Taisui Spoke, Madam Came Along

The pill formula recorded: Glazed Jade-Birth Pill, ten grams each of "Shenghuang," "Taisui," "Dry Worm," and "Gupuzi."

Yet it did not record the method of refinement.

Li Xian secretly found it a pity. If he could glimpse the refining method, it would be like picking up gold—getting an enormous bargain for nothing.

Though he spoke of steadfast loyalty, he had in truth always planned to establish his own household. Everything, however, had to be built upon strength.

"Madam, is alchemy difficult?"

Li Xian compared the formula against the medicine cabinets as he searched. Having spent more time around Madam Wen and learned her temperament, he had grown far bolder in ordinary conversation and questions.

Pang Long blindly revered and feared Madam, utterly loyal and not daring to say a single unnecessary word. Yet although Madam was snobbish and cold, she was by no means someone impossible to speak with.

So long as one did not offend her, ordinary conversation and questions were no problem.

Madam Wen was also gathering herbs. The true formula for the Glazed Jade-Birth Pill was in her mind. Yet she often divided formulas into separate portions and stored them in Fragrant Essence Pavilion or in the residence where she usually lived.

The purpose was to make them easier to recall and ponder at any time.

"It is naturally extremely difficult," Madam Wen said.

She drifted lightly to a cabinet, drew it open with her fair fingers, and took out a white silkworm-silk gauze pouch.

With a turn of her delicate hand, more than ten tiny insects could be seen inside the pouch. Each gleamed with silver light and was exceedingly lively.

"Silver Dragon—take four." She silently recited this in her heart. Even for her, removing the insects required extreme care.

Silver Dragons were strange insects of