Chapter 48: On the Regulation of Prescriptions

“Your Majesty is wise! Now I can be completely at ease,” Ji Chang breathed a sigh of relief as he spoke. Li Shimin’s arrangements had completely dispelled his worries.

“Hmm, go ahead without concern. If you encounter any difficulties, come to me. But first, you must quickly produce a batch for me, otherwise those generals will likely devour me,” Li Shimin said helplessly.

“Your servant obeys. I will do my utmost,” Ji Chang replied.

“Very well. You may withdraw.”

“Your servant takes his leave.”

A few days later, a radiant and jubilant Li Shimin summoned several trusted generals, along with Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and others to the Ganlu Hall for deliberation.

As soon as the Imperial Medical Bureau produced the first batch of the Huanzhang White Ointment and Huanzhang Hundred-Treasure Pill following Du Chengfeng’s recipe, Li Shimin ordered several condemned prisoners with festering wounds to be selected from the death row.

According to the treatment process provided by Du Chengfeng, first the wounds were sterilized with a bottle of head liquor left over from when he presented the medicine, then both internal and external applications were administered. The effect was astonishing; within a few days, the wounds began to scab and heal.

This proved that Du Chengfeng had not exaggerated the efficacy of the prescriptions in the slightest. Li Shimin went on to test several other claims listed in the recipes, and the results were equally remarkable.

Because of this, many imperial physicians in the palace tried to find out from Ji Chang where this miraculous medicine came from, but he would only smile mysteriously and say nothing.

After a series of tests, Li Shimin was in high spirits every day. He believed the two medicines could now be promoted to the military and the people, so as soon as the results were in, he ordered Du Ruhui and others to enter the hall for discussion.

“Brother Du, how are you feeling? Has your health improved?” Fang Xuanling asked with concern as soon as Du Ruhui entered the Ganlu Hall.

Du Ruhui had always been of weak constitution. A few days prior, he had fallen ill in a fit of anger over Du Gou. After several days of rest at home, he was just beginning to recover.

Summoned by the Emperor, he had no choice but to rally his spirits and come. For the Emperor to personally summon him meant the matter was urgent, so Du Ruhui dared not neglect it.

“Thank you for your concern, Brother Fang. I am much better now,” Du Ruhui replied politely.

“Brother Fang, I have been absent from court for several days. My health has just improved and His Majesty urgently summoned us to the hall. Has something significant happened these days?” Du Ruhui asked.

During Li Shimin’s reign, Fang Xuanling was always his chief strategist. If anyone at court could guess the Emperor’s intentions, it would be none other than Fang Xuanling.

Du Ruhui wanted to inquire in advance so he would not be caught off guard should the Emperor question him.

Fang Xuanling pondered for a moment, then replied thoughtfully, “His Majesty has been visibly joyful these past days. If anything major has occurred, I suspect it relates to those two medical prescriptions.”

“Prescriptions? What prescriptions?” Du Ruhui widened his eyes, looking deeply inquisitive.

Seeing his curiosity, Fang Xuanling recounted in detail how Du Chengfeng had presented his prescriptions at the Taiji Hall that day.

So there is such an extraordinary youth? Du Ruhui was secretly astonished. He was even more amazed to learn that Du Chengfeng had imparted knowledge to Yu Shinan, Ouyang Xun, and Chu Suiliang. He had heard Du Chengfeng’s name before—first in calligraphy, then poetry, and now, it seemed, also first in magnanimity—at least among the younger generation.

At this moment, Li Shimin finished reviewing his memorials and arrived. Observing Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui chatting merrily, he joked with a smile, “What are my beloved ministers discussing so intently?”

“Your Majesty, since Lord Du has been absent from court for several days, he wished to learn of recent major events. I was just telling him about Du Chengfeng’s offering of the prescriptions,” Fang Xuanling replied, stepping forward.

“Oh? That is timely. The reason I summoned you all today is precisely to discuss these two medicines. I am sure you all heard the four conditions Du Chengfeng proposed that day. In these past days, the Imperial Medical Bureau has tested the medicines thoroughly—their efficacy is exactly as Du Chengfeng described, if not better. I wish to swiftly promote these two medicines throughout the Great Tang. What are your suggestions?” Li Shimin asked, his face beaming.

“Your Majesty, I suggest that these miraculous medicines must be supplied to the military first, and then distributed to the apothecaries of all prefectures,” Cheng Yaojin, ever the impatient one, spoke up as soon as Li Shimin finished.

Since the day Du Chengfeng presented the medicines, Cheng Yaojin had been eager to suggest that a batch be produced to equip his Right Martial Guard. Now that Li Shimin raised the matter himself, Cheng Yaojin naturally seized the opportunity, though he kept his personal interests quiet for fear of being accused of selfishness. Though straightforward, he was not foolish.

“Yes, indeed, Your Majesty!” Qin Qiong and the other generals chimed in.

As generals, they well understood the immense importance of these medicines for the army. With these supplies, they would have a greater logistical advantage in future campaigns against the Turks.

“Hmm, I will naturally give this priority. What else?” Li Shimin nodded, thus giving his tacit approval.

When no one else spoke, Li Jing stepped forward, his expression grave, and addressed the Emperor solemnly, “Your Majesty, in my opinion, these two medicines should immediately be designated as strategic resources. Whether in the army or among the populace, dedicated individuals should oversee their management and review. The court should swiftly issue relevant decrees, strictly preventing merchants or noble families from purchasing large amounts for resale. Their export from Great Tang should be strictly forbidden, with severe punishment for treason if discovered.”

Li Jing, the military genius of Great Tang, had a unique and far-sighted perspective. In a few words, he made clear the crucial importance of controlling these medicines.

“Indeed, your considerations are most thorough. You all should discuss how to draft the proper decree,” Li Shimin agreed wholeheartedly.

Having witnessed their power firsthand, Li Shimin knew just how formidable these medicines were. As Li Jing said, without rigorous control, if profit-seeking merchants or noble families allowed them to leak abroad, the consequences would be disastrous.

Though Ji Chang had said it was nearly impossible to analyze the ingredients and proportions, the world was full of talented people. Who could guarantee that the Turks or other neighboring enemies had no master physicians?

Should they obtain the medicines and conduct research, Great Tang would be placed at a disadvantage. One must always guard against the unforeseen, so preventing their export was essential.

“Minister Fang, what are your suggestions?” Li Shimin asked, turning to Fang Xuanling.

After pondering a moment, Fang Xuanling replied, “Your Majesty, besides strengthening the control and review of these medicines, I believe we should also sign contracts with private apothecaries. They should be made jointly responsible for supervision. Whoever purchases the medicines and their intended use should be recorded in detail, and the prices must follow court regulations. Since Du Chengfeng’s conditions prohibit profiteering, any apothecary that violates the set prices should have its qualifications revoked and face severe punishment.”

“Excellent! Let it be as you all have said!” Li Shimin concluded.

At last, they discussed various detailed aspects of the plan. When Li Shimin was satisfied that all was in order, they were finally permitted to return home.