Advice thwarted
In a makeshift medical tent in the West Market, Su Qingyue was administering acupuncture to a critically ill patient. This was her seventh consecutive day visiting this epicenter of the outbreak. Sweat soaked her collar, but her technique remained steady and precise.
"Third Miss, three more patients have been sent from the East District." A medical worker rushed in. "Their symptoms are all severe; they're coughing terribly."
Su Qingyue nodded and quickly wrote down a prescription: "Administer the medicine to them according to this prescription first, I'll be there shortly."
After days of observation, she had basically grasped the pattern of this epidemic. It was indeed a measles-like infectious disease, but it spread faster and had more serious complications. What worried her most was that the outbreak was spreading from the western part of the city to the entire city.
"Miss, it's time for lunch." Qingdai came over with a food box, looking at her thin face with heartache.
Su Qingyue shook her head: "Leave it for now. Qingdai, have you noticed? New cases are starting to appear in the east of the city."
"The east side of the city? Isn't that where high-ranking officials and nobles live?"
"The epidemic doesn't discriminate based on status or position." Su Qingyue spread out a map of the capital and marked new outbreak locations with a vermilion pen. "You see, these cases seem scattered, but they all have one thing in common—they all drank river water diverted from Yuquan Mountain."
Qingdai gasped, "Miss means..."
"I suspect the water source has been contaminated," Su Qingyue said gravely. "We must take immediate measures to disinfect all water sources in the city and establish strict quarantine zones."
She immediately got up and returned to the Prime Minister's residence, where she worked through the night to draft a detailed epidemic prevention plan. This plan incorporated modern public health concepts with the realities of the time, taking into full account every aspect, from water source management and patient isolation to public protection and drug distribution.
The next morning, she brought the proposal to Prime Minister Su's study.
"Father, this is the epidemic prevention plan I have drafted. Please take a look."
Prime Minister Su was already overwhelmed by the epidemic. He glanced at the plan and his brow furrowed even more: "Disinfecting all water sources in the city? Setting up quarantine zones? What absurd ideas are these!"
"Father, these measures may seem radical, but they are the most effective way to control the epidemic," Su Qingyue explained urgently. "I suspect the epidemic is related to the water source; if it's not dealt with promptly..."
"Shut up!" Prime Minister Su slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly. "What do you, a young woman, know about matters of state? So many capable people in the Imperial Medical Bureau haven't said a word, who gives you the right to interfere?"
"But Father..."
"But what?" Prime Minister Su roared, "Don't forget your place! It's already outrageous for the Prime Minister's daughter to show her face in public all day, and now she wants to interfere in court affairs?"
Just then, Madam Wang's voice came from outside the door: "Master, please calm down."
Although still under house arrest, Wang was clearly well-informed. She was dressed in plain clothes, without makeup, and looked quite haggard.
"Yue'er meant well," she said, feigning concern. "She's just young and doesn't know any better, and she doesn't think before she speaks."
Prime Minister Su sneered, "It's because you've spoiled her too much!"
"Your daughter knows she was wrong." Su Qingyue suppressed her anger, "But the epidemic is urgent, please, Father, put the people's well-being first..."
"How dare you say that!" Prime Minister Su's beard trembled with rage. "Guards! Escort the Third Miss back to her room. She is not to leave without my permission!"
Two old women entered in response and were about to take Su Qingyue away.
"Father!" Su Qingyue struggled, "You can't do this! Every moment of delay increases the danger!"
Madam Wang stepped forward and gently pressed her shoulder reassuringly: "Good child, listen to your father. Matters of state are not your concern."
The moment she approached, Su Qingyue caught a faint scent of medicine emanating from her sleeve—an ingredient from a prescription for preventing the epidemic. Wang was clearly taking the medicine she had prepared in secret, yet outwardly she was trying to obstruct her suggestion!
Back at Ningxiang Courtyard, Su Qingyue was trembling with anger. Qingdai hurriedly closed the courtyard gate: "Miss, what do we do now?"
Su Qingyue paced back and forth in the room, forcing herself to calm down. She recalled many cases she had seen in modern times where those in power, in order to maintain stability, often concealed the epidemic, resulting in even more serious consequences.
"We can't wait," she resolved. "We have to find a way to submit the proposal."
"But the master has already ordered a stay of confinement..."
Su Qingyue walked to the desk and rewrote the plan: "Qingdai, find an opportunity to leave the manor and deliver this to Zhou, the Imperial Physician."
"But... what if the master finds out..."
"We can't worry about that now." Su Qingyue's gaze was firm. "If Imperial Physician Zhou asks, just say it was my personal suggestion and has nothing to do with the Prime Minister's residence."
Qingdai had just left with the plan in her pocket when an announcement came from outside the courtyard: "The young lady has arrived."
Su Qingxue arrived gracefully with several maids. Today, she wore a veil and covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief when she spoke.
"Third sister, you truly care about the world," she said sarcastically. "I heard you're going to offer advice to the court again? Too bad Father won't appreciate it."
