Xiao Qing furrowed her brow, "What do you mean by that!"
These aristocratic clans dared not openly attack, so they resorted to manipulating public opinion and targeting her beloved elder brother!
Liang Qing and Luo Changfeng's faces turned red with urgency. Liang Qing angrily declared, "It was I who proposed it, and it has nothing to do with the Marquis of Anguo. Impeach me if you have any grievances!"
He Wanli said sternly, "General Zuo, you needn't bear the sole responsibility. You are not blameless in this matter either! We, your humble subjects, request to confront Liang Xiao in person!"
Dugu Qun immediately stepped forward, "I also request to confront Liang Xiao regarding this matter! Furthermore, with the nationwide implementation of land reclamation, many landlords and gentry have expressed dissatisfaction. I fear it might incite a popular uprising!"
Xiao Qing's expression darkened as she looked at Wang Canghai.
Wang Canghai understood and said gravely, "As for the land reclamation, I can debate with Minister Dugu! As for the smallpox prevention, the results are not yet conclusive, and the Marquis of Anguo is still recovering. There is no need to confront him at this time!"
He Wanli insisted repeatedly, and Ouyang Ji, Dugu Qun, and others echoed his sentiments.
Xiao Qing and Wang Canghai exchanged a helpless glance before ordering someone to summon Liang Xiao to the palace.
He Wanli reminded her, "Your Majesty, there is also the matter of the Grand Tutor requesting to enter the capital..."
Xiao Qing's brows were tightly knit as she shook her head, "The Grand Tutor can enjoy his retirement in Jiangnan. The nation is stable, there is no need for him to come to the capital."
Dugu Qun and the others were filled with resentment but dared not object.
Without the Grand Tutor's intervention, they would be subject to Wang Canghai's influence in all matters!
Liang Residence.
Hua Xiong and his wife had a heartfelt discussion with Liang Xiao about smallpox prevention, and they were astonished.
He had never imagined that someone would dare to use cowpox inoculation to prevent smallpox.
However, based on his experience as a physician, he had indeed never seen anyone who had contracted cowpox later suffer from smallpox again!
"Using bamboo tubes as containers, with perforations at the bottom, and fine wood as 'needles.' A small knife would be used to break the skin, and then water mixed with pus from cowpox scabs, boiled and cooled, would be sprayed and smeared. The needle would not be allowed to touch the skin wound, and if it did, it would be sterilized in boiling water along with the knife after contact. Another inoculation would be administered every three years..."
Hua Xiong read the silk cloth meticulously transcribed by someone sent by Mu Xueqin, marveling continuously.
"I, Hua, originally thought that our lineage of Tianshan physicians, with our master's inheritance, was quite capable. I never expected the Marquis of Anguo to enlighten us on smallpox prevention..."
Liang Xiao smiled without answering.
The widespread awareness of high-temperature sterilization already proved Mu Xueqin's skill.
It was a pity that the current productivity of the Great Gan dynasty was limited, and the common people relied on firewood.
Boiling water required charcoal, and ordinary people could not afford such expenses.
What Liang Xiao intended to do was to gradually improve the productivity of the Great Gan dynasty and make the court pay attention to afforestation.
"Marquis of Anguo, after your injuries have healed, I request to participate in the cowpox inoculation!" Hua Xiong finally voiced his heartfelt wish.
Liang Xiao was taken aback and shook his head, "This matter is simple. Having you do it would be a waste of your talent."
Smallpox was so dangerous, and Hua Xiong's selfless spirit was indeed commendable.
Hua Xiong looked disappointed, "Then, what does the Marquis of Anguo require of me? My master is my aunt, and I obey her every word. According to her wishes, I will follow the Marquis of Anguo from now on."
Liang Xiao was both surprised and delighted. He praised Mu Xueqin profusely.
Hua Xiong glanced at Jian Qinwan and sighed, "My master has no other requests, only that you try not to let my younger sister be wronged, Marquis of Anguo."
Upon hearing this, Jian Qinwan panicked inwardly and snorted, "Big cousin, there's no need to worry. Many of my senior brothers have been ordered to come to the capital. This guy and I haven't settled our score yet, so he wouldn't dare bully me."
