Chapter 155 Smallpox Outbreak: Seizing the Opportunity to Arrange Manpower

Chapter 155 Smallpox Outbreak: Seizing the Opportunity to Arrange Manpower

Smallpox broke out in the palace, and Emperor Kangxi immediately ordered a quarantine. No fewer than five concubines were infected, and the number of palace maids was even higher.

Court sessions and classes were suspended. Chenghu was confined to Kunning Palace, filled with worry. "Empress Mother, with so many people sick, won't many people die?" Even at such a young age, he already knew that illness could lead to death.

"Is Chenghu scared?" Fanghua neglected Chenghu after not giving birth to Yinreng, and she favored Chenghu more than her two sons. Fortunately, Yinreng was still young and did not know that his mother was biased.

"Don't be afraid, Your Majesty is here. Your Majesty will definitely not let anything happen to you and Yinreng." Fanghua hugged Chenghu, trying her best to give him the greatest sense of security.

Is Chenghu afraid?

Of course he was afraid, because he had seen people die from illness, and it was precisely because he had seen it that he was afraid someone would die from illness.

He didn't want anyone he knew to die from illness.

"Empress Mother, how can you ensure that all the servants around you don't die?" Although the child was sensible, he had never experienced the life and death of those around him, so he still couldn't quite accept it.

“Of course, Your Majesty will protect all of you.” Fanghua patted his back, giving him a great sense of security. “I made them take their medicine early, so they will all be fine.”

Something serious had happened in the palace, and she couldn't stay by her son's side all the time.

So she took both of her sons into her bedroom to take care of them, while Zhang Mama and Ji Mama stayed by the two princes' side.

Two palace maids stayed by Fanghua's side, and the rest of the people followed her around.

She was the empress; she couldn't possibly hide behind others at a time like this.

"Your Majesty, the physician Wu whom I recommended before was able to develop a method of prevention, but does he also have a method of treatment?" Although it has been delayed for a long time, the prescription has already been delivered to him.

With so much time having passed, Wu Ming must have thoroughly studied the prescription for that herb.

"Does the Empress think he can cure smallpox?" Kangxi didn't believe it. After all, it was smallpox. If he really had such great talent, he wouldn't just be a lowly folk doctor.

"How would we know if we didn't ask? Don't underestimate Dr. Wu's young age; his medical skills are a family tradition. It's just that his ancestors were persecuted by treacherous officials, which led to their downfall." Fanghua felt that it was the perfect time to bring Wu Ming out.

"My family has a deep-rooted background, and although there are few talented people left in the family, I have great faith in Doctor Wu's medical skills." Fanghua was also recommending talented people without considering relatives.

Although Emperor Kangxi did not know how the Empress knew this Doctor Wu, it was not difficult to hear from her words that the Empress held him in high regard.

Since things are already like this, why not give it a try?

"Then I will issue an edict to summon Doctor Wu to the palace."

With such a severe smallpox outbreak occurring in the palace, he had no choice but to take it seriously.

"Empress, if Doctor Wu truly possesses such great abilities, then you have indeed solved a great problem for me. I will certainly reward you handsomely afterward." Kangxi looked at the Empress with a tenderness that seemed to linger in his eyes.

Unfortunately, youth is no longer needed.

"Your Majesty is too kind. As the mother of the nation, this is my duty. If the smallpox epidemic can be resolved, it is thanks to Doctor Wu and Your Majesty's protection of me. I dare not take credit for it."

Fanghua dared not let such great credit fall on her head.

After all, the Hesheli clan already had enough glory. If she were to add the merit of curing smallpox, not only would the emperor be wary, but the court officials would also be wary.

Unless, of course, it is Yinreng who ascends to the throne.

Otherwise, apart from Songgotu, the Hesheli clan would not have been able to produce any other capable individuals.

Even she, the empress, couldn't do it.

"Empress, I am not yet incompetent. Your merits are yours, and I will remember them all." Kangxi stepped forward, took her jade-like hand in his, and kneaded it, his eyes filled with endless affection.

"You don't need to be modest. I'm not that petty. You're still the same as before." For some reason, he suddenly said something that left everyone puzzled.

Seeing him like this, what could Fanghua say?

As long as he's happy.

But she wouldn't believe it.

After all, she had believed in him in her previous life, but the result was that she died and her son was imprisoned.

"Your Majesty." Not knowing how to respond, she could only give him a coquettish sound before pulling her hand away, afraid that if he held it for too long, she would be unable to resist slapping him.

"However, this smallpox outbreak has also served as a wake-up call for us. Those who harbor the ambition to destroy our Qing Dynasty have not given up. We should deal with them as soon as possible."

Only in this way can a stable Qing Dynasty be left for Yinreng.

"The Empress is right. I will settle accounts with them for this matter." Kangxi gritted his teeth, showing how much he hated those rebels.

If it weren't for Doctor Wu, who was found by the Empress, he dared not imagine what the palace would have become.

