Chapter 95.
As Fu Wei and Yu Ying were nearly at the yamen, they coincidentally met Huo Yachai, who was on his way to find them.
Huo Yachai said, “I was just about to invite Mr. Fu.”
Fu Wei, puzzled, asked, “What for?”
Glancing at Mrs. Yu beside him, Huo Yachai didn’t specify the reason, simply stating, “The magistrate wants to see Mr. Fu.”
Fu Wei, guessing, asked, “Is it about Mr. Sun?”
Huo Yachai appeared surprised but nodded.
Fu Wei roughly knew what the matter was about.
His expression remained calm, showing no surprise.
A short while later, they arrived at the yamen.
To avoid any appearance of impropriety, Yu Ying waited in the outer hall.
Fu Wei entered the inner hall with Huo Yachai.
Inside, the county magistrate sat at the head, with Luo Dianshi standing beside him, and Sun Mouliao, head hanging down, stood listlessly to the side.
On seeing Fu Wei, Luo Dianshi gave a slight bow.
Fu Wei nodded slightly in response.
The county magistrate, seeing Fu Wei arrive, finally understood why he had confidently stated before going to the county seat that Sun Mouliao would voluntarily leave the yamen before the New Year. It turned out he was waiting for this moment.
The magistrate learned that Fu Wei had arranged everything before they left for the county seat.
Bringing two secretaries to the county seat was conspicuous enough; naturally, Sun Mouliao wouldn't be included.
Traditionally, only Qian Mouliao was taken to the county seat, but this year Fu Wei was brought along to prevent Sun Mouliao from harboring resentment, hence the invitation for a drink and a talk before departure.
Unexpectedly, Sun Mouliao, blinded by greed, thought of sending a message to the magistrate's son in Wuling County!
Claiming that Fu Wei, having been brought into the yamen as a secretary, was living a life of luxury!
As a magistrate for several years, he knew the troublemakers of the area well, including some details about the child mistakenly taken into the Fu family.
Rumor had it that he was lazy and hung around with idlers, engaging in petty theft and other misdemeanors.
A person knowing they could have lived a life of luxury but suffered for twenty years due to a mistake would undoubtedly harbor resentment.
Not only resentment but also hatred. It was clear who had caused Fu Wei's leg injury.
If this news reached the ears of the person in question, he might not react much, but how Fu Wei would respond was uncertain.
Fortunately, the message was intercepted by Luo Dianshi.
Although Sun Mouliao's family had some money, they were not a wealthy or noble household, especially in winter. It would cost a significant sum to find someone to deliver a message to Wuling County, over two thousand li away, thus necessitating a courier.
Luo Dianshi, who oversaw correspondence as part of his duties, recognized all the couriers in Yuxian.
Luo Dianshi had secretly instructed all the couriers that if they received any letters to be sent to Wuling County, regardless of the sender, they should intercept them without showing any reaction and then inform him.
Luo Dianshi had been very cautious in his instructions, leading the couriers to believe it was a matter of high secrecy. Therefore, every time there was a letter for Wuling County, they intercepted it first and reported it.
It was precisely because of this meticulousness that Sun Mouliao's letter was intercepted.
The county magistrate picked up the intercepted letter from the table and waved it in his hand. Huo Yachai understood and took it to Fu Wei.
Fu Wei briefly scanned through the letter.
He felt no surprise at its contents.
The county magistrate looked directly at Sun Mouliao and said bluntly, “Although you have not broken the law, you have certainly betrayed your duty.”
Sun Mouliao’s face turned deathly pale, and he shakily looked up at Fu Wei.
Fu Wei's expression remained indifferent, showing no emotion, as if Sun Mouliao was insignificant in his eyes.
The county magistrate said sternly, “Considering your three years of service, I will not imprison you. I leave you with some dignity to resign from your post. However, I warn you, I will have you watched. If you dare to harbor any ill intentions, I, as the county magistrate, can easily fabricate a charge against your entire family, making your life miserable!”
Sun Mouliao immediately knelt down, his voice trembling as he said, “Thank you, sir.”
His demeanor showed how long he had been living in fear before Fu Wei’s arrival.
“Submit your resignation tomorrow. Leave, and don’t let me see you again.”
