Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 297 Meeting

With Jiu Fu's help, Emperor Jingtai managed to stand up, but he only had time to give one order before he completely fainted.

"Retrieve the order, block the news, and let Jiuque manage state affairs!"

Before Jiufu could grieve, he carefully placed His Majesty on the bald dragon bed, rushed out to retrieve the imperial edict, and then sent his trusted confidant to Yunxiu Manor to invite Lord Ying back.

While the palace gates were tightly shut, inside the imperial palace, someone was quietly gritting their teeth, their expression shifting between light and shadow.

Father, oh Father, from as far back as I can remember, you have been like a god, high above, majestic and powerful. I'd like to see if you are truly the Son of Heaven…

Jiu Que originally thought that he could rest for a while now that he had developed a way to prevent smallpox, but before he could catch his breath, he received an imperial edict that he had no choice but to pack up and return to the capital.

It's strange, though. This method that could be remembered for generations has already been developed, why doesn't His Majesty use it himself, instead of making this unknown minister do it?
To be honest, she really wanted to stay home and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Of course, if anyone heard her say these words, they would surely spit in her face! To be so highly regarded by His Majesty and yet still not satisfied, uttering such disheartening words, is truly infuriating.

Because the imperial edict arrived so suddenly, Jiu Que hadn't had time to find an office, so she had to temporarily use the Ministry of Personnel as her headquarters. This was the first time that officials from the six ministries had worked together on a single task under the leadership of a woman, a rather unusual sight for everyone. In the past, they certainly wouldn't have paid any attention. Even if Jiu Que was highly regarded by His Majesty, so what? If they didn't like Ying Jiu Que and didn't follow her, others would say that Ying Jiu Que was incompetent at using people. But now it was different. It was said that Ying Jiu Que had proposed a method to prevent smallpox, coupled with her previous proposal of a new salt-making method—she was destined for historical fame. To oppose such a talent would not only incur the anger of the people, but also leave a bad reputation in history books. Why bother? Moreover, this was a time of national crisis; as officials of the Great Jing Dynasty, it was precisely the time to be at the forefront. Why put aside important matters for personal grudges?
With His Majesty's decree and the reputation that Ying Jiuque had built up over this period, the civil and military officials were fairly convinced. Moreover, everyone knew that His Majesty valued Ying Jiuque highly, so it was not surprising that this matter was entrusted to Ying Jiuque at this time.

Their only concern now is whether Ying Jiuque can shoulder this heavy responsibility. At this critical moment, any mishap could lead to incalculable losses.

However, seeing that Jiu Que arranged things efficiently and in an orderly manner, everyone felt relieved.

It's important to understand that those gathered here at this moment are not ordinary officials; they are mostly high-ranking officials of the third rank or above. Each one of them is a dragon among men, a reincarnation of a thousand-year-old fox. But even facing this group of powerful figures, Jiu Que showed not the slightest bit of shyness; on the contrary, he was remarkably poised and natural.

Back at Yunxiu Manor, she had already carefully considered how to implement the smallpox vaccination program. She and Xie Mingchen, among others, knew that the program was indeed effective, but for those who had only heard of it, especially those living hundreds or even thousands of miles away, a mere imperial decree wasn't enough to convince them. Throughout history, countless decrees were excellent when first formulated, but their implementation always encountered various problems in reality, ultimately leading to their abandonment.

This method of preventing smallpox is unlike those previous decrees, which, even if they were to be abandoned, wouldn't have much of an impact on reality. If it's not implemented promptly, many people will die. Special times call for special measures, and Jiu Que didn't intend to follow the gentle and courteous approach. If there's anything useful about this feudal dynasty, it's that in critical moments, as long as it's an order issued by the court, the common people, unless they want to rebel, generally don't dare to disobey the government.

"Notify all prefectures, counties, townships, and villages that every household, organized by the village head, must be vaccinated according to the household register. Of course, the dosage should be reduced for those under three years old or over seventy years old. However, even if we all know this method is good, the people will likely be anxious without anyone demonstrating it. Therefore, after sending this batch of smallpox powder to various places, the local officials will take the lead in demonstrating it. Please rest assured, everyone in Yunxiu Manor has already been severely vaccinated with smallpox. It's not that it's ineffective or harmful to the body, and I wouldn't dare to suggest otherwise."

Even so, some of the high-ranking officials present showed signs of hesitation. Jiu Que had already imagined this scene before coming, so she deliberately did not get vaccinated against smallpox.

Amidst the puzzled gazes of the crowd, Jiu Que pulled a small bottle from his robes. Then, in full view of everyone, he rolled up his sleeves, revealing a slender, fair wrist. Xie Mingchen, who was standing nearby, was also prepared. He took out a set of cleaning tools, dipped them in strong liquor, and carefully wiped the small patch of skin. Then, he took out a gleaming knife and gently drew a cross on the skin.

By now, everyone had guessed what had happened, but they were still somewhat incredulous. Under the gazes of the crowd, some shocked and others thoughtful, Jiu Que uncorked the bottle and sprinkled the scab powder from the small bottle onto the wound.

At that moment, she clearly heard someone gasp, but Jiu Que paid no attention.

"What you just saw is the scab powder from smallpox. If you apply it to someone using the same method, there is a high chance they won't get smallpox. People who have been vaccinated may experience a slight fever and body aches in the short term, but these are all normal. Don't panic if you experience these symptoms; just seek medical help promptly."

"During this time, I also asked Physician Xie to train a group of doctors. They all know how to inoculate smallpox and how to treat it afterwards. They were sent to various prefectures and counties across the country. Each doctor went there and trained a group of skilled doctors. In this way, even if there are many people, there is no need to worry about not having doctors available."

"Secondly, the first ten households in each village whose entire family has been vaccinated against smallpox will be rewarded with one tael of silver. If anyone is found to have concealed their condition or refused to be vaccinated, the entire family will be quarantined!"

"Furthermore, at this critical juncture, everyone in Dajing should unite as one and work together with one heart. Anyone who dares to spread rumors and cause unrest during this crucial period will be executed immediately!"

Jiu Que then added several more points, and when he felt there was nothing more to say, he stopped and looked at his colleagues who were either deep in thought or silent, and gave them a gentle smile.

"That's all I can think of for now. Do you gentlemen have anything to add? Before the decree is issued, we must pool our wisdom to ensure that nothing is overlooked."

(End of this chapter)