It's hard for my elder sister. I rely on the mountains to farm and pay off my debts.

After booking the wool, Song Zhi went to the pork stall again and bought some ribs and pork fat. Then she led her younger brother back to the grocery store, took the goods they had just bought and sold, and went out of the city to return home.

When the brother and sister returned home, Song Zhi first handed the meat in her hand to her younger brother and asked him to take it back to the old house first. She then carried the things back to the backyard studio.

At this time, Wu was crushing the mugwort and mint according to her granddaughter's instructions, while Song An and Song Cheng were helping her.

Seeing her granddaughter returning with many things, Mrs. Wu stopped what she was doing and stepped forward to help. "What did you buy?"

"I bought some ready-made sesame oil to make herbal ointment. This way it's much more convenient!"

"Is sesame oil okay?" Mrs. Wu asked curiously.

"They are both oils and have the same effect of moisturizing and removing dryness." Song Zhi replied.

"By the way, the lowest price for rouge boxes in Grandma's shop is six coins. I want to find a kiln and have them made to order. If we order a large quantity, we might be able to lower the cost a bit."

"I've already ordered 500 boxes of mugwort ointment today, and I'm afraid these small boxes won't be enough for the rest."

"Grandma, please go to the kiln factory and ask how much it would cost to make three thousand of these small round-lidded boxes. If the price is fair, we can establish a long-term partnership with them."

After saying that, Song Zhi took a small round box of green herbal ointment from the table and handed it to Wu. "Just order it according to this size. There's no need for complicated craftsmanship. A simple and plain design will do."

Wu took the small round box and agreed, "Okay, leave this matter to me. I'll give it to you later."

After explaining the next arrangements to grandma, Song Zhi got busy. With the sesame oil ready, Song Zhi poured it directly into the crushed juice and set it aside.

After that, they used a small clay stove to boil lard and mutton to make mugwort soap.

Thanks to the fact that the family often boils oil to make mugwort soap, the two children no longer drool in the pot when they see their elder sister boiling lard residue.

The boiled lard and mutton fat are set aside to cool and then filtered.

Because Song Zhi often makes mugwort soap, she prepares enough wood ash and alkaline water in her free time, so that it will be much more convenient for her to use it next time.

When the reaction is complete and the lard turns into a viscous liquid, Song Zhi pours it into a mold and lets it sit and take shape.

During this time, Song Zhi didn't want to interrupt her work, so her younger sister brought her lunch.

By the time I finished all this, it was already past noon.

Song Zhi tidied up the room neatly, then urged the children to go back to their room to rest. She picked up the notes she had taken yesterday and reviewed them.

After making sure she had memorized everything, Song Zhi dozed off for half an hour until she heard the clanging sound of bricklaying next door. Only then did she sit up from the bed.

She moved suddenly and woke up her little sister who was sleeping beside her.

She rubbed her eyes and called out, "Sister."

Song Zhi touched her head and said, "It's getting late. I have to go to Master's house. Don't let Xiaokang sleep too long. Wake him up later, otherwise he won't be able to sleep at night."

There was still a hint of sleepiness in Song Huan's tone as he responded in a muffled voice.

Song Zhi got up, took her notes, and brought the tooth powder and herbal ointment she had made yesterday, and went straight to her master's house.

As usual, I will take exams and learn new pulse knowledge until the end of the course.

Song Zhi took out the herbal ointment and tooth powder. "Master, this is my homemade herbal ointment for soothing itching, and tooth powder that can strengthen teeth and prevent mouth ulcers. You can try it."

Doctor Zheng smiled and said, "You are so thoughtful!"

After that, he opened a box of herbal ointment in surprise. A minty fragrance instantly hit him. "Is this made with mint and mugwort?"

Song Zhi nodded repeatedly without hesitation.

He reached out and rubbed a little on his skin. It was cool and refreshing. He turned around happily and called out to his wife, boasting, "Look, this is the herbal ointment made by Azhi. It's even good to use during this mosquito-prone season."

Wang also tried it a little and said in amazement, "You're right, it's really good."

Seeing his wife's amazed expression, Dr. Zheng was even happier. He opened another box of tooth powder and sniffed it. "There are peppercorns and mint in it..."

After sniffing it again and failing to identify any other herbs, he took some of the fine powder and tasted it, "Is there salt added to it? As for what else is mixed in this powder, I can't tell it apart!"

"I also added fangfeng, asarum, psoralea corylifolia, and gypsum. fangfeng and asarum have the effect of clearing heat and dispelling cold, which is very effective in preventing red and swollen gums. Psoralea corylifolia has a tooth-strengthening effect, and gypsum has a cleansing effect."

"Master, do you think there is anything wrong with my combination?"

Doctor Zheng was delighted to see that his young apprentice, who had only just learned to identify herbs, was able to apply what he had learned and the prescriptions he had formulated were just right.

He stroked his beard happily and said with a warm smile, "Not bad, not bad. This prescription can both clear away heat and dissipate cold, and strengthen teeth and protect gums. It's really ingenious."

"Especially when you add salt, it not only enhances the cleansing effect, but also harmonizes the medicinal properties, making the whole prescription more peaceful and suitable for daily use."

"However," Doctor Zheng changed the subject, his eyes revealing a certain seriousness, "although the medicinal materials are good, the dosage must be considered."

“You have to understand that different people have different constitutions and will react differently to certain herbs.”

"Furthermore, each herb has different properties and flavors, and an overdose can damage the body's vital energy. You must understand the interactions between the herbs and the appropriate dosage to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this prescription."

Doctor Zheng naturally didn't know that this tooth-strengthening recipe was recorded in a medical book. He just wanted to remind his young apprentice that he must consider many factors when combining the herbs and not be careless.

Upon hearing this, Song Zhi nodded solemnly and said, "Thank you for your teachings, Master. I will definitely keep it in mind!"

Doctor Zheng was more satisfied with his young disciple when he saw that she was neither arrogant nor impatient and had a positive attitude.

He softened his tone and said, "Alright, go and organize what you learned today with Hui'er."

Song Zhi respectfully bowed to her master, took her notes, and trotted towards Zheng Hui who was waving at her.

Wang, who was standing by, looked at her husband's raised lips and brought up the past: "What do you think, how about we become closer to Ah Zhi's family?"

After saying this, she pointed at the two people gathered together and said, "Look, they have such a good relationship. Mrs. Wu is also a humble person. Our Hui'er will definitely not be bullied if she marries her."

Seeing her husband's gaze turned towards the two chatting and laughing people, Wang continued, "Azhi's family is getting better and better these days. In the future, who knows how many people will want to marry into her family. You should think carefully. If you miss this opportunity, you may never get it again."

Doctor Zheng knew that his wife's analysis was correct, but although marriage was a matter of matchmaking, he still had to ask his granddaughter what she thought.

Doctor Zheng pondered for a moment and said, "Let's not rush into this. Ask Hui'er privately what she thinks. Although we are doing this for her own good, she must also be willing."

Seeing her husband relent, Wang nodded and said, "Okay, I'll ask Hui'er later!"