"Old Joe, congratulations on your promotion." The general said with a smile, placing a heavy hand on Qiao Minghua's shoulder. Qiao Minghua, being frail, could barely withstand the blow and nearly stumbled, causing the surrounding officers to burst into loud laughter. Promoted? Promoted! "It's not just you; it's all the military doctors in the Citadel." The general remarked, shaking his head as he looked at the stunned military doctors. These good-for-nothings, truly baffling! Qiao Minghua was the first to snap back to reality. His usually impassive expression suddenly flared with excitement, his body trembling so much that he could barely stand steady. All... all the military doctors... He raised his head. The sun was directly overhead, the daylight blinding, but he stared fixedly until his eyes swam with dizziness. What immense hope this was. Qiao Minghua abruptly sank to his knees, tears streaming down his face uncontrollably. He had been shedding tears more and more frequently these days, as if trying to empty two decades' worth of accumulated sorrow. Hearing the commotion from the military medical camp behind them, the three generals couldn't help but shake their heads. "Look at these people. A mere Jia zhang (squad leader), and a nominal one at that, acting as if they've become generals. They have no substance." One of them scoffed. "It's not bad. Since he's a Jia zhang now, he might rise further in the future. He's a Zongqi (banner officer) now; maybe a Baihu (centurion) someday," said another. Indeed, the point wasn't the rank itself, but the precedent—it was like a small breach in a massive wall. Even if it wasn't a doorway yet, once a gap was opened, more people would follow, eventually turning it into a proper gate. The two nodded in agreement. "I really don't get it. Why are these fellows getting promotions?" The first general who spoke touched his face, clearly indignant. "They say it's for merit. So why aren't we receiving any rewards?" The other two immediately cut him off. "Stop talking nonsense! The higher-ups have their reasons. It's not your place to speculate!" Even the roughest of the generals knew what could and couldn't be said. He fell silent, and the three glanced back one last time toward the lively sounds still emanating from the military medical camp. Still, this was utterly inexplicable! They shook their heads and curled their lips dismissively.

Qi Yue and the others had confirmed that Zhang Tong was taking fifteen disciples to the border garrisons to train military doctors, and there was still a great deal of preparatory work to complete before their departure. The medicine supply in Yongqing Prefecture was already insufficient, so Hu San proposed establishing a pharmaceutical factory directly in the capital. This factory would produce all necessary medical supplies, including gauze, stretchers, protective gear, and surgical instruments. This was a massive undertaking, naturally falling to Hu San, the Chief Steward, to manage. "Is the funding still sufficient?" Qi Yue inquired; this was her area of concern. "It is." Hu San chuckled, "I'll go negotiate with the Ministry of War. Since this is all for their supply, they must surely advance a deposit, right?" As he spoke, he carefully fanned a piece of paper in his hand. This was an imprint of an imperial memorial, an artifact whose authority rivaled the Shangfang Baojian (imperial sword), ensuring passage wherever it went. Hu San felt that he had reached the zenith of his life at this very moment. Recalling the smug satisfaction he felt previously in Yongqing Prefecture when artisans fawned over him, he now genuinely despised that past feeling. What were those compared to this? Dealing with mere craftsmen versus dealing with high-ranking officials now.

With the bustling activities at the Thousand Gold Hall, coupled with Zhou Maochun taking the position of Imperial Academy Medical Director, the matter that had led to the impeachment of doctors due to the war could now be considered settled—at least, that was the view of the onlookers. But for Zhou Maochun, this was only the beginning. New officials always make sweeping changes, and on his first day, Zhou Maochun issued a strange new regulation: anyone wishing to summon an Imperial Physician for consultation must first inform him. The moment this was announced, it again stunned everyone. What if Zhou Maochun couldn't be found when needed? After all, no one could predict when a physician would be required. Saving lives is like fighting a fire; there's no room for delay. Such objections were inevitable, but Zhou Maochun maintained an excellent demeanor, stating that there was no need to worry, as he would consider the Imperial Academy his home, residing there day and night, eating, drinking, sleeping—guaranteeing he would always be reachable. Once Zhou Maochun made this declaration, no one dared object further. They understood perfectly what he intended to do. It turned out the matter wasn't over; it had only just begun. Those who could afford to summon an Imperial Physician were naturally the capital's powerful elite—censorate officials, heads of various ministries, and especially those who had previously impeached Zhou Maochun. They were now suffering inwardly. They never expected this old man to emerge completely unscathed, even driving out the previous Imperial Academy Medical Director and seizing control of the Academy’s authority. So this was the trap set for them. They certainly couldn't boast that no one in their households would ever fall ill; perhaps no one in the world dared make such a claim. Zhou Maochun wouldn't dare obstruct an Imperial Physician from treating them, but verbal ridicule would surely follow. When begging for a service, one's attitude could hardly remain the same as when leveling an accusation. Thinking of this made them uneasy, especially the older ones, who were regretting their actions at home, pulling at their beards. It was folly to provoke a doctor. This was different from other people; with others, at worst, you could sever ties and never meet again, but with a doctor, it was impossible, especially now, having finally reached their current status, relying on these life-saving physicians to enjoy a few more years.

