Chapter 367: Extraordinary

Staring at the place Lin Sicheng's finger was pointing, Wang Qi Zhi narrowed his eyes:

Eight Treasure Tablet: Stroke, toxic heat, carbuncles, blood stasis, yin deficiency, liver accumulation, fright-epilepsy————

Two qian of musk, three qian of bezoar, one qian five fen of snake bile, one qian five fen of panax notoginseng, one qian of five-flavor herb, five fen of coptis, five fen of gardenia, three fen of pearl powder; boil in tofu for two quarters of an hour.

Grind the above eight ingredients into powder, ensuring no sound is heard, mix well and grind another thousand times, store in a sealed porcelain jar————

Taboos: Must not touch iron utensils, avoid the unclean hands of women, mixing the medicine must be done during clear and bright weather————

Wang Qi Zhi tried hard to recall: Eight Treasure Tablet, never heard of it?

But the ingredients used were truly expensive: let alone in ancient times, even now, musk and bezoar are sold by the gram.

While pondering, he looked suspicious: "What is the matter with this Eight Treasure Tablet?"

Lin Sicheng explained in a low voice: "The prototype of this medicinal formula may have originated from the Eight Treasure Rescue Bitter Powder in the Northern Song Dynasty's *Su-Shen Good Prescriptions* (by Su Shi and Shen Kuo). The raw materials were realgar, orpiment, zengqing, white stone, purple stone, sulfur, and cinnabar. It treats gu-poison and avoids plagues————"

"During the Southern Song Dynasty, the Zhaoqing Army Regional Commander and medical scientist Yang Tan improved it by removing cinnabar, sulfur, and zengqing, and adding dragon's blood, frankincense, and myrrh, primarily treating incised wounds, and secondarily treating carbuncle ulcerations and fire burns————"

"In the early Yuan Dynasty, Imperial Hospital Medical Doctor Qi Dezhi happened to obtain the *Yang Family Secret Prescription* written by Yang Cunzhong and his son Yang Tan, and once again improved this formula: removing realgar, orpiment, and white stone, and adding dragon bone, elephant skin, and pearl powder, primarily treating toxic heat and carbuncles————"

"In the late Yuan Dynasty, the famous medical scientist Zhu Zhenxiang—who was the teacher of Wang Lü, Dai Sigong, and Jiang Yongwen, the first three heads of the Imperial Academy of Medicine in the Ming Dynasty Hongwu reign—improved it again, adjusting the dosages and adding panax notoginseng, primarily treating excess syndromes————"

"In the early Ming Dynasty, after Wang Lü served as Imperial Hospital Judge, he made further improvements, adding musk and bezoar, primarily treating syncope, stroke, pediatric fright-epilepsy, and chest obstruction, and secondarily treating toxic heat and carbuncles————"

"In the early Qing Dynasty, a large number of medical books were destroyed; it was only recorded in the *Lu Mansion Forbidden Prescription* (from the Ming Dynasty Shandong Lu Wangfu) that circulated among the people, later renamed the *Return to Spring Marvelous Prescription*. But by the mid-Qing Dynasty, the two main ingredients, musk and bezoar, were no longer seen, having been replaced by aconite and arsenic."

"At the same time, the descendants of the Lu Wangfu's Chief Physician Gong Tingxian fled to Minnan with the *Lu Mansion Forbidden Prescription* and took refuge at the Pushan Rock Temple in Zhangzhou, during which time they improved it again by adding Minnan snake bile. Later, they gifted this formula to a monk-physician; because one piece would immediately reduce (inflammation), it was abbreviated as Pianzaihuang————"

At first, Wang Qi Zhi listened with great interest, thinking that the history of this formula was quite long and rather twisty.

Afterwards, the more he listened, the more wrong it felt: excess syndromes, syncope, stroke, chest obstruction—aren't these just modern-day cerebral thrombosis, cerebral hemorrhage, and myocardial infarction?

