Taking a Disciple and the Study of Dissection

Three corpses!

Judging by the stiffness, they must have died only recently. It’s important to guard against any disease or cadaveric infection.

"What is this for?" Serena Feng wasn’t afraid—she was just puzzled. What exactly were Sun Zhengdao and Simon Sun planning? Did they somehow know what she was thinking? She didn’t recall telling Simon to bring corpses here.

"Miss Feng, you must be busy enough to forget things. Didn’t you say you’d operate on my wife? I figured we should practice first, so nothing goes wrong when the time comes.

Don’t worry, Miss Feng. These three corpses are fresh from the Ministry of Justice prison—unclaimed executed criminals. I’ve already burned paper money and incense for them before coming." Sun Zhengdao was far-sighted compared to most physicians. As soon as Serena mentioned anatomical surgery, he anticipated this problem.

"Surgical tools for anatomical dissection." Serena Feng pointed at the three corpses, looking as if she thought the question was obvious.

Every year, countless people die in the Imperial Medical Directorate from experimental drugs—so what’s a little dissection?

"Director Sun, your insight impresses me." Serena Feng bowed respectfully to Sun Zhengdao.

She truly admired Director Sun—being able to think this far ahead was rare. No wonder Sun Zhengdao had risen to head the Imperial Medical Directorate; his understanding and pursuit of medicine far surpassed most.

Dissecting corpses—no doctor in this era would ever think of such a thing.

Sun Zhengdao wore a serious expression, but inside he was quietly pleased.

There were three corpses, after all—one for each of them. Serena would let her actions do the talking. If Sun Zhengdao wanted to challenge her, he’d picked the wrong field. If it were acupuncture or traditional diagnostics, maybe he’d have a shot…

"I’m used to my own tools. Disciple, when your master shows you her instruments—if you perform well, I’ll gift you a set." With that, Serena had Evan Zhou lead the way.

"Fine, I’m curious to see what you’ll bring out. Miss Feng, we’re all waiting." Sun Zhengdao’s stubborn side showed—he refused to believe a young woman like Serena Feng could really have such nerve.

Serena Feng nodded and instructed Evan Zhou to take them to the most remote, long-abandoned storeroom in Feng Manor, and to bring two tables covered with white cloth. With Evan around, she never had to fret about anything.

Sun Zhengdao noticed Serena only gave instructions to Evan Zhou and didn’t go herself, so he asked pointedly, "What’s this? Miss Feng, aren’t you coming? You’re not scared, are you? Don’t worry, my son and I will do the cutting; you can just watch."

Serena was quick. Evan Zhou had only just finished arranging things when she strode in, wearing her surgical gown and carrying her medical case packed with dissection tools.

Serena Feng blinked, then suddenly smiled.

She’d planned to use dissection to give Simon Sun a lesson, but it turned out Sun Zhengdao wanted to use it to intimidate her. Apparently, they were thinking along the same lines.

Serena nodded with satisfaction—having Evan Zhou around meant she never had to fret about anything.

Serena Feng set her medical case on the table, then took out two surgical gowns and handed them to Sun Zhengdao and Simon Sun. "Put these on—the corpses are far from clean."

Who knows if these corpses carry any disease? Even if not, exposure to anything from the dead is risky.

Sun Zhengdao and Simon Sun were baffled, but Serena didn’t bother to explain. She simply stuffed the gowns into their hands, then took out surgical caps, masks, and gloves, methodically suited up.

Serena Feng quickly stopped smiling and said seriously, "Director Sun, please forgive me—I was just reminded of something. Ahem... Don’t worry, I’ll be over soon, but I need to prepare first."

"Prepare? Prepare what?" Sun Zhengdao’s eyes narrowed, clearly displeased.

"Surgical tools for the dissection." Serena Feng pointed at the three corpses, looking as if she thought the question was obvious.

It’s not like she could use her bare hands.

"I brought them, Miss Feng, no need to prepare." Sun Zhengdao motioned for Simon Sun to take out the coroner’s knives.

Simon Sun awkwardly stepped forward and called out softly, "Master."

"Good disciple." Serena had wanted to tell him not to call her Master, but seeing Sun Zhengdao’s reaction, she decided it was best to accept the role.

In this era, the belief in respecting teachers and valuing their teachings ran deep. As Simon Sun’s master, she would gain many advantages, and Simon would never dare betray her lightly.

Betraying one’s master came at a steep price—it would be a stain that could never be washed away.

"I’m used to my own tools. Disciple, once your master lets you see her instruments—if you do well, I’ll give you a set." With that, Serena had Evan Zhou lead the way.

"Fine, I’m curious to see what you can bring out. Miss Feng, we’re waiting on you." Sun Zhengdao’s stubborn side came out—he refused to believe a young woman like Serena Feng could truly have such courage.

Truth be told, he was starting to feel a bit hesitant himself.

Serena Feng just smiled, offering no explanation. In medicine, facts spoke louder than words—showing skill was better than empty talk.

Serena was quick. Evan Zhou had only just finished arranging things when Serena appeared, wearing a surgical gown and carrying her medical case filled with dissection tools.

Sun Zhengdao and Simon Sun were both stunned. "What are you wearing?"

To people of this era, Serena’s outfit was truly bizarre. Sun Zhengdao’s question was understandable, but Evan Zhou was long used to Serena’s eccentric ways. He calmly ordered everyone else out, posting the servants at the door to make sure no one came in.

Serena nodded with satisfaction—having Evan Zhou around meant she never had to worry.

Serena Feng set her medical case on the table, then took out two surgical gowns and handed them to Sun Zhengdao and Simon Sun. "Put these on—the corpses are hardly clean."

Who knows if these corpses carry any disease? Even if not, exposure to anything from the dead is risky—cadaveric infection is no joke.

Sun Zhengdao and Simon Sun were baffled, but Serena didn’t bother to explain. She simply stuffed the gowns into their hands, then took out surgical caps, masks, and gloves, methodically suited up like a pro.

And honestly, once dressed like this, Serena really looked the part. The outfit made her seem more energetic—and she genuinely looked like a doctor.

Seeing this, Sun Zhengdao and Simon Sun grew curious and quickly dressed up just like Serena.

Once Sun Zhengdao and Simon Sun were ready, Serena gave them a thumbs-up to signal they could begin. But the Sun father and son didn’t understand, so Serena added, "Director Sun, you may start."

"Alright." When it came to medicine, everyone grew serious.

Sun Zhengdao took out the blood-stained, rusty knives one by one and placed them beside the corpses.

A white cloth was laid under the corpses, but the knives on top made everything look even dirtier.

Serena Feng frowned but said nothing.

Sun Zhengdao was a senior, and he clearly wanted to intimidate her. If Serena said too much now, he’d only get annoyed. Besides, he was trying to put her in her place—there was no need to be so considerate, or he might misunderstand her intentions.

There were three corpses, after all—one for each of them. Serena would let her actions speak for themselves. If Sun Zhengdao wanted to challenge her, he’d picked the wrong field. If it were acupuncture or traditional medicine, maybe he’d have a chance…

The corpse still wore prison clothes, and Sun Zhengdao didn’t seem interested in removing them. He traced the knife back and forth, hesitating over where to cut. Finally, he took off the top and began marking lines across the chest…

Watching Sun Zhengdao, Serena felt a bad premonition—this corpse was in for a rough time.

Serena silently prayed: Amitabha! May Buddha bless you!

After all that marking, Sun Zhengdao finally decided to cut straight down the middle…