Original subtitles

(Gen Z)

(Episode 25)

Today, we have another happy occasion.

I met an old patient of mine,

which is Madam Jiang Li.

So, I would like

to invite Madam Jiang Li

to give us the opening speech.

Let's give her a round of applause.

First of all,

I'd like to thank

Professor Ren

for giving me a second chance at life.

Before this,

I was diagnosed with late-stage cancer.

Professor Ren enlightened me.

My illness was healed miraculously and completely!

Now, I am

in the best time

of my life.

Kids,

you must study hard.

Preserve and pass on

the precious knowledge

of TCM.

Madam Jiang, you mustn't say something like that.

You might give others the wrong idea.

It's not scientific.

How is it not scientific?

I don't care whether it's scientific or not.

Whoever saved my life

is a good doctor.

Thank you, Madam Jiang.

Thank you. Thank you.

Some of you may not know this.

The student who brought that up just now is Peng Shi Yan.

He is a doctor of Western medicine.

He's also the class leader of our TCM class.

He's right.

TCM is unscientific,

because it is a field of study.

I don't know if you've read this book before, Peng.

There is a philosopher of science named Karl Popper.

He wrote a book called

"Objective Knowledge",

which some of you may have read it before.

In this book, he discusses

the concept of three worlds

and their interrelations.

He believes

that falsifiability

is what defines science.

You should know that

there were the geocentric model

and the heliocentric model,

which were considered scientific back then.

Science

is the process

that guides us step by step towards

understanding the truth.

It is measurable

and calculable.

However, have you ever wondered, Peng,

how music and painting

can be scientifically measured?

How do we quantify

the pain of a disease?

We have sent rockets into space,

but how do we fathom a woman's heart?

So our world

is divided into many different dimensions.

There is the subjective

and the objective.

(Wu Yu) We shouldn't treat

the subjective as the only reality,

nor should we take the objective

as the sole standard.

Just like how humans

are composed of two

or even three parts.

One part is the body,

which everyone is familiar with.

Western medicine has made great progress

in understanding the body,

such as in the fields of data,

bacteria,

and imaging.

Their achievements are remarkable.

Besides the body,

we also have the mind.

When measuring a person's health,

we consider both the physical

and mental aspects.

The body should be strong and agile,

while the mind should be stable and composed.

Apart from these two,

I believe there is another aspect.

The spirit.

The spirituality.

It means that our thoughts

should have higher aspirations.

You all heard what Madam Jiang said just now.

From the physical aspect,

she was terminally ill.

Western medicine might not have been able to treat her.

If it weren't for TCM,

she might have experienced

a painful death during the process

of being sentenced to death.

Fortunately, we have TCM.

I encouraged her to pray to gods and deities.

Does it work?

I'm not going to discuss about supernatural beings here.

I simply hoped that

in the final stage

of Madam Jiang's life,

she could find

a sense of connection with the universe,

with all living beings,

and ultimately with herself.

It's better than

living in agony.

After all, climbing mountains

and prostrating

are forms of physical activity.

-Right? -Right.

They are better than lying down.

Because movement

generates Yang energy,

and Yang energy brings vitality.

Let's give a round of applause to Madam Jiang.

So, according to the theories of TCM,

the power of the mind

is greater than that of the body.

When a person has a strong faith

and a strong will,

they can certainly overcome

the unbearable pain within the body.

Let me give you an example.

Peng,

say

there's a car outside,

and I'll give you 10,000 yuan

for you to lift it up.

Don't be silly.

I'm not that strong.

How about one million?

One million?

Then I'll give it a try.

Peng Shi Yan,

that's one million yuan.

If you can't lift it up, I'm going to beat you up.

But even if I exert all my strength,

I can't do it.

Shi Yan,

what if it's your own child

under the car?

I can lift it up.

Mr Ren, I really can.

A mother can.

A mother really can.

You can

look it up online.

Many mothers can do it.

They can surpass your understanding of human capabilities.

Everyone knows

that humans have potential.

