[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl":3,"chapter-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-204":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Great Jin's Most Iron Rice Bowl",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1896978,2531,"Chapter 204: Quitting the Job","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-204",204,"\u003Cp>Gazing at the supreme-grade spirit pills before him, Prince Shou maintained a calm demeanor, yet his speed in accepting the medicine was remarkably swift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Supreme-grade pills were something even the alchemists cultivated by the imperial family with vast resources could rarely produce; even if they could, producing so many at once was impossible, even for mere first-grade spirit pills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Prince Shou took the pills away, the scent of medicine in the Hall of Deliberations slowly dissipated; inhaling the lingering fragrance, everyone turned to look at Hua Changxi with increased solemnity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, many present had felt somewhat dismissive toward those who had obtained the wooden tokens, believing their success was merely a matter of being in the right place at the right time, with luck playing a major role.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Shou, who had taken charge of the Medical Bureau, felt this way even more, holding little regard in his heart for the nine individuals who had received the tokens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had it not been for the elders specializing in divination and deduction within the imperial family repeatedly urging him, stating that those favored by the wooden tokens could more easily unravel the secrets of the Qihuang Hall, he would have even considered seizing the tokens from Hua Changxi and Shen Qianfan, since they lacked backing and he could act without scruples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, Hua Changxi had produced hundreds of first-grade supreme-grade pills in a single move, fully demonstrating her extraordinary and solid skills in alchemy, directly shattering the arrogant judgments held in the hearts of Prince Shou and others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Hua Changxi was like this, what about the others? Did they also possess hidden abilities unknown to the world?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall masters of the Qihuang Hall, at this moment, withdrew their previous casual gazes filled with scrutiny when looking at Hua Changxi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In taking over the Qihuang Hall, besides bearing the expectations of their respective families, they also harbored their own love and pursuit for medical arts and alchemy; for those with true ability, they all felt respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mu Qingying and Director Gu exchanged a few glances, master and disciple both seeming somewhat regretful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Hall of Deliberations, everyone wore different expressions and remained silent, until Chu Junhao, who had just been publicly rejected by Hua Changxi, broke the quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Imperial Uncle, I told you long ago that Hall Master Hua is a talented alchemist; do you believe it now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Prince Shou said nothing, the anger from moments ago had vanished from his expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hall Master Hua's medical and alchemical skills far surpass mine; I had no need to offer help, and my earlier actions were presumptuous.\" Chu Junhao smiled at Hua Changxi, though the smile was somewhat unnatural, and everyone could see his embarrassment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi naturally noticed this; regardless of Chu Junhao's motives, his words and actions were ultimately intended to help her, so she could only rise and reply, \"The Seventh Imperial Prince holds a noble status; I am unworthy of such treatment, but I appreciate your kind intentions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this response, Chu Junhao smiled and returned to his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was quite perplexed by Hua Changxi's approach; undoubtedly, she did not wish to hand over the supreme-grade pills, yet since she could borrow spirit pills from Mu Qingying and others, why was she unwilling to accept his help?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn't it all just owing favors?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did Chu Junhao fail to understand, but the vast majority present were also confused, with some even feeling that Hua Changxi's public rejection of an imperial prince was highly unwise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Yufeng watched Hua Changxi resume her seat and whispered softly, \"This person is truly arrogant!\" She was only willing to form equal friendships and absolutely refused to allow herself any possibility of being in an inferior position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Junhao's public assistance was meant to make Hua Changxi publicly owe a favor; once someone owes a favor, they lose the confidence to stand tall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Favors are things one should avoid owing if possible; especially regarding favors forcibly imposed by others, one should run as far away as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Hua Changxi to decisively reject the Seventh Imperial Prince showed she was indeed a smart person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jinfan heard Tang Yufeng's whisper but felt somewhat worried; according to her secret investigations, Hua Changxi did indeed possess some luck, but being too rigid makes one prone to breaking, and her actions were too reckless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Publicly rejecting an imperial prince showed she understood nothing about social niceties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the various thoughts of the crowd, Prince Shou spoke: \"I truly did not expect Hall Master Hua's alchemical techniques to be so superb; the other hall masters should learn from her, serve the Medical Bureau diligently, and through our collective collaboration, make the Medical Bureau better and better.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall masters of the Qihuang Hall nodded in cooperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Director Gu listened to Prince Shou speak for a while about his vision for the Medical Bureau, he began to preside over the meeting: \"The reason we have gathered everyone today is to discuss the matter of holding classes at the Qihuang Hall after the new year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since the resurgence of spiritual energy, there are more and more cultivators, and the demand for pills is growing ever larger, yet alchemists are extremely scarce.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As the gathering place for the top physicians and pharmacists of Great Jin, the Medical Bureau leads the development of medical arts and has always shouldered the responsibility of cultivating excellent medical talent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that alchemists are scarce, the Medical Bureau cannot shirk its duty; after the new year, every hall master must teach alchemy to the personnel of the Medical Bureau within their respective Qihuang Halls.