Dr. Fang glanced up at Sun Desheng. His expression did not change, and neither did his flat tone.
"Rules are none of my concern. I'm a doctor. I treat the sick. The old master's illness can't wait. Every day we delay, he gets worse. If I can't get those three herbs, he won't survive the month. City Lord Sun, which matters more: the shipment or a man's life?"
Sun Desheng opened his mouth but had no answer. In all his years as lord of White Cloud City, he had dealt with plenty of merchant caravans and few doctors. Dr. Fang's question left him at a loss.
Standing behind Sun Desheng, Lin Taichu took a step forward.
"Dr. Fang, what illness does the old master have?"
Dr. Fang looked at Lin Taichu.
"And you are?"
"I own that shipment of medicinal herbs."
"The old master's illness isn't an external condition. His internal organs are the problem. His spleen and kidneys are both weak, and his qi and blood can't keep up. At his age, recovery is slow. I brought a prescription from the south, and we have everything for it except those three herbs."
"Which three?"
"Astragalus, Chicken Blood Vine, and Dendrobium. They have to be wild-grown; cultivated herbs aren't potent enough. My shipment has all three. Only about ten jin of each, but that's enough."
Lin Taichu did not answer at once. He stood there thinking for a moment, then spoke.
"When I entered the city, I passed a shop midway down South Street. It had a banner outside that said 'Medicinal Herbs.' Has anyone checked there?"
Dr. Fang glanced at him.
"I'll send someone."
Dr. Fang went into the main hall. A short while later, a young apprentice came out. Dr. Fang spoke to him at the door, and