Su Qingyue was too lazy to argue with her: "If there's nothing else, sister, please go back. Patients come and go here; don't let your illness affect you."
"You!" Su Qingxue was speechless, then sneered, "Don't think you're so great just because you know a little medicine. Let me tell you, the heir of the Yongchang Marquis has already spoken to the Crown Prince, saying that your public appearances are damaging to the court's reputation. Just wait and see, you'll get what's coming to you!"
This confirmed Su Qingyue's guess. The Wang mother and daughter were indeed connected with the Crown Prince's faction, and the Crown Prince obviously did not want to see this "variable" continue to grow stronger.
"Thank you for the reminder, sister." Su Qingyue said calmly, "But sister, you should also be careful. I heard that some servants in the Yongchang Marquis's residence have also contracted the disease."
Su Qingxue's expression changed, and she subconsciously took two steps back: "You...you're exaggerating!"
"Whether it's alarmist or not, you'll soon find out, sister," Su Qingyue said meaningfully. "By the way, the sachet you wore today seems to have an incorrect ratio of herbs; I'm afraid it won't protect you from the epidemic."
Su Qingxue subconsciously touched the sachet at her waist, her expression turning even more unpleasant. She had indeed had a sachet prepared according to the prescription published by Su Qingyue, but she had omitted a few ingredients to save money.
"None of your business!" she snapped angrily and left with her entourage.
As evening fell, Qingdai hurriedly returned, her face looking very pale.
"Miss, Judge Zhou said... that your proposal is too radical, and he dares not submit it without authorization."
Su Qingyue's heart sank: "What did he say after reading the proposal?"
"He said the idea of disinfecting the water source was good, but the project was too large and would require the Ministry of Works' cooperation. The quarantine zone was even more...unheard of," Qingdai whispered. "He also said that Miss should behave herself and not cause any more trouble."
Even Judge Zhou didn't dare support her! Su Qingyue felt a wave of helplessness. In this era, it was so difficult to get anything substantial done.
"Miss, why don't we call it quits..." Qingdai said with heartache, looking at her exhausted appearance.
"It doesn't count," Su Qingyue shook her head. "If we give up now, more innocent people will die."
She walked to the window and gazed at the Prime Minister's residence in the twilight. The high walls and deep courtyards not only confined people, but also their thoughts and the possibility of progress.
"Since the right path is blocked, let's try another one."
Late at night, Su Qingyue changed into a simple dress and quietly went to the courtyard wall. She had already observed that there was a section of the wall that was low enough to climb over.
"Miss, it's too dangerous!" Qingdai stamped her feet anxiously, "What if the night patrol guards find us..."
"I can't worry about that now." Su Qingyue stuffed the completed proposal into her bosom. "I have to go see someone."
She nimbly scaled the wall and was about to jump down when she suddenly heard a soft laugh from outside:
"Where is the Third Miss planning to sneak out tonight?"
Su Qingyue was startled and almost fell off the wall. Upon closer inspection, she saw Pei Jin standing in the shadows beneath the wall, his moon-white robe gleaming faintly in the night.
"Imperial Preceptor? What are you doing here?"
"Just passing by." Pei Jin said casually, but reached out to help her down. "Judging from the way the Third Miss looks, it seems she's run into trouble?"
Su Qingyue hesitated for a moment before deciding to tell the truth. She briefly explained what had happened during the day and her proposed solution.
"...Therefore, I had no choice but to take the risk and try to find Prince Rui."
Pei Jin took the plan from her and examined it closely by the moonlight. The more he looked, the more serious his expression became.
"Water source disinfection...isolation zone..." he muttered to himself, "The Third Miss's ideas are indeed unprecedented, but upon closer examination, they make a lot of sense."
"Does the Imperial Advisor also think it's feasible?"
"Not only is it feasible, it's necessary." Pei Jin put away the plan. "However, you don't need to go see Prince Rui."
"Why?"
"Because I will personally present this proposal to His Majesty at tomorrow's morning court session," Pei Jin said, looking at her. "Of course, I will say it is the result of joint discussions within the Imperial Medical Bureau."
Su Qingyue was stunned: "Why would the Imperial Advisor help me?"
"I'm not helping you," Pei Jin said, his gaze deep and thoughtful. "I'm helping the people of Great Chu."
He paused, then added, "Moreover, this plan is truly ingenious. Especially the handling of the water source—even those old fogies in the Imperial Medical Bureau hadn't thought of that."
A warm feeling welled up in Su Qingyue's heart. In this unfamiliar era, it was truly rare to meet someone who understood and supported her.
"Thank you, Imperial Preceptor."
"No need to thank me," Pei Jin smiled. "Thank yourself for not giving up just because you encountered obstacles."
He looked up at the moonlight: "It's getting late, Miss, please return. We'll have news tomorrow."
