diskusbooks Chapter 288 Consort Fucha
Chapter 288 Consort Fucha
Fucha Honghan took out a memorial from his sleeve and presented it respectfully with both hands.
Standing next to Hongchang, Zhang Hude quickly stepped down and respectfully accepted the memorial from Fucha Honghan's hands.
It was presented to Hongchang, who eagerly took it, unfolded it, and examined it closely.
The memorial detailed how Fucha Honghan had spent many years searching among the people for ways to combat smallpox.
Then they found cowpox, which might be a potential treatment for smallpox.
And the process and results of the experiments he personally arranged.
The memorial stated: "For many years, I have sought out renowned physicians and consulted ancient texts..."
Finally, a special method for preventing smallpox was discovered among the people—vaccination with cowpox.
This method originates from folk wisdom, and after being personally arranged and tested by me, it has shown remarkable results.
After vaccination with cowpox, none of the participants contracted smallpox again, and none experienced any significant discomfort.
After reading the memorial, Hongchang was overjoyed, and his face showed undisguised excitement.
He was deeply moved by his mother's thoughtfulness; so many years had passed since he contracted smallpox.
The Empress Dowager even sent the Fucha family to find a way to combat smallpox.
The Fucha family also took the matter entrusted to them by the Empress Dowager very seriously.
They persisted for so many years in their search for a way to combat smallpox.
As expected, perseverance pays off, and they actually found it.
Hongchang wasn't worried at all that there would be any problems with the smallpox vaccination method discovered by Fucha Honghan.
If Guoluomafa wasn't confident, he certainly wouldn't have reported this method.
With the cowpox vaccine, people no longer had to fear smallpox.
Hongchang raised his head, looking intently at Fucha Honghan, and said:
"Lord Fucha, this is a great fortune for the country!"
If this method can truly and effectively curb smallpox, it will be a blessing for countless people!
Fucha Honghan bowed slightly and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, I dare not take credit for this."
Although the smallpox vaccination technique has been successfully tested, it still needs to be promoted and validated on a larger scale.
When the ministers heard Fucha Honghan propose that the cowpox vaccination method could combat smallpox, they all became skeptical.
Although variolation was risky, it had been promoted in the Qing Dynasty for many years, and people were relatively familiar with it.
Smallpox vaccination was completely foreign to them.
They had never heard of this smallpox vaccination method; was it really effective?
What are the advantages of variolation compared to smallpox vaccination?
Hongchang trusted Fucha Honghan, but he was also aware of the ministers' concerns.
Hongchang looked at Fucha Honghan and asked, "Lord Fucha, why don't you explain what the smallpox vaccination method is?"
Fucha Honghan naturally understood Hongchang's meaning upon hearing this.
"Your Majesty, let me first explain how I discovered that cowpox could combat smallpox."
Hongchang nodded and said, "Lord Fucha, please speak."
After bowing, Fucha Honghan began to speak.
"Ever since the Empress Dowager entrusted me with this matter, I have kept it in mind."
Whenever I had time, I would visit villages near the capital that had experienced smallpox outbreaks.
Fucha Honghan paused, then continued, "During my search,..."
They specifically sought out families who had survived smallpox, hoping to find common ground among them.
Then, most of the families who survived smallpox had raised cattle.
He contracted cowpox after contact with cattle.
I have discovered that this cowpox is similar to smallpox, but its symptoms are milder.
At first, I only found it strange, but as the investigation deepened, the phenomenon became increasingly obvious.
He paused, then continued, "I have consulted numerous ancient texts..."
A link was found between cowpox and smallpox.
Therefore, I decided to try it myself.
I extracted pus from a cow that had been infected with cowpox.
They found some people who were struggling to make ends meet and volunteered to try it.
Most of these people were afraid of being infected because someone in their family had died of smallpox.
Therefore, they are willing to try this possible preventative method.
I arranged for reliable doctors to conduct isolated smallpox vaccination trials on these volunteers.
He paused, then continued, "During the experiment, I discovered that after vaccination with cowpox,
These participants did not experience any serious adverse reactions.
Fucha Honghan continued, "I then inoculated all these test subjects with smallpox."
It turned out they were not infected with smallpox.
This shows that smallpox vaccination is not only safe, but also effective in preventing smallpox.
In contrast, while variolation could also prevent smallpox, it carried a higher risk.
It may cause serious complications and even endanger life.
Smallpox vaccination is relatively safe and has very few side effects.
After numerous trials, the results have consistently been the same; therefore, I believe that smallpox vaccination is feasible.
After Fucha Honghan finished speaking, the court fell silent.
After a while, a minister stepped forward and questioned:
"Lord Fucha, I have never heard of this smallpox vaccination method before. What if there are any hidden dangers?"
Although variolation carries risks, it has saved many lives over the years.
Other ministers echoed this sentiment.
