Zhou Yunshen's performance earned high praise from the Imperial Physician.
While the Imperial Physician couldn't directly decide appointments for positions like Minister or Vice-Minister of the Medical Department, he was a crucial evaluator, and his opinion carried weight with Prime Minister Chu. Gaining his favor was essential.
With Zhou Yunshen setting the bar, those genuinely possessing exceptional skills among the remaining candidates understood that merely hiding their talents wouldn't suffice; they had to astound everyone.
The subsequent assessments saw several individuals who truly shone.
Refining elixirs using spiritual energy, controlling the alchemy furnace and flames were basic skills. Some even showcased extraordinary abilities, simultaneously managing two furnaces and producing eighteen Qi and Blood Pills, each of equal quality.
"Li Er, Zuo Shao, and Xun Gui are indeed talents. This Yunyue Kingdom is truly rich in gifted individuals. I'm truly impressed that the Empress could govern such a nation to the brink of collapse."
"I truly wonder what the Empress is plotting!"
Chu Chen mused, his heart filled with astonishment.
"Hmm? Wait a moment, what's going on?"
Chu Chen suddenly froze.
"Huh? A woman?"
Everyone else was also taken aback.
Among the last batch of assessment candidates, there was a woman.
The Yunyue Kingdom was ruled by an Empress, and several surrounding nations also had empresses governing. Consequently, the treatment of women was not as disparaging as in ancient times of his previous life, where they were merely accessories to men.
In fact, due to women generally possessing slightly better innate talent in cultivation than men, their status in Yunyue Kingdom was considerably higher than that of ordinary men.
However, alchemy was a sweaty endeavor. Anyone with cultivation talent wouldn't typically resort to alchemy. Yunyue Kingdom even had few female physicians, as women's shyness made it inconvenient to examine male or female patients.
So, what was this woman's situation?
Ye Meng wore a veil, obscuring her features. However, from her eyebrows, face, and facial contours, it was evident she was a great beauty.
But why would such a beauty engage in the profession of an alchemist?
Sensing the suspicious and surprised gazes from all directions, Ye Meng's delicate brows furrowed slightly. She was quite displeased but remained silent for the sake of the assessment.
"Uh~ The assessment begins!"
The Embroidered Guard glanced at Chu Chen. Seeing that Prime Minister Chu did not object, he decisively announced the start.
Ye Meng quickly stepped forward, selected her medicinal herbs, and then said to the several Embroidered Guards standing nearby, "Please help me open the furnace lid and start the fire."
"???"
"Y-yes, understood."
The Embroidered Guards exchanged glances and immediately followed her instructions.
They had assumed that seeing she was a female alchemist, she would possess the same skills as those before her and wouldn't require their assistance.
Unexpectedly, this woman's cultivation seemed insufficient.
Only those in the Body Refining realm possessed spiritual energy. This woman likely lacked Body Refining realm cultivation, which was peculiar.
Women in Yunyue Kingdom generally had better martial arts talent. It was rare for exceptional talents to lack Body Refining realm cultivation.
With the help of the Embroidered Guards, Ye Meng meticulously added the medicinal ingredients, displaying no unusual techniques.
However, about a quarter of an hour after the flames ignited, she bafflingly added a large amount of water, leaving everyone perplexed.
Elixirs were formed by the fusion of melted medicinal ingredients. Could adding so much water still result in an elixir?
Although the technique appeared methodical, it seemed somewhat different. It was indeed strange.
Under the bewildered gazes of the crowd, a stick of incense's worth of time quickly passed.
The Embroidered Guards opened the furnace lids one by one, assisting the alchemists in retrieving the elixirs.
However, when it came to Ye Meng's furnace, the responsible Embroidered Guard was stunned.
"What's wrong?"
The Imperial Physician, who had been closely observing, asked.
"My Lord, there are no elixirs in the furnace! Only water!"
"Ah?" The Imperial Physician was bewildered, as were the others.
"Chu Chen, did that sister fail in her alchemy?"
Princess Xin Yue asked curiously.
"Uh, this, let me take a look."
Chu Chen was also unsure. He extended his spiritual power into the alchemy furnace.
After a moment, he chuckled, "Although no elixir was formed, it's not a complete failure. It's just that the refining method is incredibly peculiar!"
Chu Chen sighed with emotion. These talented individuals were truly astonishing, broadening his horizons.
The Imperial Physician stepped forward and examined the furnace. Indeed, there wasn't a single elixir inside.
The Imperial Physician frowned, "Young lady, are you here to mock me? This is clearly a failed attempt. You couldn't even refine a basic Blood Qi Pill, yet you dare to compete for a position in the Medical Department? Do you think our Medical Department disregards human lives?"
"Looking at her appearance, I thought she'd be another master. I didn't expect her to be a fraud."
"Yes, yes. Prime Minister Chu and His Highness the Fifth Prince are watching. She dares to be a fraud? Didn't you see some of them slip away earlier?"
"Alas, what a shame for such a beautiful woman. Prime Minister Chu likely won't show mercy. She's in trouble."
Facing the pointing fingers and murmurs, Ye Meng felt a surge of annoyance but calmly said, "Esteemed elder, whether my elixir has failed or not, please order someone to retrieve the medicinal liquid. One test will tell."
"Hmm?" The Imperial Physician frowned, wondering if there was a hidden secret.
But after a lifetime of alchemy, elixirs were always solid. What was this medicinal liquid supposed to be?
However, seeing her confidence, the Imperial Physician stepped back a few paces and waved his hand.
The Embroidered Guards nearby stepped forward but scratched their heads, unsure how to retrieve it, exchanging confused glances.
They hadn't anticipated liquid. How were they supposed to get it out? Should they tip the furnace over? That would be ridiculous.
"..."
Silence fell upon the scene. Ye Meng was also bewildered. Could it be that they couldn't retrieve it?
Chu Chen above smiled and patted Princess Xin Yue's arm, "Let's go down."
"Mhm, mhm." Princess Xin Yue nodded and followed Chu Chen.
"Greetings, Prime Minister Chu!" "Greetings, His Highness the Fifth Prince!"
Seeing Chu Chen and Princess Xin Yue descend from the main seat, everyone immediately cupped their fists and shouted.
"No need for formalities."
Chu Chen waved his hand, while Princess Xin Yue paid them no mind.
The two approached the alchemy furnace and peered inside. It was indeed water, but not ordinary water; it was medicinal liquid, appearing to have extraordinary effects in replenishing blood and qi.
Chu Chen instructed, "Go fetch a few bowls and a gourd."
"Yes!"
Soon, the Embroidered Guards returned with the items. Chu Chen waved his hand, and the medicinal liquid in the alchemy furnace was instantly drawn out, falling into two bowls, with the rest going into the gourd.
Having done this, Chu Chen calmly asked, "Young lady, you are refining Blood Qi Liquid, aren't you? Could you explain its unique aspects to everyone?"
"Prime Minister Chu has keen eyes!" Ye Meng's worries subsided, and her confident demeanor returned. She smiled, "My liquid indeed possesses the effects of a Blood Qi Pill, primarily in its advancement and ease of digestion."