The setting sun of late spring, like glistening gold powder meticulously ground by the years, or like a thin sheet of gold foil carefully carved over a long time, with a touch of lingering tenderness, gently spilled onto the solemn and towering imperial palace. Every inch of the weather - beaten and mottled bricks and tiles was softly caressed by the warm and gentle afterglow, as if quietly telling the vicissitudes and glories of countless past springs and autumns. Those dust - covered stories loomed in the afterglow. The layers of palaces, arranged in a scattered and orderly manner, were like an ancient and mysterious historical scroll, slowly unfolding in the tender embrace of the afterglow. Every eave and every window seemed to be telling the ups and downs in the imperial court. The glazed tiles on the cornices sparkled with a dazzling golden light, like countless bright stars, inlaid well-proportioned in this ancient and profound sky, and also seemed to drape a sacred and solemn rosy dress over this palace that carried a heavy history and countless secrets, making the entire imperial palace more awe - inspiring and solemn, and making people can't help but be full of imagination about the stories within the high walls.
In the Imperial Study, the curling sandalwood incense wafted leisurely. The blue smoke slowly rose in the quiet and somewhat oppressive air, trying to add a touch of soothing atmosphere to this tense environment. Li Yunfei was dressed in a bright - yellow dragon robe embroidered with golden dragons. The gold threads on the dragon robe glistened with a cold and noble light under the flickering candlelight. Every gold thread demonstrated his supreme imperial status. He sat upright on the carved nanmu chair. The exquisite carvings on the chair were complex and delicate. Every texture seemed to be whispering the dignity and honor of the royal family that had been passed down for hundreds of years. With the precipitation of time, it became more and more solemn. In front of him, piles of memorials were stacked layer upon layer, like a heavy mountain, carrying the well - being of the common people, the rise and fall of the country. Each memorial was related to the various aspects of people's livelihood and the fate of the nation. The vermilion brush in his hand sometimes quickly swiped across the paper like a sudden storm, approving important instructions related to people's livelihood. Those vigorous and powerful words seemed to carry warmth, integrating his deep concern and earnest expectations for the common people. Every word was full of his governing philosophy. Sometimes it hung in the air, not falling for a long time. He frowned in deep thought, and his deep eyes sparkled with wisdom and worry, as if repeatedly weighing the far - reaching impacts of every decision. Every word was carefully considered in his heart, for fear that the slightest mistake would bring irreparable consequences to the country and the people. This responsibility and burden weighed heavily on his heart.
"Your Majesty, this is today's urgent memorial." The old eunuch Liu Fu hunched over and walked with small and cautious steps, like a cautious old cat, for fear of disturbing this tranquility. He held the memorial in both hands. The memorial seemed to carry a heavy burden. With a look of awe and worry on his face, he carefully presented this document related to the fate of the country, interrupting Li Yunfei's thoughts. Li Yunfei reached out to take it, his movements steady and powerful, and slowly unfolded it to read carefully. His brows gradually knitted into a deep "Sichuan" character, as if there were endless worries and thoughts hidden in the wrinkles. These days, on the surface, the imperial court was calm. The ministers were all respectful in the morning court, and their words were full of loyalty. Every word seemed to be carefully carved without any flaws. However, relying on his keen intuition honed by years of struggling in the palace, Li Yunfei always felt that there was an invisible undercurrent surging quietly. This undercurrent lurked in the dark and might set off huge waves at any time, completely shattering this seemingly calm situation and plunging the whole country into turmoil. There was a faint uneasiness in his heart, and he was always on guard against the unknown crisis.
