Chapter 85085 Third Rank Minister

The surprise came so suddenly that the villagers looked at each other in disbelief.

"If you get cowpox, you won't get smallpox again? Is there such a thing in the world?!"

"But what is cowpox?"

"Is there any need to ask? It must be something from the cow."

"Can Doctor Du's prescription really cure smallpox?"

"It's almost certain. She's the sister of the Tongzhi. She definitely wouldn't lie to us."

"Chunxiang's mother, pinch me quickly—ah, it hurts! It's true! My man is saved!"

Villagers whose family members had contracted smallpox cried with joy and excitedly shook each other's hands.

Some people care about cowpox and the prescription, while others care about Du Qingtang himself.

"Master Tongzhi, are you really immune to smallpox?"

The cheers stopped instantly.

Everyone stood far away, fearing they would be infected.

Du Qingju, wearing a mask and an isolation suit, walked up to Du Qingtang in one step, her eyes full of worry.

"Tang'er, are you really okay? Don't lie to me."

"Why would I lie to you?" Du Qingtang looked at Du Qingju with an extremely sincere gaze. He then said to the villagers, "If you don't believe me, I can quarantine you here. Usually, patients will show symptoms within three days, and the outcome will be clear by then."

"That's a good idea."

"It's fine to be quarantined in our village. Doctor Du is here and can look after him at any time."

"If cowpox really works, I plan to vaccinate my whole family."

While everyone was talking, a man who looked somewhat like Zhao Dazhu came running from a distance and knelt down in front of Du Qingtang from a distance.

"Sir, please spare Zhao Dazhu's life!"

Du Qingtang glanced at Zhao Dazhu, who was standing there like a statue with a pale face, and remained silent.

Zhao Dazhu's younger brother, Zhao Erzhu, kowtowed loudly, but after a few kowtows, his forehead turned red. He said in awe, "Ever since my sister-in-law was burned alive by that bastard county magistrate, my brother has been acting strangely. He's been mumbling to himself all day long, sitting there talking to himself, and he ignores us when we talk to him."

"Sir, he's out of his mind and doesn't know what he's doing. Please be magnanimous and spare his life!"

As Zhao Erzhu spoke, he kowtowed again.

Looking at Zhao Dazhu again, he turned a deaf ear to his brother's pleas, standing there in a daze, staring blankly into space.

Everyone saw this and sighed with grief.

"Zhao Dazhu and his wife had only been married for a year. They were so affectionate and close, like one person. Not to mention that his wife was pregnant when she died."

"I've lost my wife and children. Who can bear this kind of blow?"

"But he definitely did something wrong and offended the Tongzhi. If the Tongzhi hadn't been vaccinated against cowpox, he would have been locked up in the quarantine room by now."

Du Qingtang's eyes flickered slightly. "Since it's excusable, I'll forgive him this time. If he does it again, I'll punish him severely."

Zhao Erzhu was filled with gratitude and kowtowed three times.

This was not enough, so he pulled Zhao Dazhu over and pressed his head down to make him kowtow and express his gratitude.

"Take him back, keep an eye on him, and don't let him hurt other innocent people again."

Zhao Erzhu repeatedly said yes, nodded and bowed, and dragged Zhao Dazhu away with him, taking one step deep and one step shallow.

"They say a prime minister has a big heart, and today I finally saw it."

"Your Excellency is truly a magnanimous and good official!"

"Your Excellency is wise!"

The onlookers shouted in unison and looked at the Tongzhi with admiration.

Just a poor guy who lost his wife and child on the same day.

If this can gain the love of the people, Du Qingtang doesn't mind forgiving him.

but--

"I'm very curious, who spread the rumor about my relationship with my sister?"

The doctors hiding in the dark were shocked and wanted to retreat in panic.

Du Qingtang looked around and said, "I can't guarantee that I am completely selfless, but I can guarantee with my career that I will never sacrifice innocent people for my own selfish interests."

"So, could you please tell me who is spreading rumors and causing trouble, disturbing the people?"

The doctors were completely panicked when they were accused of spreading rumors and disturbing the public's morale, and they turned around and ran away.

The villagers' expressions also changed, shaking their heads and nodding.

"I don't know. I just heard it from others."

"So do the common people."

"I know who it is!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a woman.

Du Qingju recognized the woman; her husband was a critically ill patient.

The day before yesterday, this woman came to Du Qingju and begged her to save her husband's life.

