Several national medical masters sat in their chairs, looking down at Xu Ze—who had returned to his seat on the side, his expression still as calm and indifferent as ever—and couldn’t help but sigh softly. There was a strong feeling of the new wave pushing the old, with the old wave left to die on the shore…
As for the old gentlemen’s sighs, Xu Ze’s heart was far from as calm as his face suggested. He was waiting for Director Lin beside him to speak. After all, those two licenses were in the man’s hands, and the sooner he got them, the sooner he could relax.
Old Dean Guo up front also noticed the occasional flicker of impatience in Xu Ze’s eyes. He couldn’t help but stroke his beard and chuckle softly. He knew this kid was putting on an act. He looked all calm and collected on the surface, but inside, he was more anxious than anyone.
With a thought, Dean Guo couldn’t help but glance over at his grandson, Guo Yujian, whose expression was now somewhat downcast. He sighed lightly again, thinking to himself, This is for the best. My precious grandson has always been arrogant, believing himself unmatched among his peers. It’s good for him to face a little setback today, to temper his will and character.
Having steadied his own mind, Dean Guo glanced down at the anxious Xu Ze, gave a slight smile, then turned to Director Lin Zhikui beside him and said, “Director Lin, shall we announce the official results now?”
Director Lin nodded slightly with a smile, cleared his throat twice, and looked at the young people below him. “It is a great honor to be invited once again to attend the annual Rising Star Assessment for the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Today, I have once more witnessed the emergence of a new generation of elite TCM practitioners.”
“Looking at all of you energetic young people, I am always filled with deep emotion. At a time when traditional medicine is gradually declining, you carry the heavy burden of revitalizing it.”
“I am here on behalf of the National Medical Examination Center for one reason only: to exercise the authority granted to me by the state, to oversee this assessment, and to confer upon you the corresponding qualifications.”
After saying this, Director Lin smiled and nodded, then looked at Old Dean Guo. “Dean Guo, the assessment is now complete. I will now announce the awarding of the professional qualifications for this session.”
“We appreciate your efforts, Director Lin,” Dean Guo replied politely.
“Alright. I hereby announce… the awarding of the TCM Practitioner’s License to Guo Yujian, Wu Lin… and three other rising stars. The scope of practice is nationwide,” Director Lin announced the names of the new talents with a smile.
Xu Ze had been waiting for this announcement with a smile, waiting to hear his own name called. But when he heard the final part about the scope of practice, his eyes instantly widened.
Nationwide? Xu Ze stared wide-eyed at Director Lin, seeing no unusual expression on his face. He then turned his surprised gaze to the other rising stars beside him and saw that they, too, seemed to take it completely in stride. His heart skipped a beat. Could it really be…
“I hereby award Xu Ze the TCM Practitioner’s License and the Clinical Qualification Certificate… The scope of practice is nationwide.” The moment he heard Director Lin speak those words, Xu Ze’s heart soared with uncontrollable joy. It really is nationwide…
Xu Ze was completely taken aback. This news was far beyond his expectations, and it thrilled him to no end. Ordinary practitioner licenses were tied to a specific location, usually a designated hospital or a community clinic. You only had the legal authority to practice and prescribe medicine within that specific place. Step outside of it, and you lost the legal right to write prescriptions.
If you needed to switch hospitals or move to a different city to practice, you had to go through the health department to change the registered location of your license.
Xu Ze had never heard of a license valid nationwide. What did this mean? It meant that no matter where he went in the entire country, he was qualified to practice, to treat patients, and to write prescriptions.
So this is why there’s a special Rising Star Assessment… The benefits are this great. I’ve really hit the jackpot this time. Xu Ze secretly rejoiced. He had never imagined that participating in this assessment would grant him such extensive authority.
Up front, Director Lin had noticed the surprise and ecstasy flashing across Xu Ze’s face. He naturally understood that Xu Ze must have been unaware of this particular advantage. He smiled and explained, “It seems Dr. Xu Ze is puzzled by the ‘nationwide’ scope of practice designation.”
“Regarding this nationwide scope of practice, it is a special privilege granted by the Ministry of Health. It is an exception approved specifically to promote the heritage of Traditional Chinese Medicine and traditional healing arts. Historically, many TCM physicians would travel to various places to broaden their medical knowledge and experience. Therefore, to preserve this tradition, five years ago, at the specific request of Old Dean Guo, Premier Zeng specially instructed the Ministry of Health to grant this unique authority.”