Hongchang frowned and looked at Fucha Honghan. Fucha Honghan calmly said:
"What you say makes sense, but variolation still carries the risk of smallpox infection."
Vaccination with smallpox has been shown to have a higher safety profile in clinical trials.
Furthermore, promoting smallpox vaccination could reduce the spread of smallpox at its source.
Upon hearing this, Hongchang smiled with satisfaction and nodded slightly, saying:
"Lord Fucha, you have done very well."
If this smallpox vaccination technique can be widely implemented, it will be a blessing for countless people.
Fucha Honghan bowed slightly and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, I have only done my duty as a subject."
However, although the smallpox vaccination technique was successful in the experiment,
However, it still needs to be validated on a larger scale to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
Your subject suggests that a large-scale trial be conducted first near the capital, and only after verification should it be gradually rolled out nationwide.
Zhang Yanyu then stepped forward and said, "Although Lord Fucha has conducted experiments, they were all done in private."
"If we rashly conduct experiments on ordinary people, it might cause panic among them."
At this point, Nian Gengyao said, "Then let's test it on the prisoners in the jail first."
They had already committed crimes; using them for experiments wouldn't cause panic among the people.
These words immediately sparked a great deal of discussion in the imperial court.
After pondering for a moment, Fucha Honghan cupped his hands and said:
"What you say makes sense. Using prisoners as test subjects can be a preliminary way to verify the safety and effectiveness of the smallpox vaccination method."
Once the results are in, we can explain them to the people, which will alleviate their concerns.
Hongchang nodded, "As Lord Nian and Lord Fucha have said."
First, a group of prisoners were selected for smallpox vaccination trials.
"Lord Fucha, you and Wen, the Imperial Physician, will be in charge of this matter. You must ensure the experiment is conducted rigorously."
Fucha Honghan accepted the order, saying, "Your subject will certainly do his utmost."
Hongchang then looked at the ministers, "Once the experiment yields results..."
If smallpox vaccination is indeed feasible, I hope that all ministers will no longer have any doubts.
Let us work together to promote this cause and bring prosperity to the people of our Great Qing Dynasty.
The ministers all knelt down and agreed.
Two months passed quickly, and the smallpox vaccination program...
Two months passed quickly, and the results of the smallpox vaccination trial were encouraging.
After rigorous observation and recording, none of the prisoners who received the cowpox vaccination contracted smallpox.
Furthermore, the patient was in good physical condition and did not experience any serious side effects.
This result brought immense joy to Hongchang and the ministers in the court.
During the court discussion, Hongchang summoned the ministers again to announce the success of the smallpox vaccination experiment.
"My esteemed ministers, the trials of the smallpox vaccination method have been completed, and the results are encouraging."
None of the prisoners who received the smallpox vaccination contracted smallpox, and all were in good health.
This demonstrates that smallpox vaccination is safe and effective.
Hongchang said excitedly. Upon hearing this, the ministers in the court began to whisper among themselves and discuss the matter.
Zhang Yanyu stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:
"Your Majesty, although the experiment was successful, this matter is of great importance."
I believe that further verification on a larger scale is necessary to ensure absolute certainty.
Nian Gengyao disagreed, believing that civil officials like Zhang Yanyu were indecisive and prone to whining.
He believes that so much data is sufficient to prove
This smallpox vaccination method is more effective and safer than the previous human variolation method.
No need to waste any more time doing experiments
Nian Gengyao snorted coldly and cupped his hands in greeting:
"Your Majesty, I believe that Lord Zhang is being overly cautious."
The smallpox vaccination trial has achieved such remarkable results.
This is sufficient to prove its safety and effectiveness.
There's no need to do any more experiments; it's a waste of time.
Your subject recommends that smallpox vaccination be implemented nationwide immediately.
The earlier the vaccination, the greater the chance of preventing smallpox.
An uproar broke out in the court, with ministers whispering amongst themselves and expressing differing opinions.
Some ministers supported Zhang Yanyu's cautious approach, believing that more data was needed to ensure everything went smoothly;
Other ministers supported Nian Gengyao's decisive action, believing that smallpox vaccination should be promoted immediately.
Hongchang frowned. He knew this was a major decision that required careful consideration of the pros and cons.
He looked at Fucha Honghan and asked, "Lord Fucha, what do you think?"
Fucha Honghan was naturally full of confidence in this matter.
Over the years, to ensure absolute success, he conducted numerous experiments.
Every step was strictly controlled, and every result was repeatedly verified.
Fucha Honghan said, “Your Majesty, I agree with Lord Nian’s opinion.”
Seeing this, Hongchang also made up his mind.
He said in a deep voice, "Very well, since both Lord Fucha and Nian Gengyao agree to promote it immediately, then I will do as you say."
The smallpox vaccination method was first promoted in the capital city, and then gradually extended to other parts of the country.