When the woman heard from someone close to her that her husband's condition had improved, she immediately put down her work and rushed over.

The woman was filled with gratitude towards Du Qingju at this moment, and she wanted to worship her. Thinking of the rumors from the past two days, she was furious and felt even more sorry for Du Qingju.

“It’s them!”

Following the direction of the woman's finger, everyone saw the stealthy backs of several doctors.

Judging from his posture, he was obviously fleeing in panic.

"That afternoon, the officials told us that there was a female doctor who could cure smallpox, so we went to ask her about it. They all said that Doctor Du was untrustworthy and that they had seen Doctor Du and the Tongzhi walking together, behaving intimately."

Rumors spread from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred. That's how they are created.

"Now I remember, I really heard them say that."

"Why are you making up rumors for no reason?"

"They probably didn't expect that Dr. Du could cure smallpox, while they couldn't. They were jealous, so they deliberately slandered Dr. Du."

"Bah! You look like a decent person, but why don't you do anything like a human being?"

"Doctor Du is unlucky to have run into such a bunch of bastards."

The villagers cursed angrily and felt indignant on behalf of Du Qingju.

Du Qingtang stood with his hands behind his back and said coldly, "To slander a woman by spreading rumors that she and a man are having a close relationship is the most despicable and mean-spirited method."

"You have all been practicing medicine for many years. Don't you know the consequences of doing this?"

At the very least, your reputation will be ruined, and at worst, you will no longer be able to practice medicine.

"A doctor's heart is filled with compassion. You are narrow-minded. How can I trust you with my patients?"

"From now on, you guys can go back to where you came from and are not allowed to stay in Zhaojia Village anymore."

The doctors panicked.

If Du Qingtang's words were to get out, their medical careers would be completely over.

Who would be willing to consult a doctor with bad medical ethics?

They didn't bother to argue, and they knelt on the ground like dumplings, kowtowing heavily.

"Sir, please spare me! Sir, please spare me!"

"I've been blinded by greed. Please give me another chance!"

"Doctor Du, this is all my fault. We know each other for a long time. Please ask the magistrate to forgive me this time!"

Du Qingju's face was as cold as ice under the mask.

She would not plead for them. What's the point of repaying evil with kindness?

Du Qingtang raised his hand, and the palace soldiers came forward and forcibly dragged several doctors away.

The magistrate was kind and did not pursue their mistakes.

But everyone knows that although they have escaped today, there will be more suffering waiting for them in the future.

No one sympathizes with them. Who made them so petty, unable to stand others doing well, and so wantonly slandering and spreading rumors?

In life, we must always be responsible for what we have done.

The doctor's plea for mercy faded away, and the surroundings were so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

After witnessing the Tongzhi's ruthless actions, the villagers were all silent and were glad that Zhao Dazhu was mentally unstable, otherwise his fate would probably not be much better.

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. Ultimately, the desire to survive outweighed their fear. Someone asked, "Sir, my two sons have contracted smallpox. Could you please ask Doctor Du to treat them?"

Du Qingtang looked at Du Qingju, obviously putting the decision-making power in her hands.

Du Qingju met the hopeful and pleading gaze and pondered for a moment: "It's possible, but I can't guarantee that everyone will be relieved or even cured like those before."

Everyone said it was okay.

The mortality rate of smallpox is extremely high, only one in ten survives. With the cases mentioned above, they are like drowning people grabbing a piece of driftwood, so how dare they give up easily?

As long as there is a glimmer of hope, they don't want to be separated from their loved ones forever.

"Okay, you can come find me in the quarantine room later." Du Qingju paused, "I'll take the Tongzhi to quarantine first."

The crowd spontaneously made way for them, and Du Qingtang and Du Qingju walked side by side towards the isolation house at the end of the village.

"I hope the magistrate will not be infected with smallpox."

These words expressed the thoughts of countless people at the scene. The villagers prayed silently in their hearts, asking God to keep the Tongzhi safe.

On the way to the isolation room, Du Qingju sighed, "They say some people change their minds faster than turning the pages of a book. Today I finally saw it."

At first, no matter how hard the villagers tried to hide it, they looked at her with a hint of contempt.

Later they learned that she and the youngest were siblings, and that her pharmacy could really save lives. They all looked at her with a friendly expression, as if she were a savior.

Not only for her, but also for the youngest one.

