"Damn it, my fiancée is urging me to take a concubine, and she's even a female contestant in the assessment!"
In the end, Chu Chen agreed to help Ye Meng, but only after the assessment was over.
As for taking her as a concubine, that would depend.
Wearing a veil, one is either stunningly beautiful or hideously ugly. What if she's an ugly ghost? Chu Chen is a discerning man, after all.
As expected, Ye Meng lost. Someone else's help could never be as convenient as doing it oneself, as the timing and execution could not be perfectly or even adequately controlled.
Ye Meng bit her lip, looking at the wasted toxic liquid in the alchemy furnace. She felt terrible, tears welling up in her eyes, but she held them back.
"Zhou Yunshen, Li Er, Xun Gui, congratulations!"
The Vice Dean of the Imperial Hospital announced with satisfaction.
Zuo Shao, Ye Meng, and the others who participated in the second round of the assessment all failed.
Ye Meng and the others failed in their refining, while Zuo Shao was simply not as impressive as the other three.
Ye Meng looked at the joyous faces of the three, her expression dimming: "My martial arts are not good enough, my needlework isn't either, and now even alchemy is not working out?"
With disappointment and deep unwillingness, Ye Meng accepted the symbolic reward of five taels of silver and turned to leave.
"No matter what, I've still secured the position of Physician Officer in the Medical Department. I'm sure I can find a way to change my talent!"
Ye Meng encouraged herself in her heart, bravely wiping away her tears.
Just as she was about to leave the military camp, a shout came from behind: "Miss Ye Meng, please wait!"
"Hmm?"
Ye Meng turned around, looking at the Imperial Guard with confusion, not knowing why he had called her to a halt.
The Imperial Guard approached Ye Meng and handed her a token: "Miss Ye Meng, Prime Minister Chu asked me to inform you that he is aware of your situation and can help you. This is a token for entering and exiting the Prime Minister's mansion. If you are interested, you may bring this token to the mansion to discuss with Prime Minister Chu."
"He can help with my situation!!"
Ye Meng was shocked. Her situation was that she had some talent in various areas, but could never achieve mastery. Could Prime Minister Chu help her?
How was that possible? And why?
Her instinct was to disbelieve and question the Imperial Guard, but he had already left while she was in a state of shock.
Looking at the token in her hand, Ye Meng clutched it tightly: "Should I go? Perhaps this is the only chance to change my destiny and revitalize my family!"
...
At the political affairs platform, Chu Chen said to Zhou Yunshen and the other two: "The guards have already familiarized you with the medical department's pavilion. You will work there from now on. I will guide you in your daily tasks, and later you will need to think for yourselves. Is that understood?"
"Please rest assured, Prime Minister Chu!"
Zhou Yunshen and the other two said in unison.
"Very good. Starting tomorrow, your medical department's immediate task will be to refine a large quantity of Qi and Blood Pills for the soldiers to use in their cultivation."
Chu Chen outlined the plan. After a moment's thought, he added: "Of course, any pill that can help soldiers cultivate and is inexpensive is acceptable. It doesn't have to be limited to Qi and Blood Pills."
He said this because these three were so skilled at alchemy, and perhaps they could find even better methods.
"I understand."
Zhou Yunshen and the other two nodded. The task was not difficult, but the workload was immense. However, being able to have work immediately upon appointment to accumulate merit made them very happy.
Chu Chen nodded and kindly reminded them: "Now that you have passed the assessment, you are already Assistant Physician Officers of the Medical Department. You are qualified to pay homage to His Majesty and refer to yourselves as subordinates to me. When you leave later, remember to collect your official uniforms and seals."
"Your subordinate understands. Thank you, Prime Minister Chu!"
Zhou Yunshen nodded, and the other two were not to be outdone.
"Alright, this is the task for the short term. For the materials needed to refine the pills and the silver required for their purchase, submit a memorial to the Ministry of Revenue for approval. If you need money, ask the Ministry of Revenue, but be prepared for the possibility of not getting it. The Minister of Revenue, Qian Jieren, is not someone who readily parts with money."
"In short, handle it yourselves according to your plans."
Chu Chen waved his hand with satisfaction. The three immediately bowed and then departed.
"With the imperial army like this, it should at least be able to raise the soldiers' cultivation from the average Body Tempering realm to the Martial Apprentice realm. The elite soldiers should be able to reach the Ancient Martial realm."
Chu Chen felt that he was working tirelessly for this Yunyue Kingdom. Why would that Empress want to kill him? He was the reason she could secure her throne.
"Demonic arts are truly harmful!"
He couldn't help but sigh, then felt fortunate: "Fortunately, that girl Xin Yue is not cultivating demonic arts, but the royal family's harmless Qi Nurturing Art."
...
In the seventh month of the 3243rd year of the Qingzhou Continent, the Imperial Medical Department was officially established. There was no Minister or Vice Minister, only three Physician Officers, several Assistant Officials, and a host of lower-ranking clerks.
Later, a factory was built ten miles outside the city for refining pills.
With the intention of watching a good show, Chu Chen did not inform the Minister of Revenue, Qian Jieren, about the allocation of funds. However, the capabilities of Zhou Yunshen and the other two truly impressed Chu Chen.
Especially Zhou Yunshen, who indeed had a protagonist's template. He was truly extraordinary, even managing to persuade the old Imperial Physician to lobby Qian Jieren with him.
In the end, Qian Jieren did allocate the funds.
"Phew, another busy week. Today is a day of rest, so I might as well ask Xin Yue to come out and play."
"Speaking of which, Ye Meng doesn't seem to be planning to visit me?"
Chu Chen stretched in his bedroom and then picked up his morning tea.
Outside the Prime Minister's mansion, Ye Meng looked up slightly at the plaque, biting her lip, her eyes gradually firming: "I can't change my talent on my own. Even if there's only a sliver of a chance, I have to try!"
Then, she strode forward.
"Stop! This is the Prime Minister's mansion!"
The guards at the gate immediately crossed their weapons, blocking her path.
"I have a token. Prime Minister Chu told me to come."
Ye Meng presented the token. The guards took the token and examined it. It was indeed from the Prime Minister's mansion.
"If that is the case, please wait a moment, Miss. I will go and announce you."
"Thank you."
The guard entered the mansion. Chu Chen was drinking tea when he suddenly heard this and smiled. He remembered Xin Yue's bold words from before.
"Indeed, I told her to come. Bring her in."
"Yes!"
The guard quickly left and returned, bringing Ye Meng with him.
"Greetings, Prime Minister Chu."
Ye Meng stood tall and gracefully cupped her hands in greeting.
"Mm."
Chu Chen nodded and remained seated, scrutinizing her. It seemed as if he wanted to see her face through the veil, and even her form through her clothes.
Ye Meng's face flushed slightly, but she felt annoyed. She thought this Prime Minister Chu was lusting after her beauty. Even though her face was hidden, she knew her figure alone was enough to attract men's covetous glances.