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Su Zhi gazed at the Zhao family with a serene smile that exuded warmth and charm, yet beneath her pleasant facade, there was a glint of disdain and provocation in her eyes as she observed them, as if silently declaring their impending defeat.
The Zhao family felt uncomfortable sensing Su Zhi’s subtle contempt and challenge, but they were trapped in their current confrontational stance with the Shen family.
Dazhu’s Wife, determined, retorted, “There’s no such miraculous medicine. If you’re so confident, go ahead and test it on people and chickens. Once it’s proven effective, then we’ll consider taking it.”
The surrounding onlookers chuckled at her response, thinking that if the test succeeded, Zhao Xiaohua would have to take the medicine, implying that she wasn’t truly in pain.
Sun Shi interjected, “Why wait to decide whether to take it? I would dare to take it. If I’m truly in pain and Xiaohua refuses, it shows she’s faking it. Let’s settle this now; delaying will only make us a laughingstock.”
Dazhu’s Wife huffed, “Who knows if this medicine even exists? Maybe it’s just a scare tactic for Xiaohua! What if Su Zhi plans to give Xiaohua poison? I’ll keep a close watch. If I catch any wrongdoing, she’ll end up in prison for attempted poisoning!”
Dazhu’s Wife’s intention was to intimidate Su Zhi into not making the medicine, but Su Zhi simply smiled and replied, “Don’t trouble yourself, Sister-in-law,” before gracefully walking away. She felt a twinge of disappointment, wondering if such a medicine truly existed. Su Zhi had healed her own severe skin condition and removed the scar on Shen Ziju’s face, earning Physician Huang’s praise. Perhaps there was more to her skills than mere tricks.
Accompanied by Physician Huang, Su Zhi went out to gather some medicinal herbs, with Shen Zi’an joining them. As they stepped outside, they were greeted by a crowd in the courtyard. Su Zhi marveled at how people in ancient times loved commotion; news spread rapidly, and everyone seemed eager to gather around without finding it intrusive.
Liu Siniang and Li Shi (Shitou) stood outside, maintaining a noticeable distance between them, as if avoiding certain interactions. Upon seeing Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi emerge, both approached, one greeting Shen Zi’an and the other welcoming Su Zhi, inquiring about the situation. Liu Siniang preferred not to join the Zhao family inside and stand against Su Zhi, while Li Shi had just arrived.
After exchanging updates, they accompanied Physician Huang back to his home to gather the required medicinal herbs. Physician Huang’s residence was nearby, making it easy to find the necessary ingredients. Meanwhile, Su Zhi returned to her own home to locate the two rare herbs she needed. She successfully prepared the medicine, storing it in a small bottle before heading out.
Su Zhi’s peculiar medicine could indeed be crafted without any trickery involved; all the ingredients were the same, with no variations.
The discovery of this peculiar medicine was actually a serendipitous find by Su Zhi, all thanks to a mischievous little black wolf. She offered the wolf some spring water, but after drinking its fill, the wolf bit into the lotus leaf in the water. It writhed in pain on the ground, a pitiful sight that frightened Su Zhi. While the other animals anxiously whimpered, Su Zhi remained composed and promptly administered lotus pollen, which eased the wolf’s suffering.
Observing the damaged lotus leaf, Su Zhi began experimenting and confirmed its ability to induce excruciating pain. Initially, she believed the lotus flower was a divine medicine and the leaf a venomous substance. However, she later encountered an injured magpie with a broken wing. Feeling compassionate, she fed the magpie some lotus leaf, and miraculously, the magpie perked up, displaying no signs of pain.
Su Zhi then realized the remarkable property of the lotus leaf: it could inflict pain on healthy creatures while relieving suffering in those already in pain. However, its effects were purely sensory and could not heal physical ailments. It was a form of both a pain-inducing poison and a pain-relieving medicine on a perceptual level only, harmless to life but impactful on pain perception.
Su Zhi had the idea to use the lotus leaf to treat Zhao Xiaohua’s condition. Observing the lump on Xiaohua’s head, she deduced that although initially painful, the pain would have subsided over time, evident from Xiaohua’s restless movements. While other potential pains were not a concern, Su Zhi planned to apply a topical potion to alleviate any localized discomfort before administering the medicine.
Having discovered the remarkable properties of the lotus leaf, Su Zhi had contemplated numerous ways to leverage its benefits. Although she had considered scenarios like Xiaohua’s, she hadn’t anticipated using it on her. The swift opportunity to test it on a person caught her by surprise; she felt grateful to Xiaohua for providing a chance for a small experiment.
Physician Huang received the medicine bottle from Su Zhi, filled with pills emanating a bitter yet medicinal scent, instilling a sense of reverence and increased admiration for Su Zhi.
