The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

Chapter 231: Cowpox vs. Smallpox

As she spoke of this, a sudden flash of inspiration struck her, and a bold idea emerged in her mind. "Why not give this cow to me as a reward? Perhaps my Zhaoyin Academy can achieve new breakthroughs in its techniques using this cow?"

Upon hearing this, Chai Zhen's smile faded, replaced by a look of deep thought. He looked at Cen Jiexiao with a deep, unfathomable gaze. Cen Jiexiao felt uneasy under his gaze, but she could only stand there, gritted her teeth, awaiting his final decision.

At this moment, a clear and pleasant voice suddenly came from the crowd, like the sound of nature, bringing a ray of hope to Cen Jiexiao.

"Your Majesty, I do have an idea."

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a girl in a goose yellow dress walking out from the crowd with a decent smile on her face. She was like a blooming yellow rose, delicate and charming. It was Yu Lan, the deacon of Zhaoyin Academy.

Yu Lan walked lightly with lotus steps, her skirt swaying like water waves, and walked slowly to the side of Sister Cen Xiao.

She gently took Cen Jiexiao's hand, feeling the coolness and slight trembling of her palm. She gave her a calming look, reassuring her. Then, Yu Lan turned to face Chai Zhen and bowed gracefully, her gesture elegant and graceful. Her voice was as clear and melodious as the sound of a yellow oriole singing in a valley: "Your Majesty, I have just remembered something that may have saved this cow from death today."

Chai Zhen's gaze fell on Yu Lan with a hint of scrutiny.

Although this woman wasn't as elegant and refined as Cen Jiexiao, she was also beautiful, with a lively look and a heroic demeanor that was eye-catching. He gently shook the jade ring in his hand and asked casually, "Oh? I wonder what could have made me change my mind?" His tone was filled with curiosity, but also with a hint of temptation.

Yu Lan smiled faintly and said calmly, "Your Majesty, do you remember a few days ago when smallpox raged through the capital, killing countless civilians? During that time, the people of the city were in a state of panic, each feeling threatened. Many families were torn apart by the tragedy, and the scene was unbearable to witness."

She paused, her tone becoming more serious. "And the dean, Dean Cen Jiexiao of Zhaoyin Academy, is well-read and knowledgeable. She once mentioned in the academy that cowpox can be used to cure this terrible smallpox!"

"Cowpox?" Chai Zhen frowned, clearly unheard of. Though he held the title of Emperor, he also knew the horrors of smallpox. Over the years, countless people had died from it, including members of the imperial family, and even members of his own clan. If there truly was a cure for smallpox, it would undoubtedly be a cause of immense merit.

"Exactly." Yu Lan was delighted to see that Chai Zhen seemed quite interested in this matter. She explained calmly, "The dean said that this cowpox treatment method was something she learned from ancient books. The books record that some cows develop a rash called cowpox. If people come into contact with cowpox, they may be infected with a mild form of smallpox. However, this type of smallpox has mild symptoms and is rarely fatal. More importantly, once you recover, you will not be infected with smallpox again."

She paused and continued, "The dean also said that the ancients used this method to prevent smallpox, but its effectiveness still needs further verification. Zhaoyin Academy is currently conducting research with the doctors at Puji Hall and has made some progress. I think if this cowpox method really works, then people all over the world will be free from the suffering of smallpox!"

Yu Lan's voice was clear and firm, echoing in the silent altar. Her gaze swept over everyone present, her tone filled with unquestionable certainty: "When that time comes, all the oxen under heaven will be the guardian gods of our Great Zhou!" She paused slightly, letting the weight of her words settle in everyone's hearts, before continuing, "In that case, we should protect them well and let them age naturally. Isn't that more meaningful than slaughtering them for sacrifice?"

Yu Lan's words were like a stone dropped into a calm lake, stirring up ripples. Her words were logical and well-reasoned, yet filled with compassion and respect for life, deeply touching the hearts of everyone present.

Everyone nodded and whispered. Those who had been dissatisfied with Yu Lan's bold words were now moved by her sincerity. Even the people who had been silent all this time began to whisper, and their previously numb eyes seemed to have a little light.

Chai Zhen sat high on the altar, taking it all in. Yu Lan's words resonated like thunder in his ears. He couldn't help but fall into deep thought, his mind reeling back to various past events.

He recalled the hellish scene in the capital during the smallpox outbreak: every household remained locked up, talismans painted on their doors to ward off evil spirits. The air was thick with the scent of herbs, but it couldn't mask the scent of death. The wailing and crying continued day and night, like the sobs of evil spirits, echoing in his ears, lingering.

The streets were deserted, with the occasional uncollected corpse emitting a stench of decay under the scorching sun. Ragged beggars lay dead on the roadside, unattended, save for stray dogs that gnawed at their remains. Even the usually bustling market was deserted, save for a few crows circling the eaves, their eerie cries. Shops were shuttered, the former bustling scene gone forever, replaced by a deathly silence, as if forgotten by the grim reaper.

Despite the protection of the imperial palace's numerous walls, smallpox could not be stopped. The palace maids and eunuchs lived in fear, fearing they might be infected with the dreaded plague. They walked cautiously, not daring to speak loudly, for fear of disturbing something unclean.

Even he, the emperor, could not sleep peacefully, consumed by constant worry, fearing that this horrific plague would claim the lives of his loved ones. He witnessed the painful struggles of princes and princesses from smallpox, ultimately unable to recover and helplessly watching them pass away. The piercing pain remains deeply engraved in his heart, unforgettable.

Reports of desperate battles at the border were pouring in. Smallpox was ravaging several border states, drastically reducing the army's combat effectiveness. Barbarians were taking advantage of the situation and invading the Great Zhou. In the court, the ministers argued endlessly, unable to come up with a viable solution. His heart burned with anxiety, as if it were scorching in flames.

If it is true, as Yu Lan said, that this cowpox method can really cure smallpox, then this is truly a great deed of immeasurable merit! Not only can it save the lives of countless people, but it can also stabilize the country of the Great Zhou. Its significance is self-evident.

"Your Majesty," Cen Jiexiao stepped forward and bowed, "I believe Miss Yulan is absolutely right. This cowpox treatment is of grave importance. If Your Majesty still has doubts," he paused, then cautiously suggested, "why not first order the Imperial Hospital, Pujitang, and Zhaoyin Academy to jointly study it? Once it's proven effective, then promote it widely. If it's ineffective, I alone will bear the responsibility for deceiving the emperor."