Chapter 307

Chapter 307

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 9: The Calamity of Drought and Locusts, Flying Troops to Liaodong Chapter 307: Medical Support

Yuan Yao had considered that after arriving in Chang’an, he might face indifference or exclusion from the locals. However, compared to the life-and-death uncertainties in Yu Province, it was still within an acceptable range for him.

He never expected that at this moment, someone would emerge, believing he had suffered some injustice.

He carefully observed Liu Yang’s expression, finding it filled with “sincerity,” and his words lacked any sarcastic undertones.

Wait! Does this guy genuinely think that Qiao Yan forced him to come to Chang’an from Yu Province and that he should harbor resentment towards Qiao Yan for not saving his father in time?

How can someone be this foolish!

Without Qiao Yan, the region of Youzhou would have already determined a victor between Liu Yu and Gongsun Zan.

Given Gongsun Zan’s temperament, with Liu Yu’s eldest son Liu He being held hostage and dying in the chaos, and Liu Yu nearly losing his life on the coastal road, Liu Yang certainly couldn’t have escaped either.

He should be grateful to the Grand Marshal for saving his life.

But now, the situation is completely reversed.

If it weren’t for this dissatisfaction with Qiao Yan, he wouldn’t have so quickly interpreted Yuan Yao’s melancholy after Yuan Shu’s death as resentment towards Qiao Yan.

The fleeting look of surprise on Yuan Yao’s face went unnoticed by Liu Yang, who only saw the young man, who had lost all his power, looking at him and replying, “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. But my father once said I was unlearned and useless. After the upheaval in Runan’s Pingyu, I realized I couldn’t help my father and could only watch him die, even needing the Grand Marshal to retrieve his body. Rather than holding a position in Chang’an, I wish to find a place to study. I heard the Imperial Academy will be restored in Chang’an?”

Liu Yang was stunned, realizing he might have been too hasty in showing his intention to recruit Yuan Yao.

Showing kindness to Yuan Yao while he was still deeply grieving his father’s death wasn’t the most effective approach and might make him wary of ulterior motives.

Hearing Yuan Yao change the subject, he quickly replied, “There is such a plan, but now… it’s not very suitable.”

Earlier, Wang Yun had this idea.

He noticed that while Hongwen Hall was the court’s window to attract scholars, it didn’t unite all these scholars around Emperor Liu Yu.

Although Hongwen Hall’s founding purpose was for these people to be personally appointed by Liu Yu, with Qiao Yan’s growing influence in Chang’an and Liu Yu’s attitude of deferring to the Grand Marshal, everyone knew whom to choose as their patron.

When students from Leping Academy, disciples of Zheng Xuan and Xun Shuang, began serving in Chang’an, this polarization became even more apparent.

Wang Yun realized that for the Emperor to have real authority, not just as Qiao Yan’s spokesperson, they needed a more systematic, independent talent cultivation channel.

Unfortunately, now is not the time.

Even getting Yuan Shao to establish an Imperial Academy to rival Leping Academy is impossible, especially with most of Chang’an’s influence in Qiao Yan’s or her subordinates’ hands.

Proposing such an idea during this year’s disasters is even more inappropriate.

Liu Yang, foolish as he is, could still discern the attitudes of those who might be his allies.

But after speaking, he realized that his words might be encouraging Yuan Yao to study at Leping Academy.

This won’t do!

Since arriving in Chang’an, Yuan Yao was the only hope he saw for a true ally.

Moreover, what is Yuan Yao’s status? A descendant of the Yuan Clan of Runan, Yuan Shu’s son.

If Yu Province could be reclaimed by the court, maneuvering Yuan Yao into the position of Governor of Yu Province shouldn’t be difficult.

This is an external force that could help him gain a foothold in Chang’an!

Liu Yang quickly added, “Brother Yuan, if you wish to study, there’s no need to rush. Chang’an will soon have a large-scale book printing project. You could witness that first. Also, students from Leping Academy who enrolled years ago will take graduation exams around July and August, likely coming to Chang’an in September. You could observe their performance.”

Yuan Yao rolled his eyes unseen by Liu Yang.

Listen to what he’s saying.

Both the book printing project and Leping Academy’s graduation exams are closely related to Qiao Yan. Using these to dissuade him from making a decision now is like saying—

He hopes these projects will fail?

Such words shouldn’t come from someone of Liu Yang’s status.

Take his father, for example. He always showed respect to someone like Yuan Huan and made Yuan Yao treat him with reverence.

If someone could help him expand territory and humiliate Yuan Shao, he would probably enshrine them.

But look at Liu Yang’s behavior, as if he hopes Qiao Yan will step down soon, letting him control everything in Chang’an.

Having made this judgment, Yuan Yao decided that to live a stable life after leaving Runan for Chang’an, he shouldn’t get involved in such matters, especially not get too close to a fool like Liu Yang who can’t see the bigger picture.

But then he thought, perhaps Liu Yang isn’t the only one in Chang’an dissatisfied with Qiao Yan.