Sun Mouliao scrambled to his feet, glanced at Fu Wei, then staggered out of the inner hall.
The county magistrate turned to Huo Yachai, “Find someone to keep an eye on him for a while.”
Huo Yachai bowed and then left the room.
With only three people remaining in the inner hall, the county magistrate looked at Fu Wei and said, “Don’t hold it against me for letting Sun Mouliao go. He has a somewhat good reputation locally in Yuxian and has served in the yamen for several years. Managing Yuxian well requires maintaining a good public image.”
Fu Wei responded, “I understand your difficulty, sir.”
A minor figure like Sun Mouliao was not of much concern to Fu Wei.
The county magistrate nodded and turned to Luo Dianshi: “Previously, I was worried you might make a mistake due to the matter concerning your elder brother. But you haven’t let me down. After the New Year, I’ll assign you the task of external medicine delivery. If we receive good news, I’ll promote you to the position of Chief Clerk in the second half of next year.”
Luo Dianshi, initially feeling guilty at the magistrate's words, was then both shocked and delighted by the promise of promotion, quickly bowing in response, “I will not disappoint you, sir!”
He felt even more grateful to Fu Wei.
Without Fu Wei’s magnanimity in not holding a grudge against him, Luo Dianshi would not have this opportunity.
The county magistrate nodded and then, realizing Fu Wei had arrived quite early, asked, “How did you get here so quickly?”
Without avoiding Luo Dianshi, Fu Wei directly said, “My wife is knowledgeable about herbal medicine and medical techniques. Today, while in the market, we noticed a constant coughing among the people. Considering the recent weather fluctuations in Yuxian, from cold drizzly days to warm and humid ones, she suspects it might be an epidemic.”
The county magistrate and Luo Dianshi both turned pale upon hearing the word “epidemic.”
With frequent weather changes in Lingnan, some regions faced major or minor epidemics every four to five years. In the three years since the county magistrate took office, Yuxian had been peaceful without any epidemic outbreaks.
Luo Dianshi, seemingly recalling something, looked even more grave: “In recent days, the medical hall has indeed seen an increase in patients with headaches and fevers.”
Whether it was an epidemic or not, given the mention and signs of it, it couldn’t be ignored.
Seeing the county magistrate’s grave expression, Fu Wei knew no further explanation was necessary; the magistrate understood the gravity of the situation.
Fu Wei added, “My wife has also come to the yamen. Her father was a royal physician, and she has a comprehensive understanding of medical principles. She has even read rare medical texts usually only accessible to royal physicians. She might be able to help.”
Yu Ying had managed to rise out of poverty through the medicinal herb business, and the county magistrate did not doubt her abilities. Moreover, her family background was more prestigious than that of ordinary doctors, making her input particularly valuable.
After deliberating briefly, he turned to Lord Luo and said, "Summon the heads of the four medical halls. I want to question each of them to ascertain whether this is an epidemic."
Lord Luo did not dare to delay and hurriedly went to summon them.
After Lord Luo left, County Magistrate Zhou said to Fu Wei, "Let's wait for the people from the medical halls to arrive before discussing further."
Fu Wei nodded in agreement.
While waiting, Yu Ying was not idle. Noticing that many in the yamen were coughing incessantly, she went over to check their pulses and assess their condition.
Fu Wei had established his authority in the yamen and was valued by his superiors. Moreover, the fact that Yu Ying's father was an imperial physician and that they were indeed suffering from headaches and fever made them willing to let Yu Ying examine them.
Yu Ying examined three people in succession, her expression growing increasingly serious. She then called Wu, a minor yamen runner, to accompany her out of the yamen to stop and inquire about the condition of those who were coughing.
The presence of the yamen runner by her side intimidated the commoners, who could only tell the truth.
After half an hour, the heads of the medical halls arrived at the yamen.
On their arrival, they learned from the yamen runners that the Fu couple was also at the yamen.
The heads of Zheng's and Li's medical halls were still somewhat intimidated by the Fu couple.
Lord Luo of the medical hall never imagined that Yu Ying's husband would not only work in the yamen but also become a favorite of the County Magistrate. Afraid to come himself, he claimed to be ill and sent his eldest son instead.
