Prime Minister Bai was not at all surprised by Feng Qingyang’s summons. With a pale face and hurried demeanor, upon entering the Imperial Study Room, Prime Minister Bai immediately knelt before Feng Qingyang with a guilty expression, "Your Majesty, this old minister pays his respects. I am at fault and have betrayed your trust. I failed to instruct Susu in advance not to mention a word about the antidote before your orders were issued, leading to the situation where the antidote’s existence was leaked for unknown reasons, and so many people learned that Susu had it, causing the current predicament."
Upon hearing these words, Li Cheng, who was already grimacing in pain, instantly felt as if he had been shot in the knee again.
He suspected Prime Minister Bai of doing it on purpose!
Sure enough, in the next moment, Li Cheng saw Feng Qingyang coldly glaring at him, making him even more anxious and not daring to breathe.
Then, Feng Qingyang suppressed his inner frustration and said to Prime Minister Bai, "This matter is inherently due to internal mismanagement in the palace. What does it have to do with Miss Bai? However... why did she distribute those medicines for free?"
If all the infected were citizens of Da Qin, distributing medicine for free might not be unacceptable.
But the problem now is that more of the infected are foreign envoys.
Giving them free medicine, isn’t that missing an opportunity to make a profit?
Bai Susu is truly lofty to the point of being a bit foolish.
Prime Minister Bai, hearing Feng Qingyang’s words, immediately understood his thoughts.
The next moment, he said with a troubled look, "These antidotes were painstakingly developed by Susu, and the Bai Family spent quite a sum on it. Reasonably, it shouldn’t be distributed for free to treat people."
"But Susu, that child..."
At this, Prime Minister Bai couldn’t help but sigh.
Then he cautiously said, "But Susu thought that, after all, it’s the time of the Great Assembly now, and since our Da Qin is the head of the myriad nations, naturally we should show a far superior front to other countries!"
"So when Susu was surrounded, she had no choice but to come up with such a method. Though it isn’t perfect, it can still demonstrate Da Qin’s capability and magnanimity in such special times."
Upon hearing this, Feng Qingyang’s eyebrows immediately relaxed a lot.
What he said wasn’t without reason.
Although the epidemic came quickly and fiercely, Da Qin’s response was swift, and a solution to the epidemic was found in just a few days.
A matter , once spread, was enough to show all under heaven Da Qin’s prowess!
When that time comes, would those from regions outside Da Qin not be enamored by his nation?
For a moment, Feng Qingyang’s tone softened, smiling as he said, "It’s commendable that she could calmly think of such a good solution at that critical moment!"
Upon seeing this, Li Cheng couldn’t help but feel relieved.
Then he quickly glanced at Prime Minister Bai with immense admiration.
As expected of Prime Minister Bai. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
With just a few words, he managed to delight the emperor.
Though it could be considered flattery, who could blame Prime Minister Bai for knowing exactly how to flatter?
Though he didn’t directly praise the emperor, he sang Da Qin’s praises throughout.
And since Da Qin was the emperor’s realm, if others praised Da Qin, wasn’t that equivalent to praising his management as emperor?
This way, he might avoid a round of punishment.
At this point, Prime Minister Bai nodded and sighed, "Your Majesty’s words are spot on. Her method, though too straightforward and simple, was somewhat effective. However, she’s merely a young maiden, and with her wedding to the Crown Prince imminent, it’s truly not appropriate for her to be in the limelight at this time."
"Therefore, this old minister wishes to implore Your Majesty, during these few days, to send a few more Imperial Physicians from the Imperial Hospital to learn from Susu on how to administer acupuncture. The Imperial Physicians are all outstanding in medical arts; I’m confident they would quickly learn the technique and could then treat the citizens, while Susu can peacefully stay home as the new bride."
This proposal hit right at Feng Qingyang’s heart.
For such a great merit as resolving the epidemic, if all the credit were given to Bai Susu alone, what would that look like?
Could it be that the numerous Imperial Physicians are inferior to a maiden like Bai Susu?
Soon, Feng Qingyang couldn’t help but show an obvious smile.
Then he said, "What Prime Minister Bai says is correct. It so happens that Old Imperial Physician Ming is considered Miss Bai’s mentor. Their collaboration would avoid some rumors, so why not let him take charge of this matter."
This would also spare Old Imperial Physician Ming from harboring any grudges.
Upon Feng Qingyang’s words, Prime Minister Bai immediately nodded in agreement and said, "It’s because of Your Majesty’s thorough thinking. I will now take my leave to instruct others to prepare."
Feng Qingyang hummed and then looked at Li Cheng, "Whatever assistance Prime Minister Bai needs, inform Li Cheng. If he doesn’t fulfill it properly, I’ll have his head."
With these words, Prime Minister Bai couldn’t help but look at Li Cheng in surprise.
It was only then that he noticed Li Cheng’s expression seemed unusual today—paler than usual.
Moreover, Li Cheng usually didn’t have such a lack of presence.
Recalling Feng Qingyang’s previous words, he understood that Li Cheng had offended Feng Qingyang, and quite seriously, otherwise Feng Qingyang wouldn’t threaten him with such words directly.
But he quickly returned to a normal demeanor, nodding and saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Then he addressed Li Cheng, saying, "Mr. Li, I’ll have to trouble you."
Upon hearing this, Li Cheng hurriedly replied with a smiling face, "Prime Minister Bai is too polite—it’s all part of my duty."
"Then I shall take my leave." Prime Minister Bai then bowed and cupped his hands to Feng Qingyang.
"Mm, when Prime Minister Bai returns, take care of your health, and don’t overwork yourself. You are my most capable and trusted minister." Feng Qingyang then earnestly said.
Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Bai was immediately moved and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. Rest assured, I will take care of my health and devote myself to serving Your Majesty until my last breath!"
"Enough of this death talk, it’s inauspicious! You may leave." Feng Qingyang’s eyes crinkled with a smile.
Only then did Prime Minister Bai exit the Imperial Study Room.
Once Prime Minister Bai had left, Feng Qingyang retracted his smile and looked at Li Cheng.
"How credible do you think Prime Minister Bai’s words were just now?" Feng Qingyang inquired.
Upon hearing this, Li Cheng immediately assumed an earnest and cautious expression, saying, "This old servant finds the Prime Minister’s words credible. This time it was indeed due to the news spreading too slowly, providing him no time to instruct Miss Bai on how to respond, forcing her to impulsively choose to distribute the medicine for free."
"However, fortunately, the outcome is positive, and Miss Bai has proven herself quite resourceful."