Wandering Sword Seller's Life in the Qin Dynasty

He had actually visited Xianyang before.

But at that time, it was for Yan Dan's sake, so his motives were impure, and he didn't even dare to appear openly.

But today is different; he can walk calmly on the streets of Xianyang.

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing nodded without saying anything.

Afterwards, the Six-Fingered Black Knight left, and Jing Ke naturally followed, showing no intention of lingering there.

After all, they had already learned from the Grand Master yesterday that their goal had been achieved: the King of Qin had accepted the existence of the Mohists.

Watching Six-Fingered Black Knight and Jing Ke leave, Nian Duan remained silent until the two Mo family members had completely departed. Only then did Nian Duan's gaze fall upon Xu Qing, his expression respectful yet resolute: "Mr. Xu, besides thanking you for saving my life back then, I have another matter I would like to ask you about."

Xu Qing raised his eyes and nodded slightly: "Please speak, Miss Nian Duan."

“Back in Liaodong, you once said, ‘Medicine cannot save this world.’” Nian Duan’s voice was calm, but it contained a hint of confusion and resentment. “Over the years, Rong’er and I have traveled to various places to practice medicine and saved countless injured people, but the chaos of the world continues and the suffering has not subsided. I have never understood why a doctor’s benevolence and dedication to saving lives cannot save this world. I have come here today to seek an answer from you.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the courtyard fell silent.

Duanmu Rong looked at Xu Qing with wide curiosity, wanting to know what answer her master would get to his long-standing question.

Xu Qing remained silent for a moment before his gaze slowly swept over Nian Duan. His tone was calm but carried a hint of depth: "If you have any doubts, I will ask you one."

He paused, deliberately slowing his speech, "In this world, how many renowned doctors are there? Not to mention miracle doctors who can bring the dead back to life and heal the wounded, how many are truly good doctors who are better than quacks, who can genuinely cure diseases and save lives, and who have a compassionate heart?"

Upon hearing this, Nian Duan paused for a moment, then fell silent.

She lowered her eyes in deep thought, and various scenes from her past medical practice flashed through her mind. Most of the colleagues she had encountered in various places were quack doctors with shallow skills, either greedy for money or lacking in medical expertise. There were very few people who could truly be called good doctors with a kind heart.

After a long silence, she slowly raised her head, her eyes filled with helplessness and melancholy, and softly replied, "Very few."

These four words were spoken with extreme weight; they were both a fact and a reflection of her powerlessness over the years.

Even with her superb medical skills, she alone, along with a few other skilled doctors, could not possibly alleviate the suffering of the people in this chaotic world.

Xu Qing looked at the helplessness in her eyes and spoke slowly, his tone still calm, but his words were clear, revealing the key point: "Miss Nian Duan is right, there are very few good doctors, and that is the crux of the problem."

"In this vast world, with countless patients, even a few skilled doctors, though capable of saving lives, can only offer temporary relief, not lasting salvation. This is why I say that studying medicine cannot save this world."

Upon hearing this, Nian Duan's expression shifted slightly, and he leaned forward, saying, "Please enlighten me, sir, on how to break this deadlock?"

"The solution lies not in medicine itself, but in order." Xu Qing raised his hand and pointed to the orderly streets and alleys outside the courtyard. "Currently, doctors are all taught by master and apprentice, passing on their knowledge orally. Even if someone as skilled as Miss Nian Duan can train a disciple like Miss Duanmu, it is still a drop in the ocean compared to the endless number of patients in the world. If we want to save the world, we must first establish order for doctors."

Duanmu Rong's eyes lit up as she listened, and she couldn't help but ask softly, "Mr. Xu, what is the order of doctors?"

Xu Qing looked at her, his tone softening slightly, and continued, "Firstly, we should compile medical classics, recording common diseases, treatment methods, and pharmacological knowledge in the world, breaking the limitations of oral transmission from master to apprentice, and allowing medical skills to spread more widely. Secondly, we should establish a systematic medical system, emulating the method of the First Emperor who unified the world and established prefectures and counties, such as a pavilion every ten miles, with a physician assigned to each pavilion."

“This doctor doesn’t necessarily need to be as skilled in medicine as you are, able to treat difficult and complicated diseases. He just needs to follow the compiled medical books and treat common illnesses such as colds and sprains.” Xu Qing paused and added, “In addition, he should also promote hygiene knowledge among the people, teaching them to wash their hands frequently, avoid filth, and drink clean water, so as to reduce the spread of diseases from the root. This is the long-term solution.”

A light shone in Nian Duan's eyes, and her previous confusion and helplessness gradually dissipated. She murmured, "Compiling classics, establishing systems, training rural doctors... what you said is so simple, yet so ingenious. I never thought that there could be such a method besides medicine."

