Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 164: The Suggestion of Prince Huixin
Prince Huixin approached the assembly in the council hall, where everyone was seated. He asked, "Did the Academy Master send you to find me?"
The person who had spoken with Prince Huixin earlier was named Qin Xiaolan. She replied, "Yes, the Academy Master said you are the only one who can help us."
Prince Huixin nodded. "You can rest assured and stay here, but there are some things I want to address first. I believe you have seen on your way here that the situation in the Desolate Central Plain is currently unstable. Don't be fooled by Qingyang City's thick walls and tall gates; it could be breached at any moment. We nearly lost Qingyang City."
Qin Xiaolan spoke resolutely, "We have heard about this as well. As long as we can avenge the Academy Master, we are not afraid of death."
Noticing their weary expressions, Prince Huixin said, "You have had a hard journey. Why don't you take some time to rest? We can discuss matters later."
At that moment, Qin Xiaolan said, "Your Highness, we are not tired. The Academy Master asked me to convey a message to you before she passed away."
Prince Huixin looked surprised. "What message?"
With a serious expression, Qin Xiaolan replied, "The Academy Master wants you to take over the Pharmacist Academy!"
Prince Huixin could hardly believe his ears. His bodyguard beside him scoffed, "Are you joking? How could our prince become your Academy Master?"
Prince Huixin shot a stern glare at his bodyguard, who immediately fell silent. He then spoke in a calm tone, "I appreciate the Academy Master's trust in me, but your Pharmacist Academy is composed entirely of women. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to take on such a role."
Qin Xiaolan did not seem to be joking at all, but she felt uneasy about Prince Huixin's words. When the Academy Master delivered her last wishes, Qin Xiaolan was equally taken aback. How could a prince like him be willing to become their Academy Master? If this got out, it would surely become a laughingstock. Yet this was indeed the Academy Master's dying wish; despite her reservations, Qin Xiaolan knew she had to take it seriously.
She understood that this request was unreasonable and said, "Your Highness, I know this puts you in a difficult position, but these are the Academy Master's last words. We cannot ignore them. To be honest with you, many of us from the Pharmacist Academy have escaped. You need us now more than ever. If you refuse this request, we will leave the city immediately and never use our medical skills to save anyone again."
The Academy Master was essentially forcing Prince Huixin to accept her request. Having met the Academy Master several times, Prince Huixin knew that although she was a woman, she possessed remarkable foresight. Based on the timeline of Great Seat's visit to the Pharmacist Academy, he realized that at that time, the Arbitrator had not yet sent troops to attack the city; however, the Academy Master had already anticipated the Arbitrator's ambitions. Prince Huixin couldn't help but admire her for this insight. He also recalled that Great Seat had gone to the Pharmacist Academy during that period; no wonder Great Seat had not been present in Fierce Death Valley when they launched their attack.
Seeing Prince Huixin lost in thought, Qin Xiaolan added, "Your Highness, you know how the Academy Master is; she would not speak lightly without careful consideration."
Prince Huixin nodded in understanding of her character. However, he began to realize why she had made such a request of him—she was concerned that her disciples would have no one to care for them during wartime. Regardless of who it was, they would all need the people from the Pharmacist Academy now; yet these individuals were women and would face many inconveniences when tending to wounded soldiers.
At that moment, the Head of the Academy knew that Prince Huixin would not care about such matters, for when it came to reputation versus life, life was undoubtedly more important. Even in times of peace, many looked down upon female doctors. The Head feared that Prince Huixin would discard them once he had used them, which was why he had accepted the position of Head; after all, a male doctor was generally seen as more reliable, a belief held by most.
After a moment of contemplation, Prince Huixin said, "I absolutely cannot accept the position of Head, but I urgently need your help. Here’s my proposal: you stay and assist us, and once this war is over, I will establish a Pharmacist Palace in Qingyang City for you. You will be able to openly take in apprentices and teach them medical skills."
"This..." Qin Xia Lian appeared somewhat troubled.
Prince Huixin smiled gently. "I genuinely want you to stay. Your medical skills are well-known throughout the Desolate Central Plain; many patients whom others could not help have been treated by you. However, you know that many people do not favor female doctors. The greatest wish of your Head has always been to elevate the Pharmacist Academy, but unfortunately, very few can accept this."
"Consider it from another angle: if you contribute during this turmoil and heal soldiers who are grateful for your help, it will allow me to establish the Pharmacist Palace with legitimacy. This would also lead many to accept you; isn’t that what the Head wishes?"
Qin Xia Lian felt her resolve wavering. This was indeed the Head's wish; they had studied medicine to save lives, yet many would rather die than let them treat them. It was frustrating to have learned such skills without patients to help. Prince Huixin's proposal was quite persuasive.
On the other hand, Qin Xia Lian could not make this decision alone. She turned to discuss it with her sisters while Prince Huixin patiently sipped his tea.
After some time, they concluded their discussion. Saving lives was indeed the mission taught by their Head; as long as the Pharmacist Academy could survive, it would be a way to repay their Head’s teachings.