Liu Yang’s status is just the most special, and he doesn’t need to worry about court etiquette or understand these unspoken rules, hence his current behavior.

But in Chang’an’s undercurrents, who knows what others are hiding?

As Yuan Shu’s son, living a carefree life of luxury is quite challenging. Since he must interact with some people, rather than being ensnared by someone unknown, it’s better to deal with the less intelligent Liu Yang and then—

When Qiao Yan returns to Chang’an, just like he informed her about Yuan Xi’s visit, he can now report Liu Yang’s situation.

Then he’ll truly be safe.

Yuan Yao found this plan increasingly feasible and replied to Liu Yang, “Your Highness’s kindness is appreciated. I’ll consider it, but… etiquette must be observed. Please don’t call me Brother Yuan publicly to avoid gossip. My courtesy name is Zixu; you may address me as such.”

Liu Yang often forgot he was in Chang’an. Hearing Yuan Yao correct his fraternal address, he felt momentarily awkward and replied, “Well said, I’ll be mindful of this.”

Fortunately, he felt somewhat comforted that Yuan Yao didn’t look down on him for the improper address. Instead, Yuan Yao asked about Chang’an’s feng shui, seemingly interested in his recommendation for a suitable burial site for Yuan Shu.

This clearly showed acceptance of his goodwill.

Liu Yang replied, “Luoyang’s feng shui lies in Beimang Mountain, where many emperors’ tombs are located, leading Chang’an’s residents and officials to intuitively think tombs should be set north of Chang’an. But now, it’s not feasible.”

Hearing Liu Yang’s firm “not feasible,” Yuan Yao grew curious, “Why is that?”

Liu Yang replied, “Because north of Luoyang is Chiyang. In Chiyang, everything else can be ignored, but the Chiyang Medical Academy is special.”

“Do you know? One of the subjects taught there is human anatomy, detailing every bone, muscle, and organ.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Yuan Yao asked. “Understanding the human body so thoroughly should lead to better diagnosis and treatment, right?”

“Zixu, you’re too naive! Don’t you think ordinary methods can’t achieve such detailed and accurate descriptions? I once inspected the place with my father, and they even had supplementary explanations for special cases, like which parts, if attacked, could be fatal.”

Liu Yang’s resolute tone, as if he had seen it himself, made Yuan Yao pause again.

Especially his next words made Yuan Yao think that reporting this to Qiao Yan might earn him some merit.

Because he said, “Frankly, if you’re not worried about Governor Yuan’s remains ending up in Chiyang Medical Academy, you might consider burying him there.”








Yuan Yao tried hard to keep his expression steady and managed to say, “Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness. I will consider it.”

He wasn’t considering where to bury Yuan Shu.

Instead, he was thinking about whether he should wait for Qiao Yan to return from Luoyang before tattling.

He should just go straight to Cheng Yu and report!

But even if Qiao Yan found out that Liu Yang, that fool, had slandered her Chiyang Medical Academy and perpetuated stereotypes about medical students, she probably wouldn’t bother with him.

What’s the point of correcting a misguided fuse?

When the food from Chang’an arrived at the new government office in Luoyang, a group of personnel from Chiyang Medical Academy also arrived.

With them came a letter written by Hua Tuo.

Qiao Yan opened the letter, set aside the envelope with the “Du Huo” pattern, and took out the letter.

The decision to use “Du Huo” as the emblem of Chiyang Medical Academy was made by a student vote.

Given that the students had only recently been exposed to new medical instruments, using medicinal herbs to represent medicine was more in line with their understanding.

The name “Du Huo,” its alias “Longevity Grass,” and its characteristic of “not swaying in the wind but moving without wind” all embodied the qualities of a physician.

Interestingly, the simplified icon of the Du Huo plant, drawn by the art academy, had a rather fierce appearance, making it look more like a military organization than a medical academy.

This made Qiao Yan smile knowingly when she saw the emblem.

Her smile deepened as she read the contents of the letter.

Hua Tuo had been delayed in reporting to Chiyang Medical Academy due to Qiao Yan’s mention of cowpox, so Wu Pu temporarily took his place, working with Zhang Zhongjing to oversee the academy.

In the middle of the second year of Jian’an, when Mount Hua in Guanzhong collapsed, Hua Tuo’s cowpox research, with its clear direction, had yielded stable results and provided enough evidence to convince the officials in Chang’an.

In fact, the method of vaccination wasn’t the main issue; the successful cases of prevention were more important.

Qiao Yan had jokingly said that the collapse of Mount Hua might not be a bad omen but perhaps a sign that Hua Tuo, who shared the same surname, was about to bring about a revolution.

But Hua Tuo wasn’t proud of Qiao Yan’s praise.

After submitting all his cowpox research to Chang’an, he requested a group of bodyguards from Qiao Yan and set off for the Four Commanderies of Hexi.

According to him, since cowpox was a disease introduced from abroad, there was no guarantee that other diseases wouldn’t be brought in as Qiao Yan expanded the Silk Road.

