Secretly communicating with the Imperial Preceptor
The epidemic was gradually brought under control under Su Qingyue's prevention and control plan, but the undercurrents in the court were becoming increasingly turbulent. One morning, Su Qingyue was organizing medical records in Ningxiang Courtyard when Qingdai rushed in, holding an unsigned letter.
"Miss, the doorman said someone slipped this under the door this morning."
Su Qingyue opened the letter, which contained only a few lines: "At three-quarters past noon, in the bamboo forest behind Ciyun Temple in the south of the city." The handwriting was elegant and graceful, and she recognized it as Pei Jin's at a glance.
"Prepare the car." Su Qingyue lit the letter on the candle flame. "I'm going to Ciyun Temple to offer incense."
Ciyun Temple was located in a secluded spot in the south of the city. It wasn't particularly popular with worshippers, but it was a good place for a private conversation. Su Qingyue asked Qingdai to wait inside the temple and went alone to the bamboo forest behind the mountain.
Pei Jin was indeed waiting in the stone pavilion deep in the bamboo forest. Today, he was dressed in the ordinary blue robe of a scholar, lacking some of the majesty he displayed in the court and exuding more of a scholarly air.
"Third Miss, you've arrived just in time." Pei Jin poured her a cup of tea. "This is bamboo leaf tea grown at the temple; it's refreshing and good for the eyes."
Su Qingyue accepted the teacup: "The Imperial Preceptor has summoned you; what important matter does he wish to discuss?"
Pei Jin took out a copy of a memorial from his sleeve: "Take a look at this."
Su Qingyue unfolded the document and saw that it was a memorial impeaching her from the Crown Prince's faction. It listed many of her "crimes": interfering in politics as a woman, spreading rumors, and associating with powerful figures... Every word was venomous.
"His Highness the Crown Prince seems to pay special attention to the Third Miss," Pei Jin said calmly. "This memorial was submitted to the Emperor yesterday, but it was suppressed."
Su Qingyue put down the memorial, a cold smile playing on her lips: "Looks like I'm really attracting attention."
"It's not just attracting attention," Pei Jin said seriously. "The Crown Prince has noticed your close relationship with Prince Rui. In his eyes, you've already chosen sides."
"I never intended to take sides."
"But others don't see it that way." Pei Jin pointed to a line on the memorial, "'Using the guise of epidemic prevention to form cliques'—that's no small charge."
Su Qingyue was silent for a moment: "The Imperial Advisor summoned me today not just to remind me, was it?"
"Smart." Pei Jin smiled. "I'd like to make a deal with you."
What transaction?
"I'll help you establish yourself in the Imperial Medical Academy; in return, you'll do me a favor."
Su Qingyue raised an eyebrow: "What does the Imperial Advisor need me to do?"
Pei Jin took out a yellowed medical book from his robes: "This is a handwritten note left by the Imperial Physician of the previous dynasty, recording treatments for many difficult and complicated diseases. Unfortunately, due to its age, many prescriptions are no longer effective. I hope you can help revise and improve it."
Su Qingyue took the medical book and began to read it, becoming increasingly alarmed. Many of the cases and treatments recorded within were beyond the comprehension of her time. Some even touched upon the realm of modern medicine.
"This book...is very unusual."
"Indeed," Pei Jin nodded. "The former Imperial Physician was an extraordinary man; it's said that some of his ideas were considered heretical at the time. But I believe many of his insights are quite valuable."
Su Qingyue closed the book: "Why did the Imperial Advisor choose me?"
"Because you, like the Imperial Physician, are not bound by worldly conventions," Pei Jin said, his gaze profound. "I can see that your medical philosophy differs from that of ordinary people. Perhaps only you can truly understand the value of this book."
This reason made it impossible for Su Qingyue to refuse. She was indeed very interested in this medical book.
"Okay, I promise you."
"A wise choice." Pei Jin took out another jade pendant. "This is your credentials as a special consultant to the Imperial Medical Academy. With it, you can freely enter and leave the Imperial Medical Academy and consult all its classic texts."
Su Qingyue took the jade pendant; it was warm and smooth to the touch, and the emblem of the Imperial Medical Bureau was engraved on it.
"Isn't the Imperial Advisor afraid that I'll use this to cultivate my own power?"
"If you truly possess such skill, I'll have to look at you with new respect," Pei Jin chuckled. "It's time someone taught those old fogies in the Imperial Medical Bureau a lesson."
As they left Ciyun Temple, the sun was already setting. Su Qingyue sat in the carriage, playing with the jade pendant, her mind filled with countless thoughts.
Pei Jin was far more complex than she had imagined. On the surface, he was gentle and refined, but in reality, he was shrewd and calculating. His support for her was clearly not just for the purpose of revising medical books.
"Miss, shall we go straight to the manor?" the coachman asked.
"No, go to the Imperial Medical Bureau."
