Section 9: The Sovereign, Ministers, Assistants, and Envoys

Aunt He was somewhat anxious beside them. She and her husband had arrived early, not expecting that the old man would come even earlier. She truly suspected that he had been here since last night. However, seeing his imposing presence in the hospital, they did not dare to offend him. Now, if he were to boil some rotten tree bark or broken grass roots for her son to drink, it would surely make him sick even if he were not ill.

The financial situation of the Qing Dynasty was somewhat better than that of the Ming Dynasty, and it also included the prosperous era of Kangxi and Qianlong that we often see on television; however, this is largely because that era is relatively closer to us in time.

What then is the relationship between the ruler and his ministers? Seeing Dr. Qian with his head lowered, lost in thought, Nurse Xiao could not help but ask.

However, it is important to note that the Song Dynasty is one of the only two major dynasties in Chinese history that did not experience a nationwide peasant uprising. The few larger-scale uprisings, such as the Li Shun and Wang Xiaobo uprising, the Song Jiang uprising, the Fang La uprising, and the Zhong Xiang and Yang Yao uprising, did not exceed the scope of a single province

With a tinge of bitterness in her heart and a faint smile on her lips, Xiao Yuanyong did not believe that her decision was wrong. The treatment at Anping Hospital was quite good; although she was a nurse, her monthly salary was still reasonable. The two of them could support their sister and still have a little left over.

During the Kangxi era, the civilian thinker Tang Zhen mentioned in his work "Qian Shu" that in the fifty years since the Qing dynasty's rise, the people within the four seas have increasingly fallen into poverty, with agriculture, industry, commerce, and officialdom all in decline. He personally witnessed that many women in Shanxi had no pants to wear, while "the people of Wuzhong often sold their children in the north"

Nurse Xiao was almost amused, thinking to herself that Dr. Qian, a veteran traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, was being disrespected by such remarks. This old man had a very strong sense of pride; to put it bluntly, he was obstinate and self-willed. Now, he would surely fly into a rage.

When the merchant Marco Polo, hailing from the then most prosperous city of Venice in the West, arrived at the capital of the Yuan Dynasty, which had absorbed only a small fraction of Song civilization, he was utterly dazzled, as if he were in a paradise on earth

"Sir, if the quantities of the Rhubarb and the Angelica are reversed, then you will have truly adhered to the principles of the monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy in your prescription," Xiao Bieli finally ventured to say

Nurse Xiao felt an inexplicable flutter in her heart, and she didn't know why she felt a bit embarrassed. "Yes, it seems he is only in his third year of university. Now that he is in the hospital, I wonder if it will affect his studies"

What kind of concept is this? It can be compared to the fact that in the fifth year of the Ming Longqing era, which is the year 1571, the national revenue from silver amounted to 2.5 million taels.

During the Song Dynasty, the highest fiscal revenue once reached 160 million guan. In the mid to late Northern Song period, the annual revenue could also reach 80 to 90 million guan. Even after losing half of its territory, the Southern Song still had a fiscal revenue of 100 million guan

"You mentioned Yue Ru," Nurse Wang said, clearly familiar with Xiao Yueren. "This girl, Yue Ru, is quite ambitious; she got accepted into Zhejiang University, which is not something just anyone can achieve."

Before reaching the door of the ward, a strong aroma of traditional Chinese medicine wafted towards her. Nurse Xiao smiled, thinking she had arrived early, noticing that the medicine had already been prepared. Wasn't Doctor Qian supposed to arrive even earlier?

With a strange glance at Nurse Xiao, Nurse Wang looked up at the clock and said, "It's only a little past seven; the medication starts at nine."

Although the territory of the Ming Dynasty was far greater than that of the Song Dynasty

Certainly, one significant reason why people believe that the residents of the Song Dynasty lived in dire straits is due to the influence of "Water Margin." Without delving into the fictional elements within, it can be observed from "Water Margin" that the main reasons those heroes who were forced to take refuge on Liangshan did so were either due to persecution, committing crimes, or being captured and deceived into joining Liangshan. In reality, very few of them were truly without food and unable to survive, leading them to Liangshan.