Qin Xia Lian said, "Your Highness, we agree."
Prince Huixin laughed heartily. "Wonderful! If the Head knows from beyond, she will surely be pleased. However, I have a suggestion."
Qin Xia Lian responded, "Your Highness, please go ahead."
Prince Huixin became serious. "As the saying goes, a family without a head is chaotic in its affairs. Therefore, I suggest you become the new Head!"
Qin Xia Lian was taken aback. "Me? The new Head?"
"Yes," Prince Huixin replied, looking at the other women and raising his voice. "What do you all think?"
The others had never wanted Prince Huixin to take on the role of Head because having a man in such a position seemed inappropriate. His suggestion was excellent and they could all accept it. They chimed in unison, "Sister Qin, you should be the Head! No one is more suitable than you."
Qin Xiaolan fell into deep thought. After a moment, she nervously and surprisingly replied, "Alright."
Prince Huixin laughed heartily. "It's great that you can accept this. I don't know your succession process, but feel free to arrange it. I'll have the soldiers cooperate with you, and you can also allow your disciples outside the city to enter. If Qingyang City can remain intact, this place will be your home in the future."
Everyone had thought they would be wandering aimlessly from now on, but unexpectedly, just a few days later, they found a sense of belonging. The group felt an overwhelming excitement. Qin Xiaolan calmed her racing heart and said, "Your Highness, how should we thank you?"
Prince Huixin smiled slightly. "As long as you save a few more people, that will be the best reward for me."
Qin Xiaolan replied, "I can take on the role of the head of the academy, but let's wait until after the war to hold the ceremony."
Prince Huixin nodded. "I have no objections; you can decide for yourselves."
After handling matters at the Pharmacist Academy, Prince Huixin was in high spirits. With the help of the Pharmacist Academy, many of his soldiers would have a better chance of survival.
Yang Guizhi had not left the Opening of the Zhou Wasteland for a long time. This time, she rode alongside Skywolf Shalyn and a team of elite soldiers from the Militia and Flying Wolf as they made their way to Qingyang City.
Yang Guizhi and Yu Ren had already arrived at the Desolate Central Plain. Since this area had been devastated, it was Yang Guizhi's first time inspecting it up close. She had witnessed the suffering here during her travels along the Travel Path. Now, she gazed at the dilapidated houses, filthy streets, and the occasional corpse.
These corpses remained intact, untouched by animals. It seemed that wildlife had fled far away. Yang Guizhi sighed and addressed everyone, "Let's not lament for the people here just yet. If we can't stop the Arbitrator this time, the Opening of the Zhou Wasteland will look like this."
Flying Wolf rarely ventured out of the Opening of the Zhou Wasteland. Since arriving at the Desolate Central Plain, his expression had been grim. He didn't want anyone to notice his unease. Although he held considerable power in the village compared to Ji Zichen, he felt woefully uninformed about war. It dawned on him that he had witnessed conflict before; however, it wasn't his fault since there had never been such a large-scale battle in the Opening of the Zhou Wasteland.
As they walked on, Xia Lian remained silent. She hadn't anticipated that Hall of Malevolence could cause such destruction. However, she felt fortunate to have left Hall of Malevolence early; otherwise, she would likely be one of those executing villagers.
Xia Lian understood that while Hall of Malevolence had many followers, loyalty was lacking among them. Many within the Cult did not genuinely revere the Arbitrator; fear was a more accurate description of their feelings. Sometimes when disagreements arose within the Cult, they would turn against each other—this was how disputes were resolved in Hall of Malevolence.
Of course, Xia Lian strongly disapproved of such methods but chose not to voice her opinions on the matter.
“Xia Lian, are we almost there? Among these people, you are the most familiar with the Desolate Central Plain,” Yang Guizhi asked Xia Lian.
Xia Lian nodded and replied, “Yes, we’re almost there. It will take about half an hour.”
Yang Guizhi turned to Flying Wolf and said, “Flying Wolf, you are the most impatient one here. If you see the Crown Prince, no matter how he treats us, you must not show any disrespect.”
Flying Wolf replied, “I understand. I won’t disrupt this meeting.”
Yang Guizhi then asked, “Xia Lian, have you heard anything about Prince Huixin’s temperament?”
Xia Lian shook his head and said, “I’ve mostly been in the Hall of Malevolence and rarely go out. I don’t know much about what’s happening outside.”
Yang Guizhi nodded. “Let’s keep moving then.”
-
Great Seat watched as the Cult retreated from the Hall of Malevolence. The Cult members were caught in Ji Zichen ’s plan and were unable to withstand the advancing soldiers; they were steadily losing ground. Strangely enough, Great Seat’s expression was one of calm confidence. The soldiers appeared victorious, shouting in excitement as they welcomed the impending triumph.
“Very good, they are heading right into our trap,” Great Seat mocked. “They still think they can win!”
As Great Seat contemplated this, he turned around and confidently followed the retreating Cult members.
Comment 0 Comment Count