A peasant girl travels through time with a hospital, rising to become an empress.

These past few days, Nie Qianqian has been seeing patients at Jishetang Clinic as usual. She received news from Director Zhang:

The commendation personally approved by the provincial governor for the last epidemic has been officially issued. It will soon arrive in Fulin County with the imperial seal, the award letter and the reward, to present the prizes to the people of Jishetang who have made contributions to the fight against the epidemic.

From the day he learned the news, Director Zhang's lips never stopped curving into a smile, and the wrinkles on his face deepened from his constant beaming.

Three days before the award arrived, he bathed and burned incense every day, changed into his cleanest plain-colored long robe, and even polished the tea set on the table until it shone, so as to greet this honor from the provincial governor's office in the best possible manner.

Nie Qianqian found it amusing and teased, "If you keep washing like this, you'll probably get raw skin before the person even arrives."

Director Zhang rubbed his hair repeatedly: "This is an award from the provincial capital. I have never received one in my entire medical career, so I cannot take it lightly."

Nie Qianqian felt helpless, but when she turned her head, she saw that the other doctors from Jishetang who had gone to Qishui County to fight the epidemic were all as excited as if they had been injected with chicken blood.

Their hair, which used to be casually tied up, was now meticulously combed, and their old long gowns were now starched and crisp. Their hands, roughened from gathering herbs and making medicine, were now covered in hand cream. They walked with their chests held high and their eyes bright and piercing, as if afraid that others wouldn't notice they were about to receive an award.

Nie Qianqian shook her head helplessly, but infected by the solemn yet enthusiastic atmosphere, she gradually felt a sense of anticipation.

On this day, just as dawn was breaking, the square in front of the county government office was already swept clean, and the bluestone pavement was sprinkled with water to suppress the dust.

The county government gates were wide open, and Magistrate Tang, along with his county magistrate, clerk, and other officials, dressed in full official robes, stood in a line on the north side of the square according to their rank.

Representatives of the local gentry and common people stood solemnly on both sides of the square, and no one made a sound.

Led by Director Zhang, the group from Jishetang stood solemnly in the center of the square, dressed in uniform dark blue uniforms with plain belts embroidered with the words "Jishi" (meaning "Saving the World") around their waists, their postures as upright as pine trees.

The welcoming ceremony alone was very solemn.

The news had spread like wildfire among the people, and they quickly gathered around the perimeter, craning their necks and waiting in silence.

At the third quarter of the hour of Chen (7:45 AM), three clear and resonant gong sounds rang out from afar, piercing through the morning mist.

"Lord Zhang has arrived—" As the bailiffs announced loudly, a group of people slowly approached.

"I'm coming!"

"Hush, be silent!"

The leader, Lord Zhang Tuo, was dressed in a scarlet official robe and had a solemn expression. Behind him, his attendants, each with a long sword at their waist, walked in orderly steps, escorting a vermilion tray covered with brocade.

The procession came to a steady stop in the center of the square. The attendants placed the trays on the pre-arranged tables with gentle movements, as if afraid of disturbing the solemnity.

Lord Tang led the crowd forward, cupped his hands and bowed: "All officials and people of Fulin County respectfully welcome Lord Zhang!"

Tang Jincheng and Zhang Tuo had a close relationship, but that was a private one. In public, they were in a superior-subordinate relationship, and the proper etiquette could not be omitted.

Zhang Tuo raised his hand in a gesture of support and said in a loud voice, "Magistrate Tang, there is no need for such formalities. I have come here on the orders of the Governor to award prizes to the meritorious officials of Jishetang. I dare not trouble you all with such formalities."

His gaze slowly swept across the square, finally landing on the people of Jishetang.

These faces left a deep impression on him—during the most desperate and difficult days of the fight against the epidemic in Yishui County, it was this group of people who bid farewell to their relatives and friends and rushed to the epidemic area overnight to save thousands of people from suffering.

He always kept in mind that courage in the face of danger and that perseverance in working day and night.