Hearing Director Lin’s explanation, Xu Ze suddenly understood. So he had really lucked out. If he hadn’t come to participate in this assessment, he probably would never have gotten such an opportunity.
Seeing that Xu Ze now understood, Director Lin smiled slightly, then looked at Xu Ze solemnly. “Well then, Dr. Xu Ze, congratulations. You have become the only physician with both Clinical Practice and TCM Practice qualifications valid for nationwide practice. I hope you will not disappoint the expectations of these esteemed seniors and myself. In the future, apply your skills to the fullest and do your utmost to relieve the suffering of the people.”
“Yes, Director Lin, and all the esteemed seniors here, please rest assured. Xu Ze will definitely do his very best!” Meeting Director Lin’s earnest gaze, Xu Ze stood up solemnly and responded in a deep voice.
“Good. Remember the words you spoke today. Do not disappoint me.” Having said that, Director Lin looked deeply into Xu Ze’s eyes once more, nodded, and then stood up. He turned to Old Dean Guo and the other masters and professors. “Well then, the licenses will be delivered into Dean Guo’s hands within one week. Dean Guo, esteemed seniors, my task here for today is complete. I shall take my leave now.”
“Very well, Director Lin. You are a busy man. Thank you for your hard work today. When you have some free time in the future, I have a few ounces of excellent tea leaves waiting. I’ll sweep my floors clean and await your honored visit,” Old Dean Guo said, rising quickly with the other veteran practitioners to see Director Lin off with clasped hands.
Director Lin smiled, nodded in acknowledgment, then turned and departed.
Watching Director Lin’s retreating figure, Old Dean Guo turned to the other masters beside him and sighed, “We impose upon Director Lin every year. We really should make a special trip to express our gratitude properly sometime.”
“Indeed, we should… indeed, we should,” the old masters all nodded in agreement.
The veteran practitioners slowly took their seats again, their gazes turning to the rising stars seated on both sides of the room. Old Dean Guo looked at the young talents, his eyes filled with deep emotion, and spoke slowly, “You all… are the fifth cohort.”
“The fifth cohort,” Old Dean Guo sighed softly and continued. “Back then, several of us old fellows here and I, setting aside our pride, jointly submitted a petition to the Premier. It was only then that we secured Director Lin’s annual visit. It was not easy at all.”
“You should not think this Rising Star Assessment is merely for the convenience of you, our direct disciples, so you can skip those perfunctory standard examinations.”
Having reached this point, Old Dean Guo sighed again. “In truth, what we sought for you was this very right to practice nationwide. Traditional Chinese Medicine is in decline. We rarely hear news of rising stars like yourselves making their mark. So, we old-timers came up with this method: to carefully select a few disciples with genuine potential and have them obtain this right through this assessment. The idea is that you can travel across the country to hone your skills, in the hope that one day you will achieve something significant.”
“Teacher, we students understand. We will give our all and live up to your expectations,” everyone said in unison, rising to their feet. They were visibly moved as they clasped their hands respectfully.
Hearing Old Dean Guo’s words, Xu Ze also came to understand the tremendous effort and dedication these senior masters had poured into promoting traditional medicine. It filled him with a deep sense of gratitude and respect for them.
“Mm,” Old Dean Guo nodded with satisfaction, then turned specifically to address Xu Ze. “Xu Ze, your primary focus is Western medicine, but your foundation in TCM is quite good as well, especially your acupuncture techniques—they are truly extraordinary. Although you have now obtained both licenses… you must not focus solely on Western medicine and let this natural talent go to waste.”
Hearing the profound sincerity in Old Dean Guo’s words, Xu Ze knew this was heartfelt guidance. He quickly replied respectfully, “Elder Guo, please rest assured. I will certainly continue to study traditional medicine diligently and will not let it fall by the wayside.”
“Good. That is very good,” Old Dean Guo said, stroking his beard with a pleased expression. “Director Lin seems to think quite highly of you as well… Granting you this Clinical Qualification Certificate was not an easy matter for him.”
At this point, Old Dean Guo looked around at everyone and chuckled softly. “Do not think it is a simple matter to get Director Lin here. Although his title is Deputy Director, he is actually more significant than Director Zhang of the National Medical Examination Center. That center doesn’t truly have the authority to issue you such licenses. Without special approval from the Ministry of Health, you could forget about ever getting one like this.”
“Therefore, although even we are still not entirely clear on Director Lin’s precise background, the fact that he used his own discretion, beyond the Premier’s original directive, to specially approve this Clinical Certificate for you… that is no small matter. Xu Ze, if the opportunity arises in the future, be sure to remember to thank him properly,” Old Dean Guo instructed Xu Ze with grave seriousness.
