Chapter 445: Asking Someone to Take Off Their Pants
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
After settling their silly dog at home, Liu Shimei followed Miao Linglong into the main house of the inner courtyard to pay respects to Madam Miao.
Madam Miao wasn’t very old, having given birth to two sons before Miao Linglong. She was probably between 35 and 40 years old.
Her age was similar to Zhang Miaozhen’s mother, Madam Jiang, but Madam Miao appeared much older, her complexion paler, and her spirits lower. Clearly, she had been tormented by illness for years.
“I’ll take Madam Miao’s pulse first,” Liu Shimei said, sitting on a round stool in front of the bed.
Madam Miao was evidently experienced in seeking medical help; she extended her wrist to Liu Shimei for pulse diagnosis, showing the ease of someone who regularly consulted doctors.
After carefully assessing the pulse, Liu Shimei asked Madam Miao, “Where do you feel uncomfortable?”
Madam Miao looked embarrassed and hesitated to speak.
Liu Shimei understood: her suspicion wasn’t off the mark. It was undoubtedly a gynecological issue. And when it came to problems in that area, how could a male doctor possibly examine her? Even taking the pulse would involve skin-to-skin contact!
Liu Shimei continued, “You might have consulted many doctors before, but they were all male physicians. Some symptoms might be difficult to discuss. However, I am different. I am a woman, and I’ve studied all the medical texts and books on gynecology in the Imperial Academy of Medicine. Madam Miao, you can trust me. We must face the illness directly; only then can we hope for a cure.”
Gynecological diseases were indeed difficult to treat, but it was not impossible. Even in this era, women found it shameful to bare their arms in front of others, let alone those parts.
Not only that era; even in modern times, women feel embarrassed when they have to reveal those parts on a gynecological examination table.
Therefore, understanding Miao Madam’s hesitation, Liu Shimei could only gently persuade her.
Miao Linglong urged, “Yes, Mother, let’s ask them to leave. Miss Liu is a female doctor. We don’t need to be so cautious. The key is to try and see. Perhaps this time, the illness can be cured, and she won’t suffer from it anymore.”
After a moment of contemplation, Miao Madam dismissed the servants and finally said, “The lower part of my body often itches, and sometimes… there’s a discharge of purulent fluid…”
She described the symptoms in detail. Liu Shimei frowned, then asked, “How about your menstrual cycle? Duration, color, amount… please provide all the details.”
Madam Miao’s personal maid explained the situation meticulously, even more detailed than Madam Miao herself.
After clarifying the symptoms, Liu Shimei had a rough diagnosis.
“Madam, please take off your pants. I need to examine you,” she said calmly, then turned to Lian Qiao, the maid, and instructed, “Prepare for the examination.”
Lian Qiao understood and opened the medical kit, taking out a mask and gloves for Liu Shimei to wear.
Subsequently, she prepared the necessary gynecological examination tools.
All of this had been part of Liu Shimei’s training.
Wearing gloves, Liu Shimei turned back to face a stunned Madam Miao and her daughter.
Miao Linglong could not believe her ears. “Take… take off the pants?”
“If you don’t, how can I diagnose properly and prescribe the right treatment?” Liu Shimei remained calm. “I believe there are capable doctors in the Great Shu Dynasty who could cure Madam Miao, but the key is the accurate diagnosis, which might have been overlooked!”
However, Madam Miao clearly refused. “Absurd! You, an unmarried young lady, and the legitimate daughter of the Grand Chancellor’s Residence, dare to ask someone to take off their pants!”
Silence filled the room..