There were various opinions concerning the man called Gyoku’ou.
But it’s adult to consider this and that as separate matters, Maomao thought.
“From what I see around us, he’s an amazing person who gets things done,” Chue said, having popped into the medical office for idle talk. It didn’t seem like the woman had time to spare, but she probably made time to come. Currently, she was helping Maomao crush medicinal herbs in the mortar. Due to the chaos with the locust plague, they were low on salves and antibiotic ointments, so they were replenishing it.
(It’s just like someone from his eunuch days.)
Previously she had thought that person was always leisurely, but now, knowing his personality, it hadn’t been the case.
“He moved quickly to distribute the food supply we’re lacking in, as if he had predicted it beforehand,” Chue continued.
(Could it be that?)
Doesn’t Rikuson ask Rahan for advice? Assuming that Rikuson reported it to Gyoku’ou, could she consider that Gyoku’ou had made use of the information?
(Well, that’s only if Rikuson did report that to him.)
Should she believe that Gyoku’ou was oddly using what can be used without dignity?
It might be related to how Rikuson hadn’t been given directions about coming back from the farming village promptly.
Considering Jinshi’s case, Gyoku’ou’s actions cannot be completely perceived as constructive.
What does Jinshi think about Gyoku’ou’s treatment of him?
(I feel like the person himself doesn’t care about the sloppiness of his treatment like other people do, though.)
Being treated as a guest, movements hampered, would make one feel frustrated. But Jinshi had done what he could, by sending Rihaku to Maomao, and guiding the weirdo tactician. His actions behind the scenes were significant.
Honestly speaking, she felt the person called Jinshi didn’t really cling to power. He conducted himself in a manner befitting of his position, but the time he used his influence greatly as the imperial prince would be…
(During the Shi clan rebellion, right?)
At the time, Jinshi moved as a member of the imperial family. In a sense, the reason behind it was that Maomao was there, so she couldn’t say anything, but his suppression of the rebellion was probably what was most reflected in the eyes of the people.
Afterwards, she was aware that Jinshi was working as the imperial prince. It was no different to how it was during his time as a eunuch, no, he was a lot busier. But, speaking of what Jinshi, who had a lot of work foisted onto him, was working on…
(It would be the locust plague countermeasure.)
He had been told by everyone that it was a groundless worry, told that he was raising tax for no reason, regarded coldly by the citizens and officials, and yet.
(He should’ve made more appearances like he did when he was a eunuch.)
Since returning to be the imperial prince, it was likely that he didn’t use his greatest weapon: his face.
(He might have stopped because of the increase in marriage proposals.)
When he lost the bulwark of being a eunuch, with his power accompanied with being the imperial prince, there was a multitude of women who would want to become his consort.
(Marriage proposals, huh.)
Maomao recalled Rikuson’s joke. Did Chue report it to Jinshi? That would be troublesome, she reflected.
“Chue-san, did you report it?” Maomao added other ingredients to the medicinal herbs Chue was grinding.
“Report it? Worry not. It’s top-secret to Tactician-sama,” Chue replied.
“…”
So she did tell Jinshi.
“I thought it should be fine if it’s a joke,” Chue said.
“It was a joke, yeah,” Maomao said.
“There are people who won’t take it as a joke though.”
Chue had a crime of conscience.
Maomao imagined a troublesome Jinshi. It seems like their next meeting will be bothersome, but will it be okay?
“Lass, I’m done.” The quack showed her the pills in the large flat basket. To make the size of the pills consistent, they were all produced using a wooden mould. The memory of the quack’s shocked look at the start, as he initially shaped the pills by rolling them in his hand, resurfaced.
“Thank you very much. Next, I’ll leave this to you,” Maomao said.
“Righty-o. Leave it to me!”
The quack was in high spirits, but she had no idea who was the assistant now.
Moreover, Tenyuu had been taken away by Court Physician You: “If you have free time, help out.” The medicine making work was also brought in by Court Physician You.
The personnel staying in the villa were treated as Jinshi’s subordinates, but apparently, it was different for people elsewhere. In particular, the weirdo tactician’s subordinates seem to be very busy, as people were being taken away to help with the shortage of hands. As a result, there were fewer people at the villa than usual.
She didn’t worry about it since the quack and Chue were here, but it’s been a lot quieter too.
(I want to see a little bit more of the town, though.)
With the current situation, would it be selfish to say that she wanted to go outside?
And speaking of selfish…
“…it’s nearly time for snacks, though.” The quack doctor looked out the window as he pressed down on the wooden mould. He was checking the position of the sun.
When it was time for snacks, the quack doctor would go to the kitchen or someplace and come back with the ingredients.
“Mn… it might be impossible today too, though.” Chue sniffed. “Since they’re replenishing the food supply stores by focusing on staples, luxury items will be left until later.”
“That’s true.” The quack was suffering from the snackless lifestyle for the past couple of days.
(If you’re still just lacking in snacks…)
You’re still on the better side of things, Maomao thought as she blended the medicine.
