Chapter 184 is not qualified to agree
Chapter 184 is not qualified to agree
Upon hearing Li Qingfeng's words, everyone nodded in agreement, deeply agreeing. Feng Quji, too, frowned, lost in thought. He naturally understood that medicine was no small matter, and certainly not something that could be mastered overnight. From learning to identify herbs and accumulating patient symptoms, to being able to accurately diagnose illnesses and prescribe the right medicine, every step required meticulous attention. Otherwise, even the slightest mistake could cost a previously healthy patient their life. Therefore, selecting a teacher was truly a headache.
However, Feng Quji knew the King's temperament and determination well. Once the King made up his mind to do something, not even nine oxen could pull him back; no one could easily change his mind. Thinking of this, Feng Quji coughed lightly, composed himself, and said, "What Physician Li said is very true, but the King's intention to build an academy is firm, and this matter is imperative. I'm sure you all know the King's style of doing things; once the King has made up his mind about something, few can stop him or change his mind."
The imperial physicians exchanged glances and nodded slightly, indicating their agreement with Feng Quji's words. Feng Quji stroked his beard and then said slowly, "Since things have come to this point, you may agree to this matter for now. As difficulties and obstacles arise during the actual implementation, we can report them one by one to His Majesty or the official in charge of the academy at that time. This way, it will benefit both of us."
However, upon hearing this, the imperial physicians all showed expressions of difficulty. While agreeing to this was simple, the numerous matters involved were truly complex.
Despite their seemingly prestigious and extraordinary status as imperial physicians, serving in the palace was no easy task. The concubines in the palace often fell ill and needed constant care.
Moreover, although they all held the same position as Imperial Physician, their medical skills varied greatly. Some Imperial Physicians were indeed highly skilled and could often cure diseases with medicine; while others performed only moderately, or were merely filling in the vacancy.
More importantly, these imperial physicians mostly got their positions in the palace through various connections and back channels. Without the support of their families and their intricate networks of contacts, they would never have had the coveted post of imperial physician.
Furthermore, almost all of them are inheritors of medical skills passed down through generations in their families. If they rashly agree to pass on their medical skills without the consent of their elders, they might not even be able to get past their own elders. At best, they would be beaten half to death, and at worst, they might be removed from the family register and expelled from the family.
Therefore, this matter absolutely could not be agreed to. The group exchanged glances, but no one spoke. Feng Quji stared wide-eyed at the group of imperial physicians before him in disbelief. He had thought he had made his point so clear that they would agree without hesitation. However, they sat there like wooden stakes, not uttering a sound.
Feng Quji's anger was instantly ignited. He slammed his fist on the table and roared, "How dare you all disregard my words! Do you even dare to defy the King's decree?" His voice boomed like thunder in the room, making everyone tremble and not daring to breathe.
Even so, the scene remained deathly silent; no one dared to step forward and answer Feng Quji's question. Seeing this, Feng Quji's face turned ashen with rage, veins bulging on his forehead. He stared intently at Li Qingfeng in the crowd and roared, "Li Qingfeng, come and explain to me why I cannot agree!"
Li Qingfeng shook his head helplessly, sighed heavily, and then slowly said, "Lord Feng, please calm down and listen to what I have to say. Putting aside the previous circumstances, we, the Imperial Physicians, are really not qualified to agree to this matter."
Feng Quji was completely bewildered and asked with a puzzled look, "You're not qualified? Then who is?"
Li Qingfeng took a deep breath and continued, "Lord Feng, you may not know this, but this matter is of utmost importance. Not only will our families expel us from the household if we agree, ruining our reputations, but just think of all the doctors outside. If they knew about this, they would likely be outraged and cause a disturbance. After all, this concerns the livelihoods and jobs of all doctors. Tell me, how could we easily agree to something that threatens their livelihoods and cuts off their future? We would risk our lives!"
Upon hearing Li Qingfeng's words, Feng Quji frowned deeply, his expression grave. He realized the matter was far too complicated and not one he could decide on his own. He slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over each of the imperial physicians present. They all stared at him with unwavering resolve, as if facing certain death. Feng Quji's heart sank. He abruptly stood up, pacing heavily back and forth in the room, anxiously demanding, "Is there truly no other way?"
The group exchanged bewildered glances, then shook their heads helplessly, indicating they could offer no assistance. Feng Quji, seeing this, also looked distressed, racking his brains for a long time but still unable to come up with a good solution to the current predicament.
After a moment of silence, Feng Quji could only sigh and say firmly, "Since things have come to this, I have no choice but to report the truth to His Majesty. However, I am, after all, an outsider, and know very little about your medical affairs. Here's what we'll do: Li Qingfeng, you will come with me to see His Majesty and be sure to explain the situation to him in detail."
Upon hearing this, Li Qingfeng felt as if his heart had fallen into an ice cellar, his entire body chilled to the bone. He inwardly groaned; of all the imperial physicians in the room, why had Lord Feng chosen him alone? The thought of the terrifying scene of the King's thunderous rage made Li Qingfeng's legs go weak, as if a thousand-pound weight was pressing down on him, making it almost difficult to stand. However, the situation was urgent, leaving him no room for refusal. Even though he was extremely unwilling, he could only grit his teeth and reply, "Your humble servant obeys."
Upon hearing Li Qingfeng's words, Feng Quji nodded in satisfaction, then urged, "In that case, let's set off for Zhangtai Palace immediately." With that, he took the lead and walked towards the door. Li Qingfeng took a deep breath, trying to calm his fear and unease, and then followed closely behind Feng Quji out of the room. The two hurriedly embarked on their journey to Zhangtai Palace.
Looking at Li Qingfeng's dejected, wilted figure, the other imperial physicians, who had initially harbored some thoughts of watching him make a fool of himself, instantly lost their smiles when Feng Quji's earlier words came to mind, replaced by a gloomy and dismal expression.
This was undoubtedly a momentous event for them. However, when they thought of Li Qingfeng, who was in an even more miserable state than they were, they couldn't help but feel a little comforted.
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