Offering Prescriptions to Gain Merit (Part 1)

"Why not? With this Vitality Pill, my maternal grandmother will undoubtedly grow stronger," Murong Yu declared confidently.

In Murong Yu's previous life, the hottest-selling items in her store were Jade Cream and Vitality Pills—often out of stock.

"Is this Vitality Pill really that effective?" Aman hesitated. She didn't know when Murong Yu had learned all these things. "Oh, and speaking of Jade Cream, I remember you had me send some to the Princess Anyang a while ago. There hasn't been any response from her yet."

"There should be news within the next couple of days," Murong Yu replied, not worried at all.

Whether it was the Jade Cream or the Vitality Pill, both were formulas penned by a great physician. He had promised to teach Murong Yu not just those two formulas but many other secret ones, as long as she became his apprentice.

Murong Yu found learning medicine to be far more practical than her prior studies in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She wanted to become an apprentice, but Ji Chengxuan wouldn't allow it. His reason was that studying medicine would take too much time away from being with him.

But Murong Yu secretly and formally paid her respects to the great physician, offering him tea. Her new master was delighted. To improve her health, the great physician had searched through ancient medical texts and journeyed through various places to find the best remedies for her.

'Where could Master be now?' Murong Yu wondered as she missed the old rascal.

"Send these two formulas for Vitality Pill to Li Mu as well," Murong Yu instructed. "Tell him to use trustworthy people for the task and not to mix the two different formulas; one is for men, the other for women."

"I understand," Aman nodded in agreement.

For topical applications, it was one thing. But these pills were to be ingested, and targeted at influential elders. So Li Mu, her cousin, personally came to inquire about it.

"Yu'er, should we take this Vitality Pill prescription to the Imperial Physician Bureau for examination?" Li Mu asked.

"If you're uncertain, you can take it to Dr. Qin. He's the most skilled and honorable physician there," Murong Yu suggested.

Li Mu sighed in relief, "Alright, I'll consult with Dr. Qin."

"When you meet Dr. Qin, tell him you stumbled upon these formulas. If there are any merits to be claimed, let the House of Lord Li claim it," Murong Yu softly added.

Li Mu was stunned. He thought, 'Merits?' 

But without further hesitation, Li Mu went ahead.

Dr. Qin, the head of the Imperial Physician Bureau, looked at the two formulas, then at Li Mu and asked, "Young man, where did you get these formulas?"

"I spent a hefty sum acquiring them from a wanderer. I came specifically to ask you, Dr. Qin, whether these formulas are effective or if I've been scammed," Li Mu replied, smiling without revealing the truth.

"These formulas are excellent," Dr. Qin assessed, looking at him again. "Whose hands did you acquire them from?"

"I don't know. Some gambler used them to pay off debts at the casino, and then he disappeared," Li Mu responded, growing slightly concerned when he saw Dr. Qin's serious demeanor. He thought, 'Could this formula from Yu'er have a significant background?'

"This formula for Vitality Pill is suitable for the Emperor, and the other is fitting for the Empress Dowager," Dr. Qin remarked, stroking his beard.

Li Mu was dumbfounded. He pondered, 'What was the origin of Yu'er's formula? It was suitable even for the Emperor and the Empress Dowager?'

"Young man, would you like to claim this merit?" Dr. Qin inquired with a smile.