The decline of Traditional Chinese Medicine is merely one among the treasures of Chinese culture that have been obliterated, and not the only one

Although this is more than three hundred years after the fall of the Southern Song Dynasty

Nurse Xiao shook her head and said with a wry smile, "It should be in my hands, but Dr. Qian won't..." She lowered her voice, "Aunt He, rest assured, Dr. Qian is an experienced traditional Chinese medicine doctor and knows how to prescribe medicine with discretion"

I felt as though I hardly slept all night, in a daze, as if I had found myself on the battlefield of the Song and Jin dynasties

When Xiao Yuanyong heard the term "brain death," her heart trembled slightly, and she became somewhat distracted, not paying attention to Nurse Wang's subsequent questions

Xiao Bieli smiled, "The art of medicine lies in the heart. There is no need for the old gentleman to belittle himself too much. Although the medicinal properties may be strong, they are somewhat weaker, yet they can still heal wounds. If the old gentleman could thoroughly study the principles of monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy, the balance of yin and yang, as well as the three categories of medicinal substances from the 'Record of Medicinal Herbs by Tongjun,' he would surely be able to develop even better remedies for the benefit of the world"

Lin Yifei had surprisingly sat up, half leaning against the headboard, carefully measuring the medicine bowl as if he could discern something from the medicine. Dr. Qian was looking at Lin Yifei with a tense expression, seemingly anticipating something.

By the way, it seems that the special care unit you are in charge of also belongs to Zhejiang Qing University

It is precisely because of the barbaric conquests, trampling, and destruction by the iron cavalry that there is little left of the accumulation of thousands of years

Gently walking to Nurse Xiao's side, I whispered, "Nurse Xiao, the medicine today is not that one, right?" As I spoke, I pointed to the bowl of medicine in my son's hand

There is a viewpoint that claims the "Kang-Qian Prosperity" is a deception, a notion propagated by certain Chinese historians who ignore history and deceive themselves

"It's nothing, just two books that the patient wants to read," Nurse Xiao replied, quickly walking towards the door, leaving Nurse Wang, who was puzzled, murmuring to herself, "This patient really loves to study"

"You have valuable treasures in your bag," Nurse Wang said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "and you should keep them close at all times." She then added with some concern, "The ward is crowded, so be careful not to lose them."

My younger sister has become more understanding. During the summer vacation, she received her admission notice from Zhejiang Qing University and went out early to take on tutoring jobs, actively preparing for her university tuition fees. Although it was merely a drop in the bucket, the fact that our family can understand each other is already the happiest thing.

"And the book, yes, yes, it's not even eight o'clock yet," Nurse Xiao murmured to herself, sitting down with a hint of disappointment. "I'll wait a little longer."

During the same period, Western scientific and cultural advancements were rapidly progressing. On the eve of the Opium War, the British invaders were equipped with powerful warships and cannons, while the Qing Dynasty's army still relied on the artillery from the Ming Dynasty. The situation had reached such a disgraceful state in this so-called prosperous era

Because history can be altered

The next day

However, in "Water Margin," we can see that a mid-level officer in the imperial army could take out 1,000 strings of cash to buy a knife. In "Three Words and Two Strikes" or "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio," we can also observe that "100 gold pieces" was already considered the wealth of a middle-class household at that time

The population exceeded that of the Song Dynasty by more than three times, and it was not until the end of the Qing Dynasty that the national revenue reached the level of the Song Dynasty

"There is nothing difficult in the world, only those who lack determination." Xiao Bieli said lightly: "Shennong tasted a hundred herbs, and Tongjun tested a thousand medicines, which resulted in the preservation of three categories of medicinal substances, the prescriptions of monarchs, ministers, assistants, and envoys, as well as the endless wealth for future generations. How is it that there is no inheritance to this day? The old gentleman has already reached a great height; does he not wish to advance further?"

