"Let me ask you something," Li Tianming said.
Xu Hao turned towards him.
"Of course, Uncle Li."
The older man remained beside his daughter's bed, one hand resting against the carved wooden frame. He'd stopped pacing, but his expression hadn't softened.
"Have you ever performed this operation before? Not studied it or watched someone else do it. I want to know whether you've actually opened a person's abdomen and repaired an injury like the one you're describing."
It was the question Xu Hao had least wanted to answer.
"No, Uncle Li. I've studied the procedure and understand what it requires, but I've never personally performed a major operation."
Li Tianming stared at him.
For a moment, Xu Hao thought the older man might begin shouting again.
Instead, he looked towards the stool Xu Hao had been sitting on.
"Then I suggest you sit down, young man, because I'd very much like to understand what you're proposing."
Xu Hao sat.
Li Tianming pulled another chair closer to the bed.
"I've spent months watching my daughter grow weaker. I've brought healers here from other towns, purchased medicines that cost more than some families earn in a lifetime and listened to every explanation they offered. Now you've come along and told me something none of them discovered."
He glanced towards Li Min.
"That should make me hopeful. And it does. But you're also telling me that the treatment involves cutting into her body, and you've never done it before. Surely you can understand why I'm reluctant to agree."
"I do," Xu Hao replied. "If I were in your position, I wouldn't agree either. Not without knowing considerably more about the person proposing the operation and whether they were properly prepared."
Li Tianming's expression changed slightly.
"At least you're not trying to convince me that everything will be easy."
"That would be dishonest. Even experienced healers encounter complications, and Miss Li's condition makes the procedure especially difficult. I wouldn't be comfortable attempting it with the instruments and knowledge available to me this morning."
"Then why suggest it?"
"Because I believe the underlying injury can be treated, and surgery is one possible way of reaching it. But identifying a possible treatment isn't the same as being ready to carry it out. I need time to prepare, and I also want to consult anyone who might know a safer approach."
Li Tianming considered the explanation.
"You mentioned using your Water element earlier. If there's foreign energy preventing the wound from healing, why can't you remove it through her meridians? We have healers whose Water cultivation is far stronger than yours."
"I'd be very interested in speaking with them," Xu Hao said. "The problem is that the foreign energy appears to be lodged beside damaged tissue. If someone simply tries to pull it out, the surrounding injury might worsen. I don't yet know whether the energy can be separated safely without exposing the affected area."
He opened his notebook and turned towards a sketch he'd made after examining Li Min.
"This is approximately where I believe the damage lies. I can't confirm every detail from an external examination, but the position matches what I sensed through the Healer technique and what Miss Li told us about the attack."
Li Tianming leaned closer.
Xu Hao indicated the damaged region.
"Even if another healer removes the foreign energy, we still have to consider the wound itself. She's been losing blood for months. There may be tissue that needs repairing, and we need to understand how badly her body has been weakened before deciding what she can safely endure."
Li Tianming studied the drawing for a while.
When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter.
"I thought that once we knew what was wrong, we'd finally have an answer."
Finding the cause of Li Min's illness had given the family hope, but it hadn't made the treatment simple.
"I wish it were that straightforward, Uncle Li. What I can tell you is that we now have a specific problem to investigate instead of trying medicines and hoping one happens to work."
Li Tianming rubbed his forehead.
Before he could respond, Li Min spoke from the bed.
"Father, could you move your chair a little closer? I'd like to be part of this conversation."
The older man turned immediately.
"Min'er, you should be resting. You've already spent most of the morning answering questions."
"I know, but since the two of you are discussing whether someone should cut into my stomach, I thought I ought to hear what you've decided."
Xu Hao lowered his eyes to hide a smile.
Li Tianming looked rather defeated.
"Nobody has decided anything, sweetheart. I'm trying to make sure this boy understands what he's asking us to risk."
"Then perhaps you could let me ask him a few questions. You can interrogate him again afterwards."
Her father sighed, but he moved his chair.
Xu Hao turned towards her.
"What would you like to know, Miss Li?"
Li Min rested one hand against her abdomen.
"First, I want to understand what happens if we do nothing. Not what Father wants to hear, and not what you think will make me feel better. What do you actually believe will happen?"
Xu Hao considered how best to explain it.
