The Lucky Farmgirl-Chapter 1988 - 1963: Consensus

The emperor was already mentally prepared, and his expression did not change much. He turned to Zhou Man and asked, "Do you have any additional comments?" 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Manbao thought for a moment and said, "Prince Gong must continue to lose weight, but exercise is not suitable now. He can only eat smaller meals more frequently and diet to lose weight. Otherwise, his heavy body will put a lot of pressure on his bones, and even the healed bones might bend again in the future."

Director Xiao did not think of this, as he believed that it would be another decade before the bones of Prince Gong might bend again due to pressure.

However, he still expressed his agreement, believing that Prince Gong should not gain more weight.

The emperor pondered and nodded, his gaze sweeping over the few people before him. He eventually designated Director Xiao and Zhou Man to be in charge of Prince Gong’s injury.

There was no other way; it seemed that the two were the most skilled in the bone-setting method.

Both Director Xiao and Manbao quietly sighed in relief internally. Assigning the task to the two of them indicated that the emperor did not suspect Zhou Man’s involvement in the matter, and was also willing to give Director Xiao a chance to redeem himself.

In the following three months, they would have to be extremely careful; at the very least, they must avoid any instance where the bones grow incorrectly.

Prince Gong was unaware of this; he lay on the couch like a salted dead fish, with palace maids and servants carefully wiping his sweat and changing his clothes. If it weren’t for the occasional rise and fall of his chest, it would be hard to tell he was still alive.

The Crown Prince stood watching and couldn’t help but sneer inwardly, directly turning around and leaving. He happened to hear the emperor assigning Director Xiao and Zhou Man to Prince Gong, and stepped forward to say, "Father, Zhou Man has to see Mother and Mingda. I think it would be better to assign Imperial Doctor Zheng."

The emperor glanced at the Crown Prince and said, "The Empress and Mingda are also under her care. Anyway, it’s all on the same route, she can check on them on her way."

Thus, the matter was settled.

Director Xiao, with his eyes lowered, stood silently by while listening. When they returned to the Imperial Hospital for a meal, he found an opportunity to speak privately with Zhou Man, "You are now responsible for three nobles, which shows the emperor’s esteem for you. You are the only one in the Imperial Hospital with such responsibilities. If I and the emperor recommend you for the position of Director..."

"That’s impossible," Manbao interrupted Director Xiao directly, "Not to mention that the emperor wouldn’t agree, even if he did, I wouldn’t be able to convince others in the Imperial Hospital. Director Xiao, my qualifications are too shallow. Not to mention Imperial Doctor Liu and Imperial Doctor Lu, even Imperial Doctor Tan and Imperial Doctor Zheng have more seniority than me."

"Besides, I don’t want to be Director."

Director Xiao raised an eyebrow, "That’s not what you used to say. Recently, I’ve noticed you’re feeling down, and your attitude is quite different from before. What’s changed, do you have a new idea?"

Manbao thought about it, considering that even if Director Xiao were stripped of his Director position, his prestige in the Imperial Hospital wouldn’t diminish much and he would likely remain her superior. If she wanted to resign in the future, she’d still have to go through him, so she said, "I intend to resign after things settle down at the palace."

Director Xiao: ...

It took him a moment to find his voice, speaking with as gentle a tone as possible to counsel her, "Are you frightened by this incident with Prince Gong? Don’t be afraid, very few would use self-harming methods—even among the harem’s concubines. It’s a rare occurrence..."

Yet Manbao shook her head, "No, it’s just that I feel that I’m still young, and there are so many medical techniques I haven’t learned, and lots of ailments I haven’t seen. I want to travel and study."

She explained, "Previously, I was too young to travel conveniently, and needed to study. But now I’ve grown a bit and have seen the world as an official. Even if I travel, my parents won’t be too worried."

Director Xiao barely believed her; how could someone full of ambition feel so humble now while behaving so brazenly?

In fact, just a few days ago she had bypassed Imperial Doctor Lu and directly organized Zheng Gu and the others, causing Director Xiao a bit of a headache.

He thought the most urgent matter now wasn’t tending to Prince Gong’s leg, but figuring out how to retain this valuable subordinate.

Although when Zhou Man first entered the Imperial Hospital he hadn’t thought much of her, over the past year or so, they have become accustomed to cooperating.

Though she doesn’t have much seniority at the Imperial Hospital, her medical skills have gained recognition from the doctors, both sides having learned a lot from each other. If she leaves...

Director Xiao hadn’t figured out how to retain her yet, when Manbao asked, "Are you thinking about recommending Imperial Doctor Liu for the Director position?"

Director Xiao was slightly embarrassed at her words. Truly, within the Imperial Hospital, someone capable of taking over his position could only be Imperial Doctor Liu or Imperial Doctor Lu.

Choosing Liu was partly public spirited, and partly private.

Publicly, Liu had prestige and a gentle personality, able to get along with most doctors; except being a bit too gentle, he had no major flaws.

Privately, he had a good relationship with Liu, who was also older. By choosing him, Xiao could potentially retake the position in a few years.

On the other hand, Lu was younger than Xiao, full of ambition; if he took over and didn’t make any mistakes, Xiao might never have another chance.

Xiao didn’t hide his motive, asking Manbao, "What do you think of Imperial Doctor Liu?"

Manbao naturally praised him. Of the doctors in the Imperial Hospital, she collaborated most with Liu and had a rocky relationship with Lu, so she leaned toward Liu.

Thus, they reached an agreement.

Being a sixth-level Imperial Doctor, Manbao had some influence at the Imperial Hospital. If she also supported Imperial Doctor Liu, the matter was practically settled.

They exchanged glances, temporarily deciding the matter.

As the Empress’s condition stabilized and Prince Gong’s leg was treated, the schedule was arranged allowing Manbao a night’s rest, so she returned to Chongwen Pavilion with her medicine chest.

Arriving during the last lesson period, only the Office of Palace Affairs at the front had people moving about for tasks, while the Chongwen Pavilion was quiet, students focused on writing papers as she passed.

Carrying her medicine chest, she went to the instructors’ office.

The Assistant Lecturers in the office were surprised but smiled upon seeing her, "Here to see Assistant Lecturer Zhuang?"

After greeting, Manbao replied, "Yes."

The Assistant Lecturers then said, "Zhuang is giving a lecture to the Crown Prince; he’ll probably return late."

Warmly inviting, "Would Lord Zhou Junior like to sit and wait for a while?"

Manbao declined, intending to go wash up and rest; she’d return after school let out.

The Assistant Lecturers could only watch regretfully as she left, as they enjoyed chatting with her, mainly to inquire about the harem’s situation.

They’d only heard rumors of illness among the Empress, Princess, and Prince Gong within the palace, yet the Crown Prince, despite his sullenness days prior, was especially gleeful today, which puzzled them.

Being Chongwen Pavilion, they belonged to the Crown Prince’s faction, naturally curious for more details.

Alas, Manbao didn’t give them the opportunity, leaving after bidding farewell.