In the seventh year of the Shunzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, which corresponds to the year 1650, the annual revenue was 14.85 million taels. During the Xianfeng period, around the year 1850, the annual revenue was approximately 30 to 40 million taels. This amount was still far less than that of the Song Dynasty six hundred years earlier, while at this time, China's population had already exceeded 300 million

"Xiao?" Nurse Wang called from the side

Isn't the watch broken? Xiao Yueren raised her wrist to check the watch again, oh, it turns out it is only 6:60. She sighed, feeling a bit embarrassed, and idly flipped through her handbag. Inside, there were two books: one was the History of the Song Dynasty, and the other was a Chinese-English dictionary. After work yesterday, she went straight to the bookstore to buy a copy of the History of the Song Dynasty and brought her sister's Chinese-English dictionary along in her bag, which allowed her to sleep soundly.

Although she has always been diligent since arriving at Anping Hospital, arriving and leaving work on time, it is the first time she has felt such an urgent desire to come to work today

"What is it?" Nurse Xiao responded in a hurry

During the Kangxi era, the Treaty of Nerchinsk, signed after the war with Russia, involved the cession of territory. It is truly inconceivable to cede territory during a prosperous period. Although many people have various interpretations, it is difficult to find them convincing. Have you ever seen Japan cede territory during its prosperous times?

Xiao Wang put down the dictionary, and Xiao Yu Rong quickly asked: "Has the medication for the special care room been delivered today?"

This means that at this time, the total annual fiscal revenue of the Ming Dynasty was approximately 15 million taels of silver. If we consider the general exchange rate of silver to currency to be one tael of silver equal to one guan of copper coins, then the fiscal revenue of the Ming Dynasty at this time was less than one-tenth of that of the Northern Song and less than one-sixth of that of the Southern Song

"It's so early." Nurse Wang exclaimed, "It's not even eight o'clock yet."

Father's health has always been poor, and after Mother's passing, he has endured great hardships while raising the two sisters. Although he is just over 50 years old, he already has streaks of gray in his hair.

Xiao Bieli did not know that although they were fighting against the Jurchen invaders with fervent passion, aiming to expel the barbarian invaders and restore our China, they were actually undertaking a salvational endeavor for the resurgence of the nation.

Oh, what major? Journalism? No, she is studying finance. Xiao Yueren finally came to her senses, feeling somewhat flustered

He originally thought that this explanation would be more straightforward, but for Nurse Xiao, it was still somewhat like playing the lute to a cow. Seeing Nurse Xiao's wide-open eyes, nodding repeatedly with a bewildered expression, Xiao Bieli sighed, knowing that she most likely still did not understand.

"It's nothing, it's nothing, what could possibly be wrong with me?" Xiao Yuanyuan did not know why, as if she was afraid that others would find out something. "Xiao Wang, is the medication for the special care room ready?"

It is said that mastering English is crucial for today's university students. Lin Yifei was unsure about his English proficiency, and Xiao Yueren thought to herself that he must not fall behind. This was also the reason she brought along the Chinese-English dictionary.

After some contemplation on how to phrase it, through these days of communication, Xiao Bieli has generally understood the way people speak in this era, realizing that solely using classical Chinese inevitably feels out of place. 'Jun' refers to the primary medication in a prescription that plays a major role in treating the main symptoms, 'Chen' refers to the medication that assists or enhances the efficacy of the main drug, 'Zuo' refers to the medication that aids the main drug in treating accompanying symptoms and suppressing major toxicity, while 'Shi' is the term for guiding various medications directly to the affected area or harmonizing the effects of different drugs.

"It is already a stroke of luck that he was able to regain his life." Nurse Wang did not notice the unusual expression on Xiao Yuanyong's face. "According to Dr. Qin, he was originally declared brain dead, but somehow he miraculously came back to life. It can be said to be a miracle. He seems to be from the journalism department. What is your sister's major, Xiao?"

