Chapter 65: Epidemic

Raindrops danced wildly, splashing mud in all directions.

The halls of the Chaozui Temple bustled with hurried figures as temporary shelters were erected. The pungent bitterness of boiled herbs permeated the air, and even the Jin Yiwei guards tending to the cauldrons covered their mouths and noses with handkerchiefs.

Qi Huilian, with her head wrapped in cloth, distributed the medicinal broth alongside Ji Gang. Noticing a feverish patient muttering incoherently, she paused to observe closely.

Ji Gang, efficient in his task of clearing the bowls, noticed the Grand Tutor's stillness and inquired, "Is everything alright?"

"This is the Crimson City Plague," Qi Huilian gently lifted the collar of the patient. "The rashes crawl across the skin, and it's highly contagious."

Ji Gang asked, "Is it curable?"

Qi Huilian felt an itch on his scalp. He scratched it a few times and said, "It's treatable, but troublesome. The canal must continue to be dug, but who knows if someone infected has spit or urinated in the water? If those digging the canal contract the illness without realizing it, they might inadvertently spread it to others, causing a widespread outbreak once more."

"Sins abound," Ji Gang observed, looking at the shelter beneath the eaves. "What shall we do?"

"What should we do..." Qi Huilian suddenly pulled up the cloth to cover his face and whispered as he observed the approach of someone at the Gate of Acknowledged Sins. "It all depends on fate now. First, we must stabilize public sentiment; chaos must be avoided at all costs. Gather all the apothecaries in Jidu, big or small, and ensure that the patients are isolated from one another."

"We can't linger here either," Ji Gang put down his bowl. "There's someone to handle this. I'll send Chuan'er away."

"Lang Zhou can't leave," Qi Huilian said. "He's the one who needs to take care of it. At a time like this, can you really rely on Han Cheng? They'd be hiding if they could."

"That won't do!" Ji Gang's expression darkened. "He's only a fifth-rank Zhenfu official. He doesn't even qualify for a fourth-rank position. How can we let him handle this? This matter is too significant; there are plenty of officials higher in rank and power than he is!"

"With whom are you trying to reason?" Qi Huilian set down his bowl. "If Han Cheng uses the excuse of training to keep Lang Zhou here, there's nothing you can do! Who would willingly come down when the illness breaks out? Even Hai Liangyi wouldn't be able to make it! Besides, Lang Zhou can't leave. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If he succeeds, he'll be promoted! Promoted—"

Ji Gang abruptly pushed Qi Huilian aside. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Qi Huilian fell to the ground but quickly got up. "If not now, then when should we seize the moment?" He was also getting angry. "This is the time when people step on each other to survive. He has to do it, whether he wants to or not! Do you understand?"

"I don't need your explanations," Ji Gang said, his face darkening further. "I want him to leave, and I'm going to take him with me!"

As Ji Gang started to head inside, Qiao Tianya walked out, blocking his path.

"The monks from the Zhaozui Temple are evacuating everyone outside. Only patients can stay within. Master, you shouldn't go back in." Qiao Tianya smiled. "Your notes have already been moved to the old residence. Your lordship arranged a small building for the two of you on Shenwu Avenue, right next to the palace gates. It won't flood."

"Get out of my way!" Ji Gang demanded. "Everyone here is sick. How can Chuan'er stay for long? I need to talk to him!"

Qiao Tianya's smile faded, and he said solemnly, "Why put me in such a difficult position, Master? Since His Highness has given the order, there is no reason to change it. There are all patients here. If you stay, His Highness will worry. For his filial piety, please come with me."

Ji Gang, hearing the intense coughing around them, grew even more anxious. He seized Qiao Tianya's arm and pushed him back firmly. Qiao Tianya had anticipated this move and, as a result, half of his arm went numb. However, his pace quickened, and he positioned his entire body to shield Ji Gang.

"Master!" Qiao Tianya whispered, "Calm down! His Highness must have a plan for making this arrangement. I'll be back soon. If we leave early, His Highness will return early too. Can't we do that? With so many eyes watching, can you really take him away? And where would you go?"

