Chapter 78: Not Losing to Court Officials

For instance, at this moment, an old official exchanged a glance with Grand Chancellor Gao and stepped forward. He said in a snide, mocking tone:

"It is already improper for a woman to show her face in public, yet you dare to attempt to use untested substances on the bodies of others; it is truly absurd. As for this talk of teaching some needle technique, you dare to speak so brazenly before the Imperial Physicians without fear of biting your own tongue?"

The moment Jun Zijin and Quan Aoyu entered the great hall, she had swept her gaze over everyone present. Her peripheral vision had been fixed on Grand Chancellor Gao, so the glance exchanged between that old man and the Grand Chancellor naturally could not escape Jun Zijin’s sharp eyes. Jun Zijin narrowed her eyes slightly, a trace of imperceptible coldness flashing through them, and the corners of her mouth curled into a mocking smile. So, they wanted to pit the entire Imperial Medical Academy against her.

Jun Zijin looked at the old official, her expression composed:

"My lord, your words are mistaken. The epidemic is urgent, and traditional methods have proven ineffective. Rather than sit and wait for death, why not give a new method a chance? Furthermore, this vaccine was not conjured out of thin air; it is the result of extensive research. Or perhaps, my lord, you have a better solution?" After saying all that, Jun Zijin felt exhausted; she had been here so long, yet she still wasn't used to this flowery, convoluted language.

That old man had no better solution, but he could not bring himself to be questioned by a mere slip of a girl. He puffed out his beard, arched his brows, and said indignantly:

"You yellow-haired girl, how dare you spout such nonsense here! Which of the Imperial Physicians in the palace has not practiced medicine for decades? You might as well ask them if anyone has ever seen such an absurd method. A vaccine? Hmph, it is nothing but heterodox trickery! How can you treat the safety of His Majesty, the Imperial Princes, and the common people of the world as a child's game!"

The corners of Jun Zijin’s mouth lifted slightly, revealing a cold, mocking smile. So, he wanted to pit everyone in the world against her.

Jun Zijin spoke slowly: "My lord, it is precisely because the safety of the world's people is at stake that we must try new methods. It is true that the Imperial Physicians have practiced for decades, but given the current situation, everyone in the palace is in danger. Once smallpox breaks out, can you bear the responsibility for the safety of His Majesty, the Imperial Princes, and the people of the world?" Jun Zijin exhaled; speaking plainly was much more satisfying.

"You..." The old man was momentarily speechless, his face turning beet red.

At this moment, Guo Yuanzheng, a medical fanatic, had already cursed the old man countless times in his heart. That girl was a descendant of the divine physician Fang; if she could cure the Grand Chancellor’s wife of an acute stroke, it was no surprise she could cure smallpox. Surely the Emperor wouldn't forbid it just because of that old fool's words? He couldn't hold back any longer and said:

"Lord Zhang, don't be so agitated. County Princess Qingping is a descendant of the divine physician Fang. If you don't want to try the County Princess's new method, don't hinder us. This humble official may be untalented, but I can represent the Imperial Medical Academy; we are very much looking forward to learning the County Princess's needle technique."

Upon hearing this, the old man was so angry he nearly keeled over, pointing at Guo Yuanzheng and stammering "You... you... you" for a long time.

The silent Quan Aoyu’s cold voice rang out: "Enough. Do not waste any more time here. My Zijin cares for the people of the world and has painstakingly studied medicine; how can you pedantic old fools compare to her? Perhaps you do not know, but the Seventh Imperial Prince’s condition, which left the Imperial Physicians helpless, has already been stabilized by my Zijin’s golden needle technique. Does anyone here still have anything to say?"

Quan Aoyu spoke plainly, briefly explaining the matter of the Seventh Imperial Prince. The old man was left speechless by Quan Aoyu’s retort. With the Crown Prince speaking up—referring to her as "my Zijin" over and over—how could he not see the position this woman held in the Crown Prince’s heart? Even if he were unwilling, what could he do? One could not fight the inevitable.

Old Man Zhang realized belatedly that not only had he been used as a pawn by Grand Chancellor Gao, but more importantly, he had angered the Crown Prince, that god of slaughter. His future days would likely be difficult. Old Man Zhang suffered in silence and shut his mouth.

When the Emperor heard Quan Aoyu say the Seventh Imperial Prince’s condition had stabilized, he was overjoyed, and his tense expression softened. Quan Wuji’s gaze, filled with inquiry and expectation, remained fixed on the girl before him. He felt that she possessed not only an unyielding spirit but also wisdom and composure that did not lose to any court official, yet she was clearly a child who had not even reached the age of adulthood. This girl seemed to hold many secrets yet to be revealed. Still, she was a perfect match for Yu'er; this marriage grant was a good decision. Quan Wuji nodded to himself.

