36 A Brave Movement: Going to the Hill in the Mid of Nigh (1/2)

Wang Yao took some herbs out of the cottage, then tried to distinguish them using his knowledge of herbs.

Angelica: too dry—no good!

Astragalus: hard skin, hollow inside—no good!

Salvia: too long and thin, light color—no good either!

After going through all the herbs he bought, he found those herbs all seemed to be low quality. Although they could be used for brewing decoctions, the quality was much lower than those good ones. With herbs of high quality, one decoction would probably have better effects. With herbs of low quality, at least three decoctions were required to make an effect. In addition, even herbs had side effects. So it was essential to pick herbs of good quality.

There are so many things to be considered when brewing decoctions!

Ding!

Task: Make ten different formulas within seven days. No repeats.

”What do you mean by no repeats?” asked Wang Yao.

No repeats of those you've made previously.

”How about brewing one decoction ten times?” asked Wang Yao.

Don't be silly!

Shit! Got something to do again. Seven days, ten formulas, time is limited.

Wang Yao didn't waste any time. He went inside the cottage to do some research online and using his books. Plus, the knowledge he already had, he spent the whole afternoon deciding which ten formulas he was going to make. He also listed the herbs required to make the ten formulas. Fifty-seven herbs were required. Some of them could be used in different formulas so this was not the most difficult part.

With the existing herbs Wang Yao was able to make one of the ten formulas.

After he had made up his mind, he picked, weighed, washed and soaked the herbs before he starting brewing. He was efficient and careful.

Ephedra, Cassia Twig, Almond, Licorice...

Wang Yao worked until 2 am. He finally made it after three trials.

Ephedra decoction: acrid-warm herbs relieving superficies.

After packing his things away and resting for a few hours, it was dawn already. He got up to work in the herbal field as usual. He removed the weeds and watered the herbs with ancient spring water.

He then called home after checking the time. He asked his mother to look after the herbal field for him as he was going to town. Wang Yao rode to town after talking shortly with his mother.

”Don't rush, Yao,” said his mother before he left.

…

”Hey, young man, here you are again!” said the shop assistant when he saw Wang Yao, ”What are you going to buy this time?”

”Here you are, this is the list.” Wang Yao handed the list over to the shop assistant.

”Gosh, this is a lot!” The shop assistant was surprised.

”Sorry to trouble you,” said Wang Yao.

”Don't worry about it. Please wait here,” said the shop assistant.