It was the question "where would you go" that finally calmed Ji Gang down. He gazed inside for a while, then flung his sleeve and trembled as he pointed at Qi Huilian, but ultimately did not utter another word.

* * *

Shen Zechuan sat on a bench, his eyes closed in rest. The constant buzzing in his ears made his head spin, yet he maintained an impeccable composure. After a moment, he heard someone calling him, and Shen Zechuan opened his eyes. The weariness vanished from his face the instant he did so.

An official from the Ministry of Revenue said, "Sir, the supply of herbal medicine won't be enough. What should we do tomorrow?"

"This matter is critical, so the supply of herbs won't be interrupted," Shen Zechuan said, pulling his cloak closer. "The court physicians from the Imperial Hospital should be arriving soon, and they'll bring news about the preparations for more herbs. Keep brewing the medicine without sparing any effort."

The official agreed.

Noticing the official's fearful expression, Shen Zechuan asked, "Which department of the Ministry of Revenue are you from?"

The official hastily replied, "I'm not really an official, just a clerk in charge of record-keeping."

"Doing the people's work is the same, no matter the rank," Shen Zechuan said, reaching up to massage his temples for a moment before asking, "What's your name?"

"My name is Liang Cuishan," the man answered.

"Starting tomorrow morning, you'll take over overseeing the herbal remedies. Record everything in detail, regardless of its size," Shen Zechuan instructed. "I assume the imperial guards have already gone to fetch the herbs. Time is short, and they can't wait for the palace's approval. So, you must keep a clear account of all the herbs these few days."

He suddenly paused, then fell silent for a moment.

"You should go rest now. Take care of yourself these few days, and report immediately if you feel unwell," Shen Zechuan said.

As Liang Cuishan took his leave and the curtains fell, Shen Zechuan felt a burning sensation on his forehead.

Ge Qingqing followed in and was startled by the sight. She approached quietly and whispered, "Supervisor..."

Shen Zechuan remained calm and asked, "When did Xi Hongxuan's rash appear?"

"Two hours after the medicine was applied," Ge Qingqing replied. "It started on his legs and has been spreading upward."

"I had rashes before the fever," Shen Zechuan said with clarity. "The symptoms don't match, so it's likely not an epidemic. But just to be safe, I'll have to take the medicine."

Ge Qingqing felt slightly relieved but added, "It's a good thing I didn't ask for leave this morning!"

If the Emperor contracted an illness, which court physician would dare say he caught it from being promiscuous? They could only make up excuses, claiming it was an accidental infection. But who could have infected the Emperor? It could only be someone who was in close proximity to him, like an eunuch or a guard frequently in his presence. Shen Zechuan was currently serving in the imperial court, and if he had asked for leave that morning, it would become leverage against him later. If his rash were to be mistaken as an infectious symptom, he would lose his position by the imperial side. With Shen Wei's guilt still weighing on him, it would be truly difficult for Shen Zechuan to rise again.

Even Shen Zechuan found it hard to catch his breath at this moment. Compared to cunning schemes, unpredictable fate was the most difficult to guard against. If he hadn't been cautious, he would now be at the mercy of others, his life hanging by a thread.

Seeing him close his eyes, Ge Qingqing retreated.

Listening to the rain, Shen Zechuan's thoughts drifted away. The muddy memories of the past flooded back with the sound of rain, causing him to frown in weariness.

He disliked both snowy days and rainy days. The damp cold reminded him of the Tea Stone Pit, Ji Mu, and all those days he spent kneeling at the mercy of others. The damp cold made him uneasy, gloomy, and filled with cold tolerance and irritability beneath his skin.

Shen Zechuan leaned against the wall, trying to rest his eyes, but he grew more drowsy and eventually fell asleep in the corner.

Xiao Chiye arrived at the Temple of Retribution rather late. He entered with the court physicians who had rushed over. Ding Tao followed behind with a worried look, as he had failed to find Shen Zechuan and missed the timing.

