Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 104 Wanli's "Governing by Non-Action" (8700)

Did Zhu Yinghuai survive?
After Zhu Yinghuai woke up, the news quickly spread to the nobles in the capital. After all, the inner circle of nobles was only so big, and some minor disturbances could not be kept secret.

In fact, many nobles had been gossiping about him even before he entered Renmin Medical Hall.

All that is said is that this person is absurd by nature, and is usually ignorant and incompetent, which is why he contracted this big-headed plague, to the point that he is terminally ill.

Why? Because of their immoral lifestyle!

Yet, this very person was saved after entering Renmin Medical Clinic!
Does Renmin Medical Clinic really have "miracle drugs" and "miracles"?
In an instant, many dignitaries in the capital could no longer sit still.

Previously, they still scoffed at Zhang Yunxiu's claim of curing the "big head plague".

Even regarding the so-called "miracle drug," many officials, putting themselves in others' shoes, naturally assumed it was nothing more than a power play.

However, the news of Zhu Yinghuai's recovery stirred up many people's interest.

Even if you don't believe it, those people who walk out of the clinic are undeniably real!
I've heard the treatment method is quite bizarre, but if it can save a life, what does it matter how bizarre it is?
Which court official or nobleman could completely avoid contact with the outside world?
It's not impossible that some of the children and women in the household might contract "big head plague".

Are we going to invite that imperial physician Gong Tingxian, and try anything as a last resort, and then give him a grand funeral?
You should know that in just one month, Gong Tingxian had already killed eighteen people and barely managed to save five or six, but they were left with chronic illnesses.

The nobles said that the plague was dangerous and that there was only a slim chance of survival, but that it was simply the will of Heaven.

As parents or spouses, who doesn't hope that their loved ones can be cured of their illness?
As a result, many nobles and officials outwardly proclaimed that "Zhang Yunxiu is a treacherous minister" and that "the plague-preventing measures have brought disaster to the country and its people."

Secretly, they flocked to Renmin Medical Clinic, hoping to receive the most advanced treatment in the Ming Dynasty.

For a time, Zhang Yunxiu's VIP business was in such high demand that it couldn't keep up with the demand.

The VIP area that was originally set up is now quite crowded.

Therefore, Zhang Yunxiu simply raised the fee to two thousand taels per person, but this still could not dampen the enthusiasm of these people.

Seeing this, he "reflected deeply" and changed the rules again, stating that "the required amount of silver will be determined by the official rank and noble title of the patient's family."

If it were a duke's family like Zhu Yingzhen's, less than five thousand taels would be out of the question!

This pricing rule has undoubtedly sparked another round of criticism.

But there was nothing he could do; Zhang Yunxiu simply didn't care!
No money? If you have no money, why should you receive VIP service! The most advanced medical techniques at my Renmin Medical Clinic require substantial investment to develop each one!

Renmin Medical Clinic.

Daming Critical Care Research and Medical Development Center.

Zhu Yingzhen wasn't in a hurry to take his younger brother, whose health was improving, back with him. Instead, he simply let him settle down here.

What mortuary? He threw all of that to the back of his mind. In his eyes now, this was not a "mortuary," but a celestial realm where one could prolong life!
That day, after visiting his younger brother, Zhu Yingzhen was not in a hurry to go back. Instead, he went straight to Zhang Yunxiu and told him about the rumors circulating among the nobles.

He couldn't help but offer advice.

"Brother Shiyuan, your pricing may be acceptable now, but once the plague subsides, it will surely incur the wrath of the nobles in the capital. They all say that you are taking advantage of their misfortune."

Zhu Yingzhen frowned deeply, quite worried about the other party's style of doing things; was it a bit too much?
Zhang Yunxiu looked up at the other person and said with some surprise, "Taking advantage of someone's misfortune? Isn't this how nobles and gentry treat the common people during times of famine? Why are they crying and begging for mercy when it comes to me?"

In Zhang Yunxiu's eyes, no amount of money was too much to deal with these important people!
Did you not see how much the prices of firewood, rice, oil, and salt skyrocketed in and around the capital when the plague first broke out? Who was behind this frenzy?
Whenever there are natural disasters, man-made calamities, or unlucky years, it is the perfect opportunity for these influential people to line their own pockets and make a fortune!
The people are struggling in dire straits, their faces contorted with worry over a mere bite to eat. Yet, have you ever heard them utter even half a sentence like, "Such behavior is taking advantage of people in distress"?

