Chapter 33: Damage Potential

Chapter 33: Damage Potential

"Brother Yu, can you still bring in a partner?"

Hua Changxi thought for a moment. Although Yu Hui managed the warehouse and there was an endless supply of discarded medicinal herbs, misappropriating some once or twice might go unnoticed, but if it happened too often, it was bound to be discovered.

If such a thing went undetected, it was one thing, but once discovered, there would certainly be consequences.

Upon hearing this, Yu Hui hurriedly said, "Sister Changxi, the fewer people who know about this, the better. How can we let others in on it?"

Hua Changxi replied, "Brother Yu, what I mean is, regarding the misappropriation of discarded herbs, it would be best if we could do it openly."

Yu Hui was speechless. "Sister Changxi, why are you so naive? How could something like this ever be done openly?"

Hua Changxi countered, "Why not? Didn't you say yourself that many low-grade pills on the market are refined from discarded herbs? The selling price of medicinal supplies for martial artists is quite high; it's obvious there is significant profit involved. Don't tell me no one in the warehouse wants a piece of that pie?"

Yu Hui said, "Even if they do, as I said, the merchants who come to collect the discarded herbs are designated by the higher-ups, and they have powerful patrons backing them. Even though they are just discarded herbs, the distribution isn't decided by the warehouse staff."

Hua Changxi pondered for a moment before asking, "Brother Yu, who holds the most power in this warehouse?"

Yu Hui replied, "My godfather, Eunuch Yu, of course."

Hua Changxi's eyes lit up, and she asked quickly, "What is Eunuch Yu like?"

Yu Hui asked, "What are you planning?"

Hua Changxi said, "I want you to tell Eunuch Yu that I know how to refine pills using discarded medicinal herbs."

Yu Hui did not speak, his expression hesitant.

Seeing this, Hua Changxi explained carefully, "Brother Yu, think about it. Discarded herbs cannot be taken out of the compound. Within the Servants' Hall, if it is only you and me cooperating, the first problem we will face is where to refine the medicine. Can you find a place for me to do it?"

Yu Hui frowned, his lips pressed tightly together.

Hua Changxi continued, "I believe in your control over Warehouse No. 5; you can misappropriate herbs without being caught. But you only manage one warehouse, so the variety of usable herbs you can find among the discarded ones is limited. Eunuch Yu is different. He manages all the warehouses and can mobilize all the discarded herbs. With him stepping forward, the variety of herbs we get will be greater, which means the variety of pills I can refine will also increase. Furthermore, with Eunuch Yu shielding us, even if someone discovers the misappropriation, no one would dare say anything. What do you think, Brother Yu?"

Yu Hui fell silent for a while, looking at Hua Changxi. "Sister Changxi, if my godfather gets involved in this, our fifty-fifty split won't stand."

Seeing his attitude soften, Hua Changxi immediately smiled. "How about this: Eunuch Yu takes forty percent, and you and I take thirty percent each."

Yu Hui looked at the 'naive' Hua Changxi. "Sister Changxi, have you considered what happens if my godfather refuses such a split? What if he wants the lion's share—say, eighty percent, leaving us with ten percent each? Or what if he wants it all and only offers you a small token of appreciation for your labor? What will you do then?"

Hua Changxi was naturally unwilling. "Is Eunuch Yu that greedy?" Seeing that Yu Hui remained silent, she immediately added, "Then forget everything I just said."

However, Yu Hui spoke up to explain, "My godfather once held a certain status in the Inner Court, but unfortunately, he was caught up in the struggles between nobles, and his entire life's savings were confiscated. Even though it was later proven he was wronged, his accumulated wealth was never returned. Since he was sent here to manage the warehouses, he has been desperately trying to make money. As the manager of Warehouse No. 5, I give every single copper of the monthly 'tribute' from my subordinates directly to him."

Yu Hui looked at Hua Changxi. "If my godfather hears that you can refine martial artist pills from discarded herbs, he will certainly be interested. It's just that I really have no idea how the profit will be divided."

At this point, Hua Changxi also felt uncertain. When she had obtained the Spirit Essence Grass previously, she had refined it in the Sixth Bureau's dining hall. Although she had a decent relationship with the people there, if she refined medicine too frequently, she would surely attract attention.

"Brother Yu, I live in the communal dormitory. Can you find a place for me to refine medicine?"

This was a difficult matter for Yu Hui. He lived in a private room, but if the scent of medicine constantly wafted from his room, it wouldn't work.

Seeing his silence, Hua Changxi knew he had no solution. After thinking, she asked, "Brother Yu, is Eunuch Yu the type of person who turns on people without hesitation?"

Yu Hui didn't quite understand her meaning.

Hua Changxi explained, "I mean, you go and tell Eunuch Yu that I can refine medicine with discarded herbs. As for how to split the profits later, I will negotiate with him. I just want to know if we fail to reach an agreement, will he hate me for it and seek revenge by kicking me out of the Servants' Hall?"

