Chapter 8: A Surprise [Revised]
Just when the people of Nanjiang County were feeling uneasy.
There were a total of six medical clinics and pharmacies in the county town, and all the doctors from them were invited to the yamen (government office).
When they arrived, the yamen had already prepared a pot of medicinal soup.
Those who work in the government office, as well as those temporarily recruited, each receive a bowl.
Not only that, they also disinfect themselves with white vinegar when entering and leaving the house.
Furthermore, human and animal excrement must not be brought in, especially the soles of shoes, which must be thoroughly cleaned.
Upon entering the government office, the strong smell of alcohol and quicklime were everywhere.
The doctors looked at each other and nodded to each other.
The government did an excellent job in handling the epidemic.
Another person with a keen sense of smell spoke up: "This herbal soup contains Bupleurum and Scutellaria baicalensis, both of which are herbs that strengthen the body's foundation. It's probably a herbal soup to prevent epidemics."
That is indeed the case.
After giving the prescription to Doctor Bai, Su Qing ordered someone to prepare the medicine according to the prescription and brew it for everyone in the yamen.
The yamen now has only a dozen or so people, who have the most contact with corpses and the most sources of disease.
In particular, there were indeed several patients with mild symptoms at the place where Yunxi had previously stayed.
They have now been placed in a separate facility and given herbal medicine.
Fortunately, the panic among the officials did not last long.
When they return, there will be a tonic soup to strengthen their constitution and nourish their vitality, as well as thorough disinfection and sterilization.
These four words, spoken by Manager Su, made me feel incredibly safe.
This is what the doctors saw when they arrived.
In my heart, I couldn't help but feel that although the person in charge of the yamen was a woman, she was really reliable.
However, the sixteen-year-old girl sitting in the main hall still left everyone looking at each other in bewilderment.
Are we really going to listen to a little girl?
And Lao Bai, what's with that expression? Why do you look at the little girl with such reverence?
You used to be quite arrogant.
The seven doctors exchanged glances, and it was clear that they were communicating very frequently.
Su Qing broke the silence: "I invited everyone here to discuss the epidemic prevention situation in the county."
In the past, the government offices had special medical officers who were in charge of medical inspections.
But everyone knows the current situation, so I won't explain further.
Before the doctors could speak, Su Qing asked Gu Congsi to read aloud the preventative measures she had just drafted.
Scholar Gu showed no displeasure whatsoever when the young girl gave him instructions.
The preventive measures are divided into street disinfection and indoor and outdoor disinfection.
In addition to personal hygiene, tableware, and the handling of animal and human excrement, especially patient excrement.
After listening to each point, I can say that everything was in great detail and there was nothing to add.
Everyone assumed that this was Dr. Bai's idea and was about to praise it when they heard Old Bai say, "Chief Su's plan is excellent and there is no need to change it."
Manager Su?
This was decided by this young girl?!
If it was her decision, then she certainly has some skill.
However, people came up with a few more ideas and suggested several other items that could also be disinfected, so that people could find alternatives.
With the preventative measures settled, let's get down to business.
Su Qing said, "The number of patients in the county town has increased, and Dr. Bai alone is definitely not enough. Please ask the medical clinics and pharmacies to send more staff."
"Furthermore, there are several medicinal herbs that need to be purchased in large quantities. I wonder if anyone has any in stock."
The doctors were prepared to send more people, and they immediately provided a list of their apprentices, who were also pharmacy boys.
I hadn't thought about buying medicinal herbs.
One of the doctors said, "Why buy so many medicinal herbs? If you're worried that we'll raise prices because of the epidemic, there's no need to worry. We still have that much conscience."
Everyone nodded.
They wouldn't do something as unethical as raising prices during a pandemic.
When Su Qing explained that he wanted to donate medicine to the elderly and infirm in the county, the doctors were taken aback and immediately said, "The county has more than 100,000 people. Even if we only donate medicine to the elderly and children, it will still take tens of thousands of doses."
"Can the government afford to pay?"
I definitely can't afford it.
Su Qing touched his nose guiltily and said, "To be honest, the yamen doesn't have that kind of money."
"So I would like to ask you all for help."
Is this what you call helping?!
Or is it a robbery?!
They've already contributed manpower and effort; do they need to contribute money now?
This isn't appropriate!
Su Qing quickly waved her hand, and the servants brought up the medicinal soup.
The Gubenpeiyuan Decoction is a wonderfully effective herbal formula, praised even by Doctor Bai.
As soon as it was served, the doctor, who was familiar with pharmacology, noticed the difference.
Seeing that Manager Su had taken the initiative to drink, they didn't stand on ceremony either.
After the first bite, the six doctors were stunned for once, and couldn't help but take another bite.
Su Qing had already finished drinking it while pinching her nose.
Looking at the doctors' expressions, she was dumbfounded.
Who uses Chinese medicine products at home?
What's wrong with you people?!
Su Qing underestimated the appeal of good prescriptions to doctors.
Forget about tasting it, they practically sip it.
Only in this way can you taste what medicinal herbs were used to make this soup.
It is very mild when you drink it, but you can feel the warmth in your internal organs.
They had never seen such a mild and nourishing herbal soup before.
After they finished drinking, they even took each other's pulses.