Su Zhi decided not to bring along Little Black and Little White, who she had just retrieved from Li Qing’s house, as she didn’t want them involved in this particular errand.
Little Black watched Su Zhi leave with a hint of reluctance before joining Little White to play in the garden.
Upon their return, the onlookers in the courtyard grew excited once again, eagerly anticipating Su Zhi’s return with the miraculous medicine.
Li Zheng inquired, “Have you prepared the medicine? I’ve arranged for the people and chickens for the test.”
Su Zhi nodded with a smile, then turned to Sun Shi and offered, “Sister-in-law, I brought some medicine for treating bruises. Let me apply it for you. Trust me, it works wonders. Once I apply it, you’ll feel better.”
Sun Shi, recalling the effectiveness of the medicine Su Zhi had applied to Shen Ziju before, and feeling the pain in her hand, immediately agreed, saying, “Alright, please apply it quickly. It really hurts.”
Su Zhi retrieved a small box containing a special ointment she had prepared for herself and Shen Zi’an, infused with lotus leaf for pain relief. Her act of kindness in applying the ointment to Sun Shi was actually a strategic move to encourage Zhao Xiaohua to follow suit. She needed to alleviate Xiaohua’s pain first before potentially increasing it. Such calculations could be tiresome, but for the sake of treating Zhao Xiaohua, she was willing to go the extra mile, even if it meant complicating matters. After all, Xiaohua dared to think about Shen Zi’an!
Sun Shi felt immediate relief upon applying the faintly fragrant ointment, sensing its efficacy due to its bitter scent. Delighted that her wrist pain had vanished, she praised, “Younger Sister, this ointment works wonders! Since you’re skilled in medicine, please give me a portion. In case I experience pain again, I won’t need to bother you. You know how my nephews are always getting hurt.”
Su Zhi inwardly rolled her eyes, finding Sun Shi’s audacity amusing. She thought it was quite bold for someone who had been critical and demanding previously to now ask for even a small box of medicine in front of others.
“Third Sister-in-law, I apologize, but this medicine contains two rare and expensive ingredients, and I only have this one box. I can’t give it to you,” Su Zhi firmly stated, disregarding Sun Shi’s displeased expression.
Turning towards Zhao Xiaohua, Su Zhi addressed her, “Xiaohua, you must be in pain too, right? Apply some of this ointment. Rest assured, this medicine is only for external injuries, not for headaches.”
Feeling genuine pain and anxious under the scrutiny of the onlookers, Zhao Xiaohua hesitantly applied a bit of the ointment on the back of her head, feeling relief in that area.
Su Zhi stored away the box of medicine, ignoring envious gazes, and handed a small bottle to Li Zheng, saying, “Li Zheng, inside are seven pills. You brought three people and three chickens as requested. Distribute one pill to each person and chicken, and leave one for Xiaohua.”
Li Zheng agreed and gathered a few villagers who trusted Su Zhi’s medical expertise. Although initially hesitant about the peculiar medicine, upon hearing Su Zhi’s assurance, they were willing to try it. These three individuals were the exact number Su Zhi had requested.
The three individuals examined the pills in their hands, finding them promising, and consumed them without hesitation. Upon ingestion, they experienced a refreshing sensation in their throats, followed by a warm feeling throughout their bodies. Their previous pains vanished completely. Two of them suffered from rheumatic pain, and one had stomach discomfort. Initially needing assistance to walk, they could now stand and move freely, feeling like normal individuals.
Grateful and impressed, the three individuals continuously thanked Su Zhi, praising her miraculous healing touch.
Meanwhile, the chickens in the cages were also fed the medicine. Each bird became restless, transforming from docile creatures into agitated ones, eventually rolling around in discomfort inside their cages, displaying signs of distress.
Witnessing the positive effects of Su Zhi’s medicine, the onlookers began to trust her words. The Shen family members wore smiles of satisfaction, while the Zhao family appeared crestfallen, especially Zhao Xiaohua, who felt her reputation had been tarnished.
Sun Shi challenged, “Xiaohua, dare you take this medicine now? Hurry up and prove your bravery! If you refuse, it shows you’re a coward! Hmph, trying to deceive our Shen family, you’re not skilled enough for that!”
Although Sun Shi’s words were directed at Xiaohua, they implicated the entire Zhao family, leaving them all looking downcast.
Su Zhi handed three yellow pills, instructing someone to feed them to the chickens, stating that this would alleviate their distress.
“Xiaohua, I only have one pill left. Here, take it. Don’t worry. If it doesn’t relieve your pain like it did for those three villagers just now, I have another medicine that can make you feel as pain-free as those three chickens. Go ahead and take it with confidence,” Su Zhi reassured Xiaohua.
The onlookers burst into laughter upon hearing Su Zhi’s words, finding it amusing how she had grouped Xiaohua and the three chickens together in her statement.
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