Strange Tales from the Northern Qi Dynasty

Chapter 500 Liu Taohe?
Yecheng.

As the sky slightly brightened, a long line had already formed in front of the narrow entrance of the hospital.

Most of the people queuing here are the elderly, the weak, the sick, and the disabled, including children, the elderly, and the disabled who have lost limbs. There are already more than a hundred people waiting at the door.

Beiyuan, which was later called Beitianyuan in the Tang Dynasty, was originally a place where the poor and sick old people in the capital were settled, provided with medicine, food and clothing. Later, Emperor Xiao Yan of the Southern Dynasty ordered the establishment of the "Guduyuan" to accommodate the childless old people, the children without parents, and the disabled, and provide them with welfare benefits.

During the Northern Qi Dynasty, the different policies of the north and south were combined with each other. In theory, there was a system to accommodate the elderly, the weak, the sick and the disabled and provide free medicine. However, the specific implementation still depended on people.

During the Han Dynasty, after inheriting the relief policies of various parties, a mourning house was established to provide shelter, resettlement, medicine and subsidies.

The main functions include raising orphans, the elderly and the weak, and providing basic medical services to the poorest people.

There have been similar institutions in all dynasties, and the Han Dynasty inherited and developed it. This system looks huge and very contagious, but in fact, the role it can play is not as great as imagined.

First of all, after the war, if there were not so many elderly and infirm people without anyone to take care of them, it is very likely that they would not be alive today.

In addition, there is a clan system in the local area. Unless all the relatives and clan members are dead, the elderly and children who are widowed and lonely will not fall to the point where they need the temple to settle down.

The more turbulent the war, the stronger the cohesion of the people. Those who are not strong would have been eaten up long ago. Of course, if the situation reaches the point where people have to eat their own children, that is another matter. Although the current situation of the people is poor, it has not reached the point where all moral ethics are destroyed. The court does not actually have to bear much.

In one year, Yecheng only accommodated less than 4,000 elderly, weak, sick and disabled people. The burden was not too heavy, but the main expense was the medical treatment.

However, it is not so easy to get the medicine from the hospital. At least the government needs to confirm that the family is indeed unable to afford it before it can proceed.

Although important officials in the court wanted to increase welfare as much as possible, the country was newly established and faced foreign enemies, and financial conditions did not allow it.

In today's sad court, all the officials stood upright on both sides as if they were facing a great enemy.

At the main entrance, there was an elderly man sitting.

The old man was wearing simple clothes and his face was full of kindness and peace.

A thin man walked into the main door and whispered his purpose. He wanted to get some medicine. He took out the certificate from inside.

The old man sitting here nodded, asked him to sit next to him, and then took his pulse for diagnosis.

The old man felt the man's pulse for a long time, then looked at him for a long time.

"Your illness does not require any medicine."

"When you go back, put a piece of ice in your Tanzhong area. Wait for a moment."

The old man remembered something and looked at the servant beside him, "Go to the mansion and get a piece of ice and give it to this person."

The clerk agreed.

The man thanked her again and again, then went outside to wait.

Common people came in one after another, only a few of them hoped to be resettled, and most of them came to seek medicine and see a doctor.

The old man sat in the lobby, busy all day long, and made an exception by sending out more medicinal herbs.

But no one around dared to say anything.

After being busy until the afternoon, the old man finally stood up slowly and stretched his body.

Everyone hurriedly lowered their heads and stepped back. The doctor from the hospital stepped forward cautiously and said, "Mr. Cui, I have benefited a lot from your diagnosis and treatment."

"Don't brag."

Cui Jishu smiled and waved.

"There are many famous doctors in the country, what am I?"

"I came here today not to show off my insignificant medical skills, but because I heard something."

Cui Jishu narrowed his eyes and asked, "Some people in the city say: Sad Farm, Pity the Rich Dog, Medical Officers, Abandoned People."

The petty officials standing in front of Cui Jishu were trembling with fear, and the doctor explained in a panic: "Mr. Cui, we would never dare to bully the people. We have always been fair in our work. We..."

