Chapter 90: Carrot and Stick

Although the Brocade Guard had left, the female servants of the Sixth Bureau were still trembling with fear, after all, the Steward Leng, who had stolen the pills, was their direct superior.

Because Hua Changxi had stopped the Brocade Guard from searching them and had saved them when Steward Leng attacked, everyone in the Sixth Bureau now regarded her as their pillar of support.

After Hua Changxi returned to her quarters, the stewards of each group gathered outside her room. Du Ruo saw that Hua Changxi had gone to sleep and was about to tell them to disperse when, unexpectedly, Steward Fu, who served Attendant Jia, arrived.

"Changxi, Steward Fu is here."

Hua Changxi had not fully immersed herself in cultivation. Hearing Du Ruo's call, she immediately opened her eyes, got up, walked out, and looked at Steward Fu.

Attendant Jia had three adopted sons: Fu, Lu, and Shou. Compared to Steward Lu's strictness, Steward Fu had a kindly face.

Seeing Hua Changxi come out, Steward Fu did not put on any airs and said with a smile, "Hua Changxi, my godfather says you are to take Leng Xiangru's place. From today onward, you are the Second Steward of the Sixth Bureau."

Hua Changxi was not too surprised that Attendant Jia had promoted her again.

First, she had revealed her identity as a cultivator today.

Second, she had Shiniang behind her. Clearly, in Attendant Jia's eyes, she had backing.

When Attendant Jia had promoted her to Third Steward before, it was out of a desire to use her. Now letting her become Second Steward, no doubt, was the same intention.

As Second Steward, she would have more people under her management, which was more conducive to teaching pharmacology. This was a good thing for Hua Changxi, so she smiled and said, "Please convey to Attendant Jia for me that I am grateful for his high regard. I will work hard and not let him down."

Du Ruo and the other stewards present also looked delighted.

Back when Hua Changxi was appointed Third Steward, many people in the Sixth Bureau had objections.

But now, with Hua Changxi becoming Second Steward, no one in the Sixth Bureau opposed it; on the contrary, they all wished for her to take the position.

Steward Fu said he would relay Hua Changxi's words, then continued, "Just now, Xiao Luzi was taken away by the Brocade Guard. With him gone, the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Bureaus he was in charge of are without oversight."

"My godfather said he can't find a suitable person to replace Xiao Luzi for now, so the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Bureaus will temporarily be placed under your management as well."

After hearing this, Hua Changxi looked astonished.

Taking over the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Bureaus was something she had never imagined.

"Steward Fu, is Attendant Jia really putting me in charge of the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Bureaus?"

Steward Fu nodded affirmatively: "Yes, that's what my godfather instructed. The order has already been conveyed to the Second and Third Stewards of the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Bureaus."

"My godfather said that if anyone disobeys your orders, as long as it's within the rules, you may handle them as you see fit. If there's truly something you cannot manage, you may go directly to him."

After hearing this, Hua Changxi did not look particularly pleased; instead, she appeared somewhat serious.

Authority and responsibility go hand in hand. Taking over the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Bureaus meant she would be helping Attendant Jia stabilize these three bureaus.

Although Steward Leng had escaped, the matter of her stealing pills was not over. The Brocade Guard had gotten involved, and the Medical Office would certainly investigate.

As the head of the Third Division, Attendant Jia would absolutely be held accountable for such a major oversight under his command.

Before this incident, some people had already been eyeing the Third Division under Attendant Jia, wanting to bring him down. Now that Attendant Jia was in trouble, those watching him would certainly seize the opportunity.

With Steward Lu arrested, the four bureaus he managed were undoubtedly the best breakthrough point.

Attendant Jia was shrewd, putting her in charge of these four bureaus.

She was not afraid of trouble, had strong martial skills, and had backing—wasn't she the perfect shield?

After a moment of silence, Hua Changxi said, "Tell Attendant Jia that I will manage the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Bureaus well."

If it weren't for the need to teach pharmacology, she certainly wouldn't have agreed.

Four bureaus meant four hundred people—worth her taking over.

Seeing that Hua Changxi had agreed just as Attendant Jia had predicted, Steward Fu immediately smiled and said, "Good, I'll go back now and report to my godfather."

"Wait a moment."

Hua Changxi stopped him: "Steward Fu, since I'm taking over Steward Lu's position, does that mean Steward Lu's courtyard now belongs to me?"

Steward Lu's small courtyard was complete in all four corners. If she moved in, she would have a private space where she could both cultivate and refine pills.

Steward Fu glanced at Hua Changxi, feeling she was pushing her luck. Taking over four bureaus wasn't enough—she even wanted to seize Xiao Luzi's courtyard.

Did she think Xiao Luzi wasn't coming back?

Hua Changxi saw Steward Fu frown but paid it no mind.