Lord Fucha, you and Dr. Wen from the Imperial Medical Academy are in charge of promoting the vaccination program in the capital, ensuring that the process is rigorous and orderly.
I also hope that all of you will fully cooperate.
The officials quickly accepted the decree.
With Hongchang's support, Fucha Honghan and the imperial physicians of the Imperial Hospital acted swiftly.
The smallpox vaccination method was first promoted in the capital.
They set up multiple vaccination sites and arranged for professional imperial physicians and doctors.
They explained the safety and effectiveness of smallpox vaccination to the public in detail and invited them to participate voluntarily.
Unfortunately, most people were skeptical that vaccination with cowpox could prevent smallpox.
This was a matter of life and death, and they dared not attempt it lightly.
Some people believed that since the government was promoting it, there must be a reason for it.
But they didn't have the courage to be the first to be vaccinated.
Since their conversation with Fucha Peiyun, the princesses in the princess's quarters have been keeping a close eye on important events in the court.
They have also been paying close attention to the smallpox vaccination program, and they've heard that no one dares to get vaccinated.
The princesses decided to take action in hopes of helping to promote smallpox vaccination.
The princesses gathered together to discuss
Princess Shuhe was the first to express her opinion:
"We are princesses of the Qing Dynasty. If we are the first to be vaccinated against smallpox..."
Perhaps this can serve as a demonstration and dispel their doubts.
Princess Wenyi nodded and said, "Yes, as princesses, we have a responsibility to set an example for the people."
"Once we successfully administer the vaccines, and people see that we're fine, they'll definitely be more willing to get vaccinated."
The other princesses echoed this sentiment.
So the princesses went to Kunning Palace and reported their thoughts to Fucha Peiyun.
After they bowed respectfully, Princess Shuhe said:
"Your Majesty, we've heard that the people have reservations about smallpox vaccination."
We want to be among the first to get vaccinated against smallpox, setting an example for the people.
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes:
“Your idea is very good; it’s a good thing that puts the people’s interests first.”
However, getting vaccinated against smallpox is a major health issue, so you should make sure you fully understand the entire process.
Princess Wenyi continued, "We have already consulted the imperial physicians of the Imperial Hospital."
Smallpox vaccination is safe and effective in preventing smallpox.
We are willing to be among the first to receive vaccinations, so that the public can see our actions and dispel their concerns.
Fucha Peiyun was very satisfied with this and smiled.
"Wait a moment, I'll go change my clothes and then I'll take you to see the Emperor."
Shuhe hesitated and said, "Emperor Mother, the Emperor is holding court right now. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for us to go to the front court?"
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly and said firmly:
"Shuhe, your idea is excellent; it's a good thing that puts the people's interests first."
The Emperor is currently holding court, but this matter concerns the well-being of the people, and I believe the Emperor will understand.
If any minister dares to utter a sound, the Empress Dowager will certainly not let them off.
The princesses felt a warmth in their hearts and gained courage after hearing Fucha Peiyun's words.
The princesses nodded:
"Alright, then let's go see the Emperor now."
Fucha Peiyun changed into her court robes and led the princesses to the Qianqing Gate, where she explained her purpose to the guards.
Upon seeing that it was Fucha Peiyun leading the princesses, the guards dared not delay and immediately sent someone to inform Zhang Hude.
Upon learning of this, Zhang Hude immediately went to the Qianqing Gate.
Seeing that it was Fucha Peiyun leading the princesses, she was quite surprised.
Zhang Hude hurriedly stepped forward and respectfully bowed to Fucha Peiyun, saying:
"This servant pays respects to the Empress Dowager and all the princesses."
"I wonder what brings the Empress Dowager and the princesses to the outer court today?"
Fucha Peiyun smiled slightly and said softly, "Zhang Hude,"
Go and report to the Emperor that I brought the princesses here today to discuss smallpox vaccination.
The princesses, understanding the greater good, were willing to be the first to be vaccinated against smallpox, setting an example for the people.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Hude felt admiration for the princesses' courage and kindness.
These princesses conveniently solved the emperor's dilemma.
He quickly replied:
"Yes, Your Majesty, this servant will go and report to you immediately." With that, he turned around hastily and strode into the palace.
Not long after, Zhang Hude came out of the hall again.
With a smile on his face, he bowed to Fucha Peiyun and the princesses and said:
"Your Majesty, the Emperor invites you and the princesses inside."
Fucha Peiyun nodded and led the princesses slowly into the palace.
As soon as they entered the hall, they saw Hongchang standing in the center of the hall, a look of surprise on his face.
Upon seeing Fucha Peiyun and the princesses, Hongchang hurriedly went to greet them.
He led all the ministers in bowing to Empress Dowager Fucha Peiyun.
Upon seeing this, the princesses standing behind Fucha Peiyun quickly stepped aside to avoid the gesture.