What are you thinking? Nurse Wang found it somewhat strange. I asked you, what is your sister's major?

During the Qianlong period, the British envoy Macartney recorded that there were many beggars on the streets of Beijing. Many common people appeared disheveled and in tattered clothing, leading him to describe the Qing dynasty as a "mud-footed giant," asserting that the so-called "Chinese people" were gradually regressing to the era of "semi-barbarians," as detailed in Macartney's account of his travels in China

Nurse Xiao's face was beaming with a smile; when others praised her sister, she felt very happy in her heart

In the twenty-eighth year of the Wanli era, which corresponds to the year 1600 AD, the annual revenue reached 4 million taels. Although after Zhang Juzheng's death the government fell into disarray, the financial reforms he implemented were relatively less damaged. Moreover, this was only a few years after Zhang's passing, so it is estimated that this figure was not significantly lower than the annual revenue during Zhang Juzheng's time in power

In the early morning light, Xiao Yuetong, feeling restless, decided not to sleep any longer. After preparing breakfast for her father, she headed straight to the hospital. Their mother had passed away early, and her younger sister had just begun her university life, which brought a significant amount of pressure. During high school, both sisters had performed well academically, but she understood her role as the elder sister and the burden her father had to bear alone. Realizing how difficult it was for him, she took the initiative to drop out of school to find a job. By the time her father learned of her decision, he could only sigh.

In the late Ming Dynasty, amidst the chaos of the world, the Ming government, caught between the pressures of the Later Jin and peasant uprisings, successively increased the collection of the Liao tax, the suppression tax, and the training tax, known as the "Three Taxes Increase." As a result, public grievances surged, and conflicts erupted. However, this approach, which contemporaries criticized as "drinking poison to quench thirst," brought the state an annual revenue of only about 10 million taels.

It could be altered by the authorities in power at that time

Coincidentally, during the same period of the "Kangxi and Qianlong Prosperity Era," the Yongzheng reign also saw the signing of the Treaty of Chakhertu, which involved the cession of territory

Dr. Qian smiled wryly and said, "Although what you say is true, many ancient texts have been lost, and what remains today is less than one percent. If you were to ask modern people to distinguish them one by one, they would lack the patience. Nowadays, there are many more university students studying Western medicine than traditional Chinese medicine. Among the few who study traditional Chinese medicine, it is already commendable if they can recite the texts verbatim. Even more concerning is that some have not fully mastered the knowledge from their books and begin practicing medicine and prescribing treatments with only a superficial understanding. How can such doctors not be scorned? Traditional Chinese medicine has already declined significantly, year after year."

"What is wrong with you?" Nurse Wang asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell, or is there something going on at home? Why did you come so early today?"

During the Song Dynasty, Chinese society was at its most prosperous, developed, and hopeful period in the several thousand years of feudal history, as evidenced by available data

He Xiulan nodded, yet her heart remained uneasy. However, since others had said so, and she herself was not capable of diagnosing illnesses, she could only watch helplessly.

Certainly, due to factors such as exchange rates and discount rates, the annual revenue of the Song Dynasty may be somewhat overestimated. However, even so, it is an undeniable fact that the annual revenue of the Song Dynasty far exceeded that of any other feudal dynasty.

Dressed in the nurse's white coat and adjusting my ponytail, I wondered why the pharmacy was still empty. Looking up at the clock on the wall, it was 7:00

It is no wonder that a saying resembling a joke has circulated today, stating that the only benefit brought by the Qing Dynasty's entry into the Central Plains is the promotion of a series of enslaving dramas, which has also spurred the vigorous development of China's film and television industry

As soon as Xiao Yueren arrived at the hospital, she hurried to the pharmacy to check if Lin Yifei's medication had been prepared.

However, this brilliance was abruptly halted under the trampling of iron cavalry, resolutely refusing to assimilate. The Mongolian nobility, attempting to govern China in the same manner as they managed the grasslands and deserts, immediately caused the Song Dynasty's society to stagnate or even regress back to a slave society, halting its progress towards a market economy and capitalism.

