Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 455 Incredible and Miraculous Medical Skills, the Ministers' Shock!
However, this title was not orthodox according to etiquette and was merely a temporary expedient measure by the Northern Qi Dynasty. Later historical records are vague about it.

Although Yoshigaki had some knowledge of literature, he was completely unaware of this anecdote.

Previously, Zhu Yuanzhang announced to the public that he had "passed away" and posthumously conferred upon him the temple name "Taizu".

Yoshigaki naturally assumed that calling him "Emperor Emeritus" was a matter of course.

However, if Zhu Yunwen truly intended to welcome his grandfather out of the palace and make the news of his continued existence public, the proper etiquette and titles must not be taken lightly; utmost care must be taken to ensure there are no mistakes whatsoever.

The title "Emperor Emeritus" originally referred to the emperor's father, not "Grandfather Emperor." Using it on Zhu Yuanzhang (the Hongwu Emperor) would clearly be inconsistent with the established etiquette.

Therefore, Zhu Yunwen ordered the Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy to thoroughly investigate the classics and consult ancient and modern books on rites. He then planned to follow the old precedent of the Northern Qi Dynasty and honor Zhu Yunwen as the "Supreme Emperor" to highlight his supreme honor without violating the ancestral system.

Zhu Yuanzhang was slightly taken aback, then waved his hand and laughed, "What 'Supreme Emperor'? That title sounds rather strange! If we really want to go out, we can just make a quiet trip. Why make a big fuss and alarm the world?"

His laughter was hearty, but a complex light flashed in his eyes, reflecting both his anticipation of seeing the landscape again and his concern for not wanting to burden his grandson.

During this time, Yoshigaki had been trying to persuade the old emperor with clever words, praising the prosperity of the new policies outside and the happiness of the people, hoping to convince him to leave the palace.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang lived in the deep palace for a long time, his mind never grew old.

Confined within the palace walls for many years, it's inevitable that some people will feel restless and yearn for more.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang also knew that once he left the palace, it would inevitably cause turmoil in the court and among the people.

Therefore, although he was tempted, he was unwilling to agree easily, for fear of causing trouble for his grandson.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the palace, Zhu Yunwen had summoned the imperial physicians from the medical academy and gathered his ministers, intending to conduct an unprecedented experiment in public.

Today, Zhu Yunwen's court sessions have been moved to the newly completed Fengtian Hall.

This magnificent palace was a major project he ordered to be built after he ascended the throne, and it embodies the pinnacle of architectural skills of the Ming Dynasty.

The hall can accommodate more than 3,000 people at the same time, creating a magnificent atmosphere.

From then on, regardless of rank, all officials participating in the grand court assembly could enter the palace to discuss matters, no longer needing to suffer the wind and frost in the open square.

This move completely eliminated the disruption caused by severe weather to the court assembly, ensuring the smooth progress of state affairs.

The new hall uses a large amount of refined steel and solid concrete. Its structural span is breathtaking, and the interior space is spacious with an unobstructed view.

Although it lacked the convenience of air conditioning as we know it today, it pioneered a heating system inside the palace.

The principle behind it is not complicated.

The water source is first heated by coal, and the heat is evenly distributed to all parts of the hall through a carefully designed pipeline circulation system, so that the hall remains warm and spring-like even in the dead of winter.

In the height of summer, the palace switches to a cool water circulation system, supplemented by giant fans driven by steam engines, with strong airflow sweeping through the hall and bringing a touch of coolness.

The cool air and the drop in temperature complement each other, making people feel very comfortable.

What's even more amazing is that the new temple cleverly utilizes acoustic principles in its design, and has made exquisite arrangements for sound propagation.

When Zhu Yunwen sat on the Nine-Dragon Throne and spoke, a long and resonant echo would reverberate throughout the hall, the sound waves layered and lingering, as if the Emperor had issued a decree, with unparalleled majesty.

Others spoke in any corner of the hall, and their words were all ordinary and unremarkable.

This design subtly and perfectly showcases the supreme authority of the emperor.

All these features make the new hall not only magnificent in appearance, displaying an even more imperial aura than the old hall, but also fully functional and ingeniously designed, leaving people in awe.

Today, for the first time, a court assembly is being held here. As the officials entered the hall, they were all awestruck by its magnificent grandeur.

Civil and military officials filed in, their eyes lingering on the carved beams and painted rafters and the spacious halls, filled with awe and wonder, unable to calm down for a long time.

"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!" Three thousand ministers shouted in unison, their voices like a torrent, resounding through the heavens and shaking the very soul.

Zhu Yunwen sat upright on the gilded dragon throne. The golden dragon on his black robe was lifelike and shone brightly in the bright candlelight in the hall.

He looked down at the assembled officials, his expression calm and dignified, accepting the thunderous homage.

