The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 439

"Look over there," Abel said, pointing. "That old man in the blue shirt? His family specializes in obscure ingredients. We have a good relationship with him. If you need wild gastrodia, he's the one to see. I saw him selling it last time."

"And that guy," Abel pointed to a middle-aged man squatting in a corner. "His scorpions and centipedes are caught fresh from the mountains. They make excellent medicinal wine!"

Leilani looked in the direction he pointed and saw several glass jars filled with dark insects, their stingers looking menacing even through the glass. She raised an eyebrow. "You seem to know everyone here quite well."

It was understandable that he knew people near the rental in the city village, but for Abel to have such strong connections in this market was impressive. Leilani realized she had underestimated his social networking skills.

Receiving her praise, Abel scratched his head and grinned. "Well, after following Payton for so long, you pick things up."

He checked their surroundings before leaning in close to Leilani, lowering his voice. "However, while most of the farmers here are simple, honest folk, you always get a mixed bag. You have to be careful when buying. There are counterfeit goods in the market—stuff soaked in chemicals to look fresh. Don't get tricked."

Leilani chuckled. "Don't worry. Fake goods can't fool me."

She walked over to a stall selling dendrobium, squatted down, and picked up a fresh purple stem. She inspected it closely and smelled it. "The quality is indeed good."

The vendor, the woman in the headscarf, saw that Leilani knew her stuff and immediately heaped on the praise. "Oh, you have a great eye, miss! Not many people are as knowledgeable as you these days. This is old root stock we just brought down from the mountain. Look, the soil is still on it. It’s perfect for nourishing the stomach!"

Leilani selected a few bundles and paid. Abel proactively took the bags. He leaned in again, whispering, "Dr. Sloan, this market is okay, right? My judgment isn't bad, is it?"

A while later, Leilani and Abel stood in front of an old, established apothecary. Leilani held a dried Reishi mushroom, carefully examining its color and texture. Abel stood behind her, laden with bags of herbs, kicking a pebble at his feet in boredom.

"Dr. Sloan, we've bought quite a lot today, haven't we? With all this stuff, can you really cure Mr. Payton's poison?"

Abel had been with Payton for years and had seen countless so-called "famous doctors" fail. They would check Payton's pulse and declare him incurable, or they were charlatans looking for a quick payout.

Leilani nodded, explaining to ease his doubts. "Reishi can help alleviate the toxicity in Payton's system. Although I'm not certain yet if it will be the main ingredient in the final antidote, it will at least reduce his suffering."