"No need to explain."

"At the moment, there are only some rumors. There is no concrete evidence. Don't wait until you find out something to regret it."

"The court established the Beiyuan to pity the people, to provide shelter for the widows and orphans, and to treat the weak. This is a benevolent policy. Don't let the benevolent policy turn into a harsh policy, understand? Just yesterday, the head of the Pingcheng Beiyuan was killed. He resold the medicine in the warehouse, embezzled the money used to provide shelter for the people, and even dared to ask for money from people who came to the door. He is really crazy because of poverty."

"The governor informed the court of the incident. His Majesty was furious and has ordered a thorough investigation. I don't think anyone implicated will escape."

"The achievements of the Beiyuan in Yecheng have always been good. We have used them in front of His Majesty to seek credit. You should think carefully before doing anything. If you really cause trouble under the feet of the emperor, you will not be the only ones to die."

Cui Jishu said this with a smile, but these people were sweating profusely and repeatedly assured that they would never do such a thing.

Cui Jishu got on the carriage and left.

Cui Jishu is more interested in medicine and also likes to treat others. He will not despise the other person no matter who they are.

I have been here before and stayed in the Medical Officer's House.

After leaving here, Cui Jishu did not rush back home, but went to another important government office.

Imperial Medical Office.

The Imperial Medical Bureau was under the jurisdiction of Taichang, and had the Imperial Physician Order, Imperial Physician Doctors, Imperial Physician Assistants, etc. Its duties were no longer just to treat the emperor, but it evolved into a high-ranking official responsible for the national affairs. The position of treating the emperor was changed from the Imperial Physician Order to the Shang Pharmacy, which had imperial doctors under its command.

From then on, the imperial physician and the royal physician were separated, one only treated the emperor, and the other was in charge of the local medical chief.

This chief medical officer is the head of the local medical officer office.

When Cui Jishu arrived here, it was extremely busy.

Because the Han Dynasty promoted medical officers and hospitals in various places, the functions of the Imperial Medical Bureau were greatly enhanced. Not only did the number of people under its management increase, but the money it managed also increased. Even the medicines in the army needed their joint management.

The officials naturally hurriedly invited Cui Jishu into the inner courtyard.

A moment later, several important officials from the Imperial Medical Bureau, including Xu Zhicai and Zhu Jiande, came to meet him.

Xu Zhicai now serves as the Imperial Physician. While making use of his medical talent, he also fulfills his political ideals. This guy has always wanted to do big things, and the current Imperial Physician Bureau is a place to do big things.

He was dressed elegantly and had the airs of a young man from a wealthy family. However, Cui Jishu did not care much about this. After paying his respects to Cui Jishu, he stood aside respectfully.

As for Chu Jiande, after he came in, Cui Jishu stood up with a smile.

Old Chu is already very old.

When he followed Liu Taozi to rebel, he was the oldest in the group. Now, he is white-haired and leaning on a walking stick. He is no longer as ruthless as he used to be, and has become more kind as he grows older.

He was recently transferred to the Imperial Medical Bureau to serve as an imperial physician.

This is actually a nominal position. The main job is to promote and research medicine, teach disciples, etc.

"Mr. Chu, you are really getting stronger and stronger!"

Chu Jiande smiled and shook his head, "Mr. Cui is really strong. I can't do anything anymore. I'm a useless old man, but you can still run around."

"Hahaha~~"

Cui Jishu pretended to laugh heartily.

Chu Jiande looked at Xu Zhicai who was standing beside him and said, "I just came to see Mr. Cui. I will go back first. You guys continue to discuss important matters."

"Why don't you discuss this together, Mr. Chu?"

"No problem."

Chu Jiande looked at Xu Zhicai and said, "Mr. Xu, I will be out now. I will be outside now. If you have any questions, please send someone to let me know."

Xu Zhicai nodded slightly.

Chu Jiande walked out with a smile.

When he reached the door, Sun Simiao hurried forward, supported him, and then carefully peeked inside, "Mr. Chu, who is coming? Why do you have to go and greet him?"