Everyone knew what he was thinking, but they chose not to expose him. Besides, his absence out of anger was preferable.
After everyone was seated, County Magistrate Zhou ordered someone to call Yu Ying over.
The heads of the medical halls were puzzled. Head Zheng muttered, "Why involve a woman in official discussions?"
County Magistrate Zhou frowned, thinking if it really was an epidemic that none of them had noticed, but was discovered by a woman just back from the county seat, then they were less competent than even a woman.
County Magistrate Zhou cast a glance at him, and Head Zheng immediately closed his mouth.
Soon, Yu Ying entered the hall, first bowing to County Magistrate Zhou, then to the eldest and most reputable Head Ji from the Jade County.
County Magistrate Zhou glanced at Fu Wei and then said to Yu Ying, “Please, have a seat.”
Once everyone was seated, County Magistrate Zhou turned to the heads of the medical halls and asked, “I've heard that recently there's been a surge in people with fever and headaches in Jade County. What's the reason for this?”
The heads of the medical halls were taken aback. Were they summoned just for this matter?
Head Ji, the first to sense something amiss, responded, “Indeed, there are more cases this year. Has your honor discovered something?”
County Magistrate Zhou asked, “Could it be an epidemic?”
This question startled everyone, but Head Zheng quickly retorted, “Impossible, it’s just the cold weather causing headaches and fevers. How could it be an epidemic!?”
Even Head Li agreed, saying, “We haven't had an epidemic in Jade County for over twenty years. How could one suddenly break out now?”
Yu Ying, who had been quiet, spoke up, “In previous years, did you hear endless coughing on the streets like this?”
Without much thought, Head Li countered, “It’s cold weather; isn’t it normal to hear coughing in the streets?”
“But I just examined more than ten people. All of them have a thin white coating on their tongues and a floating, tight pulse. Moreover, their symptoms are identical: fever, runny nose, incessant coughing, body aches, loss of appetite, swollen neck, and facial edema. These ten were randomly selected, and their symptoms strikingly similar. If the patients in your medical halls also exhibit these symptoms, do you still think it’s just a common cold?”
The two heads, who hadn't practiced medicine in a while, were at a loss for words. Only Doctor Ji's expression changed, realizing something was amiss.
The sudden increase in patients at the medical hall today left him no time to think or even drink water, but something felt wrong.
After pondering, Head Ji suddenly stood up, exclaiming, “It’s an epidemic!”
Being the most skilled among them, Head Ji’s words weighed heavily, causing County Magistrate Zhou’s heart to sink.
Still hoping for the best, Head Zheng said in disbelief, “Can it be? After all, it’s been over twenty years since the last epidemic in Jade County. We can’t be that unlucky.”
The eldest son of the Luo family's medical hall wavered, saying, "Though it's been over twenty years since the last epidemic, that doesn’t mean it can't happen again. Moreover, the number of patients this morning alone is more than any other day in previous years."
His words shook the two heads who were previously skeptical, thinking only of the extra earnings from the influx of patients.
No one dared to profit from such a dangerous epidemic, no matter how ruthless they might be.
County Magistrate Zhou, regardless of whether it was an epidemic or not, decisively ordered the yamen staff to isolate those with symptoms of headache and fever and then had drums beaten to instruct the public to immediately return home and not to wander around aimlessly.
Then, turning to the heads of the medical halls, he said in an uncompromising tone, “After returning, confirm whether it is an epidemic and quickly come up with a treatment plan. Once it's confirmed, each medical hall must send a doctor to treat patients in the county and contribute a hundred jin of medicinal herbs, which will be bought at half the market price. The yamen will prepare a large pot to brew the medicine, which will be provided to everyone regardless of age, status, or background.”
Buying at half price was a losing deal, but no one dared to voice their objections.
Yu Ying, not hearing any other countermeasures and after County Magistrate Zhou finished speaking, said, “Your Honor, I've read in some medical texts about methods to prevent the spread of epidemics. Though not 100% effective, they can be somewhat useful.”
County Magistrate Zhou, without hesitation, urged, “Speak!”
Yu Ying explained, “Drinking boiled water can alleviate low fever. And since this pestilence is mostly spread through saliva and exhaled breath, covering faces with a double layer of cloth when going out can effectively prevent its spread.”