We would sacrifice our lives

for our ideals,

for our beliefs.

We would sacrifice ourselves

to save others.

On this point,

from a scientific perspective,

this remains a mystery.

So, I believe...

I believe that Western medicine is a skill.

It can be standardized

and replicated on a large scale.

But TCM is different.

I see TCM

as a personal cultivation,

as the Way.

That's why I established

the apprentice class.

By establishing the apprentice class,

by forming

a master-apprentice relationship,

I can find people

who resonate with me

on the same frequency.

Only in this way

can the Way of TCM

be truly passed down.

After establishing scholarships for so many years,

this is the first time I've been provided this kind of service.

Professor Wu,

your approach is indeed different from Professor Ren's.

You've been hiding your light under a bushel.

Oh, I can't compare to Xin Zheng.

He is the real expert.

He's surrounded by talented individuals.

My abilities

are limited,

but I can still help you

with the issue of overexertion and muscle soreness.

I have some solutions for that.

Honestly,

the foot massage here is excellent. You'll know once you try it.

Come now.

You need to experience everything personally.

The feeling is different.

Hi, I'm masseur 030158.

It's my pleasure to serve you.

-Hi. -Hi.

I'm masseur 030128. I'm here to serve you.

-Come. -Come.

Mr Wu.

What are you doing here?

The new apprentice class starts today, right?

I have a guest with me now.

I'll join them later.

Mr Wu, do you know him?

Mr Zheng, allow me to introduce.

This is Zhao Li Quan,

a talented and outstanding student from our University of TCM,

a top achiever.

Zhao, this is Mr Zheng,

who sponsors the scholarship of our university.

He sponsored the scholarship you received for your studies.

Thank you. Mr Zheng.

We have met before.

Was it during the scholarship award ceremony at the school?

There was also another time when I went to your estate for picking mugwort.

Oh, right.

I led the team that time.

Among all my students, I especially enjoy taking him along.

Mr Zheng, let me tell you,

the young generation nowadays

is truly remarkable.

Take Zhao as an example,

he went from undergraduate to master's degree.

He's different from other masseurs.

He truly applies what he learned

into practical experience.

That's why I specially introduced him to you today

so that you can experience

what high-quality medical service means.

That's great. I'm honoured

to experience it today.

I must give it a try.

What are you waiting for? Hurry up.

-Okay. -Let him serve him.

Should I sit up?

Yes, Mr Zheng.

Here.

Is the temperature okay?

-Is the temperature okay? -It's just right.

Do you prefer teabag

or salt?

Teabag.

Okay.

Mr Ren,

earlier, you mentioned skill and the Way,

standardisation and non-standardisation,

rationality and sensibility,

subjectivity and objectivity.

Medicine is a progressing science.

Our understanding of human is also constantly advancing.

However, TCM seems

to revolve around the same few books.

Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic,

Compendium of Materia Medica, Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases.

Even the most recent classic

is nearly 500 years old, right?

Can we, as humans,

expect ourselves to be the same

as we were 500 years ago?

Okay, let's not talk about 500 years.

Even someone from the 1980s were to travel to the present day,

they would probably starve to death.

Because they wouldn't know how to use a smartphone.

They can't order food delivery or even hail a ride.

So, why should we still rely on prescriptions

from 1,000 or 2.000 years ago in today's medical practice?

Isn't that a fantasy?

Peng, look,

you just mentioned that

TCM

hasn't changed in over 2,000 years.

So, let me ask you,

while technology has advanced,

have we as humans

changed in

these 2,000 years?

Of course.

Human lifespan

has significantly increased.

Our development of the brain and

our understanding of genetic sequences

have surpassed the realm of life and death.

Our control over

the Earth has also greatly increased.

I disagree, Mr Ren.

I don't consider it progress.

Originally, the Earth

was a perfect ecological closed loop.

Ever since humans

became the apex predators in the food chain,

all the harm done is man-made

and is uncontrollable.

