After ten years of accompanying me in my studies, the entire court begged me to shut up.

Chapter 103 I'm just guessing

No one spoke; the atmosphere had plummeted to freezing point.

Xu Sheng's face was ashen, he was panting heavily, and his mind was a complete mess.

Suddenly, as if seeing a glimmer of hope, he hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I have something to say!"

The Hongzhi Emperor coldly replied, "Speak!"

Xu Sheng lay on the ground, his mind racing.

He knew very well that if he couldn't come up with a reasonable explanation at this moment, things would likely not end well.

"Your Majesty, everyone knows that aconite is poisonous, but the term 'poison' cannot be used indiscriminately by physicians. Poisoning is a property of medicine. When used properly, poison can be medicine; when used improperly, medicine can be poison. We have practiced medicine for decades, how could we not know the harm of aconite? But it is precisely because we know it so well that we also know its efficacy!"

As he spoke, his tone gradually calmed down, as if he had found his confidence.

"The Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica lists aconite as an inferior herb, stating that it is pungent, warm, and highly toxic. It is used to treat coughs due to wind-cold, warm the middle jiao (spleen and stomach), treat traumatic injuries, break up hard masses and accumulations, blood stasis, cold-dampness-induced paralysis, contractures, knee pain, and inability to walk. Why did the ancient sages use it to treat so many serious and stubborn diseases? Because of its strong and potent nature, it can cure even the most severe illnesses!"

Chang Xing, who had been listening intently, quickly chimed in, "What Imperial Physician Xu says is absolutely right! I also recall that in the annotated edition of the Materia Medica, Mr. Tao Hongjing said that aconite is extremely hot in nature and is used to treat wind-cold coughs and other pathogenic factors. Your Majesty occasionally shows signs of cold and dampness, so using a small amount of hot medicine as a tonic is perfectly acceptable!"

Wang Pan quickly chimed in: "We physicians emphasize diagnosis and treatment based on syndrome differentiation. The use of aconite depends entirely on its compatibility with other herbs and its processing. In Zhang Zhongjing's Treatise on Febrile Diseases, both Si Ni Tang and Zhen Wu Tang use aconite as the chief herb to treat extremely critical illnesses. If we were afraid of its toxicity and dared not use it, wouldn't there be no medicine for the many critical and serious illnesses in the world?"

""

The Hongzhi Emperor seemed to understand but not quite, but his expression remained grave.

Xu Sheng, mustering his courage, continued, "Your Majesty, even if Qian Xuzi's Hundred Herbs Pill truly contained aconite, it doesn't necessarily mean it's meant to harm anyone! With proper processing and combined with dried ginger, licorice, and other herbs, the toxicity of aconite can be greatly reduced, while its warming and tonifying effects can be retained. When we tested the medicine, we only examined its toxicity, without delving into its formula, assuming that the Medicine King Sect, with generations of medical practice, would be well-versed in this art—"

"Professor Xu, you are mistaken!"

Upon hearing this, Xue Xinfu finally couldn't hold back any longer.

He stepped forward, bowed to the Hongzhi Emperor, then turned to Xu Sheng, his gaze intense, and said, "Academician Xu, you just said that aconite can be used, and I do not deny that. But usability and abuse are two different things! You cited the Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica, so let me ask you this: the Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica lists aconite as a low-grade herb. What does 'low-grade' mean? Low-grade herbs are used to dispel cold and heat evil qi, break up accumulations, and cure diseases. They are of a lower grade. Their nature is fierce and their power is strong. They should not be used lightly except for serious and chronic diseases! Your Majesty's poor health is due to overwork and deficiency of both qi and blood, not a critical condition of cold and dampness penetrating to the bones and yang qi about to collapse. How can you use this highly toxic herb?"

Xu Sheng's expression changed, and he was about to speak when Xue Xinfu didn't give him the chance.