Passing by the doctor's residence, Du Qingtang noticed many people secretly observing him. He kept his eyes fixed on the road ahead and said calmly, "The nature of the common people is like fence-sitters. They will go with whichever side of the wind blows."

Love brings life, hate brings death.

Du Qingtang has always known this, so he never had too high expectations of them.

She tried every possible means to gain the love and admiration of the people, but only for fame.

It's just one of the necessary means to get promoted.

Du Qingju was stunned for a moment and couldn't help laughing.

The youngest is really... as clear-headed and rational as ever.

The two sisters came to the isolation house, and Du Qingju pushed open one of the doors.

There was no one in the room, and the kang was fully equipped with pillows and bedding.

The young girl winked playfully and said in a light tone, "This is the doctor's privilege."

Du Qingtang smiled and walked inside.

Du Qingju said behind her, "Tang Ge'er, you will stay here for the next three days. Tell me if you feel any discomfort."

Du Qingtang nodded in agreement, then suddenly turned around, her eyes calm: "Eighth sister, you did a great job."

Du Qingju was stunned again.

It is not easy to get praise from the youngest. Her cheeks and neck are flushed with a light pink, and her eyes are shining, adding a bit of brightness to the simple and cramped room.

Du Qingju held her head high and chest puffed out, feeling very satisfied. "Master has said more than once that I am the most talented disciple he has ever seen. My uncle has said the same thing."

"But preparing prescriptions is really not easy. I've failed many times these days. I only sleep for less than an hour a day. The rest of the time I'm either reading medical books, preparing medicine, or studying the patient's condition."

The young girl said softly and coquettishly: "Tang Ge'er, I'm so tired."

Du Qingtang knew that she was deliberately playing the victim, but still agreed with her and said, "Thank you for your hard work. When this is over, I will take you and Seventh Sister to the hot springs to relieve your fatigue."

Feng Shu owned a hot spring estate. He was thrown into prison and all his assets were confiscated.

A while ago, Pan Xie took his family to take a hot spring bath. Other officials also went with him, but Du Qingtang was busy with official duties and did not go with them.

Once the smallpox issue is over, it's time to relax and have some fun.

Du Qingju smiled happily, chatted with Du Qingtang for a few more words, and left briskly.

-

Three days passed in a flash.

Du Qingtang never showed any symptoms of smallpox and walked out of the isolation room safely.

During these three days, the villagers have been paying attention to her situation.

As soon as she walked out of the isolation house, she was stopped by a group of villagers.

The village chief of Zhaojia Village leaned on his cane and saluted tremblingly: "Sir, these people behind me all want to be vaccinated against cowpox. You see..."

The old village chief was very old and had been in jail for half a month. He was only able to get out of bed today.

When he heard the good news about cowpox and the pharmacy, he was so happy that he couldn't stop smiling. He immediately called the villagers together and asked who wanted to be vaccinated with cowpox.

With the help of a senior official who tried it himself, the villagers became convinced of the preventive effect of cowpox and signed up enthusiastically.

Du Qingtang looked behind the old village chief and saw a huge group of people, probably hundreds of people, definitely more than just villagers from Zhaojia Village.

Facing the tense and anxious gazes of the crowd, Du Qingtang still insisted on his original plan: "Only one hundred people will be selected for the first batch, and those who are vaccinated must be strong and healthy."

"The symptoms of vaccination with cowpox are somewhat similar to those of smallpox, with blisters and pustules all over the body, headaches, high fever, and aches in the limbs. I do not recommend vaccination for those with weak constitutions."

"If you really persist, you might have a chance after a while."

As soon as these words were spoken, there were bursts of disappointed boos from the crowd.

The old village chief was also a little disappointed. He had also planned to get vaccinated against cowpox, but he had to give up.

In the afternoon, one hundred villagers - fifty men and fifty women - moved into an isolation house at the entrance of the village, where they were vaccinated against cowpox by Dr. Yang and others.

At the same time, all critically ill patients and nearly a quarter of ordinary patients chose to receive Du Qingju's treatment after being persuaded by their families.

Because there were so many people, other doctors also joined in.

Prepare medicine together, decoct medicine together, and observe changes in the patient's condition together.

Du Qingju did not take revenge on them by relying on her own great achievements or her status as the elder sister of the Tongzhi. Instead, she generously shared the prescription with them and occasionally asked them questions.

This made the doctors feel so ashamed that they wished they could find a hole to crawl into.

In private, they mentioned Du Qingju.

