A new beginning

The opening of Qingyue Medical College caused a great stir in the capital. On the third day of the semester, Imperial Physician Zhang from the Imperial Medical Academy brought a group of his students to "observe" the college.

"This medical school established by Imperial Physician Su is quite ingenious," Physician Zhang said sarcastically, stroking his beard. "Allowing women to enroll, aren't you afraid of breaking the rules of medical lineage?"

In the courtyard, more than twenty students were practicing acupuncture. Among them, several women stood out, their focused expressions no less intense than those of the male students.

"The inheritance of medical skills depends on temperament and talent, not on gender," Su Qingyue replied calmly. "If Physician Zhang is interested, he might as well take a look at the students' homework."

She gestured for Qingdai to bring a stack of exam papers. The top one belonged to a girl named Lin Wan'er, whose answer sheet not only accurately marked all the acupuncture points but also detailed the depth of needle insertion and the taboos.

Physician Zhang's expression changed slightly: "This is... the acupuncture technique of the former Imperial Physician?"

"The Imperial Physician's medical skills should not be overlooked," Su Qingyue said meaningfully. "Just as women shouldn't be prevented from learning medicine."

News of this exchange quickly spread. Surprisingly, even more women came to register the following day.

"I've been learning medicine from my father since childhood, but because I'm a woman, I've never been able to practice medicine formally," a young girl carrying a medicine chest said firmly. "Please, Dean, take me in!"

Su Qingyue recognized her as the only daughter of the "Lin Family Pharmacy" in the south of the city, who was said to have inherited her father's medical skills.

"Medical school rules state that admission requires passing an entrance exam."

"This humble woman is willing to accept any test!"

The assessment attracted a large crowd. Lin Wan'er not only answered all the theoretical questions accurately, but also demonstrated amazing talent in the practical test. She accurately diagnosed the symptoms of the simulated patient using only observation, listening, questioning and palpation, and the prescription she gave even made Physician Zhang nod in approval.

"With such talent, if she were a man, she would have been famous throughout the capital long ago," Su Qingyue remarked, and immediately made an exception to admit her as a teaching assistant.

After the news spread, the opposition diminished considerably. Even the usually conservative Dr. Zhou had to admit: "Medical skill should indeed not be judged by gender."

However, the real challenge has only just begun.

Late that night, Su Qingyue was organizing her lesson plans when she suddenly heard strange noises coming from the backyard of the academy. She took a lantern and went to investigate, only to find that the herb garden had been maliciously damaged, and the newly planted herbs had been uprooted.

"This is the third time," Qingdai said angrily. "It must be the work of those who oppose women studying medicine!"

Su Qingyue crouched down and carefully examined the damaged herbs. Suddenly, her eyes narrowed—several precious Bloodstrips were missing.

"No...this isn't simple sabotage." She stood up. "Blood-Draining Grass is a key ingredient in concocting special poisons. Someone is trying to use it to frame us."

Sure enough, rumors spread the next day that Qingyue Medical College was secretly possessing banned drugs and plotting something sinister.

To make matters worse, officials from the princeling faction seized the opportunity to demand the closure of the medical school.

"His Majesty has granted permission for the establishment of this school; how can you simply shut it down?" Pei Jin personally came to the medical school and read the imperial edict aloud in front of everyone. "Anyone who causes trouble again will be punished for disobeying the imperial decree!"

Although the incident has subsided, it made Su Qingyue realize that the medical school needs more protection.

"I will assign you a squad of my personal guards," Xiao Jue declared immediately upon hearing the news. "Let's see who dares to cause trouble."

However, Su Qingyue politely declined, saying, "Medical schools should establish themselves on medical skills, not on force."

She came up with a better idea—to give public lectures.

On the first and fifteenth of each lunar month, the medical school opens its doors to anyone who wants to attend lectures. Su Qingyue personally teaches the prevention and treatment of common diseases and also has students demonstrate techniques such as acupuncture and bone setting.

At first, many people came just to watch the spectacle, but gradually, more and more people actually came to learn. Even some older doctors who were prejudiced against women studying medicine changed their views after attending a few classes.

"The theory of wind-cold transmission that Dean Su explained is quite novel..." Doctor Li of Baohetang said privately to his apprentice, "Tomorrow, lend me your notes to make a copy."

Most surprisingly, a special listener appeared in class that day—Su Qingxue, accompanied by several servants from the Prime Minister's residence, sat quietly in a corner. After class, she approached Su Qingyue:

"I want to... formally enroll."

Su Qingyue looked at her in surprise: "Didn't you come here to help with teaching, sister?"

"In the process of teaching, I realized how little I actually know," Su Qingxue said earnestly. "I want to study medicine systematically."

This change made Su Qingyue very happy. She specially arranged a special entrance examination for Su Qingxue.

On the day of the assessment, many people came to watch the spectacle. Everyone wanted to know just how capable this legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister truly was.

Surprisingly, Su Qingxue's performance far exceeded expectations. Although her theoretical knowledge was slightly weaker, she displayed an amazing talent in identifying medicinal herbs and preparing prescriptions.

"When did you learn all this, sister?"

Su Qingxue blushed slightly: "Actually... I've been interested in medicinal herbs since I was a child, but my mother said it's not something a proper young lady should learn..."

At that moment, Su Qingyue suddenly realized that her elder sister, like herself, was bound by the rules of this era.

Su Qingxue's enrollment in the Imperial Medical Academy caused a huge uproar at the Prime Minister's residence. Madam Wang personally came to the medical school to demand her admission.

"How can the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister's family learn such lowly skills?!"

"Mother, you are mistaken." Su Qingxue retorted to her mother for the first time, "Medicine is the righteous path to help the world and save lives, how can it be considered a lowly profession?"