Normally, the city's residents are frugal with firewood, mostly drinking cool water or just warming it slightly. Even rural people in winter just warm river or well water a bit before drinking, never boiling it completely, except when making tea.
The heads of the medical halls frowned slightly, finding these methods feasible yet also dubious. If they were truly effective, there wouldn’t be so many deaths during an epidemic outbreak.
However, no one dared to question her, as they had just been proven wrong by a woman.
Perhaps this woman couldn’t guarantee it was an epidemic, but they couldn’t assure it wasn't either.
County Magistrate Zhou was silent for a moment. He didn’t understand medical arts, but Yu Ying, whose ancestors were imperial physicians, certainly had the skills. If there was a method, it was worth trying!
“Fine, first confirm if it’s an epidemic, then I'll arrange everything.”
Yu Ying then added, “I also know some medical techniques but don't have a formal medical license. I would like to be assessed by the doctors present and, if approved, help with the treatments.”
Hearing this, the heads of the medical halls were taken aback.
The very epidemic that doctors feared and sought to avoid, and she was volunteering to treat patients? Was she out of her mind?!
County Magistrate Zhou and Head Ji showed a hint of admiration in their eyes.
County Magistrate Zhou said directly, "I am aware of your abilities; there's no need for an assessment. Besides, if it really is an epidemic, what we lack most is manpower."
There’s no need for an assessment. These doctors failed to recognize the epidemic, yet you, a woman, dared to suggest it, speaking with such authority. They might not even be qualified to assess you.
Due to the urgency of the situation, County Magistrate Zhou did not detain the heads of the medical halls, giving them half an hour to confirm the situation.
To prevent the spread as soon as the epidemic is confirmed, regardless of having accurate information or not, County Magistrate Zhou immediately ordered the preparation of vacant houses throughout Jade County.
Once confirmed as an epidemic, they would immediately segregate those with severe symptoms, mild symptoms, and the uninfected into three different groups.
Meanwhile, County Magistrate Zhou also sent someone to alert his own wife, advising her to stay vigilant.
Chapter 95.
As Fu Wei and Yu Ying were nearly at the yamen, they coincidentally met Huo Yachai, who was on his way to find them.
Huo Yachai said, “I was just about to invite Mr. Fu.”
Fu Wei, puzzled, asked, “What for?”
Glancing at Mrs. Yu beside him, Huo Yachai didn’t specify the reason, simply stating, “The magistrate wants to see Mr. Fu.”
Fu Wei, guessing, asked, “Is it about Mr. Sun?”
Huo Yachai appeared surprised but nodded.
Fu Wei roughly knew what the matter was about.
His expression remained calm, showing no surprise.
A short while later, they arrived at the yamen.
To avoid any appearance of impropriety, Yu Ying waited in the outer hall.
Fu Wei entered the inner hall with Huo Yachai.
Inside, the county magistrate sat at the head, with Luo Dianshi standing beside him, and Sun Mouliao, head hanging down, stood listlessly to the side.
On seeing Fu Wei, Luo Dianshi gave a slight bow.
Fu Wei nodded slightly in response.
The county magistrate, seeing Fu Wei arrive, finally understood why he had confidently stated before going to the county seat that Sun Mouliao would voluntarily leave the yamen before the New Year. It turned out he was waiting for this moment.
The magistrate learned that Fu Wei had arranged everything before they left for the county seat.
Bringing two secretaries to the county seat was conspicuous enough; naturally, Sun Mouliao wouldn't be included.
Traditionally, only Qian Mouliao was taken to the county seat, but this year Fu Wei was brought along to prevent Sun Mouliao from harboring resentment, hence the invitation for a drink and a talk before departure.
Unexpectedly, Sun Mouliao, blinded by greed, thought of sending a message to the magistrate's son in Wuling County!
Claiming that Fu Wei, having been brought into the yamen as a secretary, was living a life of luxury!
As a magistrate for several years, he knew the troublemakers of the area well, including some details about the child mistakenly taken into the Fu family.
Rumor had it that he was lazy and hung around with idlers, engaging in petty theft and other misdemeanors.
