RWNEFE -Chapter 489 Shen Lanxi’s Medical School Plan

Shen Lanxi said, “Zhou Ruyuan isn’t stupid—he won’t believe it.”

Che Mingyuan and Ban Sicao remained silent.

“But regarding what you said—the child was poisoned twice, the first time mildly—I have some ideas,” Shen Lanxi said, cutting through the fog with a single sentence.

Che Mingyuan’s eyes lit up: “If the goal was to poison Zhou Ze, why use two poisons? Could it be that the two poisons were administered by different people?”

Shen Lanxi’s eyes flickered. “The person who poisoned him is very likely someone from the Zhen Nan Prince’s residence.”

“Ban Sicao, immediately take the palace physicians there and investigate the source of the poison.”

Ban Sicao: “Yes!”

…

When Shen Yuantang saw her son’s corpse, her eyes rolled back and she fainted on the spot.

Zhou Ruyuan, recalling what Ban Sicao had said earlier, immediately ordered the palace gates of the residence to be sealed.

“Bring everyone who has had contact with the young master to me.”

By the time Ban Sicao arrived at the residence, the courtyard was already filled with people kneeling.

“I am here by order of the Regent to assist the Prince in finding the true culprit!”

Zhou Ruyuan looked at Ban Sicao coldly, his expression icy, suppressing his anger.

Jiang Wuya said, “Your Highness, the Regent probably fears that the young master’s death will be pinned on her.”

Zhou Ruyuan clenched his fists tightly. His son was dead, yet Shen Lanxi only thought about clearing her own name.

If she had summoned the Grand Physician from the start, his son wouldn’t have died.

When Shen Yuantang woke up, she struggled to get up and see her son. Just as she stepped outside, she saw Ban Sicao and threw off her maid, rushing at him like a madwoman.

“You caused my son’s death! If not for you, he wouldn’t be dead. I demand your life!” Shen Yuantang almost reached Ban Sicao before being blocked by the Imperial Guards.

The grief of losing her child made Shen Yuantang insane, utterly without reason. She was like a mad dog, attacking anyone she could reach.

Ban Sicao refused to take the blame silently and shot back: “If you hadn’t held me at the palace gates and delayed time, your son might still be alive. You alone are to blame!”

Shen Yuantang continued struggling and yelling in Ban Sicao’s direction.

Ban Sicao looked at Zhou Ruyuan: “The Regent is relied upon by His Majesty, and the Grand Physician is also relied upon by His Majesty. Moreover, the Grand Physician is a disciple of Guigu. Apart from His Majesty, no one can command him. Prince, think carefully!”

Zhou Ruyuan glared at Ban Sicao. Though upset, he knew the Grand Physician could not be summoned by Shen Lanxi.

Ban Sicao continued: “Our Prince Regent already sent people to summon the Grand Physician. He is currently busy preparing medicine for His Majesty—a critical task. This is a matter of priority; you know which is more important.”

Naturally, His Majesty took precedence. A mere imperial grandson, and an illegitimate one at that, could easily be forgotten by His Majesty.

But… does that mean his son would die for no reason? Just because His Majesty’s life is more important, his son must die?

His father’s illness was not an emergency—why couldn’t time have been taken to treat his son first before returning?

For the first time, Zhou Ruyuan understood the weight of power. He hated himself for being so indecisive, for always looking too far ahead and worrying too much.

Shen Yuantang went mad, clawing and biting recklessly.

“Shen Lanxi, why are you targeting me? Why harm my child?”

“I’m your own sister—do you not care about family? Are you even human?”

“Prince, why didn’t you save our child? If we had summoned the Grand Physician from the start, our son would still be alive. He is so young, and every day he longs for his father. Even if you dislike me, Zeyan is your son…”

“Why must my son and I become pawns in your conflict with my elder sister? Why drag innocent people into your feud?”

Zhou Ruyuan, his face dark, could no longer listen. If Shen Yuantang kept speaking, she might attack someone.

“The secondary consort has gone mad. Bring her to a room and guard her closely. Without my order, she shall not leave. If she continues speaking nonsense, gag her!”

Four strong women pinned Shen Yuantang’s mouth and dragged her to her quarters.

Zhou Ruyuan felt heavy-hearted; his earlier ambition for the campaign was completely gone.

Ban Sicao said, “Prince, I’ll begin the interrogation.”

Zhou Ruyuan, mind distracted, had no interest in questioning. He stood aside, watching Ban Sicao handle the situation.

…

“Isn’t General Wei on duty today?” After Zhou Ze’s death, Shen Lanxi wanted to push forward her medical plans, delegating official work so she could visit the Imperial Hospital.

Normally, Wei Dongzhu would be stationed in the corridor. She could simply push open the door and see him. Today, the corridor was empty.

“Report to the Regent: General Wei has taken a half-day leave.”

Shen Lanxi nodded as if she understood, and headed straight for the Imperial Hospital.

The population of Great Zhou was vast. For minor illnesses like headaches or fevers, people often self-treated, seeking doctors only when necessary.

Countless people die each year from ordinary typhoid. Even in a family with six children, fewer than half might survive, assuming they are healthy.

For frail or premature children, a simple cold could take their lives.

The Imperial Hospital staff were unprepared for Shen Lanxi’s sudden arrival, and all knelt in fear, unable to speak.

The Renxiao Emperor had fallen seriously ill multiple times. The Imperial Hospital, powerless, had angered him so much that he executed several physicians. Subsequent treatments were repeatedly unsuccessful, terrifying them further.

The head of the Imperial Hospital asked shakily, “May I ask the purpose of Regent’s visit?” Even with a hundred braveries, he wouldn’t dare inquire about her health.

Shen Lanxi spoke solemnly: “All of you are elite doctors of Great Zhou, highly respected with great skill and medical ethics. Truly, I admire those whose virtue matches their skill.”

The head of the Imperial Hospital was confused. Shen Lanxi wasn’t here to cause trouble?

“To be frank, when I was exiled to Dongchuan, I watched a child die from a mere cough. A healthy adult man ended his life over a toothache. Elderly people, unwilling to burden their children, chose to starve to death.” Shen Lanxi’s expression was sorrowful.

Doctors have benevolence. Despite their official ranks, most retain the compassion to save lives and serve the people.

Shen Lanxi moved to the main point: “I have decided to establish medical schools across the land to train doctors for Great Zhou, so that more people can be treated.”

Some Imperial Hospital physicians resisted, while others thought it was a good idea.

Shen Lanxi continued: “You are all experts in medicine, and surely know other skilled doctors. I want you to recommend the directors and teachers for these medical schools.”

The head of the Imperial Hospital’s eyes flickered as he began to consider the matter.

Medicine has always been taught in a master-disciple system; the idea of formally running a school with instructors was unprecedented.