A moment later, Zhu Yunwen parted his lips slightly, his voice clear yet carrying a divine majesty: "All of you, rise."

As soon as these words were spoken, an echo suddenly arose in the hall, layer upon layer, as if the voice of the Heavenly Emperor had descended from the heavens, reverberating endlessly.

"Rise—Rise—"

The voice was deep and long, as if an invisible force was pressing down on it, giving one a jolt.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The officials kowtowed again, then rose in unison, their robes rustling as they moved in perfect unison.

But everyone's expression held a newfound solemnity and reverence.

For the first time, many officials of lower rank were allowed to enter the main hall for court sessions and witness the majesty of His Majesty the Emperor.

Previously, when they participated in the grand court assembly, they could only stand respectfully in the square outside the palace, exposed to the wind and sun, gazing at the palace gate from afar.

Now that the new hall is completed, the spacious area can accommodate more than three thousand people, allowing these low-ranking officials to cross the threshold and enter this hall that symbolizes the supreme imperial power.

They rarely had the opportunity to get close to the emperor, but now, standing beneath the towering palace, their figures seemed as small as dust. Their feet trod on the gleaming marble floor, and the faint scent of sandalwood filled the air, causing their hands to sweat involuntarily. Their eyes were lowered, and they dared not raise them even slightly, for fear of offending the emperor with a single glance.

Facing the magnificent palace and the young emperor who sat high on the nine-dragon throne, these people felt both excited and apprehensive.

It was as if an invisible pressure descended from the dome, instilling in people a sense of awe and making them wish they could do nothing but worship.

In an instant, not a single one of the more than three thousand people in the hall made a sound.

Only the rustling of robes in the breeze within the hall could be faintly heard in the silence, making the solemn atmosphere all the more dignified.

Zhu Yunwen's voice rang out again, clear and majestic: "Today I have summoned you all for no ordinary court meeting, but to demonstrate to you an unprecedented medical innovation and to announce a major event concerning the fate of the Ming Dynasty."

Upon hearing these words, the officials in the hall were all taken aback, their faces showing a mixture of surprise and doubt.

Before the court session, the Ministry of Rites had already issued an imperial decree that today's court assembly was to welcome Zheng He's return from his voyage. The ceremony and procedures had been prepared in an orderly manner, with no detail overlooked.

Unexpectedly, before the welcoming ceremony could even begin, the emperor suddenly brought up new medical techniques and important matters of state.

This unexpected announcement, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, left the court officials utterly astonished.

As subjects and officials, what they fear most in the officialdom is "sudden changes" without any warning.

Unknown information hangs like a sword of Damocles, making people uneasy.

The lower-ranking officials held their breath, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads.

Even those in high positions of power couldn't help but secretly speculate, their gazes subtly shifting among their colleagues, trying to find a clue.

But apart from a very few people, the ministers were all bewildered.

Before everyone could dwell on their thoughts for long, Zhu Yunwen gently raised his right hand.

Not too loud footsteps came from the side door of the main hall.

A person dressed in a snow-white robe stepped into the hall. A bright red heart was embroidered on his chest, simple yet eye-catching.

This is the exclusive attire for medical students.

It was drafted personally by Zhu Yunwen.

A white robe symbolizes purity and cleanliness, free from bacteria and viruses.

If there is anything dirty, it will be immediately obvious.

The red heart symbolizes the benevolence of doctors, their compassion for humanity, and their vow to dedicate their lives to saving lives and healing the wounded.

Accompanying him was a "patient" lying on a stretcher, who was carefully carried into the hall by two other doctors.

The doctor and the patient stopped on the high platform below the dragon throne and then bowed to Zhu Yunwen in unison.

The place where they stood was on a platform below the dragon throne, which was much lower than the throne itself, but higher than where the courtiers stood. Everyone in the prince could clearly see the scene on the platform.

The doctors all looked serious and focused, and the "patient" on the stretcher also had a calm expression.

This scene completely ignited the curiosity of the courtiers in the palace.

Whispers spread quietly through the hall like ripples.

Some speculated that His Majesty intended to demonstrate the secrets of medical skills.

Some believe that His Majesty has ulterior motives, using medicine as a pretext to discuss politics.

Although everyone's voices were as low as a mosquito's buzz, one could only hear what they were saying by putting one's ear close.

But the combined voices of so many people still produced a considerable buzzing sound.

"quiet!"

A eunuch standing next to Zhu Yunwen suddenly shouted, his voice sharp and loud, instantly silencing the commotion.

The hall returned to silence.

The officials quickly composed themselves and focused their attention on the high platform.