Zhou Maochun paid no mind to their regrets. True to his word, he moved into the Imperial Academy and did not leave even for a step, waiting there through gritted teeth. "The Emperor summons me?" Qi Yue, already buried in pressing work, had to put down her brush upon hearing the news. "For what matter?" she couldn't help but ask the attending eunuch. Had anyone else asked, they would likely have received only a scornful look, but perhaps the effect of the substantial five thousand silver pieces had not entirely dissipated, as the eunuch before her smiled faintly and shook his head. "There must be a reason, and a good one at that," Chen shi said with a gentle smile, watching her from her chair. Qi Yue smiled in response and agreed. Chen shi raised her tea cup as Qi Yue walked out, not accompanying her to the door this time. Qi Yue paused at the threshold and looked back. "A’Ru, go invite the Old Master," she said softly, pointing toward the inner room. "Ask the Madam for her pulse." A’Ru paused, said "Yes" without questioning, and departed. "Is the Madam ill?" A’Hao asked, sounding perplexed. "Her complexion looks quite good." Qi Yue shook her head. Her complexion seemed the same as before, but upon closer inspection, there was a subtle difference.

Upon seeing the Emperor, she was ushered into the same room as last time, still piled high with memorials. As she entered, Li Tong brought in another stack. "Those suggestions you submitted via the Imperial Academy..." the Emperor began, flipping through the memorials on his desk. "Regarding selecting literate soldiers who have recovered from battlefield injuries without disability for emergency battlefield training—I have read it." "It is merely the crude suggestion of a commoner," Qi Yue murmured, bowing deeply. The Emperor smiled. "Crude or not, I don't care or pay attention. As I said, I only look at results," he stated, tossing the memorial aside. This signaled approval, and Qi Yue bowed again to express her gratitude. Silence settled in the room for a moment. "You cannot enter the Imperial Academy. How about coming to the palace to serve as a female official instead?" the Emperor suddenly proposed. "Thank you for Your Majesty's grace," Qi Yue quickly replied, "but I dare not." The Emperor remained silent. Qi Yue understood this as an invitation for her to elaborate. "My medical skills are actually not very good," she said carefully. The Emperor chuckled. "Is that humility, or are you negotiating with me?" he asked. "Aren't you rumored to be a miracle doctor?" "Your Majesty." Qi Yue looked up and couldn't help but smile slightly. The Emperor looked back at her, his gaze unwavering. He smiled too, waiting for her to continue. "...They say I'm a miracle doctor, but it's really about my methods. Since people haven't seen them before, they appear miraculous, not that my medical skill is exceptionally high." Qi Yue explained. "What's the difference?" the Emperor asked, a faint smile playing on his lips. No difference? Qi Yue studied him. Is this Emperor too sharp? He seems to find a double meaning in every word she says. "Enough. I understand," the Emperor shifted his gaze and sat up straight. "Go focus on securing your recognition for now. We'll discuss this position later." Qi Yue could only respond with a respectful affirmation. She bowed deeply. The woman's figure vanished from the hall, and the Emperor sat motionless. Even the soft sound of footsteps did not break his reverie. Cai Zhong gently placed a cup of tea nearby. "Look at me." The Emperor suddenly commanded. Cai Zhong started. "I told you to look at me," the Emperor said with a hint of impatience. Cai Zhong finally realized the Emperor wasn't speaking in his sleep. He quickly raised his eyes and stole a glance at the Emperor. "Is that what you call looking?" the Emperor frowned. Cai Zhong quickly apologized for his dullness, then raised his eyes again, glancing swiftly at the Emperor. "You look terribly unimpressive," the Emperor declared, waving a hand. Cai Zhong felt a mix of amusement and exasperation. What did 'unimpressive looking' mean? Of course, he wasn't handsome. What's so good-looking about a man, anyway? Furthermore, he hardly considered himself a proper man anymore. What is His Majesty contemplating? Seeing the Emperor return to his memorials, Cai Zhong dared not speak and backed out quietly. Silence returned to the room. The Emperor put down the memorial again. It was quite appealing, he mused, to be stared at directly. He smiled faintly and bent his head to continue reading.

Meanwhile, Qi Yue exited the hall with the memorial and encountered Li Tong coming from the covered walkway. "Should I take this directly, or give it to you?" Qi Yue asked softly. Li Tong paused slightly upon seeing the memorial in her hand. "Give it to me, please. This needs to be returned to the Imperial Academy," he said. Qi Yue was momentarily taken aback; it wasn't meant for her? Did the Emperor only intend for her to look at it? "Oh, I didn't realize I was taking it out," she admitted. "No trouble at all," Li Tong assured her. "Madam carried it out for me; this one is already approved, and I was just about to fetch it." Qi Yue smiled and handed it over. "Qi Niangzi, Young Master Fan and I are treating the Marquis to a meal. Now that things have settled, we are formally hosting a welcome feast for him. Qi Niangzi, please join us." Li Tong invited. Qi Yue nodded. The two then walked away. Outside the palace gate, waiting for them besides A’Hao and the guards, was one more person. Chang Yuncheng extended his hand, and a smile blossomed on Qi Yue's face as she quickened her pace and placed her hand in his. ^__^) Hee hee... Asking for votes~ RT