Now that Yuan Lang has ascended to the throne, with a new emperor come new officials; the Empress Dowager, a wise woman, proactively extricated herself from a delicate situation ahead of others.
While matters of the harem might be easier to deal with, those of the previous court are far more perilous.
"Minister Yan has left," after a moment, the Emperor finally spoke, "With the Privy Council now headless, the crafty and nefarious are stirring within the court. Your return is timely, for I can use your eyes to root out every hidden stake in the court."
Pei Yunmeng barely smiled, "Your Majesty, that is the responsibility of the Department of Imperial City, not the Palace Front Office."
"Are you implying that the salary I provided was insufficient?" Yuan Lang said with a smile, "Wait until you’re married; I’ll convert another portion of your salary into a gift of money and send it to your residence."
"Then I shall thank Your Majesty in advance."
The Emperor chuckled and his gaze fell on the person before him, seemingly reminded of something, and suddenly he sighed softly.
"When the former Emperor was alive, I heard him instruct my brother, ’The ruler is the head, the ministers the arms. United in spirit, they form one body. A body is incomplete without its limbs; else, no man is whole. Thus, though the head is sovereign, it must rely on arms and legs for completion; although the ruler is wise, he must lean on his arms for governance. To disregard these limbs and rely solely on one’s chest and heart, to think this integrates the body, is unheard of.’
"Although the great situation is now settled, the world is so vast, the people so numerous, and the issues so complex, that whenever I think of them, I often feel like I’m walking on thin ice."
He looked at Pei Yunmeng.
"To me, you are that ’arm.’
"Pei Yunmeng, I don’t care what plans you have for later, but at least for now, steel yourself. I need you."
Pei Yunmeng bowed his head.
"Your Majesty’s concern, trusting in the wise and benefiting the people, will make the kingdom ever more radiant. I am willing to follow Your Majesty, to be Your Majesty’s eyes."
"Remember, those are your own words."
Pei Yunmeng hesitated slightly, "Just don’t forget the accompanying gift."
Yuan Lang laughed, feigned throwing a paperweight, playfully scolded, "Moral excellence! Go and win over your beloved first!"
...
The "beloved" of Pei Yunmeng was currently returning to the Hanlin Medical Institute with a group of medical officers.
The medical officers returning from Su Nan were greeted with warmth by the Hanlin Medical Institute.
Managing a major epidemic was hazardous, and often thankless work. Some behind their backs cursed them as fools, others pitied their misfortune, still others were just relieved the miserable task had not fallen to them, but when the medical officers returned to Shengjing unscathed, it certainly inspired admiration.
Lin Danqing was about to take Lu Tong back to their lodgings for some rest, but Lu Tong approached Chang Jin, "Chief Physician, I have something to discuss with you."
Chang Jin was taken aback, thinking she was going to discuss the matter of the medicine man, dismissed everyone around, and said, "Let’s talk inside."
Lu Tong followed Chang Jin into the room.
As soon as they entered, Chang Jin sat down at the table.
"Doctor Lu," he said, "as soon as I returned, I sent someone to the Imperial Apothecary to give notice. I’ll have a few medicinal ingredients exchanged for you."
"The Imperial Apothecary and the Medical Officer Institute had some tensions in the past, and this task wouldn’t normally be so easy, but thanks to the incident with Hong Fangxu, their envoy is quite impressed with you. Hearing that you were sick, they did not make it difficult for us and went to fetch the prescription right away. With the new medicines, it will be even more convenient to take care of your health."
Seeing that Lu Tong remained silent, he hastily added, "Rest assured, I did not mention the matter of the medicine man, only that your old ailment had flared up."
Lu Tong nodded, "Thank you, Chief Physician."
"What’s there to thank me for," Chang Jin continued, "Your trip to Su Nan yielded results with Golden Qin, which proved essential. I’ve included this in the official report. Once the Official Examiner’s assessment elevates you three grades, with a bit more effort, it won’t be long before you can become an Imperial Physician..."
He spoke with enthusiasm but was interrupted by Lu Tong, "Chief Physician."
"What is it?"
"I would like to resign from my post as a Hanlin Medical Officer."
Chang Jin was stunned.
"Doctor Lu," he frowned, "why would you bring this up out of the blue?"
Lu Tong nodded, "You know about my illness, Chief Physician. The Medical Officer Institute is overwhelmed with work, busying until late into the night, which does me no good in healing. I want to go back to West Street and focus on recuperating for a while."
"But there’s no need to resign," Chang Jin said reflexively, trying to retain her, "Just rest up for a while. I will grant you leave for ten days."
"How long will you grant me leave, Chief Physician? Ten days, fifteen days, a month?"
Lu Tong smiled, "You are well aware that my illness won’t heal overnight."
"But still..."
Chang Jin looked at her, struggling within.
Lu Tong was a promising talent.
Ranked first on the spring exam red list, and notably gifted in medicine, she stood out undisputedly among the younger medics at the Hanlin Medical Institute. Such a promising individual leaving the institute was undeniably regrettable.
Yet he knew Lu Tong was right.
The life of a medical officer was arduous, with constant duties and frequent all-nighters, which were detrimental to Lu Tong’s health. Although he valued talent, he also empathized with her past years as a medicine man.
"Chief Physician," Lu Tong looked at him, her tone calm, "I have been a doctor for many years, and having faced life and death, I have let go of many things. The Medical Officer Institute is not suitable for me, please allow me this selfish request, to return to West Street and live the life I desire."
Chang Jin was momentarily stunned.
The woman before him wore her medical officer’s robe loosely, her features beautiful and open, and he was reminded of the day in Su Nan, when she lay on her bed with closed eyes, pale and frail.
He wanted to persuade her further, but the words stuck in his throat and he couldn’t say a thing.
After a while, Chang Jin sighed.
"Let me think about it."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com