So, once humans gain control over the Earth,

how can you control human desires

and prevent them

from harming other species?

Everything has its dual nature.

You can't acknowledge only side A and deny side B.

In ancient times, people could observe

planets 270 light-years away with the naked eye and draw them clearly,

but now, without wearing glasses, we can't even see words clearly.

Would you say this is progress or regression?

Smartphones have become an extension

of ourselves in our daily lives.

We can

hardly function

without our phones

when we leave the house.

Technology is constantly evolving.

However, there are certain things

that haven't changed,

whether it's 2,000 years ago

or 2,000 years from now,

and that is

human emotions.

2,000 years ago,

when our parents passed away,

we would cry.

2,000 years later,

just because we have phones, it doesn't mean

we won't feel sad

when our parents pass away.

Teachers,

when I talk about reason,

you talk about emotions.

When I talk about emotions, you talk about rules.

When I talk about rules,

you talk about human nature.

Can't we communicate on the same platform?

Here's the thing.

We can't treat TCM and Western medicine

the same way

because these two disciplines

are inherently

different.

You can't force TCM to be technologically advanced.

If you insist on asking me

which herb in my prescription treats numbness

or which one treats bleeding,

I can't give you an answer.

That's your way of thinking.

I can only tell you

that a person is a holistic being, and medicine is holistic too.

They naturally interact with each other.

I have great faith in Professor Ren

because over the years,

we have realised

that science can't solve all problems.

In the foreign metropolis where I live,

there are many TCM practitioners

and doctors specialising in natural therapies.

What's most interesting is the philosophy of the East,

including various forms of exercise.

Practices like yoga

are highly regarded by many of us.

Actually, everyone knows that

the concept of Tao involves the interaction of Yin and Yang.

Technology has indeed progressed,

but in the grand scheme

of the universe,

its progress is only a tiny fraction.

We should not magnify it to encompass everything.

Everyone is aware of the harm to the body.

The Inner Classic

already explains this very clearly.

External pathogens include

wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and fire.

Internal pathogens

involve

excessive joy, anger, worry, overthinking, fright, and sadness.

No matter how much progress we make,

these factors

remain unchanged.

Mr Ren,

you're mistaken again.

You see,

in ancient times, people often suffered from hunger and cold,

but nowadays,

people are no longer lacking food and warm clothing.

So why do conditions like

wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and fire still exist?

That's a very good point you've raised.

Have you noticed that

young people these days

wear very little clothing during winter?

They wear shorts,

use air conditioning,

and drink cold beverages.

Compared to the past,

they are exposed to much more coldness.

I don't understand

the dressing style

of young people nowadays.

During winter,

they expose their ankles

and wear pants

with holes all over.

I don't understand. Is that considered

beautiful or ugly?

In ancient times,

this would be described as "dressed in rags".

I might not have a deep understanding

of the current technology and fashion trends,

but I have observed one thing.

As long as smartphones exist,

Ms Dong's cervical massage business

will continue to thrive.

If more attractive ladies

and energetic young men

continue to wear clothes with less fabric,

our infertility clinic

will continue to flourish.

There is a saying in Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic.

"All pains, itches, and sores

are related to the heart."

You see,

these are diseases on the skin,

but in reality,

they are manifestations of inner emotional tension.

The body and mind of a person

cannot be completely separated.

The other day,

I attended a lecture by a Western medicine expert,

Professor Yang Xue Qin

from the Air Force General Hospital.

She mentioned that many patients with psoriasis

actually exhibit

external manifestations of their emotions.

This coincides

with the theories of TCM.

Therefore, I believe

that the relationship between TCM and Western medicine

is not one of opposition,

but rather a quest for unity

within their differences.

Ms Song is right.

Let me give you another example.

In my office,

I have two pots of tomatoes. You all have seen them.

When we weren't around,

they borne abundant fruits.

However, later on,

when we tried to transplant them

to a better environment

because they were growing so well,

they started to wither.

But when we let them be

and allowed them to grow,

they revived once again.

