The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

Meanwhile, on the other side of Linkang Prefecture, Yuan Siqi and his group arrived at the Puji Hall Medical Clinic, where a strong aroma of medicinal herbs greeted them. Inside the spacious clinic, some doctors were carefully mixing herbs, some were concentrating on studying medical books, and still others were treating patients.

Yuan Siqi and others observed the clinic carefully and praised it in their hearts. Although the entire Puji Hall was busy, it was still so orderly.

An older physician was the first to notice Yuan Siqi and the others. He set down his herbs and approached with a smile. Yuan Siqi, upon seeing this, stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Sir, we are sorry to bother you. We are reporters from the Zhaoyin College press corps. We are here to gather information about the clinic's daily affairs and anecdotes, and to promote Pujitang in Linkang Prefecture and the surrounding counties."

Yuan Siqi felt the gentleness in the older doctor's gaze and immediately relaxed a lot.

After talking with the old man, I learned that his surname is Shen. He is a senior doctor at Pujitang and a highly respected person.

Doctor Shen kindly told Yuan Siqi and others the stories of Pujitang.

"When the late emperor founded the Great Zhou Dynasty, the first head of the hall, Liu Bingcheng, established Puji Hall. Since its inception, Puji Hall has always upheld the principle of benevolence, compassionate medical skills, and saving lives. Healing and saving lives is the lifelong responsibility of everyone in Puji Hall. We also hope to pass on the principles of medicine from generation to generation, until one day, the four words on this plaque are truly realized: no disease, no disaster."

Doctor Shen spoke in a gentle tone, and Yuan Siqi and the others understood his sense of responsibility and respect for this cause.

"In Pujitang, a doctor's benevolence is the fundamental principle for every doctor and apprentice to practice medicine. After the current head of the hall, Liu Renxin, took over, he set three rules that cannot be violated. Free clinics are held every month, rain or shine; daily consultation fees are charged as little as possible or not at all; apprentices are recruited to pass on medical skills. Therefore, our clinic treats a large number of patients, and most of them are ordinary people, but..." At this point, Doctor Shen looked a little embarrassed.

"Doctor Shen, please arrange for some attendants and medicine boys to carry these herbs to the pharmacy warehouse. Have them sort them and familiarize themselves with the herbs' pharmacology."

At this moment, a voice like the chirping of an oriole or a swallow came from the door, interrupting Doctor Shen's words, making Yuan Siqi a little confused.

Yuan Siqi looked over and saw a woman enter the doorway. She was young, lightly made up, her hands as white as jade. She was dressed in a plain blue dress, and her steps were graceful and elegant, exuding a fresh and elegant air. Yuan Siqi spontaneously gave way, and the woman's graceful figure made her way through the crowd, drawing the attention of reporters who looked up to examine her closely.

The woman moved to the side of Yuan Siqi and others, with a calm expression, and looked at everyone silently.

"Qingyin, serve tea to these girls from Zhaoyin Academy."

Yuan Siqi was slightly puzzled and asked the woman, "How did you know that the three of us were from Zhaoyin Academy?"

The woman slowly responded, "In the entire Linkang Prefecture, apart from the Zhaoyin Academy, who else would wear clothes of this style?"

Yuan Siqi stood up, saluted, and said, "Your Excellency has a keen eye for talent. I believe you must be Master Liu of Puji Hall."

Liu Renxin didn't respond directly, but continued, "Why have you all come to my Puji Hall? Are you here to seek medical advice or medicine?"

After hearing Liu Renxin's question, Yuan Siqi immediately explained the whole story to Liu Renxin, and also explained to her the new policy reforms of Zhaoyin Academy during this period, including the duties and responsibilities of several of their reporters.

Listening to Yuan Siqi's eloquent words, Liu Renxin also understood and knew the general meaning.

"Miss Yuan, after listening to what you've said, I understand your new dean is truly an extraordinary person. Once I've finished handling the affairs of the hall in the next few days, I will definitely pay you a visit."

"It is truly a blessing for Zhaoyin Academy that Hall Master Liu has come to visit. I'm sure the dean is also looking forward to your visit."

Yuan Siqi then asked, "By the way, Hall Master Liu, when I was interviewing Doctor Shen just now, he seemed to be hiding something when he mentioned certain matters regarding Pujitang. I wonder if you could share a few words with me. However, Hall Master Liu, please rest assured that we will ensure privacy and uphold the principles of fairness and truthfulness."

Liu Renxin sighed lightly, a hint of worry flickering between his brows. He said to Yuan Siqi, "Pujitang is indeed facing some difficulties at the moment, mainly in three aspects. The first is a shortage of manpower. The children we recruit as medical assistants need at least four to five years, and as many as seven to eight years, to learn and practice medicine. However, Pujitang is not a place dedicated to the study of medicine, and we cannot offer systematic medical courses. Because of this, it is not easy for Pujitang to train qualified doctors in a short period of time."

Yuan Siqi listened attentively, and the two reporters beside him who were responsible for taking notes did not stop writing, and recorded every word.

Liu Renxin continued, "The second issue is the free clinics. Due to insufficient staffing, many people from other places struggle to receive timely diagnosis and treatment during free clinics. Many patients may not receive treatment even after waiting a month. However, illness won't wait, so some patients' conditions are worsened or even..."

Liu Renxin's unfinished words were like an extremely heavy rock, weighing heavily on everyone's heart.

"The most difficult issue is the cost of medicinal materials."

When Liu Renxin said this, he reached out and lightly pressed his forehead with a serious expression.

"Thirdly, some merchants with ill intentions are maliciously hoarding medicinal herbs and arbitrarily driving up their prices, significantly increasing our procurement costs. Pujitang's business philosophy is clear, and our revenue is indeed limited. Faced with so many impoverished people, we can only afford to provide six days' worth of medicine for free for three. This situation leaves us feeling overwhelmed, and achieving the desired results is truly difficult. Because of this, as you all saw, I just arranged for the herbalists in the hall to go out into the surrounding mountains to gather and search for herbs. I myself have been visiting numerous households to purchase herbs, but it's still a drop in the bucket."

Yuan Siqi could sense this, and even Liu Renxin, who was always calm and composed, looked exhausted. It seemed that he really had no idea what to do.

After learning about Liu Renxin's predicament and helplessness, Yuan Siqi secretly made up his mind to help this benevolent doctor and do what he could.

Yuan Siqi solemnly said to Liu Renxin, "Master Liu, please rest assured. We will publish all the issues you mentioned today in the newspaper in detail. This may attract the attention of the prefect, Lord Han, and alleviate the problem to some extent."

Upon hearing this, Liu Renxin's face lit up with relief, and he said earnestly, "Miss Yuan, I'm grateful for your concern and that of Zhaoyin Academy. If this can help resolve the predicament facing Puji Hall, it would truly be a great act of kindness."

After a moment of contemplation, Yuan Siqi seriously suggested, "Master Liu, if you have the opportunity to meet with Dean Cen at Zhaoyin Academy, perhaps you will regret not meeting each other earlier. After all, you two are very similar in many ways."

After hearing this, Liu Renxin nodded thoughtfully in agreement, with some thought and expectation in his eyes.

"Miss Yuan, thank you for your kindness and invitation. I have already made plans."

After saying goodbye to Liu Renxin, Yuan Siqi and others rushed to the next interview location with great enthusiasm.