Golden Palace Receipt
As dawn broke, a troop of palace guards escorted the imperial palanquin to a stop before the Prime Minister's residence. The head eunuch, holding a bright yellow imperial edict, spoke through the vermilion gates:
"His Majesty has decreed that Su Qingyue be summoned to the palace immediately!"
Inside Ningxiang Courtyard, Qingdai busily adjusted Su Qingyue's court attire. This was a fifth-rank medical official's uniform specially made by the Imperial Household Department, featuring a scarlet silk skirt paired with a dark blue half-sleeved garment, retaining both the feminine grace of women's clothing and the solemnity of official attire.
"Miss, are you really going to accept this official position?" Qingdai asked softly, "That day in court you weren't..."
"Times have changed." Su Qingyue straightened her clothes in front of the mirror. "His Majesty has issued this decree for the third time; to refuse again would be ungrateful."
She recalled what Pei Jin had said during his special visit yesterday: "His Majesty is paving the way for you. With an official position, your medical reform plans can be implemented legitimately."
The palanquin passed through the streets in the early morning, drawing long lines of onlookers. Some recognized it and excitedly shouted, "Dr. Su! It's Dr. Su!"
The sounds rose and fell, gradually merging into one. Su Qingyue gently lifted the sedan curtain and saw the people kneeling on both sides of the road, and an indescribable feeling welled up in her heart.
Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, civil and military officials stood solemnly. When Su Qingyue entered the hall, all eyes were focused on the woman dressed in a scarlet official robe.
"Your Majesty, Su Qingyue, goes to see your Majesty."
The Emperor was in a particularly good mood today and gestured for her to rise: "Minister Su, please rise. I summoned you here today to meet a few people."
The beaded curtain on the side of the hall was lifted, and three elderly men emerged. The one in the lead was none other than Grand Tutor Yang, and the other two were...
"This is Chief Physician Chen, from a family of imperial physicians, and this is Physician Sun, a descendant of the Medicine King Valley," the Emperor introduced. "All three are leading figures in the medical field, and they jointly submitted a petition recommending you to head the Imperial Medical Academy."
Su Qingyue was shocked. Any one of these three individuals held a pivotal position in the medical field, yet they all vouched for her!
Imperial Physician Chen spoke first: "In my fifty years of medical practice, I have never seen anyone as knowledgeable in medicine as Doctor Su. The many insights in the epidemic prevention and control manual have truly enlightened me."
The renowned physician, Dr. Sun, stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "What's even more commendable is his benevolence and skill. Establishing a free clinic and selling his rewards to purchase medicinal herbs—such magnanimity should be a model for all physicians."
Grand Tutor Yang concluded, "My life was saved by Physician Su. With her medical skills and ethics, she is more than qualified to head the Imperial Medical Bureau."
The officials from the Crown Prince's faction looked grim, but none dared to voice their opposition. The weight of these three elders was enough to silence any dissent.
The Emperor nodded in satisfaction: "Since all three of you have said so... Su Qingyue, listen to my decree!"
The eunuch unfolded the imperial edict and read it aloud:
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Su Qingyue of the Prime Minister's residence possesses superb medical skills and a benevolent heart for the world... She is hereby appointed as the Vice Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, with the rank of a fourth-grade official, in charge of medical reform... She is granted a gold plaque and is permitted to enter the palace to report on matters at any time... This is the imperial decree!"
A fourth-rank deputy head of the Imperial Medical Academy! This appointment caused an uproar throughout the hall. It should be noted that even the head of the Imperial Medical Academy was only a third-rank official, while the deputy head was usually a fourth-rank official. This was an exceptional promotion by the emperor!
What's even more shocking is the clause about "being in charge of medical administration reform." This means that Su Qingyue has gained the power to change the Imperial Medical Academy and even the entire medical system of the Great Chu.
"Your subject...accepts the decree and expresses gratitude." Su Qingyue suppressed the turmoil in her heart and calmly accepted the decree.
After the court session, she was surrounded by several colleagues from the Imperial Medical Bureau outside the palace gate.
"This humble official congratulates Imperial Physician Su!" Imperial Physician Zhou led the way in bowing, his attitude much more respectful than usual.
"Lord Zhou, there's no need for such formalities," Su Qingyue said, offering a helping hand. "I will be relying on my colleagues in the future."
"That's for sure," Judge Zhou said with a smile. "I have benefited greatly from reading Governor Su's medical reform plan, especially the proposal to establish a medical school..."
At this moment, Xiao Jue and Pei Jin walked in side by side. The simultaneous appearance of the two powerful ministers caused the surrounding officials to make way.
"Congratulations." Xiao Jue said succinctly, handing over a wooden box. "These are some medical records compiled by a border medic; they might be useful to you."
Pei Jin then presented a roll of blueprints: "These are the draft plans for the expansion of the Imperial Medical Bureau. Take a look and see if there's anything that needs improvement."
Su Qingyue accepted the two gifts, understanding the situation perfectly. These two were demonstrating their support through their actions, setting an example for those still observing.
Sure enough, the officials who had been hesitant immediately stepped forward to offer their congratulations.
On the way back to the manor, Su Qingyue's sedan chair was once again surrounded by the people. This time, however, many doctors were also mixed in with the crowd.
"Professor Su! I am a physician at Baohetang Clinic, and I am willing to serve the cause of medical reform!"
"My family has acupuncture skills passed down through generations, which I wish to offer to the Imperial Medical Academy!"
Qingdai whispered inside the sedan chair, "Miss, these people..."
"Write down the names," Su Qingyue said calmly. "The Imperial Medical Bureau is in dire need of personnel."