So, I believe that

in cases of emergencies,

such as cancer,

I am highly supportive

of surgical intervention.

If you don't perform surgery, the illness

will be like

an out-of-control heavy truck

racing on a highway

without brakes.

It will run recklessly,

and the ultimate outcome

is destruction.

Therefore, we perform the surgery,

allowing the patient

to buy some time.

Afterwards,

we apply

a little external force

to assist the patient's

self-repair process.

Remember,

both TCM and Western medicine practitioners

are not gods who cure diseases,

but rather people

who help patients on their path to health.

Professor Ren,

I deeply resonated with the meaning you just mentioned

about praying to the deities.

Do you remember the first time we met?

I was in such a state of despair.

I felt like I couldn't go on living.

You gave me an ancient prescription.

The search of the ingredients

has kept me going for a year.

I suddenly realised it just now.

Actually, when you asked me to find 300-year-old tiles,

it was to give me

a buffer period.

So that I could calm down from my grief and fear,

and then face a new life again,

right?

Thank you for your thoughtful intentions.

Actually,

during my time

working at the medical centre,

I have met

all sorts of people.

Some appear physically healthy,

but they suffer from mental illness.

Some suffer from both physical and mental illnesses.

As long as you are alive,

no one's life is perfect.

Everyone faces their own difficulties, don't they?

There are so many mothers in the world

who have lost their children,

and yet they still have

to carry on with grief.

When I compare myself to them, I feel incredibly fortunate.

Professor Ren,

thank you. Thank you for your compassion,

and thank you for guiding us

through this journey.

My greatest realisation now

is that simply being alive holds the greatest significance.

Xia is right.

Everyone

has to confront our own difficulties.

If these difficulties remain unresolved,

they can manifest as illness,

either physical illness

or mental illness.

Jian Xi,

I know how much

you used to value your freedom.

It's tough being confined to this wheelchair now.

But you have to promise me

not to give up.

I believe that as long as we're together,

there's no obstacle we can't overcome.

Whether we find the 300-year-old tiles or not,

you will always be my dearest daughter.

You're looking for 300-year-old tiles?

Yes, yes.

You should've come to me.

There is this mountain I just visited.

There are plenty

of old houses there,

dating back

several hundred years.

Maybe you'll find the tile you're looking for.

I'll get it for you.

Okay, okay. Thank you.

Madam Jiang, you can still travel that far?

Professor Ren said

movement generates Yang energy.

By serving others,

doing good deeds,

by contributing,

I can extend my life.

Well said.

Jian Xi,

you see,

among us today, we have the elderly,

your brothers and sisters,

uncles and aunties,

we all share one purpose,

and that is, we love you.

So, tell me,

what reason do you have

to give up on life?

When a great physician treats an illness,

he must be calm in spirit,

and free from desires.

He must first have a compassionate heart,

and be committed to relieve the sufferings of all people.

When someone in distress seeks help,

the physician must not discriminate on their social status, wealth,

age, appearance,

their relationships,

or their intellect.

They should treat all equally,

with the same care and concern as they would for their own loved ones.

The physician should not hesitate or worry

about personal gain or loss,

or personal safety,

but wholeheartedly

respond to their suffering,

be it hunger, thirst, or fatigue,

without seeking recognition or expecting rewards.

Such a physician can be considered a healer for all beings,

while deviating from this path would make them a thief of life and spirit.

Throughout history, renowned healers have often

sacrificed their lives to save those in dire circumstances,

regardless of whether they're noble or lowly.

Such is their dedication to preserving life...

(Zhao Li Quan)

Your dad really wasn't lying to me.

You're talking nonsense. Where did that come from?

The first time your dad came to me,

he claimed to have extraordinary abilities,

to be able to control the Yang energy,

and manifest his thoughts

into reality.

I was sceptical at that time.

But today,

seeing the establishment

of our new apprentice class,

I believe him now.

I really believe him now.

Madam Jiang was right.

He's really omnipotent.