"Although there is some luck involved, she does have real talent."

"I'm not as good as her."

"Perhaps we should change our conservative ideas. Female doctors aren't necessarily worse than us. I heard that the women from the Qiong Ying Society knew that smallpox was rampant in Lin'an County, but they still came without hesitation to serve the county government and the people on a voluntary basis."

Just as the doctors were reflecting on their mistakes and determined not to look down on women anymore, Du Qingtang rode back to the county government office and picked up his pen to write an urgent memorial.

With her, a fellow judge, having proven the law herself, and several seriously ill patients having recovered, there is no time to lose and the prescriptions for cowpox and smallpox should be reported to the emperor as soon as possible.

In his urgent report, Du Qingtang explained the situation, attached the method of vaccination and specific prescriptions, as well as detailed data of prisoners and patients.

In addition, Du Qingtang also mentioned masks and isolation suits, and attached two drawings.

These two methods can prevent the spread of epidemic diseases to a certain extent and should be widely popularized in Daxia.

After writing the urgent memorial, Du Qingtang handed it over to the envoy and sent it to Xiajing at an express speed of 800 miles.

......

After two days, the condition of ordinary patients improved significantly.

After four days, the pustules of most treated patients broke and tended to form scabs.

Five days later, ordinary patients walked out of the isolation room in good health.

After six days, the scabs all over the body of the critically ill patient gradually fell off, and he was able to get off the bed and walk around.

The speed of recovery was so fast that countless doctors dropped their jaws and were amazed.

"I've lived for fifty or sixty years, and I'm buried up to my neck in the dirt. I never thought I'd be able to witness the cure of smallpox in my lifetime."

"Master Du's medical skills are amazing. I am ashamed to be inferior to him."

"For such a major matter, the government must inform the court, which means that Doctor Du has left his name in front of His Majesty."

"Brother, your career is so bright, and you are still striving for success. Are the Du family's ancestors' graves smoking?"

Thinking of their own juniors with mediocre talents, the doctors sighed and wished that Du Qingju was their own.

Doctor Yang couldn't help laughing when he saw that they admired Du Qingju and hated their own children and grandchildren for not living up to her expectations.

Who could have thought that half a month ago they still looked down on Du Qingju and treated her with indifference.

"It's really karma, no one can escape it!"

......

In early May, the first batch of critically ill patients recovered, walked out of isolation houses and reunited with their families.

At the same time, the vaccination of the first batch of volunteers was completed.

Because these 100 people were in good health and under the careful care of the doctors, the success rate was as high as 100%.

This is undoubtedly a very encouraging data.

The two pieces of good news reached the provincial capital and reached the ears of Du Qingtang who was handling official business. She immediately announced the cowpox and smallpox prescriptions in the form of a notice, and asked doctors to start treating the patients isolated in T County and the provincial capital.

When the news spread, the people of Lin'an County and even the entire Runing Prefecture were ecstatic.

Things are unpredictable in this world, and no one can guarantee that they will not be infected with smallpox in their lifetime.

It would be ideal if smallpox could be prevented through vaccination.

Some people are celebrating, while others are skeptical.

"Does cowpox really work? Has anyone come into contact with a smallpox patient after vaccination? What were the results?"

The government responded to this.

"Someone once threw clothes worn by a smallpox patient at the Tongzhi. Fortunately, he had been vaccinated and was spared the harm."

In this way, the vast majority of people became convinced of the effectiveness of cowpox.

By mid-May, all 160 smallpox patients in Zhaojia Village had recovered and returned home.

Patients who were isolated and treated in the county and provincial capitals have also recovered one after another and reunited with their families.

The government soldiers and yamen runners stationed in Lin'an County returned to the provincial capital, and the doctors also returned to the county town or the provincial capital.

At this point, the haze that had shrouded Lin'an County for more than a month dissipated.

The sun shines through the clouds, and the streets and alleys are filled with laughter.

......

On May 16, the Ru'ning Prefecture government posted a notice recruiting a second batch of volunteers to vaccinate against cowpox.

There were precedents such as the Tongzhi who broke the law himself, and the prisoners and villagers of Zhaojia Village. This time, nearly a thousand people signed up.

In order to prevent any accidents, Du Qingtang ordered people to select healthy civilians, a total of 200 people.

The posthouse in the city had been vacant for a long time, so Du Qingtang took the initiative to send 200 volunteers there and arranged for a doctor to vaccinate them that day.

