From cute to empress

Chapter 106: Persistence in Education during the Epidemic

Orders issued from the Imperial Study, spreading rapidly throughout the palace and to every corner of the empire. I knew that the battle against the epidemic had begun, and I would lead my people in fighting this sudden disaster to the end.

"Your Majesty," Zhen Youcai hesitated, his eyes filled with worry, "regarding the education reform..."

I took a deep breath, looked at him firmly, and said word by word, "Education reform cannot be delayed, but the safety of the people is more important. I decree that all schools across the country will be temporarily suspended from today and will reopen after the epidemic eases."

Zhen Youcai accepted the order and left, but my heart remained heavy. Education reform has been the most important national policy since I ascended the throne. Over the past five years, we have overcome numerous obstacles and finally enabled children to study in bright classrooms. Now, with the pandemic raging, the pace of education has been forced to slow down. How can I not be heartbroken?

"Your Majesty, all the doctors from the Imperial Medical Bureau are waiting for your orders outside the palace." The personal maid reported softly.

I gathered myself, stood up, and walked toward the main hall. The doctors at the Imperial Hospital all looked grave, clearly finding this epidemic a daunting task. Suppressing my inner anxiety, I asked in a deep voice, "My dear ministers, have you found a way to control this epidemic?"

The Imperial Physician stepped forward, bowed, and replied, "Your Majesty, this epidemic is spreading with all its might and speed. We, your honored servants, have tried our utmost, but we have yet to find an effective treatment."

"Is there any way to prevent it?" I asked.

"For now, we can only avoid contact with patients as much as possible, wash our hands frequently, and ensure proper ventilation." The Imperial Physician shook his head helplessly. "Also, I recommend sealing off the affected area and prohibiting the movement of people to prevent further spread of the disease."

I nodded and immediately issued a series of orders: "Pass on my order. Immediately organize a medical team of the country's best doctors to go to the epidemic area to treat patients. At the same time, allocate a large amount of medicinal materials and daily necessities to ensure the basic needs of the people in the epidemic area. In addition, officials in all regions must strictly enforce the blockade measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic. Any violation will be severely punished!"

"Your Majesty, I obey!" The imperial physicians took their orders and left, but I remained apprehensive. As long as the epidemic persists, the lives of the people cannot be guaranteed, and educational reform will stagnate.

Zhen Youcai finished handling government affairs and hurried to the imperial study. Seeing my worried look, he asked with concern, "Is Your Majesty worried about the epidemic?"

"Yes," I sighed, "As long as the epidemic is not eradicated, the lives and safety of the people will be constantly threatened. How can I feel at ease?"

"Your Majesty, don't worry too much," Zhen Youcai comforted him. "I have already arranged for personnel to transport supplies to the affected areas day and night. I believe the epidemic will be brought under control soon."

I nodded, my eyes falling on the memorial in his hand: "What is this?"

"This is a joint petition from Lin Jijiu of the Imperial College and several other teachers, requesting Your Majesty to allow them to use online platforms to conduct online teaching during the epidemic to ensure that students' learning is not affected." Zhen Youcai handed the memorial to me with a hint of admiration in his eyes. "I didn't expect that they would still care about the students under such circumstances. It is truly rare."

I took the memorial, and a warm feeling welled up in my heart. Yes, even in such a critical moment, there are still people who care about education and the future...

I couldn't wait to open the memorial, and saw that it said: "Your Majesty, we earnestly request permission to use the Internet platform to carry out online teaching and impart knowledge to quench the students' thirst for knowledge, and not let the epidemic block the progress of educational reform in our dynasty..." Every word was sincere and every sentence was heartfelt. Their sincere hearts moved me.

"Great! 'Don't let the epidemic hinder the progress of our dynasty's educational reform!'" I slammed the table, a long-lost smile on my face. "Pass on my decree. I approve the request of Lin Jijiu and others, and require the Ministry of Industry to fully cooperate to ensure the smooth progress of online teaching."

"Your Majesty is wise!" Zhen Youcai couldn't hide his joy, "I will arrange it right away."

A few days later, the nation's first online class officially began. Sitting in front of my computer in my study, I watched the familiar figure of Lin Jijiu on the screen and listened to his eloquent speech, feeling a surge of joy. In class, the students listened intently, actively interacting with the teacher, their enthusiasm for learning undiminished.

On the other side of the network, we connect not only eager students but also people with a shared vision and aspirations. A list of volunteers from a spontaneous grassroots organization was handed to me. On it, the names of young people stood out: Zhao Xuezi, Sun Xiucai... Some hailed from the imperial capital, others from remote villages. Their identities and experiences varied, yet they all shared a common passion, rushing to the front lines of the fight against the pandemic and contributing their youthful strength.

"Your Majesty, look..." Zhen Youcai pointed to the end of the list, his tone filled with worry.

I followed his gaze and saw two familiar names written prominently in the blank space on the last line: Lin Wei and Zhen Yonggan. The former was Lin Jijiu's beloved daughter, the latter was Zhen Youcai's only son. They were both still teenagers...

