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A thought crossed my mind, and almost instinctively, I spoke up, "Aunt, I have some knowledge of medicine; perhaps... perhaps I can help."
The palace maid, desperate and out of options, was about to scold me for my audacity as a mere laundry maid when a weak voice from within the inner chamber called out, "Let her... come in and try..."
I steadied myself and stepped into Consort Li's chamber. A strong smell of medicine mixed with the scent of illness hit me. Consort Li's face was flushed, her breathing rapid, her pulse weak and quick, and her tongue coated thickly. It was indeed the Pestilence I had suspected. Not daring to overreach, I chose some gentle remedies and suggested using Qinghao and Huo Xiang to brew steam for her, along with simple dietary treatments to clear heat, detoxify, and dispel dampness.
The people in Consort Li's palace were skeptical but had no other options at the moment, so they followed my advice. Within just two days, Consort Li's fever subsided, and her spirit improved significantly.
News of this quickly reached the current Emperor Qi Yuan, Xiao Jingyuan. At that time, he was troubled by the epidemic. Upon hearing that a laundry maid possessed such knowledge, he summoned me.
It was my first audience with the Emperor. Zicheng Hall was imposing and solemn, with golden bricks underfoot and the smoke of dragon’s blood incense swirling around. I knelt on the cold ground, not daring to raise my head. Then a gentle yet authoritative voice commanded, "Lift your head."
I slowly raised my eyes and met a pair of deep-set eyes that seemed to hold the weight of the world. This was Xiao Jingyuan, the ruler of Da Jing. He appeared younger than in portraits; though weariness lingered in his brow, his gaze was sharp as if he could see through one's soul.
"You are Shen Wei Lan?" he asked.
"I... am," I replied, my voice trembling slightly.
"You understand medicine?"
"I do not dare claim expertise; however, my father was part of the Grand Imperial Physician's Order. Growing up around it has given me some basic knowledge," I answered cautiously, careful not to reveal too much lest it bring unnecessary trouble.
He pondered for a moment before asking me several questions about the epidemic. I answered each one truthfully, sharing my understanding of Pestilence along with preventive measures and treatment suggestions. I proposed practical solutions based on the palace's circumstances, such as isolating patients, ensuring ventilation, high-temperature disinfection of clothing and utensils, and improving the diet of the palace staff.
Xiao Jingyuan listened intently, nodding at times and frowning at others. Finally, he looked at me with a glimmer of appreciation in his eyes. "It is rare for a mere palace maid to possess such insight and courage. Very well; I shall give you an opportunity. You will be temporarily assigned to the Imperial Medical Institute to assist the chief physician in combating this epidemic."
My heart raced with shock as I hurriedly bowed my head in gratitude. "Thank you for your great kindness!"
I knew this was the first turning point in my fate. How my future would unfold remained uncertain.
At the Imperial Medical Institute, I felt like a fish in water. Although I held no official rank as a "medical attendant," responsible for assisting and recording tasks, I finally had access to more herbs and medical cases that would validate and expand my knowledge. I worked diligently and interacted respectfully with the physicians. Initially skeptical about having a woman suddenly placed among them, they gradually accepted me as they recognized my genuine skills and effective suggestions.
With my assistance, the Imperial Medical Institute developed more effective strategies against the epidemic. The situation improved rapidly. Xiao Jingyuan was greatly pleased; not only did he reward the institute but also specifically mentioned me. Instead of granting me a concubine's title, he appointed me as Chief of the Pharmacy and granted me residence in Qing Zhi Pavilion. Though lacking an official title, I was freed from servitude status with my own quarters and attendants. More importantly, I could study medicine openly and had opportunities to engage with higher circles within the palace.
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