Chapter 9: Shen Xuan Also Doesn’t Know Medicine

Around midday, after purchasing the necessary supplies, Shen Xuan returned to the Prime Minister’s estate.

The servants stared at the items he was carrying, their expressions ranging from strange to judgmental, and soon, whispers began to circulate behind his back.

"Do you think our eldest young master has lost his mind? Even if he is only an adopted son, he enjoys the favor of the Old Master and the Mistress; he could live a life of luxury perfectly well."

"Yet he insists on calling himself a servant, and today he’s gone out to buy a pile of junk. What on earth is he planning?"

Another servant curled their lip in disdain. "I think he’s just ungrateful and unable to let go of his pride. Young Master Shaotian and the Princess have treated him well enough—just look at how he repays them."

Shen Xuan paid no mind to the chatter behind him. He returned to his room, gathered his tools, and began to work.

That afternoon, Imperial Physician An once again stepped through the gates of the Qin estate.

"Imperial Physician An, didn't you say yesterday that the Old Master only needed to continue his medication?" Lady Song asked, rising to greet him as he entered the main hall.

"Oh, I am not here for the Old Master today," the physician said, stroking his graying beard. "I have come to inform Shen Xuan that he is to participate in the Imperial Medical Academy's assessment."

"The Imperial Medical Academy? But Shen Xuan doesn't know anything about medicine..." Lady Song looked at the physician in bewilderment.

"It is of no consequence! Is Shen Xuan in the estate? Just call for him," Physician An said with a smile.

"Oh! Yes, he is. Shujun, go and fetch your brother," Lady Song said, nodding and turning to Qin Shujun, who was eating fruit nearby.

"Why me? Just send a servant to do such a trivial task," Qin Shujun grumbled, visibly reluctant.

"Just go. Don't keep Imperial Physician An waiting," Lady Song urged, her expression darkening.

Annoyed, Qin Shujun reluctantly went to find Shen Xuan.

"Shen Xuan! Mother wants you!" she shouted from outside his door, not bothering to knock.

With a creak, the door opened. Shen Xuan stepped out, covered in wood shavings. He bowed to Qin Shujun and asked in a calm voice, "Princess, may I ask what the Mistress needs?"

"Don't give me that nonsense. Just hurry up and get over there; don't waste my time," Qin Shujun said, looking at the disheveled Shen Xuan with disgust and casting a judgmental glance at the pile of wood in his room.

Shen Xuan said nothing more. He tidied himself briefly, closed his door, and followed Qin Shujun to the main hall.

"Mistress, you called for me?" Shen Xuan asked as they entered the hall.

"Xuan'er, Imperial Physician An wants you to participate in the selection for the Imperial Medical Academy. What do you think?" Lady Song explained the situation, gesturing toward the physician sitting nearby.

"The Imperial Medical Academy?" Shen Xuan paused, his gaze shifting to the smiling physician.

"Indeed," the physician said. "I believe you are a young man of great potential, so I personally recommended you to His Majesty. If you pass the selection in fifteen days, you will surely have a bright future."

As he spoke, Physician An took an envelope from his robes and handed it to Shen Xuan.

Shen Xuan frowned. He wanted to refuse, but realizing this was sanctioned by the Emperor himself, he decided to accept it to avoid unnecessary trouble. "Do not worry, Imperial Physician. I will be there in fifteen days."

"Excellent! Now that the matter is settled, I must return to the academy for other duties. I shall take my leave," the physician said, satisfied with Shen Xuan’s prompt answer.

After he left, Qin Shujun finally complained to her mother. "Mother, where would Shen Xuan get the skill for that? Everyone knows he is unlearned. If he goes to the selection, won't he just embarrass the Qin family?"

"Oh, hush. The physician meant well, and His Majesty has already agreed. Perhaps Xuan'er truly has a hidden talent for medicine?" Lady Song said, looking at Shen Xuan with eyes full of trust.

"Hmph! I don't believe it. If His Majesty holds us accountable later, don't say I didn't warn you," Qin Shujun retorted.

"Mistress, I understand the situation. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave," Shen Xuan said, ignoring her mockery. He was leaving tomorrow anyway; arguing was pointless.

Lady Song wanted to say more, but she only sighed and shook her head.

Time passed like a white horse galloping past a crack in a wall, and by the next morning, Shen Xuan pushed a four-wheeled cart out of the Qin estate, ignoring the strange looks from the servants.

He arrived at a bustling corner of Vermilion Bird Street and set up the grill he had customized the previous day.

Skewering, lighting the fire, and grilling—Shen Xuan’s movements were fluid and practiced. Soon, the aroma began to drift through the air.

The scent of barbecue filled the street. Pedestrians, drawn by the smell, gathered around, though they dared not approach too closely.

"What is that smell? It’s so fragrant! Let me see!" Many people pushed through the crowd, but upon seeing such a novel method of cooking, they could only watch from afar, drooling.

Shen Xuan didn't call out to the crowd; he simply continued to grill the skewers in a leisurely manner.

Good wine needs no bush, and since he didn't intend to charge exorbitant prices, he only wanted to keep the crowd interested. People loved a spectacle, and soon, more and more gathered to watch.

Seeing the novel skewers, the crowd couldn't help but swallow their saliva. Several children, tempted by the smell, crowded near the grill. Shen Xuan picked up a handful of skewers and handed them over. "Eat up. These are on the house!"

The children, eager and hungry, snatched them up. "Thank you... *hiss*... *ha*..." they chewed, savoring the taste.

The novelty of the cooking method, combined with the children's enjoyment and the mouth-watering aroma, was too much for the onlookers.

"Young man, how much for these skewers?"

Shen Xuan didn't speak; he simply pointed to the sign hanging by the grill: *Shen’s Skewers*.

"Special opening offer today! Buy three, get two free! Supplies are limited, so hurry if you want some!"

Hearing this, the crowd surged forward, copper coins in hand.

"Young man, give me five!"

"I want some too! Me too!"

The voices rose in a chorus, and Shen Xuan became a blur of activity.

"Young Master Qin, the capital is truly lively today!" Qin Shaotian was walking down Vermilion Bird Street with a young nobleman visiting from out of town. Seeing the commotion, the visitor could not help but remark.