“This method is simple, but it requires strong support to be implemented.” Xu Qing smiled faintly, his tone confident. “Now that the First Emperor has unified the world and established a new order, what he values ​​most is the stability of the country and the support of the people. Such measures can not only reduce the suffering of the people and appease their hearts, but also consolidate his rule and prevent turmoil caused by rampant epidemics. He will certainly be happy to facilitate this.”

At this point, Xu Qing looked at Nian Duan and Duanmu Rong, "So, you've come to Xianyang at just the right time."

"I wonder if you would be interested in coming with me to meet the First Emperor?"

Upon hearing Xu Qing's words, Nian Duan and Duanmu Rong were both stunned.

It must be said that Xu Qing's earlier mention of establishing a medical system opened up a completely different world for Nian Duan and Duanmu Rong, something they had never imagined before.

In the past, all they saw were the patients in front of them, but they never thought about how to save the world from disease.

Of course, what surprised them even more was Xu Qing's promise to take them to see the First Emperor.

Chapter 379 Healthcare Reform

Nian Duan stood there blankly for a moment, her thoughts racing through her mind.

Before coming to Xianyang, she had considered how to save the people from their suffering.

However, all her considerations were always limited to her personal efforts. All she could do was take Duanmu Rong to various places to save one more patient and heal one more wound. She never thought of starting from the overall situation of the world and using systems and order to solve the problem of illness at its root.

Xu Qing's claim of "healing the world" is not something that a physician like her could achieve solely through benevolence and medical skills. It requires the full effort of the Qin state government and the recognition and support of the First Emperor.

Xu Qing's confidence in bringing this up, and even his offer to take them to see the First Emperor, indirectly confirms his prominent position in the Qin state. He was no ordinary guest, but someone who could speak to the First Emperor and influence important matters.

Nian Duan knew clearly in his heart that such an opportunity was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

She traveled a long way to Xianyang because of Xu Qing's words from years ago, "Studying medicine can't save this world." She came to find a way to break the deadlock and truly save the people from suffering.

Now that the opportunity is right in front of her, she has no reason to refuse.

After a moment, Nian Duan composed himself, his expression becoming increasingly resolute. He bowed deeply to Xu Qing and said, "Since Mr. Xu has said so, Nian Duan is willing to go. If I have the opportunity to meet the First Emperor and express my desire for a unified medical system, I will do my utmost, even if it means sacrificing my life."

Although Duanmu Rong was still somewhat uneasy, she immediately nodded in agreement and followed closely beside Nian Duan: "Wherever Master goes, I will go."

In her heart, her master's decision was her direction. Moreover, being able to meet the First Emperor who ended the chaos of the world was also a very exciting thing.

Seeing that the two had agreed, Xu Qing smiled slightly, his expression remaining calm: "Very good!"

"From now on, you can stay in my residence."

"I will arrange your meeting with the First Emperor!"

There's nothing wrong with thinking of Duan Duan and Duanmu Rong.

For the next few days, Nian Duan and Duanmu Rong stayed at Xu Qing's residence.

Also living here are Six-Fingered Black Knight and Jing Ke.

Although Six-Fingered Black Knight has completed his main mission in Xianyang, since the Mo family is considering returning to Qin and he may even retire in Xianyang in the future, he still needs to find out the specific situation of this city.

During this process, because he and Nian Duan were under the same roof.

It's inevitable that Six-Fingered Black Knight and Nian Duan will run into each other.

He wanted to talk to Nian Duan, but Nian Duan refused to acknowledge him.

Seeing this, Six-Fingered Black Knight could only sigh inwardly and say nothing more.

Meanwhile, Xu Qing contacted Ying Zheng.

Although Nian Duan and Duanmu Rong arrived in Xianyang at a rather opportune time, just one after the other, they were separated from Six-Fingered Black Knight and his group.

However, what Xu Qingtong and Nian Duan said was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

It was a problem that had been considered long ago.

Before heading to Liaodong, Xu Qing had considered the corresponding matters. Upon seeing Nian Duan, he immediately recalled the outline in his mind, which led to his words to Nian Duan.

After returning, I thought about it further and that's how I came up with a systematic framework.

However, a suitable time is needed to promote such a system.

This opportune moment will come after the world is unified.

With the country unified and everything in need of rebuilding, various new policies were implemented and a new order was established.

Implementing healthcare system reforms at this time would also mean facing the least resistance.

After all, the blood of the six kingdoms hasn't dried yet!

At this moment, anyone who attempts to overthrow the rule of the Qin state will only face certain death.

On a sunny morning, Xu Qing went alone, carrying the token given to him by Ying Zheng years ago, and went straight to Zhangtai Palace, where Ying Zheng handled state affairs.

