CHAPTER 254: CHAPTER 254 RECIPE(5)_1

"Is it because the Shangguan Family produced a terrorist like Shangguan You that you changed your strategy and became political enemies of the Shangguan Family? Did your two families conspire together? Are you thinking of using what Shangguan You holds to turn all of Beijing into your domain?"

Another huge accusation fell upon her, and Shangguan You could only find it laughable—mere poison powder had escalated to thoughts of treason; the world was indeed becoming more and more absurd.

"Our girl has learned the Medical Arts, which can save lives but naturally can also harm. Does that mean everyone in the world who practices the Medical Arts is a terrorist? Then may I ask if the Li Family, who work in the Ministry of Health, are also terrorists? Is your Li Family also plotting rebellion?" Shangguan Zhi coldly retorted, his aged face flushed with anger. What an outrageous accusation!

A Li Family elder shot back, "Nonsense! Our Li Family members in the Ministry of Health serve the people, helping them combat various intractable viruses."

"Our little You, who practices traditional Chinese medicine, also serves the people," Shangguan Zhi countered. "She has saved dozens of lives. So how is it that your Li Family is ’serving the people,’ while our Shangguan Family is considered a ’dangerous element’? Don’t you find that utterly ridiculous?"

"Exactly!" another voice chimed in. "One studies Western medicine, the other traditional Chinese medicine. So Western medicine saves lives, but traditional Chinese medicine makes one a dangerous element? Is that your logic?"

"Enough. Let’s stop arguing and let the facts speak." Vice Chairman Duan calmly interrupted the bickering, then invited in several research specialists. They were asked to publicly disclose Shangguan You’s formulas and their potential dangers to society, a move intended to leave both the Shangguan Family and the Yu Family speechless.

"That’s right, Daddy, Grandfather, Grandpa Yu, Uncle Yu, let’s let the facts speak. I believe justice will prevail, so we need not argue with these people," Shangguan You said calmly, soothing her grandfather, who was on the verge of erupting. She then playfully winked at Shangguan Hao, hinting that a good show was about to begin.

"Since that is the case, bring in the person and the research findings," Li Junjie said indifferently. They had heard it with their own ears just now, and with the facts to back it up, denial would be futile. "As you all know, those under deep hypnosis cannot lie, nor can they speak falsehoods. So, regarding these so-called ’facts,’ I believe none of you will object, will you?"

"That’s right, Old Shangguan, Old Yu," the Li Family elder stated coldly. "No matter how much you deny it, a person under hypnosis cannot lie. Heh, heh. Let’s see what you have to say then."

Hearing this, the faces of the two senior Shangguan Family members turned pale. If it was truly proven that the formulas the girl had mentioned were toxic and posed a significant danger, then...

"You all know that a person under deep hypnosis cannot lie," Li Junjie reiterated.

"Deep hypnosis? You hypnotized me just now? What did I say? What did I do?" Shangguan You feigned cooperation, her expression a mixture of panic and a slight tremble, which, to the Li Family, further confirmed her guilt.

"Nothing much, you just stated the facts," Li Junjie said with a light chuckle as several experts entered the room, their expressions grim. They presented the formulas and the recordings from their voice recorder.

This was ironclad evidence that no one could refute or alter.

Shangguan You’s crisp voice resounded from the recorder, echoing in everyone’s ears as she recited the ’dangerous’ formulas she had mentioned.

"Amethyst, Szechuan Pepper, Szechuan Lovage Root, Cinnamon Bark Heart, Dipsacus Root, Cyathula Root, Ganoderma, Angelica Sinensis, Cuscutae Semen, Lycium Berries, Cyperus Rotundus, Red and White Peony Root, Moutan Cortex..."

"Cuscutae Semen, Processed Polygonum Multiflorum, Lycium Berries, Horny Goat Weed, Actinolite, Prepared Rehmannia Root, Milkvetch Root, Cistanche, Otter Whip, Deer Antler, Sheep Whip Gel, Guang Dog Kidney Gel..."

As the two formulas were recited again, the members of the Shangguan and Yu Families turned ashen, their tension palpable. In contrast, the Li Family members wore smug smiles, certain that testimony obtained under hypnosis couldn’t possibly be false.

Shangguan You’s face wore an expression that struggled between laughter and restraint. She buried her head in Shangguan Qing’s embrace, her body quivering lightly. To outsiders, it appeared as though she was overwhelmed with guilt and fear, seeking refuge in his arms.

"Shangguan You, we believe in you. Don’t be afraid; we are here for you."

"Indeed, no matter what, we stand by your side. We don’t believe you would harm anyone."

"Shangguan You, I believe in you."

Gui Jun, Yu Zifeng, and a few others patted Shangguan You on the shoulder, offering soft words of consolation. "Girl, no matter what, we will always stand by your side," Shangguan Qing said, comforting Shangguan You while patting her back.

"Support? How much is your support worth?" Li Junjie scoffed. "Tell us, what are these formulas? What danger do they pose to society?" Vice Chairman Liu asked calmly, demanding they publicly explain the dangers of the two formulas.

"Reporting to both Vice Chairmen, all leaders, and commanders," the lead specialist began, his expression somewhat dark as he gave a military salute. He spoke with apparent difficulty, his hesitant demeanor only strengthening the Li Family’s conviction about the severity of the alleged poisons. "’Amethyst, Szechuan Pepper...’ he trailed off, then stated, ’this particular formula is for treating painful infertility.’"

"’Cuscutae Semen... Otter Whip, Deer Antler, Sheep Whip Gel...’ he hesitated again, ’this is a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating premature ejaculation. These are two very common TCM formulas; they are not dangerous and, in fact, can treat illnesses.’"

As the lead specialist stated his findings, the other specialists nodded in agreement.

The crowd was collectively stunned. Li Junjie and the Li Family elder’s faces turned a mixture of livid red and pale white, while Shangguan Zhi and Shangguan Hao both let out a visible sigh of relief. Shangguan You burst into laughter, nestled in Shangguan Qing’s arms.

Two traditional Chinese medicine formulas, described as societal dangers! How could the countless practitioners of TCM possibly continue their practice? How could innumerable people bear such a label?

They had said all that could be said, making all sorts of claims; the words were theirs to speak. And now, they were undeniably ensnared by those very words. Their schemes had unraveled, the hypnosis had been for nothing. What began as a game with many possibilities, they had played into a dead end, cornering themselves completely.