Chapter 145 The decision has been made
Master Jiang was surprised, "Is this... really okay? She's certainly skilled, and she's righteous enough. As a businessman, she's more capable than the average man of standing up in times of crisis. But Miss Yu is only twenty-four now, and sitting above us, I, an old man, feel a little uncomfortable..."
Master Zhao shook his head and said, "Master Jiang, you're wrong to think that. Lord Zhao's recommendation of Miss Yu wasn't necessarily intended to suppress our actions at the time. Besides his ability, there was also a connection."
"What?"
Master Zhao took a sip of tea and said, "Lord Zhao came here to join the cabinet. He single-handedly promoted a doctor and a craftsman, which is a significant achievement in his career. Let's not talk about doctors, there have been such people in every dynasty. Let's talk about our craftsmen. Emperor Suzong of the previous dynasty once said that food is the most important thing for the people. The craftsmanship of the common people should be promoted and passed down, and should not be buried. This is the cultural governance of our Da Ting Dynasty for hundreds of years. So I think Lord Zhao must want to put some effort into cultural governance. He is not promoting Miss Yu, but his own cultural governance."
Master Jiang clapped his hands and said, "You're right. I had completely forgotten about this."
"Of course, in addition to these, I think there is another reason, Lord Zhao, which is that they are a divorced couple." Master Zhao said as he lay back.
Master Jiang certainly knew about the past between Yu Huatang and Mr. Zhao.
But from his perspective, Lord Zhao seemed cold and businesslike, and didn't seem to be looking to rekindle their past relationship. Miss Yu also didn't look like she was going to go back with Lord Zhao, otherwise she wouldn't have opened her own business. After all, the gentry were divided into the classes of scholars, farmers, merchants, and artisans, and ordinary families wouldn't accept women from merchants, let alone Miss Yu, who was living with a bunch of men, and even had a bunch of male apprentices.
But Master Zhao said that besides justice, there is also personal feelings, so Master Zhao still has feelings for Miss Yu?
At this time, Master Zhao said, "Okay, Master Jiang, I have nothing to say. Miss Yu is worthy of the title of chief both publicly and privately, and I don't want to compete. Lord Zhao's meaning is very clear. We are not good enough in official affairs, and we cannot compare with Miss Yu in private. Regardless of whether Lord Zhao still has feelings for Miss Yu, this will not prevent her from becoming chief. I don't want to argue with the government over this."
Since Master Zhao had said so, he still had something to argue about. However, with a girl sitting on top of a group of people in their teens, he felt embarrassed...
Five days later, Yu Huatang received an invitation from the new Lantern Chief Guild, and she was promoted to the chief.
The first signature recommendation was Master Zhao, followed by Master Jiang, and at the end she also saw Zhou Xiang's name.
Only then did she realize that she was able to become the chief thanks to Zhao Yan's calligraphy.
Zhao Yan's calligraphy represents the attitude of the government office. She and Doctor Luo not only have merits recognized by the government office themselves, but also have their names engraved on the boundary stone tablet. No matter how many years have passed, future generations will know that there was a woman like her in the winter of the fifteenth year of Da Ting.
Both publicly and privately, Yu Huatang was very grateful to Zhao Yan.
Without the recommendation and attitude of the government office, she would never have become the chief in her life. No matter how many disciples she had, how superb her skills were, or how much livelihood she brought to the people of Quanzhou, she would not have been recognized, just because she was a woman, and in a place where men gathered, she openly challenged their belief that "the skills are passed down to men, not women."
However, Yu Huatang was not afraid of these. Doctor Yuan of the previous dynasty was also a woman. Without her, women today would still feel painful and desperate when going out to see a doctor.
She didn't dare to compare herself to Doctor Yuan, she just wanted to devote herself to her craft so that future women would have another way to support themselves.
In the past, she was always low-key and didn't want to attract attention, but today, she will not bow her head again. She needs to get these identities and honors.
She stood up, bowed to Zhao Yan, and then bowed to all the shop owners. "Thanks to the support of all the elders, I can be the chief today. All of you elders have cultivated your crafts over the years, and are kind-hearted. Some are good at teaching, and some are good at observing the times and bringing business opportunities here. You are all the leading figures that I can never reach. I have received this honor today, and I will take you as my role models, do my best, and work hard to let Quanzhou's lanterns spread to the world." After speaking, she bowed deeply again.
…
When they returned to Changming Pavilion, everyone knew that she had become the chief, and everyone was in high spirits. Qingxing suggested that they go out for a good meal to celebrate.
Xu Fu, who was usually taciturn, was unusually happy today and also said he wanted to go.
Yu Huatang simply decided to close Changming Pavilion for a day and took all the apprentices and the shopkeeper to Baoxianglou.
Everyone was overjoyed. After three rounds of drinks, someone asked about Su Qinghe's departure or stay.
Qing Xing said, "Doctor Su is a man of great medical knowledge and a kind heart. It would be great if he could practice medicine here."
It is the end of the year now, and Yu Huatang also advised that it is difficult to walk in the heavy snow, so it is better to wait until next year.
Su Qinghe was born into a family of famous doctors in Suzhou, so he naturally had the time. He wanted to travel abroad to learn from the strengths of various schools of thought. It would be a good idea for him to stop in Quanzhou to rest.
At this time, Qing Xing said again, "Doctor Su, why don't you consider it? If you don't want to open your own pharmacy, you can also go to Doctor Luo and temporarily see patients."
Yu Huatang also thought it was possible. "Doctor Luo is upright and honest, and Doctor Su is only here temporarily, so he won't be ostracized. Maybe he can even study medicine with them here, killing two birds with one stone."
Xu Fu on the side glanced at Su Qinghe and said nothing.
Su Qinghe laughed and said, "Since everyone says so, I will go ask Doctor Luo tomorrow."
Yu Huatang said, "How about I go with you tomorrow? I'm the chief after all, and Doctor Luo can't pay you less."
Su Qinghe smiled again, "Then I have to thank Boss Yu for his kindness. However, I still need to talk to Doctor Luo about this matter in person."
Yu Huatang also replied, "That's true. After all, we don't have medical skills, so it's up to you to decide. But if you decide to stay later, we'll all have to come to you for treatment."
"Okay, sure. I'd be happy to."
The group all laughed and had a few drinks.
Shopkeeper Yuan on the side just smiled and listened silently, occasionally saying a few words.
…………
A few days later, Zhao Yan had just come out of the government office when he was stopped by Manager Yuan, "Master Zhao, can you please have a word with me?"
Although Zhao Yan was not familiar with him, he knew that he was sent by Baili Yunzhou. Based on this, Zhao Yan walked to a secluded place nearby and asked, "What's the matter?"
Shopkeeper Yuan stated his purpose directly, "Your Excellency, Doctor Su is staying in Quanzhou. Although he will make plans after the New Year, he will not leave for several years once he comes here."
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