Xiao Chiye asked the Jinyiwei guards who were boiling the medicine, "Where is the Commander? I need to find him!"

The cloak-clad guards had half their faces concealed as they handed him a bowl of medicine, saying, "Everyone has to take this before anything else, Governor. Your imperial guards will be wading through water, so be cautious!"

Xiao Chiye swallowed the medicine in silence.

The guard got up and called out from under the shelter, "Brother Qing! Brother Qing, are you there? Where's our commander? Inform him that Governor Xiao is here."

Ge Qingqing was dozing off on a bench. Hearing the voice, he sat up immediately, threw on his clothes, and walked over. Seeing Xiao Chiye, he said, "The commander is resting inside… He hasn't slept all night. Governor, why don't you get some rest too? The Eight Banners have offered to guard the city gates, so we'll be the only ones digging the trench tomorrow."

"Physical labor should be done by those with strength," Xiao Chiye said as he walked. "Keep an eye on the gate and don't let anyone in."

Xiao Chiye lifted the curtain and entered. The room was dark, and he scanned it but found no one. After taking a few more steps, he saw Shen Zechuan leaning against the wall.

Xiao Chiye was dirty, so he removed his outer robe and sat down beside Shen Zechuan, draining the water out of his boots. It was chilly indoors, so he put his boots back on and went out again. He borrowed a flame from the stove and came back in to light a copper basin.

Shen Zechuan opened his eyes and asked, "Is East Dragon Street finished?"

"Mm," Xiao Chiye replied, stoking the fire. "Why aren't you sleeping on the bed?"

"I'll just nap for a bit," Shen Zechuan said. "I won't be able to get up once I lie down."

Xiao Chiye moved the basin closer to the bed and said, "Come up and sleep. I'll wake you later."

Shen Zechuan didn't hesitate. He lay down, and Xiao Chiye embraced him from behind, his face pressed against Shen Zechuan's cheek. Initially, Shen Zechuan could still hear Xiao Chiye's low voice, but it gradually faded.

Listening to Shen Zechuan's breathing grow deeper, Xiao Chiye reached out to unfasten his collar, examining the red rash attentively.

It was different from Xi Hongxuan's.

Xiao Chiye buttoned Shen Zechuan's clothes back up and fell asleep holding him.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Xiao Chiye sensed a burning heat in his embrace. Half-awake, he struggled to focus until he clearly saw the person in his arms, instantly becoming fully alert.

Shen Zechuan was burning with fever, sweat dampening the corners of his hair. When Xiao Chiye touched him, every part of Shen Zechuan's body felt scorching hot.

Xiao Chiye jolted upright and called out, "Lan Zhou, Lan Zhou?"

Sweat trickled down Shen Zechuan's brow as he knitted his eyebrows, his breathing rapid. Half-awakened by Xiao Chiye's call, he murmured, "Isolation... Separation... This illness can be contracted even without contact with water."

Xiao Chiye wrapped Shen Zechuan in a cloak and yelled, "Chen Yang, summon the imperial physician!"

Chen Yang, dozing against the wall, instantly woke up and leaped down from the steps. He darted under the shelter and pulled the physician towards the door.

The physician lifted the edge of the cloak slightly and examined for a while before urgently saying, "Governor, Commander Zhenfu has contracted an epidemic! I can see that this illness was initially caused by a... a cold wind..."

Xiao Chiye held the physician's arm. Staring at him, he said in a chilling tone, "What is Zhenfu?"

Startled, the physician corrected himself, "I mean... it's due to exhaustion and overwork... that he fell ill..."

"That's right, Zhenfu did fall ill here today," Xiao Chiye tightened his grip, "But he wasn't sick before this."

The physician hurriedly agreed, "Yes, yes, yes..."

"QuDu's medicines are all here, and I know you're a master healer," Xiao Chiye suddenly softened his tone, "You can cure him, can't you?"

Looking into Xiao Chiye's eyes, the physician's legs went weak. He leaned on the bed frame and frantically nodded, saying, "Yes, I can, I can..."