Back at Ningxiang Courtyard, Su Qingyue didn't sleep a wink all night. She both looked forward to the outcome of the morning court session the next day and worried about being thwarted again.
The news finally arrived the following afternoon. The Emperor adopted the Imperial Medical Bureau's "suggestion," ordering the disinfection of all water sources in the city and the establishment of quarantine zones in various wards and markets. Although the Crown Prince's faction strongly opposed it, it was ultimately passed with the joint support of Pei Jin and Xiao Jue.
"Miss! It's a success!" Qingdai excitedly ran in to report, "The whole city is now following your plan for epidemic prevention!"
Su Qingyue, however, was not so optimistic. Although the plan had been approved, its implementation would inevitably face many difficulties. Moreover, she was well aware that the plan's approval was more due to the support of Pei Jin and Xiao Jue than to the plan's inherent value.
Sure enough, problems arose a few days later. Water disinfection progressed slowly, management of the quarantine area was chaotic, and the public was very resistant to the epidemic prevention measures.
"This can't go on," Su Qingyue said to Qingdai. "I must supervise it myself."
"But what about the master..."
"I can't worry about that anymore."
This time, Su Qingyue went directly to Prime Minister Su. To her surprise, Prime Minister Su's attitude softened considerably.
"Since His Majesty has already issued the decree, you may proceed." He waved his hand, "But remember, always follow the instructions of the Imperial Medical Bureau and do not act on your own."
Later, Su Qingyue learned that Pei Jin had spoken with Prime Minister Su privately. The specifics of their conversation remain unknown, but it was clearly effective.
With her father's tacit approval, Su Qingyue began to devote herself fully to the epidemic prevention work. She left early and returned late every day, inspecting various quarantine sites, guiding epidemic prevention measures, and adjusting the prescription ratios.
Thanks to her efforts, the epidemic finally began to be brought under control. The number of new cases gradually decreased, and most of the critically ill patients recovered.
That day, Su Qingyue was busy at the quarantine point in the West Market when she suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves. Xiao Jue arrived at full speed with a squad of personal guards and reined in his horse in front of her.
"Your Highness?"
Xiao Jue dismounted and handed her a wooden box: "Open it and take a look."
Su Qingyue opened the wooden box with a puzzled look. Inside was a set of exquisite silver needles and various surgical tools, which were much more refined than the ones she was currently using.
"This is..."
"This is a reward for you." Xiao Jue's tone remained indifferent. "The epidemic prevention measures you proposed were very effective."
Su Qingyue then realized that the North City defense zone, which Xiao Jue was in charge of, had implemented her plan most thoroughly and had the best epidemic control.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"No need to thank me." Xiao Jue mounted his horse. "Continue with what you need to do."
Watching his departing figure, Su Qingyue suddenly felt that this cold-faced prince might not be so heartless after all.
As the evening glow filled the sky, Su Qingyue dragged her weary body back to her residence, only to see Pei Jin's carriage outside the Prime Minister's mansion.
"The Imperial Advisor is waiting for you," the coachman said respectfully.
Su Qingyue boarded the carriage, and Pei Jin handed her a cup of hot tea: "Thank you for your hard work, Third Miss."
"The Imperial Advisor has worked so hard." Su Qingyue took the teacup. "I heard that you argued with the Crown Prince again in court today about epidemic prevention matters?"
"I'm used to it," Pei Jin smiled. "But Third Miss, your reputation in the capital has only grown stronger after this incident. Now everyone calls you 'Female Hua Tuo' (a legendary Chinese physician)."
Su Qingyue smiled wryly: "It's just an empty title. I only hope the pandemic ends soon."
"It'll be over soon." Pei Jin looked out the car window. "Your prescription is very effective, and the epidemic prevention measures are appropriate. The Imperial Hospital predicts that the epidemic will be completely under control in another half month."
This is indeed good news.
"However..." Pei Jin changed the subject, "Third Miss, you should also be prepared. This incident has officially brought you into the sights of various forces. The road ahead will likely be even more difficult."
Su Qingyue gripped the teacup in her hand tightly. Of course, she understood this principle.
But having chosen this path, she had no intention of turning back.
"Thank you for the reminder, Grand Preceptor." She raised her head, her gaze resolute. "But I believe that as long as we persist in doing the right thing, there will always be a way out."
Pei Jin looked at her appreciatively: "I hope Miss San will always keep this original aspiration."
The carriage stopped in front of the Prime Minister's residence. As Su Qingyue alighted, Pei Jin suddenly called out to her:
"Does Miss San know why Prince Rui went out of his way to deliver that set of tools to you today?"
Su Qingyue shook her head.
"Because he never easily approves of others," Pei Jin said meaningfully. "You've accomplished something that many imperial physicians couldn't."
Back at Ningxiang Courtyard, Su Qingyue looked at the exquisite set of silver needles, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
This pandemic has shown her the limitations of our time, but it has also shown her the possibility of change.
Although the road ahead is difficult, at least she has taken the first step.
This step will change the course of many people's lives.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
