Chapter 33: The Unveiling of a Master Plan

Dutaine, observing from below, revealed an expression of understanding. That old fox, Risdo, had planned this from the very beginning. He intended to use others as mere backdrops for Ruolin, then step forward himself to build her momentum, ultimately sealing her position as a core pharmacist.

If his guess was correct, the next step would be to ruthlessly undermine Lei Yin, stripping him of his title as a core pharmacist and allowing Ruolin to seamlessly take his place.

Dutaine let out a cold, mocking chuckle. ‘While the methods of these old foxes were far from clean, it was undeniably an enjoyable spectacle.’ Therefore, he decided, it was time to let this grand show escalate even further.

Dutaine rose to his feet, applauding as he declared, “Well said, Master Risdo! Pharmacist Ruolin’s achievements at such a young age are truly astonishing. Her taking on the title of core pharmacist is well-deserved, far surpassing certain charlatans who can only concoct poisons instead of healing draughts!”

“Perhaps,” he continued, “it would be best for that particular pharmacist to relinquish his title, allowing the more capable Pharmacist Ruolin to assume his rightful place?”

Though Dutaine had not explicitly named Lei Yin, his implication was unmistakable; everyone present understood exactly whom he was referring to.

The tension, thick and palpable, had reached a boiling point.

Immediately, all eyes turned to Lu Yuan, who stood in the center of the hall. From the moment Risdo announced Ruolin’s ascension as a core pharmacist of the Northern Branch, Lu Yuan had become the tragic protagonist of this unfolding drama.

Everyone watched with keen curiosity, wondering how the man who had just moments ago exuded such confidence, so eloquently holding court, would react now.

Meanwhile, Ruolin, another key player, stood frozen in place. She had never imagined the situation would escalate to this extent. ‘Heaven knows,’ she thought, ‘she had merely followed protocol, demonstrating her new medicine after her transfer here. How could it have turned into such a spectacle?’

Lu Yuan slowly lowered the book he had been holding, remaining silent as he surveyed his surroundings.

“Finished?”

While Risdo silently observed Lu Yuan, refraining from speaking, Dutaine was the first to interject, “You’ve seen Pharmacist Ruolin’s new medicine, and Master Risdo himself has acknowledged her excellence. How can you still have the audacity to cling to that position?”

“Excellent?” Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking dismissively towards Ruolin. “This little girl?”

‘Little girl?!’ Ruolin glared fiercely at Lu Yuan. ‘They were roughly the same age, yet this man dared to call her a “little girl”?!’

“Do you believe Ruolin’s abilities are insufficient? That she isn’t worthy of the core pharmacist position?” Risdo stroked his chin, addressing Lu Yuan. “Then perhaps you would care to appraise Pharmacist Ruolin’s new medicine yourself? Can you articulate its merits or flaws?”

“Likewise, if anyone present has any opinions, they are welcome to voice them boldly. Pharmacists must not be complacent in their craft; exchange, communication, and collective progress are all integral parts of pharmacological research.”

“Master Risdo jests,” one person chimed in, “Pharmacist Ruolin’s new medicine is nothing short of perfect. Our limited understanding truly prevents us from discerning any flaws!”

“Master Risdo’s knowledge of pharmacology far surpasses ours,” another added. “How could we possibly offer suggestions for a new medicine that even you praise so highly?”

Everyone shook their heads in unison.

It was clear to anyone present what Risdo’s intentions were. Despite his age, Risdo was one of the most senior pharmacists in the Northern Branch. Who would dare to offend him at such a moment? That would simply be asking for trouble.

Furthermore, Ruolin’s skill was genuinely exceptional, living up to her reputation as a prodigy. The crowd truly had no valid criticisms to offer.

Seeing everyone shake their heads, offering no opinions, Risdo stroked his beard with an expression devoid of joy or sorrow.

Just as everyone believed Ruolin’s succession to Lei Yin’s core pharmacist title was a foregone conclusion, Lu Yuan’s calm voice resonated through the hall.

“Opinions? Do you truly wish to hear them?” He surveyed the room, his tone unperturbed.

“As I just stated,” Risdo replied, “exchange is part of a pharmacist’s pharmacological research. Feel free to express any opinions you may have.”

“Very well, since you all insist on hearing my opinion, I shall deliver it.” Lu Yuan looked at Ruolin with an indifferent gaze, speaking without a trace of mercy. “All this flashy fussing you’ve been doing for half a day is riddled with errors, not to mention you’ve wasted most of the medicine’s efficacy, only to concoct such a paltry thing in the end. Can this truly be called ‘excellent’? Can you possibly be hailed as a ‘genius’?”

His words, once uttered, were nothing short of a bombshell.

“What?!”

“Did he just say Pharmacist Ruolin isn’t a genius?”

“That’s outrageous, isn’t it? Ruolin is a prodigious grand pharmacist transferred from the Southern Branch! We all witnessed the process; her method of concoction and the synergy of the medicinal properties were incredibly sophisticated, far surpassing her peers. To say she isn’t a genius? That’s simply too much!”

“Master Risdo himself just acknowledged Pharmacist Ruolin’s talent. Isn’t this directly slapping Master Risdo’s face?”

The hall erupted in an uproar, as if ablaze, with individuals glaring furiously at Lu Yuan.

Dutaine shot Lu Yuan a cold, sneering glance. “Grandstanding!” ‘On the verge of death, yet still so defiant. This fellow truly seems to want his demise to be as unsightly as possible.’

Risdo’s brow furrowed. Being spoken to in such a manner directly to his face left him displeased. While he had anticipated Lei Yin might harbor resentment, he had not expected his words to be quite so venomous.

Nevertheless, an old pharmacist was an old pharmacist; he wouldn’t display his emotions as openly as Dutaine. Instead, he calmly stated, “Lei Yin, you are a veteran member of our branch. Pray tell, what exactly is so flawed about Ruolin’s new medicine that prompts such strong words from you?”