TPGA - 46

Chapter 46: Muscle and Sinew Regeneration Powder

Seeing her seriousness, Chunxiu dared not touch it again and curiously asked, “What treasure is this?”

After placing the small porcelain bottle on the table, Ji Rong said, “You know that my family has been practicing medicine for generations until Grandfather passed away, and Father couldn’t manage alone, so he closed the clinic and opened a teahouse instead.”

“Mm, my mother said that when I was little, I once had a high fever and became delirious. Thanks to Grandfather Ji’s treatment, I recovered. Later, whenever we had any ailments, we went to the Ji Family Clinic. When Grandfather was alive, his treatments were miraculous, and he charged very little, so the clinic was always busy, often with queues lasting one or two hours.”

“The Ji Family Clinic...” Ji Rong repeated these four words with a bitter smile, “If the clinic were still open, or if Father had even seven or eight-tenths of Grandfather’s medical skills, I wouldn’t have ended up here as a dancing girl.”

“Sister...” Before Chunxiu could console her, Ji Rong had already come to her senses, shaking her head and saying, “I’m fine, just feeling a bit sentimental.” Then she refocused her gaze on the small porcelain bottle. “This is the Muscle and Sinew Regeneration Powder that Grandfather formulated while he was alive. Its efficacy far surpasses ordinary medicines found in other pharmacies and clinics. Anyone with external injuries would be eager to get this medicine. Unfortunately, Grandfather passed away too suddenly and didn’t leave behind the formula. Now, the entire Ji family has only this one bottle left.”

Hearing this, Chunxiu vaguely understood her intentions and cautiously asked, “Sister, do you intend to present this medicine to Master Jiancheng?”

“Precisely. Meixue’s influence in the mansion is growing stronger. As you said, sooner or later, we might have to call her ‘Second Lady.’ Therefore, we must find a way to curb her.”

Chunxiu wholeheartedly agreed, saying, “Sister is right. If this medicine proves effective, Master Jiancheng will not only remember you but may also reward you, just as he rewarded Meixue.” Then she regretfully added, “It’s a pity we didn’t find evidence of Meixue colluding with the assassin the other day; otherwise, we wouldn’t let her be so arrogant and smug.”

Ji Rong waved her hand dismissively, “Let’s not dwell on the past. I’ll go now. You stay here and try not to conflict with Meixue until the situation becomes favorable for us.”

“Understood.” After Chunxiu reluctantly agreed, Ji Rong took the small porcelain bottle and headed out. She arrived at Qingchun Garden and, after stating her purpose, waited a long time before being led by the guards to the room where Li Jiancheng was.

Entering the room, Ji Rong quickly glanced at Li Jiancheng, who was half-sitting on the bed, and then bowed deeply, saying, “Ji Rong greets Master Jiancheng. Wishing you ten thousand blessings.”

Li Jiancheng put down the scroll in his hand and stared at Ji Rong, asking, “They say you have medicine for reconnecting tendons and bones?”

Ji Rong replied obediently, “Yes, upon hearing that Master Jiancheng was bitten by an assassin, I was very worried and thus brought this ancestral secret medicine. This medicine is called Muscle and Sinew Regeneration Powder. Since ancient times, the most miraculous medicines could bring the dead back to life and regenerate flesh from bones. Although this medicine can’t compare, any external injury treated with it will heal twice as fast as with other medicines.”

Li Jiancheng raised an eyebrow and said, “That sounds quite impressive. Bring me the medicine.”

Ji Rong didn’t dare to delay and quickly handed over the medicine. After examining it, Li Jiancheng instructed a servant, “Go fetch Doctor Xu.” Once the servant left, he stared at Ji Rong and asked, “You’re just a dancing girl. How did you come to possess such a valuable medicine?”

“Master Jiancheng, the Ji family originally ran a clinic. Later, due to Father’s lack of medical expertise, our family declined. This medicine was left by my grandfather. The entire Ji family has only this one bottle left. Knowing that Master Jiancheng is busy with affairs and chasing assassins, yet hindered by his leg injury, I thought it imperative to present this medicine, hoping it can assist Master Jiancheng.”

“In that case, I must thank you properly.” Saying this, Li Jiancheng beckoned her closer. As Ji Rong approached, he suddenly reached out and touched her face. It was her first intimate contact with a man, and her cheeks flushed red, her body trembling slightly, though she dared not pull away.

Li Jiancheng traced her cheek and neck, and upon finding no mask, his eyes relaxed slightly. He withdrew his hand and said, “Tell me, what do you want?”

Ji Rong suppressed her inner turmoil and softly said, “This servant merely hopes that Master Jiancheng will recover soon. I don’t want anything.”

“Is that so?” Li Jiancheng smirked coldly and said nothing more. After a moment, Doctor Xu entered with the servant. Upon examining the powder, his face showed a mix of excitement and surprise. “This bottle... is it the Muscle and Sinew Regeneration Powder from the Ji Family Clinic?”

Seeing him name the medicine immediately, Li Jiancheng raised an eyebrow and asked, “Is this medicine famous?”

Doctor Xu quickly replied, “Master Jiancheng may not know, but over a decade ago, this was the most renowned topical medicine. Not only could it reconnect tendons, but it also had miraculous effects on mending bones. Unfortunately, after Elder Ji passed away, this medicine was lost. I never expected to see it here today.” Then he asked, “May I ask where Master Jiancheng obtained this bottle of medicine?”

Li Jiancheng pointed at Ji Rong and said, “This person is a descendant of the Ji Family Clinic, and the medicine was given by her.”

Doctor Xu walked up to Ji Rong, visibly excited, and said, “How much of this medicine does your Ji family still have? I’m willing to pay a high price for it.”

Ji Rong lowered her eyes and replied, “I’m afraid I must disappoint you, Doctor. My grandfather passed away in a hurry and left behind only a few bottles. Afterward, some were used for various reasons, and now, only this one bottle remains.”

Her words left Doctor Xu deeply disappointed. He sighed and said, “If there were a few more bottles, perhaps we could cure Master Jiancheng’s foot ailment!”

At these words, Li Jiancheng, who had previously seemed indifferent, immediately changed his expression. Staring intently at the doctor, he stammered, “What… what did you say? It can… cure my foot ailment?”

Ever since his feet became afflicted, causing him to walk with a limp, it had been Li Jiancheng’s greatest worry. He dreamed of one day being cured of his condition. Despite years of effort, even with Li Yuan exhausting all means to seek out renowned physicians, no cure had been found. Now, hearing this, how could he not be moved?

Doctor Xu said, “Indeed. Over twenty years ago, I personally witnessed Elder Ji curing a man with a foot ailment using this medicine. If we had enough of it, we could certainly try. Unfortunately...” He shook his head and didn’t continue.

Li Jiancheng extended his hand toward Ji Rong and demanded, “Give me the formula for this medicinal powder. If you hand over the recipe, I will grant any request you make, without fail.”

Ji Rong felt immense regret. If only they had kept the formula or hadn’t used those few bottles so easily, she could now cure Li Jiancheng’s foot ailment. Such a favor would undoubtedly surpass Meixue’s contribution, elevating her status in the governor’s mansion significantly. But...