sbdcsierra Chapter 117 Rushing to the Disaster Area
Chapter 117 Rushing to the Disaster Area
"Miss Song, congratulations on entering the academy with the highest score. Have you thought about what subject you want to teach?" Emperor Changlong said with a beaming smile. "You excel in all subjects. You can teach whichever subject you want. It's up to you."
As soon as he said this, everyone looked at Song Siyao with envy.
In previous years, the top student in the academy's assessment did not have the right to choose their own class; the academy assigned them to a class.
Emperor Changlong has once again granted Song Siyao special privileges.
"Your Majesty, I wish to create my own subject," Song Siyao said.
Emperor Changlong asked curiously, "What subject do you want to create?"
"Medical Department," Song Siyao replied.
"Medicine? The academy has never had this subject before, so why do you want to create it?" Emperor Changlong asked with a puzzled expression.
“Your Majesty, a strong youth makes a strong nation. The more newborns are born each year, the more youth will be in the future. I have conducted a survey and found that only one percent of the newborns born safely and healthily each year in the Great Zhou Dynasty. This percentage is far too high.”
When Song Siyao first saw this data, she was filled with shock and heartache.
"Your Majesty, I wish to improve the overall medical level of the Great Zhou Dynasty, increase the proportion of healthy newborns born safely, and also improve the survival rate and quality of life of the entire population."
The Great Zhou Dynasty is not lacking in talent in other fields, but it has very few talents in medicine, and the imperial court has not made great efforts to develop it.
Song Siyao's remarks sparked a flurry of discussion among those present, with some agreeing and others mocking her.
"What nonsense is Miss Song talking about? I don't understand."
"It's normal not to understand. How could ordinary people like us easily comprehend Miss Song's thoughts?"
"But isn't this idea too outrageous? Does she really think she can change the country's situation all by herself?"
"I also think it's impossible; she's not a goddess."
"We never know the outcome of anything until the very end. What if it doesn't work in a year, what about ten years, or a hundred years?"
……
Emperor Changlong also heard what everyone was saying, and his expression gradually changed from excitement to solemnity.
It wasn't about whether Song Siyao could do it, but rather that Song Siyao had considered this issue, which no one had mentioned to him before.
This is a very serious issue. People's livelihood is no small matter; it concerns the national situation, so it is of paramount importance.
Everyone saw that Emperor Changlong's expression changed and thought he was about to get angry. Unexpectedly, Emperor Changlong solemnly said, "Miss Song, I support your idea. Go ahead and do it boldly. If you have any conditions, just tell me. I will be your strong support."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Song Siyao's gratitude came from the bottom of her heart.
Emperor Changlong supported her dreams, understood her ideals, and was grateful to her for recognizing her talent.
At this moment, a guard rushed in and knelt down before Emperor Changlong, saying, "Your Majesty, Fengyan City is under attack!"
"Speak!" Emperor Changlong's expression, which had just softened, turned serious again. The guard who came to deliver the message was on the most urgent route.
"Your Majesty, a plague has struck Fengyan City. The entire city is infected, and no one has survived." The guard presented the letter to Emperor Changlong.
Emperor Changlong unfolded the letter, his gaze falling on the paper. Looking at the shocking words, his hands trembled as he held the letter.
His expression changed drastically, and he looked at the assembled officials, saying, "Fengyan City has been completely wiped out by the plague, and the plague is still spreading. They are helpless. Now, I want to send someone to Fengyan City. Do any of you have a suitable candidate?"
Grand Tutor Su spoke first, “Your Majesty, Miss Song just mentioned wanting to establish a medical department. I believe that this plague is an excellent opportunity for Miss Song to gain experience, and she is the most suitable candidate.”
“Your Majesty, I believe the Grand Tutor is right. Miss Song is going to establish her own medical department, so dealing with a mere plague should be a piece of cake.” The speaker was the Minister of Works.
"I believe that Miss Song is also the most suitable candidate. Miss Song is a ghost doctor with superb medical skills. She will surely be able to defeat the plague in one fell swoop."
……
In an instant, more than ten people stepped forward, all offering suggestions to Emperor Changlong, advising Song Siyao to go to the epidemic area.
Emperor Changlong frowned; his feelings were complicated.
Song Siyao is a prodigy and very important to the future of the Great Zhou Dynasty. He couldn't bear to let her take any risks.
However, in this plague outbreak, sending Song Siyao is the most appropriate option. Not to mention the entire Great Zhou, even across the Nine Provinces, no one can match Song Siyao's medical skills.
While Emperor Changlong hesitated, Song Siyao stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I will go to Fengyan City."
Emperor Changlong looked at Song Siyao with a firm and resolute gaze, "Fengyan City is bound to be extremely dangerous. Have you thought it through?"
“Your Majesty, I have thought it through. As a physician, I have a compassionate heart, and I cannot bear to see them suffer. Moreover, they are right. My purpose in establishing the medical department is to cultivate more medical talents to benefit the people in the future. Therefore, I should go to the epidemic area without hesitation and set a good example for future students.”
Song Siyao looked serious. She didn't make any grand pronouncements, but her eyes were full of sincerity and heartache. She was truly thinking about the people.
Emperor Changlong was deeply moved by Song Siyao's appearance.
He had seen Song Siyao's heartbroken expression on the face of the Marquis of Zhenbei before.
He didn't know that Song Siyao had experienced those epidemic areas in modern times, and that she still vividly remembered the suffering of those people.
Those who had suggested that Song Siyao go to the epidemic area felt their faces burning with embarrassment, wishing they could dig a hole in the ground and disappear.
They were trying to provoke Song Siyao into making things difficult, but they didn't expect that Song Siyao really wanted to go.
Song Siyao's benevolence far exceeded their imagination; it was a height they could not reach.
Emperor Changlong looked at Song Siyao and said, "Alright, I grant your request! However, I have one condition."
"Please give your orders, Your Majesty," Song Siyao said, bowing slightly.
"No matter what happens, we must protect your personal safety. I mean at all times! You must return safely!" Emperor Changlong said in a particularly strong tone.
This is the only bloodline of the Marquis of Zhenbei.
If anything were to happen to Song Siyao, he would be ashamed before the Marquis of Zhenbei.
However, the plague was severe, and he had no choice but to send Song Siyao there.
"Your Majesty, I will obey your decree and will not fail in your mission!" Song Siyao's eyes were firm, her heart filled with warmth.
How could such mutual trust and concern between the ruler and his subjects not move one to tears?
“Miss Song, you will depart tonight. You decide who you want to take with you, and those you choose must come with you.” Emperor Changlong looked at the person in front of him. “Of course, if anyone is willing to go, they can also step forward.”
"Father, I am willing to go!"
"Your Majesty, I am willing to go!"
Shen Pei and Huo Ye's voices rang out simultaneously.
“Your Majesty, I am also willing to go.” Yan Wei also stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, I wish to go with Sister Song." Jiang Hexia looked at Song Siyao with a resolute expression.
……
Hearing their voices, Song Siyao was deeply moved.
Despite the uncertainty of their future, they are filled with passion and fervor. With them by their side, the Great Zhou Dynasty will surely grow stronger and stronger.
Emperor Changlong was also filled with emotion. Song Siyao had now gained a sense of unity and had followers, which was a good thing for her.
He spoke, "I grant your permission!"