Chapter 143
The dosage of that drug was truly potent. That day, Fang Zichen had not managed to release it at all.
Lianniang grabbed his leg. Fang Zichen's reason was nearly swallowed by desire. He told Lianniang to let go, but she held on tightly, refusing to release him.
She knew that with this drugging attempt, it was either succeed or face ruin. If she let Fang Zichen escape now, she would never have such an opportunity again.
Apart from his handsome appearance, Fang Zichen's other conditions were considered secondary. He had no family background and no wealth. While talented young men were plentiful in the town, Fang Zichen had ranked first in the county-level exam. During the grading, several examiners had unanimously recommended him for the top spot, which demonstrated his true capability.
Merchants were ranked lowest. Although Landlord Jia was a wealthy landlord, he held no status whatsoever.
Previously, the most outstanding talented scholar in Fu'an Town was Sun Shangcheng, but Sun Shangcheng's moral character was lacking. Thus, Fang Zichen undoubtedly became the best candidate in Lianniang's mind.
Lianniang refused to let go. Seeing him trying to flee, she even called the three men from outside to come in and help. Fang Zichen's heart hardened, and he kicked her over.
Before she lost consciousness, she still managed to instruct the servants to capture Fang Zichen.
Fang Zichen scaled the wall and escaped.
The three men chased after him relentlessly. If he went back, he would likely be caught before he even got halfway home. Gritting his teeth, Fang Zichen ran towards the mountains as soon as he left the town gate and hid himself.
The desire was a fire raging through him, he could only suppress through sheer force of will. But his body had its limits, his strength eventually failed, and he slipped into unconsciousness without knowing how or when.
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Physician Xu finished taking the pulse, his brows tightly furrowed.
Zhao Ger's body trembled uncontrollably: "Physician, my husband, he... is he alright?"
Physician Xu sighed and shook his head.
Zhao Ger nearly fainted on the spot.
For physicians, they especially dislike seeing patients who avoid treatment when ill, randomly take medicine, or buy drugs indiscriminately.
For physicians, they disliked seeing patients who avoid treatment when ill, randomly take medicine, or buy drugs indiscriminately.
Seeing him look so unsteady, as if he couldn't bear the news, Physician Xu said irritably: "Now you know to be afraid? What were you doing earlier? What is so shameful about impotence that you would hide your condition rather than consult a physician? You didn't seek proper medical advice, yet you went and bought some random, potent medicine. Do you truly believe such reckless remedies could possibly be good for you?"
Men cared most about saving face. While wealthy families could summon physicians to their homes, common folk had no choice but to visit the medical hall. The establishment lacked private consultation rooms, forcing patients to queue directly behind one another. Most men suffering from this particular condition would rather endure their shame in silence than seek medical treatment.
Zhao Ger didn't really understand, but Fang Zichen was about to explode.
He was originally weak all over, barely conscious with only a breath left. Hearing this, he mustered strength from some unknown reserve, pushed himself upright, and snapped, "Old man, what kind of nonsense are you spewing? Don't you dare slander my reputation!"
If such words spread, how could he continue to be a proper person?
Impotence, for a man, is the most degrading thing.
"If you were a proper man, why would you take that kind of medicine?" Physician Xu said with displeasure.
Fang Zichen: "..."
This old man truly didn't have a single polite word in his vocabulary.
Was he not vigorous and mighty? Hadn't he proven his prowess in the bedroom well enough?
Me, impotent?
What a joke.
Every time he could make Zhao Ger's legs go weak, wasn't that manly enough?
Zhao Ger, being with him, was full of sexual happiness.
But now, this sexual happiness might be cut short halfway.
This aphrodisiac wasn't poison, it was often used as an aid for arousal. After taking it, one just needed to release, and it would be fine. But holding it in was extremely damaging to the body. In severe cases, impotence was even possible.
Fang Zichen was terrified.
He was only eighteen, had just started eating meat (become sexually active), and he wasn't even tired of it yet! If his chopsticks went soft first, wouldn't that be the death of him?
Angered by Physician Xu, the last bit of his strength left him again. His eyes closed, and he passed out.
Zhao Ger threw himself over: "Husband..."
"It's fine." Physician Xu applied several acupuncture needles to Fang Zichen. After a moment, he said: "Later, I'll first prescribe a dose of medicine. Brew it and give him some to drink, to counteract that drug first. However, he has caught a cold, and his internal system is probably weakened. Also..." He looked at Fang Zichen: "You are his fulang, right? Let's talk outside!"
The wooden walls were not soundproof. In his haze, Fang Zichen heard bits and pieces.
That aphrodisiac originated from Hu Zhou. Such formulas typically contained ingredients like musk, cornus officinalis, mocongchu (馍惾亍), cnidium monnieri, along with bear or dog bile, and gecko. However, Hu Zhou was also known for a prolific medicinal herb called White Ganding. When this herb was added during the refinement process, it created a potent drug that promised to make a man's body nimble, allow him to maintain an erection indefinitely, and supposedly enable him to pleasure ten women in a single night, leaving him in a state of ecstatic bliss.
Initially, when this drug was first promoted, it was popular for a time. But later, various problems emerged.
Couples who recklessly used these so-called aphrodisiacs often discovered a tragic consequence: their children were frequently born with congenital deficiencies or deformities. The drug itself was fundamentally harsh and draining to the body's resources. Men who used it to engage in excessive intercourse inflicted severe damage to their vital energy and essence. Many users suffered from premature aging and exhaustion, and in extreme cases, some even died during the act. Furthermore, taking the drug was akin to poisoning one's own system. If the induced arousal was not relieved in time, the prolonged state could cause sperm to die within the epididymis.
Too many problems arose, and later, the production of this drug was banned.
But there were still some unscrupulous merchants who secretly produced it and sold it to other regions.
Fang Zichen's current situation fell into the latter category.
However, his foundational health was good, and it wasn't hopeless. It's just that for the next few years, not only would he be unable to have children, but he would also inevitably suffer quite a bit.
Chinese medicine was notoriously bitter. A few doses were manageable, but the prospect of drinking this bitter medicine continuously for years meant he would likely become thoroughly permeated with the taste.
After listening for so long, Zhao Ger finally understood the nature of the drug Fang Zichen had been given. He only felt the world spin around him.
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