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking to this point, Director Gu paused and looked at the hall masters: \"Now, if any of you have objections, you may speak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matter of teaching at the Qihuang Hall had already become the talk of the town; well-informed hall masters knew what they should and should not know, and even those who disagreed would not seek trouble in the Hall of Deliberations, so none intended to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing everyone remain silent, Hua Changxi, who had originally hoped to glean more information from them, could only ask herself: \"Director, how many days a month must we teach? And what if we are out cultivating or in secluded meditation and have no time to teach?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her question, everyone realized just how out of the loop Hua Changxi was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Gu replied, \"These are public classes; each hall teaches one day a month, ordered by their hall number. Hall Master Hua, you manage Hall Number Thirteen, so the thirteenth day of every month is when your hall teaches.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Attendance at public classes is mandatory, as it represents the image of your respective Qihuang Halls; if the hall master is busy, you may arrange for a subordinate to take your place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi hurriedly asked, \"What if there are no subordinates available?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Gu looked at her and said, \"...If there are no subordinates available, Hall Master Hua, perhaps you should consider whether the problem lies with yourself?\" He paused, then kindly advised, \"You are a hall master now; when you encounter problems, you must solve them yourself rather than asking others.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi scoffed, \"The eight medicine apprentices in Hall Number Thirteen were all assigned by you; now you say it's my problem?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Gu stated, \"The matter of the medicine apprentices arose because you made no requests, so the Medical Bureau arranged them on its own.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi was speechless; just as she was about to retort, Director Gu spoke first: \"Those eight medicine apprentices in your hall possess excellent aptitude; as long as you teach them patiently, they will surely become your right-hand men in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Hua Changxi laughed in anger: \"Director, do I look like a fool to you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pfft~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone really couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned to look at the person laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one laughing was Huo Yunxiao, the hall master of Hall Number Three; seeing everyone looking at him, he suppressed his laughter, looked at Hua Changxi, and said, \"Hall Master Hua, you are upright and frank, saying whatever is on your mind without hiding anything; I am very happy to know you. As for me, when I'm happy, I love to laugh, so everyone please don't take offense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this response, many rolled their eyes; if not for scruples regarding the Heavenly Department behind him, they would have spoken out to mock him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling somewhat uncomfortable under Hua Changxi's glare, Director Gu coughed twice and continued, \"Besides the public classes, each hall must also accept ten alchemy apprentices; at the end of each year during the twelfth lunar month, the Medical Bureau will conduct an assessment, and each hall must produce at least five alchemists within a year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a mandatory regulation of the Medical Bureau, and every hall must enforce it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking, he looked toward Hua Changxi, \"Hall Master Hua, do you have any other questions?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi was not opposed to teaching and was even quite willing to do so, but the regulations of the Medical Bureau seemed to restrict her at every turn: \"Director, my problem is huge. I took over Hall Number Thirteen of the Qihuang Hall, yet not only are there no benefits, I must also invest my time and energy into it; I really want to ask you, what is the point of me being this hall master?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Gu: \"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other hall masters, thinking of the Pill Saint Hall: \"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi stood up: \"You all play amongst yourselves.\" Saying this, she prepared to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Director Gu was somewhat dumbfounded, and the others were also stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Hua Changxi was truly about to quit, Director Gu hurriedly called out to her: \"Hall Master Hua, your temper is too impatient; we are still discussing matters. If you have objections, state them, and we can deliberate further.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi halted her steps: \"I am dissatisfied with all your arrangements. Teaching is fine, but I will decide the time myself; teaching alchemy apprentices is also fine, but I must choose the people myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Prince Shou objected: \"If you decide everything, why don't you just take over the Medical Bureau?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi, already upset about handing over the supreme-grade pill, replied bluntly, \"Then forget it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Shou, who had never encountered anyone so disrespectful, immediately darkened his face: \"If you wish to leave, you may, but leave the wooden token behind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi laughed in anger: \"That won't do. I earned this token through my own ability; no one can take it from me. And not just the token—the Qihuang Hall as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, everyone once again witnessed Hua Changxi's unruly arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having just publicly rejected the Seventh Imperial Prince, she now defied Prince Shou; did she even intend to remain in the Medical Bureau?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to suppress his fury any longer—previously, he had endured Hua Changxi's temper for the sake of the Qihuang Hall's secrets, but now she was openly challenging his authority; this was intolerable—he sprang to his feet with a sudden rustle, ready to speak, when a paper crane suddenly flew in and landed in his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Guardian Daoist is about to arrive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening the paper crane, Prince Shou read these words, and his expression instantly changed drastically.\u003C\u002Fp>",1903,"2026-06-12T02:51:23.636Z",1,"Qwen3.5 397B","75a2ed76b42966c75ec0dc81b12f7710b794633fff4420aaa34b35eb3b432f2b","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-205","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-203",558,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-cover.jpg"]