Chapter 33: Going to Work

Early the next morning, before the sun had even risen, Shen Yu was gently shaken awake by Yin Qiu.

Because she had to clock in for work during Maoshi — roughly between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM — it was better to be early than late.

Thus, Shen Yu had to get out of bed a little after 4:30 AM…

This was what Shen Yu couldn’t understand about the ancients.

How could anyone maintain their energy for the whole day after waking up so early?

If Yin Qiu hadn’t supported her groggy self, wiping her face and helping her change clothes, Shen Yu would likely still be lost in her dreams.

‘What? I thought I already went to report for duty? Was that just a dream?’

‘A shocking discovery! I’ve found that if you close your eyes and pull the covers back up when it’s time to wake up, it feels amazing… For such a monumental discovery, shouldn’t I, Shen Yu, at least get a nomination for this year’s Nobel Prize?’

“Sister! Sister…”

“Hmm?”

Shen Yu slowly opened her eyes.

At some point, a palm-sized meat bun had appeared in her hand, still steaming with warmth.

“You’re finally awake. You were saying such strange things just now; you really scared me.”

“I dreamed that we had already finished our shift and come back.”

Shen Yu took a small bite of the meat bun.

She was too sleepy to have much of an appetite, and one bite wasn’t even enough to reach the filling.

“We haven’t even reported for duty yet! Sister, we have to hurry. We can’t be late on our first day.”

Compared to Shen Yu, who was as exhausted as a college student who had suffered through one month of 8:00 AM classes, Yin Qiu was full of energy.

She bustled about, tidying herself up until she looked neat and professional, while also helping Shen Yu get ready.

Since they were going to see patients at Huimin Hall, neither Shen Yu nor Yin Qiu wore anything too extravagant, opting instead for simple, plain white dresses.

However, because Shen Yu’s figure was so exceptional, even the somewhat bulky dress — which might have looked frumpy on anyone else — looked as elegant as the finest silks and satins on her.

“You’re quite energetic. Did you sleep well last night?”

Shen Yu let out a long yawn, eating her bun with her eyes closed as she allowed Yin Qiu to kneel and help her with her shoes and socks.

The late autumn morning was biting cold, making Shen Yu’s fair, jade-like toes curl involuntarily.

“It… it was fine…”

At the mention of it, Yin Qiu’s face couldn’t help but flush a delicate red.

In truth, she hadn’t slept much at all last night…

With such a beautiful face so close, even just thinking about it now… the area between Yin Qiu’s thighs, which had finally calmed down, was beginning to feel moist again…

It went without saying how Yin Qiu had managed to get through the night.

Yet, despite her lack of sleep, if one were to ask if she wanted her sister to hold her while she slept tonight, she would undoubtedly blurt out without hesitation:

“Yes!”

The bustle of the Capital City began in the early morning.

Shen Yu and Yin Qiu rushed along the way, managing to arrive at Huimin Hall just within the designated time.

A young Eunuch, who had been waiting for them, led Shen Yu to register, complete her onboarding procedures, and receive her Waist Token.

Afterward, she was assigned to see patients in the East Wing of Huimin Hall.

Huimin Hall was massive, far larger than Shen Yu had imagined.

After all, it had been built right under the Emperor’s nose under the banner of seeking welfare for the people.

Upon entering the vast area, one first encountered the Scribe Yard.

Several literate Eunuchs and Palace Maids were responsible for categorizing and guiding the commoners who came for medical consultations, serving a role similar to a reception and registration desk.

Next was the waiting courtyard, followed by the spacious Main Hall.

The Main Hall connected to the three most important areas: the East and West Wings, where the Medical Officers of Huimin Hall conducted their consultations.

The West Wing held the highest status and the strictest level of secrecy; as an ordinary Medical Officer, Shen Yu didn’t even have permission to visit it.

Further inside were the Medicine Storehouse, Official Quarters, and other areas.

Shen Yu’s range of movement was limited; she could only move between the East Wing and the Medicine Storehouse, and she couldn’t even frequent the Main Hall.

This was Huimin Hall in the Capital City, after all; the rules were numerous and complex.

However, the room Shen Yu had been assigned was relatively secluded, giving her the strange feeling that this job might actually be quite relaxing…