A smallpox outbreak caused countless deaths and injuries.

I'm afraid the entire imperial city won't be able to be saved.

"The war against the Three Feudatories cannot be rushed, so I should also free up my hands to deal with some disloyal individuals."

This time, Kangxi was truly determined to kill him, after all, his life was threatened, and his desire to kill him was no less than after he was injured in Jiangnan.

Fanghua would not try to control his murderous intent; if she could, she wouldn't mind giving him a push.

Those flies are really annoying.

"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, and is naturally blessed by Heaven. Those rebels, whose first scheme failed, will likely devise another insidious plan. Your Majesty, I request that the grand conferment of titles upon the harem be postponed."

The talent show is fine, but the grand harem should be delayed as long as possible. She didn't have the opportunity before, but now that it's right in front of her, she'll definitely seize it firmly.

Upon hearing this, Kangxi's previously intense emotions gradually subsided, and he fell silent.

Fanghua knew he wanted to use the grand conferment of titles upon the imperial harem to provoke the military generals, but now that the rebels had attacked the palace, she didn't believe he would still insist on the grand conferment of titles upon the imperial harem.

If that's the case, she wouldn't mind causing some trouble, since good fortune is often accompanied by misfortune.

As long as he can afford it.

He remained silent, and so did she.

After a long while, Kangxi finally spoke, saying, "I have already ordered all the necessary gifts to be prepared for the grand conferment of titles upon the empresses. If this is delayed, I fear that the people's hearts will become unsettled."

As he spoke, he tried to make a move again, but Fanghua naturally didn't give him the chance.

They dodged it.

"His Majesty's consideration is correct. In that case, let the Imperial Household Department keep a close eye on things, and I think no one will dare to cause trouble again."

She said that if he didn't agree, then he should bear the consequences.

The outbreak of smallpox in the palace could no longer be concealed, and the people learned of it. To protect his reputation, the emperor immediately ordered the imperial guards to investigate and eliminate numerous rebel forces within the capital.

For three consecutive days, blood flowed like a river in front of the Meridian Gate. This was a show of force, a demonstration of imperial power, and above all, a display of imperial majesty.

Two months later, the smallpox in the palace was finally cured, and Doctor Wu entered the Imperial Hospital, becoming one of the emperor's trusted physicians.

Although he could not compare with Imperial Physician Zhang and others, the Emperor still made him a member of the Imperial Physicians.

Fanghua was very satisfied with this change.

She secretly sent Wu Ming many prescriptions. She didn't have any medical books, and neither did Xiao Feng. Even if Xiao Feng had them, Wu Ming couldn't learn them.

She wouldn't do anything too outrageous.

That day, Wu Ming brought her some surprising news: the Emperor had actually asked Wu Ming to treat his infertility.

Wu Ming asked her if she had any ideas, and Fanghua wanted to laugh.

She was the one who did it, so how could she let him ever recover?

However, he did not directly refuse Wu Ming, but instead had Xiao Feng prepare some prescriptions that were very useful for ordinary people, but only Kangxi could not use them.

That palm strike from number two isn't so easy to counter. Do you really think grandmasters are as common as cabbages, that anyone can counter a grandmaster's power? Then what's so special about a grandmaster?

"Master, isn't Physician Wu being a bit too presumptuous?" Qiaoling returned with a face full of frustration after delivering the message.

It's clear she was mistreated by Wu Ming.

"Oh, what happened? Why are you so angry?" Fanghua asked, puzzled, after seeing the anger on her face.

Qiaoling didn't hide anything from her mistress and immediately told her about Wu Ming's behavior towards her and her dissatisfaction after receiving the prescription.

It turned out that when she went to deliver the prescription to Wu Ming, she heard Imperial Physician Wu complaining that the prescription given by the Empress was not good enough and could not make him more favored by the Emperor. He also complained that he was suppressed by Imperial Physician Zhang and others at every turn.

Fanghua laughed after hearing this, "That's just how people are, their ambitions are never satisfied. Does he really think I can't do without him?"

I thought I had raised a henchman, but I was wrong. I raised a thankless wretch.

"What does he want this time?" Fanghua knew Wu Ming well and was afraid that he not only complained to Qiaoling but also made many unreasonable demands. Otherwise, Qiaoling wouldn't be so angry.

Just as Fanghua had expected, Wu Ming did indeed make quite a few demands.

"Your Majesty, how did you know?" Qiaoling asked in surprise.

Fanghua glared at her, "How could I not know what kind of person he is? I just didn't expect him to be so arrogant, looking down on my little world."

Even if one wants to pledge allegiance to the Emperor, it depends on whether she agrees.

Fortunately, she had already given them loyalty pills, otherwise she really wouldn't have dared to use these people.

Humans are the least trustworthy people.

"Hmph, Your Majesty, can't we find someone else?" Qiaoling disliked this Imperial Physician Wu very much.

"Alright, it won't last long anyway. Let him be arrogant for a while." She has the ability to elevate someone, and she also has the ability to drag someone down to hell.

