Crown Prince Sells Medicine

“Your Highness, really… are you sure you’ll be alright?”

The royal kitchen lay vacant.

Within the abandoned culinary chamber, Gardin gulped down his parched saliva. Observing Gardin’s poorly concealed unease in his inquiry, Raciel offered a subtle grin.

“Hmm, still not reassured?”

“Well…”

“I understand. It’s hard to feel at ease. This is, after all, used in poison. Isn’t it?”

“…”

Raciel picked up the root.

Unlike before, its surface was now covered in hardened salt crystals. It was thanks to diligently soaking it in saltwater and drying it in the sun for the past few days.

However, Gardin still couldn’t feel at ease.

No, to be honest. He was so anxious that he spent the last few days tossing and turning in his sleep, biting his nails.

‘Will this really not cause a big problem?’

He felt uneasy every now and then.

Even if His Highness seemed knowledgeable about the root, even if His Highness explained the mysterious terms, even if His Highness swallowed that poisonous root…

‘…No!’

The mere thought of it made him dizzy. It felt as if the ensuing tragedy was vividly playing out before his eyes.

His Highness effortlessly drank a bowl of poison. His Highness seemed to smile as if he was alright. But then, His Highness vomited blood…

“Your Highness-!”

“Ah, geez. You startled me. What now? What is it this time?”

“I apologize for saying this now, but could you please reconsider once more?”

“Reconsider? What?”

“The root.”

“Ah, this. Why?”

“No matter how much I think about it…”

“It’s okay. I won’t die.”

“Your Highness!”

“Ugh, that’s so loud. My ears are about to fall off.”

Raciel held back a bitter smile.

He was about to boil the medicine using the properly prepared and cleaned root. However, Gardin, who had cooperated well so far, was now causing a fuss. Of course, Raciel could understand why he was acting like this.

‘He’s still uneasy.’

It wasn’t unreasonable. The root was indeed an ingredient in poison. From Gardin’s perspective, it must have been extremely worrisome.

Raciel cleared his throat.

“Gardin.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Actually, I anticipated that you would react this way, so I thought of a method last night.”

“A method? What is it?”

“If I make medicine with this poisonous root, would you be willing to try it before me?”

“Of course.”

“…”

“Your Highness?”

“Ah.”

“Why are you looking at me like that…?”

“Ah, just surprised.”

Raciel was genuinely surprised.

He didn’t expect Gardin to nod without even a second of hesitation.

In truth, it was just a question he asked. Asking if Gardin would be willing to try the medicine before him. To check if it was toxic or not.

Then, wouldn’t Gardin also feel relieved? Wouldn’t he willingly help with the preparation of the medicine? That’s what Raciel thought when he asked.

‘Well, this is also a way to check Gardin’s reaction.’

How loyal he is to him.

How dedicated a person he is.

Raciel wanted to see that.

There would be many situations in the future where he would need to rely on Gardin.

‘But I really didn’t expect him to nod without any hesitation like that.’

He was honestly a little surprised.

Raciel asked Gardin, “Really? Are you willing to try the medicine first instead of me, to check if it’s toxic?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Are you serious?”

“Of course.”

“…”

That sincere gaze. He’s for real.

‘Phew.’

It was a bit flustering.

And also, he was grateful.

Raciel tried to hide his feelings.

“Good. Now you feel a little more at ease. Don’t you?”

“Yes, I feel a bit relieved.”

Finally, Gardin smiled faintly.

He truly felt relieved.

Even if the worst-case scenario occurred, the one to suffer due to the poison would be himself, not the Crown Prince.

“Alright. Now, just watch what I do from there.”

“Understood, Your Highness.”

Gardin stepped back.

Raciel smiled faintly at Gardin. He was amazed and grateful. Of course, despite his gratitude, he had no intention of letting Gardin drink the medicine first.

‘Why would I let him have that? I’m going to lick up every last drop myself.’

He would refuse such a gesture. Raciel had intended to quickly consume the medicine in one gulp, even before Gardin had the chance to step forward and offer it to him. 

This had been Raciel’s plan all along.

‘Well, since Gardin has been deceived, it’s a success.’

With Gardin no longer in a state of panic or likely to interfere, it was time for Raciel to proceed with his planned task.

‘Let’s see.’

Raciel looked around the kitchen. Most of the items needed for preparing the medicine were more or less available.

A glass container of suitable size.

The processed poisonous root.

Cleaned Ephedra.

Dried Adiantum root.

And even clear spring water freshly scooped from the flowing spring.

‘And the last ingredient is me.’

Raciel inhaled deeply to steady himself.

As per the age-old manuscripts, three types of dedication were essential when handling herbal remedies.

The dedication of the physician who recommends and readies the treatment. The dedication of the caretaker who diligently brews the concoction. And the dedication of the patient who consumes the remedy with unwavering trust, regardless of timing.

These forms of devotion must unite and execute their specific functions for the infusion to achieve its intended purpose.

‘Now is the time for me to play all three roles.’

Prescribing himself, brewing, and even self-one-shot.

‘Let’s give it a try.’

Determined, Raciel set to work on preparing the decoction. 

He combined the medicinal ingredients with clear spring water in a glass container and brought it to a vigorous boil over high heat (武火). Then, he reduced the heat (文火) to prevent the liquid from overflowing and carefully simmered it until less than half of the original water remained. 

Raciel brewed and watched over the decoction as slowly and consistently as possible, taking breaks when necessary to catch his breath but keeping his eyes wide open and guarding the fire for over three hours. Thankfully, he did not faint during this process.

