Plagues are no small matter; every so often, they would spread throughout the region. Countless people would perish as a result.
Although the imperial court would send imperial physicians to oversee the treatment, the effectiveness was ultimately up to fate.
Basically, they would seal off all the people in the epidemic area inside, and only after everyone inside had died would the imperial court send people in to clean up the mess.
Other places are one thing, but the capital is right under the emperor's nose; if an epidemic breaks out...
Big Fat Orange immediately became restless, but after glancing at Sun Miaoqing, he thought to himself.
The demon was also in the palace. Listening to her thoughts and words, although serious, they shouldn't have much impact on these people.
Otherwise, given her cowardly nature, she would have simply found an excuse to hide in the Yuanmingyuan and never come back.
Although we've weathered the storm of the past two or three years, both the national and private treasuries are now much more abundant. However, if another epidemic were to break out, most of the accumulated funds would be wiped out.
Even imperial power needs to be built up with silver. This demon has a lot of silver in his possession, so he should at least pay some interest.
The chubby orange cat pretended to be nonchalant, picked up a book and started reading again, saying...
“Every winter is a season of cold and wind, and most people prepare in advance. Even if what you’re describing were true, how could it happen in the capital?”
“Under the emperor’s nose, in this land of wealth and honor, even if there are one or two poor people, how could such a shocking thing happen?”
"If even the capital city is as you say, then other places must be suffering terribly. Why am I completely unaware of this and have not heard a word about it?"
Sun Miaoqing: ......
Even a big, fat orange cat knows that poor people rely on straw for warmth, so how could it not know that they lack medical care and medicine, and when they get sick, they can only tough it out?
[To go a year without tasting meat, to simply not starve to death is considered a glorious era—people's demands are truly low. The common people have low demands, and so do the demands of a wise ruler!]
Big Fatty Orange blushed. He wasn't completely unaware of the situation; he was just pretending not to know.
For thousands of years, everyone has lived like this, but it's different for fairies!
Sun Miaoqing raised an eyebrow and said, "If Your Majesty doesn't believe me, you can go out of the palace incognito and take a look. You'll then know whether I'm exaggerating or not!"
"If you're worried that a daughter of a wealthy family shouldn't be allowed to live in a dangerous place, that's easy to solve. Just find some eunuchs and ask them how they got into the palace; that should give you a general idea."
"In the end, what does all this have to do with me? When I reach the rank of Imperial Concubine, when am I not always surrounded by a group of eunuchs and palace maids serving me?"
"Although it was cold in winter, there was a fire dragon burning in Chuxiu Palace, so people only needed a spring shirt to stay indoors. In summer, even if you didn't go to Yuanmingyuan, there were ice walls to escape the heat, and the room was very cool no matter how strong the sun was."
"It's all for the sake of the Emperor's wisdom; those poor people are really too pitiful."
The chubby orange cat pondered for a moment, then said, "What you're talking about... let's just call it healthcare reform for now."
"It is indeed a matter that benefits the country and its people, and I am willing to promote it. However, the country is poor, and the people are poor. Sometimes I am like a skilled cook who cannot cook without rice."
"If we were to have medicine prepared now and arrange for doctors to be stationed here, even just in the capital, it would still be a considerable expense over a year."
"If we want to do it properly, I estimate it will cost at least several hundred thousand taels of silver. Those common people can't afford medical treatment, so naturally they can't afford medicine either."
"To save a life, one must see it through to the end; to help a Buddha, one must see him to the Western Paradise. If it comes to the cost of medicine, it's all in vain if the imperial court doesn't help reduce or waive it."
At that time, medicinal herbs were not cheap. Although some were artificially cultivated, many were dug up from the mountains by local people who knew about medicinal herbs.
Snake venom and other precious Chinese medicinal herbs require risking one's life to catch and harvest. Bird's nest, a tonic, is also found only on cliffs and precipices. (Snake venom can treat rheumatism and is now a highly prized Chinese medicine. Bird's nest used to be mostly from cave birds, and a slight mishap could be fatal.)
That's why it's so difficult to see a doctor. Even cheap medicine is extremely expensive for ordinary people who can't even save up two strings of copper coins a year.
After saying this, the chubby orange stared at her intently, making Sun Miaoqing feel very uncomfortable and giving her goosebumps.
[Is Big Fat Orange trying to get me to pay for this? Help! He's got a taste for my dowry, isn't he? With so many concubines in his harem, why is he only targeting me? Shameless!]
Big Fat Orange thought to himself, "This isn't the first time. I've already lost face in front of this fairy, so why would I care about this?"
If all the concubines in the harem were as wealthy as Sun Miaoqing and could lay golden eggs for him, would he still have to worry about these things?
Doesn't he know how to benefit the people and be a benevolent and wise ruler?
Sun Miaoqing's tone carried a hint of accusation, "Does Your Majesty intend for me to pay for this?"
The chubby orange said, "I didn't say that. I just think it's a good thing, as the Consort said."
"Whoever contributes to this matter will gain a good reputation. Consort Cheng has been advising me for so long, how can I let someone else get the credit?"
“You don’t have any need to spend money, and the Sun family is a well-known wealthy family. How can you let go of such a good opportunity? I am only thinking of you, Consort.”
Why don't you join a pyramid scheme? With that brainwashing skill, you could easily recruit thousands of followers...
They talk a good game, but in short, they're stingy; in four words, they just don't want to pay!
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com