Now that she has this stepping stone, she should make use of it as soon as possible.
The Imperial Medical Bureau was located in the southeast corner of the capital city, a large courtyard with three courtyards. After Su Qingyue showed the jade pendant, the guarding physician was clearly taken aback for a moment, but still respectfully let her in.
"This humble official, Zhou Ming, the head of the Imperial Medical Bureau, greets Consultant Su." A middle-aged physician approached, but his tone was not very enthusiastic.
"Zhou Dianyao," Su Qingyue nodded in greeting, "I would like to review the medical records from the previous dynasty."
Zhou Ming looked troubled: "This... all the medical records from the previous dynasty are stored in the Imperial Treasury, and only a warrant from the Chief Physician can be accessed."
"Really?" Su Qingyue produced the jade pendant. "The Imperial Advisor said that this allows one to consult all the ancient texts."
Zhou Ming's expression changed slightly upon seeing the jade pendant: "Since this is the Imperial Preceptor's intention... please follow me."
The Inner Treasury was the core of the Imperial Medical Bureau, housing medical books and case records from various dynasties. Su Qingyue was immediately captivated upon entering. It was truly a treasure trove of medicine, containing many classic texts that had been lost to later generations.
"What kind of medical records would Consultant Su like to review?" Zhou Ming asked.
"All cases related to the epidemic are required," Su Qingyue said, "especially those handled by the previous dynasty's Imperial Physician."
Zhou Ming quickly brought over several large boxes of medical records. Su Qingyue devoured them, and before she knew it, it was late at night.
"Miss, it's time to go back," Qingdai whispered, "The gates will be locked soon."
Su Qingyue then realized that it was already late. She borrowed several of the most important medical case studies, intending to take them back to her residence for research.
When Su Qingyue returned to the Prime Minister's residence, it was indeed past 7 PM. To her surprise, Prime Minister Su was waiting for her at the gate.
"Where have you been since you came back so late?" Prime Minister Su asked, his face showing displeasure.
"My daughter went to the Imperial Medical Academy to review medical records," Su Qingyue told her truthfully, "to improve the epidemic prevention plan."
Upon seeing the medical record in her hand and the jade pendant at her waist, Prime Minister Su's expression softened slightly: "Did the Imperial Advisor grant you this authority?"
"yes."
Prime Minister Su pondered for a moment: "Since the Imperial Advisor values you, then do your job well. But remember, don't meddle in court affairs."
"My daughter understands."
Back at Ningxiang Courtyard, Su Qingyue immediately began studying the borrowed medical records. The records of the former imperial physician were indeed extraordinary; many of the diagnostic approaches and treatment methods were remarkably forward-thinking.
"Miss, it's time to rest," Qingdai urged for the third time.
"Wait a little longer." Su Qingyue said without looking up, "This case is very interesting..."
She was looking at a record of a difficult and complicated case. The patient's symptoms were strange, and all the imperial physicians in the Imperial Hospital were at a loss. In the end, the Imperial Physician ordered a special acupuncture treatment to cure the patient.
This therapy... the more Su Qingyue looked at it, the more familiar it seemed. It was clearly some special needling technique from modern acupuncture!
Could it be that the former Imperial Physician was also...?
The thought made her heart race. If there were other time travelers in this era, or at least people with modern medical knowledge, her situation might be completely different.
The next day, Su Qingyue arrived at the Imperial Medical Bureau early again. This time, she went directly to Zhou Ming:
"Zhou Dianyao, may I ask where the former Imperial Physician went afterward? Did any of his writings survive?"
Zhou Ming thought for a moment: "The Imperial Physician's surname is Mo, and his given name is Qianqiu. After the fall of the previous dynasty, he went into seclusion, supposedly to Jiangnan. As for his writings... besides medical case studies, there seems to be a book called 'Mo's Medical Classic,' but it has been lost for many years."
Mo Qianqiu... Su Qingyue memorized the name. She had a hunch that this person might have some kind of connection to her.
During her stay at the Imperial Medical Academy, Su Qingyue not only reviewed medical records but also carefully observed its operations. She discovered that although it gathered the nation's top physicians, it was rife with factions and infighting. Many imperial physicians valued official positions and power more than the improvement of their medical skills.
"Zhou Dianyao, what kind of research does the Imperial Medical Bureau usually conduct?" she couldn't help but ask.
Zhou Ming smiled wryly: "Research? The main responsibility of the Imperial Medical Bureau is to serve the royal family and important officials in the court. Occasionally, they might encounter some difficult or complicated cases, but they all work independently, so there's hardly any proper research involved."
This answer greatly disappointed Su Qingyue. In her view, the Imperial Medical Bureau had completely wasted its resources and status.
That afternoon, she was organizing medical records when she suddenly heard a commotion outside.
"Quickly! Go and fetch the Imperial Physician! An urgent report has arrived from the Prince Rui's residence; the Prince has suddenly fallen ill!"