I finally figured it out.

You and your dad

just can't get along.

The two of you,

one likes to bluff, and the other believes everything.

When did I bluff?

I'm telling the truth.

I've never in my life

seen someone so extraordinary.

His promises,

the people he said he would save, he fulfilled them.

You don't know about the promise he didn't fulfil, do you?

He won't tell you that.

Promise he didn't fulfil?

What didn't he fulfil?

I'm not telling you.

Just tell me.

You can't keep a secret.

I can keep a secret.

Your dad asked me to keep a secret for him. And I never...

What secret did my dad ask you to keep?

I promised him.

I can't say.

Then I'll tell you a big secret about my dad.

I found out myself.

Will you exchange it for your secret with my dad?

No.

All right. Give me the plaque.

The plaque, please.

My dad has a girlfriend.

Will you exchange it now?

That's impossible!

Your dad isn't that kind of man.

You're lying.

You want to trick me into telling you my secret,

then you will tell me you're just bluffing,

am I right?

The name of my dad's girlfriend

is Little Lark.

It's a bird's name?

What kind of name is that?

Only you could come up with such a lousy trick.

Unbelievable.

Who told you to hang it up?

Take it down!

Didn't you ask us to hang it up?

Take it down first.

Take it down!

I'm not worthy of this plaque.

One must be cautious and restrain oneself.

Wu Cheng En said that.

I can cure others' illnesses,

but I can't change their fate.

Madam Jiang recovered

because of a change in her mindset.

I cure someone's illness,

and the next day they come back again.

They keep revolving

in this cycle.

Zhu Chang Ming.

Zhu Chang Ming is like that.

If someone wants to break free from this cycle,

they have to rely on their own willpower

and change their past habits, you know?

The reason I won't accept this plaque

is because it's stolen achievement,

taking credit for someone else's work.

Then why did you accept it in the first place?

Even if my EQ was low,

I wouldn't refuse.

It was a congratulatory gift given to me when I started my business.

How about this? I'll place it behind the chair.

This way, it won't disappoint the elderly who gave it to you,

and it won't bother you.

Just leave it there.

Tou Tou.

We have left

your fate in your hands now.

Success or failure,

it all depends on you.

Master,

I used to dismiss phrases

like "hard work can change your destiny".

Because delivery riders like us,

we work hard,

but I haven't

seen anyone skyrocket to success.

But I

believe it now.

I really believe it now.

Because I see Zhu Xia,

Madam Jiang,

and Cheng Ying,

they are all making efforts to change their own destiny.

They are still dealt a bad hand,

but

they haven't given up

and continue to persist.

So I feel that

since I have

a high starting point now, I am also a successor.

I think...

I can make it.

Right?

-It smells so nice. -I know, right?

Wine is the essence of food.

Pour some more. We have two good news today.

We should drink a lot of wine.

Dad, where did we get two good news?

-That's right. -I regained

my house,

that's the first good news.

The apprentice class reopened,

that's the second good news.

We should celebrate and drink a lot.

Master,

Ling Lan

never thought of selling your house.

If she wanted to sell,

it would be our house,

but she didn't tell you on purpose.

She wanted to make you worry.

Master,

let me toast to you.

I'd like to thank you

for your contribution towards TCM,

and for your kindness and care

towards me.

-Maybe I should kowtow to you as well. -No, no!

This is nonsense.

You're toasting to me

and kowtowing to me.

-Are you jinxing me? -No, no.

You should raise

a toast to my wife instead.

She's a remarkable woman.

Yes, let me kowtow to her.

No, no.

Both of us are getting old.

In the future, the one who will support you and help you

is your spouse.

Ling Lan has gone through a lot.

Should I kowtow to Ling Lan?

I will thank you then.

I will kowtow to you later.

Thank you for staying by my side all these years,

even though I'm not

-a capable man. -Drink up!

I'm toasting along.

Just one glass.

Who just said he was going to kowtow to me?

Go on.

