nashuaworldcup Chapter 183 Imperial Medical Bureau
Chapter 183 Imperial Medical Bureau
At dawn, sunlight streamed through the palaces and pavilions, illuminating the winding paths within the imperial palace. After finishing his morning court session, Feng Quji did not rush to the Imperial Medical Bureau. Instead, he attended to some other matters, ate lunch, and rested for a while before hurrying towards the Imperial Medical Bureau.
Along the way, he encountered many palace maids and eunuchs coming and going. Although Feng Quji was an important official of the court with high position and great power, he was usually busy with government affairs and was not very familiar with the inner environment of the palace. Therefore, except for going to Zhangtai Hall to handle important matters, he rarely walked around the palace at will.
Before long, Feng Quji arrived at the gate of the Imperial Medical Bureau. The distance from Zhangtai Palace to here was not too far; at his pace, it only took him about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. As he stepped into the gate of the Imperial Medical Bureau, a strong aroma of herbs wafted towards him.
In the spacious courtyard, numerous imperial physicians were bustling about. Some were squatting on the ground, carefully selecting various precious medicinal herbs; others stood in the pharmacy, skillfully grasping the necessary medicines; still others were tending to the stoves, meticulously brewing pots of steaming, fragrant medicinal soups. The whole scene was both orderly and bustling with activity.
However, the strong smell of medicine made Feng Quji feel dizzy. Just as he was trying to get used to the smell, the busy imperial physicians noticed someone's arrival and looked up at the door.
Most of the imperial physicians were unfamiliar with Feng Quji, but judging from his magnificent official robes, they could guess that he must hold a high position. At this moment, a young imperial physician quickly stepped forward and respectfully asked, "Sir, may I ask who you have come to see?"
Feng Quji quickly covered his mouth and nose with his hand to slightly alleviate the discomfort caused by the pungent medicine smell, and then replied, "I have come to see Imperial Physician Li Qingfeng."
Upon hearing this, the young imperial physician hurriedly replied, "Please wait a moment, sir, I will go and inform him right away." With that, he turned and ran into the depths of the courtyard.
Not long after, Li Qingfeng hurriedly came out of the house. He immediately spotted Feng Quji standing at the door, his face slightly pale and his body trembling slightly. He quickly stepped forward and asked with concern, "This humble official greets Lord Feng! What's wrong? Is the smell here making you feel uncomfortable?"
Feng Quji nodded slightly, his brows furrowed, and one hand unconsciously covered his mouth and nose. Seeing this, Li Qingfeng quickly said, "The smell here is indeed a bit strong. Why don't we move to the back to talk?" After saying that, he carefully helped Feng Quji up and slowly walked towards the depths of the courtyard.
After passing through a narrow corridor, the two were suddenly greeted by a bright and spacious garden. It turned out that the backyard of the Imperial Medical Bureau was a vast medicinal herb field. Unfortunately, it was the dead of winter, and the herbs were all drooping and withered from the cold, growing sparsely and looking rather unappetizing.
Feng Quji walked with difficulty, taking in his surroundings. Soon, they arrived at a house. The house was spacious and bright, sunlight streaming through the windows and casting dappled shadows on the floor. Inside sat several imperial physicians, engrossed in their work.
When the imperial physicians noticed someone entering, they all looked up. Upon recognizing Li Qingfeng and Feng Quji, many were startled, for they were all very familiar with Li Qingfeng. They quickly stood up, bowed respectfully to Feng Quji, and said in unison, "Greetings, Lord Feng!"
Feng Quji smiled and waved his hand, indicating that everyone should refrain from such formalities, and said in a slow voice, "Please sit down, everyone, there's no need to be so polite." Then, led by Li Qingfeng, he walked to the main seat and slowly sat down.
With a smile, Li Qingfeng gently picked up the bronze pot on the table and slowly poured a clear, transparent liquid into an exquisite bronze cup. As the water flowed in, the cup gradually filled, emitting a faint steam and fragrance. He presented the cup to Feng Quji with both hands and respectfully said, "Lord Feng, please have some."
Feng Quji nodded slightly in thanks and extended his right hand to accept the water cup. He first gently inhaled the aroma from the cup, then carefully took a small sip. As soon as the water entered his mouth, he noticed that the taste was quite different from the water he usually drank. This water not only lacked the bland taste of ordinary water, but also had a faint sweetness that left a lingering aftertaste.
Feng Quji couldn't help but raise his head curiously and ask Li Qingfeng, "What kind of water is this? It's so special."
Li Qingfeng quickly replied, "Lord Feng, this is a tea that I have specially selected and carefully prepared from several precious medicinal herbs. These herbs all have certain nourishing effects, and its taste is sweet and delicious. Regular consumption can help relieve fatigue and refresh the mind."
Upon hearing this, Feng Quji nodded in sudden understanding, took another sip, savored the flavor, and exclaimed with admiration, "Hmm, truly excellent! This unique taste is unforgettable."
Seeing that Feng Quji quite liked the tea, Li Qingfeng smiled knowingly and said, "Since Lord Feng is satisfied, I will prepare some for you to take back to your residence and enjoy when you leave."
Feng Quji's face showed a look of relief, and he nodded in response, "Then I will trouble Physician Li."
Li Qingfeng quickly cupped his hands in a respectful bow and replied humbly, "Lord Feng, you flatter me."
At this moment, Li Qingfeng noticed that Feng Quji's complexion was rosy and his spirits were high, and a hint of doubt arose in his heart. He tentatively asked, "I wonder if Lord Feng has personally visited my humble abode today because of some important matter?"
Feng Quji picked up the water on the table again, took a sip, and felt that the discomfort he had felt earlier had lessened considerably. He composed himself and replied, "I have come here on the orders of His Majesty, and I have important matters to discuss with the imperial physicians."
Li Qingfeng turned to look at the other imperial physicians, then turned his gaze back to Feng Quji, and said solemnly, "Since this is a matter entrusted by His Majesty, Lord Feng, please speak freely."
Feng Quji spoke solemnly: “Gentlemen, His Majesty intends to build an academy that will cover many disciplines, including medicine. His Majesty hopes to select several virtuous and talented individuals from among our Imperial Physicians to teach and lecture at the academy.”
Upon hearing this, everyone present was stunned, then speechless, exchanging bewildered glances. After a brief silence, Li Qingfeng broke the ice, slowly saying, "This matter... is truly no easy task! The medical skills we practitioners learn mostly come from generations of family traditions, rarely passed down to outsiders. Furthermore, learning medicine requires not only talent and aptitude but also cultivation of character, which usually begins meticulously from childhood. Moreover, learning medicine differs from other disciplines; it demands an extremely long period of time, ranging from ten to several decades, before one can achieve proficiency and practice independently."