At the same time, in the quiet courtyard of the Imperial Medical Office, a faint fragrance of medicinal herbs permeated the air. This fragrance, a mixture of the precipitation of time and the
mystery of medical skills, formed a unique and charming smell that made people feel at ease when they smelled it. The gentle breeze blew, and the branches and leaves of the medicinal herbs swayed gently, as if whispering their effects and stories. Every medicinal herb carried the medical wisdom of thousands of years. Lin Yue was wearing a plain medical robe. The sleeves of her robe fluttered gently with the breeze, like a fairy descending to the mortal world, and also like a green lotus blooming in the mundane world, pure and noble. At this moment, she was focusing on giving a lecture to a group of young female doctors. Her fair hand gently held a blood ginseng. The blood ginseng seemed to be endowed with life in her hand, exuding a faint luster. Her red lips parted slightly, and her voice was clear and firm, like a clear mountain stream, flowing in the courtyard: "This blood ginseng grows on the cliffs of deep mountains. The mountains are high, the roads are dangerous, and the clouds and mists are lingering. It is extremely difficult to collect, so it is very precious. When treating qi and blood deficiency syndromes, it has unique effects. But everyone must keep in mind that the dosage must be accurate when using it. The slightest deviation may affect the curative effect and even endanger the patient's life." The female doctors closely surrounded her, like a group of hungry fledglings, eager to obtain the nourishment of knowledge from her. Each of them stared intently, their eyes sparkling with a burning desire for medical knowledge. The flames burning in their eyes seemed to be able to turn all difficulties into ashes. The pens in their hands rustled on the paper. That sound was like a passionate march, and they carefully recorded every key point, for fear of missing any crucial information. Every word was like their persistent pursuit of the medical dream. They were filled with love for medical skills and were striving to explore in this medical world.
However, Lin Yue's kind act of wholeheartedly passing on medical skills and cultivating talents was like throwing a huge stone into a calm lake, instantly breaking the dullness and conservatism in the Imperial Medical Office over the years and setting off huge waves. Those imperial physicians who were accustomed to the traditional medical education model and adhered to old rules were full of resistance and dissatisfaction in their hearts, as if their territory had been invaded and their dignity had been trampled. The highly experienced Imperial Physician Wang was the most stubborn representative among them. He was wearing a dark - gray robe. The wrinkles on the robe seemed to be a symbol of his stubborn thoughts. His grizzled beard trembled slightly with his cold snort, like withered grass blown by the wind: "Humph, a woman is so ostentatious in the Imperial Medical Office. The students she teaches will probably break the long - standing rules of the Imperial Medical Office. Is this Imperial Medical Office a place where she can fiddle around at will!" Imperial Physician Zhao beside him also quickly chimed in, with a flattering smile on his face. That smile was like a poisonous mushroom blooming in a dark corner, making people feel disgusted: "Yes, those novel treatment methods of hers, I don't know where she learned them. She's not afraid of misleading the students and ruining the reputation of the Imperial Medical Office. The century - old reputation of the Imperial Medical Office must not be destroyed in her hands!"
These acrid words quickly spread like wings and reached Lin Yue's ears. But she just slightly frowned. The wrinkles on her brows were like a ripple on a calm lake, disappearing in a flash, and then she left these rumors behind and turned around to focus on teaching again. She deeply knew that the path of medicine was always advancing in continuous exploration and innovation. Only by breaking the shackles of tradition could medical skills be truly passed on and developed, so as to better treat diseases and save lives and fulfill her mission. In her heart, there was love for medicine and responsibility for patients. How could these small slurs stop her from moving forward? She firmly believed that everything she did was for the progress of medicine and to save more lives. In the imperial court, the conservative faction led by Prime Minister Sun Hong and the radical faction led by General Zhao Yong were waging a fierce war without gunpowder smoke. Although there were no swords and shadows in this war, it was more soul - stirring than a real battlefield. Sun Hong, this old minister with gray temples and a cold face, was always known for abiding by the ancestral system. He sat on the grand master's chair, his body slightly leaning back. The grand master's chair seemed to be his fortress for sticking to tradition. He gently stroked his beard, which was like a symbol of his status and position, and slowly said: "Your Majesty, the ancestral laws have gone through several generations and have long taken root and become deeply ingrained, integrating into the blood of our dynasty. If they are easily changed, it may cause turmoil in the imperial court and instability among the people. I hope Your Majesty will think twice before acting. The rules left by our ancestors are the foundation of our governance. How can they be easily shaken?" General Zhao Yong was different. He was tall and burly. Standing in the imperial court, he was like a towering mountain. His voice was as loud as a bell, echoing in the imperial court and making people feel uneasy: "The country is now facing both internal and external troubles. Inside, the common people are living in hardship, suffering from