I already kowtowed to you in my heart.

Don't sigh.

Every day when I look at you at home,

I feel so frustrated.

How did I

end up marrying a husband

who isn't strong,

doesn't make a lot of money

and always causes trouble outside?

My life is so miserable.

But,

Professor Ren,

you know, when you were lecturing on stage,

when I looked at you up there,

I still admired you.

I mean it.

I'm not joking.

You see,

people like you,

who still

have such passion,

are selflessly and

wholeheartedly devoted to TCM.

You would even die for...

No, I mean...

Master, she's jinxing you.

Conquer death and turn things around.

I mean,

you see, you truly

dedicate yourself to TCM, with unwavering focus

and the willingness...

The willingness to sacrifice your personal life and career.

Not many people can do what you've done.

I truly admire you from the bottom of my heart.

Here's to you.

Does that mean you won't scold me anymore in the future?

Finish this drink, and I'll answer you.

-Here. -Drink up.

Dad!

I'm toasting along again. Just one.

-Unbelievable. -I'll answer you now.

In the future,

don't keep hovering around me all the time.

Just stand on that podium

and give your lectures with all your dedication.

I believe that way

we can maintain

a stable marital relationship.

Dad, she won't scold you anymore. She will scold me instead.

It's not the same.

Son, let me tell you the truth.

Actually, every time after I scold you,

I feel really guilty inside.

Because I think

you are an angel

sent to me by God.

But

every time after I scold your dad,

I always feel like it's not enough.

You see, there's a difference between someone

who came from your own belly and someone who didn't.

You're right, Mum.

Here's to you.

-Okay. -Okay.

-Here's to Master. -Here.

-Master. -Except for Dad,

the rest of you, raise your glass.

Come on.

Tou Tou, don't drink too much.

Madam.

Master, here's to you.

Meng Meng can't drink.

Yes.

Here.

-Cut it down. -Meng Meng won't drink.

Just a sip, just a sip.

Look at him!

I'll just have one glass.

It's a nice wine.

-Come on. -Have some veggies, Mum.

Who is it?

I'll get the door.

You just stay.

Rice cakes!

What brings you here?

Why all of a sudden?

It's not sudden.

Meng Meng has halted her study for over a year.

Besides,

her recent condition has been quite good.

We've been thinking about letting her return to school in September

when the semester resumes.

But she hasn't fully recovered yet.

It would be risky for her to go back to school now.

We have considered that as well,

that's why we want to take her home earlier.

We'll let her adapt for a while according to the school's schedule.

Yes.

Your considerations are very thoughtful.

But rest assured that

we will take her for regular follow-up appointments.

Thank you, Dr Ren.

And of course, thank you, Dr Song.

Thank you

for always thinking for Meng Meng.

However, Meng Meng

hasn't completed her high school education yet.

She still needs to study and gain practical experience

to eventually enter the workforce on her own.

Yes.

Meng Meng,

after you go home, eat well

and sleep well.

My phone is on all day long.

If you need anything,

feel free to call me, okay?

We will also go visit you.

Meng Meng's gone?

She left her doll here.

Sit down and eat first. You can give it to her tomorrow.

But she left her doll here.

-Give it to her tomorrow. -No need. She will come back.

Come.

All good things must come to an end.

It is only right

for her to go home.

Come on, let's eat.

Let's eat.

Come on.

You know,

Meng Meng is usually quiet

and is barely invisible,

but now that she's gone,

it just feels like something is missing.

Room service.

I don't want any food.

Will you help me check my TikTok account?

My dear grandson,

my account is unusable now.

It's killing me.

Come on, help me.

Come on.

I'm here to serve you dinner.

Aren't I considerate, my master?

Grandpa, I told you,

I'm not in the mood to eat anything.

You see,

you have lost your appetite

and you seem down.

You must be sick.

I'm not sick.

(The prescriptions and remedies used in this drama)

(are referenced from relevant traditional Chinese medicine books)

(Do not use without medical advice) (End of Episode 25)