At this moment, Ying Zheng was leaning against his desk, reviewing memorials from various regions. When he saw Xu Qing enter, he put down the bamboo slips in his hand, his face losing the solemnity of the court and becoming more relaxed. His tone was casual, like chatting with an old friend: "Mr. Xu has arrived. Please have a seat."

Ying Zheng had received the news before Xu Qing arrived, so he was not surprised.

Xu Qing nodded and calmly found a place to sit down not far from Ying Zheng's desk. Ying Zheng then gestured for the others to leave, and in an instant, only the two of them remained in the hall.

Ying Zheng did not continue with state affairs, but instead asked Xu Qing, "Mr. Xu, what brings you to the palace today? It shouldn't be about the Mohist school, right?"

He knew Xu Qing well; he never did anything futile. This time, he must have important matters to discuss with him since he entered the palace alone.

Xu Qing didn't mince words, his expression gradually becoming more serious, yet he still maintained his composure: "Your Majesty is wise, I have come here today not for the Mohist school, but to discuss with Your Majesty another important matter concerning the livelihood of the people and the consolidation of the foundation of the Great Qin."

"What is it?" Ying Zheng asked immediately, his interest piqued.

Xu Qing is a man of profound learning and extraordinary strength; the things he mentions are by no means ordinary.

Xu Qing said in a deep voice: "Promote reform of the medical system."

A hint of interest flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes, and he leaned forward slightly: "Oh? The medical system? Tell me more about it."

Xu Qing then slowly explained his ideas, including compiling medical classics, setting up medical clinics every ten miles, and promoting public health knowledge. He concluded by saying, "Now that the world is unified, the people have suffered from war and are mostly injured or sick. Moreover, there are few good doctors in the countryside, and quack doctors often cause harm. If this policy can be implemented, it will not only reduce the suffering of the people and appease their hearts, but also prevent the unrest caused by rampant epidemics, allowing the people to recuperate and rebuild. Over time, the foundation of the Great Qin will naturally become more and more solid."

Ying Zheng listened quietly, his fingers lightly tapping the table, his gaze distant and profound.

He pondered for a moment, then his eyes showed approval: "A good plan! Mr. Xu is absolutely right. What I seek after unifying the world is peace and stability and the support of all people. If this plan can be implemented, it will be a blessing for all people and a good thing for our Great Qin. I am naturally happy to promote it."

He knew that the people's hearts were the foundation of a country's governance, and only when the people were safe and well could the Qin Dynasty's rule be stable and secure for a long time. Xu Qing's move was exactly what he wanted.

As he spoke, Ying Zheng changed the subject, a hint of curiosity in his eyes, and looked at Xu Qing: "You just mentioned that this matter requires many famous doctors to lead the compilation of classics and the training of physicians. You also said that you would bring two physicians to see me?"

Xu Qing nodded: "That's right."

He then recounted the story of Nian Duan and his apprentice, and explained, "These two doctors, though women, are highly skilled and compassionate. They have traveled to various places to practice medicine for many years, saving countless lives. I have also discussed the medical system I mentioned with them, and they are willing to participate in this matter."

Ying Zheng grew increasingly curious and smiled, "To be so highly praised by Mr. Xu, their medical skills must be extraordinary. I want to see how their medical skills compare to those of the imperial physicians in the palace."

The imperial physicians in the palace were all selected from among the best doctors in the country, with superb skills. Ying Zheng wanted to know just how capable the doctor was who could earn Xu Qing's special attention.

Xu Qing remained calm, but his tone was full of certainty: "The imperial physicians in the palace, though skilled, are mostly limited to treating illnesses in the palace and are good at treating the diseases of the wealthy. On the other hand, Nian Duan and her apprentice travel among the common people all year round, are knowledgeable and experienced, are good at treating all kinds of difficult and complicated diseases, and understand the hardships of the common people. Looking at the world, their medical skills can be ranked among the top ten."

Xu Qing did not say that Nian Duan and Duanmu Rong's medical skills could rank among the top three in the world, after all, there are many masters in this world.

But with their strength, ranking among the top ten in the world is still no problem.

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's eyes showed surprise. "Oh? I'm rather impatient to meet them."

Once Ying Zheng became interested in Nian Duan and her disciple, it was only natural that he would meet with them.

Subsequently, under Xu Qing's arrangement, Ying Zheng met with Nian Duan and Duanmu Rong.

She even took the initiative to have Nian Duan examine her body.

For Nian Duan, being able to meet the "First Emperor" was also a terrifying thing.

In this world, some people revere Ying Zheng, some people resent Ying Zheng, and some people verbally express their disapproval of Ying Zheng.

But no one can deny Ying Zheng's status.

He ascended to the highest position and ruled the six directions!