Du Qingzhu and Du Qingju were also vaccinated.

However, they were vaccinated by the Tongzhifu and were taken care of by maids. Du Qingtang also invited a doctor to observe them closely around the clock.

On the eighth day, Du Qingzhu and Du Qingju were successfully vaccinated.

Du Qingtang asked the doctor to observe for another day, and took advantage of the ten-day rest period to take Zhuju and the others to the hot spring resort to soak in the hot springs.

Xie Tongpan originally wanted to take his family with him, but his wife had to take care of matters in the backyard, and his legitimate daughter and concubine's daughter had gone to the Qiongying English Society. It would be pointless for the man alone to go, so he simply decided not to go.

The carriage rumbled and drove towards the outskirts of the city.

Du Qingzhu hummed a melodious tune and swung her feet happily.

The singing spread out of the carriage, and passers-by heard it and couldn't help but smile.

-

In late May, Deputy Commander Zhang and his entourage traveled a long distance and survived many ambushes before finally arriving in Xiajing.

Deputy Commander Zhang sent Feng Shu to the Ministry of Justice prison and assigned him to be heavily guarded. He did not even have time to stop for a cup of tea before he went to the palace to report in a dusty state.

After entering the imperial study, Deputy Commander Zhang bowed and greeted.

"I have accomplished my mission and have escorted the guilty official Feng Shu back to the capital."

"Henan Province Lieutenant General Zuo Teng and his men extorted 100,000 taels of silver from Feng Shu's mansion. I have already transported it back to the capital."

"Since entering Shanxi Province, my group has encountered ambushes and attacks fifteen times. Twenty-six of our Imperial Guards have tragically died, and the remaining fifty-four are all injured."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qingyuan remained silent.

The red pen hangs in the air, as if time has stopped.

Fu Rui and Deputy Commander Zhang stood respectfully with their hands down, even breathing lightly.

Feng Shu served as the prefect of Runing Prefecture for eight years and embezzled one million taels of silver. However, only 100,000 taels were found in his mansion. So where did the remaining nearly one million taels go?

The answer is obvious.

An unknown amount of time passed, perhaps a cup of tea, or perhaps a stick of incense, before Emperor Qingyuan said in a gentle voice, "I understand. Minister Zhang has traveled a long way. I will allow you to rest for two days. Go back home and rest."

The imperial guards were either dead or wounded. It was obvious that Deputy Commander Zhang could not be unscathed, but he was carrying out the emperor's orders and did not dare to delay, so he went to the palace to report with injuries.

"I thank your majesty for your grace and will take my leave."

After Deputy Commander Zhang left, Emperor Qingyuan looked at the red walls and red tiles in the distance, took a deep breath, and without saying a word about Feng Shu, he bent over his desk to deal with memorials.

It was already evening when Emperor Qingyuan finished dealing with the mountain of memorials.

The afterglow of the setting sun shines into the hall, making it extremely gorgeous.

Emperor Qingyuan put down his red brush, stood on the jade steps outside the palace, and looked into the distance to the southwest.

Fu Rui stood aside, worry showing in his cloudy but sharp eyes.

Your Majesty is filled with sorrow and has no one to confide in. If you keep it all bottled up, you will eventually get sick.

But he was a eunuch, and except for the ministers, the rest of the civil and military officials in the court were jackals, tigers and leopards, so no one was suitable.

Fu Rui sighed inwardly and was about to say a few pleasant words to liven up the atmosphere, at least to make people laugh and relieve some of the depression in his heart, when he saw a man dressed in poor clothes running towards him and climbing the stairs.

"Your Majesty," the official knelt and saluted, hands raised high. "This is an urgent report from the Co-magistrate of Runing Prefecture."

The Tongzhi of Runing Prefecture?

Isn’t that Du Qingtang, who has made great contributions in reporting corrupt officials?

Fu Rui did not dare to hesitate, and hurriedly took it and presented it to Emperor Qingyuan with both hands.

Emperor Qingyuan stared at the urgent report for a moment, then returned to the imperial study and sat behind the imperial desk before opening it.

After just a few breaths, Emperor Qingyuan suddenly clapped his hands and laughed.

"What a great Lord Du!"

Fury pricked up his ears, his heart scratching like a cat, and he was extremely curious.

What did Lord Du do to relieve His Majesty's distress and make him so happy?

Fortunately, he found out soon.

"Come here, Lan Shizhong, the head of Xuantai Hospital!"

