Rumors in the capital drifted for half a month. The instigators behind them still had not appeared.
"You asked me to investigate this matter, and it's been almost a month, but this person still hasn't shown up," Ye Qingcheng asked San San, the system that had given him the mission, while standing in the newly renovated medical hall.
At this time, Ye Qingcheng's medical hall had been open for more than ten days and had completed the mission San San had assigned her—to find the general's daughter and have her join the medical hall.
Going back to before the opening, as soon as Ye Qingcheng heard that this mission was to obtain modern curriculum arrangements and a series of medical books as rewards upon completion, she couldn't help but suspect that these medical books, weighing three tons, were the real reward for this mission.
The General's Mansion, the Xue Residence.
Ye Qingcheng sat in the main seat, with Madam Xue, wife of General Xue, Xue Su shi, sitting on her left. The masters of the mansion seemed somewhat flustered by the sudden arrival of the Regent's Consort, afraid of neglecting her.
"Consort, please try this. This is Qingzhou's specialty—the Moon Prior Tea—specially sent by my family. It's a tea that is only available this month each year." The General's wife was the daughter of a wealthy merchant in Qingzhou and also the daughter of a renowned philanthropist in the area. Over forty, time had only left a few crow's feet on her face, and her eyes were still those of the most beautiful woman in Qingzhou back then.
"Madam, you needn't be so polite. This tea, I can feel its uniqueness even before tasting it, and it's even sweeter as it goes down my throat." She hadn't seen the General's wife at the previous banquet. Just as she was about to ask the reason,
The General's wife spoke proactively, "Consort, I was in Qingzhou during the flower viewing banquet you personally hosted, so I couldn't attend. I hope the Consort will not blame me." She stood up and bowed respectfully to apologize.
"Madam, you are too kind. This is a minor matter." Ye Qingcheng stepped forward and personally helped her up.
"My daughter mentioned that the Consort is preparing to open a medical hall? May I ask if this General's Mansion has the honor of participating?" The General's wife had guessed the reason for Ye Qingcheng's sudden visit. Without letting Ye Qingcheng speak, she directly asked.
Ye Qingcheng thought to herself, "What a perceptive person Madam Xue is; this saves me a lot of effort." "That would be excellent. To be honest, Madam, my purpose for coming today is precisely this. With the General's Mansion joining, I believe it will attract many more people."
Before Madam Xue could reply, Xue Ling, who had heard that the Consort Xiao was visiting, rushed in excitedly. "Is it the Consort?" she exclaimed in a voice that was distinctly girlish.
"This child, no manners. Consort, please don't blame her." Although scolding, her tone was indulgent.
Ye Qingcheng smiled knowingly, "Not at all. I also greatly admire Miss Xue's heroic spirit."
"Consort, I just overheard that we were discussing the medical hall. I also want to learn medicine at the Consort's academy." She said this to the Consort, but her hands were gesturing to her own mother, hoping for permission.
Xue Ling felt that Ye Qingcheng was different from other royals. Ye Qingcheng's calmness and demeanor were unique. She lacked the pretentiousness of royalty, seeming like a fairy fallen to the mortal world. Therefore, she couldn't help but act a little spoiled around her.
Madam Xue and Ye Qingcheng exchanged a smile, and she said, "As long as Miss Xue is willing, I welcome it anytime."
Thus, Ye Qingcheng effortlessly succeeded in bringing the General's Mansion into her camp. She also received an extra pound of Qingzhou specialty. With the system's rewards, she quickly established the medical academy.
On the opening day, Miss Xue personally attended.
More than ten days passed, and half of the capital's gentry had joined the medical hall.
"It's been too quiet for this past month. There must be a calm before the storm," San San replied mysteriously.
Ye Qingcheng: ...
Meanwhile, in the imperial court, an incident that caused Xiao Wangye to fly into a rage for the first time was reported to the capital.
The council hall was deathly silent. The ministers, who usually fought like mortal enemies, were now all silent, wishing they could become invisible. The old Prime Minister at the front was frowning deeply, sometimes lowering his head in thought, and sometimes looking at the two men seated above.
The young emperor looked with a plea for help at his imperial uncle seated beside him, the person who exuded dominance and held the most power in the court besides himself, Xiao Wangye, the Regent.
For the past half month, Xiao Wangye had dedicated all his energy to his recovery training. He only inquired about court affairs daily. Every day, he sat in the main hall with the young emperor to review memorials. In most cases, the young emperor would read, and the Regent would assist. If the young emperor had any questions, he would ask. Even if he didn't read every recent memorial carefully, nothing would be missed.
However, this matter occurred, coincidentally, during the month after the rumors had been circulating.
Xiao Wangye coldly surveyed the civil and military officials below, none daring to meet his gaze. Except for the newly appointed top scholar, who remained unfazed, looking straight ahead.
Xiao Wangye spoke coldly, "There has been a drought in Zhuzhou for three months with no rain and no harvest. The people are starving, and tens of thousands of refugees, to survive, have had to leave their homes and seek imperial protection in the north. This is the role of the officials, this is the result of your daily court sessions?"
With a few short sentences, he also chastised the young emperor.
The officials all knelt, shouting, "Your Highness, please quell your anger."
He gestured for Lin Xiao to push his wheelchair forward. From the perspective of the officials, he perfectly blocked the young emperor and said, "The newly appointed top scholar this year, I personally appoint you as the Imperial Envoy to Zhuzhou. You are to quickly go to Zhuzhou, investigate, and resolve all matters there. Do you accept this responsibility?"
The summoned top scholar did not flinch. He stepped out of the ranks and respectfully accepted the important task. "Yes, your subject will certainly not fail in this responsibility."
"Good. I have high hopes for you." He continued, "As for the others, issue an order that the prefectures of Jizhou, Qingzhou, and Lizhou will be responsible for receiving the refugees. You don't need me to teach you these measures, do you?" The last sentence was filled with a veiled threat.
"Yes. Your subject obeys." The designated provincial envoys replied with great trepidation.
Xiao Wangye slightly turned his head towards the young emperor's position. "Emperor, do you have any objections to this?" It wasn't a discussion, but a notification.
The young emperor, who had been in a state of panic, was suddenly addressed by his imperial uncle. He stammered, "No, no, everything will be as Your Highness commands."
Turning his head towards the officials, he said in a calm tone, "Then, Emperor, return and prepare the imperial decree." Without waiting for the announcement of the court's adjournment, he had Lin Xiao push him out of the hall.
On the way to Qianqing Palace, the young emperor anxiously asked the eunuch beside him, "Is my imperial uncle angry? I've been reviewing memorials these past few days, and it's also my responsibility that this matter was discovered so late." He walked with his head lowered in dejection, his steps heavy.
"Your Majesty, please don't overthink it. His Highness is a reasonable person and will not unfairly blame anyone," the eunuch consoled him.