Chapter 275 Disrupting the Rules of the Imperial Medical Academy
"Clinical practice? I think you've been misled by that folk healer Ye Wanning!" Liu Yuan sneered, his gaze sweeping over the assembled physicians. "Everyone knows that Physician Qin and Ye Wanning are close friends, and they've even been researching some kind of Western Region spice therapy together. I think you're all trying to join forces to abolish ancestral rules and disrupt the Imperial Medical Academy's regulations!"
Qin Yue was so angry that his face turned pale: "Judge Liu, don't you dare to make false accusations! Doctor Ye and I were just discussing medical techniques together. Our research on Western Region spice therapy was also for the purpose of better treating and saving lives. How did that become violating ancestral rules?"
"Whether she's slandering you or not, you know it in your heart!" Liu Yuan said disdainfully. "What medical skills does a folk female doctor know? I think she just wants to climb up the ranks by relying on you and riding on the fame of the Imperial Medical Academy!"
The two men refused to back down, and the other medical officers also split into two factions, arguing fiercely. The meeting ultimately devolved into a quarrel, and no resolution was reached.
This matter quickly reached the imperial court. That afternoon, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy went to the palace to report to the emperor on the progress of the revision of the National Medical Classic, and also recounted the arguments that had taken place at the council meeting.
Pei Zhi was handling affairs in the court when he overheard the conversation, and couldn't help but frown slightly.
The emperor grew impatient upon hearing this: "The revision of the National Medical Classic is a major event, why are you all arguing about it? Whether the Western Regions spice therapy works or not depends on whether it can cure diseases and save lives, not on personal preferences!"
“Your Majesty is right.” Pei Zhi stepped forward and said in a deep voice, “In my opinion, medicine is based on saving lives, regardless of whether it is Chinese or foreign. If a certain treatment is indeed effective and can benefit the people, it should be included in the national medical classic. The Qin physicians’ courage to try new treatments should not be criticized.”
As soon as Pei Zhi finished speaking, the court fell silent. He was the current prime minister, a man of great influence, and the emperor usually considered his opinions.
The emperor agreed with his reasoning and nodded, saying, "Prime Minister Pei is right. In that case, let Physician Qin conduct more case studies on the use of spices to treat illnesses. If they prove effective, they will be included in the revised version of the National Medical Classic."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The head of the Imperial Medical Academy acknowledged the order and withdrew.
After the court proceedings concluded, Pei Zhi returned to the Prime Minister's residence. Li Dequan told him the news he had heard from the Imperial Hospital: "Prime Minister, Chief Physician Liu specifically mentioned you in court, saying that you had bewitched Physician Qin and conspired with him to undermine ancestral rules."
Pei Zhi's face darkened: "Liu Yuan is really going too far. Go tell Doctor Ye to be careful, Liu Yuan might cause her more trouble."
"This servant understands."
At this moment, inside the Heritage Hall, Ye Wanning learned about the events in the imperial court from a junior physician from the Imperial Hospital who came to see her.
The junior physician, a student of Qin Yue, showed great respect for Ye Wanning: "Doctor Ye, Imperial Physician Liu went too far! He not only opposed Teacher Qin's proposal, but also specifically mentioned you, saying that you and Teacher Qin joined forces to undermine ancestral rules. Fortunately, Prime Minister Pei pleaded for Teacher Qin in court, and the Emperor also agreed to let Teacher Qin continue his research."
Ye Wanning's heart tightened suddenly. She hadn't expected that she would implicate Qin Yue and even cause Pei Zhi to speak up for Qin Yue in court—Pei Zhi had already been impeached once by his political enemies because of her.
She would feel really guilty if something happened to her again.
"Thank you for telling me all this," Ye Wanning said to the young physician. "You can go back now. I know what to do."
After the young physician left, Ye Wanning immediately packed her things and said to Su Ning, "Su Ning, I'm going to the Imperial Hospital to find Brother Qin."
"Young lady, what do you want with Physician Qin?" Su Ning asked worriedly. "President Liu is targeting you right now. Won't it be dangerous for you to go to the Imperial Hospital?"
"It's alright." Ye Wanning waved her hand. "I just wanted to discuss with Brother Qin whether we should put the Western Regions spice therapy aside for now. I can't let Brother Qin and Lord Pei be implicated because of me."
After saying that, she hurriedly left the Heritage Hall and rushed to the Imperial Hospital.
Upon arriving at the Imperial Medical Academy, Ye Wanning went straight to Qin Yue. Qin Yue was organizing materials on Western Region spice therapy when he saw her enter, and was surprised: "Wanning, what brings you here?"
“Brother Qin, I have something to tell you.” Ye Wanning walked in and closed the door. “I heard about what happened in the council hall. Liu Yuan targeted you because of the proposal on the Western Regions spice therapy, and he also mentioned me.”
Qin Yue put down the documents in his hand and frowned: "So what if he is? He just doesn't approve of us trying new medical techniques. Don't worry, His Majesty has already agreed to let me continue my research."
“But I’m still worried that it will implicate you and Lord Pei.” Ye Wanning said urgently, “Lord Pei has already been impeached by his political enemies once because of me. If he gets implicated again because of the Western Regions spice therapy, I will feel really bad. Brother Qin, I think we should put it aside for now and bring it up again when the time is right.”
Qin Yue was stunned: "Wan Ning, how could you think like that? We're researching Western Region spice therapy to treat and save lives, not for anything else. Just because of a few difficult words from Liu Yuan, are we going to give up?"
"I'm not saying we should give up, but I feel the timing isn't right," Ye Wanning said. "Liu Yuan has taken this to the imperial court and even implicated Lord Pei. Putting it aside for now is to protect ourselves and our research. Wouldn't it be better to continue once Liu Yuan stops harassing us and the rumors in court have subsided?"
“No.” Qin Yue shook his head firmly. “I can’t back down because of this. Wan Ning, you have to understand that if we back down, Liu Yuan will only become more aggressive. Besides, the Western Regions spice therapy can really save many patients. We can’t abandon those who need treatment just because of our own safety.”
"But I don't want to drag you down with me." Ye Wanning's voice was somewhat downcast.
“This is not a burden.” Qin Yue looked at her and said seriously, “We are friends and partners. We should share difficulties, not back down when trouble comes. Wan Ning, I know you are worried about us, but I believe that as long as we persevere, we will definitely succeed.”
Looking into Qin Yue's resolute eyes, Ye Wanning felt conflicted. She knew Qin Yue's insistence was right, and she understood the importance of the Western Regions spice therapy, but she was even more afraid that she would implicate Qin Yue and Pei Zhi.
The two remained locked in a stalemate, the atmosphere in the room unusually heavy.
Ye Wanning then approached Qin Yue, hoping to persuade him.
Qin Yue still refused, and Ye Wanning could only leave the Imperial Hospital in disappointment.
As Ye Wanning walked out of the Imperial Medical Academy, she saw Li Dequan standing not far away, waiting for her.
"Doctor Ye," Li Dequan approached, "The Prime Minister sent me to tell you not to worry. I'm keeping an eye on Liu Yuan; he won't let you or Physician Qin get hurt."
"Please convey my thanks to Lord Pei on my behalf, Steward Li." Ye Wanning felt a warmth in her heart.
"The Prime Minister also said," Li Dequan continued, "that some things don't need to be forced; just stick to what you believe is right."
Ye Wanning was taken aback, but then she understood Pei Zhi's intention.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com