Resplendent – Chapter 547

Chapter 547: Fame

Gu Ye looked up and saw the judges gathering around. Pointing to the instructions in their hands, he explained, “This medicine is called Instant Heart-reliever Pills. It’s my entry for the Level 9 examination. Its primary effects are promoting qi circulation, activating blood flow, removing blood stasis, alleviating pain, increasing cardiac blood flow, and relieving angina. It’s generally used for blood stasis-type heart disease and angina.”

Upon hearing this pill was her submitted examination piece, disappointment flickered in Nangong Qinghan’s eyes. Prince Tai, however, wore a thick-skinned grin as he said, “Sister Ye, since you crafted this medicine for the Level 9 exam, you must have practiced making it countless times at home. I wonder if you have any leftover practice batches from home?”

“I haven’t actually made this medicine in the capital. It was back in Nameless Town in Yan City, when I encountered a patient far more gravely ill than this gentleman, that I recalled the formula for this remedy.” By then, servants from Prince Li’s Manor had summoned an off-duty imperial physician nearby. Coincidentally, Gu Ye recognized this physician.

“Uncle Chief,” Gu Ye greeted him sweetly. Noticing his gaze linger on the medicine bottle in her hand, she quickly slipped the remaining Instant Heart-reliever Pills into the palm of one of the grand pharmacist judges. She hadn’t forgotten how Chief Physician Zhang had slipped away with a bottle of Blood Nourishing Pills after treating her mother last time!

Chief Physician Zhang flashed a benevolent smile, nodded at her, then bent down to take the pulse of the elderly Prince Li. Afterward, he asked Gu Ye, “Did you administer medicine to the elder prince?”

“Yes, Instant Heart-reliever Pills. Freshly made this morning, specifically for treating conditions like insufficient blood supply and angina.” Gu Ye pointed to the medicine bottle in the judge’s hand.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, Chief Physician Zhang addressed Nangong Qinghan, “This medicine formulated by Miss Gu… Miss Ye is precisely suited to the Prince’s symptoms. The reason his recent episode wasn’t as critical as previous ones is entirely due to this remedy. If circumstances permit, I recommend long-term administration.”

Prince Li’s illness corresponds to a relatively common geriatric condition in modern times, coronary heart disease, wherein each recurrence proves more severe than the last. Were it not for his inherently open-minded and optimistic nature, he likely wouldn’t have survived these past decade or so.

Chief Physician Zhang discovered that the pulse readings this time were significantly better than before. Prince Li recovered much faster after the attack, experiencing considerably less suffering. Having heard from Gu Ye that she administered her own medicine to the old prince, he naturally understood this improvement was due to the pills. 

Nangong Qinghan glanced at Gu Ye hesitantly, then turned her pleading gaze toward Prince Tai. The prince had a prior connection with this young pharmacist; if he requested the medicine, the chances of success might be higher.

Don’t be fooled by Prince Tai’s wild reputation (that was in the past—this prince has reformed!!!). He’s a man of honor and a warm-hearted soul. He plastered a smile across his chubby face and said, “Sister Ye, this elder prince is related to our family. He even held me when I was a child. You see…”

Gu Ye raised an eyebrow. What do you mean ‘our family’? He held you, not me. You fat oaf, you sure don’t treat yourself like an outsider!

Seeing she hadn’t responded, Prince Tai shamelessly pressed on, “Sister Ye, you’ve finished your assessment for today, haven’t you? Could you go back and help make some more heart-reliever pills? Whatever herbs you need, whatever the cost per bottle, just name it…”

Before he could finish, a dark object hurtled toward his face. He caught it in a flustered scramble once he recognized what it was.

Gu Ye waved at him dismissively. “I had extra ingredients during the exam, so I made a couple extra bottles. Take one to two pills three times daily with water. This should last two months. Come find me when it’s gone…”

Nangong Qinghan took the medicine bottles from his cousin and expressed his sincere gratitude. The old prince, supported by his juniors, sat up and took several deep breaths of air before laughing heartily. “Thank you, young lady!”

“No need for formalities, Sir. Healing the sick and saving lives is the duty of any physician or pharmacist. Anyone would have done the same.” Gu Ye turned back, flashed them a bright smile, and departed with effortless grace.

“Hmm! What a fine young lady!” the old prince turned to his grandson. “Is this girl the one the Defender Duke just found? The Chu family must have done great deeds to save the world in a past life to produce such excellent descendants. Go open my private treasury and see if there’s anything suitable for the young lady to play with. Send it to the Defender Duke’s residence.”

Nangong Qinghan nodded, acknowledging the information. Just then, someone who had heard the news and rushed over to visit the old prince couldn’t help but ask, “Where might one purchase these Instant Heart-reliever Pills? My old man suffers from a heart condition, much like yours, Your Highness…”

Prince Li had no deep ties with the Defender Duke or Gu Ye, so they naturally knew nothing of these matters. At this moment, Prince Tai became the focal point of everyone’s attention.

Prince Tai pondered for a moment before saying, “Currently, I haven’t heard of this medicine being available in the capital. However, the Gu Pharmaceutical Factory is soon to relocate to the capital. I expect these pills will soon be sold in major pharmacies. Keep an eye on pharmacies like Jimin and Baicao that partner with Gu Pharmaceutical. Results should come soon!”

“Does that young lady accept custom orders? We’d pay handsomely!” a noble scion blurted out.

Prince Tai shot him a withering glance and sneered, “Does the Defender Duke family lack your measly silver? Young Miss Ye still needs to prepare for her pharmacist advance exam. How could she possibly have time to custom-make medicines for you? If you’re so eager, take your silver and go find those Level 9 pharmacists or grand pharmacists!”

The higher the rank of an apothecary, the less likely they were to accept custom medicine orders. Firstly, they weren’t short of silver. Second, their energy is limited, mostly devoted to developing new medicines. They strive to leave behind one more novel formula in their lifetime, to earn one more shred of renown.

The Defender Duke’s family truly wasn’t short on silver. To compensate for their ten years of exile to the frontier, the Emperor not only restored all their original estates but also bestowed numerous fertile fields, manors, and shops. As for gold, silver, jewels, antiques, and paintings—well, needless to say.

Given how deeply the entire duke’s household cherished their daughter, they had already felt heartbroken seeing her endure hardship during the examination days. How could they possibly let her take on custom orders, forcing her to toil over preparing herbs for others?

News of the events at the Level 9 pharmacist examination quickly spread among the nobles and officials. The Defender Duke’s Duke possessed exceptional medical skills and had achieved Level 9 proficiency in pharmacy. Establishing connections with her would bring nothing but benefits. Officials and nobles alike scrambled desperately, trying every means to forge ties with the Duke.

Even before the Level 9 assessment results were announced, visitors to the Duke’s Manor multiplied severalfold. Most came under the guise of congratulating the Chu family on producing a female pharmacist of Lady Apothecary’s caliber.