Chapter 269 Stop Making False Accusations
"I have studied Western Region spice therapy for many years and have also done clinical practice, and it really works."
Liu Yuan sneered: "Clinical practice? I think you've been misled by that folk doctor Ye Wanning! Everyone knows you two are in close contact, and you've even been researching some kind of Western Region spice therapy together. Clearly, you're trying to join forces to disrupt the ancestral system of the Imperial Medical Academy!"
Qin Yue was so angry that his face turned pale: "Judge Liu, stop making false accusations! Doctor Ye and I were just having an academic discussion. 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?"
Liu Yuan scoffed dismissively: "Whether it's slander or not, you and I know the truth. What medical skills does a folk female doctor know? She's just trying to climb the social ladder by associating with your name and the reputation of the Imperial Medical Academy!"
The two men refused to back down, and the other medical officers also split into two factions arguing. The council meeting ultimately turned 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 mentioned the argument at the council meeting.
Pei Zhi was on official business in the court when he heard this and frowned. The emperor also became impatient: "Revising the National Medical Code is a major event, why are you all arguing about it?"
"Whether the Western Regions spice therapy works or not, the principle should be to treat illnesses and save lives, not to act on impulse!"
The emperor was still young, and his tone was irritated. Pei Zhi quickly stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty is right. Medical skills should be based on saving lives, regardless of nationality."
"If a certain treatment is indeed effective and can benefit the people, it should be included in the National Medical Classic. The spirit of the Qin physicians in daring to try new medical techniques is commendable and should not be criticized."
As soon as he finished speaking, the court fell silent. Pei Zhi, as the current prime minister, held immense influence, and the emperor always listened to his advice.
The Emperor nodded: "Prime Minister Pei is right. Let Physician Qin continue to collect case studies on the use of spices from the Western Regions for treating diseases. Once sufficient evidence is available, revise the records and include them in the National Medical Classic."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The head of the Imperial Medical Academy acknowledged the order and withdrew.
After the court meeting concluded, Pei Zhi returned to the Prime Minister's residence. Li Dequan told him the news he had gathered from the Imperial Hospital: "Prime Minister, Chief Physician Liu specifically mentioned Doctor Ye in the council hall, saying that she bewitched Physician Qin and conspired with him to undermine ancestral rules."
"Thanks to your words in court on behalf of Physician Qin, His Majesty has supported his continued research."
Meanwhile, a junior physician from the Imperial Medical Academy also brought the news to Ye Wanning: "Doctor Ye, Physician Liu has gone too far. He not only opposed Physician Qin's proposal, but also specifically mentioned you, saying that you and Physician Qin joined forces to undermine ancestral rules."
"Fortunately, Prime Minister Pei spoke up for Physician Qin in court, and His Majesty also supports him in continuing his research."
Ye Wanning said, "Thank you for telling me all this. You should go back now; I know what to do."
After the young physician left, Ye Wanning tidied herself up briefly 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 with some concern. "Imperial Physician Liu is clearly trying to make things difficult for you. Wouldn't it be dangerous to go to the Imperial Hospital?"
"No, I won't." Ye Wanning waved her hand. "I just wanted to discuss with Brother Qin about putting the Western Regions spice therapy on hold 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 headed straight for the Imperial Hospital.
Upon arriving at the Imperial Medical Academy, Ye Wanning went directly to Qin Yue. Qin Yue was organizing materials on Western Region spice therapy and was somewhat surprised to see her: "Wanning, what brings you here?"
He put down what he was holding: "I heard about what happened in the council chamber. Liu Yuan targeted you because of his proposal on the Western Regions spice therapy, and he even specifically mentioned you."
"But don't worry, His Majesty has already agreed to let me continue my research."
“Brother Qin, there’s something I want to discuss with you.” Ye Wanning walked into the room and closed the door. “I heard about what happened in the council hall. Liu Yuan targeted you because of the Western Regions spice therapy, and he even dragged me into it.”
"I think I'll put this on hold for now."
Qin Yue was stunned: "Wan Ning, how could you think like that? We are researching Western Region spice therapy to treat and save lives. We can't give up just because Liu Yuan makes things difficult for us."
“I’m not giving up, I just feel the conditions aren’t right yet,” Ye Wanning said. “Liu Yuan has made such a big fuss and even implicated Lord Pei. We’re putting things on hold for now to protect ourselves and our research.”
"Wouldn't it be the same to continue once Liu Yuan stops causing us trouble and the turmoil in the court subsides?"
"No." Qin Yue shook his head firmly. "I can't back down like this. Wan Ning, you need to know that if we back down, Liu Yuan will only become more and more demanding."
"Moreover, the Western Regions spice therapy can save many people, and we cannot abandon those patients just because we are worried about our own safety."
"But I don't want to drag you down with me," Ye Wanning said, her voice low. "I can't risk your safety."
“This is not a burden.” Qin Yue looked at her and said earnestly, “We are friends and partners. We should face difficulties together, not back down when we encounter problems.”
"Wanning, I know you're worried about us, but I believe that as long as we persevere, we will definitely succeed."
Looking into Qin Yue's determined eyes, Ye Wanning felt a pang of sadness. She knew Qin Yue's insistence was right, and she understood the importance of the Western Regions spice therapy for patients, but she was even more worried about implicating Qin Yue and Pei Zhi.
The two men each held their own version of events, making the atmosphere in the room exceptionally heavy.
Afterwards, Ye Wanning went to see Qin Yue again, wanting to persuade him once more, but she swallowed her words back. She then realized that persuading Qin Yue was such a difficult thing.
Since he wouldn't listen, there was no point in saying anything more. Ye Wanning left the Imperial Hospital disappointed. As soon as she stepped out of the gate, she saw Li Dequan standing not far away waiting for her.
“Doctor Ye.” Li Dequan stepped forward. “The Prime Minister asked me to tell you that you don’t need to worry about Liu Yuan. This servant will keep an eye on things and will not let you and Physician Qin get hurt.”
Ye Wanning felt a warmth in her heart: "Please ask Steward Li to thank Lord Pei on my behalf."
Li Dequan added, "The Prime Minister also said that there are some things you don't have to force yourself to do; just do what you believe is right."
Ye Wanning was stunned. So that's what Pei Zhi meant. No wonder she always found his attitude intriguing. He was actually encouraging her not to back down just because she was worried about implicating others.
"I understand." Ye Wanning nodded. "Please tell Lord Pei that I will think about it carefully."
Li Dequan responded and turned to leave. Ye Wanning slowly walked back to the Heritage Hall, her mood heavy all day.
Qin Yue was right; she couldn't back down because of a little difficulty. The Western Regions spice therapy could save so many people; she had to persevere. But she was still afraid—afraid of implicating Pei Zhi and Qin Yue.
Back at the Heritage Hall, Su Ning noticed her unusual expression and quickly went up to ask, "Miss, what's wrong? Did you have a bad talk with Physician Qin?"
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