Lu Yuan held up a small, translucent, jade-green bottle. Inside was a viscous liquid.
This liquid was the venom extracted from the Long Snake’s poison glands.
It was an essential item for Lu Yuan’s research into an antidote for the venom.
The composition of snake venom is extrely complex, and the toxicity of different venoms varies.
It can be broadly categorized into hemotoxins, neurotoxins, and a mixture of both.
Drawing upon the knowledge from years of compulsory education lodged in his mory, and after a few simple tests, he was able to identify the liquid in the bottle as a type of mixed toxin.
This venom would cause paralysis in a short ti, followed quickly by respiratory failure, leading to death by suffocation.
Furthermore, the Long Snake’s venom also had corrosive properties.
Lu Yuan knew that snake venom was considered "liquid gold," so he had collected several bottles of it.
Not only was it a potent poison, but if used correctly, it was also a top-grade dicinal ingredient.
More than half of the liquid was water; the most important components were the toxic proteins within.
These toxic proteins were very similar to egg whites.
For long-term preservation, it could be turned into a dry powder, which would retain its original toxicity for decades.
However, destroying the toxic proteins would also neutralize their toxicity. For instance, strong acids or bases could denature the proteins.
But strong acids and bases couldn’t be used as an antidote, as they are extrely corrosive to the human body.
Lu Yuan would have to find a breakthrough from the venom itself.
Snake venom could not only be used to create antivenom serums but also to produce anticoagulants and analgesics.
Lu Yuan planned to make good use of the venom he had. By removing its corrosive and toxic properties, he could use very small amounts to create many dicinal materials.
Coagulants and painkillers like these would co in handy sooner or later.
"Young Master, so n from the Provincial City are here. They say they wish to see you." A Mansion Guard knocked on the door and announced.
Inside the room, Lu Yuan was still studying the snake venom.
Hearing the Mansion Guard’s words, Lu Yuan was puzzled.
’From the Provincial City? Here to see ? Who could it be?’
’He was practically a shut-in these days, never stepping out of the main gate, let alone the inner one.’
’And he didn’t know a single soul in the Provincial City.’
Lu Yuan stopped what he was doing and went to the front hall to receive his guests.
When Lu Yuan arrived at the front hall, he saw three n standing there, dressed in official uniforms.
’Why would Officials suddenly show up at my door?’
Lu Yuan did not slight them. He first called out, "Soone, prepare tea."
One of the three n heard Lu Yuan’s voice, cupped his hands in a salute, and spoke first. "Magistrate Lu, we have long heard of your great na. We are Officials sent by the Lord Governor."
After gesturing for them to sit, Lu Yuan slowly asked, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Magistrate Lu, by order of the Lord Governor, we are here to inform you that you are to travel to the Provincial City in two months’ ti to report on the affairs of Taiping City."
It turned out the three n had already gone to the Taiping County Yan. When they didn’t find Magistrate Lu, they inquired with the Official on duty and were directed to the Zhao Mansion.
Lu Yuan calculated inwardly: ’Two months... that’s plenty of ti. It won’t be too late to go after Aunt Zhao has her baby.’
Lu Yuan said politely, "Since you’ve co all this way to my residence, why not stay for a simple al?"
After speaking, Lu Yuan arranged for a servant to inform the kitchen that there would be important guests for lunch.
Seeing Lu Yuan’s hospitality, the three n quickly replied with smiles, "Lord Lu, you are too kind. We are rely conveying the Lord Governor’s ssage."
Lu Yuan stood up and said, "It’s my pleasure. You must try the skill of my mansion’s chef."
The three n enjoyed a fine al with wine at the mansion. Before they left, Lu Yuan also pressed so silver taels into their hands.
After all, once you’ve eaten soone’s food and taken their money, it’s hard to stay tight-lipped.
At the dining table, if they didn’t volunteer so information, how could they shalessly enjoy such a lavish feast of fish and at?
One had to understand that a spread like this was not sothing an ordinary family could afford.
It was from them that Lu Yuan learned that every year, the Governors of each province would summon the County Magistrates from their jurisdictions to report on their affairs, after which rewards and punishnts would be dispensed.
And every year, the Court would also summon the Governors of each province to report directly to the emperor. This was a regulation of the Court.
Thus, the Court maintained a very strong grip on its local officials at all levels.
Since becoming the County Magistrate of Taiping City, Lu Yuan had barely spent a few days in the County Yan.
He relied entirely on his brother-in-law, Su Changliang, to handle all matters.
’I’ll worry about that later. I still have two months,’ Lu Yuan thought.
’Besides, I’ve done quite a few good deeds for the local people over the past half-year. As long as I’m not ranked the worst County Magistrate, it’ll be fine.’
Lu Yuan returned to Su Liyan’s room and saw her busy changing a diaper.
Lying on the bed, Bengbeng was cooing and gurgling, waving her little hands and kicking her feet wildly.
That’s just how babies are. Once the diaper under their bottom gets wet, they feel uncomfortable all over.
They squirm around nonstop, as if they had maggots crawling on them.
Lu Yuan rushed over to help, placing a fresh, sun-dried diaper under Bengbeng. As he did, he said, "Aren’t there Maids specifically for this? Where are they?"
Su Liyan said, "We’re people who’ve known hardship. I can do this sort of thing myself; I don’t need others to wait on . Bengbeng is better behaved this way, too."
Su Liyan teased the squirming Bengbeng on the bed, "Isn’t that right, my good little girl?"
"You’re just too good to the servants. You always do things yourself if you can. I don’t know what to say to you," Lu Yuan coaxed.
’As if I didn’t know what my own wife was like.’
Lu Yuan picked Bengbeng up from the bed. Looking at his beautiful daughter, he said, "That’s right. Our Bengbeng is perfect in every way. She just has a big appetite, so she’s getting all chubby and round."
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