Chapter 29: Xiaoyao Pill

Melodious music drifted from the Goulan Pavilion. Downstairs, Cheng Chumo and Li Huairen listened, completely entranced. It was a melody they had never heard before; this was their first time encountering it. The same held true for the women in the pavilion who had not yet retired for the night. Most of them were skilled in music and had heard countless tunes, given the nature of this pleasure house.

"This music is like a cool breeze through a pine forest. One can feel the flowing water, the towering mountains, and the sound of wind whispering through bamboo leaves... It is truly magnificent!"

Everyone present took note of the enchanting melody emanating from the room. Yang Wan'er herself felt a sense of wonder as she played. Initially, she played slowly because Su Chen had hummed it at a measured pace, though he had reminded her that he did so only for her to transcribe it easily; naturally, the performance required a faster tempo.

Su Chen listened, fully immersed. "That’s it, this is the 'Proud Wanderer' melody. Wan'er, you are truly extraordinary. I hummed it just once, and you were able to play it so beautifully." Unbeknownst to him, Su Chen had begun to regard Yang Wan'er as a kindred spirit. To be able to play such a piece after hearing it only once was remarkable.

After finishing, even Yang Wan'er could hardly believe she had performed such a stunning piece. "So this piece is called the 'Proud Wanderer.' It truly possesses an air of carefree spirit, and one can indeed feel the mountains and the streams." It was an experience she had never known before.

Su Chen sighed. "It is a pity I lack the skill; otherwise, a duet with zither and flute would make this melody even more perfect." The piece was, after all, originally composed for such a duet. Hearing this, Yang Wan'er reached to the head of the bed and took down a long flute. As it turned out, she was highly proficient in multiple instruments, and a flute happened to be in the room. Soon, the mellow, lingering sound of the flute joined the music. Su Chen regretted not knowing how to play the zither, or they could have performed the duet together. After playing, Yang Wan'er found a piece of paper, wiped the mouthpiece of the flute, and hung it back in its place.

"Young Master Su, I am deeply grateful for this melody tonight." If anyone else possessed such a masterpiece, they would certainly not share it easily, as the potential value of such a work was immeasurable. Yet, Su Chen clearly lacked such a concept; he possessed so much knowledge that people of the Great Tang might not be able to learn it all in a lifetime. However, Su Chen was not one to flaunt his skills.

"Nonsense. This music means nothing to me, and I cannot even play it myself. It is my honor that you are skilled enough to bring it to life for me to hear." Su Chen thought nothing of it.

Yang Wan'er and Su Chen chatted for a while longer. By now, the sky was beginning to brighten. Neither of them had expected to feel such a sense of mutual understanding upon their first meeting. Looking out the window at the dawn, Yang Wan'er said, "Young Master Su, I am leaving Chang'an City today. You need not trouble yourself to send the medicine; I will have someone come to collect it."

She had not mentioned her departure to Su Chen earlier. Hearing this suddenly, Su Chen felt a momentary sense of loss, though he quickly composed himself. Upon hearing that she would send someone for the medicine, he felt reassured.

"Actually, your condition is caused by stagnation of liver qi. If you are troubled by anything, remember to find ways to release it; it will be better for your health," Su Chen said after a brief silence. They were, in their own way, kindred spirits. Su Chen had not been in the Great Tang long, and it was only natural to enjoy a conversation with such a beautiful and talented woman. Yang Wan'er seemed to understand his words and nodded slightly.

It was morning by the time Su Chen left her room. Yang Wan'er’s two subordinates were still standing outside the door, motionless, just as they had been when he first arrived. Su Chen frowned slightly but said nothing, heading downstairs instead. The two men watched him leave, then exchanged a look.

Downstairs, Su Chen found Cheng Chumo and Li Huairen still waiting, having not gone home. "You two didn't wait here all night, did you? Good brothers, that is a rarity." He had not expected them to remain for the entire duration of his stay.

Cheng Chumo and Li Huairen, who had fortunately managed a brief nap, were exhausted. "Brother, we didn't know you were staying all night! If we had known you were up there having fun, we would have gone home long ago. We waited for you all this time, only for you to walk down so refreshed while we were left out here in the cold wind."

Cheng Chumo pulled Su Chen aside. They could still smell the faint fragrance lingering on him. They assumed he had spent the night in pleasure, never imagining he had spent it simply talking. Su Chen felt a bit embarrassed for having kept them waiting. "Let’s go. I was just chatting and listening to music all night; I did nothing else. I need to head back to the clinic to prepare the 'Xiaoyao Pills'."

Cheng Chumo and Li Huairen clearly did not believe him, looking at him with skeptical eyes. To spend the night with a beauty and claim nothing happened—they wondered if he were truly a saint or simply lacking in spirit. However, thinking Su Chen just didn't want them to spread the word, Cheng Chumo chuckled and said, "Haha, brother, we understand. You spent the whole night, and... did nothing."

Cheng Chumo walked with Su Chen out of the pavilion. Li Huairen parted ways with them to head home, while Cheng Chumo accompanied Su Chen back to the clinic. The staff at the clinic were just waking up and were unaware of where Su Chen had spent the night.

Su Chen summoned Zhou Taifu and produced the prescription for the "Xiaoyao Pills." "Once the ingredients are ready, have the men grind them into a fine powder, then mix them with ginger water and roll them into pills."

The prescription excited Zhou Taifu. Every formula Su Chen provided was an eye-opener. Zhou Taifu hurried off to study it. Su Chen left the rest to them, insisting they finish by noon. He didn't know when Yang Wan'er would send for the medicine, so it was best to be prepared.

Cheng Chumo had already fallen asleep in the clinic, too exhausted from the night's wait. Su Chen understood and found a place to rest himself. After a sleepless night, he needed to make up for it; he hadn't felt this tired in a long time.