sbdcsierra Chapter 112 The Substitute Bride 28
Chapter 112 The Substitute Bride 28
"To get rich, build roads first."
This is a key measure for national prosperity and people's well-being that has been proven effective.
Road construction requires labor, which can solve the labor shortage problem in many areas and bring income to some families.
Ji Xiaosong calculated that, given the current size of the country, it would take at least ten years to complete the construction of official roads in all prefectures.
This is only the road between cities; there are no roads between villages, and it will take many more years to complete.
However, Ji Xiaosong wasn't in a hurry; Chu Qingyun would handle it.
As Empress, a role model for women across the land, she still had several things to accomplish.
The first thing to do was to establish a women's medical clinic.
Most medical clinics in the country are run by men, and very few are specifically for women.
Female doctors are even more so; they are practically priceless.
Ji Xiaosong is skilled in medicine, and her medical skills are extremely advanced, making her the most suitable person to open the first women's clinic and women's medical school in the country.
Choosing an auspicious day and a royal mountain, Ji Xiaosong and Zixi went to personally start construction.
The women's clinic should be located next to the medical school, so that they can learn the theory and then practice it.
Ji Xiaosong stood on the royal hilltop, her gaze sweeping across the open space before her.
She gently raised her hand, chanting incantations. A surge of spiritual energy flowed from her palm, instantly transforming into countless bricks, stones, and pieces of wood, which were neatly arranged to the side.
She first demarcated the area of the clinic, dividing it into several courtyards.
One of them was a consultation clinic, which had several elegant consultation rooms for female doctors to diagnose patients' conditions.
Secondly, there is a pharmacy, filled with precious medicinal herbs, arranged in an orderly manner, emitting a fragrant aroma.
Thirdly, there is the inpatient department, which has a quiet environment and each ward is decorated in a warm and comfortable manner, allowing the sick woman to rest and recuperate with peace of mind.
Next to the clinic is the Medical Hall.
There is a teaching academy, which is spacious and bright, with neatly arranged desks and chairs, where female students can listen to lectures.
There is also a practice institute equipped with a full range of medical equipment for students to practice and operate.
Furthermore, there is the library, which houses numerous medical classics, making it convenient for students to consult and study them.
Ji Xiaosong then took out rare materials from her own space to create comfortable dormitories for the women.
The dormitory courtyard is filled with exotic flowers and plants, fragrant all year round.
The entire architectural complex, with its flying eaves, bracket sets, carved beams and painted rafters, is exquisitely beautiful.
The pavilions and towers are arranged in a well-organized manner, and the winding corridors lead to secluded spots.
Artificial hills and ponds dot the landscape, with flowing water and koi carp playing, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland.
Zixi watched in astonishment, exclaiming, "Your Majesty, this is simply a marvel unparalleled in the world!"
Ji Xiaosong smiled slightly, looking at her masterpiece with satisfaction, and said, "I only wish that this place can bring happiness to women all over the world."
After completing the construction of the clinic and medical school, Ji Xiaosong immediately set about setting up enrollment points in various prefectures and cities across the country.
Zixi accepted the order and, with a group of capable people and carrying Ji Xiaosong's important mission, set off for various places.
The recruitment offices in each state capital were bustling with activity, as many women came with high hopes to apply.
But not every family is so fortunate to have such family support.
Most people adopted a wait-and-see attitude, especially after learning that studying medicine required traveling thousands of miles to the capital, which made many people back down.
"It's never good for a woman to show her face in public. What if something happens to her on such a long journey?"
An elderly man said with a worried expression, his face full of concern and doubt.
Zixi patiently explained from the side, "Grandpa, please rest assured. All the selected students will be escorted all the way by an elite guard specially arranged by Her Majesty the Empress. Moreover, there will be dedicated personnel guarding the medical school and clinic day and night to ensure the safety of the students and female doctors without any mishaps."
"Will it cost money to study medicine over there? My family doesn't have that much money to support you."
A woman asked anxiously, her eyes revealing her worry.
Zixi continued gently, “No money is needed. All expenses will be waived until the students complete their studies. Moreover, Her Majesty the Empress will provide all the students with all their living necessities.”
"Is it really that good? You must be kidding me."
Someone else raised a loud question.
Zixi smiled and said, "Everyone, this is absolutely true. Her Majesty the Empress cares deeply for all women and is wholeheartedly dedicated to their well-being. How could such a benevolent act be false? When she becomes a female doctor in the future, she must return to her ancestral home. Her Majesty the Empress will also help her open a clinic to benefit the local people."
"After completing your studies, do you have to stay at the clinic?" a young woman asked timidly.
Zixi quickly replied, "That's not the case. After completing your studies, whether you stay or leave is entirely up to you. But Her Majesty the Empress hopes that you will use your medical skills to save lives and bring happiness to the people."
"How long does it take to study medicine?" someone else asked.
Are meals and accommodation provided during medical school?
What if I can't learn it?
"Will I be able to open my own clinic after completing my studies?"
"How much money can one earn by practicing medicine at a clinic?"
Can female doctors treat men?
The people sent by Ji Xiaosong also spoke up to explain: "Studying medicine is a matter of life and death, so naturally one must learn it thoroughly. It will take at least three years, and at most five years, depending on the individual's comprehension and effort."
"Food and lodging will naturally be provided. Her Majesty the Empress is kind and will not let the students have any worries."
"It doesn't matter if you can't learn it. As long as you study hard, you will always gain something. Her Majesty the Empress will not easily give up on any student."
"After completing your studies, you can open your own clinic, and Her Majesty the Empress will provide some support."
"The income from practicing medicine at a clinic depends on your medical skills and the number of patients you treat."
"Female doctors can treat men, but there will be corresponding rules and arrangements."
Everyone chimed in with their questions, which Zixi and the people sent by Ji Xiaosong patiently answered, dispelling everyone's doubts.
All the conditions seem lenient, but in reality, the screening process involves thoroughly investigating even three generations of ancestors.
If there is any potential risk, Zixi will immediately remove the person from the selection list.
Cast a wide net to attract more potential high-quality students.
In the harsh, cold border region, the village headman stood under the old locust tree at the village entrance, loudly proclaiming Ji Xiaosong's enrollment policy to the villagers who had gathered around.
"Fellow villagers, Her Majesty the Empress has the well-being of all people at heart. With His Majesty's grace, any girl in our family of suitable age can be sent to town to register! Aunt Zixi has already arrived at the yamen today. If anyone is interested, you can send your daughter to try. This is a great opportunity given to us by Her Majesty the Empress, giving our girls a chance to succeed. Perhaps one day they will become healers who save lives and bring honor to their ancestors!"
However, the villagers shook their heads, their faces full of disapproval.
An old man puffed on his pipe and muttered, "What kind of future can a woman have? What kind of behavior is it to show her face in public like that!"
A middle-aged man chimed in, "That's right, women should stay home, do housework, give birth, and cook. Why would they study medicine?"
One peasant woman even said sarcastically, "Hmph, what good is it for a woman to study medicine? It's just a waste of time and money!"
The village head frowned and patiently advised, "Everyone, this is Her Majesty the Empress's good intention. Why can't women be successful? By learning medicine, you can not only save lives but also secure a good future for yourself."
But the villagers remained unmoved and looked down on the idea of a woman studying medicine. The village head sighed helplessly.
He didn't notice that not far away, a girl wearing straw sandals, dressed in tattered clothes, and with a sallow and thin face was listening intently, afraid of missing a single word.