Like a thunderclap out of nowhere, one morning during the imperial court, the emperor suddenly issued an imperial edict: there was a cure for smallpox!
The Imperial Medical Academy, acting on the Emperor's orders and led by Physician Lu, finally discovered that cattle could also contract smallpox.
However, smallpox, which is a life-threatening disease for humans, is just a minor ailment for cattle and poses no danger to their lives.
Smallpox in cattle can also be transmitted to humans. However, most people infected by cattle only experience mild symptoms and recover without medication.
After the Imperial Medical Academy discovered this matter, they confirmed it repeatedly and were absolutely certain that there would be no mistakes or omissions.
The chubby orange was so happy that it couldn't sleep all night, and the next morning it announced it to everyone.
He also announced to the world that he, along with his concubines, princes, and princesses, would be the first to be vaccinated, to prove to the world the safety of smallpox vaccination.
The ministers were in an uproar. Prince Zhuang stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty is of noble birth. At present, the Crown Prince has not been established, and the princes are still young."
"This matter concerns the foundation of the nation; how can we take such a risk lightly? I urge Your Majesty to reconsider."
The ministers discussed the matter extensively and took turns offering their advice.
“Prince Zhuang is right. Although the Imperial Medical Academy speaks with certainty, who knows what might happen? I believe Your Majesty’s health must not be harmed. I urge Your Majesty to be cautious.”
"Yes, His Majesty is responsible for the fate of the nation. Even if he wants to try it, he must wait until others have tried it to ensure that it is foolproof."
"Even if it's about setting an example for the people, a prince or the empress dowager could easily do it; why would the emperor need to step in?"
"And if we are not careful, smallpox could spread and cause a disaster. What should we do then? In the early years of the late emperor, several princes and princesses died from it."
"As for Emperor Shunzhi, he also died young due to smallpox. I urge Your Majesty to prioritize the well-being of the nation and not take any risks."
...... ......
Longkodo stared at the minister who said the Empress Dowager could intervene, his eyes cold and sinister, like a venomous snake.
Because of the emperor's influence, he harbored resentment towards the relationship between him and the empress dowager. Longkodo did not publicly rebuke him, but he had already decided what would happen to him in his heart.
The Empress Dowager is the mother of the nation; how could she easily take risks? Besides, she is no longer young. If something were to happen to her, wouldn't it cause the world to gossip about the Emperor's filial impiety?
The chubby orange cat sat atop the nine-tiered steps, observing the reactions of all the civil and military officials below with perfect clarity.
The reactions of these officials were all within his expectations. However, upon hearing the words "Empress Dowager," the chubby man couldn't help but glance at Longkodo discreetly.
And then he caught a glimpse of Longkodo's sinister gaze. His previously excellent mood instantly turned as if he'd swallowed a fly.
With the late emperor embroiled in a cuckoldry, what good could his son possibly do?
Fortunately, no one else knows about this...
After the civil and military officials had finished their discussion, the chubby orange-haired man asked, "Uncle Longkodo, what do you think of this matter?"
Longkodo never expected that his nephew, the emperor, would ask him this question directly. This question would be easy for others, but it was extremely difficult for him.
If he agrees, it will put the emperor's health in danger, even though it was the emperor himself who proposed it.
If he objects, the emperor will likely overthink things and suspect his motives.
Over the past two years, he had already realized that the emperor was very wary of his so-called uncle.
Longkodo's gaze darted away, but in the end, he decided to go along with the emperor's wishes. Others might not know, or they might not have remembered for a moment, but he remembered it clearly.
When the emperor was still a child, Empress Xiaoyiren had already arranged for him to be vaccinated. Even if a smallpox epidemic broke out in the palace again, he would be fine.
At worst, it'll just cut the skin a little; maybe not even a drop of blood will flow, and if you apply the medicine slowly, you won't even be able to find the wound.
Besides, you can also use the method of blowing air into the nose, without necessarily using a knife.
"Smallpox has plagued us for over a thousand years. If this smallpox vaccine can truly eradicate it, it will set an example for all the people. Your Majesty's personal trial is indeed the best solution."
The fat orange cat's voice was unreadable, neither happy nor angry. "So, Uncle Longkodo agrees with my method?"
Longkodo said, "May I ask Your Majesty, what is the difference between cowpox inoculation and variolation? If it is like variolation, where the scabs can be ground and blown into the nose to be effective without piercing the Emperor's body, I think it might be worth a try."
Longkodo only mentioned whether the dragon's body was pierced, but not whether it would contract smallpox.
These clever people in the imperial court, whether or not they knew what was going on in the palace, all realized what was happening at this moment.
The emperor must have been vaccinated against smallpox long ago to dare to say such a thing. Otherwise, who could be so calm and composed when it comes to matters of life and death?
Not to mention he was an emperor who had only been on the throne for a few years and was in his prime!
The common people were unaware of the inside story; they only heard that the emperor was willing to risk his life to convince them of the safety of smallpox vaccination.
What a wise and virtuous ruler he was to personally try it, risking infection with smallpox!
Big Fat Orange understood, of course, and originally wanted to ask Nian Gengyao. But seeing Nian Gengyao's knowing expression, Big Fat Orange knew there was no need to ask further. He simply said,
"After research, the Imperial Medical Academy concluded that blowing into the nose was a viable method. However, it was not as effective as piercing the arm and applying the scabs, and it might not even work."
"As the Son of Heaven, I am the sovereign and father of all people. I will have no regrets even if it means my death, for anything that is of great benefit to the people."
"I have decided that the Imperial Astronomical Bureau will select an auspicious day for me and the concubines of the harem to be vaccinated against smallpox."
"After that came the palace eunuchs and maids, then the imperial family members, and so on, until they reached the capital, Zhili, and all the people of the country."
The ministers standing in rows below all knelt down in unison and shouted "Long live the Emperor!" three times, praising the Emperor's benevolence.
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