The head of the Imperial Hospital came to the audience, and Emperor Qingyuan said loudly: "Lord Lan, I have obtained a prescription that is said to cure smallpox."

Fu Rui and the head of the Imperial Hospital gasped at the same time.

Cure smallpox?!

This was not enough, so Emperor Qingyuan asked, "Lord Lan, do you know that vaccination with cowpox can prevent smallpox?"

The head of the Imperial Hospital was stunned: "Cowpox?"

Emperor Qingyuan nodded and signaled Fu Rui to hand over the two pieces of paper with the method and prescription for cowpox.

The head of the Imperial Hospital quickly finished reading it, his face flushed with excitement, and his whole body trembled. "Your Majesty, please allow me to try one or two methods. If these two methods are truly effective, I believe that in time, Daxia will be free of smallpox!"

Emperor Qingyuan naturally agreed.

The head of the Imperial Medical Service thanked him loudly and left with the prescription and the method for treating cowpox.

Emperor Qingyuan twirled his beard and chuckled, then said thoughtfully, "For such a great achievement, what should I reward you, Lord Du?"

Fu Rui stood respectfully with his head bowed, his mind racing.

It seems that Mr. Du will not be able to serve as the Tongzhi for many more days.

......

However, the director of the Imperial Medical Bureau borrowed dozens of death row prisoners from the Ministry of Justice that day and used them for cowpox experiments.

Not only that, he also took great pains to find smallpox patients from outside the palace, prescribed medicine according to the prescription, and had them take it.

Eight days passed in a flash.

The head of the Imperial Hospital came to the imperial study again, his tone unable to conceal his joy: "Your Majesty, the cowpox method can indeed prevent smallpox. The prescription is true, and even seriously ill patients can recover after taking it."

"good!"

Emperor Qingyuan clapped his hands and said, "Lord Lan, you have worked hard. I vaguely remember that I have a set of golden needles in my private storehouse. Furui, you can give them to Lord Lan later."

Fu Rui accepted the order, and the head of the Imperial Hospital was overjoyed and bowed down in worship.

"May I ask, Your Majesty, who developed this prescription? The dosage is precise yet bold. I've asked everyone in the Imperial Hospital, but none of them are the original developer. Could it be some famous doctor from the public?"

Emperor Qingyuan confessed frankly, "She is the elder sister of the Tongzhi of Runing Prefecture."

The head of the Imperial Hospital was stunned for a moment: "Is it a girl?"

Emperor Qingyuan nodded in agreement.

The head of the Imperial Medical Service had no choice but to give up the idea, thinking with regret that if it was a man, he might be able to join the Imperial Medical Service, but unfortunately it was a woman.

After the head of the Imperial Medical Bureau left, Emperor Qingyuan pondered for a while, picked up his pen, dipped it in ink, and wrote a memorial himself.

With the final stroke, Emperor Qingyuan said in a deep voice, "Tomorrow, have your godson go to Runing Prefecture and deliver two imperial edicts for me."

Fu Rui responded respectfully, and his opinion of Du Qingtang was raised by two degrees.

......

Emperor Qingyuan's good mood lasted until the next morning court session.

Even though he learned in the morning that Feng Shu had "committed suicide out of fear of punishment" in prison last night, and that Feng Shu was tight-lipped than a clam during his lifetime, refusing to confess or give out his accomplices, Emperor Qingyuan's joy did not diminish in the slightest.

The result is well known, so there is no need to question it.

It’s a pity that the one million taels of silver were wasted. If they had been put into the national treasury, the soldiers at the border would have had food to eat and clothes to wear.

At the morning court session, the Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace stepped out and knelt, saying, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

The Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace is birds of a feather as Cao Yuan.

Emperor Qingyuan raised his hand: "Approved."

The Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace kowtowed and said in a thunderous voice, "Your Majesty, I beg you to appoint a crown prince as soon as possible to stabilize the foundation of the country and reassure the people of the world!"

As soon as he finished speaking, officials came out one after another and knelt down.

"Your Majesty, I beg you to appoint a crown prince as soon as possible."

"I second the motion!"

But in the blink of an eye, the Golden Throne Hall was filled with people kneeling.

Looking around, they were all Cao's party.

There were also relatives who took advantage of the situation and called for the early appointment of a crown prince to stabilize the country.

The other standing officials suppressed their shock and cast subtle glances at the front row of civil servants.

