Yin Qiu never dreamed that the dignified Eldest Miss of the Capital could have such a side to her.
Most importantly… she hadn’t even worked up the courage to say such things to her sister herself, yet this woman had actually blurted them out under the influence of alcohol.
Yin Qiu didn’t know whether to praise her for being brave or to denounce her as a shameless thief trying to steal what wasn’t hers.
Yun Wei had done exactly what Yin Qiu wanted to do but didn’t dare.
“Yun Wei, you’re drunk,” Shen Yu said.
“I’m not drunk…”
Yun Wei stood up abruptly and pressed her hands firmly onto Shen Yu’s shoulders.
The distance between the two was instantly closed.
They were so close that Yin Qiu, standing to the side, was stunned.
She didn’t know whether to scream or step forward to pull them apart.
“I’m not drunk. Look at me—do I look like I’m drunk?”
Yun Wei’s exquisite face was flushed red, and her gaze toward Shen Yu was filled with nothing but intensity.
“You are indeed drunk. Let me take you back—”
Knock, knock, knock.
Just as Shen Yu was speaking, there was a sudden knock on the inn door.
The crisp sound made Yun Wei shudder instinctively.
The courage she had gathered from the wine was instantly dragged back to reality, and she cleared her head significantly.
Who could it be at this hour?
Shen Yu opened the door to the room and saw a group of Imperial guards standing outside.
Among them was Eunuch Li, whom she had met on the street before.
“Eunuch Li, why have you graced us with your presence so late at night without informing me beforehand?”
A flicker of shock passed through Shen Yu’s eyes before her expression returned to a calm state.
Initially, she thought the Imperial Court had discovered some clues and had come specifically to arrest her.
Otherwise, it would be impossible for them to silently block her door at such an hour.
However, when Shen Yu saw the Imperial Decree in Eunuch Li’s hands and noted his even more humble smile than before, she immediately understood…
Word of her saving the Marquis Wuding had likely reached the Imperial Palace and had already been made known to the Emperor.
His Majesty was planning to promote her…
or more accurately, he was looking to further control her.
“Hehe, Medical Officer Shen, this is a sudden matter, and I had no choice. But do not be afraid; have I ever brought you anything but good news?”
“Medical Officer Shen! Receive the decree…”
“The Emperor, by the Grace of Heaven, decrees: The way of governing a world lies in the thirst for talent. Recently, a new medical department was established to recruit outstanding talents. Shen Yu was the first to be selected, which greatly pleases Us. Observing your actions lately, your diagnosis and administration of medicine have been appropriate. Your talent and quick-wittedness far exceed Our initial expectations.”
“We intend to nurture you, allowing you to handle worldly affairs beyond the standard conventions. Thus, We specially appoint you as Imperial Court Medical Attendant at Rank 8. Furthermore, We command you to take charge of Mu’en Hall. This hall was established by the previous dynasty to show compassion to palace staff and the relatives of meritorious officials, and has always been supported by the Private Imperial Treasury. You shall manage it with all your heart, ensuring no shortage of medicine and providing effective treatments.”
Reading to this point, Eunuch Li paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over Shen Yu.
“We know this task is not easy; there are old abuses and frequent deficits in spending. This is the perfect trial for your talent. If you can clear up the old affairs and turn a loss into a profit, not only will it demonstrate your ability to serve with a sincere heart, but We shall also not be stingy with extra rewards, granting you the right to submit private memorials. Exert yourself and be cautious; do not fail Our expectations. Respect this.”
“I congratulate you, Medical Attendant Shen, on your promotion. From now on, you are the eyes and ears of the Imperial Court — a close official to the Son of Heaven. In the future, I might even have to rely on your guidance,” Eunuch Li said with a smile as he handed the Imperial Decree to Shen Yu.
Although the commotion this time wasn’t as grand as the last, Shen Yu felt an immense sense of pressure from it.
Her promotion wasn’t as simple as moving from Follow 9th Rank to Rank 8.
As the Imperial Court Medical Attendant in charge of Mu’en Hall — which was funded by the Private Imperial Treasury — she was essentially running the Emperor’s private clinic.
It treated outside patients while also handling pharmacology and dispensing medicine; it even had the right to make a profit.
If managed well, the power of Mu’en Hall would not be smaller than that of Huimin Hall…
It might even have the chance to replace it.
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