Pei Rong shrugged and answered. “I heard he caused a medicine maker to explode recently.”
Fu Cheng recalled He Shu looking very disheveled. He probably looked that way because he had been burning the midnight oil. He scoffed gently and said, “Things can’t go as he wishes forever.”
Pei Rong lowered his eyes and smiled. He chimed in. “It’s true. Sometimes, it really comes down to pure talent.”
Fu Cheng liked hearing what Pei Rong said, so he felt better. “After we are done with the exam we should hang out more and talk about Chinese medicine.”
Pei Rong had every intention of getting close to Fu Cheng. After all, he was the deputy chairman’s disciple. He nodded and said, “Perfect. I had questions to ask you anyway.”
Fu Cheng acknowledged gently with his hands behind his back.
*
The next day, at the Apothecaries’ Association exam.
Each year, the apothecaries’ exam was held to grade each apothecary. Since it was very important, each participant would prepare diligently.
The apothecaries had to use the designated Chinese herbs, but they were not restricted with regards to the medicinal pills they wished to produce. In a way, there was quite a degree of flexibility.
It was just like cooking. A variety of dishes could be created using the same ingredients.
The deputy chairman had single handedly taken care of organizing the Apothecaries’ exam this year. Chairman Wang had been busy handling the Chinese herb farm, so he had left the exam preparation to the deputy chairman.
Dozens of medicine makers were placed on a large empty square. Also, Chinese herbs and other tools were also prepared.
The exam would take place in batches.
“The preliminary Apothecaries’ exam will commence now,” explained Chairman Wang softly to Mi Wei when they got to the square. “The advanced exam will take place later.”
Mi Wei acknowledged softly. He raised his head and looked at the apothecaries preparing for the test. They seemed well prepared.
The deputy chairman was standing nearby. When he saw Chairman Wang, he headed toward him. The moment he caught sight of Mi Wei, he frowned.
The Apothecaries’ exam was a serious matter. How could the chairman bring the farmer over?
Was he joking?
“Hi, Chairman Wang.” The deputy director walked over to Chairman Wang. Even though he did not like Chairman Wang’s style, he did not show his displeasure.
Chairman Wang nodded. “Thank you for your hard work.”
The deputy chairman pursed his lips and smiled. “I was just doing my job.” He looked at Mi Wei and asked casually. “Oh yes. Chairman Wang, did you manage to save the mi orchid saplings?”
Chairman Wang stroked his beard and acknowledged. “Uh huh. We have Mr. Mi to thank for it. If not for him, the losses would have been inestimable.”
“I did not expect Mr. Mi to be so well versed in cultivating Chinese herbs.” The deputy chairman paused before he continued. “Do you also refine medicine?”
“Nope.” Mi Wei shook his head as he looked at the apothecaries refining medicine.
Mi Wei pursed his lips as he watched them work. He recalled that the people in his clan were not using such complicated methods to refine medicine.
Chairman Wang could tell what the deputy chairman was driving at. He glanced at the deputy chairman and explained. “I brought Mr. Mi to check out the exam. He has never seen it before, so he was curious.”
The deputy chairman pursed his lips. He caught Chairman Wang’s drift. “Okay then. I shall go and check on the apothecaries.”
“Uh huh. Go ahead.” Chairman Wang waved his hand. After the deputy chairman was gone, he looked at Mi Wei and asked. “Mi Wei?”
