Chapter 462: Chapter 168 Ji Xun’s Apology_2
He interrupted Jin Xianrong’s praise, "I’m aware of Vice Minister Jin’s condition, but there are some aspects I don’t quite understand, therefore I had someone retrieve the medicinal residue from the concoction Doctor Lu prepared for Vice Minister Jin. I hope Vice Minister Jin won’t take offense."
Jin Xianrong looked at him, not fully understanding the meaning of his words.
"I have found traces of Red Xiangxu in the medicinal residue. Vice Minister Jin, the prescription that Doctor Lu prepared for you included a small amount of Red Xiangxu."
Jin Xianrong was utterly confused.
The name of this herb was too foreign to him, and having no knowledge of medicine, he could only offer a blank chuckle.
As if understanding his confusion, Ji Xun paused before continuing, "Red Xiangxu is toxic. It’s inappropriate for inclusion in prescriptions, as long-term use is harmful. As Vice Minister Jin ages, accumulated symptoms will become apparent, resulting in memory loss and headaches, a disaster of poisoning."
"Using such poison as a guiding drug for Vice Minister Jin’s illness is a losing proposition."
The room fell silent.
After Ji Xun finished speaking, seeing the man opposite him still staring blankly, and not reacting with the anticipated shock or anger, he couldn’t help but feel a bit surprised, frowning as he said, "Vice Minister Jin, did you understand what I just said?"
Jin Xianrong hurriedly nodded, then shook his head.
"Doctor Ji," he carefully chose his words, "this Red Xiangxu or Green Xiangxu you’ve just mentioned, I don’t study medicine and I don’t really understand. But..."
He swallowed, "This prescription being toxic and harmful if taken over a long period, I’m aware of that."
Ji Xun suddenly looked up, "What?"
Jin Xianrong paused, then cautiously replied, "Doctor Lu had already spoken to me about it."
...
The sun slowly set.
The last streaks of dusk faded, the courtyard’s dryness lingering, and the cries of cicadas sneaking through the branches made the summer evening seem even more serene.
Under the long corridor outside the pharmaceutical workshop, a shadow paced on the ground.
The boy at his side couldn’t help but suggest, "Young Master, perhaps we should come back later."
Ji Xun shook his head.
During the day, he had made a trip to the Board of Rites Office.
Ever since he had confronted Lu Tong about the Red Xiangxu matter at the entrance of the Medical Officer Institute a few days ago, Ji Xun had been contemplating whether to report the issue to the Envoy. But after pondering for a night, he decided to first visit Jin Xianrong at the Board of Rites Office.
What Lu Tong said that day at the gate, simply using the remnants and crushed leaves of Red Xiangxu, didn’t violate the Imperial Apothecary’s regulations, for these remnants were ultimately considered "waste", which medical workers could manage on their own.
But the issue with the prescription Lu Tong gave to Jin Xianrong would be a violation of the Medical Officer Institute’s rules, resulting in either suspension or criminal charges depending on the severity.
Ji Xun planned to visit the Board of Rites Office to examine Jin Xianrong’s symptoms, to determine just how much Red Xiangxu Lu Tong had used.
What he hadn’t expected, however, was that Jin Xianrong, the Vice Minister of the Left at the Ministry of Revenue, would tell him that he was already aware of the Red Xiangxu issue.
The brow-scarred Vice Minister sat in front of him, sipping tea and joking merrily.
"Doctor Lu had already informed me of the risks; using it for many years might cause some mental issues decades later. It’s alright. I can bear that minor consequence. Cough, my younger brother is far more important to me than my intellect. Future matters can be dealt with in the future. Besides, I’m already smarter than average. Even if I lose some mental acuity, I’ll still be stronger than the ordinary person."
Ji Xun’s brows slightly furrowed.
Since Jin Xianrong was fully aware of the pros and cons and had agreed to Doctor Lu’s method of treatment under this premise, Lu Tong’s action was within the rules. Ji Xun had no grounds to accuse Lu Tong.
He had assumed guilt where there was none, pressing the issue aggressively.
The evening breeze swept through the courtyard, and the young attendant beside him glanced up, seeing the young man staring at the door of the pharmaceutical workshop, he let out a deep sigh.
Their Young Master, noble and elegant, learned and skilled in literature, had a disposition as firm and upright as stone.
Upon realizing that he had misunderstood the lady, he immediately wanted to apologize in person. But Lu Tong, being the Hanlin Imperial Medical Officer, was busier even than the Envoy. After lunch, she plunged into the pharmaceutical workshop, and had yet to come out.
He was so hungry waiting.
Yet his Young Master was so stubborn that he wouldn’t cease until he met with her. With such a solemn expression, who would guess he was there to apologize? Anyone unaware might think he was there to prosecute.
Just as he was thinking, the door in front of them "creaked" open, and Lu Tong stepped out, medical box in tow.
The Xiao Medicine Boy quickly tugged at Ji Xun’s robe.
Lu Tong had barely stepped out when she saw the two people standing in front of the door, pausing for a moment.
The cool wind rustled the leaves, cicadas intermittently calling. Ji Xun stood at the doorway, blocking her path.
"Doctor Lu."
She paused only briefly, then nodded to Ji Xun, "Doctor Ji."
Her tone was calm and detached, as if their previous confrontation at the entrance of the Medical Officer Institute had been an illusion.
Ji Xun pursed his lips, lowering his voice, "Today, I visited the Board of Rites Office and met with Jin Xianrong."
"Hmm."
"Vice Minister Jin said that you had already informed him about the inclusion of Red Xiangxu in the prescription, as well as the toxicity and pharmacology of the Red Xiangxu."