"Based on what I've found, I believe the foreign energy will continue interfering with the injured tissue. That means the bleeding may continue, even if some medicines temporarily improve your strength. Unless we find a way to stop that process, I would expect your condition to deteriorate."
She looked down at her hands.
"And if I agree to the operation?"
"There's a chance we could remove the interference and repair the damage, but there are significant risks. You could lose more blood during the procedure, and there's a danger of infection or complications afterwards. I also don't know how the foreign energy will react when disturbed."
Li Min listened carefully.
"So you're saying that I might die if I undergo the operation, but I'm also likely to die eventually if the injury remains untreated."
Li Tianming flinched at her words.
Xu Hao answered without trying to soften the truth.
"I believe that's a fair description of the danger, although I don't know enough yet to estimate either outcome reliably. That's one of the reasons I want to examine you again and review the previous treatment records before discussing a final decision."
Li Min nodded slowly.
For a while, she said nothing.
Then she looked towards her father.
"Do you remember the healer who came from Willow Creek? The one with the very expensive purple pills?"
Li Tianming frowned.
"Of course. Why?"
"He told us I'd be walking around the garden within a week. I remember because you spent the next three days arranging for someone to repair the garden paths."
Her father looked uncomfortable.
"The medicine had an excellent reputation. I thought you'd need somewhere pleasant to walk while you recovered."
"I know. But the pills made me sick, and I spent that week wondering whether I'd ever manage to stand without help."
She reached for his hand.
"I'm not blaming you, Father. I know you've done everything you can. I just don't want another healer promising me something because everyone is frightened of admitting they might be wrong."
Li Tianming lowered his eyes.
Xu Hao waited.
After a moment, Li Min turned back towards him.
"You're the first healer who's explained what could actually go wrong. I don't particularly enjoy hearing it, but at least I understand why you want to wait."
"I'd rather you understand the risks before agreeing to anything," Xu Hao said. "And if I discover that another method offers you a better chance, I'll recommend it even if it means someone else performs the treatment."
She studied him.
"Then here's what I'd like you to do. Prepare everything you think is necessary. Speak to the other healers, examine your instruments and decide whether this operation is truly possible. Once you've done that, explain the options to me again."
Li Tianming looked at his daughter.
"Min'er, you don't have to make any decisions today. We can keep looking for another healer."
"I know, Father. That's exactly what I'm asking him to do."
She gave him a tired smile.
"But I'd also like us to consider something different. We've spent months trying the same kinds of treatment, and none of them has worked. I don't want us to repeat that simply because we're frightened of trying anything else."
Her father squeezed her hand.
"I just can't bear the thought of losing you."
Li Min's expression softened.
"I know. I'm frightened too."
For a moment, the room was quiet.
Then she looked towards Xu Hao.
"All right, Healer Xu. You have my permission to investigate the operation and prepare for it. But I expect you to tell me everything important before we make a decision."
Xu Hao nodded.
"That's exactly what I intend to do. And I won't proceed unless you're satisfied that you understand the treatment and wish to undergo it."
She settled back against her pillows.
"Good. Then perhaps we can stop discussing how frightening the operation sounds and start working out whether it's actually possible."
Li Tianming remained beside the bed for some time.
Xu Hao waited until he'd finished speaking quietly with his daughter before reopening his notebook.
"Uncle Li, there's a considerable amount I'd like to arrange over the next few days. If the family has kept records of Miss Li's previous treatments, those would be particularly helpful."
"We've kept everything," Li Tianming replied. "Prescriptions, examination notes, even correspondence with the healers who couldn't come here personally. The steward can have them brought to you."
"Excellent. I'd like to compare the medicines she's taken with her symptoms, especially any changes in her bleeding or abdominal pain. I also want to know whether anyone has examined injuries caused by foreign elemental energy."
Li Tianming nodded.
"And what about these instruments you keep mentioning? Can't you purchase them from one of the healer shops?"
"Some, certainly. But I'll need several tools that aren't normally used here. I've brought sketches of the designs, and I'm hoping a skilled craftsman can reproduce them."
Xu Hao turned the notebook towards him.
Li Tianming examined the drawings.
A few resembled ordinary needles or scissors. Others were small, unfamiliar shapes, including narrow blades, clamps and instruments intended to hold delicate tissue without damaging it.
