Chapter 934 The Reason

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“The Qian Family Medicine Store hoarding essential goods is truly despicable,” Gu Chengye remarked after a moment’s pause. “We can inform Dr. Zhou to warn them and request that they immediately restore the original prices and resume selling the medicinal herbs.”

Hearing this, Gu Chengrui pondered for a while before asking, “I recall that when Chenchen was one month old, the Emperor called you aside for a private conversation. Can you tell me what you discussed? Did he ask any specific questions?”

Gu Chengye was momentarily stunned but quickly recalled the conversation. “He primarily focused on court examination questions. I sought diverse perspectives during the discussion.

“I also asked a question at the end.”

“What question?” Gu Chengrui asked eagerly.

“He asked what I would do if a messenger were delayed by saving someone,” Gu Chengye replied.

“And what was your answer?”

“While the messenger erred, a mere warning would suffice. His actions were understandable.”

Gu Chengrui finally understood why the Emperor hadn’t appointed him. He lacked the ruthless pragmatism necessary for an official and couldn’t prioritize critical matters effectively.

“In my judgment,” Gu Chengrui explained, “the messenger deserved execution for two reasons. Firstly, his role as a messenger demanded strict adherence to orders. Secondly, the documents he carried from hundreds of miles away could be considered extremely urgent, potentially impacting tens of thousands of lives. Unless an insurmountable natural disaster or his death barred his path, he shouldn’t have stopped, let alone prioritized rescuing others.

“Furthermore, prioritizing personal choices over crucial duties demonstrated his unsuitability for the position. Delaying military communication constitutes a grave offense.”

“But isn’t it wrong to prioritize saving lives?” Gu Chengye questioned.

“He could only realistically save one, two, or at most three people. However, a delay in delivering those documents could potentially cost the lives of ten thousand, twenty thousand, or even hundreds of thousands. Such a burden is simply unimaginable.”

Gu Chengye, realizing his mistake, asked, “What would you do in the signal soldier’s position?”

“I would call for assistance,” Gu Chengrui replied. “If help were unavailable, I would regretfully prioritize the mission. It’s the same for someone who doesn’t know how to swim, witnessing someone else fall into the water. The proper response isn’t to jump in and potentially drown yourself, but rather to seek help or find an object like a stick or rope to assist their rescue.”

“If saving the individual proves impossible after exhausting all efforts, it becomes a tragedy beyond our control.”

“Additionally, your investigations into the three concerns were accurate. However, the punishments you suggested were too lenient. Observe carefully from now on.”

With that, Gu Chengrui rose and led Gu Chengye to the two imperial assistants. “Lord Liu and Lord Hu,” he addressed them, “I entrust this matter to you.”

The two assistants stood up, acknowledged the task, and briefly reviewed the information. They then agreed and proceeded to the government office to request the required individuals.

Acting swiftly, the duo apprehended Jishi Medical Hall’s manager and sealed the establishment. It would remain closed until the prices of the medicinal herbs were deemed reasonable.

The head of the Qian family, along with the manager, were arrested, and all their stockpiled medicinal herbs were confiscated.

As for Feng Zhiyuan, his medical license was revoked, leaving him with the option of practicing only in private households, regardless of his skill.

“Aren’t these punishments excessively harsh?” Gu Chengye expressed his surprise.

Gu Chengrui shook his head and responded, “Do you remember how Lord Sun dealt with the thieves during the disaster?”