Chu Jiande's official position was not high, nor was his reputation famous, but he had experience and age. The cane in his hand was a gift from the emperor himself, and there were not many people in Yecheng who needed him to greet.
Chu Jiande chuckled, "It's Cui Sanquan here!"

Sun Simiao thought for a moment, then suddenly remembered who that was, and quickly pulled Chu Jiande over, "Old man, keep your voice down! Keep your voice down! Don't dare let anyone hear you."

"What are you afraid of?"

"Do you know why His Majesty wants me to be Xu Zhicai's assistant here?" Sun Simiao thought about it, maybe it's because Mr. Chu's medical skills are not as good as Sun Simiao's? But he didn't dare to say it clearly, "I don't know."

Chu Jiande stroked his beard and said, "The Imperial Medical Bureau can do more and more things, and many people are jealous."

Sun Simiao was shocked. "Could it be possible that they could blackmail the Imperial Medical Bureau?"

"Oh, there are really few good people in the court. They are all evil. They certainly don't dare to blackmail openly, but they can still use their power to make things easier for themselves."

"Do you remember that Yang Xiuzhi came here twice?"

"remember."

"Take him as an example. He came to Yongzhou and said that there was a disaster and hoped that the Imperial Medical Bureau would help treat the victims. It is true that we should help when there is a disaster in a place, but disaster relief is not the job of our Imperial Medical Bureau. We can give medicine and dispatch doctors to treat the wounded, but we cannot really listen to him and work with him!"

"This disaster relief is his job. If we give in, he will use up all the reserves of the Imperial Medical Bureau. But we still have other things to do. We can't just focus on that one place, right?"

"This is using our power to make things convenient for ourselves."

Sun Simiao seemed to understand, but Chu Jiande laughed. "Forget it, you don't need to know these things. Anyway, just focus on studying medicine and teaching and promoting it. We still don't have enough doctors, and we need more. You are too naive, and you can only work in the Imperial Medical Bureau in the future."

"You can't deal with these evil spirits in the court."

"If Your Majesty wasn't here, these people would all be evil thieves who bring disaster to the country and the people!"

Sun Simiao asked in return: "So your majesty asked you to come and help the Imperial Medical Bureau resist the evil people?"

Chu Jiande said seriously: "I am the only one who is relatively upright around your majesty. If I encounter such a villain, I will give him a cane. If he dares to talk back, I will lie on the ground and let my children go to the palace to cry and say goodbye to your majesty!"

"Which of them don't panic?"

Sun Simiao looked at Chu Jiande again, and gradually became convinced that there were really no good people in the court.

Chu Jiande didn't care why Cui Jishu came, and took Sun Simiao straight to the side yard.

There are many imperial physicians here. Some are sorting out ancient books, some are testing medicines, and everyone is extremely busy.

Sun Simiao quickly devoted himself to his work. After being captured, he was sent here and recommended by Chu Jiande. He successfully served as an assistant teacher in the Imperial Medical Bureau. He liked his current job very much.

All the medical books in the palace were completely open to them, and they could read whatever they wanted.

Moreover, all kinds of herbal materials are in sufficient supply, so you can make whatever you want.

Sun Simiao felt that his ambitions could most likely be achieved here.

It was unknown how long it took before Cui Jishu left this place. After he left, Xu Zhicai came to Chu Jiande again.

Chu Jiande put down the book in his hand and asked, "He didn't make things difficult for you, did he?"

"No, he came for an important matter."

"what's up?"

"He hopes to jointly petition with me to expand the Imperial Medical Bureau, remove him from the Ministry of Rites, and return him to the Ministry of Shangshu, to take charge of medical affairs."

"Oh"

Chu Jiande stroked his beard, "What do you think?"

"I want to ask Zuxiang first."

"Well, that's fine, then you can get busy."

Although he was the boss, Xu Zhicai replied with a "Wei" and then turned and left.

Xu Zhicai was not angry at all about this. Chu Jiande was a good man. With him here, no one could take advantage of him. As the imperial physician, he could not fight against those ministers based on his official position. But as long as Chu Jiande was here, any minister who wanted to come would have to think twice.