The older man picked up the page showing a scalpel.
"You're telling me a knife this small can be used for an operation?"
"That's the idea. I need precise control, and a larger blade would make the work more difficult. But the instrument must be made properly. If the edge is uneven or the handle shifts unexpectedly, it could cause serious damage."
Li Tianming examined several more drawings.
"I suppose you're going to tell me that these are expensive."
"Probably. Though I'd rather pay for suitable equipment than attempt to save money on something that could endanger your daughter."
The older man gave a short laugh.
"For once, little brother, we're in complete agreement. Money isn't my concern. Whether Min'er survives this treatment is."
"Then I'll prepare a detailed list of what we need. I'll also need suitable medicines for managing pain, helping her recover and reducing the risks associated with the procedure. Before anything happens, I'd want a clean room and people who can assist without becoming frightened halfway through."
Li Tianming nodded thoughtfully.
"The family has several healers in its service, although I can't promise they'll approve of your methods."
"I wouldn't expect them to approve without understanding what I'm proposing. I'd prefer to explain the procedure and hear their concerns. They may know something about treating spiritual injuries that I've overlooked."
Li Tianming looked at him for a moment.
"You're an unusual young man, Xu Hao. Most healers I've met spend half their time convincing me how much more knowledgeable they are than everyone else."
"I'm not in a position to make that claim, Uncle Li. There's a great deal I still need to learn."
The older man closed the notebook.
"Then let's suppose you manage to arrange everything. How long before you can begin?"
"I can't give you an honest estimate until I've spoken with a craftsman and examined the available medicines. If Miss Li's condition remains stable, I would prefer to spend that time preparing her as carefully as possible. But if the bleeding worsens, we'll need to reconsider the schedule immediately."
Li Tianming regarded him with a tired expression.
"Do you understand how difficult it is to hear that we should wait? Every day I wake up wondering whether my daughter will still be alive by the evening. Now you've told me there's a way to treat her, but you can't tell me when you can begin."
Xu Hao lowered his eyes briefly.
He knew that no explanation could make the waiting easy.
"I understand why you want an immediate answer, Uncle Li. But I'd be gambling with Miss Li's life if I promised to operate before knowing whether I have the necessary equipment and assistance. I'd rather disappoint you today than attempt something neither of us is prepared for."
Li Tianming was quiet for several moments.
Then he looked towards Xu Hao again.
"There's something else I want to discuss before I agree to all this."
Xu Hao suspected what was coming.
The older man glanced towards his daughter, who was resting against the pillows, then lowered his voice.
"This morning, when I first saw you in Hibiscus Delights, Su Jin's men were about to cut off your arms. You announced rather loudly that you were a healer, and you made certain I heard you."
Xu Hao met his gaze.
"I did, Uncle Li."
"I noticed. You must have realised that I'd be interested in anyone who might help Min'er. You're certainly clever enough to take advantage of an opportunity when it appears."
He'd deliberately drawn Li Tianming's attention because he needed protection from Su Jin.
He'd been frightened, and he'd acted on the best opportunity available.
"You're right," he admitted. "I knew Su Jin intended to hurt me, and I hoped that being a healer might give you a reason to intervene. I won't pretend my motives were entirely selfless."
Li Tianming studied him.
"Then how do I know you haven't simply invented this diagnosis to keep my family protecting you?"
Xu Hao had expected suspicion, but the question still made him uncomfortable.
He considered his reply carefully.
"Because I asked about an injury to Miss Li's abdomen before anyone told me she'd been struck. I also identified an abnormality that matches what she described afterwards. Those details weren't available to me when I entered the residence."
He glanced towards Li Min.
She had been listening.
"That's true, Father. He knew where the pain began, and he asked me about the attack before I mentioned the woman at the gate."
Li Tianming nodded slowly.
Xu Hao continued.
"I don't expect you to trust me simply because I say I'm a healer. You should question my diagnosis, examine the evidence and speak with anyone qualified to offer another opinion. But if I wanted nothing more than somewhere to hide from Su Jin, inventing an operation I couldn't perform would be a very poor plan."
The older man's expression changed slightly.
"Why?"
"Because sooner or later you'd expect me to do it. If I were lying, I'd be creating a far more dangerous situation for myself than the one I was trying to escape."