According to this, isn't this a bona fide life-saving miracle drug? But the strange thing is, how had he never heard of it?

But immediately, he was suddenly stunned: Zhangzhou Pushan Rock Temple, one piece immediately reduces inflammation?

Isn't this thing just Pianzaihuang?

His eyeballs "popped" outward, almost jumping out to land on the book.

Wang Qi Zhi's mouth opened wide, his eyes staring straight at those few lines of text.

Legend has it that this medicine can "extend life by one pill"; even if one foot is already inside the gates of hell, it can pull you back to live for another two or three quarters of an hour.

Of course, legends are just legends, and Wang Qi Zhi wouldn't go so far as to believe them to be true. But the problem is, this thing is a strictly state-level secret confidential formula; even Yunnan Baiyao ranks behind it.

Not to mention anything else, just looking at the economic value: the Pianzaihuang Group's operating revenue in 2007 was nearly 700 million, with a net profit reaching 150 million, and a net profit margin reaching a staggering twenty-plus percent.

If you calculate the market value, it is at least over ten billion, and the annual tax is counted in the hundreds of millions. What kind of concept is that?

Wang Qi Zhi looked horrified: "Is it really Pianzaihuang?"

"It's eight or nine tenths likely!" Lin Sicheng nodded, "Although the lineage of the inheritance is my own speculation, the medicinal ingredients are so similar, and the main ingredients and treated symptoms are even more similar; there cannot be a second medicine besides Pianzaihuang. The key is that in the early days, Pianzaihuang wasn't called Pianzaihuang; it was called Eight Treasure Elixir, Eight Treasure Powder————"

The main medicinal formula is identical, the efficacy and function are identical, and even the name is identical; could this still be a second type of medicine?

Even for someone as extraordinary and knowledgeable as Wang Qi Zhi, his heart still couldn't help but tremble.

He steadied himself and swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

Let's assume: just research it according to the formula in this book, or modify it slightly, then change the name, or even name it "Eight Treasure Elixir" directly. Then apply for a patent, or even a World Heritage Application, and then register to open a factory.

It doesn't even need to have as many functions as Pianzaihuang; as long as it has half the effect, money would flow in like water.

Of course, the leaders in Minnan would probably want to pull out knives and hack people.

Therefore, it is no wonder Lin Sicheng was unwilling to take it to the Forbidden City. This is not like the earlier case with Sheng Guoan, where one could just take a cursory glance and pass over it; this requires detailed comparison. Especially those old Experts—they might not even need to look at the specific formula; the moment they see "Eight Treasure Tablet," they could associate it with Pianzaihuang.

If someone were to make a request to keep this book in the Forbidden City for research, would Lin Sicheng agree or not?

Conversely, he didn't have the slightest hesitation and could tell him bluntly; how much trust must that be?

Suddenly, a warm current swept through his heart. Wang Qi Zhi let out a breath and said half-jokingly: "Aren't you afraid I'll pocket the formula?"

"No need to pocket it!" Lin Sicheng didn't care at all, looking indifferent, "If Teacher wants it, I'll give it to you————"

Wang Qi Zhi was stunned, then sighed again.

The Rhino Horn Cup last time was the same————

After a long silence, he handed the book back: "Keep it well, and don't tell anyone else: including General Manager Zhao, and including your Senior Brother's wife————"

"

Lin Sicheng nodded.

The human heart cannot withstand testing, so it is better not to test Zhao Shixiong.

The teacher wasn't worried about what Zhao Shixiong and his wife might do, but rather that the fewer people who know, the less risk of a leak.

After a moment of thought, Wang Qi Zhi gave instructions in a low voice: "Wait for a suitable opportunity, and I will find someone to inquire about it————"

"Teacher, don't be in a hurry!" Lin Sicheng replied, then thought for a moment, "I'll find someone to research it first!"

A star enterprise, a major taxpayer, and it involves many people's livelihoods and positions; one truly cannot be in a hurry.

If someone is pushed into a corner, they might resort to crooked methods.