A person knowing they could have lived a life of luxury but suffered for twenty years due to a mistake would undoubtedly harbor resentment.
Not only resentment but also hatred. It was clear who had caused Fu Wei's leg injury.
If this news reached the ears of the person in question, he might not react much, but how Fu Wei would respond was uncertain.
Fortunately, the message was intercepted by Luo Dianshi.
Although Sun Mouliao's family had some money, they were not a wealthy or noble household, especially in winter. It would cost a significant sum to find someone to deliver a message to Wuling County, over two thousand li away, thus necessitating a courier.
Luo Dianshi, who oversaw correspondence as part of his duties, recognized all the couriers in Yuxian.
Luo Dianshi had secretly instructed all the couriers that if they received any letters to be sent to Wuling County, regardless of the sender, they should intercept them without showing any reaction and then inform him.
Luo Dianshi had been very cautious in his instructions, leading the couriers to believe it was a matter of high secrecy. Therefore, every time there was a letter for Wuling County, they intercepted it first and reported it.
It was precisely because of this meticulousness that Sun Mouliao's letter was intercepted.
The county magistrate picked up the intercepted letter from the table and waved it in his hand. Huo Yachai understood and took it to Fu Wei.
Fu Wei briefly scanned through the letter.
He felt no surprise at its contents.
The county magistrate looked directly at Sun Mouliao and said bluntly, “Although you have not broken the law, you have certainly betrayed your duty.”
Sun Mouliao’s face turned deathly pale, and he shakily looked up at Fu Wei.
Fu Wei's expression remained indifferent, showing no emotion, as if Sun Mouliao was insignificant in his eyes.
The county magistrate said sternly, “Considering your three years of service, I will not imprison you. I leave you with some dignity to resign from your post. However, I warn you, I will have you watched. If you dare to harbor any ill intentions, I, as the county magistrate, can easily fabricate a charge against your entire family, making your life miserable!”
Sun Mouliao immediately knelt down, his voice trembling as he said, “Thank you, sir.”
His demeanor showed how long he had been living in fear before Fu Wei’s arrival.
“Submit your resignation tomorrow. Leave, and don’t let me see you again.”
Sun Mouliao scrambled to his feet, glanced at Fu Wei, then staggered out of the inner hall.
The county magistrate turned to Huo Yachai, “Find someone to keep an eye on him for a while.”
Huo Yachai bowed and then left the room.
With only three people remaining in the inner hall, the county magistrate looked at Fu Wei and said, “Don’t hold it against me for letting Sun Mouliao go. He has a somewhat good reputation locally in Yuxian and has served in the yamen for several years. Managing Yuxian well requires maintaining a good public image.”
Fu Wei responded, “I understand your difficulty, sir.”
A minor figure like Sun Mouliao was not of much concern to Fu Wei.
The county magistrate nodded and turned to Luo Dianshi: “Previously, I was worried you might make a mistake due to the matter concerning your elder brother. But you haven’t let me down. After the New Year, I’ll assign you the task of external medicine delivery. If we receive good news, I’ll promote you to the position of Chief Clerk in the second half of next year.”
Luo Dianshi, initially feeling guilty at the magistrate's words, was then both shocked and delighted by the promise of promotion, quickly bowing in response, “I will not disappoint you, sir!”
He felt even more grateful to Fu Wei.
Without Fu Wei’s magnanimity in not holding a grudge against him, Luo Dianshi would not have this opportunity.
The county magistrate nodded and then, realizing Fu Wei had arrived quite early, asked, “How did you get here so quickly?”
Without avoiding Luo Dianshi, Fu Wei directly said, “My wife is knowledgeable about herbal medicine and medical techniques. Today, while in the market, we noticed a constant coughing among the people. Considering the recent weather fluctuations in Yuxian, from cold drizzly days to warm and humid ones, she suspects it might be an epidemic.”
The county magistrate and Luo Dianshi both turned pale upon hearing the word “epidemic.”
With frequent weather changes in Lingnan, some regions faced major or minor epidemics every four to five years. In the three years since the county magistrate took office, Yuxian had been peaceful without any epidemic outbreaks.
Luo Dianshi, seemingly recalling something, looked even more grave: “In recent days, the medical hall has indeed seen an increase in patients with headaches and fevers.”
