Mo Yan nodded quickly in agreement. "It's awkward to sell, but more importantly, our pharmacy lacks a resident doctor. Dr. Chai is gone, and while I recognize simple symptoms, I only know the basic prescriptions he left behind."
Mo Lixia thought for a moment. "I'll be the resident doctor for now. If that doesn't work, we can look into hiring a female physician."
"Miss, you might not know," Mo Yan whispered, "but female physicians only exist within the Imperial Palace to serve the concubines. In the streets, women with... 'those' problems usually just consult midwives."
Lixia was stunned. She hadn't realized the gender gap in public medicine was this severe.
Just as they were discussing this, a girl in a green dress entered the shop. She looked around furtively, her behavior decidedly suspicious. Mo Yan hurried forward to greet her. "Miss, are you here for medicine?"
The girl straightened her back and cleared her throat. "Do you have a midwife here?"
The group immediately understood. "We don't have a midwife," Mo Yan said, but added quickly before she could leave, "However, our resident doctor is also a lady."
Relieved by the discretion, the girl lowered her head and stepped further into the shop. Lixia couldn't help but sigh mentally. Women in this era have it so hard; even seeking medical help feels like a crime. Uncle Yi really needs to look into the public health system!
The First Sales Pitch
Mo Yan led the girl to the consultation desk. "What are the symptoms?" Lixia asked, picking up a brush.
"It's not for me," the girl stammered, her face turning red. "It's for my mistress..." She glanced at Xiqiu and Hongshang, then leaned in close to Lixia. "My mistress has an intense itch... down there. And there's an odor. We consulted a midwife who gave us some herbal washes, but they didn't work. Do you have a better way?"
Lixia smiled. If it was as the girl described, it wasn't a severe infection, but those herbal washes only treated the surface. This was the perfect chance to test her new product.
"Your mistress's problem is internal. Washes can soothe the symptoms, but they won't cure the root," Lixia explained. She signaled Xiqiu to bring a bamboo tube containing the sterilized suppositories.
"This is an internal treatment. There are five in this set. Use one at night before bed and remove it the next morning," Lixia said, handing over the tube. The girl looked curious but didn't object. Lixia then lowered her voice to explain the application details in a professional, matter-of-fact tone.
"Doctor... how much for this?"
Lixia glanced at Mo Yan. He had set the prices based on market value. "Ten taels for the set," Mo Yan answered. "Two taels per piece."
"So expensive?" The girl frowned. "What if it doesn't work? I'll be punished for wasting money."
Lixia smiled confidently. "Rest assured. If there is no effect, return to us and we will give you a double refund."
The girl's eyes widened. "Truly?"
"Truly." Lixia knew that for a new, unconventional product, she had to stand firmly behind its efficacy. Once the word spread among the circle of noble ladies, the market would open itself. "However, she must use all five consecutively. And remind your mistress—no intimate activities during the treatment."
The maid blushed at Lixia's bluntness. She looked at this young doctor, who still wore a girl's hairstyle yet spoke of such matters with absolute calm and zero embarrassment. Impressed, she paid for the set and some tonics before slipping out of the shop, her face hidden once more.
The Business Expansion
"Doctor Mo, she bought every single one we had made!" Mo Yan exclaimed once the girl was gone.
"These shouldn't be stored for long," Lixia reminded him. "From now on, we won't keep a large stock. Set up a station in the back for production. If someone needs them, they can place a pre-order. We'll make them fresh."
"Excellent idea! I'll prepare the tools," Mo Yan said, but Lixia stopped him. "Also, start looking for a permanent resident doctor. Let's see if anyone applies in the next few days."
The "Corporate" Visit
Later that afternoon, Lixia and her maids visited Leng Xue's shop. The shop was bustling. With four employees—two shop assistants, a maid, and an accountant—it felt like a thriving modern company.
Since Lixia had provided the cartoon patterns, business had skyrocketed. Even from the street, she could see noblewomen in fine silks admiring the new designs. Lixia felt a surge of pride for her sister-in-law.
She entered through the side gate to the backyard. Xichun was preparing tea. "Miss Mo! You're here! My lady is in the workroom rushing an order, I'll go get her."
"No need, I'll go find her myself."
Inside the workroom, Leng Xue was so focused on her embroidery she didn't notice Lixia sitting down beside her. Lixia let out a soft giggle, making Leng Xue jump.
"Li'er! You scared me!" she gasped, putting down her work.
"I just came from the pharmacy and wanted to rest my feet here."
Leng Xue poured her some tea. "Is the pharmacy ready? I saw people moving things in and out a few days ago."
"It's ready. I'll be your neighbor from now on."
"Did Aunt Ye agree to this?"
Lixia nodded. "On the condition that I return home before dark."
"Aunt Ye really dotes on you," Leng Xue teased. "A young lady appearing in public every day... you better be careful, or you'll never find a husband!"
"The same could be said of you, Sister-in-law," Lixia retorted with a wink.
"I'm different," Leng Xue huffed playfully.
Lixia sipped her tea, her mind wandering back to her plan. To make things easier, she was seriously considering whether she should start wearing men's clothing when she went out to work.