Just like General Manager Zhou who fled to Hong Kong, and that Doctor Tan who was taken across provinces, or for example, the anchor Luo who was targeted for criticizing pre-made dishes————

Wang Qi Zhi nodded.

The teacher and student were whispering to each other when Ji Wangshu finished washing the bowls and came out of the kitchen.

She was holding her phone, the screen still lit; she must have just finished a call with someone.

"Second Sister called and said Brother-in-law is back, asking if you have time to have a meal together tomorrow or the day after!"

Tsk, Second Sister's use of the word "you all" was well-placed.

Wang Qi Zhi looked at Lin Sicheng, "I definitely have time, but what about Ye Anning?"

Ji Wangshu glared at him: "If she weren't coming back, how could Big Sister have called?"

Oh, so that's how it is?

Wang Qi Zhi was thoughtful and looked at Lin Sicheng.

They could have met last time, but considering the bad influence, the brother-in-law didn't go to the hospital. So, up until now, Lin Sicheng still doesn't know what the brother-in-law looks like.

On the contrary, he had a very pleasant chat with Lin Sicheng's parents—

Just as this thought was turning in her mind, Ji Wangshu's phone rang again, and she answered it habitually.

Ye Anning's voice came from inside: "Aunt, I've gotten off the plane. I'm going back to my mom's house first!"

Ji Wangshu frowned and scolded: "Ye Anning, speak properly. What do you mean 'your mom's house'? Isn't that your home?"

"It's all the same. Tell my uncle for me."

"Then tonight—"

The rest of the "are you coming back" was just on the tip of her tongue when, with a "beep," the call hung up.

That brat—

Muttering a curse under her breath, Ji Wangshu looked slightly suspicious: "So hurried and flustered, why is she in such a rush?"

Wang Qi Zhi didn't speak; he glanced at Lin Sicheng, who was packing Medical Books into a box.

The ancients said it well: a daughter turns outward, and it's hard to keep her once she grows up. She must be going to give her mom and dad a heads-up.

It's even more likely that she arranged this meal herself—

"Probably forgot something and went to get it!" Wang Qi Zhi replied, changing the subject, "You fix two dishes, and Lin Sicheng and I will have a drink!"

They really did need a drink, and Ji Wangshu wanted one too. She didn't even need to cook; she could just drink while looking at that Imperial Edict—

Hmm, I have to call that girl back too—

After thinking for a moment, she put her phone away, planning to call Ye Anning after the food was ready.

An ordinary residential compound, right next to Zizhuyuan.

Willow leaves were turning yellow, and a flock of wild ducks drifted on the lake water.

Putting down his bag and helping Ye Xing'an hang up his jacket, Wang Yingtai said goodbye to the driver: "Leader, you rest first then. Call me anytime if you need anything!"

Ye Xing'an nodded: "Good!"

Just then, Wang Qiguang came out of the kitchen holding a Tea Cup: "The tea is brewed!"

"It's fine!" Ye Xing'an waved his hand, "You've been busy for so long, go home and take a look first!"

The two hurriedly thanked him, left the living room, and closed the door.

Placing a cushion behind his waist, Ye Xing'an leaned back: "Why is that girl suddenly so filial? As soon as she heard I was back, she wanted to treat me to a meal?"

"Her, filial?" Wang Qiguang put down the Tea Cup and curled his lip, "The business in Beijing is finished, and Lin Sicheng is likely going back to Xijing. Before he leaves, doesn't she have to let you take a look at him?"

Ye Xing'an was stunned for a moment: Wang Qi Zhi's mouth was truly tight. It had been nearly a year, and Ye Anning still didn't know that he had actually met Lin Sicheng?

In a flash of thought, Ye Xing'an picked up the Tea Cup and took a sip, then suddenly remembered: "Lin Sicheng is finished with his work, so that means the case is solved?"

——

"Solved!" Wang Qiguang sighed, "And it was solved quite well!"

