Chapter 78: An Outbreak of Plague

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."

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.