Several palace maids looked up in disbelief, so surprised that they even forgot their manners and stared directly at the emperor's face.
Is this a punishment?
This doesn't really count as a punishment, does it?
Gu Jiangli noticed their astonished faces and reminded them, "Why don't you hurry up and express your gratitude before the Emperor changes his mind?"
The palace maids then realized what was happening and repeatedly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for sparing our lives! Thank you, Your Majesty, for sparing our lives!"
The palace maids were led away by several eunuchs.
The ministers in the hall were also surprised by the emperor's good temper today.
This crime of deceiving the emperor was so easily overlooked.
At this moment, the emperor sighed deeply, "Imperial Physician Zhang."
Physician Zhang immediately knelt upright, and said with great fear, "Your subject is here."
"There's no need for further excuses. Anyone with eyes can see that the Imperial Hospital lost this gamble completely."
"Your Majesty...we, your subjects..."
"I will not interfere with how the bet is carried out; that is a matter between you and the Xie family. However, I still have to deal with the crimes committed."
Doctor Zhang broke out in a cold sweat and dared not utter a word.
"The Imperial Medical Academy has committed the unforgivable crime of deceiving its superiors and concealing the truth. Zhang Wei is of questionable character and incompetent to serve as the head of the Imperial Medical Academy. Therefore, he is removed from his position as head of the Imperial Medical Academy."
"Xu Youde, Li Shicheng, and Meng Qiliang are of impure mind and improper conduct. They are hereby removed from their positions as imperial physicians and will never be employed again."
"These people are to be expelled from the palace immediately, and are hereby forbidden from practicing medicine outside the palace under the name of imperial physicians."
"The rest of the Imperial Medical Academy members who conspired to deceive and failed to report the facts are also guilty of a serious crime. Each of them will be fined half a year's salary and will be barred from promotion for five years."
"Any objections to this punishment?"
Physician Zhang shook his head and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty! It would be one thing if this old minister were to be banished from the palace, but Physician Xu, Physician Li, and others are all outstanding physicians in the Imperial Medical Academy. If we are all banished from the palace, who will be in charge of the entire Imperial Medical Academy? Who will be responsible for the health of you, the Empress Dowager, and the concubines, Your Majesty?!"
The emperor glanced at him coldly, then looked at Liu Kang.
"Doctor Liu, would you... be willing to return to the Imperial Medical Academy? I can directly offer you the position of Director of the Imperial Medical Academy. With your abilities, you are capable of undertaking this important task."
Liu Kang didn't rush to express his opinion, but instead glanced at Gu Jiangli and Xie Shiyan.
Only after seeing the encouraging look in Gu Jiangli's eyes did he speak:
"Your Majesty, the Imperial Medical Academy is currently without a head. It would be acceptable for me to temporarily serve as its director, but I cannot stay in the Imperial Medical Academy indefinitely."
Upon hearing this, the emperor felt much relieved. "Of course, you can train your own disciples in the Imperial Hospital. Once someone is ready to inherit your mantle, you can leave. I will not stop you."
Upon hearing this, Liu Kang quickly replied:
"Your Majesty, I have one more condition."
"Speak frankly, my dear minister."
"Actually, the best cure for this plague was devised by my last disciple. I dare not take credit for it. If I were to become the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, could I bring my disciple with me to the palace?"
The emperor's face turned extremely surprised. "What? The prescription for treating the plague was devised by your apprentice?"
"My dear minister, you have truly taught your disciple well."
"Very well, I grant your request. Who is your beloved disciple? With such talent, bring him into the palace as well. I can appoint him as a judge in the academy."
Only then did Liu Kang respectfully kneel down and solemnly say:
"Thank you, Your Majesty. My disciple is Xie Wen'an, the only son of General Xie and his wife."
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