Yu Hui hesitated before saying, "My godfather has some magnanimity; he is quite good to his own people."

"His own people?" Hua Changxi thought to herself; she was clearly not one of "his own" to Eunuch Yu.

"Brother Yu, maybe we should just forget it."

Although Hua Changxi desperately wanted to make this cooperation happen, she maintained an air of wanting to back out. Between her and Yu Hui, they were friends, but it was not a rock-solid friendship. To Yu Hui, Eunuch Yu was undoubtedly more important. If the cooperation succeeded and Eunuch Yu joined in, Yu Hui would certainly side with him. She couldn't appear too eager; who knew if Yu Hui would side with Eunuch Yu to squeeze her for more profit?

Yu Hui grew anxious. "Don't forget it!"

Hua Changxi said, "Brother Yu, you know my temperament. I won't work for nothing. Rather than offending Eunuch Yu because we can't agree on profits, I'd rather not do it at all."

With that, she turned around to inspect the herbs in the warehouse.

Seeing her like this, Yu Hui paced back and forth a few times before running to her side. "I'll talk to my godfather. Even if it doesn't work out, I won't let it implicate you, Sister."

A flash of joy crossed Hua Changxi's eyes, but she said verbally, "Brother Yu, maybe we should just let it go. What if you offend Eunuch Yu because of this?"

Yu Hui waved his hand, acting as if she shouldn't worry.

Three days after discussing the cooperation, when Hua Changxi went to collect medicinal herbs, she was intercepted by a young eunuch.

"Eunuch Yu wishes to see you. Follow me."

The young eunuch spoke in an uncompromising tone and, without waiting for a response, turned and walked away.

Hua Changxi watched his retreating back, fell silent for a moment, and finally hurried after him.

After crossing most of the Servants' Hall, Hua Changxi followed the eunuch to a courtyard in the northwest corner of the warehouse area.

On the steps of the main building in the courtyard, a middle-aged eunuch without a beard sat in a lounge chair, leisurely sipping tea. Standing behind him to the right was a visibly nervous and apprehensive Yu Hui.

The young eunuch led Hua Changxi into the courtyard and pointed to a pile of discarded herbs. "These are some of the discarded herbs from yesterday. Find the usable ones among them. The medicinal tools are over there. Refine a few pills for the Eunuch to inspect."

Hua Changxi did not move. She glanced at Eunuch Yu on the steps; he seemed to have no interest in her at all. Aside from a single glance when she entered, he hadn't looked at her again. He didn't ask who she was or why she could refine medicine; there were only commands and instructions.

This was the gap in power. Regardless of whether she wanted to or not, she had no choice but to obey.

Hua Changxi had not forgotten that one of her original reasons for entering the Medical Bureau was to improve her medical skills. Having gained a stroke of luck, her head was filled with medical knowledge, but she was still inexperienced in practical application. She lacked the money to purchase large quantities of herbs for practice, so these discarded herbs became the most accessible resource for her at this stage.

"Hurry up. The Eunuch is waiting to see," the young eunuch urged impatiently when he saw her standing still.

Wanting to secure the cooperation, Hua Changxi lowered her head despite her discomfort. She estimated the pile of discarded herbs to be at least five or six carts' worth. Previously, when she took a few withered herbs, she had to hide her actions, yet these people could bring in so many carts and leave them openly in a courtyard. This was indeed the difference between having power and not.

Hua Changxi knew that only by demonstrating corresponding refining skills would Eunuch Yu engage in a dialogue with her. Thus, she began to pick through the herbs freely.

On the steps, Eunuch Yu appeared nonchalant, but he was actually paying close attention to Hua Changxi's every move. This little girl dared to look him up and down so boldly; just as Yu Hui said, she did have some courage. However, he didn't care about her temperament; he only cared about whether this little girl could truly refine pills for martial artists.

As Hua Changxi began sorting through the pile, Eunuch Yu watched closely. However, as he saw the specific herbs she was selecting, his brow furrowed deeper and deeper.

He himself was a Seventh-Rank martial artist. Although he couldn't refine medicine, he was familiar with the common pill formulas used by martial artists. The herbs the girl was picking were clearly not any of the ones he knew.

Eunuch Yu glanced at his godson behind him. Seeing the cold sweat pouring off Yu Hui's forehead, he felt a hint of disdain. His godson had good intuition, but lacked courage.

At least one-third of the discarded herbs still possessed medicinal properties. Hua Changxi didn't pick many; she only selected herbs for refining Blood-Qi Pills, Body-Tempering Pills, and Foundation-Stabilizing Pills. In truth, she didn't know the exact formulas for the martial artist pills sold on the market, but she could formulate them based on the detailed medicinal properties in the *Commentary on the Classic of a Hundred Herbs*.

As Hua Changxi began processing the herbs, Eunuch Yu's expression became serious.

