Chapter 218: The Trivial Illness

The chill of spring was biting.

As the wind blew down the streets, it brought with it the choking scent of coal dust.

Pedestrians all covered their mouths and noses, hurrying on their way, according to the Imperial Physician from the Imperial Medical Bureau, excessive inhalation of smog could damage one's kidney qi, affect one's fertility, and only the pills sold by the Imperial Court could cure this.

"What a damned era this is, even the Imperial Medical Bureau is corrupted!"

Shopkeeper Hu from Dong Sheng Grain Shop spit out a blob of saliva, tightened his newly cut narrow-sleeve brocade robe, and covered his nose as he parted the tavern's door curtain.

The melodious twang of the pipa, the blind singer's resonant and piercing vocals, guests chatting in various accents, the creaking of chairs and tables, the clinking of wine glasses—all these sounds mingled and filled his ears.