After the al, everyone sat together for tea and conversation.
Baizhu pulled out a textbook he'd been compiling — a comprehensive guide to Basic dical Knowledge.
"Per Mr. Xia's request, I've included common diseases and injuries, their prevention and treatnt thods, and how to identify various dicinal herbs and poisons."
"Much appreciated, Doctor Baizhu."
"It's my duty."
"Cousin, could you help proofread it?"
"Of course."
Xia Ci took the book and sat to the side, flipping through it.
As a forr Dendro Archon, she had vast knowledge of flora — she was the best choice for the final review.
anwhile, Baizhu took the chance to speak with Xia Zhi about a recent discovery from his microscopic research.
"Mr. Xia, I recently stumbled upon sothing — so molds appear capable of killing bacteria."
"!?"
"A few days ago, I cultured so bacteria using a patient's bodily fluids, hoping to find a counteragent. But due to poor preservation, the samples beca moldy. Upon closer observation, I noticed that in so samples, most of the bacteria had vanished. I suspect it was due to the mold. So I ran another trial — cultured fresh bacteria, added that mold — sa result: the bacteria died."
"..."
You absolute genius.
At this rate, penicillin and tetracycline are both going to be your inventions.
Xia Zhi paused and then said, "Doctor Baizhu — your suspicion is correct."
"Mr. Xia, you've researched this too?"
"Yes. Molds and bacteria have battled for countless eons. They've developed substances to attack each other."
"Could such substances be used to treat human illness?"
"In theory, yes. The tricky part is purification."
"Oh?"
"Even with a successful extraction, not everyone can tolerate such dicine."
Xia Zhi then explained the basics of antibiotics.
Baizhu took out a notebook and recorded his every word with utmost care.
After a while, Xia Ci ca over and said, "Doctor Baizhu's textbook is very rigorous. I found no issues."
Baizhu nodded. "That's good to hear."
"Though I think the herb illustrations could be replaced with photographs from a Kara — it might be more effective."
"That's a good idea. I'll take so pictures when I get back."
"No need to trouble yourself, Doctor Baizhu. I'll have Qiqi help with the photos."
"Qiqi…? That works too."
Baizhu rose to take his leave.
Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, and Zhongli also stood to depart.
Xia Zhi got up to see them out.
"December thirtieth — I hope you'll all co for another al."
"Definitely!"
Outside the Sumr Shop—
Mountain Shaper quickly stopped Baizhu.
"Doctor Baizhu, please wait."
Baizhu turned. "Lord, is sothing the matter?"
Mountain Shaper chuckled awkwardly. "Nothing much… just wondering — do you have any more of that digestive pill?"
Baizhu shook his head, apologetic. "That was the only vial I made. It's all gone."
"Any chance you'll be making more soon?"
"Well…"
"Doctor Baizhu — is there a problem?"
"To be honest, that pill wasn't ordinary. It used a rare spiritual herb."
"Oh?"
"Years ago, I used most of it while researching an elixir of immortality. Only after extensive testing did I discover its stomach-soothing properties. And I used up the last of it for this batch — I can't make more for now."
"I see."
Mountain Shaper nodded in understanding.
Moon Carver chid in: "That herb may be rare, but not impossible to find. I still have a few old friends — if you tell its na, I'll ask around. We might get lucky."
"Oh? If you're willing to help, that would be excellent."
"Heh, we're all just trying to fix our stomachs."
"Indeed."
"Hopefully we can get more before December thirtieth. I heard from Yaoyao that Mr. Xia plans to take the staff on a trip co spring. Once that happens, we might not get to eat his cooking again for a while."
"True."
——
Inside the Sumr Shop.
Now that Xia Zhi was free, Yun Jin quickly approached him.
"Mr. Xia! I've finished writing my new opera. I'd love your feedback!"
"So the rumors in the paper were true?"
"That one, actually… a few elders from the Yun-Han Opera Troupe were out having tea, and they let it slip without realizing a reporter was nearby, eavesdropping."
"Haha, Miss Ningguang — the Liyue Newspaper sure is thriving."
Ningguang smiled. "May I ask what the na of Miss Yun Jin's new opera is?"
"[The Tale of the Sea and Mountain]."
"[The Tale of the Sea and Mountain]? Is it the story about Beidou?"
"Mm!"
Ningguang gave her a curious smile. "Well, well… if Beidou finds out, she'll definitely be interested. I'll let her know."
"I actually already went to see Sister Beidou. I heard her version of the tale, but didn't tell her I was turning it into an opera. I wanted it to be a surprise."
"I see."
Xia Zhi looked intrigued. "Miss Yun Jin — give us a sample."
"Certainly."
Yun Jin cleared her throat, straightened her expression, and began to sing softly:
"Fins glimr in the nether sea, a tail points toward distant peaks…"
---
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