Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 342 Three Prescriptions

"A secret remedy passed down by shamans in the miasma-ridden southwestern regions, it draws upon the vital energy of heaven and earth, combined with the blood-activating properties of a bloodworm. Legend has it that a holy maiden of the Baiyi tribe conceived after observing a golden silkworm attaching itself to a deer's belly, and thus discovered this formula."

In his letter, Jian Zhi attached detailed information about the ingredients and preparation method of the so-called "Bloodworm Progeny Formula," mentioning that it required three insect species unique to the southwest: the golden silkworm, the red bloodworm, and the earthworm. He also solemnly noted at the end, "This formula is heretical and evil; the Imperial Medical Academy shall forever prohibit it."

The letter gradually shrank and turned to ashes in the candlelight.

Meng Shu stared as the last spark went out, her fingertips trembling slightly involuntarily.

"Using insects as medicine to invigorate blood and promote fertility..." she murmured, "Such bizarre and absurd medical techniques exist in the Southwest. No, this can hardly be called medicine; it's clearly..."

She suddenly fell silent.

Throughout history, witchcraft and sorcery have been strictly prohibited, and people have been terrified of even the word "gu" (蛊). The *Da Zhou Hui Dian* (大周会典) states in its section on criminal law: "Anyone who practices witchcraft, creates gu, or engages in sorcery or sorcery shall be executed by slow slicing (凌迟), and accomplices shall be beheaded (腰斩). Those who know of such practices but fail to report them shall be punished along with their neighbors."

However, the Empress holds the highest position and is currently ill. The concubines and imperial physicians frequently visit the Phoenix Palace; at such a critical time, there is absolutely no reason for her to take such a risky move.

But on second thought, it wasn't impossible—we were in the temporary palace, which wasn't as strict as the inner palace. If the Empress really had this intention, the Phoenix Palace would be the most suitable opportunity.

Meng Shu pondered for a while, a hint of inquiry flashing in her eyes, but ultimately she put aside her doubts about Gu magic for fertility for the time being.

In comparison, the "medicinal herbs" mentioned in the other two prescriptions are actually more consistent.

One is a prescription mentioned in "Essentials of Gynecology" that uses deer placenta as medicine to regulate qi and blood, which is said to have a miraculous effect on women who are weak and have insufficient qi and blood.

Another method is... using the Chaos Robe as a medicinal ingredient.

The placenta, also known as the human uterus, is called the "Purple River Cart" or "Buddha's Robe" in medical classics. Although it is said to be beneficial, it is actually against human ethics and has therefore been listed as a forbidden substance since the previous dynasty. Anyone who takes the placenta for medicinal purposes is considered to have harmed human life; the ringleader is executed immediately, and his followers are exiled three thousand li.

Thinking of this, Meng Shu felt a chill run down her spine.

Aunt Mei had been watching Meng Shu's expression closely. Seeing this, she hurriedly asked with concern, "Your Highness, is something wrong?" She had run an errand and still didn't know anything.

Meng Shu composed herself and said, "It's alright, thank you for your hard work running around all night. I just happened to draw a few embroidery patterns, please take them to Consort Chun while you're at it."

Upon hearing this, Green Willow immediately went to the inner room and retrieved a thin booklet.

Aunt Mei reached out and took it, flipping through several pages in a row, and praised, "Your Majesty's paintings are so lifelike and exquisite; they would surely look beautiful if embroidered on a garment."

After seeing Aunt Mei off, Meng Shu returned to the flower hall for breakfast.

The Emperor sent Jingming early in the morning to deliver several exquisite snacks, which filled the table. The red yeast rice on the rouge-colored goose breast was stained like blood, and Meng Shu felt a surge of disgust upon seeing it.

Seeing this, Green Willow quickly stepped forward and moved the dish away.

Because she was preoccupied with her thoughts and had little appetite, Meng Shu only picked up a piece of pickled cucumber with her chopsticks. Seeing that Dong Gua's eyes were shining as she stared at the goose breast, she changed to a clean pair of chopsticks, picked up a piece of goose breast, and fed it to Dong Gua.

Donggua pursed her lips, then stepped forward shyly and ate it in one bite.

Green Willow coughed lightly, and Winter Melon immediately stood up properly.

Green Willow smiled and tapped her forehead, playfully scolding, "Your Majesty won't treat us badly; you'll have plenty of these dishes to eat later."

“It’s not that we’re greedy, Donggua is just trying to improve our cooking skills.” Meng Shu spoke up for Donggua, and then pointed to the goose fat and pine nut rolls, saying, “Consort Chun’s favorite is the one you make. Tomorrow morning, Donggua, go to the kitchen and make it and send it to Cheng Guan Zhai.”

Donggua readily agreed, as she was most skilled at making noodles.

As the three were chatting and laughing, Xia'er walked into the flower hall. She had obvious dark circles under her eyes, clearly indicating that she hadn't slept much all night.

She forced herself to stay alert and reported, "Your Majesty, I was keeping watch near the Wutong Pavilion. No one went out last night, except for Liuli who just came out and went to the Imperial Physician's office. I saw her say a few words to the physician and ask for some things before she left."

However, judging from her demeanor, she seemed to be asking questions, not simply going to fetch medicinal herbs.

Meng Shu nodded slightly and said to her, "It must have been hard for you to stay up all night. Go and get some rest."

Donggua quickly replied, "I brought your breakfast to your room; the chicken porridge is still warm."

Xia'er smiled gratefully at Donggua, curtsied, and left the flower hall.

After finishing her meal, Meng Shu slowly rinsed her mouth, gently stroking the rim of her teacup with her fingertips for a moment, before suddenly getting up and walking towards her study.

About half an incense stick's time later, she summoned Green Willow, handed her a letter and a jade pendant, and whispered two instructions in her ear. Green Willow's expression gradually became serious upon receiving the instructions, and she gripped the jade pendant tightly before quickly leaving the Jade Pavilion.

......

Phoenix Palace.

Today it was Consort Pei and Consort Song's turn to attend to the Empress. The Empress looked even better than yesterday, perhaps because she had just taken her medicine, as the palace was filled with the smell of medicine.

Pei Yunu caught a whiff of blood and her heart skipped a beat, but she dared not show it on her face. She said slowly, "It must be Physician He's skillful hands that brought the Empress back to health. His prescription is also very appropriate. Her Majesty's complexion has improved a lot."

"I feel much better too. The imperial physician said that one more dose of medicine will make me fully recovered," the Empress replied with a faint smile.

Meanwhile, inside Yingzhou Hall.

The Emperor had just finished discussing matters with Yun Qian, the Minister of Revenue, and was now bending over to examine the map of Jianghuai on the table when Jing Ming entered with a letter in his hand.

“Your Majesty,” Jingming bowed and presented the letter, “a letter has been delivered by Green Willow, the maidservant of Consort Meng.”

The Emperor's eyebrows twitched slightly as he took the light blue cloud-patterned paper. As he unfolded it, a faint, cool fragrance wafted out.

The letter reads in flowing script: "Skillfully crafting a paper kite to ride the east wind, I wish to be tied to the nine heavens by a silken thread."

Jingming stole a glance and saw the smile lines at the corner of his master's eyes. He saw the emperor's lips slightly raised, and his fingertips gently stroking the hidden patterns on the paper. Just as he was pondering this, he suddenly heard the emperor clap his hands and say, "All matters to be discussed after 1-3 PM today will be postponed to tomorrow."

Jingming: "......"

P.S. The prescriptions for fertility aided by Gu poison, as well as the other two, are all dramatic expressions.