Therefore, Zhang Yunxiu felt no remorse for cheating these rich and unscrupulous people; he only felt that they deserved it.

"This"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yingzhen blushed instantly with embarrassment.

Thinking back to the past, whenever there was a famine, the Duke of Cheng's mansion would stockpile a lot of goods and then sell them at high prices.

Everyone is like that, but when Zhang Yunxiu talks about it, it "seems" so sordid.

Zhang Yunxiu completely ignored the other person's embarrassed appearance, not even lifting his eyelids, and buried his head again, focusing intently on the stack of documents in front of him, as if the things around him had nothing to do with him.

Recently, thanks to the successful implementation of the "enema method" and "syringe injection", more than a dozen imperial physicians at the research center have written a number of research papers, which are waiting for his review and processing.

Even though Zhang Yunxiu seemed indifferent, Zhu Yingzhen still stood there, stammering, unwilling to leave.

After a while, Zhang Yunxiu got a little annoyed. He raised his head and frowned as he spoke.

"What exactly does the Duke want?"

Zhu Yingzhen looked constipated and then cupped his hands in greeting.

"Brother Shiyuan, your medical skills are truly superb, Yingzhen admires you to the fullest!"

A seemingly random remark made Zhang Yunxiu wary, and he stared at the other person with a cold expression.

"Your Excellency, you get what you pay for. There's no way you'll get your consultation fee back."

"No, no," Zhu Yingzhen quickly waved his hand and explained. "Not to mention eight thousand taels of silver, if Brother Shiyuan had saved my younger brother, my Chengguo Duke's Mansion wouldn't have even batted an eye at ten thousand taels of silver."

Zhang Yunxiu looked at the other party with some surprise. It seemed that eight thousand taels was still too little.
He then asked in return.

"What does the Duke mean?"

Zhu Yingzhen then spoke hesitantly.

"It's nothing serious, but I have a friend who is rather impotent in bed. Hearing that you, Brother Shiyuan, are a skilled physician, he asked me to come and ask you if there is a way to cure him."

Zhang Yunxiu was taken aback. It seemed that this Duke of Cheng had something difficult to say.
He didn't expose the other party, but gently shook his head and said truthfully, "This symptom of impotence is complex and difficult to solve. The research center is currently busy conquering the big head plague and doesn't have the energy to study it. I'm afraid it will be difficult to treat your friend, the Duke, in the short term."

"I see~" Zhu Yingzhen's face showed disappointment, but he pretended to be nonchalant and said a few words.

"It's nothing, I was just asking casually, hahaha~" "However." Zhang Yunxiu's lips curled into a meaningful smile.

"This stubborn disease is difficult to cure, but in some time, Renmin Medical Clinic will launch a special service exclusively for distinguished guests."

For a fee of five thousand taels of silver, a dozen senior doctors at the clinic can create a customized health and wellness plan specifically for you, and monitor your health at all times. I wonder if Your Excellency would be interested?

"Five thousand taels of silver?" Zhu Yingzhen was startled.

"What? Does the Duke think it's too expensive? There aren't many spots available. I only told you this because I consider you a friend." Zhang Yunxiu's eyes were scrutinizing, and his words carried a hint of regret.

Zhu Yingzhen's face froze for a moment. After Zhang Yunxiu said that, he patted his chest and said with a stiff upper lip.

“Brother Shiyuan, what are you saying? Would I not trust you? You saved my younger brother, it’s just five thousand taels of silver, right? My Chengguo Duke’s Mansion will cover it! We’ll arrange a share for my mother and me!”

As soon as he said this, Zhu Yingzhen regretted it. He spoke so readily, but that was 15,000 taels of silver!
Zhang Shiyuan is absolutely obsessed with money!
At the same time, an urgent report from Southern Zhili was delivered to the Ministry of Justice in the capital by fast horse.

The memorials submitted by local officials were generally sent to the Office of Transmission and then forwarded to the Cabinet for processing.

However, for more urgent or important matters, they would be sent to the palace for review first.

