CHAPTER 397: CHAPTER 394 HELPING

Ji Yuan thought that the court would soon reach a conclusion, especially since Song Xian had knelt at the palace gate. Even a hero was punished like this; if the matter cannot be clarified, there’s no way to explain to the officials.

The Emperor is a person who values his reputation and has always wanted to compare himself with wise rulers of previous dynasties; his subordinates handling this affair won’t be careless.

At the very least, there must be a result to placate Song Xian.

He cannot visit the Wang Family now, especially at such a time, for fear that he might be implicated when the Emperor targets Ms. Wang.

However, Ji Yuan didn’t refuse Steward Wang but instead said, "Let’s head over immediately."

Steward Wang ordered someone to bring the horses over. He and Ji Yuan mounted the horses one after another. Just as they exited the alley of the Child Care Institute, Steward Wang was about to speak to Ji Yuan, but he noticed Ji Yuan’s expression was unpleasant, and his gaze seemed unfocused.

"Mr. Ji," Steward Wang said, "Is there something making you uncomfortable..."

As soon as Steward Wang finished speaking, Ji Yuan raised his hand as if to grab the saddle, but his hand didn’t land on the saddle, and he fell from the horse.

Steward Wang shouted in alarm and hurried to check on Ji Yuan’s condition. He reached out and helped Ji Yuan up from the ground, and saw that Ji Yuan’s forehead was bruised, oozing fresh blood, and his body felt like a burning ember.

"Mr. Ji," Steward Wang regretted, so anxious to deliver the news earlier that he didn’t notice Ji Yuan’s condition, "Why didn’t you mention you were ill? What should we do now?"

"Someone, please," With no one else beside Steward Wang, he had to pay people from the street to help, "Give me a hand and take Mr. Ji to see a doctor."

Ji Yuan’s eyes remained tightly shut, as if he had already fainted.

...

Li Family.

Before retiring, Doctor Li held the position of Vice Envoy. He was different from the current Vice Envoy, Jia Si, who focused on his political career, whereas Doctor Li was devoted to medicine and teaching his disciples.

Having seen the illustrations of herbs sent by Li Ruchu, Doctor Li examined them thoroughly several times and felt that Princess Jia’an’s drawings had many merits.

First, the herbs were drawn meticulously; it depicted what flowers they bloom, what fruits they bear, and how their roots are unearthed, all clearly illustrated.

It also listed where the herbs commonly grow, which year’s herbs have the best medicinal properties, and how they should be stored after being harvested. For instance, the Yangtao Vine used for Paper Medicine should be immediately sent to the Paper Workshop after harvesting. If improperly stored, its sap will dry up, rendering the herb unusable.

If the herbalists knew this, they wouldn’t misidentify the herbs, and would store and trade them properly. It’s clear that only those familiar with herb collecting could write such a comprehensive guide.

Doctor Li heard Xie Liangchen talk about the villagers of Zhenzhou. In the past, they collected herbs without knowing their properties, and were even fooled by unscrupulous herb merchants. Some even regarded the herbs as miracle cures for all ailments and took them randomly, leading to many needless deaths.

Now that they’ve learned to identify the herbs, not only is harvesting easier, but understanding their properties has also reduced incidents of poisoning.

"This book of herbs should be kept in the government office, and during harvesting seasons, a literate person should be present to interpret," Xie Liangchen said, "For now, we’re focusing on common herbs in the Eight States."

Doctor Li said, "In past dynasties, there were such booklets too, but many have been damaged or lost. We once considered creating new illustrations for medicinal herbs, but in some areas, they weren’t as comprehensive as your drawings."

Ever since Doctor Li saw these drawings, he thought of how to improve their compendium. However, since Princess Jia’an conceived these ideas, they certainly couldn’t use them at will; inviting the Princess over for discussions was necessary.

Xie Liangchen understood Doctor Li’s intent: "If you find our herb illustrations useful, feel free to use them. Creating better booklets is beneficial for the people, and being able to help is a blessing for me."

Doctor Li smiled, surprised that the Princess had already considered this before he finished speaking, but scarcely astonished by the foresight of someone capable of drawing herb illustrations.

Doctor Li said, "The herb illustrations needed for the Eight States; before turning them into books, send them over. My students and I will help verify to avoid any errors. For herbs you aren’t familiar with, as long as there’s a corresponding booklet from the Imperial Hospital, you can borrow and replicate them."

Xie Liangchen and the others were delighted to hear this.

Xie Liangchen thanked Doctor Li, "I have one more matter where I’d like to seek the Vice Envoy’s advice."

As Xie Liangchen spoke, she took out the pig fat ointment: "This is pig fat ointment from our Familiar Medicine Institute in the Chen Family Village, also a kind of finished medicine. Only the Official Medicine Bureau can sell internal medicines, I wonder if we can sell this external pig fat ointment?"

The Official Medicine Bureau was just established, and there’s no regulation yet on what can and cannot be sold by the Imperial Hospital.

Doctor Li carefully examined the pig fat ointment’s formula. This pig fat ointment is not for internal use; even if used incorrectly, it won’t pose a life-threatening risk.

Doctor Li nodded: "The Official Medicine Bureau was just established; the Imperial Hospital is understaffed. Nonetheless, there are countless excellent formulas from the folk; it’s unfortunate if these formulas are shelved unused. It’s necessary to create a regulation. Leave the pig fat ointment with me; I’ll discuss it with my colleagues at the Imperial Hospital, and we’ll update the Princess once a decision is made."

"In future, any folk-submitted formula will have a comparable standard of handling."

After sending off Xie Liangchen and her companions, Doctor Li went to the front yard to find his students. He’s not sure how many herbs can be cultivated in the Eight States next year, which requires seeds. Doctor Li plans to recommend a few to Princess Jia’an, hoping to help.

Leaving the Li Family Mansion, Xie Liangchen, Meng Changshu, and their group were pleased. Doctor Li agreed to help verify the herb drawings. Going forward, they simply had to keep drawing; over the winter, they could complete several booklets.

Meng Changshu continued riding back with Xie Liangchen, feeling a bit reluctant on the way, "Once this is done, you’ll return to the North, won’t you?"

Xie Liangchen nodded, "I still have to prepare for next year’s spring plowing."

Meng Changshu sighed, "I don’t know when we’ll meet again?"

Xie Liangchen joked, "Otherwise, why not move to the North, Sister Meng?"

"It’s so far... my father probably wouldn’t agree..." As Meng Changshu spoke, she seemed to understand Xie Liangchen’s implication, her face immediately reddened. She reached out to tickle Xie Liangchen, "Stop joking." Moving to the North would mean either her father is transferred or she’s marrying there... Xie Liangchen clearly meant the latter.

Xie Liangchen held back a smile, speaking seriously, "What did I say?" In this lifetime, Meng Changshu wouldn’t marry Ji Yuan, and who knows where her good marriage lies.

After sending Meng Changshu home, Xie Liangchen returned to the Xie Family residence.

As soon as she got off the carriage, Chang An came over and said, "Someone from the Ministry of Justice is here, questioning Mr. Ji in the inner courtyard."

This must be about Xiao Xingzong’s case. Xie Liangchen nodded, it seems the court is prepared to provide an explanation for Song Xian.