Looking at the situation before him, after Doctor Luo handed the hoe to the person beside him, Qing Wu did not rush to ask about the previously discussed matter of teaching the palace maids medicine. Instead, he asked, "Why did you personally go to plant? Isn't there someone specifically responsible for this?"
Upon hearing this, Doctor Luo felt a surge of anger and replied somewhat stiffly, "There is someone responsible. But who would have thought that they are 'specifically here to cause trouble'!"
Qing Wu understood that Doctor Luo was not good at being diplomatic and that his tone was not directed at her but rather at the person he mentioned. She then inquired further about the situation.
It turned out that Doctor Luo had originally come here intending to pick a few herbs from the greenhouse and return to the Imperial Medical Institute. However, as he passed by the Herb Garden, he noticed that the eunuchs in the courtyard were tilling the soil and sowing seeds.
He initially did not plan to intervene since those managing the herbs were specially selected for this task. However, the leader instructing them was not doing it correctly. He had them till the soil much deeper than necessary for certain herbs that should be planted more shallowly. If that were the case, those plants would likely struggle to grow well.
Unable to stand by any longer as more and more seeds were sown, Doctor Luo rolled up his sleeves and stepped in to teach them personally.
When Eunuch Yu saw him arrive, he was pleased to have less work and went outside to drink tea and chat.
Upon hearing that Qing Wu had arrived, Doctor Luo detailed the important points he had just shared with them, wiping the sweat from his forehead as he approached her. He complained a few times out of frustration due to her question. Qing Wu, however, took it seriously.
She called over the Eunuch Yu who had pointed out Doctor Luo to her earlier and asked, "Do you know who it was that instructed you on how to plant? Which position do they hold? Are they specialized in this? Why were they chosen to teach you how to plant herbs?"
The Eunuch Yu looked around, ensuring no one nearby could hear their conversation, and replied honestly, "It's someone who works here with us. I hadn't noticed anything special about him before. A few days ago, when a high-ranking official from the Imperial Medical Institute came by, he praised him for taking good care of things and recommended him to guide us. The original leader of our group disagreed with him and often argued with him but lost every time, so he got angry and went to the greenhouse; he hasn't come back here today."
At this moment, Doctor Luo also sensed something was off. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Which official from the Imperial Medical Institute recommended him?"
"It was a kind-looking official, slightly plump, with the surname... surname..."
"Is it Cheng?" Qing Wu suddenly asked.
"That's right! It’s Cheng Taishi!” replied Eunuch Yu, somewhat embarrassed. “He usually only takes care of the plants; entertaining various doctors and officials is someone else's job, so I'm not familiar with him."
"No problem." Doctor Luo waved his hand dismissively and asked, "What does Cheng Taishi care about all this?" After a moment of thought, feeling somewhat uneasy, he said to Eunuch Yu, "Show me the medicinal herbs brought in this time. Last year, many of the herbs were substandard, mixed with inferior and second-rate ones. If..."
Seeing him about to leave, Qing Wu suddenly had another idea and called out to him, saying, "Sir, you might want to seriously consider my previous suggestion. If there are palace maids who understand medicine, they might be able to help with this matter."
"What does that have to do with anything?" Doctor Luo asked in confusion. "Even if palace maids come here, it would probably be the same as before."
"Not quite," Qing Wu said softly. "If the palace maids are managed uniformly, there will be female officials specifically responsible for them. They wouldn't have to listen to orders from others."
The implication was that the palace maids would follow the orders of the female officials, and the people from the Imperial Medical Institute or the eunuchs would not be able to command them.
Upon hearing this, Doctor Luo suddenly paused. He stared into the distance for a moment before nodding heavily.
"I have already kept your suggestion in mind. However, as a man, it is quite inconvenient for me to teach palace maids; this has been my greatest concern all along. I have thought about this many times. If this matter can be accomplished, I will need to trouble Lord Liu to request a pass for entering and exiting the palace from His Majesty."
"A pass?"
Qing Wu was surprised to hear that he wanted others to enter and exit the palace and seemed to have long-term plans for it. She couldn't help but ask, "Doctor Luo means..."
"Yue Ying."
Doctor Luo looked at Qing Wu with sincere eyes and earnest words, saying, "My student Yue Ying has good character and decent medical skills. If possible, I suggest she come to the palace to teach the palace maids."
Qing Wu did not expect him to say this. After thinking it over carefully, she realized it was indeed an excellent suggestion and thanked Doctor Luo sincerely, saying, "I will certainly inform His Majesty."
After a moment's thought, she added, "If Cheng Taishi makes things difficult for you, you can send someone to find me. I will do my best to help."
Doctor Luo was cold by nature and awkward in dealing with others; thus, he had no close acquaintances in the Imperial Medical Institute.