“…I did it.”

Raciel smiled, enduring dizziness.

The medicine had been properly brewed. It was the completion of the Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction (麻黃附子細辛湯). However, he didn’t let his guard down. He waited for the residue in the glass container to settle. Then he scooped up the clear liquid on top and poured it into a cup.

Naturally, Raciel did not consume the decoction immediately. Instead, he sat down on the floor and waited. Perhaps due to the extended waiting period, Raciel suddenly burst into laughter upon noticing Gardin’s concerned gaze directed toward him.

“Gardin, if you have something to say, say it. Don’t just blink your eyes from the side.”

“Your Highness?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not sure if I dare to ask this question, but…”

“Go ahead.”

“Well, it seems like you’ve finished brewing the medicine.”

“Yes. So?”

“Should I drink it now?”

“No, not yet.”

Raciel shook his head.

Anxiousness appeared on Gardin’s face.

“Your Highness, have you changed your mind? You said earlier that you would let me try it first to test for toxicity…”

Gardin’s face was filled with seriousness. Seeing his expression, it seemed that his earlier words were indeed sincere.

“Ha. Really.”

Raciel couldn’t help but laugh.

Gardin still had a resolute look in his eyes. There was no deceit in that gaze.

Raciel felt both reassured and pity at the same time.

‘Tsk, tsk. That’s why you died so miserably in the original work, my friend.’

In the original work “Devil Sword Emperor,” Gardin stayed by Crown Prince Raciel’s side until the end as his personal physician.

Originally, he wasn’t the main physician.

He was an assistant to the real physician.

Yet he remained until the end.

And he was executed for the death of the Crown Prince he served.

It was the consequence of being held accountable for that death.

Steadfast, loyal, reliable, and faithful. Without tricks or deceit, simply innocent and devoted to fulfilling his role. That seemed to be the essence of Gardin.

‘Such a person should succeed.’

Thinking of the futile end Gardin met in the original work, Raciel felt a bitter taste in his mouth. In fact, it was often the case in the world. It wasn’t any different in South Korea.

‘For a diligent, silent, and responsible person to succeed, it’s like a dream. It’s such a rare story that it feels like a fairy tale. In reality, those who are more cunning and resourceful have a much better chance.’

That was the reality.

If you live diligently and silently, fulfilling your responsibilities you would only end up being a silent and voiceless tail that gets cut off. Just like Gardin in the original work, disappearing under the executioner’s blade.

Raciel smiled bitterly.

“Sigh. Never mind. Why are you so extreme, my friend?”

“…Pardon?”

“Stop testing dangerous things yourself. If you really think it’s dangerous, there are other ways.”

“Other ways, you say…”

“Like feeding it to a frog or a rat.”

“Ah…!”

“Right?”

“Should I catch a rat right away?”

“…Wait a little bit. This medicine is supposed to be taken after cooling.”

“Is it?”

“Originally it’s supposed to be taken after cooling. Especially the decoction with Aconitum.”

“Originally… you mean?”

“Yes. That’s why I’m waiting for it to cool down enough.”

“…”

“What now? What are you curious about this time?”

“You just said ‘originally’…”

“…”

‘Oops.’

Raciel quickly spoke.

“I saw it in a dream. Lately, every night, a wizard with the energy of a great sage comes to my dream and teaches me how to handle medicinal herbs and how to maintain health with acupuncture. Is that enough?”

“In a dream… you say?”

“You might not believe it. But I think you’ll believe me. That’s why I’m telling you. I’m giving you a heads-up, but you’re the only one who should know. Understood?”

“Yes, Your Highness. I understand.”

He spoke with a somewhat strict tone.

Gardin lowered his head with a devastated look on his face.

‘…Did I give myself away? I need to be careful.’

Gardin’s loyalty was probably directed not at him, but at ‘Crown Prince Raciel.’ Therefore, he must always be Crown Prince Raciel.

But he was careless just now.

He said it as if he knew oriental medicine well. He must be careful next time. As Raciel thought this, he checked the decoction. In the meantime, the cup had cooled down enough.

‘Good. Please let there be efficacy. So that I can extend my current life.’

Raciel reached out, hoping and praying.

He didn’t give Gardin a chance to interfere.

He quickly picked up the moderately cooled cup.

Brought it to his lips.

Tilted it.

Gulp!

“…Ah!”

Gardin let out a startled cry as Raciel consumed the entire decoction in one swift motion, without any hesitation. As the liquid went down, Raciel felt a tingling sensation piercing through his throat.

It was at that moment…

Ding-dong!

A clear notification rang.

And then…

[You have consumed Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction, prepared in the correct method.]

[Mahuang and Xixin stabilize the bronchi, soothing sore throat symptoms. It supports antipyretic, expectorant, and anti-cough actions.]

[Fuzi eliminates cold and pain and actively supports metabolism.]

[Fuzi’s proper cardiotonic action ensures smooth circulation in the heart.]

[The smooth stimulation awakens the king of the five internal organs and six bowels, the heart.]

[The royal bloodline’s hidden power, Asrahan Core Technique, which had been engraved in your heart but was unused due to your weak constitution, is awakening.]

Trivia:

Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction, also known as Ma-Huang and Aconite Decoction with Asarum, is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used to treat conditions such as fever, coughing, shortness of breath, and other respiratory issues. 

It consists of four main ingredients: Ma Huang (Ephedrae herba), Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi ramulus), Fu Zi (Aconiti radix lateralis preparata), and Xi Xin (Asari herba cum radix). This decoction is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for centuries to help alleviate respiratory symptoms.