hunger and cold. Outside, powerful enemies are eyeing us, ready to invade our border at any time. If we don't carry out drastic reforms, how can we strengthen the national strength and resist foreign enemies? The common people are the foundation of the country. Now that the foundation is unstable, how can the country be at peace? Now that the common people are living in hardship, if we don't reduce taxes, how can we win the hearts of the people? Moreover, as long as we rationally allocate finances, increase revenue and reduce expenditure, it will not have too much impact on the national expenditure. I am willing to fully assist the Ministry of Revenue to jointly complete the financial allocation and contribute my strength to the country's reform!" Although the two did not have a fierce conflict in the imperial court, every time they discussed government affairs, the tit - for - tat exchanges in their words made the atmosphere increasingly tense, as if it was about to explode. The air was filled with a thick smell of gunpowder, making people feel that a storm was about to come and the situation in the imperial court was extremely precarious. Li Yunfei sat quietly on the dragon throne. The dragon throne was like a majestic throne, symbolizing his supreme power. His eyes were sharp, and he quietly observed every move in the imperial court. Every expression and every word of every minister were taken in by him. He deeply knew that if the struggle between these two forces was not controlled, it would pose a serious threat to the stability of the country. He was secretly thinking in his heart how to find a balance in this complex situation, how to promote reforms to make the country prosperous and strong, and at the same time stabilize the situation in the imperial court and avoid internal turmoil. It was like walking on a tightrope. A slight misstep would lead to disaster. He was shouldering the fate of the country, and every decision was related to the rise and fall of the Great Tang Dynasty. The pressure was as heavy as Mount Tai.
On this morning court, the sunlight shone through the windows of the palace and formed golden beams on the ground of the main hall. Li Yunfei sat on the dragon throne, his expression solemn and majestic, like an ancient statue, exuding an awe - inspiring aura. He slowly opened his mouth and said: "I have recently heard that the common people among the people are living in hardship, the taxes are heavy, and they can hardly make a living. Many common people are displaced, and there are countless starving people. I am very worried. I have decided to reduce the taxes of farmers to relieve the pressure on the common people's lives, promote agricultural development, and stabilize the foundation of the country." As soon as these words were spoken, the imperial court was in an uproar. The ministers whispered to each other and talked a lot. Some showed approval, while others frowned, full of worry. Sun Hong took the lead in standing up, cupping his hands and bowing, his attitude respectful but firm. His posture seemed to show his loyalty to Li Yunfei, but his words were full of opposition: "Your Majesty, taxes are the foundation of the national finance. If they are easily reduced, it may affect various national expenditures, such as the military pay, the repair of water conservancy facilities, and the salaries of officials. I hope Your Majesty will think twice. The operation of the country cannot do without taxes. Once the taxes are reduced, many affairs will not be able to be carried out normally." Zhao Yong immediately retorted, taking a step forward, his posture straight, like a tall pine, and said loudly: "The common people are the foundation of the country. If the foundation is unstable, how can the country be at peace? Now that the common people are living in hardship, if we don't reduce taxes, how can we win the hearts of the people? Moreover, as long as we rationally allocate finances, increase revenue and reduce expenditure, it will not have too much impact on the national expenditure. I am willing to fully assist the Ministry of Revenue to jointly complete the financial allocation. Only by making the common people live a good life can the country enjoy long - term stability." The two each held their own opinions and refused to give in to each other. The ministers in the imperial court also talked a lot, divided into two factions, each expressing their own opinions, and the scene was a bit chaotic for a while. Some ministers supported Sun Hong, believing that the ancestral laws should not be easily changed. Some ministers stood on Zhao Yong's side, feeling that the country must be reformed to develop. There were distinct opposing camps in the imperial court.
Li Yunfei listened quietly to everyone's opinions and had already made a decision in his heart. After a moment of contemplation, his eyes were firm, as if he could penetrate all the mists and see the future of the country. His tone was unquestionable: "My decision is made. The matter of reducing taxes is thus decided. As for the financial allocation, the Ministry of Revenue needs to come up with a specific plan within ten days to ensure that all national affairs are not affected. I believe that as long as we work together, we will surely overcome difficulties. We should seek the well - being of the common people and the development of the country. This is our common responsibility." Li Yunfei's words were like a bass drum, making the imperial court suddenly quiet. Although Sun Hong was unhappy in his heart, he did not dare to openly defy the imperial will and could only secretly endure it. A glimmer of unwillingness flashed in his eyes. The look in his eyes revealed his adherence to tradition and his dissatisfaction with the reform. He silently sighed in his heart, worrying about the unknown consequences that the reform might bring.
