Chapter 318

Chapter 318: Teaching Without Discrimination, Equal Treatment for All

Some things don’t need much explanation—preference for sons over daughters is far too common in this era.

Dong Sheng and Zhou Qingfang were both learned men, knowledgeable and well-informed. Moreover, having witnessed many injustices along the way, even though they didn’t ask the locals why only girls were being sent over, they could easily figure out the reason with just a little thought.

For common folk, raising children was difficult. Having fewer children was one thing, but when there were many children in a family, daughters were considered less valuable.

Not to mention anything else, just the fact that the Medical Academy would raise children free of charge for seven years was a great help. Many poor families who couldn't afford to raise their children but feared trouble were reluctant to send their precious sons away, so they would push their daughters out instead. This saved on household food expenses, and daughters who could read and write might fetch a good price when they married in the future…

Of course, these were shortsighted thoughts.

Those truly wise would send several children who met the criteria—no matter boys or girls—if they had them at home!

After all, such a windfall from the sky was very rare. In previous years, the government came to them asking for money, but this year, the government was actually subsidizing them instead. Such an excellent chance to "shear" government resources—if not now, then when?

Only the people from Xu Huahua’s village and the neighboring village, both rather narrow-minded, returned only with girls.

Tan Lin had been sitting at the entrance recruiting students many times.

As an admissions officer, Tan Lin had seen all sorts of strange parents. He didn’t even need to ask much; he could tell what they were thinking just by looking at them. So Tan Lin already had a set of standard responses ready.

For those who wanted to enroll, Tan Lin would have them line up and then interview them one by one.

This one knows a bit of herbal medicine—accepted!

That one is a child—accepted!

That one can read some characters—also accepted…

For everyone qualified, Tan Lin registered their personal information, then began to guide them to leave or enter as appropriate.

Those accepted for enrollment stood aside quietly; those who weren’t selected or just came to send their children waited on the other side. To prevent chaos, the academy had also dispatched guards.

These villagers, unworldly and knowing the academy was government-run, became as timid as quails when entering, not daring to utter a sound.

Dong Sheng stood not far off, watching with his own eyes as Xu Huahua held hands with a strong man and entered through the gate. Only then did he and Zhou Qingfang approach Doctor Tan.

“Doctor Tan, it’s a pleasure seeing you. I am Dong Sheng, from the capital.”

“I am Zhou Qingfang. Doctor Tan, it’s an honor.”

Tan Lin was tidying the papers on the table and was momentarily caught off guard by such respectful and learned greetings.

“Ah, pleasured to meet you both, young gentlemen. I am Tan Lin. May I ask what brings you here?”

Upon seeing Dong Sheng and Zhou Qingfang, Tan Lin immediately realized they were not here to study medicine.

After all, the aura of scholars was distinct, different from those who merely knew how to read a few characters. No one who could read willingly “degraded” themselves by learning medicine.

Dong Sheng cupped his hands and straightforwardly stated their purpose: “Doctor Tan, we two are officials of the Censorate. Our specific duties are confidential. We are here on official business and ask for your understanding.”

“Ah…” Tan Lin opened his mouth but was momentarily at a loss, his eyes growing blank.

Officials from the Censorate?

Here on official business?

On whose orders?

Dealing with what matter?

Tan Lin quickly regained his composure, stood straight, saluted respectfully, and spoke word by word: “Greetings, gentlemen. I am an Imperial Physician at the Imperial Medical Institute, teaching here under the orders of His Highness the Wise King.”

Ah.

His Highness the Wise King!

Dong Sheng’s gaze hardened instantly, and even Zhou Qingfang looked at Tan Lin with much more warmth and kindness.

Their eyes met, clear yet flickering, unspoken words filled with meaning.

At that moment, the three understood one another.

They were on the same side.

They were definitely allies!

Tan Lin abandoned his role as admissions officer, tidied his belongings, and invited the two inside.

“Brother Dong, Brother Zhou, since you are new here, you must be unfamiliar with this place. Come with me; I will take you on a tour around the academy. Everything here was personally instructed by His Highness! By the way, how is His Highness doing back at the capital…?”

With new arrivals, and fresh students no less, the academy had experienced guides. After bringing Dong Sheng and Zhou Qingfang inside, Tan Lin went directly to see the Left Court Judge.

The Left Court Judge now served as the Dean of the academy and was busy with academy affairs all day, with no time to practice medicine.

When Tan Lin arrived at the Left Court Judge’s room, a few other doctors who had been newly appointed to teach were discussing issues.

“Lately, we are seeing more and more female disciples in the academy. Although they are only young girls, boys and girls of seven years old are seated separately. If this continues for another year or two—or if a female disciple as skilled as Doctor Shi arrives—having female and male disciples studying side by side will become inappropriate…”

Just as Dong Sheng neared the room, he overheard the conversation.

When the topic turned to female disciples, he thought of the young girls who had been sent over earlier…

Studying and seeking knowledge was a serious matter. Since the academy was established on the principle of teaching without discrimination, why split teaching based on gender?

A healer should not be bound by gender divisions.

Dong Sheng frowned slightly; he did not approve of the views shared inside.

Fortunately, there was a counterview from within. Dong Sheng soon heard a clear and cool female voice speaking inside.

“His Highness once said: teaching and nurturing people means teaching without discrimination. Those graduated from the academy are all future healers who will serve Great Wei and the people. Healers treat the sick regardless of gender. When it comes to studying medicine, why must there be gender-based separation? Is Doctor Li implying that male disciples are unworthy of learning gynecology, or that female disciples cannot be as publicly active as male disciples?”

Well said!

Standing outside the door, Dong Sheng couldn’t help but want to applaud.

Although rebellious in tone, the words held undeniable truth!

Studying medicine is not easy. If doctors learn more and improve their skills, the suffering of the people will decrease.

When life is on the line, who cares about gender differences? Encountering a competent doctor to survive is a blessing enough!

Dong Sheng saw Doctor Tan walk inside.

“Dean, I agree with Doctor Shi. For a healer, there has never been a distinction between male and female. This is a Medical Academy; those taught here will in the future practice medicine wherever they go. Since they are all healers, how can we separate the teachings in the academy based on gender?”

Standing inside, Tan Lin didn’t look at others but fixed his gaze on the Left Court Judge at the front, calmly saying, “Moreover, since His Highness has allowed the academy to admit female disciples, it means His Highness certainly wishes to see all disciples treated equally!”