This person was able to enter the palace from time to time and dine with the emperor, and he was very old, so he should think it over before coming back.

Leaving Old Chu in the Imperial Medical Bureau, he hurried to pay a visit to Zu Ting.

However, Zu Ting was not in the mansion.

Inside the Tai Chi Hall.

"Your Majesty, I think this is a good suggestion!"

"As long as I can get a warship in return, don't even bother scolding me. You can even make a straw man of my image and send it south!"

Zu Ting was holding Wang Lin's memorial in his hand and looking at the emperor beside him with a smile.

A huge map of the Southern Kingdom was spread out in front of the two of them.

Liu Taozi's face was calm. "That's not necessary. Once Huang Fachu dies, the Chen people will still sell him out, regardless of whether General Wang has an affair with him or not."

Zu Ting put down the paperwork in his hand and said, "It would be better if we could buy more."

"Wang Lin, Gao Changgong and others all have strategies to destroy Chen."

"Has your majesty made a decision?"

Liu Taozi shook her head, "Not yet."

"Where's Zuxiang? Do you have any ideas?"

"I agree with Wang Lin's strategy. Gao Changgong's surprise attack on Jingxiang seems to be very effective, but it is still too reckless. The Han State now has a complete advantage over the Chen State. In the past three years, the Han State has become stronger and stronger, while the Chen State has become weaker and weaker."

"We have appeased the people in various places. The number of registered permanent residents has increased, farmland has been restored, and mineral production has increased greatly. As for the State of Chen, they talked about the Jiangbei defense line, but in the end, the local area was in chaos and they lost everything. The reforms they promoted in the country were just in name only, without any real results."

"Their administration is just empty talk. They have promoted people a few times, but they took bribes and there are all kinds of scandals, which are laughable."

"Therefore, there is no need for us to rush. In comparison, Wang Lin is more cautious and takes things step by step. Therefore, I agree with Wang Lin's strategy."

When the two were chatting happily, there was a noise outside.

A moment later, Liu Zhang was seen holding her little grandson in her arms and sitting in the hall with a smile on her face.

"Meet the Queen Mother."

Zu Ting hurriedly saluted and Liu Taozi also stood up.

The little guy in Liu Zhang's arms was Liu Taozi's eldest son. Liu Taozhi suggested giving the child the nickname Peach Kernel. According to his theory, peach branches bear peaches, and peaches can only produce peach kernels.

Liu Zhang retorted, "Your family name is Liu! Not Liu Tao!"

Liu Zhang took the initiative and gave the child a nickname called Min.

This word carries with it a lot of expectations.

The little guy can't speak yet, but he looks very much like Liu Taozi. Maybe he is also a big and strong guy, but his skin is much whiter than Liu Taozi.

Liu Zhang looked at Liu Taozi and asked, "Why are you so late for today's family dinner?"

Zu Ting was a little embarrassed, "Your Majesty, I didn't know it was a family dinner. Your Majesty, I'll go first."

"No need."

Liu Taozi called him and then looked at her mother. "I have something else to do and will go later. Mother can go back first."

Liu Zhang was hesitant to speak. Even after he ascended the throne, her child still refused to rest and worked very hard every day. She could only complain to her grandson in her arms and then leave with everyone.

Liu Taozi asked Zu Ting to sit down again and asked him about important matters of the court.

"Your Majesty, if today is a family dinner, why don't you go and keep them company first? I will come back tomorrow and it will be the same."

"This is a major event in the world, and it cannot be delayed due to personal feelings."

"Grandfather, just speak frankly."

"How to destroy Chen?!"

"With the strategy of the prince, we should first make them feel indifferent, then encourage their arrogance, secretly plan, advance step by step, win over people with lofty ideals, and wait until the enemy has no way to retreat, then we can win the battle!!"

Zu Ting pointed at the map in front of them and discussed this final battle with Liu Taozi.

The war to unify the world.

(End of this chapter)