TPGA - 47

Chapter 47: One Month

“If I had the formula, I would have presented it to Master Jiancheng without hesitation. However, this medicine was formulated solely by my grandfather. Even my father only knew part of the recipe. Later, my grandfather suddenly passed away from a stroke, leaving no opportunity to write down the complete formula. Therefore...”

Li Jiancheng sharply interrupted, “Don’t give me excuses! I want the formula—now!” He was fed up with others’ strange looks and, more importantly, with his own disability. He was desperate to escape this torment.

Ji Rong knelt helplessly and pleaded, “Please forgive me, Master Jiancheng!”

Li Jiancheng stared at her coldly for a long while before saying, “Feng Li, immediately send men to search the Ji family residence. Find that formula at all costs!”

Before Feng Li could respond, Ji Rong shook her head and said, “It’s useless. Even if Master Jiancheng orders the ground dug up three feet deep, the formula won’t be found because it simply doesn’t exist.”

Li Jiancheng, however, couldn’t hear reason. His mind was consumed with finding the formula and curing his ailment. With deliberate emphasis, he said, “It must be found. Otherwise... there’s no need for the Ji family to continue existing.”

Hearing the ruthlessness in his words, Ji Rong turned pale with fear. As Feng Li prepared to leave, she broke into a cold sweat. Steeling herself, she blurted out, “My grandfather truly didn’t leave behind a formula, so this search will surely be in vain. But if Master Jiancheng truly desires it, I can assist.”

“You?” Under Li Jiancheng’s skeptical gaze, Ji Rong continued, “Yes. Since childhood, I’ve been exposed to medicine under my grandfather’s guidance and understand some pharmacology. As for the Muscle and Sinew Regeneration Powder, I’ve heard my grandfather mention details about it before. Combined with the partial recipe my father knows and the medical books passed down through our family, I can attempt to recreate it.”

Li Jiancheng stared at her, his emotions wavering. By now, he had gradually calmed down and realized that Ji Rong spoke the truth. If their family could have retained such a miraculous formula, they wouldn’t have fallen into poverty and ended up as servants in the governor’s mansion.

“What are your chances of success?” Hearing this question, Ji Rong secretly exhaled in relief and quickly replied, “Actually, my father once tried to recreate the formula but gave up after several attempts because many of the required herbs were extremely expensive. If materials are sufficient, I estimate a fifty percent chance.”

“Fifty percent—a decent probability, but...” Li Jiancheng repeated those words, leaning forward and lifting Ji Rong’s chin. In a low voice, he asked, “Your father failed, yet you claim a fifty percent chance. Do you expect me to believe that?”

Meeting his gaze, Ji Rong answered, “When my grandfather was alive, he often said that my father lacked talent in medicine. Once I grew older, he intended to teach me everything he knew so I could inherit his legacy. Even if women cannot practice medicine, at least I could preserve the Ji family’s medical knowledge.”

Li Jiancheng nodded noncommittally. “So, you’re saying your talent in medicine far surpasses your father’s?”

“Yes.” Ji Rong was acutely aware that this moment might lead to her downfall—or present an opportunity. There was no room for retreat now; all she could do was seize it firmly.

“Fine!” Li Jiancheng released her and said, “I’ll trust you this once. If you succeed in recreating the powder, I will grant any request you make. But if you fail... I’ll make you regret being born!”

Ji Rong took a deep breath and replied, “Understood. I will do everything in my power to recreate the Muscle and Sinew Regeneration Powder for Master Jiancheng. However, this task cannot be completed overnight. Please allow me some time.”

Li Jiancheng immediately responded, “One month—that’s the longest I’m willing to wait.”

Ji Rong furrowed her brow. A month was undeniably too short, but there was nothing she could do about it. Bowing her head, she said, “As you command.”

“I’ll instruct the pharmacy to provide whatever herbs you need. If they don’t have something, they’ll buy it. If they refuse, come directly to me.” After Ji Rong agreed, he waved his hand dismissively. “You may leave.”

“I take my leave.” After exiting Qingchun Garden, Ji Rong returned silently to the music hall. Chunxiu, who had been anxiously waiting, rushed to her side and asked, “Sister, why were you gone so long? Was Master Jiancheng pleased? What did he reward you with?”

Ji Rong ignored her and, with trembling hands, poured herself a glass of water. She drank it in one gulp, then poured another, drinking three full glasses before stopping.

Even someone as slow-witted as Chunxiu could tell something was wrong. Nervously, she asked, “Sister, did... something happen?”

Ji Rong recounted the events at Qingchun Garden. Chunxiu exclaimed in astonishment, “I never imagined the medicine from your family was so miraculous! If you truly manage to cure Master Jiancheng’s foot ailment, that would be an extraordinary achievement. Not only will Master Jiancheng reward you, but even the governor will. By then, you’ll be able to ask for anything you want.”

“If I succeed, everything will be fine,” Ji Rong said, massaging her aching forehead wearily. “But if I fail...” Her voice trailed off. “From Master Jiancheng’s earlier words, he won’t spare me.”

Chunxiu tried to comfort her, saying, “Don’t worry. Sister has always had a talent for medicine. You’ll definitely be able to recreate the Muscle and Sinew Regeneration Powder.”

“I hope so,” Ji Rong sighed. “It’s just about the first day of the month tomorrow. I need to leave the mansion to ask my father about the Muscle and Sinew Regeneration Powder and bring back some medical books.”

Chunxiu hesitated, saying, “The mansion is under strict security now. They probably won’t let you out.”

Ji Rong’s lips curved slightly as she coolly replied, “With Master Jiancheng’s authority, let’s see who dares to stop me.”

Chunxiu thought about it and agreed, “I wanted to go home too. Please take me with you. I can help carry the medical books.” Just as she finished speaking, there was a knock on the door. Upon opening it, they saw Bai, the steward of the mansion. Before they could ask, Bai said, “Come with me to the front hall immediately. It’s your turn for the music hall inspection.”

“What are they inspecting for no reason?” Chunxiu asked. The steward glared at her and said, “I’m only here to deliver the message. Ask Master Shimin if you have questions. This is his order.”

Chunxiu felt embarrassed and didn’t dare ask further. She followed Ji Rong outside, where the courtyard was already filled with other dancing girls. Yunyi and Jiang Caiping were among them. The latter wrinkled her delicate nose and whispered, “Ever since the assassin incident, the mansion hasn’t been peaceful. One moment they’re searching, the next they’re interrogating. Who knows what they’re checking this time?”

Yunyi smiled and said, “Let them search if they want. As long as we haven’t done anything wrong, we have nothing to fear.”

“That’s true,” Jiang Caiping said, “but it’s still annoying. I wonder when they’ll catch the assassin.” Just as she finished speaking, they heard Bai, the steward, say, “Since everyone’s here, follow one by one. Don’t lag behind.” He signaled to someone beside him. That person nodded knowingly and moved to the back to monitor them, preventing anyone from escaping.