A Meeting with Power

The Governor's Invitation

Mo Bei stood before the grand residence of the provincial governor, a stark contrast to the humble clinic he had once called home. The towering structure was adorned with intricate carvings, its walls exuding an air of power. Two armored guards flanked the entrance, their expressions unreadable. As Mo Bei adjusted the strap of his medical bag, he couldn't help but reflect on how quickly things had changed. A month ago, he was tending to farmers and fishermen. Now, he was summoned to the highest authority in the province.

The invitation had arrived unexpectedly, yet Mo Bei had anticipated it. News of his successful treatment of the noble had spread, and with it, his reputation had soared. He had thought to refuse—his work in the poorer districts was far from finished—but rejecting a governor's summons was not a wise decision.

"Doctor Mo," a servant greeted him at the door. "His Excellency awaits you."

Mo Bei nodded and stepped inside, the cool marble beneath his feet a reminder of the stark divide between the wealthy and the poor. He was led through an elaborate corridor lined with golden candle holders and silk tapestries before arriving at a spacious chamber. Seated at the head of a low table was Governor Liang, a man in his fifties, his gaze sharp and evaluating.

"You are younger than I expected," the governor remarked as Mo Bei bowed politely. "And yet, I have heard nothing but praise for your skills. My court physician has been less than enthusiastic about your methods, but results speak louder than tradition."

"I am honored by your words, Your Excellency," Mo Bei said evenly, his gaze flickering to the side where an older man, dressed in the robes of an esteemed physician, stood stiffly. This must be the court physician—a man unwilling to acknowledge that a mere village doctor had accomplished what he could not.

"Tell me, Doctor Mo," Governor Liang continued. "The noble you treated—what was his ailment?"

"Lead poisoning, caused by exposure to contaminated ceramic glaze and water sources," Mo Bei answered without hesitation. "It is a common issue among the upper class who import certain luxuries without awareness of their dangers."

The governor's eyes narrowed slightly. "And how certain are you of this diagnosis?"

"I do not make claims without evidence," Mo Bei replied. "His symptoms were consistent with prolonged exposure. His condition has already improved after removing the source and administering treatment."

A silence fell over the room before Governor Liang chuckled. "I like you, Doctor Mo. You speak plainly, without fear. Tell me, how would you improve the health of my city?"

Mo Bei took a breath, considering his words. "Your Excellency, disease does not arise from the gods' wrath or misfortune. It stems from poor sanitation, contaminated water, and ignorance. If you wish to improve the city's health, start with public hygiene—proper waste disposal, clean water sources, and education."

A murmur ran through the gathered officials. The idea of controlling disease through structured reform was foreign to them. The court physician scoffed. "Your Excellency, with all due respect, these are ambitious notions, but the people are set in their ways. Change does not come easily."

Governor Liang tapped his fingers on the table. "Perhaps not, but if disease can be prevented rather than merely treated, it is worth considering."

Mo Bei met the governor's gaze. "It will not be easy, but if you are willing to enact change, I will assist however I can."

The governor nodded slowly. "I will assign you to oversee an initiative in the lower districts. If your methods yield results, we will expand further. Do you accept?"

Mo Bei had not expected such swift action, but he saw the opportunity within it. "I accept."

The following day, Mo Bei ventured into the lower districts with an official seal granting him authority. The sight before him was troubling—narrow alleys lined with makeshift homes, filth pooling in the streets, and the acrid scent of decay. The people watched him with wary eyes, distrust evident in their expressions.

As he set up a temporary clinic, a small crowd formed. Many were hesitant, but a few desperate souls stepped forward. Among them was an elderly woman coughing violently, her frail frame barely able to support itself.

[Diagnosis: Tuberculosis. Advanced stage.]

Mo Bei exhaled sharply. The disease was vicious, spreading through the air, often fatal if untreated. He had limited supplies but could slow its progression.

"You have a sickness of the lungs," Mo Bei explained. "You must rest, avoid dust and smoke, and drink this decoction daily."

The woman accepted the medicine with trembling hands, gratitude in her eyes. Mo Bei turned to the gathered crowd. "Illness spreads in the air, through unclean water, through touch. If you wish to avoid sickness, you must keep your surroundings clean. Boil your water before drinking it, keep waste away from your homes."

His words were met with skepticism, but some nodded. It was a start.

Allies and Adversaries

Over the next few days, Mo Bei treated dozens of patients, each case reinforcing the need for better living conditions. He recruited a few willing volunteers—young men eager to learn, women with knowledge of herbs—to assist him. Slowly, trust was being built.

However, not everyone welcomed his presence. One evening, as he packed away his supplies, a group of men approached. Their leader, a scarred brute with a menacing air, sneered. "Doctor, you're making quite the name for yourself. Some folk don't like that."

Mo Bei met his gaze calmly. "If my work offends them, they should come to me directly."

The brute chuckled darkly. "You're stepping into the wrong territory. This district has its own… caretakers."

Ah. Corrupt officials, crime lords—those who profited from the people's suffering. Mo Bei had expected this.

"If you are here to threaten me, you should know that I don't scare easily," Mo Bei said evenly. "If you want me gone, prove that you can care for these people better than I can."

The man's smirk faltered. He had expected fear, not defiance. After a tense silence, he spat on the ground. "You'll regret meddling."

Mo Bei watched them disappear into the shadows. Trouble was brewing, but he had no intention of backing down.

A Shift in Fate

Word of his work continued to spread, reaching even the noble circles. Donations of supplies arrived—some from genuine supporters, others from those wishing to curry favor. Governor Liang personally visited to see the progress, and his approval was evident.

"You are proving your worth, Doctor Mo," the governor said. "Continue this, and I may have need of you beyond this province."

Mo Bei nodded. He wasn't just a village doctor anymore. He was shaping the future of medicine in this land.

As he looked out at the city before him, he realized his path had shifted once again. He was no longer just treating symptoms—he was treating the disease within society itself.

And he would not stop until the cure was complete.