The Prime Minister Cao Yuan was wearing a purple official robe, holding a tablet in his hand, standing straight with his brows lowered and his eyes focused in a respectful manner.

——He did nothing, yet he did everything.

The smile on Emperor Qingyuan's elegant face faded, and the coldness disappeared in an instant. Then the smile returned to his face, his eyes were full of laughter, but his tone was very calm: "I am in the prime of my life, young and strong, and the appointment of a crown prince is related to the foundation of the country. It cannot be neglected. This matter will be discussed later."

The Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace was about to say something more, but Emperor Qingyuan suddenly changed the subject: "I have two pieces of great joy to share with you, my dear ministers."

Qi Cifu said, "Your Highness and I are all ears."

The other officials echoed this.

The Grand Secretary of Wenhua Palace gritted his teeth unwillingly, stood there for a moment, then kowtowed and returned to his position.

The leaders had already given up, and the other T officials saw this and knew that today's event was doomed, so they had to return with regret.

Cao Yuan raised his head slightly and asked with a smile, "I wonder if Your Majesty has any good news to share with us?"

Emperor Qingyuan looked down at him with a smile in his eyes. "Earlier, the co-magistrate of Runing Prefecture sent an urgent report: a smallpox outbreak has occurred in Lin'an County under his jurisdiction. The county magistrate knew about it but did not report it. Instead, he burned the people in an attempt to conceal the truth."

"Two months have passed in a flash. A few days ago, I received another urgent report from Lord Du. Lord Du accidentally discovered that cowpox can prevent smallpox, and his sister even developed a prescription that can cure smallpox."

"I ordered the head of the Imperial Hospital to conduct experiments to prove that the cowpox treatment method is feasible and the prescription is effective."

There was an uproar in the Golden Palace, which had fallen into silence due to the appointment of the crown prince.

"Cowpox benefits all people, and the medicine can save tens of millions of people. Both are great achievements. Your Majesty should reward them generously!"

"The Tongzhi of Runing Prefecture should be promoted. His sister is an excellent doctor and should be admitted to the Imperial Hospital."

"Absolutely not! Even the Imperial Hospital has always only accepted male doctors. If we invite this woman to join the Imperial Hospital, wouldn't that be breaking the rules?"

"I second the motion!"

Cao Yuan, the first civil official, narrowed his eyes briefly.

Du Aiqing?

What a great Du Qingtang, he really has everything!

When mentioning Du Qingtang, Cao Yuan thought of Wu Guangwu, the idiot who played with fire and got burned, causing him to lose Runing Prefecture and the Ministry of Revenue.

If I had known that Du Qingtang was so capable, I should not have allowed that idiot to demote her to Runing Prefecture.

Cao Yuan clenched his tablet tightly, his heart feeling cold.

If Du Qingtang had been recruited from the beginning, the credit for the cowpox and the prescription would have belonged to the Fourth Prince.

Unfortunately, she defected to Emperor Qingyuan.

Then we have to get rid of her before she becomes more powerful.

On the other side, the Fourth Prince and Cao Yuan had the same idea.

Since he can't use it, get rid of it as soon as possible.

The Fourth Prince looked up at Emperor Qingyuan and the bright yellow dragon throne beneath him, biting the inside of his cheek.

My father, all the officials are asking you to appoint a crown prince as soon as possible. Why do you turn a blind eye and pretend to be deaf and dumb again and again?

Beside the Fourth Prince, the Fifth Prince tilted his head slightly and took in the fleeting ruthlessness in his brother's eyes.

The fifth prince thought of the person who had often appeared in his dreams for the past few months, and also of his new concubine he had acquired a while ago.

The faces are somewhat similar, but the spirit is not even half as good.

The fifth prince clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction.

......

An early morning court session was coming to an end amidst noise.

Emperor Qingyuan's tone brooked no argument: "I wish to promote the cowpox vaccination method. From now on, all the people in the capital must be vaccinated against cowpox. You, my dear ministers, should also set an example."

The officials all had different expressions, but they all responded, "Yes, your Majesty, we will obey your majesty's orders."

After the morning court session ended, all officials filed out of the Golden Palace.

Along the way, they discussed the issue of vaccination against smallpox.

"Do you really want to get vaccinated?"

"Your Majesty's words are true. You can avoid them on the first day, but you can't avoid them on the fifteenth day."

"The things taken from the beasts make me feel sick!"

