Chapter 8: Command Him to Join as Well
“That might actually be good—it could even pave a way out for Xuan’er...”
Seeing that Elder Qin had already agreed, Imperial Physician An hastily rose and headed toward Zijing City.
If such a young genius wasn’t quickly absorbed into the Imperial Medical Bureau, others might take notice and try to snatch him away...
The Forbidden City. Upon stepping through the palace gates, a majestic and imposing aura suddenly spread forth.
The Imperial Study.
A dignified figure stood at the center of the hall, his cold eyes intently focused on the memorials laid out on the desk.
“Your Majesty, Imperial Physician An requests an audience.”
“Oh? Wasn’t he supposed to be treating Elder Qin? How come he’s here with me instead?”
The Empress furrowed her brow slightly, then set down the memorial she held.
“Xuan.”
The light in the hall was somewhat dim, with a few gentle rays of sunlight filtering through the intricate lattice windows, casting patterns on the stone floor.
“Your Majesty! I have come to report!”
Imperial Physician An entered and bowed.
“Oh? Why have you returned? Didn’t I send you to treat Elder Qin?”
Surprise flickered in the Empress’s eyes as she spoke.
“Your Majesty, Elder Qin’s condition is now stable, but it was not I who cured him.”
Hearing this, the Empress’s curiosity deepened.
“If not you, then who? Could there really be a medical skill surpassing that of Imperial Physician An in all under heaven?”
“Your Majesty, it was the adopted son of the Prime Minister’s residence who cured Elder Qin. I have come to recommend him for admission to the Imperial Medical Bureau!”
“The adopted son? That Qin Xuan?”
Upon hearing An’s confirmation, the Empress couldn’t help but laugh.
“Which profligate son is this?”
“Your Majesty, it is indeed him. I personally examined Elder Qin, and he has truly been cured.”
“Impossible. Elder Qin’s illness has lasted for many days; how could a mere profligate suddenly cure him?”
Seeing the Empress still doubtful, Imperial Physician An hurried forward.
“Your Majesty, I am willing to stake my official rank on this—Qin Xuan cured Elder Qin!”
The Empress was about to refuse outright. After all, the Imperial Medical Bureau couldn’t harbor an unlearned scoundrel. But seeing An’s firm insistence, she relented.
“Since you insist, I shall make an exception. The Imperial Medical Bureau’s selection is in half a month, isn’t it? Let him participate!”
Hearing the Empress’s approval, Imperial Physician An quickly expressed his gratitude.
Qin Shaotian returned to his quarters and immediately questioned the servant beside him.
“Why has that old bastard suddenly gotten better?”
“Could it be that you didn’t follow my instructions?”
Qin Shaotian’s eyes grew cold as he pressed the servant down on the table.
“Master, it’s impossible—I opened the window for the old master every night just as you said...”
Seeing that the servant was truthful, Qin Shaotian slowly released his grip.
“I had planned to send that old man off soon, but now it seems unlikely...”
A sinister gleam flashed in Qin Shaotian’s eyes.
Since returning to the Prime Minister’s residence, Elder Qin had never looked him in the eye. The root cause was that damned Shen Xuan!
“Master! Master! The lady has sent me to summon you to the main hall for dinner...”
Just as Qin Shaotian’s anger peaked, a delicate figure rushed in. Seeing her, a nameless dark fire surged within him.
The nearby servant hurriedly retreated, while Qin Shaotian grabbed the maid who had come to summon him and pulled her into the room.
“Master, what are you doing...”
At that moment, Qin Shaotian was like a wild beast, his madness overtaking reason as he feverishly tore at the maid’s clothes...
The next morning, Shen Xuan stepped out of the Prime Minister’s residence early.
The conversation with Elder Qin the previous day had awakened him.
To earn money to redeem his identification papers, he had to engage in some business. But with his pockets empty, he could only try his luck at the street market.
On Zhuque Avenue, the crowd bustled, and shouting vendors filled the street.
“Steamed pancakes! Steamed pancakes!”
“Delicious steamed pancakes! Sir, would you like one?”
“Roasted buns, only two wen each!”
Roasted buns? Usually, a bun in the capital cost only one wen. Roasting it doubled the price?
Roasting food? Suddenly, Shen Xuan recalled the wildly popular skewers in the previous world.
In this era, where dishes were still mostly boiled, barbecue was truly a unique business!
After some thought, Shen Xuan decided to set up a small barbecue stall.
First, the food was genuinely delicious and suitable for all ages; second, it was unique, with no competition.
Moreover, the low cost suited his empty purse.
He only needed to buy some charcoal and find a spot on the street to start business—a profitable venture indeed!
Without hesitation, Shen Xuan went to the western market to buy some charcoal and then headed toward the vegetable market outside the Meridian Gate.
With the stall and ingredients settled, the remaining concern was flavor.
Barbecue was known for its cumin and chili, which, when grilled over charcoal, emitted a tantalizing aroma. But here in Great Qian, such spices were nearly impossible to find.
But this was no trouble for Shen Xuan. Drawing on his medical knowledge from a previous life, he recalled two herbs.
He could substitute fennel for cumin and Cornus officinalis for chili. This way, the grilled food would surely be indistinguishable from the skewers!
With this plan, Shen Xuan went straight to the largest pharmacy in the capital, Anbao Hall.
Medicinal herbs like fennel and Cornus officinalis, being less practical and more specialized, were unlikely to be found in smaller shops.
When it came to comprehensive stock, Anbao Hall was second to none in the entire capital.
“May I ask if you have fennel and Cornus officinalis?”
Shen Xuan entered Anbao Hall and approached the counter, asking the shopkeeper directly.
“Are you referring to fennel seeds and Ai seeds?”
The shopkeeper thought for a moment before responding.
“Yes.”
Shen Xuan was not surprised; it was common for herbs to have different names.
“We have them. How much would you like, sir?”
The shopkeeper nodded and asked again.
“Five bunches each for now.”
Shen Xuan compared with the copper coins in his hand and felt it sufficient, then replied to the shopkeeper.
“That’s quite a bit. Please don’t take offense, but these two herbs are mainly used to dispel cold and have a pungent taste. If you have concerns about that, I have better recommendations.”
The shopkeeper hesitated, then kindly advised.
“Thank you for the advice, but I have other uses for these herbs.”
Shen Xuan said politely.
“Very well. I will get them for you right away.”
The shopkeeper shook his head, thinking Shen Xuan must have gotten some wild prescription and been misled, but as an outsider, he only meant well.
Shen Xuan didn’t bother to explain. After receiving the herbs and paying the coins, he left.