The leading physician, seeing Zhu Yunwen's slight nod, bowed respectfully again, then turned to face the assembled officials in the hall and said loudly, "By order of Your Majesty and with Your Majesty's personal guidance, I have spent several years researching and have finally developed a revolutionary technique for treating serious illnesses."

His voice was clear and resonant, carrying a hint of pride and piety, and echoed throughout the hall.

"This technique uses a syringe as an instrument, employing the most advanced syringes and needle tips to directly inject the medicine into the patient's body. It can be described as an unparalleled divine technique."

He paused slightly before continuing, "This method is an unparalleled and exquisite medical technique created by His Majesty with his extraordinary wisdom and unique approach."

"Even if a patient is terminally ill, unable to eat or drink, and has no access to medicine, this method can still bring them back to life and rekindle their vitality!"

After speaking, he raised the exquisite syringe in his hand high, and in the candlelight of the hall, the instrument shone brightly, showing its extraordinary nature to the assembled officials.

The syringes used at this time were not made of plastic as we know them today, but of stainless steel and transparent glass. The stainless steel needle had a faint, cold glint, and the glass tube was as clear as water, reflecting points of light.

His movements were calm and precise, and every gesture exuded confidence in his medical skills, as if the objects in his hands were not just instruments, but sacred objects that carried his will to save lives.

Upon hearing his words, the prince and his ministers were all stunned, their faces showing disbelief.

How could someone who couldn't eat or drink and had no access to medicine be saved?
These kinds of illnesses were considered incurable in past medical books.

Doctors are often helpless and can only leave it to fate, hoping that the patient will survive the ordeal by their own destiny.

If they are lucky enough to wake up and be able to swallow medicine and food again, there may be a glimmer of hope for their survival.

Otherwise, we can only let his soul return to the netherworld.

Even in folk myths and legends, when immortals save the world, they must be given elixirs to prolong life.

Now, this doctor claims he can save lives by injecting medicine with a syringe. Such an unbelievable technique is astonishing.

Before the doubts and shock of the ministers had subsided, those on the stage had already taken action.

In front of everyone, he calmly opened the medicine pouch he carried with him and took out a small bottle of "medicinal liquid". The bottle was crystal clear and the liquid inside was as clear as spring water, like fairy dew.

The physician, with a focused expression and meticulous movements, slowly inserted the fine needle at the tip of the syringe into the medicine bottle, gently pulled the lever at the end, and the transparent "medicine" slowly flowed into the syringe, causing the ministers below to hold their breath and watch intently.

The syringe was quickly filled with the "medicine". The doctor pushed the lever forward slightly, and several drops of clear liquid seeped out from the needle tip. They were crystal clear and refracted subtle iridescence under the light.

This is to expel the air from the syringe and ensure that it contains only "medicine".

Although the assembled officials did not understand his meaning, they all watched intently, their eyes following the doctor's every move.

The atmosphere inside the hall grew increasingly tense, as if even the air itself had frozen.

Soon, the doctor raised his head, his gaze resolute and solemn, and without hesitation, he inserted the needle into the muscle of the "patient" on the stretcher.

The movement was clean and swift; the moment the needle pierced the skin, the patient frowned slightly, as if experiencing a little pain.

The doctor slowly pushed the lever, and the transparent medicine was injected into the patient's body drop by drop, like a gentle stream nourishing the withered life.

The entire process was smooth and solemn, like a sacred ceremony, unfolding slowly under the watchful eyes of the assembled officials.

After the "medicine" was fully injected, the doctor removed the syringe, then soaked a small wad of cotton in alcohol and pressed it onto the "patient's" injection site.

The hall remained silent until he finished.

The ministers' gazes were a mixture of amazement and awe.

"This is the 'injection therapy' personally pioneered by His Majesty!"

"Your Majesty personally imparted the profound secrets to us, and we have studied them diligently, which has enabled this method to emerge from nowhere and benefit all living beings!"

"Through years of tireless work in the medical school, doctors have devoted themselves to this method, striving to promote it as soon as possible and save those suffering from serious illnesses."

He raised his hand, and the glass needle in his hand reflected a cool light under the candlelight, like a divine artifact, drawing the intense gazes of the assembled officials.

"This method uses a delicate needle as a medium to directly inject a specially prepared medicine into the patient's body,"

The doctor spoke eloquently, explaining the underlying principles.

"These medicinal liquids are carefully prepared by the medical school. They can not only dispel diseases and save lives, but also replace tea and food to prolong the lives of those who have been ill for a long time."

"Even if the patient is unconscious and unable to eat, this method can be used to maintain their life and prevent them from dying!"

As his voice fell, the assembled officials in the hall were shaken, and whispers rippled outwards.

They stared wide-eyed at the person on the stage in disbelief.

The idea of ​​injecting medication directly into the body via syringe without taking it orally is truly unheard of!

……

(End of this chapter)