Su Qingyue was startled. Xiao Jue was ill?
She hurried out of the inner treasury and saw several imperial physicians discussing anxiously.
"The prince's symptoms are strange: fever, vomiting, and even convulsions..."
Is it an epidemic?
"It doesn't seem like an epidemic, it's more like... poisoning?"
Poisoning? Su Qingyue immediately stepped forward: "Can I go check on him?"
The imperial physicians all looked hesitant upon seeing her. Finally, Zhou Ming spoke up: "Since Consultant Su is here, why don't we go together?"
The Prince Rui's residence was heavily guarded. When Su Qingyue followed the imperial physicians to Xiao Jue's bedchamber, she saw him lying on the bed with a bluish-purple face and rapid breathing, which indeed looked like symptoms of poisoning.
"What did Your Highness eat today?" the judge asked.
The head steward of the Prince's residence answered tremblingly, "As usual, the poison has been tested..."
Su Qingyue stepped forward to take Xiao Jue's pulse. The pulse was erratic, sometimes fast and sometimes slow, which did indeed resemble poisoning, but there were some differences.
"It's not poisoning," she suddenly said. "It's an allergic reaction."
"Allergy?" The imperial physicians looked at each other, clearly having never heard of this term before.
"It's just... I have a special constitution and am intolerant to certain things," Su Qingyue explained. "Has Your Highness come into contact with anything unusual today?"
The steward thought for a moment and said, "His Highness went to the horse farm today and felt unwell after returning..."
A horse ranch? Su Qingyue's heart skipped a beat: "Has Your Highness been bitten by any insects or ants?"
"It feels like...it feels like I was stung by a bee..."
Sure enough! Su Qingyue immediately took out silver needles and inserted them into several of Xiao Jue's acupoints. Then she wrote out a prescription: "Go get the medicine quickly!"
The imperial physicians were skeptical, but seeing Xiao Jue's critical condition, they had no choice but to comply.
After the medicine was prepared, Su Qingyue personally fed it to Xiao Jue. In less than half an hour, his symptoms began to ease, and his complexion gradually returned to normal.
"Consultant Su is truly a miracle doctor!" the judge exclaimed sincerely. "I've never seen such a case of 'allergy' in all my decades of medical practice."
Su Qingyue humbly replied, "It was merely by chance that I recognized this ailment."
At this moment, Xiao Jue slowly woke up. Seeing Su Qingyue by the bedside, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
"Did you save me?"
"Your Highness is blessed with boundless good fortune."
Xiao Jue sat up, his sharp gaze sweeping over the assembled imperial physicians: "You may all leave."
After everyone had left, he turned to Su Qingyue and said, "You've helped me again."
"The duty of a doctor."
"No need for modesty," Xiao Jue said calmly. "I have always been fair in my rewards and punishments. Tell me, what reward do you desire?"
Su Qingyue thought for a moment and said, "If Your Highness truly wishes to reward me, please support the reform of the Imperial Medical Academy."
"reform?"
"Yes." Su Qingyue recounted her observations and thoughts over the past few days. "The Imperial Medical Academy gathers renowned doctors from across the land and should be at the forefront of medical research. But now it has degenerated into a private clinic for the powerful and wealthy, which is truly a pity."
Xiao Jue asked thoughtfully, "How do you want to change it?"
"Establish a research department to specialize in studying difficult and complex diseases. Compile medical records, write medical books, and train future generations..." Su Qingyue became more and more excited as she spoke, "If this can be done, it will surely benefit the people of the world."
Xiao Jue stared at her for a moment: "Do you know how many people's interests will be affected by doing this?"
"I know." Su Qingyue looked up and met his gaze. "But some things just have to be done."
Xiao Jue suddenly laughed: "Alright, I support you."
This answer surprised Su Qingyue greatly. She had thought it would take a lot of persuasion to convince him.
"Why, Your Highness..."
"Because you're right." Xiao Jue's gaze was profound. "The medical practices of the Great Chu indeed need reform."
Leaving Prince Rui's residence, Su Qingyue felt conflicted. She hadn't expected Xiao Jue to support her idea so readily. This cold-faced prince seemed more reasonable than she had imagined.
Upon returning to the Imperial Medical Academy, she immediately began working on reform plans. With Xiao Jue's support, many of the imperial physicians who had initially opposed her dared not openly obstruct her.
A few days later, when Su Qingyue handed the reform plan she had written to Pei Jin, he smiled with appreciation.
"I knew I hadn't misjudged him," he said. "But be careful, reforms will inevitably face opposition."
"I'm ready," Su Qingyue said firmly.
As Su Qingyue emerged from the Imperial Medical Bureau, the sun was setting. Gazing at the evening glow on the horizon, her heart was filled with hope.
Although the road ahead is still difficult, at least she has found like-minded partners and seen the possibility of change.
This era may indeed be different because of her arrival.
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