The Emperor wore a smile, "County Princess Qingping cares for the world; I am deeply gratified."

"County Princess Qingping, if this smallpox vaccine is promoted, how certain are you of its success?" the Emperor asked.

Jun Zijin replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, this subject has 90 percent certainty. Although not entirely confirmed, the current situation is critical and worth a try."

The Emperor nodded slightly; even 50 percent would have been worth it, let alone 90. Just as the Emperor was about to speak, Grand Chancellor Gao, who had remained silent, stepped out to report:

"Your Majesty, this move is too risky. If it fails, I fear it will incite public outrage."

Jun Zijin said indifferently:

"If the Grand Chancellor has a better way to control the smallpox epidemic, please share it. If not, once the epidemic spreads, let alone public outrage, the people will be in a panic, and a perfectly fine city will turn into a purgatory. Furthermore, as long as those vaccinated have no adverse reactions, there will be no harm even if it is ineffective. Once the vaccination succeeds, antibodies will be produced, and the smallpox virus will be completely eradicated. Grand Chancellor, no matter how you calculate it, it is a worthwhile trade, don't you agree?"

Grand Chancellor Gao was about to say more when the Emperor waved his hand:

"Minister Gao, this girl is the granddaughter of that old man Fang. I trust her ability, and the situation is now imminent. However, regarding this vaccination, who is willing to go first?"

The atmosphere in the imperial court was exceptionally heavy; for a time, no one answered the Emperor’s question. Just as everyone was looking at each other in silence, a series of hurried footsteps approached from afar.

It was Jun Zhengming, who had rushed over. As he stepped into the hall, he heard the Emperor’s majestic voice: "Who is willing to go first?"

Jun Zhengming hesitated for almost no time at all and immediately responded loudly: "Your Majesty, this subject is willing!"

He thought to himself: after the scene that poisonous woman, the Wu woman, made today, the Crown Prince must be furious with him, and the Emperor might have heard of it too. This was a perfect opportunity to prove himself. If he could successfully complete the task, the father and son would surely not punish him further, and he might even gain the Emperor’s appreciation and trust.

Hearing this, the Emperor raised an eyebrow, then showed a look of gratification, nodding slightly as he praised:

"Minister Jun, your courage is commendable. In that case, County Princess Qingping, administer this untested vaccine preparation to Minister Jun first." With that, he turned his gaze toward the County Princess standing to the side.

What? Jun Zhengming only then reacted. What was this untested vaccine preparation? He had never heard of it, and his heart was filled with shock and unease about the unknown. But he had already agreed without hesitation before the Emperor, and a wave of regret surged in his heart. However, things had reached this point; how could he go back on his word in front of the Emperor? Wouldn't that be seeking his own death? Jun Zhengming could only grit his teeth and brace himself.

Finally, a word from Emperor Tianqi settled the matter of the vaccination, though for these pedantic ancients, rolling up their sleeves and exposing their arms in front of a girl was likely more painful than death. Jun Zijin asked:

"Is there any Imperial Physician who will come to administer the vaccine to Minister Jun? This young woman is willing to teach the injection technique."

Upon hearing this, Guo Yuanzheng was overjoyed. His face beamed with smiles as he hurriedly responded:

"This old man is willing! This old man is willing!" This was a golden opportunity! To have such a chance to participate and learn the unheard-of injection technique was truly a blessing. Guo Yuanzheng raised his right hand and answered loudly, his excitement such that he feared the other party might change her mind.

Although the vaccine that could prevent the smallpox virus was not developed by him personally, as long as those who received the injection would never again be plagued by such a terrifying disease, he would have played a part in it regardless! A strong sense of pride welled up in his heart. Guo Yuanzheng’s face was filled with a blissful smile, as if he were lost in the joy of his own contribution.

Soon, a screen was set up in the great hall. Jun Zhengming’s face was slightly pale as he braced himself to receive the vaccine. Everyone around held their breath, watching nervously. The vast hall fell into an instant, deathly silence; one could seemingly hear a needle drop on the floor.

Finally, two quarter-hours passed, and Jun Zhengming showed no adverse reactions. At this, the ministers who had previously opposed it shut their mouths. The Emperor was delighted and immediately summoned the Imperial Physicians to learn the injection and acupuncture techniques from Jun Zijin, vaccinating the uninfected in the palace and those present in turn. Another group of physicians was assigned to learn acupuncture, and Jun Zijin gave them some anti-infection pills and anti-itch medicine to treat those already infected. Guo Yuanzheng was overjoyed, tucking them away like precious treasures.