Peach Blossom Divine Medical God Chapter 1997 - 1971: Substitution Trick
Previously on Peach Blossom Divine Medical God...
Wang Qingyue's simple wish was to spend some time with Chen Yang.
Chen Yang, smiling, found no reason to decline and readily agreed.
Thus, the duo settled their bill and headed towards the western outskirts of the county town.
Following Wang Qingyue's directions, they soon reached what was called the medicinal herb market.
Despite its grand name, the medicinal herb market was far from a sophisticated establishment; it was merely a large tent serving as a makeshift trading post.
Within, a collection of herb vendors and individuals clad in white coats congregated, indicating a rather informal setting.
Yet, the ordinary appearance of the place belied a surprisingly vibrant atmosphere, teeming with activity and a substantial crowd.
Estimates suggested well over a thousand people were present, mingling as both buyers and sellers of various herbs.
"This medicinal herb market, established by the county, draws many skilled herb vendors. You might even find some exceptional herbs here," Wang Qingyue remarked with a smile.
"Let's head inside and have a look," Chen Yang responded, nodding with a grin, and they entered the market together.
Upon entering the bustling market, their attention was drawn to a stall tended by an elderly man.
Several herbs were displayed at his stall, and judging by the still-damp soil clinging to their roots, they were freshly harvested.
These were undeniably wild mountain herbs.
The old man himself appeared to be a local resident.
However, the herbs offered at his stall were quite common, lacking any significant value or rarity.
Consequently, they held little interest for Chen Yang and Wang Qingyue.
After a brief perusal, they continued their search, hoping to find more promising herbs further ahead.
"I've recently learned of a health-maintenance remedy, but I'm concerned about finding suitable herbs. If we spot anything, Chen Yang, please help me examine it closely. These kinds of places are often frequented by swindlers," Wang Qingyue said to Chen Yang as they walked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Certainly, but could you tell me more about this remedy of yours?" Chen Yang inquired with a smile.
"Of course." While walking, Wang Qingyue began to explain the details of the remedy to Chen Yang.
"This remedy is primarily for my grandfather; it's quite beneficial for his health. I've gathered most of the necessary herbs, but I'm still missing one crucial ingredient, so I came here to try my luck."
After listening to Wang Qingyue's explanation, Chen Yang nodded in agreement. He confirmed that it was indeed a highly effective remedy for health maintenance, incorporating numerous mild herbs known for their beneficial properties.
"The quantity of the remaining key herb must be substantial, otherwise, such a potent remedy would be rendered ineffective," Chen Yang, possessing significant medical knowledge, didn't require further elaboration.
He grasped the essence of the remedy upon hearing it and recognized the critical importance of the missing ingredient.
"Precisely. It's because I haven't been able to find a sufficient amount of the key herb that I haven't yet administered it to my grandfather," Wang Qingyue replied, her eyes diligently scanning the various stalls.
Her hope was to discover a high-quality primary herb.
The herb market was quite expansive, featuring numerous vendor stalls.
After wandering for about half an hour, no satisfactory herbs were encountered.
The reasons varied: perhaps the herbs weren't mature enough, or their growing conditions were suboptimal, making it difficult to find a suitable specimen.
Just as Wang Qingyue was beginning to lose hope, a loud shout suddenly captured their attention.
"He Shou Wu! Century-old He Shou Wu! Authentic mountain product, selling cheap!"
"He Shou Wu?" Hearing the shout, Chen Yang and Wang Qingyue exchanged glances simultaneously.
The remedy was a highly nourishing formula, and if a mature, wild He Shou Wu could be found to serve as the key ingredient, it would be absolutely perfect.
Both felt a surge of interest and moved towards the stall from which the shout had originated.
Due to the vendor's persistent calls and the perceived desirability of the product, a considerable crowd quickly gathered around the stall.
"Everyone, please take a look! This is genuine He Shou Wu, harvested from the wild.
It's not some cultivated variety."
"The health benefits of wild He Shou Wu are widely known; I'm sure everyone here is aware of them."
Sensing that a sufficient audience had assembled, the stall owner eagerly launched into his sales pitch.
As Chen Yang and Wang Qingyue approached the stall, they first observed the vendor. He had a stern, square-cut face, a somewhat unkempt beard, and was dressed in simple, coarse cloth garments.
By all appearances, he was the quintessential rustic, elderly gentleman.
Their gaze then shifted to the He Shou Wu displayed in a wooden box on the stall. The root was a vivid black, its form substantial, and it exuded a fragrant medicinal scent mingled with the earthy aroma of the mountains.
The overall fragrance was quite appealing.
"What a magnificent He Shou Wu! It looks incredible," Wang Qingyue's eyes lit up, and she was already inclined to make a purchase.
However, before proceeding, she turned to Chen Yang: "Chen Yang, do you think this He Shou Wu is good? Is it authentic?"
With just a single glance, Chen Yang could ascertain that the He Shou Wu was indeed genuine.
While distinguishing between wild and cultivated herbs might be difficult for typical individuals, a single glance was enough for him to grasp its true nature. "It's the real deal," Chen Yang murmured. "If it's genuine, then I shall purchase it. Such a substantial Polygonum multiflorum would serve admirably as the primary ingredient," stated Wang Qingyue. "Understood." This particular Polygonum multiflorum was indeed exceptionally well-suited. After all, for a tonic formulation, employing either ginseng or Polygonum multiflorum as the principal herb was optimal. "Owner, what's the price for this?" Wang Qingyue inquired, seeing Chen Yang's affirmation. The shopkeeper, who was in the middle of elaborating on its qualities, didn't hesitate to present a single palm, indicating the cost.