On the surface, it was indeed Eunuch Jia who promoted her, but behind the scenes, it could even be said that Eunuch Jia had a favor to ask of her, so of course she would take the opportunity to make demands.

"I can't make decisions about Little Lu's courtyard. Let me go back and ask my godfather, then I'll give you an answer."

Eunuch Fu quickly left and returned to the courtyard where Eunuch Jia worked, recounting his entire conversation with Hua Changxi.

"Godfather, your judgment is spot on. That Hua Changxi actually agreed to take over the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Bureaus."

Eunuch Jia held a stack of papers in his hands, all recording information about the Hua family: "The Hua family does run their own pharmacy. Although Hua Changxi wanted to be an apprentice in the Medical Office, in the end she preferred to work as a menial laborer here rather than go home. What does that tell you?"

"It means there's no place for her in the Hua family."

"Most children who aren't valued by their families desperately want their family's approval. People like that won't refuse power."

"The higher they climb, the more they can take revenge on their family for not valuing them, proving that their family's neglect was wrong."

After hearing this, Eunuch Fu looked enlightened, but then worriedly said: "Male menial laborers are hard to manage. Hua Changxi is just a young lady. The male laborers in the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Bureaus might not listen to her."

Eunuch Jia glanced at him: "Are you and Little Shou thinking that I should hand over the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Bureaus to you two to manage?"

Eunuch Fu remained silent, which was as good as admitting it.

Eunuch Jia let out a scoff: "Little Lu may be a bit lecherous, but in many ways he's still far better than you and Little Shou."

"Do you think our authority here comes from where?"

Eunuch Fu stammered: "It's given by the noble superiors above."

Eunuch Jia shook his head: "That statement is both right and wrong. In times of peace and prosperity, power does indeed rely on being granted by superiors. But in times of upheaval, power is earned by oneself. Whoever has the bigger fist can control others."

"Hua Changxi spent nearly a year in a pharmacy full of male menial laborers and came back safe and sound. What do you think she relied on?"

"If the laborers of the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Bureaus behave and listen, fine. If they don't, Hua Changxi will teach them how to behave."

Eunuch Fu dared not speak.

Eunuch Jia had no intention of continuing either, simply ordering: "Hua Changxi wants to stay in Little Lu's courtyard. Let her have it."

Hearing this, Eunuch Fu hesitated as if wanting to speak.

Seeing this, Eunuch Jia knew he was thinking of Little Lu; after all, he was his godson, and his expression turned somewhat sorrowful: "Little Lu... won't be coming back."

Eunuch Fu froze, knowing that the brother he had grown up with was going to die. Feeling very sad, he looked at Eunuch Jia pleadingly: "Godfather, is Little Lu really beyond saving?"

Eunuch Jia rubbed his forehead in frustration: "What kind of place is the Embroidered Uniform Guard's prison? Even high-ranking court officials can't intervene, let alone someone like us."

"Leng Xiangru is Little Lu's lover. Whether Little Lu was deceived or not, he can't escape involvement."

After hearing this, Eunuch Fu looked dejected.

Eunuch Jia sighed: "I've warned him so many times, but he never listened. People like us who have lost our roots—what use do we have for women? It's only self-deception. Now look, he's thrown his life away."

When Eunuch Fu went to tell Hua Changxi that she could move into Eunuch Lu's courtyard, she had already gone to the Fourth Bureau.

Having lived in the Great Jin Dynasty for almost fifteen years, she knew that this era's expectation for women was to stay at home, serve their husbands, teach their children, and be a good wife and loving mother.

Now, being a young lady tasked with managing male menial laborers, they were sure to be dissatisfied.

She also knew that in a man's world, the strong are respected.

Entering the Fourth Bureau, facing the male laborers who couldn't be bothered with her, Hua Changxi didn't waste words. She directly released her spiritual pressure, enveloping the entire Fourth Bureau.

Instantly, the male laborers of the Fourth Bureau collapsed limply to the ground.

A minute later, she withdrew the spiritual pressure.

"You will continue to perform your duties as before. I hate trouble, so don't start anything or cause any problems."

"Those of you who have backers among other masters, keep a low profile and don't cause me any trouble. If I really decide to move against you, even the greatest immortals won't be able to save you."

"Who here can read and write and paint?"

Hua Changxi used force to suppress them as soon as she arrived—something the people of the Fourth Bureau hadn't expected. They didn't know what she was planning and didn't dare to ask, only exchanging silent glances.

Finally, a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old youth stood up: "I can."

Hua Changxi looked at him: "Starting tomorrow morning, I'll spend half an hour each day teaching you how to recognize medicinal herbs and how to clean them quickly. You'll be responsible for recording everything."

In truth, she didn't know how to manage people, but she was well aware of the carrot-and-stick theory.