When his eyes met those of Director Zhang and Dr. Qian, his eyes were full of goodwill and respect, and he nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

"Summon Director Zhang of Jishetang, Dr. Qian, and all the other doctors to come forward to receive the award!" The messenger stepped forward, his voice booming and clear, penetrating the square.

Director Zhang took a deep breath and stepped out of the crowd first. Nie Qianqian and the other anti-epidemic doctors followed closely behind, their steps steady. When they reached the desk, they all bowed and cupped their hands, their voices in unison: "We, your humble servants, respectfully welcome you, sir!"

Zhang Zhan unfolded the vermilion award certificate in his hand, his gaze sweeping over the handwriting, and then he said loudly:

"The doctors of Jishetang, with hearts devoted to saving lives and skills in restoring health, faced a devastating epidemic in Yishui County. Undeterred, they rushed to the aid of the people, investigating the source of the outbreak, devising effective remedies, and providing free medical care day and night, preventing the epidemic from spreading and protecting the lives of the county. Their merit is immeasurable, and their virtue commendable! By order of the Governor, this decree is hereby issued, bestowing upon them a gilded plaque inscribed 'Benevolent Heart Saving Lives,' five hundred taels of silver, and ten bolts of fine silk, in recognition of their virtue. It is hoped that they will uphold the principles of medicine, continue to practice their benevolent arts, and benefit the people, living up to the Governor's high expectations and the trust placed in them by the people!"

The biting wind couldn't dispel his booming voice; every word was like metal striking stone, resonating firmly in everyone's ears.

The brocade was lifted, revealing a gilded plaque. Sunlight shone on it, making it gleam so brightly that it was almost blinding. The silver inlays were neatly arranged, gleaming with a warm luster. The silks were brightly colored and of excellent quality, all of them top-grade.

The square was silent, save for the sound of the wind and the echoes of Lord Zhang's voice.

An indescribable sense of honor welled up in the hearts of all the doctors who received the award!

This was no ordinary reward; it was official recognition from the provincial governor's office, a momentous event that would be recorded in the county annals and bring glory to the family!

Many people spend their entire lives trying to achieve such an honor!

The local gentry and common people looked on with reverence, and many of them quietly straightened their backs, as if this honor had also been bestowed upon them. Even the children, who were still somewhat naive, knew that this was a serious occasion and remained silent, their little faces very serious.

After the award was read aloud, Director Zhang bowed again, but instead of stepping forward to receive the reward, he took a step back, made way for her, and looked at Nie Qianqian with a firm gaze.

In the fight against the epidemic, it was Qianqian who took the lead in finding a way to combat it. She rushed to the front line, working day and night without rest. Her contribution was the greatest. Although Qianqian was young, he admired her from the bottom of his heart.

Mutual appreciation and respect between people have nothing to do with age, but only with what they do.

Seeing the sincerity and determination in Director Zhang's eyes, Nie Qianqian stopped refusing.

She stepped forward, took the award certificate from Zhang Tuo with both hands, and held it slightly above her forehead. "Jishetang will always remember its original aspiration, use its medical skills to protect its neighbors, and live up to your kindness and the trust of the people!"

After speaking, she turned to face the onlookers and cupped her hands in greeting.

The people could no longer contain themselves and burst into applause and cheers.

"Thank you, Dr. Qian!"

"Thank you, Jishetang!"

"What a great achievement!" shouts rose and fell, and some sentimental women even raised their hands to wipe away tears.

"Fulin County is truly a blessed place, with an honest official like Lord Tang and a doctor as good as Jishetang."

"Without them, we would have been in real trouble."

Nie Qianqian stood there, looking at the scene before her. There was no glamorous stage like in modern times, but at this moment, the ceremony was simple yet solemn, plain yet sincere.

Living in another world, all she asks for is to use her own skills to provide a stable life for her family and to bring a little positive change to the world.

And this moment is the response to all her efforts.