Whether it was an epidemic or not, given the mention and signs of it, it couldn’t be ignored.
Seeing the county magistrate’s grave expression, Fu Wei knew no further explanation was necessary; the magistrate understood the gravity of the situation.
Fu Wei added, “My wife has also come to the yamen. Her father was a royal physician, and she has a comprehensive understanding of medical principles. She has even read rare medical texts usually only accessible to royal physicians. She might be able to help.”
Yu Ying had managed to rise out of poverty through the medicinal herb business, and the county magistrate did not doubt her abilities. Moreover, her family background was more prestigious than that of ordinary doctors, making her input particularly valuable.
After deliberating briefly, he turned to Lord Luo and said, "Summon the heads of the four medical halls. I want to question each of them to ascertain whether this is an epidemic."
Lord Luo did not dare to delay and hurriedly went to summon them.
After Lord Luo left, County Magistrate Zhou said to Fu Wei, "Let's wait for the people from the medical halls to arrive before discussing further."
Fu Wei nodded in agreement.
While waiting, Yu Ying was not idle. Noticing that many in the yamen were coughing incessantly, she went over to check their pulses and assess their condition.
Fu Wei had established his authority in the yamen and was valued by his superiors. Moreover, the fact that Yu Ying's father was an imperial physician and that they were indeed suffering from headaches and fever made them willing to let Yu Ying examine them.
Yu Ying examined three people in succession, her expression growing increasingly serious. She then called Wu, a minor yamen runner, to accompany her out of the yamen to stop and inquire about the condition of those who were coughing.
The presence of the yamen runner by her side intimidated the commoners, who could only tell the truth.
After half an hour, the heads of the medical halls arrived at the yamen.
On their arrival, they learned from the yamen runners that the Fu couple was also at the yamen.
The heads of Zheng's and Li's medical halls were still somewhat intimidated by the Fu couple.
Lord Luo of the medical hall never imagined that Yu Ying's husband would not only work in the yamen but also become a favorite of the County Magistrate. Afraid to come himself, he claimed to be ill and sent his eldest son instead.
Everyone knew what he was thinking, but they chose not to expose him. Besides, his absence out of anger was preferable.
After everyone was seated, County Magistrate Zhou ordered someone to call Yu Ying over.
The heads of the medical halls were puzzled. Head Zheng muttered, "Why involve a woman in official discussions?"
County Magistrate Zhou frowned, thinking if it really was an epidemic that none of them had noticed, but was discovered by a woman just back from the county seat, then they were less competent than even a woman.
County Magistrate Zhou cast a glance at him, and Head Zheng immediately closed his mouth.
Soon, Yu Ying entered the hall, first bowing to County Magistrate Zhou, then to the eldest and most reputable Head Ji from the Jade County.
County Magistrate Zhou glanced at Fu Wei and then said to Yu Ying, “Please, have a seat.”
Once everyone was seated, County Magistrate Zhou turned to the heads of the medical halls and asked, “I've heard that recently there's been a surge in people with fever and headaches in Jade County. What's the reason for this?”
The heads of the medical halls were taken aback. Were they summoned just for this matter?
Head Ji, the first to sense something amiss, responded, “Indeed, there are more cases this year. Has your honor discovered something?”
County Magistrate Zhou asked, “Could it be an epidemic?”
This question startled everyone, but Head Zheng quickly retorted, “Impossible, it’s just the cold weather causing headaches and fevers. How could it be an epidemic!?”
Even Head Li agreed, saying, “We haven't had an epidemic in Jade County for over twenty years. How could one suddenly break out now?”
Yu Ying, who had been quiet, spoke up, “In previous years, did you hear endless coughing on the streets like this?”
Without much thought, Head Li countered, “It’s cold weather; isn’t it normal to hear coughing in the streets?”
“But I just examined more than ten people. All of them have a thin white coating on their tongues and a floating, tight pulse. Moreover, their symptoms are identical: fever, runny nose, incessant coughing, body aches, loss of appetite, swollen neck, and facial edema. These ten were randomly selected, and their symptoms strikingly similar. If the patients in your medical halls also exhibit these symptoms, do you still think it’s just a common cold?”