Using force to suppress them made the male servants fear her, kept them from underestimating her, and prevented them from causing trouble—this was the stick.

Teaching the male servants pharmaceutical knowledge—this was the carrot.

Men have to earn money to support their families, so their pressure is high, and their thirst for skills and knowledge might be even greater. With this carrot dangling in front of them, it should make them think twice.

Sure enough, after hearing this, the people in the Fourth Bureau started murmuring among themselves.

"Manager Hua, you really mean to teach us about medicinal herbs?"

"If you all do your duties well and don't cause me any trouble, as long as I'm in charge of the Fourth Bureau, I'll teach you every day."

"Manager Hua, don't worry, we'll all listen to you."

Voices rose from the crowd one after another. Even those who didn't want to learn or had ulterior motives didn't dare say much, swept along by the majority who were eager to improve their ability to earn money.

Having dealt with the Fourth Bureau, Hua Changxi then repeated the same approach at the Fifth and Seventh Bureaus, completing the first confrontation with the male servants.

As for what the male servants would do next, she could only take things step by step and deal with each situation as it came.

When Hua Changxi returned to the Sixth Bureau, she saw Du Ruo.

"Eunuch Fu just came by again. He said Eunuch Lu's courtyard is now yours."

Hua Changxi nodded. "Okay, I see. By the way, you're familiar with Sister Zhou. Go tell her she can go back to her original group and resume her role as manager." With that, she went back to her room to pack up.

After learning the news from Du Ruo, Zhou Ran laughed so much she could barely contain herself: "My luck really is good. In just one month, I'm back to being a manager."

She nudged Du Ruo with her elbow as she spoke.

"Is Manager Hua moving out? Then I'll still share a room with you."

Du Ruo sighed emotionally; after all the twists and turns, her good friend was back.

Thinking of Hua Changxi, who had become a second manager and taken over the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Bureaus, she looked a bit wistful.

That girl has been promoted too fast. I wonder if she can handle it?

Hua Changxi didn't have many belongings left outside; they were mostly for show. She packed quickly, and before moving into Eunuch Lu's courtyard, she called over Zhou Qiuyu.

"Qiuyu, I've read the records you made on medicinal herbs. They're very detailed, and the drawings are good too."

"I'm now managing four bureaus, and I'll be teaching pharmaceutical knowledge in each one. I'm giving you a task: from now on, you are responsible for organizing and summarizing the types of medicinal herbs I teach you, and recording all their medicinal properties. Are you willing?"

Zhou Qiuyu immediately agreed with delight: "Manager Hua, I'm willing."

Seeing her agree, Hua Changxi smiled. "In the future, if there's anything about pharmacy you don't understand, you can find a fixed time to come ask me."

Zhou Qiuyu quickly asked when Hua Changxi would be free.

Hua Changxi thought for a moment. "On the afternoons of every fifth day of the month, you can come find me."

Compiling all the medicinal knowledge she knew into a book was something Hua Changxi had thought of only after going to the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Bureaus.

After all, her time was limited. Teaching pharmacy in person every time would definitely delay her cultivation, and not many people could hear it anyway.

Compiling the herbs into a book for people to browse would benefit even more people, and she wouldn't have to repeat herself.

Believing she had accomplished something good and significant, Hua Changxi cheerfully carried her bundle and moved into Eunuch Lu's former courtyard.

In the courtyard, Eunuch Lu's belongings had already been removed. Hua Changxi cast a Cleansing Art, and instantly every room in the courtyard was sparkling clean.

Hua Changxi chose the main house's eastern room to live in, set up a spirit-gathering array and an isolation array in the room, and then went to the western wing.

Eunuch Lu had originally used the western wing as an alchemy room, and all the alchemy tools were complete.

The pharmacy at Feng'an Lane was already renovated; now it only needed Hua Changxi to refine enough and varied enough pills for it to open.

A second manager had more free time than a third manager, mainly because a second manager didn't have to do manual work herself—just supervise her subordinates to ensure they did their jobs well.

For the four bureaus, Hua Changxi spent two hours each morning teaching pharmacy, then returned to her courtyard to refine pills.

With the isolation array in place, the noise and aroma of alchemy wouldn't leak out. No one disturbed her, so her speed and quality of pill refining improved dramatically.

Half a month later, she had refined enough pills for the pharmacy's opening.

Hua Changxi brought the pills to the pharmacy and, together with Pu Cao and A Niu, placed them in the medicine cabinets. Soon, the pharmacy counter was fully stocked.

"Changxi, you haven't chosen a name for the pharmacy yet."

Pu Cao is reminding Hua Changxi.

After hearing this, Hua Changxi thought that his alchemy inheritance came from the Shennong Cauldron, and said: "Shennong Hall."