"Tell me his requirements."

Qiaoling pursed her lips and rattled off a long list of medicine names.

"Your Majesty, he also said that for the sake of the Emperor's health, he needs ten portions, just in case he can't cure the Emperor. Your Majesty also doesn't want people to say that the Empress is jealous and that there will be no more children in the harem." Qiaoling said, then complained.

Fanghua was speechless. She had given him many prescriptions for treating infertility, but unfortunately, no matter what prescription she gave him, it would not work.

Even the most precious medicinal herbs are useless.

"He's really audacious. It seems I've been too easygoing, giving him the wrong impression that I'm easy to manipulate." Fanghua was furious.

Although she doesn't care much about reputation, it's not something that influential people can use to threaten her.

Since he wants to die, let him die sooner rather than later. It's a pity to waste this opportunity.

"Qiaoling, come closer to my ear. I have a task for you."

No one knows what the Empress and Qiaoling said, but Qiaoling left the hall with a smile on her face.

After Qiaoling left, Qiaoyun stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, why don't we get rid of that Doctor Wu? It would be better if we supported someone else who is so uncontrollable."

Fanghua took a sip of tea and said with a faint smile, "We must change the doctor, but this Imperial Physician Wu is still useful."

She certainly wouldn't really trust an ambitious person.

What no one knew was that her real purpose was someone else entirely.

Wu Ming was merely a scapegoat; after all, with him taking the lead, the dirty dealings of the Imperial Medical Academy wouldn't implicate that person.

That's right, Fanghua did bring Wu Ming into the palace, but that wasn't her real purpose. It was to prepare for the future dragon-slaying.

After all, she couldn't get her hands dirty; she was destined to become the Empress Dowager.

If a son wants this empire, he cannot have a mother with a tarnished reputation.

That person thought he had hidden it well, but unfortunately, she discovered it.

Interesting, very interesting.

It turns out that Xiao Feng accidentally discovered that one of Wu Ming's apprentices was actually the son of a rebel, and that the rebel had been executed, leaving him as the only child in his family to escape.

In the end, Wu Ming actually picked it up and took it back.

That's why the child survived and thus concealed his identity.

Her intention in bringing Wu Ming into the palace was to allow him to get close to the emperor, making it easier for her to act in the future.

Unexpectedly, Wu Ming was ambitious and actually wanted to use her position as empress to climb the ranks. Ha, she would naturally take advantage of that.

Xiao Feng noticed something was wrong with Wu Ming when she first sent the smallpox prescription out of the palace.

She had taken precautions, and thankfully she had.

The young apprentice also followed him into the palace, because Wu Ming's prescriptions were always novel, and the young apprentice was used by him to test the medicine.

Calling him a medicine boy is an understatement; he's more like Wu Ming's medicine man.

Wu Ming is ruthless. If it weren't for Xiao Feng, she probably wouldn't have discovered Wu Ming's despicable nature.

Now it's clear who the oriole is and who the mantis is.

We've gone off on a tangent.

Fanghua put down her teacup and said slowly, "Some people always like to be self-righteous, thinking that they are in control of everything, but how can they know that they are just a pawn in someone else's game?"

Upon hearing this, the clever Qiaoyun immediately understood what her mistress meant.

He smiled and said, "Your Majesty is wise."

"Alright, stop flattering. Does the Emperor intend for Chenghu to go to the Imperial Study tomorrow?"

When smallpox broke out in the palace, apart from some of the concubines' children being infected, the offspring were not harmed.

Now that the smallpox has subsided, it is time to restore things to their former state.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Qiaoyun nodded in response.

"That's good. I'm at ease knowing that Chenghu is with Fuyun and the others."

With her son's livelihood secured, she naturally found some peace and quiet.

"By the way, has Yinreng's wet nurse been replaced?" With memories of her previous life, she naturally wouldn't let the wet nurse who was holding Yinreng back stay any longer.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, a replacement has been made." Although we don't know why Your Majesty disliked the previous wet nurses, since Your Majesty doesn't like them, then a replacement will be made.

It's nothing serious.

"That's good." All wet nurses are bondservants. She, Hesheli, belongs to the Bordered Yellow Banner, which has bondservants. She can choose from among them. Why bother with those who didn't know their place in her previous life?

"Keep a close eye on them. Apart from feeding the baby on weekdays, don't let them get too close to the Crown Prince. Make Wu Mama and Xiang Si work harder."

In this life, she will certainly prevent her children from getting close to their wet nurse.

Chenghu's wet nurse had long been sent away from the palace, and he no longer had a wet nurse by his side.

The person in charge was Granny Ji, who was personally appointed by the Empress Dowager. Even if he wasn't the Crown Prince, no one dared to treat him lightly.

“Granny Wu is a capable woman. Her Majesty gave her instructions long ago, and she won’t forget them. Xiangshan and Xiangsi are also sensible and won’t let those wet nurses control the Crown Prince.”