"This herbal medicine is wonderful, truly wonderful!"
"Such a wonderful prescription is the first I have ever seen."
The main hall of the government office was transformed into a pulse diagnosis and exchange meeting.
Su Qing watched with great interest, noticing Gu Congsi's strange gaze, but pretended not to see it.
Once everyone quieted down, Su Qing continued, "As you all know, the yamen doesn't have much money, and there's no other way."
"The only solution is to change the prescription."
"This prescription has now been given to only Doctor Bai."
"If others want it, we can discuss it."
Su Qing put it tactfully.
But the meaning is quite clear.
Do you want this wonderful recipe?
If you want it, just pay for the medicinal herbs!
The highest bidder wins!
The six doctors didn't have time to be jealous of Doctor Bai; they were already calculating the price in their minds.
Such a good prescription is so good that it would be fitting to send it to the palace.
Once you get your hands on it, your descendants will be guaranteed a life of plenty.
It's no exaggeration to say that it would be worth it to give up half of your savings.
After all, a formula that suits most people is extremely rare.
Old Bai, oh Old Bai.
How much money did you pay?!
You just bought it?!
The doctors then seemed to look at Old Bai, wanting to see his price before making their own offer.
To everyone's surprise, Lao Bai straightened his chest and said, "I didn't pay."
"Manager Su said that since I was the first one to come and take care of the patient, I didn't need to pay any money."
"Of course, the medicinal herbs that the yamen is using now were all provided free of charge by my family. Since Steward Su is so kind, I can't be slacking off."
If you don't want to say it, then fine.
Who wouldn't be envious if they got a prescription without spending a single penny!
He was just the first person to take care of a patient!
Why didn't they come back then?!
Old Bai thoroughly enjoyed the envy of others.
Who told you to be cowardly and afraid of trouble and not come!
This is a reward for my compassionate heart as a doctor!
Despite the commotion below, Su Qing was already propping herself up on her arms to watch the excitement.
And everyone gradually came to understand.
Manager Su was unwilling to suffer losses, but she also wouldn't let those who helped her suffer losses.
Old White is a perfect example.
The doctors started arguing and each offered their own price.
"I'll provide three thousand doses of medicine!"
"I'll bid three thousand five!"
“I don’t have many medicinal herbs in my warehouse, but I can get them from the warehouse next door. I’ll provide 10,000 portions.”
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately fell silent.
That's too much.
But for Su Qing, it was still far from enough.
The county seat of Nanjiang County has a population of 40,000, and the twenty villages under its jurisdiction have a combined population of 80,000.
The difference is too great.
What she wanted was all the medicinal herbs from each family.
They also wanted them to help brew and administer the medicine.
Oh no, just thinking about it makes me feel so greedy.
Everyone looked at Steward Su, but she did not answer.
Su Qing stood up and said, "To tell you the truth..."
"I want all the medicinal herbs from everyone."
Everyone subconsciously thought of what Su Qing had just said.
What she wanted was to provide medicine to all the elderly and infirm in the county.
From this perspective, it seems impossible to succeed unless all the medicinal herbs in the entire county are combined.
Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.
How should the prescription be distributed?
His family gave him three thousand doses of medicine, while this family gave him ten thousand doses, but they only got one prescription.
Isn't that unfair?
A company with a large stock of medicinal herbs would definitely not be willing.
The situation was at a stalemate.
Gu Congsi was also thinking about solutions.
Su Qing then threw out the real bait.
"Any shop that donates more than three thousand medicinal herbs will receive this prescription."
"Shops with more than three thousand units of medicine can participate in the government's task of purchasing medicinal materials next year, based on the amount of medicine donated."
What? !
Everyone quieted down to process this important news.
First of all, everyone can get the recipe.
Secondly, will the government purchase medicinal herbs next year? How will they be purchased? Where will they be purchased?
Su Qing continued, "Next spring, I plan to promote the planting of medicinal herbs throughout the county."
“Especially wound medicine,” Su Qing emphasized. “The price of wound medicine is bound to rise.”
In fact, the prices of various wound medicines have already increased.
But Su Qing was certain that wound medicine would only become more scarce in the future.
Don't forget.
Shunchang Kingdom is still at war.
Rebels and the court both require medicinal herbs.
She thought about it for a long time.
They wanted to pay off their debts to the government and find a foothold in this chaotic world.
Only medicinal herbs.
This is a sure-fire way to make money.
Who wants to participate?
Su Qing glanced around and saw that the six doctors, plus Doctor Bai, were either shop owners or shareholders.
If they're not tempted...
That's ridiculous!
One of the doctors suddenly remembered the preferential treatment given to Doctor Bai and immediately stood up.
This time, he's going to be the first one!
"Master Su! I'm in! I'll follow your orders completely!"
Before he finished speaking, everyone else raised their hands.
They want some too!
They absolutely have to participate in this great opportunity!
Su Qing looked at everyone with a smile.
Not bad, not bad.
It seems that perhaps all the people in the county now have preventative herbal medicine available.
Gu Congsi, standing beside him, moved his lips slightly, his eyes filled with disbelief.
Despite his handsome appearance, he looked somewhat foolish at that moment.
Su Qing, how many more surprises are in store?
A note from the author:
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