"You...you've been corrupted by this illegitimate daughter!"

"My daughter has found the path she wants to take." Su Qingxue knelt down to pay her respects, her tone resolute. "Please, Mother, grant my request."

The dispute between mother and daughter ultimately ended with the intervention of Prime Minister Su. Surprisingly, this time Prime Minister Su sided with his daughter:

"Qingyue is now someone His Majesty values, so it might not be a bad thing for Qingxue to study under her."

With the tacit approval of the Prime Minister's residence, other official families also began sending their daughters to study. The women's department of the medical school was soon full.

However, new problems arose one after another.

That day, Lin Wan'er encountered an accident while leading her students to collect medicinal herbs in the mountains. She was bitten by a venomous snake while protecting her students. By the time she was carried back to the medical school, she was already in critical condition.

"It's a five-step snake!" After examining it, Judge Zhou shook his head. "It's too late..."

Su Qingyue, however, refused to give up. She adopted a risky treatment—first, bloodletting to remove the toxins, then using a specially made antidote serum. No one had ever tried this treatment before, and even Pei Jin advised her to think twice.

"If we fail, the reputation of the medical school will be ruined."

"Is your reputation more important than a human life?" Su Qingyue asked without hesitation. "Prepare for surgery!"

The rescue lasted all night. Su Qingyue not only had to prepare the serum, but also constantly monitor Lin Wan'er's vital signs. At the most dangerous moment, Lin Wan'er's heart almost stopped beating.

"Dean, give up..." Some students couldn't bear to watch any longer.

Su Qingyue, however, did not back down. She recalled her mentor's teachings during her internship at the modern hospital: "As long as there is a glimmer of hope, never give up."

As dawn broke, a miracle occurred. Lin Wan'er's pulse gradually stabilized, and her complexion began to regain its rosy hue.

"It's...it's a success!" The entire medical school erupted in cheers.

This incident greatly enhanced the reputation of Qingyue Medical College. Even Physician Zhang, who had previously been prejudiced against Su Qingyue, personally came to learn how to prepare the antitoxin serum.

"Dean Su has pioneered not only new medical techniques, but also a new medical philosophy," he publicly stated at a routine meeting of the Imperial Medical Academy. "I am completely convinced."

Encouraged, Su Qingyue began to systematically organize modern medical knowledge. She wrote textbooks, made teaching aids, and designed a complete teaching system. What amazed the students most was the exquisite human body model, where every organ could be disassembled and studied.

"So this is what the inside of our body looks like..." The students exclaimed in amazement as they surrounded the model.

Su Qingyue took the opportunity to explain the importance of anatomy: "Only by understanding the structure of the human body can we better treat and save lives."

These words caused controversy in the conservative medical community, but with the emperor's special permission, no one dared to openly oppose them.

As the medical school gradually settled into its routine, Su Qingyue began to ponder deeper questions. One day, while playing chess with Pei Jin in the medical school pavilion, she suddenly asked:

"What does the Imperial Advisor believe is the ultimate goal of medicine?"

Pei Jin placed a piece on the board: "To heal the sick and save lives?"

"That's not all," Su Qingyue said with a profound gaze, "it should mean that no one in the world should have to suffer from illness."

"This goal is far too ambitious."

"But it's worth pursuing." Su Qingyue pointed to the students busily working in the courtyard. "They are hope."

At this moment, Xiao Jue arrived hurriedly with an urgent report from the border: "A plague has suddenly broken out in the northern border, and the military doctors are helpless."

Su Qingyue immediately stood up: "I'll take the students."

"No!" Xiao Jue and Pei Jin said in unison.

"The North is too dangerous..."

"Plagues are unusual diseases..."

"It's precisely because it's dangerous that we need professional medical personnel even more," Su Qingyue stated firmly. "Moreover, this is also a good opportunity to test the effectiveness of our teaching."

Three days later, a special medical team departed from Beijing. Besides Su Qingyue, it included outstanding students like Lin Wan'er. Surprisingly, Su Qingxue also insisted on accompanying them.

"I want to go too. Although my medical skills are still limited, I can help with dispensing medicine and taking care of the patient."

The situation in the North was worse than expected. The plague was spreading through the military camps, and many soldiers had already died. To make matters worse, local witch doctors were spreading rumors that the plague was divine punishment, preventing patients from receiving treatment.

"We must control the epidemic as soon as possible, otherwise morale will be low." The stationed general was deeply worried.

Su Qingyue made a decisive move, using her experience in dealing with epidemics—isolating patients, disinfecting water sources, and having students patrol in groups.

However, the locals distrusted these "female doctors from the capital." The first to step forward for treatment was a young soldier with the most serious injuries.

"Since I'm going to die anyway, I might as well give it a try," he said with a wry smile.

Su Qingyue personally treated him. This was not an ordinary plague, but a mutated form of wind-cold syndrome with extremely dangerous complications.

Using the newly developed prescription in conjunction with acupuncture, the soldier's condition improved significantly after three days.

"A miracle doctor! He's truly a miracle doctor!" The news spread like wildfire throughout the military camp.

More and more people are coming to seek treatment. The students are growing rapidly in real-world practice, and even Su Qingxue can now stand on her own.

A month later, the epidemic was brought under control. Before his departure, the general came to see him off.

"Dean Su not only saved the lives of our soldiers, but also showed me the power of medicine."

On the way back to Beijing, Su Qingyue looked at her students, who were tired but had determined eyes, and felt a surge of pride.

These people are the hope for the future of medicine. And what she has to do is pave the way for them.

As the sun set, the outline of the medical school gradually came into view. Su Qingyue knew that this was not only a place to impart medical knowledge, but also the starting point for changing this era.

And she finally found her true home.