Hearing this explanation, Xu Ze finally realized just how extraordinary it was that Director Lin had granted him this extra certificate. He quickly and carefully acknowledged the instruction.
With the formalities concluded, Old Dean Guo smiled and nodded. “Alright, that concludes today’s assessment. It’s getting late, and the academy has prepared a couple of tables of food. We seldom get to see each other like this once a year, so let us enjoy a lively gathering today.”
Looking at the dozens of exquisite dishes covering the large table, Xu Ze couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. Places like the Academy of Chinese Medicine truly have deep foundations. Even their cooks are exceptional. Judging by the presentation of these dishes, this is not the work of an ordinary chef.
The other rising stars, apparently dining at the academy for the first time as well, were equally stunned by the spread, which was far more elaborate than any typical banquet.
The senior masters, of course, were well-accustomed to this. They took their seats with gentle smiles. Only then did Old Dean Guo look over at the younger table, stroked his beard, and said with a chuckle, “No need to stand on ceremony, everyone. Please, sit. Enjoy the cuisine of our Academy of Chinese Medicine today. These are dishes you won’t find anywhere else.”
A hint of pride appeared on Old Dean Guo’s face as he smiled and said, “This meal consists of several dozen dishes carefully selected from the Manchu-Han Imperial Feast. They are personally prepared by the son of a former imperial chef. This gentleman lives in seclusion here at our academy and rarely cooks. He only does this once or twice a year now. Eat heartily, everyone. Don’t let such a fine opportunity go to waste.”
Hearing this, everyone suddenly understood. They quickly sat down, swallowed in anticipation, and picked up their chopsticks to begin.
At Chinese banquets, no feast is complete without wine. The Academy of Chinese Medicine naturally served excellent liquor—authentic, aged Maotai.
The several TCM masters and the two senior professors, though advanced in age, all enjoyed a few drinks. Aside from Xu Ze, all the disciples were familiar with these customs. After a few rounds among themselves, they rose one after another to offer toasts to their elders.
As custom dictated, the younger generation toasts each elder individually. These young men performed admirably, managing to hold their liquor after seven or eight small cups in succession.
However, after four or five cups themselves, the elders’ spirits were high. They began to tease the disciples good-naturedly, claiming their alcohol tolerance needed more training.
The disciples looked at each other with pained expressions, their faces flushed. Xu Ze glanced at the others. Apart from Guo Yujian, who still looked relatively composed, the rest were showing distinct signs of intoxication. A few more drinks would surely do them in.
Seeing this, Xu Ze stood up confidently, a faint smile on his face. “Seniors, why don’t you take a rest? Allow me to go and keep our teachers company for a while.”
Seeing Xu Ze step forward, the other rising stars breathed a collective sigh of relief. They all smiled gratefully and said, “We’re in your debt, Junior Brother Xu.” Even Guo Yujian looked thankful, carefully advising him, “Hold the line for a bit, Junior Brother Xu. I’ll come reinforce you shortly.”
Xu Ze smiled and nodded. “Senior Brother Guo, don’t worry. With me here, I’ll make sure our teachers enjoy themselves to the fullest.”
Seeing Xu Ze’s confidence and the lack of any sign of drunkenness in his speech, the others felt somewhat reassured. Still, considering Xu Ze had already downed seven or eight cups himself—well over half a catty—they couldn’t help but admire his impressive capacity for liquor.
Carrying the wine bottle over, Xu Ze offered a few words of thanks and proceeded to toast every single elder in a row. His expression remained unchanged, earning him exclamations of admiration from the senior masters.
After finishing a cup, Old Dean Guo looked at Master Wang and chuckled with a sigh. “Old Wang, that young Xu you recommended is truly something. Proficient in both Chinese and Western medicine, he not only brought us old fellows some credit in front of Director Lin today but also shows great respect for his teachers. Remarkable indeed.”
The other masters chimed in with laughter and praise. “Indeed, indeed. Old Brother Wang, you must have a few extra drinks today.” This delighted Master Wang immensely, and he happily downed another cup.
At that moment, Professor Jiang Lingyun from Capital Medical University, who was sitting nearby, had finished a few drinks and suddenly asked with curiosity and a smile, “Xu Ze, your skill in clinical Western medicine is exceptional as well. Which medical school did you graduate from? Would you be interested in coming to our university for further studies, perhaps pursuing a Master’s or even a Doctorate?”