Even though they had garlic extract from distilled alcohol, it wasn’t a cure-all and couldn’t handle every disease.

Only by knowing both themselves and their enemies could they better prepare for such disasters.

Qiao Yan agreed with Hua Tuo’s reasoning.

Diseases like tuberculosis, recorded by Hua Tuo as “corpse-transmitted disease,” and the plague, likely one of the major epidemics in the late Han, were somewhat related to foreign origins.

Even if Hua Tuo couldn’t cure diseases after they broke out due to limited medical resources, having a complete and timely prevention system would significantly reduce casualties among her subordinates, which was of great practical importance to her.

To this end, she even instructed Xu Rong that as long as Hua Tuo’s requests weren’t excessive during his time in the Four Commanderies of Hexi, he could fulfill them without reporting to Lu Yuan or directly to her.

If Hua Tuo intended to leave Liangzhou and venture into foreign territories along the Silk Road, he should submit his travel plans to Lu Yuan for her decision.

Hua Tuo clearly didn’t disappoint Qiao Yan’s support.

In the fifth month of the Jian’an era, he completed his records of foreign diseases and compiled a medical book on foreign diseases, submitting the outline to Qiao Yan.

Meanwhile, Zhang Zhongjing began writing the “Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases” at Chiyang Medical Academy.

This systematic medical work started over a decade earlier than in history, but with far more abundant case records and assistance in observation and treatment.

Thus, although what she received was only a draft, Qiao Yan believed it would be quickly refined.

“Earlier, as Your Lordship mentioned, the tasks of Chiyang Medical Academy were to correct and supplement emergency medical texts, compile textbooks for various departments, and train new recruits. The focus will now shift slightly.”

Standing before Qiao Yan, Qiao Zhen still had the same gentle, unassuming demeanor she had two years ago.

But looking into her eyes, one could see a growing determination about her future path.

Qiao Zhen continued, “After two years of training, the students at the medical academy, regardless of their specific departments, have been divided into categories based on their destinations—”

“Participants in Dean Hua’s ‘Foreign Medical Theories’ and Dean Zhang’s ‘Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases,’ medical educators, and practitioners involved in medical affairs in Guanzhong and accompanying Your Lordship’s military campaigns to provide medical support in the army and local areas.”

“So you’re in the third category,” Qiao Yan glanced at Qiao Zhen’s collar, noticing a gold trim indicating her position as head of one of the five departments. “Forgot to mention, congratulations on your promotion.”

Wu Pu admired Qiao Zhen’s temperament and learning speed but didn’t go easy on her during the assessments. The presence of Chiyang Medical Academy had attracted many previously unknown physicians, making Qiao Zhen’s rise to head of the gynecology department a hard-fought battle.

But it was precisely because of the difficulty of the assessment that she, though not talkative, had garnered significant support from her subordinates.

Leading the medical team to Luoyang was a result of Qiao Zhen’s reasoned arguments.

Mentioning her promotion, Qiao Zhen’s face showed a hint of shyness.

But when explaining the reason for this trip, she quickly returned to a serious demeanor, “I thought that Luoyang and the surrounding areas of Henan, with their population even larger than Chang’an’s after attracting refugees, have not followed the court’s orders for five years now. That’s enough time for habits to form.”

“With Your Lordship’s preferential policies and the handling of locust and drought disasters, we can broadly reacquaint them with being subjects of the court, but we need another breakthrough to assist. I think having women in Henan accept Your Lordship’s employment and receive medical checkups and treatment might be a way.”

Seeing Qiao Yan’s approving look, Qiao Zhen finally relaxed and added, “But Your Lordship can rest assured, my studies at the medical academy weren’t limited to this department. I’m confident in leading these people and finding this breakthrough without causing public controversy or conflict.”

“I trust you,” Qiao Yan smiled at her, “You’ll be a great help in my actions in Luoyang.”

Thus, in Luoyang—

Political affairs were handled by Sima Fang and Zhuge Xuan, temporarily assigned for assistance.

Civil affairs were managed by Qiao Yan, the core leader, and Xun Yu, who had returned from Chang’an.

Military matters were overseen by Guo Jia and Zhao Yun, stationed there.

Now, with the addition of medical and upcoming educational efforts.

While others lamented her failure to stop Cao Cao from taking Runan, she was already determined to win back the hearts of the people in Luoyang.

Of course, her ambitions weren’t limited to Luoyang; she was equally determined to secure Liaodong!

And just as she wasn’t alone in this battle in Luoyang, there were also those paving the way for her in Liaodong!

After twelve days at sea, as dawn approached, the numbers on the most special instrument grew smaller, and Lu Lingju’s drowsiness vanished.

She set up the ship’s telescope and looked in the direction they were heading. In the dim light, a faint horizon appeared.

It wasn’t a continuous horizon but a series of breaks, indicating not land but a group of islands.

This distinctive feature made Lu Lingju suddenly excited.

Because that was their first destination on this voyage—

The Changshan Archipelago!