Weaving the Threads of Influence

The capital was a living beast—its streets veins pumping with the lifeblood of merchants, nobles, and commoners alike. It had been weeks since Mo Bei's name first spread among the elites, and in that time, he had begun to tie the disparate elements of the city's healthcare system into something cohesive.

But today, he wasn't tending to nobles or the poor. Today, he was negotiating power.

Mo Bei sat across from Governor Liang, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of his chair. The meeting room was lavish, but Mo Bei had long since stopped marveling at silk curtains and gold-trimmed furniture. He was here to discuss something far more critical.

"I've noticed an increase in patients with what I suspect to be early-stage tuberculosis," Mo Bei began, watching the governor's reaction. "They come in with persistent coughs, fever, and fatigue. The issue is that most of them work in tightly packed workshops or live in crowded districts. The disease is spreading."

Governor Liang frowned. "And what do you propose?"

Mo Bei took a deep breath. "Sanitation measures, first and foremost. Bathhouses for the common folk, mandatory hygiene standards in food markets, and proper ventilation in workshops. If we act now, we can prevent an epidemic."

The governor sighed, rubbing his temples. "That would require convincing the nobles to fund these changes. They do not care for the lower class."

Mo Bei smirked. "Then they will care when they start coughing up blood themselves. Diseases do not respect class."

The governor chuckled dryly. "You argue like a scholar, Doctor Mo. Very well, I will push for these reforms, but I need results. If you can prove your methods work, I can secure greater funding."

A system notification appeared before Mo Bei's eyes.

[New Quest: Prove the Effectiveness of Public Health Measures]

Treat 50 tuberculosis patients before the month's end. Reduce infection rate in key districts. Reward: ???]

Mo Bei exhaled. The system was pushing him forward now.

The next patient entered the clinic, coughing violently into a cloth. Mo Bei could already tell what was wrong before the system screen confirmed it.

[Disease Identified: Tuberculosis]

Symptoms: Persistent cough, chest pain, weight loss, fatigue. Cause: Bacteria spread through airborne droplets in crowded, unventilated areas. Recommended Cure: Long-term herbal treatment, isolation, proper nutrition.]

[Generating Disease Monster...]

Name: The Hollow Cougher

Appearance: A ghastly figure with a sunken chest and hollow eyes, emitting toxic mist with each breath.

Danger Level: Moderate

Preferred Habitat: Crowded districts, poorly ventilated areas.

Mo Bei internally sighed. 'At least this one isn't carrying a club like that Dysentery Ogre…'

He 'fought' the disease by applying a holistic approach—boiling medicinal herbs, adjusting the patient's diet, and enforcing better rest. The Hollow Cougher screeched in agony as Mo Bei's methods worked, eventually dissolving into a wisp of data.

[Tuberculosis Treated!]

Loot Obtained: 'Herbal Formula for Respiratory Illness' (Rare) System Points: +35 Reputation Increased]

Mo Bei examined the new formula, impressed. This would allow him to create a more effective treatment for future patients.

That night, Mo Bei sat in his study, reviewing the System Map that had recently unlocked.

[System Map: Allows the user to observe disease clusters, sanitation risks, and potential epidemic sources in a given city.]

The map was a glowing overlay of the capital, pulsing with red in districts that had poor sanitation. As expected, the noble districts were nearly spotless, while the slums were riddled with disease markers.

"This… this changes everything," Mo Bei whispered. With this tool, he could identify and strike at the root of outbreaks before they spiraled out of control.

A new notification popped up.

[New System Function: Observe Skill Unlocked]

Allows deeper analysis of patients, identifying early symptoms and underlying health risks. Can predict the effectiveness of certain treatments.]

Mo Bei's lips curled into a smirk. With these tools, he wasn't just a doctor anymore—he was an architect of public health.

But change was never welcomed easily.

As Mo Bei implemented his reforms—promoting hygiene, isolating the sick, and educating the masses—he began to feel resistance from certain wealthy figures. Traditional healers scoffed at him, and some merchants whose businesses relied on unregulated markets whispered of his 'meddling.'

One evening, a nobleman named Zhao Ren visited his clinic, his expression unreadable. "Doctor Mo, you've gained quite the influence," he said, voice smooth but laced with something else.

"I merely do my duty," Mo Bei replied cautiously.

Zhao Ren leaned in. "And yet, you disrupt businesses. You make enemies. Perhaps it would be wise to slow down."

Mo Bei's grip tightened on his teacup. This was a warning—a subtle threat. But he had come too far to turn back.

"Health is not a matter of business," he said simply. "And I will not slow down."

Zhao Ren studied him before letting out a low chuckle. "Very well. Let's see how far you can go."

As the noble left, Mo Bei exhaled. Trouble was brewing.

System Pharmacy & Research Papers

With the opposition growing, Mo Bei turned to another tool in his arsenal—the System Pharmacy.

[System Pharmacy: A digital repository containing blueprints for ancient and modern medicines, purchasable with System Points.]

New Items Available: Advanced Herbal Compounds Historical Medical Research Papers (Hidden Cures) Rare Ingredients Sourcing Guide]

Mo Bei's eyes widened as he browsed the research papers. Some contained forgotten knowledge about disease treatments, others held revolutionary ideas that had never been implemented due to lack of understanding.

He immediately purchased a paper titled "Early Epidemiology: Disease Patterns and Prevention", which gave him insights on tracking outbreaks. His system rewards were shifting—no longer just simple stat boosts, but knowledge itself.

[Rare Skill Unlocked: Special Eye]

Allows user to see minute details in a patient's condition, including hidden infections, organ stress, and potential future ailments.]

Mo Bei closed his eyes, letting the information sink in. With the System Map, Observe Skill, and Special Eye, he was no longer just a doctor reacting to disease—he was preventing it before it began.

The Future Beckons

The capital was beginning to change. The governor had started considering large-scale sanitation projects, the common folk were adopting better hygiene, and Mo Bei's name was now one spoken with reverence… and fear.

But he knew his true test had yet to come. Powerful forces disliked change, and he was stepping on the toes of men who had built fortunes on the status quo.

Still, as he looked at the system notifications before him, he couldn't help but smile.

[System Notification: Public Health Revolution in Progress]

Influence Level: Rising Enemies: Watching Next Step: ???]

Mo Bei leaned back in his chair. "Let them watch," he murmured. "I'm just getting started."