The Culinary Chronicles of the Court Physician: The Disgraced Princess Consumes Poison to Create Medicine :
“Now then, will His Majesty the Emperor’s poisoning be cured?”
After completing her examination, Fei Ling exited the Emperor’s chamber, only to be surrounded by high-ranking officials and imperial physicians.
“It is undoubtedly a poison of the earth element. Once we gather the necessary medicinal ingredients, we can prepare the antidote and administer it immediately,” she explained.
However, the herbal medicine stored in the palace, the harem, and even the nearby dispensaries was insufficient. A minister from the Ministry of Revenue, responsible for overseeing merchants across the continent, stepped forward.
“Understood. Inform us of any required items, no matter how rare. I shall dispatch caravans to the furthest corners of the continent to obtain them.”
Fei Ling opened the Book of Baize (Hakutaku no Sho). Names of medicinal ingredients filled her vision in a storm of characters. With unmatched precision, she instantly categorized what was necessary and began reciting the list in a clear voice.
“First, the Marine Eight Delicacies (Kai Hachichin): Shark fin, bird’s nest, sturgeon bone, swim bladder, abalone, seal, giant salamander, and black sea cucumber.”
The scribes quickly noted the items on bamboo slips.
“Next, the Avian Eight Delicacies (Kin Hachichin): Quail, turtle dove, francolin, red swallow (Kisha), red-headed hawk (Hippo), swan, rainbow sparrow (Ran), and rock ptarmigan (Raicho).”
“Wait,” one official interrupted. “There are several birds I’ve never heard of. What are the red swallow, rainbow sparrow, and red-headed hawk?”
“The red swallow, or Kisha, is a type of owl native to the southeastern regions of the continent, also known as the Kishajuu. It is said to abduct infants through unbarred windows at night, but such incidents are rare. They can be caught by waving fire in the forest, as they fall to the ground when startled.”
“Hmm, a bird with an almost otherworldly reputation. And the red-headed hawk?”
“The red-headed hawk, Hippo, is a one-legged crane wreathed in flames, dwelling in the southern salt lakes. The Kun tribe could likely provide more information.”
Hearing the mention of the Kun tribe, the minister furrowed his brow. Although the fires of past conflicts had subsided, relations with the Kun tribe were evidently still strained.
“And the rainbow sparrow?”
“The rainbow sparrow, also called the Ran, is a type of bird found in cacao-producing regions. It possesses radiant wings of green, red, and blue, surpassing even fine ceramics in beauty. Its body holds medicinal properties that stabilize the body’s balance.”
The Book of Baize, also a pictorial record, allowed Fei Ling to vividly imagine creatures she had never seen before. As she read, scents wafted through her mind, and the flavor of medicines danced on her tongue. The ability to distinguish toxic from curative substances, even when they appeared nearly identical, was a skill unique to those of the Baize lineage.
“Next, the Herbal Eight Delicacies (Sou Hachichin): Lion’s mane mushroom, morel, bamboo fungus, shiitake, silver ear fungus—note that only those grown in crystalline mineral veins are suitable—daylily buds, Koji mold, and dried shiitake (Hoshi Shiro Shiitake).”
“All of these are herbal medicines. What is this Koji mold?”
“It is a domesticated mold from the eastern islands, resembling a donkey. Originally a toxic mold that thrived on grains and caused epidemics across the continent, the eastern islands have cultivated it for food production, turning it into what they call ‘koji.'”
“Fascinating. A discovery befitting the wisdom of the Baize. Very well, I’ll dispatch caravans by sea to secure these items.”
The minister promptly issued orders for the trade ships.
“Lastly, the Mountain Eight Delicacies (San Hachichin): Camel hump, bear paw, leopard fetus, deer sinew, orangutan cheek, rhinoceros tail, and elephant trunk.”
At this point, the scribes gasped audibly. The imperial physicians also glared, silently protesting the idea of feeding such exotic substances to the Emperor. However, the minister seemed preoccupied with something else.
“Orangutan cheek? Are you referring to the lips of a great ape?”
“It is a common misconception,” Fei Ling clarified. “It refers to the cheek meat of a creature called the Sifuzou, which resembles a deer and inhabits northern wetlands.”
Like her mother, Fei Ling’s nomadic travels as a member of the Baize clan had also been for the purpose of gathering such rare medicinal ingredients.
“In total, these are the Forty-Eight Delicacies (Shi Hachichin). However, the earth poison afflicting His Majesty is no ordinary ailment. To neutralize it, one more essential item is required. However—”
She hesitated, her words trailing off.
“Speak freely. Whatever it is, the Ministry of Revenue will obtain it.”
Summoning her resolve, Fei Ling declared, “—the bones of a qilin.”
The room erupted in shocked murmurs.
“How dare you suggest such a thing! Do you mean to imply that a qilin has died?”
“This is preposterous!”
High-ranking officials scolded her in unison. Maintaining her composure, Fei Ling bowed and said calmly, “I merely relay the prescriptions recorded in the Book of Baize. I mean no disrespect. I ask for your understanding.”
The minister, though calm, furrowed his brow.
“Can it not be substituted with something else?”
The tense atmosphere was interrupted by the sound of a creaking wheelchair. Emerging from the corridor ahead was Empress Xin Hua, accompanied by her attendants.
“What is it you need for the medicine?”
Even the stern officials were momentarily captivated by the Empress’s serene smile. Though the harem held women of greater splendor, the Empress exuded a transcendent charm that softened gazes and drew respectful bows.
“Your Majesty, this is not a matter for your concern,” one official began.
“Was it qilin bones you mentioned? If that’s the case, you need not search. They are already here.”
The officials exchanged surprised glances. The Empress ordered her attendants to retrieve a bronze chest.
“It is one of the divine treasures passed down by the imperial family.”
Opening the chest released a sacred fragrance. Inside was a horned skull reminiscent of a dragon, with scales tinged in a bronze hue. Some officials recoiled, overwhelmed by its divine presence.
(This is—real.)
Fei Ling, who had seen a qilin before, instantly recognized its authenticity.
(But it doesn’t make sense.)
According to what she had learned from the previous Emperor, the imperial treasures consisted of a sword, a mirror, and a jewel—no mention of qilin bones. Why would the Empress fabricate this claim?
Most perplexing was the condition of the bones. They were too pristine, as though they had only recently turned to bone.
(Could they have belonged to a qilin that died just last year?)