Now that Grand Secretary Zhang Juzheng was on sick leave at home, this urgent memorial naturally reached the Qianqing Palace.

Recently, the Wanli Emperor has been "studying diligently" in the palace, and he enjoys this state of being unsupervised.

Zhang Juzheng feigned illness, Empress Dowager Li withdrew from state affairs, and Feng Bao also lost the courage to oppose the emperor.

By claiming that the emperor is ill and unwell, one can safely hide in the inner palace and not attend court. What a wonderful thing that would be!

Hiding in the palace, Emperor Wanli either spent his time with his concubines or reading storybooks. His biggest task when he came to the Qianqing Palace was to draw a few cartoons. He lived a very enjoyable life.

The only way to stay informed about the court was through the Wanli Xinbao newspaper to learn about the latest plague situation.

Seeing the plague improve day by day, Emperor Wanli was even more pleased.

This solidified his belief in "governing by doing nothing".

How can a ruler easily disturb the people? He should allow them to rest and recuperate!

But today, a noisy voice has disrupted his pleasant life.

"Your Majesty! Yan Bangning from Songjiang Prefecture in Southern Zhili has an urgent report!"

Emperor Wanli, seated before his desk, looked up from behind the Xuan paper, frowned, and spoke to Feng Bao.

"Feng, did I already say that if there are any memorials, they should be sent to Grand Secretary Zhang's home for handling first? If they are not important matters, the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs can approve them. Why are they being sent to me again?"

Feng Bao said with some helplessness, "Your Majesty's words are well remembered, but this is an urgent report from Songjiang Prefecture. Please take a look before making a decision!"

"Send it to Mr. Yuanfu's residence."

"Your Majesty! This is an urgent report. It would be better to take a look first before making a decision!" Feng Bao said earnestly, showing no sign of giving up.

"Feng Bao! Do you think you can control me?!" Emperor Wanli was furious and slammed his fist on the imperial desk.

Upon seeing this, Feng Bao knelt down with a thud, his eyes reddening, and his voice trembling with tears.

"Your Majesty! You have not dealt with state affairs for more than half a month. This urgent report from Songjiang Prefecture is of great importance, and there are also many related matters in both Northern and Southern Zhili. Furthermore, there is much discussion in the court these days, Your Majesty."

The Wanli Emperor had a headache, but finally sighed and said, "Fine, bring it up and let me see."

"According to the order."

Feng Bao respectfully presented the memorial to Emperor Wanli's desk. His eyes caught sight of the cartoon in the emperor's hand, and he lowered his head again without saying a word.

What major event could possibly happen in Songjiang Prefecture?

Despite his obvious disdain, Emperor Wanli still picked up the memorial.

But as I looked at him, his eyebrows furrowed tightly together on his round, chubby face.

But some of the words on it were extremely glaring.

"The visit of Yin Zhengmao, Minister of Personnel of Nanjing, to Huating County has sparked public outrage."

"The students of Songjiang Prefecture wept bitterly in front of the Confucian Temple."

"Some village elders bluntly stated that the new policy does not benefit ordinary people, but rather harms them."

Especially one sentence in the memorial.

"I fear that the plague in the capital will incite discontent among scholars throughout the land, causing widespread unrest. I urge Your Majesty to exercise caution."

The meaning is obvious. Although no one dares to name names, isn't it still a criticism of Zhang Juzheng, Zhang Yunxiu, or even an indirect criticism of the emperor?

Emperor Wanli's eyebrows twitched as he read the memorial. He angrily threw it on the ground and said, "I am furious!"

"They've rebelled! Do these local scholars and gentry really think I have no way to deal with them?!"

Feng Bao immediately knelt down and advised, "Your Majesty, you must not be too impulsive. Since ancient times, the emperor and the scholar-officials have jointly governed the country. However, the people's anger cannot be ignored. If you are not careful, the country may descend into chaos!"

"The world is in chaos? They still dare to rebel?"

Emperor Wanli was truly enraged. He had never seen such a scene before. Did these people think they were easy to bully just because Zhang Juzheng was no longer around?
Feng Bao continued, "Your Majesty may not know this, but in the past half month, similar memorials have been submitted one after another, and there have been more than a dozen incidents of students from Beizhili causing trouble."

Your Majesty must not neglect matters of state any longer!

(End of this chapter)