CHAPTER 78: CHAPTER 78: CORE TEAM

How could Doctor Sun not understand?

His son and daughter had been studying medicine since childhood, and their talent was evident.

Sun Zelan, five years younger, was already far better in medical skills than Sun Guangbai, who had been diligently studying since a young age. This alone showed Sun Guangbai’s level.

Of course, it wasn’t that Sun Guangbai was lacking. He was sufficient as an ordinary doctor, and even more so as a military doctor.

But what is the Imperial Hospital? It’s the place where the top doctors of Da Liang gather. To get accepted into the Imperial Hospital, you must either be a famous doctor or an outstanding child from the apricot family.

Sun Guangbai had been attempting to pass the exams since he was seventeen but failed three consecutive years. How could he succeed this year?

It’s just that he, as a loving father, hoped for his son’s success.

"Commandery Princess, there’s no need to credit that scoundrel," Doctor Sun said with a wry smile, "He doesn’t have the temperament for the palace; he simply can’t pass the Imperial Hospital exam."

Jiang Shaohua chuckled, "Isn’t Doctor Sun aware of this?"

Doctor Sun sighed and spoke the truth, "I understand, but after all, I am a father. I hope for a bright future for my children."

"Zelan has outstanding talent in medicine. Unfortunately, she is a daughter and cannot apply for the Imperial Hospital. She’s always been frustrated by this and is determined to become a renowned doctor. I know her ambitions and support her."

"Guangbai’s talent is slightly inferior. I hope he can make up for it through diligence. He participates in the Imperial Hospital’s annual exams, and perhaps with ten or eight years of hard work, he might get lucky and pass the exam, eventually having a legitimate Medical Officer background."

"Even if he can’t pass, it can force him to study more. A quack doctor not only fails to cure illnesses but harms others. I cannot allow Guangbai to become a quack."

At this point, Doctor Sun became somewhat emotional, and his voice raised slightly.

Jiang Shaohua nodded in understanding, "Doctor Sun’s intentions are touching. However, in my opinion, Sun Guangbai’s ambitions do not lie with the Imperial Hospital. Forcing him might not be effective."

Doctor Sun was speechless.

If it had been effective, he wouldn’t have resorted to "family law" so readily.

"Doctor Sun, it’s just the two of us here, so let me share my aspirations with you." Jiang Shaohua looked at Doctor Sun and spoke sincerely, "As the Nanyang County Princess, I am to govern Nanyang County and protect all its people. Having only two thousand personal soldiers is insufficient, so I plan to expand the Personal Guard Camp."

"There are only two military doctors in the Personal Guard Camp, which is far from enough. If Sun Guangbai can become a military doctor, I will immediately have Chief Historian Chen write a document to the Ministry of Personnel, giving Sun Guangbai the status of an eighth-rank Medical Officer."

Doctor Sun was instantly moved.

An eighth-rank Medical Officer!

In the Imperial Hospital, there are many low-ranking imperial physicians who might take at least ten years to reach the status of an eighth-rank Medical Officer... Here with the Commandery Princess, it can be attained immediately. Why seek what is far away when what is near is within reach?

"Being a military doctor isn’t as prestigious as an imperial physician," Jiang Shaohua said with a smile, "However, I never shortchange my own. Once Sun Guangbai becomes an eighth-rank military doctor, he will receive double the stipend. Every time the Personal Guard Camp goes out to suppress bandits, there will be additional rewards. After three to five years, with experience, his rank can be further promoted. Moreover, Sun Guangbai’s marriage is not yet settled. I will act as a matchmaker and find him a good match."

Doctor Sun didn’t hesitate anymore and immediately stood up, giving thanks, "Thank you, Commandery Princess."

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "Doctor Sun, don’t rush to give thanks. Let’s not forget Sun Zelan; I will also invite her to become a military doctor."

Doctor Sun was taken aback again as the Commandery Princess continued speaking leisurely, "On the court’s side, there is no precedent for appointing a female Medical Officer, so this will take some planning. However, with me, she will receive the same stipend and rewards as Sun Guangbai."

"She must also train a group of women who understand basic medicine, know how to prepare herbs, and clean and bandage wounds. For each one she teaches, there will be rewards from me."

Doctor Sun immediately understood. Whenever the Commandery Princess went out to lead soldiers, having Sun Zelan by her side would indeed be more convenient.

The futures of both children were now secured, and the Commandery Princess had arranged everything splendidly.

Doctor Sun gave a formal bow of gratitude, "The Commandery Princess is so gracious to the siblings; they will undoubtedly serve diligently."

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "Their dedication to studying medicine truly earns my respect."

When the topic of studying medicine came up, Doctor Sun’s expression turned subtle, and he whispered with a slight cough, "They’re still young, and their medical studies are shallow—just a superficial look. Next time, it’s more suitable for me to lead them."

In truth, he was eager to try as well.

Jiang Shaohua privately found this amusing, yet kept a straight face and agreed solemnly.

After discussing the official matters, Jiang Shaohua got up to leave. Just as she walked out of the study, she encountered two curious heads peeking in. The taller one was Sun Guangbai, and the one half a head shorter was Sun Zelan.

The siblings caught by the Commandery Princess spying and eavesdropping showed no embarrassment. Instead, they looked at her expectantly.

Jiang Shaohua beamed sweetly and nodded at the siblings.

Sun Guangbai’s eyes lit up, unable to contain his delight.

Sun Zelan, too, was delighted for her brother. As soon as the Commandery Princess left, the siblings rushed into the study, "Father, what did the Commandery Princess say?"

"Father, does this mean I don’t have to take the Imperial Hospital exam?"

Doctor Sun glared at him in mock anger, "Yes, from tomorrow, you two will serve in the Personal Guard Camp!"

Sun Guangbai laughed so hard that he couldn’t close his mouth.

Sun Zelan initially nodded before quickly realizing, "Father, I too?"

"Yes, you too," Doctor Sun said earnestly, "The Commandery Princess granted your brother the status of an eighth-rank Medical Officer. As for you, since there is no precedent for female Medical Officers in Da Liang, the Commandery Princess says she’ll gradually plan for it. However, even without an official title, you’ll receive the same eighth-rank Medical Officer’s stipend and benefits as your brother."

"Zelan, the Commandery Princess values you, so you must serve well and not let her down."

Sun Zelan’s eyes sparkled as she nodded vigorously.

...

Jiang Shaohua was in high spirits for having accomplished this matter.

Since her rebirth, everything had been proceeding as she wished, in an orderly manner.

She aimed to build a team truly her own. Government affairs were taken care of by Chen Zhuo and Feng Wenming, equipment manufacturing by Shen Mu, military commanders by Song Yuan and Qin Zhan Meng Dashan. Liu Hengchang’s loyalties were still uncertain but would be addressed in due time. And now, with the siblings Sun Guangbai and Sun Zelan as military doctors...

Jiang Shaohua walked lightly and cheerfully.

The weather that evening was exceptionally fine, and the moonlight exceptionally bright. Beneath the moonlight, the Commandery Princess’s eyes shone like stars, bearing a gentle smile, with a lock of hair fluttering in the breeze by her cheek.

A young boy approaching ahead took in the picturesque sight and couldn’t help but smile. He stepped forward quickly, cupped his hands, and saluted.

Unfortunately, he still couldn’t speak, making it impossible to even say "Greetings, Commandery Princess," which somewhat marred the scene.

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes were full of laughter, "Cui Du, aren’t you supposed to be at the field manor? How come you’ve returned to the Prince Mansion?"