In the Imperial Medical Office, Lin Yue's situation became more and more difficult. Imperial Physician Wang and others not only excluded her verbally but also set up numerous obstacles for her in actual work. One day, the Imperial Medical Office received an urgent task of treating an important official. After learning this, Imperial Physician Wang secretly calculated in his heart. His eyes flickered, and a faint sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth. That smile was like a flash of lightning in the night sky, with a hint of insidiousness. He deliberately excluded Lin Yue and arranged for his trusted imperial physician to be in charge. This imperial physician, following the traditional treatment methods, took the official's pulse, prescribed prescriptions, and decocted medicine every day. However, after many days, the official's condition did not improve at all. Instead, it became more and more serious. His originally somewhat rosy face became paler, like a white piece of paper, and his breath became weaker, as if a candle flame that could go out at any time. His life was in danger.
When Li Yunfei learned of this, he was furious. He suddenly slapped the table, and the teacup on the table jumped up, making a clear sound. He stood up, his eyes full of anger, as if he could burn all evil: "How could the Imperial Medical Office act like this? It's simply absurd! Human life is at stake, but they are so careless!" He knew very well that Lin Yue had superb medical skills, and Imperial Physician Wang's actions were obviously deliberate, a dereliction of duty to the court and a disregard for life. He immediately ordered Lin Yue to participate in the treatment. After receiving the order, Lin Yue rushed to the official's mansion in a hurry. Her expression was focused, and her eyes were full of confidence and calmness, as if all difficulties were nothing in front of her. She carefully diagnosed the official's condition. Through observing, smelling, asking, and feeling the pulse, she found that his illness was not as simple as it seemed on the surface. Instead, it was a combination of various causes. There was a blockage in the qi and blood in the body, and the meridians were stagnant, like blocked rivers. There was also an external invasion of wind - cold, and the pathogenic factors invaded, like foreign enemies invading a city. Coupled with long - term fatigue and worry, the condition was complex and difficult to treat. She resolutely adjusted the treatment plan and adopted a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine methods. She not only prescribed a carefully prepared traditional Chinese medicine prescription to regulate qi and blood and dispel wind - cold. Every medicine in the prescription was like a carefully selected soldier, charging forward to save the patient's life. She also used some modern rehabilitation techniques, such as acupoint massage to dredge the meridians, like untying a ball of tangled threads to make the qi and blood flow smoothly again. She guided the official to practice breathing exercises to harmonize the breath, as if injecting new vitality into the patient's body. She was engaged in a fierce battle with death with her wisdom and medical skills.
Under Lin Yue's careful treatment, the official's condition gradually improved. His originally pale face gradually regained its color, like a flower that had regained its vitality in spring. His spirit also became better and better. He was able to sit up and talk to people, and his eyes sparkled with new light. This completely ruined the conspiracy of Imperial Physician Wang and others and also made the other imperial physicians in the Imperial Medical Office have a new understanding of Lin Yue's medical skills. Some imperial physicians who had originally been skeptical of her began to look at her with new eyes and privately talked about it one after another: "This Medical Official Lin really has real skills. It seems that we underestimated her before. Her medical skills may really bring new hope to the Imperial Medical Office." Lin Yue proved herself with her strength and brought new dawn to the Imperial Medical Office.
However, things didn't end there. Imperial Physician Wang and the others were reluctant to accept defeat. They gathered together and plotted secretly. A few days later, they jointly submitted a memorial to Li Yunfei, accusing Lin Yue of disrupting the order of the Imperial Medical Office and undermining the inheritance of traditional medicine. After reading the memorial, Li Yunfei sneered inwardly. He was well aware that this was a false accusation by Imperial Physician Wang and the others, who would stop at nothing to safeguard their own interests. But to quell the incident and convince everyone, he decided to convene a meeting of the Imperial Medical Office, allowing everyone to state their views face - to - face.