Li Tianming considered the argument.
Xu Hao rested his hands against the notebook.
"My mother taught me something when I was young. She said a healer should never confuse confidence with competence. It's possible to understand what needs to be done without being ready to do it safely."
He looked directly at Li Tianming.
"I believe I've identified the cause of your daughter's illness, and I know a method that may allow us to treat it. But I'm not going to pretend I possess experience I don't have. If I need assistance from someone more qualified, I'll ask for it."
The older man stood silently beside the bed.
Then Li Tianming looked towards his daughter.
She was watching both men with the patient expression of someone who'd heard quite enough about her own impending operation.
At last, he sighed.
"All right, little brother. I'll arrange the records and whatever supplies you need. I'll also make sure you have access to the family's healers if you wish to consult them."
Xu Hao bowed his head.
"Thank you, Uncle Li."
"But I want you to understand something."
Li Tianming moved closer.
"While you're preparing this treatment, the Li family will protect you. Su Jin won't be allowed to lay a hand on you, and if anyone else causes trouble, I expect you to come directly to me."
Xu Hao felt a considerable sense of relief.
He'd hoped for that assurance, but hearing it spoken so clearly meant a great deal.
Li Tianming continued.
"If you treat my daughter sincerely and something goes wrong despite your best efforts, I'll remember that you've been honest about the risks. But if I discover that you've lied to us or used her illness merely to escape your own troubles, I won't need the Su family to deal with you."
Li Tianming didn't raise his voice, and he didn't need to.
"I won't deceive you, Uncle Li. And if I discover that I can't perform the operation safely, I'll tell you rather than pretend otherwise."
Li Tianming held his gaze for another moment.
Then Li Min sighed.
"Father, could you please stop threatening my healer?"
The older man turned towards her.
"Min'er, I'm trying to make sure this young man understands how serious the situation is."
"I'm fairly certain he understands. You've explained it several times, and he's still sitting here."
She adjusted her pillows.
"Besides, he's the first person who's been able to explain why I'm ill without immediately trying to sell you another miracle medicine. I'd prefer you didn't frighten him away before he finishes ordering the tools."
Xu Hao pressed his lips together.
Li Tianming looked at his daughter.
"You're taking his side already?"
"I'm taking the side of whoever might help me get out of this bed. At the moment, Healer Xu seems to have a sensible idea of what needs investigating."
She looked towards Xu Hao.
"Although I would appreciate it if the instruments were properly made. I'm willing to consider this operation, but I don't fancy discovering halfway through that your blacksmith has made a knife better suited to chopping vegetables."
Xu Hao laughed.
"I was planning to insist on something considerably more precise, Miss Li. I intend to inspect everything before it's used."
"Good. Then perhaps you should get started before Father thinks of another reason to interrogate you."
Li Tianming gave a weary sigh.
"Very well. I'll leave him alone for now."
"For now?" Xu Hao repeated.
The older man looked at him.
"Don't become too comfortable, little brother."
Li Min smiled.
Xu Hao bowed respectfully.
"I wouldn't dream of it, Uncle Li."
She laughed, then immediately pressed a hand against her abdomen as the movement aggravated her pain.
Both men noticed.
Xu Hao approached the bed.
"Are you all right?"
She took a careful breath.
"Yes. Though I think we'd better avoid any more jokes until you find a way to make laughing less painful."
"I'll do my best. For now, try to rest. I don't want you exhausting yourself after such a long morning."
Li Min nodded.
Her father helped adjust the pillows, and Xu Hao gathered his notebook.
The family steward arrived shortly afterwards with several bundles of medical records. He also brought an advance for the materials Xu Hao needed to purchase.
Xu Hao examined the documents briefly before securing them inside his bag.
He'd begin with the prescriptions and examination notes tonight. First, he needed someone to make the instruments.
He paused outside Li Min's room to review the drawings one last time.
The blades and needles were straightforward enough. The clamps and delicate tools would be more difficult to explain, particularly if the craftsman had never seen anything similar.
Xu Hao adjusted the notebook beneath his arm and headed towards the main gate.
He hoped Hibiscus Town had a very patient blacksmith.
Because some of the things Xu Hao intended to ask him to make probably wouldn't resemble anything he'd ever forged before.