The two heads, who hadn't practiced medicine in a while, were at a loss for words. Only Doctor Ji's expression changed, realizing something was amiss.
The sudden increase in patients at the medical hall today left him no time to think or even drink water, but something felt wrong.
After pondering, Head Ji suddenly stood up, exclaiming, “It’s an epidemic!”
Being the most skilled among them, Head Ji’s words weighed heavily, causing County Magistrate Zhou’s heart to sink.
Still hoping for the best, Head Zheng said in disbelief, “Can it be? After all, it’s been over twenty years since the last epidemic in Jade County. We can’t be that unlucky.”
The eldest son of the Luo family's medical hall wavered, saying, "Though it's been over twenty years since the last epidemic, that doesn’t mean it can't happen again. Moreover, the number of patients this morning alone is more than any other day in previous years."
His words shook the two heads who were previously skeptical, thinking only of the extra earnings from the influx of patients.
No one dared to profit from such a dangerous epidemic, no matter how ruthless they might be.
County Magistrate Zhou, regardless of whether it was an epidemic or not, decisively ordered the yamen staff to isolate those with symptoms of headache and fever and then had drums beaten to instruct the public to immediately return home and not to wander around aimlessly.
Then, turning to the heads of the medical halls, he said in an uncompromising tone, “After returning, confirm whether it is an epidemic and quickly come up with a treatment plan. Once it's confirmed, each medical hall must send a doctor to treat patients in the county and contribute a hundred jin of medicinal herbs, which will be bought at half the market price. The yamen will prepare a large pot to brew the medicine, which will be provided to everyone regardless of age, status, or background.”
Buying at half price was a losing deal, but no one dared to voice their objections.
Yu Ying, not hearing any other countermeasures and after County Magistrate Zhou finished speaking, said, “Your Honor, I've read in some medical texts about methods to prevent the spread of epidemics. Though not 100% effective, they can be somewhat useful.”
County Magistrate Zhou, without hesitation, urged, “Speak!”
Yu Ying explained, “Drinking boiled water can alleviate low fever. And since this pestilence is mostly spread through saliva and exhaled breath, covering faces with a double layer of cloth when going out can effectively prevent its spread.”
Normally, the city's residents are frugal with firewood, mostly drinking cool water or just warming it slightly. Even rural people in winter just warm river or well water a bit before drinking, never boiling it completely, except when making tea.
The heads of the medical halls frowned slightly, finding these methods feasible yet also dubious. If they were truly effective, there wouldn’t be so many deaths during an epidemic outbreak.
However, no one dared to question her, as they had just been proven wrong by a woman.
Perhaps this woman couldn’t guarantee it was an epidemic, but they couldn’t assure it wasn't either.
County Magistrate Zhou was silent for a moment. He didn’t understand medical arts, but Yu Ying, whose ancestors were imperial physicians, certainly had the skills. If there was a method, it was worth trying!
“Fine, first confirm if it’s an epidemic, then I'll arrange everything.”
Yu Ying then added, “I also know some medical techniques but don't have a formal medical license. I would like to be assessed by the doctors present and, if approved, help with the treatments.”
Hearing this, the heads of the medical halls were taken aback.
The very epidemic that doctors feared and sought to avoid, and she was volunteering to treat patients? Was she out of her mind?!
County Magistrate Zhou and Head Ji showed a hint of admiration in their eyes.
County Magistrate Zhou said directly, "I am aware of your abilities; there's no need for an assessment. Besides, if it really is an epidemic, what we lack most is manpower."
There’s no need for an assessment. These doctors failed to recognize the epidemic, yet you, a woman, dared to suggest it, speaking with such authority. They might not even be qualified to assess you.
Due to the urgency of the situation, County Magistrate Zhou did not detain the heads of the medical halls, giving them half an hour to confirm the situation.
To prevent the spread as soon as the epidemic is confirmed, regardless of having accurate information or not, County Magistrate Zhou immediately ordered the preparation of vacant houses throughout Jade County.
Once confirmed as an epidemic, they would immediately segregate those with severe symptoms, mild symptoms, and the uninfected into three different groups.
Meanwhile, County Magistrate Zhou also sent someone to alert his own wife, advising her to stay vigilant.
