Life-saving treatment
Just as the epidemic in the south of the city was showing signs of improvement, the Imperial Medical Bureau suddenly sent an urgent message—a cluster infection had broken out at the Ciji Hospital in the north of the city. The hospital mainly housed elderly people living alone, who were often frail and vulnerable, making the outbreak exceptionally dangerous.
"Seventeen people have already died at Tzu Chi Hospital," said Director Zhou, his face grave. "Most of the remaining fifty-odd people have also contracted the disease, and their condition is critical."
Su Qingyue immediately packed her medicine kit: "I'll go right now."
"Third Miss, the situation at the Tzu Chi Hospital is special..." Doctor Zhang hesitated, then continued, "Many elderly people there have difficulty moving around, making treatment very difficult."
"That's precisely why professional medical support is needed."
The Tzu Chi Hospital was located in a secluded spot in the north of the city; it was a dilapidated compound. As Su Qingyue approached, she was immediately struck by a strong stench of decay. The gate was tightly shut, and intermittent groans could be heard coming from inside.
"Open the door! People from the Imperial Medical Bureau have arrived!" shouted the accompanying soldiers.
An elderly servant with a terrified expression opened the door: "My lord, help! The courtyard... the courtyard is almost a graveyard..."
The scene inside the compound was shocking. The elderly were lying or sitting, crammed onto makeshift communal beds. Many were already delirious, and there was vomit on the floor that had not been cleaned up.
"Why wasn't it sent to the Imperial Medical Academy?" Su Qingyue questioned the official in charge.
"We can't get it over there!" the official cried, his face contorted with despair. "The carriage companies won't come to pick it up, saying they're afraid of infection..."
Su Qingyue immediately began her inspection. Most of the elderly people here suffered from underlying medical conditions, and their illnesses were particularly severe after contracting the virus. Worse still, due to a lack of basic care, many developed serious complications.
"Immediately isolate the affected areas by designated zones," she ordered. "Severely ill patients will be concentrated in the east wing, and those with mild symptoms in the west wing. Those without symptoms will be temporarily housed in the backyard."
"But...we don't have enough manpower..."
"I'll think of a way."
Su Qingyue asked the accompanying soldiers to help transfer the patients, while she began to treat the most critically ill elderly people.
An old man lay in the corner, breathing weakly, his face bluish-purple. Su Qingyue's heart sank after examining him—he had developed acute pneumonia, and his lungs were severely infected.
"I need to take the medicine immediately, but..." She checked the medicine box and found that there were very few medicines left to treat pneumonia.
Then, an unexpected person appeared.
"What medicinal herbs do you need? I will send someone to fetch them."
Xiao Jue was standing at the doorway at some point, followed by a group of personal guards.
"Your Highness? What's wrong...?"
"Inspect the defenses." Xiao Jue surveyed the courtyard. "The situation here is worse than we imagined."
With Xiao Jue's support, medicines and supplies were quickly delivered. Su Qingyue immediately began to do her best to treat the patient.
The old man was in the most critical condition. Su Qingyue used acupuncture combined with medication, staying by his side all night, and finally pulled him back from the brink of death.
"Thank you...thank you..." the old man said weakly after regaining consciousness.
"Old man, please rest well." Su Qingyue tucked him in. "You'll get better soon."
However, not everyone was so lucky. The next morning, an elderly woman also succumbed to her illness. Before she passed away, she held Su Qingyue's hand and murmured, "I want...I want a bowl of hot porridge..."
Su Qingyue was deeply saddened. These elderly people needed not only medicine, but also care and dignity.
She immediately set about improving the conditions at the Tzu Chi Home. She had hot porridge prepared, clean bedding changed, and volunteers organized to talk to the conscious elderly residents.
"Miss, this old man refuses to take his medicine," Qingdai reported anxiously.
Su Qingyue walked over and saw an old man with white hair closing his eyes and shaking his head, refusing to take the medicine.
"Grandpa, you need to take your medicine to get better."
The old man opened his eyes, his expression indifferent: "I've lived for over seventy years, that's enough. Leave the medicine for the younger generation."
Su Qingyue sat down beside his bed: "I heard you used to be a carpenter?"
The old man was taken aback: "How did you know?"
"Look at your hands," Su Qingyue smiled. "They're covered in calluses, but your fingers are nimble; they're hands from years of doing fine work."
A glint of light flashed in the old man's eyes: "I worked in the palace when I was young..."
"Then you must live well." Su Qingyue handed over the medicine bowl. "The skills and crafts in the palace still need experienced masters like you to pass them down."
These words touched the old man. He took the medicine bowl and drank it all in one gulp.
This incident made Su Qingyue realize that treatment involves not only healing the body, but also healing the mind.
She began recording the situation and needs of each elderly person, trying her best to show them care and respect. Some elderly people missed home, so she sent someone to notify their relatives; some elderly people had unfulfilled wishes, so she tried her best to help them fulfill them.
These actions inspired the volunteers. They no longer simply carried out tasks mechanically, but genuinely cared about these elderly people.
However, the epidemic remained severe. Late that night, Su Qingyue was preparing medicine when she suddenly heard a series of rapid coughs coming from the east wing. She rushed over and found that three critically ill elderly people were simultaneously experiencing difficulty breathing.