"If it really can prevent smallpox, it's disgusting, but nothing is more important than life."

"I wonder how Your Majesty plans to reward Mr. Du."

"As the former top scholar in the imperial examination, and having made such great achievements, I'm afraid he will be transferred back to the capital to take up a post."

On the other side, Emperor Qingyuan rode a dragon back to the imperial study.

I dealt with government affairs last night and fell asleep near midnight. I got up at 3 a.m. to attend the morning court, so I only slept for two hours.

Emperor Qingyuan was sitting on the dragon sedan chair. The slight shaking made him sleepy. He yawned, supported his forehead with one hand, and closed his eyes for a nap.

After returning to the imperial study, he still had to deal with government affairs.

When I closed my eyes, I had a dream.

Emperor Qingyuan went back many years.

At that time, he was still an unpopular prince, living in a remote corner, with a beloved one and a pair of children. He had no ambitions and just wanted to live a leisurely life.

Until one day, the prince passed away.

Not long after, his lover died of illness, and his son soon after died of illness.

Later, he married Cao as his principal wife.

Later, his daughter was gone too.

"Your Majesty, we have arrived at the Imperial Study."

Fu Rui's shrill yet gentle voice sounded, pulling Emperor Qingyuan back to reality from his dream.

Emperor Qingyuan opened his eyes.

Now, he sat on the dragon sedan chair, a lonely man.

Emperor Qingyuan stood in front of the imperial study and habitually looked towards the southwest corner of the palace.

He smiled, but his eyes looked like he was crying.

-

In late May, the new prefect took office.

It was also a coincidence that the new prefect was an acquaintance—

Meng Hong, the previous magistrate of Qingyuan County and the father of Meng Qingyan, the founder of Qiongying English Society.

Meeting an old friend in a foreign land, Magistrate Meng was naturally delighted. He was especially delighted to see Du Qingtang in the robes of a fifth-rank official. He couldn't help but sigh, "I once told your master that perhaps one day you could enter the court and serve the emperor. I never thought it would come true."

After a brief exchange of greetings, Du Qingtang took the initiative to return his official business.

Prefect Meng did not refuse and took the job and asked Du Qingtang, the acting prefect, about the latest situation in Runing Prefecture.

When he learned that smallpox had recently broken out in Lin'an County, and that Du Qingtang had controlled the spread of smallpox in less than ten days, and had accidentally discovered the miraculous uses of cowpox, and that Du Qingju had even developed a prescription to cure smallpox, he was so shocked that he was speechless.

Magistrate Meng looked at Du Qingtang for a long moment before finding his voice again: "Both of these things will benefit the people. The people of the world will be grateful to you, brother and sister."

Du Qingtang said modestly, "Your Excellency is overly kind. I discovered the wonderful benefits of cowpox by chance."

After a while of chatting, Magistrate Meng and the two co-magistrates and two assistant judges gathered at Zuixianju, where they drank, enjoyed music, talked and laughed, and did not leave until late at night.

From the next day, Du Qingtang continued to work as a fifth-rank Tongzhi, handling tedious official duties while waiting for news from Xia Jing.

......

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

After entering June, the weather becomes hotter.

Magistrate Meng ordered people to cook mung bean soup, which was poured into five wooden barrels, each half the size of a person's, and placed side by side in a corner of the hall. Drinking a bowl of it when it was hot was a great way to relieve the heat.

One day in the latter half of the month, Du Qingtang was processing official documents in the duty room.

The clerk rushed in anxiously: "Sir, someone from Xia Jing has come and asked you to go out and receive the imperial edict!"

It's finally here.

Du Qingtang put down his brush and strode out of the government office.

The eunuch who came to present the rice paper was a tall, thin, white-faced eunuch without a beard. Seeing Du Qingtang coming, he said without further ado: "Du Qingtang, the co-magistrate of Runing Prefecture, accepts the order."

Du Qingtang lifted the corner of his robe and knelt calmly: "Your humble servant Du Qingtang accepts your order."

A group of officials, clerks and runners from the government office followed closely behind him and knelt on the ground.

The eunuch opened the imperial edict and read aloud: "By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor decrees that Du Qingtang, the Co-governor of Runing Prefecture, has contributed meritorious service in proposing the cowpox cure and the Tianju Drink. He is hereby promoted to the rank of Third Grade and appointed Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. This is my decree!"

Du Qingtang took the imperial edict with both hands and raised it above his head: "I thank you for your grace!"