"You just mentioned that Zhang Zhongjing used aconite. Let me ask you again, what was the dosage and method of use when Zhang Zhongjing used aconite? In the Treatise on Cold Damage, he usually used one aconite root, and it was always noted that it was processed, peeled, broken into pieces, and decocted for a long time to reduce its toxicity! If it was used raw, it was for emergency use to restore Yang, to be used immediately, and he would never dare to take it for a long time! The pills you tested were no bigger than a fingertip. If taken every day, the toxicity of aconite would accumulate in the body over time. Not only would it not provide warming and tonifying effects, but it would also deplete Yin and blood and damage the heart vessels! If His Majesty's health is harmed in the future, can you bear the responsibility?"

These words were all reasonable and hit the nail on the head.

Sweat beaded on Xu Sheng's forehead again, but he still forced himself to say, "Physician Xue, what you're saying is just theory. How much aconite could be in that pill? Perhaps only a trace amount, used as an adjuvant, it won't cause any harm—"

"Is it nothing serious?"

Xue Xinfu sneered and retorted, "Director Xu, you just personally examined that medicine. Did you feel any numbness on your tongue? Where did that numbness come from? It's a direct manifestation of the poison of aconite! The Thousand Golden Prescriptions states that when using aconite, it should be accompanied by licorice and dried ginger to mitigate its toxicity. Even so, caution is still necessary. But in this Hundred Herbs Pill, have you tested for the presence of licorice and dried ginger? If Qian Xuzi truly understood medical principles, he should know that the dosage of aconite must be measured in millimeters, and it can only be used when there is a clear indication of coldness! But what about Your Majesty? Does Your Majesty have cold extremities? Does Your Majesty have a weak and almost imperceptible pulse? Does Your Majesty have undigested diarrhea? No! Your Majesty is merely overworked and mentally exhausted. You should be gently tonified with mild and gentle tonics such as astragalus and ginseng. How can you use this potent and dangerous medicine?"

Chang Xing couldn't help but say, "Physician Xue, you've gone too far. What do you mean by 'a potent medicine'? Although aconite is poisonous, it's a good medicine when used correctly. Bian Que said, 'If the disease is in the skin, it can be treated with hot compresses; if it's in the muscles, it can be treated with acupuncture and moxibustion; if it's in the stomach and intestines, it can be treated with herbal medicine.' A physician should prescribe medicine according to the specific illness. Perhaps Qian Xuzi saw that His Majesty had a hidden cold ailment, which is why he added aconite to the medicine—"

"absurd!"

Xue Xinfu said sternly, "He hasn't even felt His Majesty's pulse, nor examined His Majesty's tongue, yet he dares to say there's a hidden cold ailment? Imperial Physician Chang, are you treating Qian Xuzi or His Majesty?"

Chang Xing was speechless, choked by the words.

Seeing this, Wang Pan quickly changed the subject: "Physician Xue, you keep saying that aconite is poisonous, but the Rites of Zhou says, 'Poisonous herbs are used together in medical practice.' This shows that since ancient times, physicians have used poison to fight poison. You just admitted that aconite can be used, but now you say it cannot be used. Isn't that a contradiction?"

Suppressing his anger, Xue Xinfu slowly said, "What Judge Wang said is clearly sophistry. The Zhou Rites' mention of 'gathering poisons' refers to the collection of various medicines; poison and medicine are mentioned together because poison itself is a type of medicine. But the Book of Rites also says, 'A physician should not take medicine without three generations of lineage.' Why? Because the way of using medicine is profound and difficult to understand; without three generations of lineage, one cannot fully know its properties!"

Aconite is extremely hot and toxic; when used properly, it can restore yang and reverse collapse. When used improperly, it can kill silently. The Imperial Medical Academy bears the heavy responsibility of ensuring His Majesty's health; do they not even understand this simple principle?

He turned to the Hongzhi Emperor, knelt, and kowtowed: "Your Majesty! I do not intend to completely deny the use of aconite. Throughout history, physicians have always distinguished between yin and yang before prescribing medicine, carefully considered the dosage, paid attention to the compatibility of ingredients, observed the decoction method, and adjusted the dosage as needed. All six are indispensable! But did the Medicine King Zong Xian inform Your Majesty of these things? The Imperial Medical Academy only tested for toxicity before rashly ordering Your Majesty to take the medicine; this is a serious dereliction of duty!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Sheng finally understood how formidable Xue Xinfu was.

He wasn't denying the medicinal value of aconite, but rather accusing them of dereliction of duty!