Xiao Bieli remained silent. At this moment, he certainly did not know that his resistance against the Jin dynasty would ultimately be in vain, as the Jin dynasty was not destroyed by the Southern Song, but rather by a nomadic people from Mongolia. The Southern Song only managed to persist for a few more decades before ultimately succumbing to the iron cavalry of the Mongols.

Nurse Wang couldn't help but ask, "Xiao Xiao, are you really okay?"

My younger sister is about to enter university, and as her older sister, I find myself feeling a bit excited, though I don't quite know why. I said to Nurse Xiao, trying to mask my emotions, "Isn't that funny?"

The enormous fiscal revenue of the Song Dynasty surely implies that the burden on the people was also extremely heavy, does it not? Certainly, from the perspective of per capita fiscal revenue, this is undoubtedly the case

Dr. Qian was taken aback and murmured, "Swap the quantities of Shengma and Dahuang?" After pondering for a while, he sighed and said, "What you said is indeed correct. My ability to assist and complement the medication is still inferior to yours. I thought that after decades of immersion in traditional Chinese medicine, I had at least grasped some fundamentals, yet I did not expect that compared to you, a mere child, I am still far behind. It is just that you can discern the two additional herbs I added merely by scent, a skill I do not possess.

Another dynasty with such a commendable record is the Western Jin. The reason the Western Jin was able to achieve this is likely due to the fact that its lifespan was exceedingly short, leaving no time for uprisings to erupt

Xiao Yueren finally remembered this regulation, having been in the hospital for two years, and this was the first time she felt so lost.

It was merely a war destined to have no outcome

Pushing the door open, I found Dr. Qian indeed sitting at Lin Yifei's bedside, while the Lin couple stood there with expressions of astonishment, looking as if they wanted to intervene but dared not do so

Nearly a century later, although Han ethnic rebels regained state power, Zhu Yuanzhang mistakenly drew lessons from the failure of Wang Anshi's reforms, reversing the course of history and returning Chinese society to a self-sufficient natural economy. This situation persisted until British warships entered the Pearl River estuary

Bored, I flipped through the Chinese-English dictionary of my younger sister. I had not yet returned all the words I learned in high school to the teacher when I suddenly heard footsteps approaching. A nurse had already walked in

You are correct. Dr. Qian finally raised his head and said, "The monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy are indeed the contemporary main and auxiliary medicinal ingredients. However, while the concepts of monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy, as well as the balance of yin and yang, may seem simple, achieving the proper use of medicine is far from easy"

During the Northern Song Dynasty, a minister once complained about the extravagant social customs, stating that even farmers and foot soldiers were wearing silk shoes. It is no wonder that some Western scholars remarked that the living standards of a European monarch at that time were even inferior to those of a soldier guarding the city gate in Dongjing (Bianliang)

In the past few years, apart from purchasing reference books for her younger sister, she has never bought any other books. She has been saving for her sister's college tuition, which amounts to 20,000 at the start of the semester. Although this may seem trivial to some, for her, a member of the working class, it requires two years of saving without eating or drinking

Unexpectedly, the old man bowed his head in silence, seemingly lost in thought. Upon seeing this, Xiao Bieli smiled, raised the medicine bowl, and drank it all in one go

Moreover, during the reigns of the three emperors, Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong, what did they do? They orchestrated wave after wave of literary purges, indulged in extravagant travels to the south multiple times, and starting from Yongzheng, they exhausted the people's resources to construct the Old Summer Palace

After a long wait for the time to deliver the medication, Xiao Yueren pushed the medicine cart towards the intensive care unit. Suddenly recalling something, she returned to place her handbag in the compartment beneath the cart.

Hope, like that blood-red setting sun, has already fallen behind the cliffs of the mountain!

Niu Gao, Yue Fei, Jin Wuzhu, and many others