Chapter 315 - 315: Scar Removing Ointment
Jiang Chuan knew that suddenly presenting so many herbs would make the old scholar suspicious. Therefore, he had already prepared an explanation. “A couple of days ago, we went to Grand Cloud Mountain. All these herbs were found there. It rained yesterday, and we took the chance to plant the herbs. But whether they’ll grow well is uncertain.”
The old scholar, having conducted research in Grand Cloud Mountain, was aware of its rich soil and diverse plant species. Hence, he didn’t doubt Jiang Chuan’s words.
While the old scholar was inspecting the herbs, Jiang Xia casually chatted with him. “Grandpa, does your family come from a lineage of medicine?”
The old scholar replied with a hint of pride, “Of course! Starting from my ancestors, we have been practicing medicine. This pharmacy has been passed down for a century.”
Jiang Xia expressed her surprise, “What about your next generation? Why are you the only one looking after the pharmacy now?”
The old scholar’s demeanor changed, clearly reluctant to broach the topic. Jiang Xia had a hunch it was related to traditional versus modern medicine.
She recalled that this era was marked by a clash between traditional and advanced medical practices. The old scholar’s definitely did not care about advanced medicine. Jiang Xia had noticed this when they first came to the pharmacy.
Therefore, Jiang Xia carefully avoided the topic of advanced medicine in their conversation.
Feeling a rapport with Jiang Xia, the old scholar began sharing his heroic tales. He had once treated a woman with facial injuries during a war, curing her scars with a family secret formula.
He mentioned that Jiang Xia could use this ointment on her cat scratch to remove the scar.
Jiang Xia’s interest was piqued. While she wasn’t concerned about the scar, the idea of a scar-removing ointment was fascinating.
“Grandpa, can I take a look at this ointment?”
The old scholar proudly presented his ointment—a white paste with a faint medicinal aroma. He applied some to Jiang Xia’s wrist, which gradually diffused.
Jiang Xia felt a warmth around her wrist, as if the ointment was taking effect. In no time, it became cool and soothing.
Jiang Xia looked intently at the old scholar, “Grandpa, can you sell me your ointment?”
The old scholar replied with a smile, “If you want it, 1’11 give it to you.”
Jiang Chuan, being there to sell herbs, felt they couldn’t just take the ointment without compensation. He quickly said, “That’s not acceptable. This is a valuable item. Please name a price, or we could trade it for some herbs.”
The old scholar waved off the suggestion, “The ointment lacks its most essential ingredient, which is also the most expensive one, hence diminishing its efficacy in treating scars. The other ingredients are not pricey and are quite common. It won’t take much effort to make, so you can just use it.”
Jiang Xia, driven by curiosity, asked, “What ingredient is it missing?”
Adjusting his glasses, the old scholar replied, “Lingzhi spore powder. When the Lingzhi matures, it produces a layer of spore powder on its cap. Using this powder in medicine greatly enhances its efficacy. But these days, where can you find Lingzhi?”
The old scholar sounded regretful. Jiang Chuan and Jiang Xia exchanged glances. What a coincidence! Jiang Xia had a Lingzhi in her interspace, though she hadn’t checked if it had spore powder.
Regardless of whether it had the spore powder or not, she couldn’t possibly take out the Ganoderma now. What if she startled the old scholar?
After storing the ointment, the old scholar handed Jiang Chuan the written bill.
It had to be said that the old scholar was meticulous. Despite Jiang Chuan having sold so many items, no one ever provided him with a receipt, except for the old scholar, who always kept a record.
Among the herbs, fleece-flower root was the most expensive, costing twenty yuan for a basket, followed by motherwort for three yuan for half a basket, and prepared rehmannia for two yuan for half a basket.
The old scholar took out twenty-five yuan from his cash drawer, saying, “As usual, cash transactions. Take it.”
As Jiang Chuan accepted the money, he discreetly left behind a yuan while the old scholar wasn’t looking. He felt uneasy about taking something from an elder without paying.
After leaving, the father-daughter duo headed straight out of the city, preparing to drive back as soon as possible.
On their way, Jiang Xia specifically entered her interspace to check for Lingzhi spore powder and, to her surprise, found a thin layer of it. Using a handkerchief, she carefully collected the spore powder and stored it in her makeup box before continuing their journey..