When the sedan chair arrived at the free clinic, Su Qingyue specifically asked it to stop. To her surprise, Su Qingxue was inside teaching several children to read.
"elder sister?"
Su Qingxue looked up, slightly flustered: "I...I came to see if there was anything I could help with."
The children excitedly gathered around: "Mr. Su taught us to read! He even told us stories!"
Seeing the rare gentleness on Su Qingxue's face, Su Qingyue suddenly realized that this usually spoiled eldest sister might also be searching for her own value.
"The free clinic is in need of a manager," Su Qingyue said with a smile. "If you don't mind the extra work, sister..."
Su Qingxue was stunned, a complex expression flashing in her eyes, before finally nodding gently: "Okay."
This change surprised Su Qingyue, but it also gave her a glimmer of hope.
At dinner time, Prime Minister Su specially instructed the kitchen to prepare a sumptuous family feast. Even more surprisingly, Madam Wang took the initiative to serve food to Su Qingyue.
"Yue'er is now an official of the imperial court, so she should take good care of her health." Madam Wang's tone was gentle, a stark contrast to her previous harshness.
Su Qingyue sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm: "Thank you for your concern, Mother."
She knew that all these changes stemmed from the power she held. A fourth-rank official might not be considered very high, but the authority to "oversee medical and administrative reforms" presented many with an opportunity.
Sure enough, in the following days, officials came to visit in droves. Some recommended their sons or nephews for positions in the Imperial Medical Academy, some wanted to cooperate in opening a pharmacy, and some even came to arrange marriages.
"The son of Minister Li, at such a young age, has already passed the imperial examination..."
"General Zhao's grandson has just distinguished himself in the military..."
Su Qingyue politely declined all offers. Her entire focus was on healthcare reform; she had no time to consider such matters.
That day, while she was reviewing medical records sent from various regions at the Imperial Medical Academy, Chief Physician Zhou rushed in to report:
"Academician Su, something's happened! The Imperial Medical Academy... refuses to cooperate with the reforms."
The Imperial Medical Academy was the sole institution responsible for the medical care of the royal family, and it had always been separate from the Imperial Medical Bureau. Now that Su Qingyue wanted to promote medical reform, it naturally affected their interests.
"Take me to the Imperial Hospital."
Inside the Imperial Medical Academy, several elderly physicians were leisurely sipping tea. Upon seeing Su Qingyue enter, they merely nodded slightly, their attitude haughty.
"What brings you here, Imperial Physician Su?" asked the head physician, Zhang, slowly.
"Let's look at the medical records from the Imperial Medical Academy," Su Qingyue said bluntly. "According to the new regulations, medical records from all regions must be filed uniformly."
Physician Zhang scoffed, "The medical records of the Imperial Medical Academy involve the privacy of the royal family; how could outsiders possibly see them?"
"Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the emperor. The Imperial Medical Bureau and the Imperial Hospital both serve His Majesty." Su Qingyue's tone turned cold. "Or is it that the Imperial Hospital has some shady records?"
These words struck a nerve. Physician Zhang abruptly stood up: "You!"
"Furthermore," Su Qingyue glanced around at everyone, "the Imperial Medical Academy's cure rate in recent years seems less than ideal? What if His Majesty asks..."
These words caused all the imperial physicians' expressions to change. The Imperial Hospital had indeed had several medical malpractice incidents, all of which had been suppressed.
"What does Imperial Physician Su want?" Physician Zhang asked through gritted teeth.
"It's very simple." Su Qingyue took out the pre-prepared regulations. "The Imperial Medical Academy will be merged into the Imperial Medical Bureau for unified management, and the positions and salaries of all imperial physicians will remain unchanged. However, all medical records must be made public, and medication use will be subject to supervision."
This condition left the imperial physicians looking at each other in bewilderment. Although they had lost their privileges, at least they had kept their positions.
What if we disagree?
"Then I request that you all retire and return to your hometowns," Su Qingyue said without backing down. "The Imperial Medical Academy has plenty of talented replacements."
Ultimately, under Su Qingyue's strong pressure, the Imperial Medical Academy had no choice but to accept the reform.
The news caused a stir throughout the court and the public. No one had expected this young woman to act so decisively.
Upon hearing this, Pei Jin made a special trip to the Imperial Medical Bureau to visit him.
"By doing this, you'll offend a lot of people."
"Reform always touches on vested interests," Su Qingyue said dismissively. "Besides, I have His Majesty's support."
"Not just His Majesty." Xiao Jue's voice came from outside the door. He was wearing court robes today, so he had obviously come here right after court.
"The Ministry of War has passed a resolution that your plan will be fully adopted by the border army's medical system."
This support came at just the right time. With the military's endorsement, those who still wanted to oppose it had to think twice.
A month later, the reforms of the Imperial Medical Academy began to show results. Medical records from various regions began to be archived in a unified manner, and the establishment of a medical college was also underway. What pleased Su Qingyue even more was that many folk doctors took the initiative to come and exchange medical techniques.
That day, while she was organizing the manuscripts of the former imperial physician, she suddenly discovered an astonishing secret—hidden within a page of the manuscript was a detailed anatomical diagram of the human body, with a line of small print beside it:
"The path of medicine knows no boundaries, and truth endures forever. I hope those who come after me will complete the work I left unfinished."
As Su Qingyue stroked the characters, she suddenly realized that this former imperial physician was likely an existence beyond this era, just like her.
"Miss!" Qingdai ran in excitedly, "A difficult case came to the free clinic today, and several doctors were at a loss..."
Su Qingyue put away the manuscript and picked up the medicine box: "Let's go."
No matter how many challenges lie ahead, she is ready. Because this era needs her, and those who need her give her the courage and strength to keep moving forward.
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