Li Xu took Belik's pulse and asked about his condition in detail—blood in his stool, a feeling of pressure and pain in his anus, and recurrent flare-ups that wouldn't heal.
Li Xu thought it over.
Given the limited medicinal herbs available here, prescribing a standard oral formula to reduce inflammation, clear fluids, and improve circulation was impossible.
'I'll have to use a folk remedy.'
"Do you have any Sichuan peppercorns at home?" Li Xu asked.
"Sichuan peppercorns? Yes, yes, we have them."
Belik nodded repeatedly.
Sichuan peppercorns were one of the most common seasonings around here.