There's no point in trying to argue anymore now that things have come to this.

"His Majesty!"

Xu Sheng crawled two steps on his knees and said in a mournful voice, "We are indeed guilty of oversight, but we have absolutely no intention of harming Your Majesty!"

"When we examined the sample that day, there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. Who could have imagined that Qian Xuzi would later dare to tamper with the medicine? We were completely deceived by him!"

Chang Xing kowtowed repeatedly, saying, "Your Majesty, please be wise! That Qian Xuzi is the head of the Medicine King Sect, a sect with a century-long reputation. Who would have thought he would commit such a treasonous act? If we had known earlier that the medicine was problematic, we would not have dared to let Your Majesty take it, even if we had a hundred lives!"

Wang Pan wept uncontrollably, crying, "Your Majesty, we have practiced medicine for decades and are utterly loyal to you, as heaven and earth can attest! Although aconite is poisonous, if we truly wanted to harm someone, why would we use such a clumsy method? Wouldn't adding a little aconite and croton be faster? We are innocent!"

The three men kowtowed repeatedly, their cries filling the air.

The Hongzhi Emperor looked at Xu Sheng and the other two kneeling on the ground with icy eyes.

"I heard everything you just said. I don't care whether aconite is poison or medicine, but you, as the chief physicians of the Imperial Physicians, couldn't even detect what was in the medicine! I've been taking this medicine for half a month, and you only found out today that it contained aconite. Tell me, how should I deal with you?"

Xu Sheng trembled violently, kowtowing repeatedly: "Your Majesty—I am guilty! I deserve to die!"

The Hongzhi Emperor snorted coldly: "You do indeed deserve to die. But Minister Xue just said that you may not have intended to harm me, but were merely negligent in your duties. Since it was negligence, then you shall be punished accordingly."

"that----"

Just then, an untimely voice suddenly appeared.

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw that it was Yang Shen standing next to Zhu Houzhao.

The Hongzhi Emperor frowned and asked, "Minister Yang, do you have something to say?"

Yang Shen smiled sheepishly and said, "I have a question. Those who serve in the Imperial Medical Academy are the most outstanding physicians in the Ming Dynasty. Take Physician Xue, for example. Although he is only a ninth-rank physician, his medical skills are superb, as everyone can see. Why can he think of these things, but Director Xu and the other chief physicians cannot? Is there some hidden reason behind this?"

Xu Sheng's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly said, "I, Xu, am not skilled enough and am willing to accept punishment. How can I allow you to humiliate me here?"

Yang Shen grinned sheepishly and said, "If your skills weren't excellent, how could you have become the head of the academy?"

Xu Sheng was speechless, but his heart was filled with great fear.

The Hongzhi Emperor had already grasped the implication and asked, "Minister Xu, I'm giving you one last chance. If you continue to conceal anything, you will be deceiving the Emperor!"

Xu Sheng's face turned green, and he trembled, unable to utter a single word.

The Hongzhi Emperor could see clearly that these people were definitely hiding something from him.

"Xiao Jing, transfer this case to the Eastern Depot and have it thoroughly investigated for me!"

Xu Sheng finally broke down, crying out, "I am guilty! I accepted—the money from the Medicine King Sect—"

Pfft!Pfft!

Chang Xing and Wang Pan also knelt on the ground, trembling like leaves.

The scene fell silent again, seemingly shrouded in an invisible killing intent.

Zhu Houzhao pulled Yang Shen aside and asked in a low voice, "Yang, how did you know?"

Yang Shen leaned close to Zhu Houzhao's ear and whispered, "I don't know, I'm just guessing."

The Hongzhi Emperor's face turned from pale to ashen as he slowly spoke: "Issue an imperial decree: Xu Sheng, the Director of the Imperial Medical Academy, and Chang Xing and Wang Pan, the Chief Physicians, are to be immediately dismissed from their posts and handed over to the Ministry of Justice for trial. The Eastern Depot will supervise the entire process. The remaining personnel of the Imperial Medical Academy will be temporarily led by Xue Xinfu to re-examine all elixirs in the palace. Any that are in doubt must be sealed and await further investigation!"

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