On the day of the meeting, the atmosphere in the conference hall of the Imperial Medical Office was tense and oppressive, as if it could be wrung out. The sunlight spilled onto the ground through the windows but failed to dispel this oppressive atmosphere. Imperial Physician Wang took the lead in launching an attack. He straightened his back, with a solemn expression, and said righteously, "Your Majesty, Lin Yue has arbitrarily changed treatment methods in the Imperial Medical Office and imparted some unproven medical skills. If this continues, it will likely damage the reputation of the Imperial Medical Office, mislead the young female doctors, and lead them astray. The Imperial Medical Office is a royal medical institution, related to the dignity of the imperial court. Such behavior must not be tolerated. Her actions are a desecration of the Imperial Medical Office and a betrayal of traditional medicine!" Lin Yue stood up neither humbly nor arrogantly. Her eyes were firm as she looked directly into Imperial Physician Wang's eyes, as if she could see through his heart, and responded, "Imperial Physician Wang, medicine is constantly evolving. Although traditional medical skills are important, we cannot remain complacent and stick to old ways. The knowledge and methods I have imparted have all been verified through practice. Every prescription and every treatment method have achieved good results in patients. My only purpose is to better treat diseases and save lives. Should we just watch patients suffer in order to abide by so - called rules? Our duty is to save lives, not to stick rigidly to old conventions!" The two were at loggerheads, each holding their own opinions and arguing incessantly.
Li Yunfei listened quietly to their argument, and his support for Lin Yue became even more resolute. He looked at Imperial Physician Wang and the others. His face darkened, and his eyes revealed dignity and dissatisfaction. His gaze seemed to be able to expose all evil. He said seriously, "The duty of the Imperial Medical Office is to treat diseases and save lives. Any method that is beneficial to patients should be tried and accepted. I have seen Lin Yue's medical skills and medical ethics. She has brought new vitality and hope to the Imperial Medical Office. From now on, no one shall unjustly accuse her anymore. Those who violate this will be severely punished. The Imperial Medical Office should focus on patients and continuously improve medical skills instead of being constrained by old rules. We must keep pace with the times to better serve the common people and the country." Li Yunfei's words were like thunderbolts, making Imperial Physician Wang and the others dare not say another word. They could only lower their heads in silence. Although they were unwilling in their hearts, they dared not act presumptuously anymore. They knew that the emperor's decision was unshakable, and Lin Yue finally received fair treatment.
Lin Yue gave Li Yunfei a grateful look, and her heart was filled with warmth. She knew that in this strange era, having someone like Li Yunfei who trusted and supported her was her greatest reliance. That look was full of her gratitude and trust for Li Yunfei, as if telling Li Yunfei that no matter what difficulties they encountered, she would firmly stand by his side. Their trust in each other became deeper and deeper in the tense disputes in the imperial court and the numerous difficulties in the Imperial Medical Office. Li Yunfei nodded slightly, and his eyes showed appreciation and pity for Lin Yue. Although the two did not speak, they understood each other's minds.
After everyone had left, Li Yunfei gently walked up to Lin Yue and said in a low voice, "Your medical skills are outstanding, and you have the common people in your heart. I will never allow those pedantic people to hinder your progress." Lin Yue's eyes turned slightly red, and she responded softly, "Your Majesty's favor is so great. Lin Yue can only do her best to share Your Majesty's concerns and bring health and well - being to the common people of the Great Tang."
After that, Lin Yue more actively promoted her medical concepts in the Imperial Medical Office. She not only trained a group of excellent female doctors but also compiled what she had learned into books and shared them with every imperial physician in the Imperial Medical Office. And in the imperial court, Li Yunfei skillfully balanced the forces of the conservative and radical factions and steadily promoted reforms. Every night, after finishing his government affairs, Li Yunfei would always come to the Imperial Medical Office to discuss the strategies of governing the country and the principles of medicine with Lin Yue. The two talked side by side in the moonlight, and their figures were stretched very long by the moonlight, becoming a unique scenery in the imperial palace.