Liang Xiao grinned and looked around, feigning ignorance.
Hua Xiong finally felt at ease and looked at Liang Xiao, asking again what he needed him to do in the future.
"Let's talk after I've recovered," Liang Xiao replied vaguely.
He had originally been contemplating how to abduct Hua Xiong, but unexpectedly, Hua Xiong delivered himself to his doorstep, catching him off guard.
Just as Hua Xiong was about to speak, a guard rushed in with an urgent report: "Second Young Master, His Majesty has urgently summoned you to the palace!"
Liang Xiao did not hesitate and immediately set off.
After Liang Xiao had left, Hua Xiong's wife, Pan Feng, requested, "Miss Yue Lian, could you allow us to speak with my younger sister privately?"
Yue Lian readily agreed.
Only Jian Qinwan and the two of them remained in the courtyard.
"Little sister, is it really convenient for you to be here? I remember you are still quite germophobic..." Hua Xiong said with a worried expression.
Jian Qinwan simply nodded, tears welling up in her eyes.
She was already trying her best to endure, not wanting to embarrass Liang Xiao, nor wanting Liang Xiao to look down on her.
Pan Feng said with a wry smile, "How about we plead with our aunt to send you back?"
"No, don't..." Jian Qinwan quickly shook her head.
The couple looked at each other.
Pan Feng smiled, "Sister-in-law understands... It's just, you've always looked down on scholars. It seems the Marquis of Anguo is truly a 'celestial being'."
"I don't like him at all!" Jian Qinwan tried to maintain her last shred of stubbornness.
The couple exchanged a knowing smile.
They hadn't mentioned liking him.
"In any case, we will keep your secret. If you need anything, find your sister-in-law again, and I will do my best..."
"Oh!" Jian Qinwan fled in disarray.
In the grand hall, under the complex gazes of the officials, Liang Xiao walked up to Xiao Qing and sat on the imperial chair bestowed upon him.
At this moment, Xiao Qing's face was filled with worry, her shyness towards Liang Xiao having been cast aside.
Liang Xiao smiled and said, "Esteemed officials, I heard about the matter on my way here. However, I fear that those who wish to devour my flesh, drink my blood, pull out my sinews, and grind my bones to dust are actually you, the high officials of the court, aren't they?"
Ouyang Ji's face fell, and he was the first to step forward to confront him, "Liang Xiao! Do you even know that cowpox is a disease that cattle contract? By deliberately transferring this disease to humans, you are treating the people of Great Gan as livestock!"
Liang Xiao smiled, turned to Xiao Qing, and cupped his hands in salute, "Your Majesty, I request that, regarding the matter of smallpox, all officials who oppose me step forward, so that I may confront them all at once, lest I waste time on insignificant individuals in the future."
"You!" Dugu Qun and the others were both shocked and enraged.
Insignificant?
"Granted!"
Xiao Qing's command caused all ministers who opposed cowpox inoculation to step forward.
Gu Hong exchanged glances with a few colleagues, shook their heads helplessly, and remained in place. These neutral civil officials constituted one-third of the court.
Wang Canghai, Huang Xing, and a few other civil officials, along with Liang Qing, Luo Changfeng, and several military officials, firmly supported Liang Xiao.
Dugu Qun's face was filled with indignation, and he declared, "Liang Xiao! How can cowpox, a disease contracted by cattle, prevent smallpox, which easily claims lives? If the people were to grow horns, their skin to turn like cowhide, and their voices to become like that of cattle, then you would be a sinner for all eternity, a demon of chaos!"
The other ministers who opposed Liang Xiao spoke out in succession to denounce him.
Their interests were aligned.
Liang Xiao was favored by the emperor. If he were tolerated, he would surely wield great power in the future!
From where would his great power come? It would undoubtedly be seized from them!
Liang Xiao listened to the continuous accusations from everyone and merely chuckled lightly, looking at Dugu Qun below the platform.
"How about this, Minister Dugu, let us wager our lives, your and mine, on the matter of smallpox, right here before Your Majesty and all the officials!"