"It's acute respiratory failure!" Su Qingyue immediately organized a rescue.
But the situation was more complicated than expected. All three elderly patients had underlying medical conditions, requiring extra caution in their medication use. Adding to the problem, the medication for treating respiratory failure had run out.
"The medicine from the Imperial Medical Academy won't arrive until tomorrow," Qingdai said anxiously.
"I can't wait any longer." Su Qingyue made a quick decision, "Let's try acupuncture combined with other medicinal herbs."
She adopted a risky treatment approach—improving respiratory function by stimulating specific acupoints. She had only seen this therapy in medical books and had never used it in practice before.
"Miss, this is too dangerous..." Physician Zhang advised, "What if something happens..."
"There's no 'what if'," Su Qingyue said firmly. "I have to try."
She precisely applied acupuncture to the three elderly people, carefully considering each acupoint. Sweat soaked her clothes, but her technique remained steady.
An hour later, a miracle occurred. The three elderly people's breathing gradually stabilized, and their complexions began to improve.
"We succeeded!" Qingdai cried tears of joy.
Su Qingyue was exhausted to the point of collapse, but seeing the elderly people out of danger made it all worthwhile.
The news spread quickly. When the imperial physicians heard about it, they all looked at Su Qingyue with new respect.
"The Third Miss's medical skills are truly extraordinary," Judge Zhou exclaimed sincerely.
However, the challenges continued. A few days later, a new problem arose at the Tzu Chi Hospital—many of the recovered elderly developed aftereffects, were physically weak, and required long-term care.
"This can't go on," Su Qingyue said to Xiao Jue. "The elderly need a better rehabilitation environment."
What suggestions do you have?
"Establish a dedicated rehabilitation camp outside the city. The air there is fresh, the environment is quiet, and it's suitable for the elderly to recuperate."
Xiao Jue immediately supported the suggestion. With Pei Jin's assistance, the rehabilitation camp was quickly established. Su Qingyue personally designed the rehabilitation program, which included medicinal diet therapy, moderate exercise, and mental health care.
After being transferred to the rehabilitation camp, the elderly recovered much faster. Many not only saw improvements in their physical health but also in their mental well-being.
"Dr. Su, this is a wood carving I made." The old carpenter presented Su Qingyue with an exquisite wood carving. "It's a small token of my appreciation; please accept it."
The wood carving depicts Su Qingyue examining an elderly person, and it is remarkably lifelike.
"Thank you." Su Qingyue accepted the gift with gratitude. "This is more precious than any reward."
At the rehabilitation camp, Su Qingyue also implemented an innovative therapy—allowing rehabilitated elderly people to help care for other patients.
"This not only makes the elderly feel valued, but also reduces the workload of medical staff."
This approach has proven remarkably effective. The elderly have found meaning in life by helping others, and their motivation for rehabilitation has greatly increased.
A month later, the outbreak at Tzu Chi Hospital was completely under control. Of the more than fifty elderly residents, only three unfortunately passed away, a number that was nothing short of miraculous during the pandemic at the time.
On the day they left the rehabilitation camp, the elderly spontaneously organized a simple farewell ceremony.
"Dr. Su, you are our savior."
May the Bodhisattva bless you with a long and healthy life.
Seeing these elderly people who have been given a new lease on life, Su Qingyue deeply understood the value of a doctor. It's not just about treating illnesses and saving lives, but also about giving hope and dignity.
On the carriage back to the city, Xiao Jue unusually took the initiative to speak:
"You did a great job."
"It's the result of everyone's joint efforts."
"No need to be modest," Xiao Jue said, looking at her. "I've seen countless healers, but someone like you is the first I've ever met."
These words surprised Su Qingyue. She had never heard Xiao Jue praise her so directly.
"Your Highness flatters me."
"It's not an overstatement," Xiao Jue said, his gaze deep. "You've shown me another possibility for healers."
These words stirred something within Su Qingyue. She suddenly realized that her mission in this era might not only be to heal the sick and save lives, but also to change people's understanding of medicine.
Back at the Imperial Medical Bureau, Pei Jin was already waiting. He handed Su Qingyue a memorial:
"Take a look."
The memorial contained the emperor's commendation for the anti-epidemic work. Su Qingyue was specially awarded the plaque "Skillful Hands and Benevolent Heart" and was also granted permission to establish a special research department in the Imperial Medical Bureau.
"This is what you deserve," Pei Jin smiled. "Many of the therapies you pioneered will benefit even more people."
Su Qingyue stroked the gleaming golden plaque, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
From a mistress of a concubine who suffered constant bullying in the Prime Minister's household to a renowned physician now praised by the Emperor, her journey has been far from easy. But more importantly, she has found her place and value in this era.
As night fell, Su Qingyue stood alone on a high point in the Imperial Medical Bureau, gazing at the myriad lights of the capital.
The pandemic is not completely over yet, but she knows that the darkest moment is over. And she has grown into a better doctor through this ordeal.
There may be more challenges ahead, but she is ready.
Because this is the path she chose, and this is the mission she has come to this era for.
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