Chapter 104: Penicillin Put on the Agenda

However, this disaster also served as a heavy warning bell, letting Liuju deeply perceive the myriad flaws in the existing relief system and medical institutions of the Great Han when facing epidemic disasters.

Now, although the epidemic has subsided and the disaster areas are gradually regaining their former vitality, Liuju's sense of crisis has grown ever stronger.

He clearly realized that if they did not seize this opportunity to carry out sweeping reforms, the future of the Great Han would still totter under the shadow of epidemics.

That day, the Weiyang Palace was solemn and dignified, silent and still, only the wind chime at the corner of the hall's eaves, stirred by a gentle breeze, rang out with a clear sound.

Liuju, wearing a dragon robe, sat solemnly upon the dragon throne, his gaze deep and resolute, slowly sweeping over the officials below the steps.

He gave a light cough, breaking the suffocating silence, his voice steady and forceful: "This malaria epidemic has plunged our Great Han people into dire straits, countless families torn apart; whenever I recall it, my heart aches."

"This is not merely a natural disaster, but also a severe test of our Great Han's relief system and medical institutions. I have decided that from today onward, we must strictly establish a complete relief procedure and measures, comprehensively advance medical reform, and absolutely not allow similar tragedies to recur."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall erupted in discussion.

The officials whispered to each other, some showing approval with slight nods;

others wore looks of doubt, discussing quietly.

Liuju paid no heed to the officials' reactions, continuing with a solemn expression: "Beloved officials, the relief procedures and measures concern the lives and deaths of the people and the safety of the state. I hope you will each voice your opinions and jointly devise a feasible plan."

Chancellor Tian Qiuqiu stepped forward from the ranks, respectfully clasping his hands and saying: "Your Majesty, in my view, the urgent priority is to establish a comprehensive epidemic monitoring system. We should station dedicated medical officials in every region to carry out daily epidemic surveillance. Once any sign of an outbreak is detected, they shall immediately report to the court so that timely measures can be taken, containing the epidemic at its inception."

Liuju gave a slight nod, his eyes showing approval: "Chancellor Tian's words are quite right. Only by achieving early detection and early reporting can we gain precious time for subsequent relief efforts."

Immediately afterward, Su Wu stepped forward and offered his counsel: "Your Majesty, the allocation of supplies after an outbreak is crucial. We should stockpile ample food, medicine, and medical equipment in every locality to ensure rapid deployment to disaster zones when calamity strikes, securing the basic livelihood and medical relief of the victims."

Liuju fell into brief contemplation, then said: "This suggestion is excellent. However, stockpiling must not only be ample in quantity but also reliable in quality; we must never allow inferior supplies to flow into disaster areas, delaying treatment. Moreover, the allocation process must be fair and transparent, eliminating corruption."

Thereafter, other officials also spoke up eagerly, some proposing to strengthen quarantine and control of the disaster areas to prevent the spread of the epidemic;

others suggested organizing professional medical teams to go deep into the disaster zones for relief;

still others believed that popularizing epidemic prevention knowledge should raise the people's self‑defense awareness.

Liuju listened attentively to each official's opinion, occasionally engaging in deep discussion and exchange with them,

the atmosphere in the hall grew ever more heated.

After several days of intense debate and careful deliberation, a detailed and comprehensive relief procedure and set of measures were finally completed.

After Liuju personally reviewed it, he nodded in satisfaction, ordered its promulgation nationwide, and demanded that all localities enforce it strictly.

After the relief procedure and measures were finalized, Liuju turned his focus to medical reform.

He understood that to fundamentally raise the medical standards of the Great Han and safeguard the people's health and welfare, a thorough overhaul of the existing medical system was necessary.

"Summon Zhang Shi for an audience."

Liuju instructed the attendant outside the hall:

Soon after, Zhang Shi hurried into the hall, his expression somewhat tense, knelt and paid his respects: "Your humble servant Zhang Shi greets Your Majesty."

Liuju looked at Zhang Shi with gentle eyes full of trust and expectation: "Zhang Shi, during this malaria epidemic you have performed excellently. Not only did you dare to speak frankly, pointing out Shen Hong's misconduct, but you also actively engaged in relief work, earning merit in the fight against the disease. I have decided to appoint you as Deputy Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, responsible for leading the Great Han's medical reform."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shi felt both excited and apprehensive.

He was excited because he had received the emperor's high praise and trust;

he was apprehensive because he knew well the weight of this responsibility.

He hastily kowtowed to express his gratitude, his voice trembling slightly: "Your Majesty places such trust in your humble servant; I will surely exert my utmost and not disappoint your great expectation."

Liuju then said:

"This medical reform involves myriad details, but I believe that cultivating talent is of paramount importance. You are to establish a dedicated medical academy within the Imperial Medical Bureau, widely recruit aspiring youths from across the land who wish to study medicine, hire experienced imperial physicians as instructors to impart advanced medical knowledge and therapeutic techniques. At the same time, encourage them to conduct medical research, exploring new treatments and drugs."

Zhang Shi listened attentively to Liuju's instructions, silently noting each point in his mind.

He spoke resolutely: "Your Majesty is wise; talent is the foundation of medical development. Your humble servant will certainly follow your imperial will, run the medical academy well, and cultivate more outstanding medical talents for the Great Han."

Liuju nodded and continued: "Furthermore, you must organize the imperial physicians to sort and revise the existing medical classics, discarding the false and preserving the true, so that genuinely useful medical knowledge may be passed down. At the same time, strengthen exchanges and cooperation with folk physicians, absorbing their experience and wisdom to jointly advance the development of medicine in the Great Han."

"Your humble servant understands."

Zhang Shi replied without hesitation.

Liuju paused briefly, his eyes showing a hint of anticipation and longing, and said: "Besides, I have heard of a medicine called penicillin, which has miraculous efficacy in treating epidemics."

"Although we currently know little about it, I believe that persistent research will surely yield results. I command you to continue studying penicillin, striving to develop this drug as soon as possible, to safeguard the people's health."

Zhang Shi's heart gave a sudden jolt; he deeply understood the arduousness and importance of this task.

Penicillin, this unfamiliar yet hopeful term, now lay upon his heart like a heavy stone.

But he felt Liuju's high expectations, and a strong sense of mission welled up within him.

Liuche walked slowly up to Zhang Shi, looked at him closely, and said: "You must remember, you are not working for me, but for the people of the Great Han. Only by keeping the world's masses in your heart can you live up to your mission."

"Your humble servant will keep your teachings in mind, Your Majesty." Zhang Shi lifted his head, a flash of determination appearing in his eyes.

Seeing Zhang Shi's earnest expression, Liuche gave a slight nod.

He knew that although this youngster was immature, his thinking was meticulous and he dared to take responsibility.

This is exactly the talent the Great Han needs.