"Big sister, I really want to get to the capital soon. I want to see our dear nephew."
"My father has instructed the guards not to rush along the way. If it rains halfway through, we will have to stay at the post station for a couple more days."
Speaking of her nephew whom she had never met, Xiao Dai was in an exceptionally good mood. She wished she could grow wings and fly to the capital to see for herself.
The two sisters rode in a carriage, one quiet and one active, so they weren't lonely along the way.
The Empress Dowager and Aunt Cai rode in a carriage, whispering about what they might face after arriving in the capital.
After an autumn rain, the weather turned a bit colder, and the chrysanthemums in the Imperial Garden gradually withered.
Under the eaves of the palace, Xiao Jingzhao stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the busy figures of the gardeners in the Imperial Garden.
Seeing the Emperor stop and look around, Eunuch Ma stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the gardeners are removing the withered flowers and replacing them with newly cultivated bonsai. The hibiscus flowers on the other side are in full bloom. Would Your Majesty like to go and admire them?"
I've been reviewing memorials for an hour now, and my eyes are getting tired.
He grunted in agreement and started walking toward the Imperial Garden.
Xiangyang and Xiangsong walked behind the Emperor, with Eunuch Ma leading several eunuchs and palace maids following at a distance.
Taking advantage of the Emperor's free time, Xiang Song reported: "The soldiers of the Imperial Hospital have recovered, and the doctors found from outside have been sent out of the palace."
"The Imperial Medical Academy must not be careless in its personnel selection. The original head of the academy should be removed and a talented person should be selected to take over."
"Your subordinate obeys, however..."
Xiao Jingzhao turned to look at Xiang Song, "What's troubling you?"
Xiang Song cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is right. The soldiers were recuperating from their injuries some time ago, and we didn't properly reorganize the Imperial Hospital. However, we need to find a reason that will convince people."
Xiao Jingzhao pondered for a moment, "An assessment?"
"Your Majesty is wise; let's use the assessment."
"The original head physician is no longer suitable. I recommend Physician Lin, who has performed exceptionally well this time, to be in charge of the assessment."
Before Xiang Song could finish speaking, Xiang Yang's eyes lit up. "You mean that Lin Miaoshou from Yannan?"
When the people from Yannan came, Xiao Jingzhao felt inexplicably close to them.
He asked Xiangyang, "Do you know him?"
Xiang Song said that Miss Jiang knew her.
Xiangyang never lies. In front of his master, he is still the same as before, saying whatever comes to mind.
"Oh, she knows him? Summon him over to meet her."
"Yes, sir. I will go immediately." Xiang Yang bowed and left.
After Xiangyang left, Xiao Jingzhao sat down in a pavilion not far from the hibiscus flowers, and the palace maids quickly served him tea and pastries.
Xiao Jingzhao picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked up at the sea of flowers in the distance.
The petals, as thin as cicada wings, sway in the autumn wind, and the pale purple flowers dance in the green waves, like countless delicate women appearing and disappearing among the green leaves.
How did you know that she knew Physician Lin?
"I met you in Yannan."
Xiang Song hadn't expected the Emperor to ask such a question. Without thinking, he replied that Miss Jiang had said this person was worthy of being given important responsibilities, but he couldn't say this directly to the Emperor.
"Since you've seen it before, why didn't you say so sooner?"
"I forgot for a moment," Xiang Song said with an embarrassed smile, touching the tip of his nose.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Xiangyang returned with one person.
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
Lin Miaoshou lowered her head and knelt down with a "plop".
"Rise."
Xiao Jingzhao sized up the newcomer.
The man was in his early forties, with regular features, dressed in the uniform of the Imperial Medical Academy, and looked neat and efficient.
She has a tall and straight figure, neither too fat nor too thin.
The moment he looked up, Xiao Jingzhao noticed his eyes, which possessed the spirit and energy characteristic of a martial artist.
"You know kung fu?"
"Your Majesty, what I practice is merely fancy footwork."
Before Lin Miaoshou could finish speaking, a whooshing sound came from beside him.
"Assassins! Protect the Emperor!" he shouted, dodging with a backflip and leaping up to shield the Emperor.
Only after he regained his footing did he realize that the one who had drawn the sword and thrust it at him was a guard from the Emperor's side.
"My lord, you..."
Xiang Song smiled and clasped his hands in greeting, "I apologize for my inconvenience. Physician Lin is quite skilled. I would like to test my skills against Physician Lin's fancy footwork."
Xiao Jingzhao gave Xiang Song an approving look, then looked at Lin Miaoshou and asked, "I heard you have excellent medical skills?"
"Your Majesty flatters me. I am more skilled in external wound treatment," Lin Miaoshou said, stepping back to the railing and bowing in reply.
"You know her?"
"What does Your Majesty mean?" Lin Miaoshou raised her head, asking the question knowing the answer already.
Only then did he get a clear look at the person in front of him.
The man dressed in bright yellow robes was incredibly handsome, with sculpted features, sharp and angular, especially his phoenix eyes, which shone like stars.
They just look very much like one person; the father and son are practically identical. No wonder Jiang Yatou was found by him.
He appears noble yet dignified, and the sharp glint in his eyes is not to be underestimated.
Xiao Jingzhao parted his thin lips slightly, "Jiang Shuyue."
"Oh, the one Your Majesty is talking about, I know her."
Lin Miaoshou adhered to the principle that he would not say a word unless the emperor asked.
He didn't know how much the Emperor knew about Jiang Shuyue, or what he should or shouldn't say.
Fortunately, there were palace maids and eunuchs serving her, so the emperor didn't ask any more questions about Jiang Shuyue.
"I summoned you here to put you in charge of the assessment of the Imperial Medical Academy, to select the capable people, and then to carefully classify them so that everyone can perform their duties."
Lin Miaoshou thought about her own shortcomings, and there were also female doctors in the Imperial Hospital.
He had a sudden inspiration and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty, Miss Jiang's medical skills are superior to mine. The assessment requires comprehensive medical skills. I request Your Majesty to summon Miss Jiang to the palace to help with the assessment. There are female doctors in the Imperial Hospital, which would be convenient."
"What Physician Lin said is true. Miss Jiang's Jishetang clinic specializes in treating women and is already quite well-known in the capital," Xiang Song chimed in without missing a beat.
Create more opportunities for the master to meet. If the iceberg melts and the blockhead finally sees the light, why not do it?
Xiao Jingzhao readily waved his wide sleeves and said, "Granted. This matter will be entrusted to you."
Lin Miaoshou was overjoyed and immediately knelt down to accept the imperial decree. "Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I will leave the palace to see Miss Jiang right away."
Lin Miaoshou accepted the order and withdrew.
Watching the departing figure, Xiang Song said, "This man has excellent medical skills and is loyal to the Emperor."
Xiao Jingzhao could easily understand the meaning behind Xiang Song's words.
He twirled his fingers. "To sit in the position of head of the academy, one must have talent in order to win people's respect."
The implication is self-evident.
Xiang Song and Xiang Yang said in unison, "Your Majesty is wise."
...
Inside Jishetang.
Du Yutong watched as Jiang Shuyue saw off the last patient at the clinic.
She couldn't wait to sit down.
Jiang Shuyue pulled her wrist and pretended to take her pulse. "Tell me? Where do you feel unwell?"
"Sister Jiang, you're teasing me again. I'm fine. After taking the prescription you gave me, my period doesn't hurt anymore, and it comes on time."
Du Yutong gave Jiang Shuyue a coquettish glare, but didn't pull her hand away, letting her hold it.
"Sister Jiang, I've come today to tell you some good news."
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