"They all asked to go to the front line, and I..." Zhen Youcai's voice was a little choked, and his usually resolute face was now filled with worry and reluctance.

My hand holding the list trembled slightly. After a long moment, I slowly spoke, "Propagate my order..."

"I have ordered their request to be approved." My tone was firm and unquestionable, "but their safety must be ensured!"

Zhen Youcai raised his head, his eyes filled with gratitude and emotion: "On behalf of my son and all the young people fighting on the front lines, I thank Your Majesty for your grace!"

I knew that in this critical moment, simply sitting in the palace and issuing orders was not enough. I needed to be there, to see the heroes fighting on the front lines of the epidemic, to feel their bravery and dedication.

"Get ready, I want to personally go to the front lines of the fight against the epidemic to comfort the soldiers and civilians." I said resolutely.

"Your Majesty, absolutely not!" Zhen Youcai was horrified. "The epidemic is very dangerous. How can you easily put yourself in danger with your precious body?"

"It's precisely because the epidemic is so dangerous that I must go to the front lines to cheer on the people!" I said firmly, leaving no room for doubt. "My mind is made up, no need to say more!"

With this, Zhen Youcai and I arrived at the hardest-hit areas, carrying gifts and medical supplies. Seeing the medical workers, donning protective gear and disregarding their own safety, fighting on the front lines of the epidemic, filled me with admiration and emotion.

"Thank you, you have worked hard!" I said sincerely while shaking a doctor's hand.

"Protecting the health of the people is the duty and mission of us medical staff!" the doctor replied firmly.

In the makeshift online classroom, I saw familiar faces: Zhao Xuezi, Sun Xiucai... Some were delivering medicine to patients, some were maintaining order, and still others were providing psychological counseling to patients' families. Though young, they demonstrated courage and responsibility beyond their years.

"You are all great, I am proud of you!" I looked at them with my eyes full of relief and hope.

"It is our unshirkable responsibility to share the country's worries and solve the people's problems!" they answered in unison.

As time went by, thanks to the concerted efforts of the whole country, the epidemic was finally brought under effective control. Schools gradually resumed normal classes, and children returned to their familiar campuses, their faces filled with happy smiles.

Looking at this thriving scene before me, I haven't completely relaxed. This sudden epidemic has made me deeply aware that education should not only cultivate talents but also pay attention to students' physical and mental health and sense of social responsibility...

"You are talented, you say..." I looked out the window, hesitant to speak.

"You are talented, you say..." I looked out the window, unable to stop talking.

"Your Majesty, do you mean that this epidemic has made us see the shortcomings in education?" Zhen Youcai has always understood my thoughts.

I nodded. "Yes, in the past, we always focused on educating students and ensuring they achieved academic success, but we neglected their physical and mental health and sense of social responsibility. During this epidemic, those brave young people, while perhaps not the most knowledgeable, demonstrated a fearless spirit and commitment. This is what our country truly needs."

Zhen Youcai nodded in agreement. "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Those students fighting on the front lines of the epidemic have demonstrated with their actions that education is not just about knowledge in books, but also about shaping the mind and taking responsibility."

"So, I'd like to take this opportunity to reform the existing education system." I took a deep breath and expressed the idea I had been brewing for a long time. "We should not only impart knowledge, but also focus on cultivating students' moral character, courage, and social responsibility. We must teach them that studying is not just for personal achievement, but also for the prosperity of our country and the well-being of our people."

"Your Majesty's ideas are truly far-sighted!" Zhen Youcai's eyes gleamed with admiration. "I will fully support Your Majesty's reforms!"

I know that reform will inevitably affect the interests of some people and encounter various obstacles, but I believe that as long as we stick to the right direction, we will succeed.

In the days that followed, I convened a meeting with Lin Jijiu, Wang Fuzi, and other leaders in the education sector to discuss educational reform plans. We decided to expand the existing curriculum with additional knowledge on medicine, hygiene, and disaster response, while also strengthening students' practical skills and a sense of social responsibility.

To ensure that more children have the opportunity to receive an education, I ordered the construction of schools across the country and encouraged private sector funding. I also established special scholarships to support students from poor families who are both academically and morally outstanding.

I know this is just the beginning. There's still a long way to go in education reform, but I believe that as long as we persevere, we will be able to cultivate more responsible and compassionate individuals, laying a solid foundation for our country's prosperity.

"Your Majesty, the Minister of Rites requests an audience."

I collected my thoughts and looked at the palace maid who came to report. "Let him in."

The Minister of Rites walked into the imperial study, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."

"Get up, what's the matter?"

"Your Majesty," the Minister of Rites replied respectfully, "Now that the epidemic has subsided, the people are living and working in peace and contentment, and the entire nation is immersed in joy. I believe that a grand celebration should be held to demonstrate our dynasty's prestige and boost public morale."

I pondered for a moment, "Hmm, that makes sense..."