Ye Xing'an didn't understand: "Since it was well, why are you sighing?"

"You'll know once you look at this!"

As he spoke, Wang Qiguang took a document bag out from under the coffee table.

Ye Xing'an, confused, took it and tore it open.

At the very first glance, he was stunned:

Lin Sicheng, Chief Expert of Cultural Relic Evidence for the Criminal Investigation Division, Training Expert, Major Case Consultant for the Municipal Public Security Bureau.

Ye Xing'an felt suspicious: the first two were easy to understand because Lin Sicheng truly understood Cultural Relics and was quite professional.

Before the incident, he had been invited by the General Team to give several training sessions.

But what was this last one about?

This was a specialized consultancy; to put it bluntly: without this consultant, the case would likely not have been solved.

And it was at the department level; this rank was not generally high.

Ye Xing'an, suspicious, scanned down a few lines, a strange look appearing on his face: What is this, interrogation expert?

No, what does Lin Sicheng know about interrogation?

"Did you pull some strings?"

"How could I?" Wang Qiguang shook his head, "Keep reading!"

Fine, I'll keep reading—

Ye Xing'an had a strange expression as he flipped to the second page, and then, his expression became increasingly strange, increasingly strange.

After the first key suspect (Ma Shan) was caught, the detachment interrogated him for a week without getting him to talk. But after just letting Lin Sicheng try, he tricked the suspect into revealing a flaw in a few words.

The second one (Yang Jisheng) was not only caught with his personal participation, but after being caught, it was also Lin Sicheng who conducted an emergency interrogation, and he confessed before they were even brought back to Beijing?

The third (Song Qiu) was the same, and the fourth (Qi Song) and fifth (Ren Danhua) were still the same?

And then the main culprit (Wang Chun), who was even more difficult than the first suspect, a real tough nut to crack. The General Team let Lin Sicheng try again, and it was immediately effective, a cure for the illness?

One could be called a coincidence, or perhaps it was his professional knowledge of Cultural Relics that allowed him to notice details ordinary Police missed. But three, four, five, six, all like this?

Giving him the title of "interrogation expert" really wasn't an exaggeration at all.

Looking further down:

Relying solely on that copper coin, Lin Sicheng found Mu Mausoleum, dug out the gang's crime scene, and then, relying on the physical characteristics of people "frequently in contact with Cultural Relics," locked onto the core members of the Grave-robbing gang.

Likewise, he identified a fake stand-in based on subtle hand features. Finally, through his knowledge of Cultural Relics, he found the location where the main culprit hid the Cultural Relics, and even their lair.

So, his title as "Chief Expert of Cultural Relic Evidence" was well-deserved.

And compared to that, these were secondary: every time the case hit a deadlock, he could always find a new path, peel back the layers, and discover new evidence and new clues.

It might be an exaggeration to say Lin Sicheng solved the case alone, but his role in it was definitely of the irreplaceable kind.

The key lay in the scale of this gang, the degree of destruction, the severity of the impact, and the gravity of the crimes.

It just breaks quickly; a little slower, and it would be a major case supervised by the Ministry.

Therefore, this "Major Case Consultant" is also true to the name—

Half in astonishment, half in lament, Ye Xing'an continued reading. When he saw the words "handgun" and "bomb," he paused subconsciously.

Looking at the case details again, Ye Xing'an finally understood why his wife had sighed.

At the shopping mall treasury, he had already experienced it once and knew this gang had guns and bombs. But it hadn't even been overnight; how could Lin Sicheng dare to go deep into the criminals' lair?

Well, not only was he held at gunpoint, but he was also trapped in a bomb nest, and the other party even pressed the detonator without hesitation?

Suddenly, he remembered a sentence Wang Qi Zhi had once said: Lin Sicheng, one's life is always one's own, right?

Sighing inwardly, he laughed again: "Knowing there are tigers in the mountain, yet insisting on heading toward the tiger mountain—remarkable!"

Suddenly, Wang Qiguang glared at him—