Cheng Taishi is different. He always has a smiling face, is kind to others, and has made friends with many people.
Doctor Luo is very serious when handling matters and has often clashed with Cheng Taishi. Usually, there are few people who speak up for him, while many support Cheng Taishi. He knows that if he argues with Cheng Taishi over this matter, the outcome will likely be the same as before.
However, the issue of medicinal herbs in the palace is no trivial matter. Even though he knows that this argument may not yield the desired effect, he still insists on reasoning his case.
Others may not understand how influential Qing Wu is, but Doctor Luo has known since six years ago that this young lady is someone the Emperor cares about deeply.
Now hearing that Qing Wu has offered to help, he feels grateful. No longer wanting to decline her goodwill as he did in the past, he sincerely says, "This matter is of great importance. If I truly cannot turn things around, I will have to trouble you, Miss."
Qing Wu smiles and replies, "Doctor Luo, you are too polite."
Doctor Luo, eager to handle this matter, does not engage in further pleasantries with Qing Wu. After thanking her again, he hurriedly leaves.
Huo Yun'ai, having left the palace yesterday, has accumulated some minor matters to deal with today. Additionally, since he wants to free up time in the evening to specifically accompany Qing Wu, he has taken care of some important tasks in advance, leaving him almost no free time during the day.
Seeing him so busy, Qing Wu fears that she might delay his work and thus does not immediately discuss the matter of Yue Ying with him.
She also notices that he holds a book while eating, which makes her feel distressed. This is not good for his stomach; his eyes do not get a moment's rest either. How can he endure this in the long run?
She wants to help alleviate his burdens but doesn't know how to do so. She can only look around somewhat helplessly, trying to find a solution.
At that moment, her gaze suddenly stops at a certain direction.
—If she goes that way and walks a little further, she will reach Wen Mo Xuan.
Many years ago, it was there that he carefully read each word from the book to her one by one.
Reading, reading.
Since he can read for her, why can't she read for him as well?
With her mind made up, Qing Wu stepped forward and, taking advantage of his moment of distraction, snatched the book from his hands, forcing him to pick up his bowl and chopsticks.
Huo Yun'ai sighed helplessly, pointing at the item in her hand and said, "The content written above is something I need to deal with later when handling state affairs. If I don't review it in time, I fear I won't be able to remember it."
"Then what does it matter?" Qing Wu opened the book and said, "Which pages do you want to see? I will read them to you. You just focus on eating."
Upon hearing this, the Young Emperor was taken aback for a moment. Then he smiled and said, "It's only for a moment; there's no need to worry." He reached out to take the book back.
Qing Wu had anticipated this and had already taken a few steps back. She opened the page he had just been reading and stubbornly asked, "What part did you get to?"
The girl’s expression was serious, clearly determined not to give up until she got an answer.
Huo Yun'ai pressed his lips together and recited a passage.
Qing Wu then sat down not far from him, found her place, and focused intently on reading.
Fearing that he wouldn't hear her clearly, she made sure to pronounce each word clearly and accurately. Also worried about taking too long and affecting his time, she tried to read a bit faster while still enunciating clearly.
Noticing this, Huo Yun'ai quickly finished his meal, afraid of tiring her voice. He then reached out again to take the book back.
However, Qing Wu refused. She insisted that he close his eyes and rest them for a moment while she finished reading this section.
"You have to look at them during the day and at night by candlelight. By the time evening comes, there’s no time to rest. If this continues, how can your body withstand it? In the future, when you have nothing else to do, I will read more for you."
After finishing her words, she placed the book on the chair and uncontrollably pulled him to sit down. Then, she covered his eyes with her fingers, forcing him to close them.
The girl's hands were soft. When they touched his eyelids, there was a warmth that made his heart race.
Huo Yun'ai no longer insisted and obediently closed his eyes. However, just as her hand was about to leave, he suddenly raised his hand and grasped hers tightly. Then he brought it to his lips and gently placed a kiss on it.
Qing Wu had no idea he would make such a move. She instantly blushed deeply. Yet, fearing it would delay his matters, she quickly turned back to grab the book and began reading it to him.
After noon, Huo Yun'ai continued to handle state affairs as usual.
Qing Wu initially planned to browse through books about historical female officials nearby. Unexpectedly, Huo Yun'ai urged her to hurry back to Ningxin Pavilion to prepare for tonight's banquet.
Qing Wu was puzzled.
She looked outside through the window at the blazing sun and thought it was still early. She couldn't help but ask him, "It's still bright out; is it really necessary to go back so early?"
Huo Yun'ai chuckled softly, continuing to write and review documents with his hand. He replied, "You will understand once you go. If I were to return now, it would still be a bit late."
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