Chapter 78

The work in various places of Nanlong Prefecture did not become negligent because of the fall of corrupt officials. On the contrary, under the supervision of Lord Li, the work in various places progressed even faster.

All the silver that was turned in was allowed to be taken to provide disaster relief and rebuild disaster areas.

Various taxes that were imposed under false pretenses by corrupt officials had been cancelled, and this move was unanimously applauded by the people of Nanlong Prefecture.

When the new prefect of Nanlong Prefecture took over, Lord Li's task could be considered completely finished.

At this point, the entire trip for Gong Xiaohua and others from the capital to Nanlong Prefecture to crack the case and until the new prefect took office took nearly two months.

By the time they returned to the capital, it would be just in time for the wedding day.

Qin Chuyuan had already completed his task and returned to the capital with Qin Yi and others half a month ago.

Before leaving, he came to Nanlong Prefecture and learned that Gong Xiaohua's injury had recovered almost completely. And because he was busy with affairs in the capital, he went ahead first.

When everything was ready, Lord Li prepared to return to the capital to resume his duties with everyone.

However, on the day they set out, the new prefect rushed to the post station in a panic, with a look of horror on his face.

"Sir, something terrible has happened." The new prefect, Lord Wu, said.

"What's the matter? Why are you so panicked?"

"In Shuangyu County, the county magistrate came to report that an epidemic may have broken out in the county. All the doctors and witch doctors in the county are at a loss, and so far more than hundreds of people have died."

"What? Why was it reported so late?"

"When they were notified at first, Shuangyu County arranged for doctors to examine the refugees, and found that many of them already had fevers and coughs."

"The doctors thought it was just an ordinary cold, so they prescribed some medicine. Seeing that some people's symptoms improved a little, they didn't take it seriously."

"But more and more people started getting sick afterwards. After a while, some people started coughing blood and having breathing difficulties." "No matter what methods the doctors and witch doctors used, they didn't see any improvement. In the end, this group of people started dying one by one, and the county magistrate realized something was wrong, so he began reporting it."

"Fortunately, Sir was wise at the time and required quarantine and treatment for those who fell ill. This prevented large-scale infection in Nanlong Prefecture."

"It's just that before Sir issued the notice, many of these refugees had left Shuangyu County and fled to other counties. I'm afraid some of them may also have the disease."

"What is the situation in other counties? Have any epidemic symptoms been found?"

"So far, no other counties have reported such a situation."

"No symptoms doesn't mean it won't happen. Order all counties to conduct one-by-one inspections. Isolate anyone who shows symptoms immediately."

"Yes, Sir. Also, should we report this matter to the capital? If we report it to the capital, I'm afraid the ministers there will seal off Shuangyu County completely until the epidemic ends, as they have done before." Said Lord Wu.

Lord Li also thought of records in the past that if an epidemic broke out in a region, the only solution was to seal off the city until all the infected in the area died.

This approach was undoubtedly the fastest solution, but also the most cruel.

"First seal off Shuangyu County. No one is allowed to enter or leave. Also, gather doctors from all over Nanlong Prefecture to confirm the situation in Shuangyu County before reporting it."

"Yes, Sir."

"Sir, your escort team back to the capital is waiting outside the station. This official will see you out of the city first."

"Go take care of the epidemic first. Put off the matter of returning to the capital for a few days."

"Yes, this official will go make arrangements now."

Watching Lord Wu leave, Lord Li frowned. If the epidemic was not contained, it could shake the foundation of the Dayi Dynasty.

The Da Wei Dynasty had long been eyeing the other countries greedily. If an epidemic broke out in Dayi, would Da Wei take advantage of the opportunity to invade? He dared not imagine.

Gong Xiaohua did not expect that what she was most worried about last time in Shuangyu County would still happen.

Even with advanced modern medical standards, it was still very difficult to find a cure for the epidemic in a short time.

Moreover, before finding a treatment, there would also be a large number of deaths, let alone in ancient times when medical standards were so low.

Lord Li looked at the subordinates following him and said, "You all know a little about the epidemic. It is a matter of life and death. Leave Nanlong Prefecture first, otherwise once the epidemic is confirmed, you may not be able to leave the city."

"Sir, aren't you leaving with us?" Yu Wei asked. "The epidemic is so important that it could shake the nation's foundations. I will stay for now."

Yu Wei and the others looked at each other, unable to make a decision for the moment.

"Sir, I'll stay." Said Gong Xiaohua.

It wasn't that Gong Xiaohua was being self-sacrificing. It was just that if the epidemic in Shuangyu County was confirmed and there were already early symptoms, it would only be a matter of time before other places were affected too.

She remembered that when they came to the prefectural city from Shuangyu County, there were many refugees from Shuangyu fleeing the disaster on the road.

"No, your wedding is imminent, and you are young and talented. You cannot be wasted here. Leave for the capital immediately."

"Sir, I told you I have read some medical books and understand some of the symptoms of plague from the books. I'll stay, I may be of some help."

Hearing Gong Xiaohua say this, and thinking of the golden wound medicine she made which was the most effective of all current trauma medicines, and that what they needed most during the epidemic were doctors, it would be best if Xiaohua could stay.

But looking at the young girl in front of him, he couldn't bear it.

And if something happened to Gong Xiaohua, with that Qin boy's temperament, he would definitely stir up extreme trouble for the Li family.

"Don't worry, Sir. I will protect myself."

In the end, Lord Li agreed to let Gong Xiaohua stay. The epidemic was too important.

Seeing Xiaohua stay, the others also stayed behind.

They weren't afraid of death when facing enemy assassins, so why would they fear the epidemic?

Besides, their duty was to protect the Lord, so how could they leave alone?

Moreover, Gong Xiaohua was the youngest among them. What reason did they have to be more afraid of death than a young girl?

"By the way, Xiaohua, does the medical book mention any ways to deal with the epidemic?"

"Yes, Sir. Epidemics are a kind of viral infection. To completely treat it, the type of virus must be identified first, then treated accordingly."

"But before finding the virus, infection sources must be controlled first and transmission channels cut off."

"Specifically, everyone should stay home as much as possible, reduce activity, protect their respiratory tract, and disinfect any contact thoroughly."

"Good, very good. Xiaohua, write down everything you know about dealing with epidemics, to be prepared."

"Yes, Sir."

The next day, Lord Wu came to report that the disease in Shuangyu County was finally confirmed as the worst possibility - plague.