mentioning a miracle physician. “My lord, is this the doctor who can save my son’s life?” Huang Zhong’s voice was thick with excitement and hope.

“That’s right,” Liu Yao said with a smile and a nod.

Upon receiving Liu Yao’s confirmation, Huang Zhong could no longer contain himself. He sprang to his feet, hurried to Hua Tuo, and, with tears in his eyes, knelt and pleaded, “Divine Physician Hua, please save my son’s life! I, Huang Zhong, will bow my head to you in gratitude!”

Hua Tuo was startled by Huang Zhong’s gesture and quickly helped him up. “General Huang, you mustn’t offer such ceremony. Saving the dying and healing the wounded is the duty of all who practice medicine. I will certainly do my utmost to save your son.”

“Thank you, Divine Physician Hua. Then please, let us go to him at once,” Huang Zhong said, wiping away his tears and reaching to lead Hua Tuo outside.

“Wait, Han Sheng!” Liu Yao quickly called out. Huang Zhong stopped in his tracks, still agitated. “What is it, my lord? My son is waiting for Divine Physician Hua to save him.”

Liu Yao understood Huang Zhong’s paternal concern and did not take offense at his impatience. “Han Sheng, it’s already quite late. Divine Physician Hua has come from afar and is exhausted. How can you bear to ask him to treat your son while weary? After all, Huang Xu’s illness is not a new one—can you afford to be impatient for one more night?”

“Ah!” Huang Zhong suddenly realized his mistake and bowed with clasped fists. “My lord, please forgive my earlier discourtesy.”

Liu Yao chuckled, “Han Sheng, I am not offended, but you should apologize to Divine Physician Hua instead.”

Huang Zhong bowed to Hua Tuo, “Divine Physician Hua, please forgive my rudeness.”

“It’s nothing,” Hua Tuo replied with a smile. “Your concern for your son shows your true character, General. How could I possibly blame you?”

Everyone resumed their seats and the banquet was filled with joy and camaraderie. Liu Yao arranged a guest room for Hua Tuo, who, having expended much energy that day, did not refuse and retired to rest.

The next morning, perhaps from the previous day’s exertions, Liu Yao awoke much later than usual. As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he saw Hua Tuo practicing a strange set of movements—at times like a tiger, then a deer, then an ape, a bear, and a crane. The five forms shifted fluidly from one to the next.

Liu Yao was astonished. “Could this be the legendary Five Animal Frolics created by Hua Tuo? It’s said to be immensely beneficial for health. Perhaps Hua Tuo’s own formidable vitality comes from this practice?”

He did not disturb Hua Tuo, but instead stood quietly watching until the set was complete.

“My lord, you’re here,” Hua Tuo said, not turning his head, hands moving into a finishing posture.

“Divine Physician Hua, your martial arts are truly profound,” Liu Yao praised.

Hua Tuo smiled, “You flatter me, my lord. This set of movements, which I created, is called the Five Animal Frolics. It imitates the movements of the tiger, deer, ape, bear, and crane. While it cannot guarantee longevity, those who practice it regularly will certainly grow stronger and live longer, year by year.”

“Oh? So your remarkable vitality is due to this practice?” Liu Yao asked with curiosity.

Hua Tuo shook his head, “Not entirely. While these movements are excellent for health, they do little for martial prowess. As for my own abilities, I owe them mostly to years spent gathering herbs in the mountains. By chance, I once ate a rare fruit and thus gained this opportunity. Others may not be so fortunate.”

“Is that so?” Liu Yao said, a little disappointed. Then, struck by inspiration, a plan formed in his mind. “Divine Physician Hua, would you be willing to teach this set of movements to our soldiers? It would strengthen them, allowing them to better defend our Han dynasty.”

“Of course. My very purpose in creating this set was to benefit all people, so that the people of our Han might grow robust and healthy,” Hua Tuo agreed without hesitation.

Liu Yao was overjoyed and quickly bowed to Hua Tuo. “In that case, on behalf of the one hundred and fifty thousand soldiers of Youzhou, I thank you for your generosity and righteousness.”

Hua Tuo deftly sidestepped Liu Yao’s bow. “There’s no need, my lord. Your concern for the common people is the true blessing for all citizens of the Han.”

At that moment Liu Yao suddenly exclaimed, then smiled wryly, “Divine Physician Hua, let us not linger here in conversation. Han Sheng’s son is still waiting for your treatment—he must be growing impatient by now.” He had nearly forgotten about Huang Xu.

“You are quite right, my lord,” said Hua Tuo earnestly. “The patient comes first. All else can wait.”

With that, Liu Yao led Hua Tuo to the residence of Huang Zhong’s family.