Rebirth: The Fourth Lady Wants to Lie Down

The next morning, the sun shone through the window of Qingxi Book House and onto the memorials in the hands of Emperor Kangxi. Kangxi sat at his desk, frowning slightly, and concentrating on reviewing the memorials from all over the country.

Suddenly, his eyes were attracted by a special memorial. On the cover of this memorial was written Yinzhen's name, and Kangxi's heart moved. He knew that Yinzhen had always been diligent and studious, and had quite a lot of insights into state affairs. So, he couldn't wait to open the memorial.

The content of the memorial made Kangxi's face gradually become solemn. It turned out that Yinzhen described in detail a method called "cowpox to prevent smallpox" in the memorial. Kangxi knew that smallpox was a highly contagious disease. Once it broke out, it would bring great disaster to the people. And if what Yinzhen said was true, then this prevention method would have the potential to completely change the situation.

Kangxi put down the memorial, thought for a moment, and then shouted loudly: "Li Dequan!"

Upon hearing the voice, Li Dequan immediately walked into the study. Seeing Kangxi's solemn expression, he knew that something important must have happened. He respectfully asked, "Your Majesty, what do you want?"

Kangxi took a deep breath and said, "Go and call Yinzhen here immediately. I have something important to discuss with him."

Li Dequan did not dare to neglect and immediately followed the order. He quickly walked through the corridor and came to Yinzhen's residence. Yinzhen was studying scriptures in the study and was surprised to see Li Dequan rushing over.

After Li Dequan saluted, he said breathlessly, "My Lord, the emperor has summoned you. Please go to Qingxi Book House immediately."

Upon hearing this, Yinzhen immediately put down the book in his hand and followed Li Dequan to Qingxi Book House. He secretly wondered in his heart, could it be that his memorial attracted the attention of the emperor?

When Yinzhen walked into Qingxi Study, Kangxi was already standing at the door waiting. When he saw Yinzhen coming, he immediately went to greet him with a serious and deep expression on his face.

Yinzhen stepped forward and saluted: "Your son Yinzhen greets your father."

Kangxi nodded, indicating that he didn't need to be polite. Then he asked directly: "Yinzhen, the memorial you submitted mentioned a method of using cowpox to prevent smallpox. Is it true?"

Yinzhen's heart tightened. He knew that this matter was of great importance and he dared not conceal anything. He nodded and said in a deep voice: "My Lord, everything I said is true. Fucun told me that he was assured that people who had cowpox had never had smallpox, and after investigation, I found that it was indeed effective."

Kangxi frowned upon hearing this, and after pondering for a moment, he said, "This matter is of great importance. If this method is really effective, it will be a great blessing to the people of the Qing Dynasty. Do you have any solid evidence?"

Yinzhen nodded and said, "Father, I have collected some relevant cases for your reference."

Kangxi nodded in approval. He knew that Yinzhen was a cautious person, and since he was so sure about the effectiveness of this method, there must be some basis for it. He decided to investigate the matter himself. If it was indeed feasible, he would promote it vigorously so that more people could benefit from it.

So Kangxi said to Yinzhen: "You have done a good job in this matter. I will send people to investigate and verify it. If it is indeed effective, I will reward you and Fucun generously. You go back and wait for the news."

Yinzhen bowed and left the study.

……

Kangxi's decision was so quick that it was astonishing. Within three days, those who were sent to investigate the fact that cowpox could prevent smallpox had a definite answer. Kangxi sat in front of the imperial desk, holding a detailed report in his hand, with a rare look of joy on his face. Each report clearly pointed out that the fact that cowpox could prevent smallpox was beyond doubt.

Kangxi was very excited. He knew the importance of this matter. If it could be promoted effectively, it would greatly reduce the disaster brought by smallpox to the people of the Qing Dynasty.

"Li Dequan!" Kangxi called out loudly.

Li Dequan, the old eunuch who had served Kangxi for many years, immediately rushed over upon hearing the voice: "I am here, what do you want, Your Majesty?"

"Quickly invite the Crown Prince, Yinzhen, the Chief Medical Officer of the Imperial Hospital, and other ministers including Soetu to Qingxi Study." Kangxi ordered.

Li Dequan did not dare to be negligent and immediately took the order and left. Not long after, everyone rushed to Qingxi Book House and gathered together. Kangxi sat in front of the desk with a solemn expression.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. May your Majesty be blessed with good health and good fortune."

After everyone arrived, Kangxi spoke: "A few days ago, Yinzhen reported to me that cowpox can prevent smallpox. This is related to the country and people's livelihood. I have sent people to investigate, and the results show that this is true."

Kangxi paused, glanced at everyone, and continued, "I would like to hear your opinions. How should this matter be promoted?"

Crown Prince Yinreng was the first to speak: "Father, I think this matter should be assigned to a dedicated person to ensure that no mistakes are made during the promotion process."

Kangxi nodded in agreement: "Your Highness is right. Then, who do you think is the most suitable person to carry out this mission?"

Prince Yinreng pondered for a moment, then said: "I recommend my fourth brother. He is smart and wise, and has a lot of knowledge in medicine. He will definitely be able to take on this task."

Soetu also echoed: "I also think that the Fourth Beile is very suitable." As soon as Soetu finished speaking, other people in Soetu's faction also echoed him.

Kangxi turned his gaze to Yinzhen, waiting for his response. But Yinzhen shook his head and politely declined: "Father, I appreciate your recommendation. But I am busy preparing to plant high-yield crops in Shengjing these days, so I am afraid I cannot take care of this matter."

Kangxi frowned slightly, seeming a little disappointed. However, Yinzhen did not stop there, he continued: "I think that the fifth and seventh brothers are young and promising, and it is a good time for them to gain experience. If they can take on this important task, they will surely make contributions to the country."

Kangxi fell into deep thought after hearing this. He looked around at everyone with a sharp gaze, as if he was weighing the pros and cons. After a moment, he nodded and said, "Yinzhen's words make sense. Then let the Fifth and Seventh Princes carry out this mission as you say."

Seeing this, Soetu and others didn't know what to say, and the others could only express their agreement after hearing what they said.

Then Kangxi asked everyone to leave. When Yinzhen was about to turn around and leave, Kangxi said, "Yinzhen, stay." Then he said to Li Dequan, "Go and call the fifth and seventh princes."

"Yes." Li Dequan answered and went out to find the Fifth Prince and the Seventh Prince.

After seeing Li Dequan leave, Kangxi said to Yinzhen: "Although you are not involved in this matter, you are more knowledgeable about the prevention of smallpox by cowpox. Let's have a good chat with them later."

Yinzhen took the order and then sat on a chair waiting for the two to arrive.