Her methods were incredibly proficient. Washing, soaking, grinding, mixing, rolling pills, and finally placing them on the stove to bake over a low flame—every step was executed perfectly. Eunuch Yu had been in the Medical Bureau for several years and knew many pharmacists, and had seen them refine medicine with his own eyes, but none of them had a process as smooth and natural as this girl's.

Most importantly, the variety of herbs she used was far too small.

Smelling the medicinal fragrance drifting through the courtyard, Eunuch Yu had already guessed that the three types of pills she was refining were Blood-Qi, Body-Tempering, and Foundation-Stabilizing pills. He knew the formulas for all three, and he knew the standard formulas used by the Medical Bureau.

For a First-Rank martial artist to enhance their blood and qi, the Medical Bureau's Blood-Qi Pill formula required twelve types of herbs, yet this girl used only three. For Body-Tempering Pills, which martial artists below the Third Rank used as much as possible, the Medical Bureau's formula required over fifty types of herbs, yet the girl used only eight. As for the Foundation-Stabilizing Pill, a healing pill useful to all martial artists, the Medical Bureau's formula required over twenty types of herbs, yet she used only five.

Unable to wait, Eunuch Yu walked to the stove. Ignoring the fact that the pills were not yet finished, he reached out and popped a Blood-Qi Pill into his mouth.

The effect of the pill exceeded his expectations.

Eunuch Yu snapped his head toward Hua Changxi, his eyes gleaming. At this moment, in his eyes, Hua Changxi was a shimmering gold ingot.

"I agree to what Yu Hui said, but I will only give you ten percent profit."

Hua Changxi looked him straight in the eye. "Forty percent is my bottom line."

Eunuch Yu burst into loud laughter, but then his smile vanished, and he looked at her gloomily. "Do you have the right to haggle with me?"

Hua Changxi's expression remained unchanged. "Then find someone else to refine medicine for you." As she spoke, she turned to leave.

Seeing this, Yu Hui's face changed drastically. He jogged forward to grab her arm, but just as he reached for her, he fell to his knees with a heavy *thud*.

Hua Changxi was startled. "Brother Yu, even if the deal falls through, we are still friends. You don't need to kneel to me."

It wasn't that Yu Hui wanted to kneel. At this moment, he felt as if a mountain-like force was pressing down on him; he had no choice. Yu Hui knew his godfather had exerted his internal strength to force Sister Changxi to agree, but the range of the internal force was too wide, and he had been caught in the crossfire.

What he couldn't understand was, even though he was on his knees, why did Sister Changxi show no reaction at all?

Seeing the large beads of sweat visibly forming on Yu Hui's forehead and streaming down his face, Hua Changxi realized something was wrong. She looked up at Eunuch Yu.

Upon looking, she realized that the young eunuch who had led her here was also prostrate on the ground. And the way Eunuch Yu was looking at her was... extremely strange.

Hua Changxi blinked, staring back at Eunuch Yu for a moment, and seemed to understand something.

At that moment, Eunuch Yu moved, suddenly launching an attack toward Hua Changxi.

To Yu Hui and the young eunuch, Eunuch Yu's punch was fast and fierce, but in Hua Changxi's eyes, his fist was approaching her as slowly as a snail's crawl.

Hua Changxi raised her right hand, using her thumb, index, and middle fingers as lightly as if she were holding a brush, and easily caught Eunuch Yu's wrist.

After learning the *Lingbo Microsteps*, she had spent a great deal of time studying the *Five Finger Mountain* technique. This technique was formidable, consolidating the attacking methods of palms, punches, fingers, and claws.

Seeing Eunuch Yu's hand unable to move even a fraction between her three fingers, the corners of Hua Changxi's mouth curled up, satisfied with the power of the *Five Finger Mountain*.

While Hua Changxi was secretly rejoicing, Eunuch Yu's heart was surging with waves of shock, and a look of terror surfaced in his eyes.

"You... you are a martial artist?"

And her cultivation was even higher than his.

Hua Changxi released his wrist. Only after Eunuch Yu had retreated a few steps to steady himself did she speak. "If we can't cooperate, then so be it. Why does Eunuch Yu want to resort to violence?"

Suppressing his shock, Eunuch Yu forced a smile. "Lady Hua misunderstands. Yu Hui is my godson, and you are his friend. I will not make things difficult for you out of respect for him."

"Fine, we shall do it your way. From now on, I will provide the discarded herbs and this courtyard for refining. You will be responsible for the refining. The finished pills will be split forty-sixty... no, forty-forty. The remaining twenty percent goes to Yu Hui."

Hua Changxi was thrilled; she was getting ten percent more than she had expected! When she had said forty percent earlier, she was simply waiting for him to haggle.

Suppressing her joy, Hua Changxi smiled at Eunuch Yu. "Very well, let us proceed as you say. I hope we have a pleasant cooperation in the future."

As it turned out, having skill alone wasn't enough; one also needed powerful martial force.