Chapter 99.
After speaking with the county magistrate, dusk had quietly fallen, and the evening breeze was bitterly cold.
Upon Yu Ying’s departure, County Magistrate Zhou specifically ordered a carriage to take her home.
Fu Wei accompanied her out of the yamen, asking her to wait for a moment.
After a short while, Fu Zhen came out from the yamen with a package and stopped beside them, handing it to Yu Ying.
Fu Wei said, “I brought the candies and preserved fruits you bought in the county seat earlier. You can take them to the quarantine center and share them with Ning Ning.”
Fu Zhen added, “Inside there are clothes made by Sister-in-law Apricot for you and Ning Ning. She asked me to give them to you.”
Yu Ying accepted the package, a gentle smile appearing in her eyes as she looked at it.
The feeling of being cared for is truly wonderful.
“Please thank sister-in-law for me,” Yu Ying said, turning to Fu Wei, “And thank you too.”
Fu Wei replied softly, “It is us who should be thanking you.”
After speaking, he glanced at the sky, “It’s getting dark, you should head back.”
Yu Ying nodded, holding the package as she boarded the carriage.
Once inside the carriage, she lifted the curtain and waved to Fu Wei, “You should head back too.”
Fu Wei concealed his worry, showing a gentle smile as he waved back to her.
All their interactions were observed by Fu Zhen.
Only after the carriage disappeared from view did the smile fade from Fu Wei’s face, replaced by a solemn expression.
Pushing him towards the yamen, Fu Zhen asked, “Are you and your wife going to separate?”
Hearing this, Fu Wei asked indifferently, “Why do you ask that?”
Fu Zhen replied, “It’s been obvious to all of us that you and your wife were only companions midway through life, hardly even qualifying as a nominal husband and wife.”
Fu Wei wasn’t surprised by Fu Zhen’s words, as he and Yu Ying hadn’t made any effort to hide their relationship from them. It wasn’t surprising that they had noticed.
“Yu Ying and I will not separate.”
As he spoke these words, Fu Wei’s eyes held a firm resolve.
Fu Zhen smiled, “I thought as much.”
Ever since their return from the county seat, the atmosphere between the two had changed completely, feeling entirely different from before they left.
Being experienced, he could tell from their subtle expressions and the nuanced atmosphere when they looked at each other that their relationship had grown closer.
Yu Ying, upon returning to the quarantine center, headed straight to her lodging to check on Fu Ning.
Fu Ning had been obedient, not wandering off, and had stayed inside making clothes for her doll.
Yu Ying opened the package, revealing a bag of candy and preserved fruits, along with undergarments for her and Fu Ning.
Busy all day and with scarce resources like firewood and water, she could only wash clothes every two days.
And with the bad weather, it would take a couple of days for clothes to dry, so the undergarments were much needed.
Yu Ying handed Fu Ning two pieces of preserved fruit and two candies.
The little girl, who had been taking bitter medicine for many days, lit up at the sight of the sweets, her eyes sparkling.
After thanking Yu Ying, she popped a candy into her mouth. The sweetness dispelled the bitterness, and the sugary taste made her squint her eyes happily, her lips curving into a smile.
Yu Ying fetched some warm water and, after a simple wash for Fu Ning, changed into her visiting clothes, put on an apron, and donned her mask.
Once ready, she said to Fu Ning, “Auntie has to go out and work. Stay in the room and be good.”
After a moment's thought, she looked at the candies and preserved fruits on the bedside table, then picked up a packet of preserved fruits before leaving the room.
Yu Ying first visited the hut where the children were placed.
The children, pale and weak, lay on makeshift beds, moaning in discomfort.
In this quarantine area, most of the people infected with the epidemic were children and the elderly, almost 200 in total, with children and elderly accounting for about 150.
Yu Ying distributed the preserved fruits among the children, giving one to each.
After distributing, only a few were left, which she gave to the children with the most severe conditions.
Some children, upon receiving the preserved fruits, put them in their mouths, bringing a hint of a smile to their faces.
After distributing the sweets, Yu Ying continued with her other tasks.
On the fifth day of the epidemic, about twenty people with milder symptoms recovered, confirmed by several doctors. They then sought permission from the county magistrate to let these people return home.
The contagious nature of the epidemic was truly frightening; it was uncertain if these people might relapse or infect others.
The cautious county magistrate was also undecided.
However, Fu Wei suggested, “The people of Jade County are in panic, fearing that the epidemic is incurable. If this continues, there might be runaways. Once one person flees, others will follow, and it's inevitable that some might escape, potentially spreading the epidemic elsewhere. This would be a responsibility too great for the magistrate to bear.”
Hearing this, the magistrate's brows furrowed deeply.
Fu Wei added, “Perhaps letting these people go home now can prove to the public that the disease is curable and give them some assurance.”
County Magistrate Zhou pondered Fu Wei’s words, finding them quite reasonable.
With recovered patients emerging just five days into the epidemic, it greatly encouraged the public and the yamen staff, and also positively affected the emotions of those infected, greatly benefiting their treatment.
In his hesitation, Fu Wei further suggested, “Since the doctors have confirmed their recovery after thorough checks and deliberation, there shouldn’t be any major issues. There's no need for excessive worry. If there are still concerns, perhaps we can temporarily place these people in an inn for a couple of days. If there are no signs of relapse, then they can be allowed to return home.”
County Magistrate Zhou found the proposal feasible and accepted Fu Wei's suggestion, ordering people to bring those recovered individuals and requisitioning an inn, offering compensation in silver.
Despite reluctance, the innkeepers, under official requisition, dared not voice any complaints.
The only requirement was that these people must enter through the back door and bring their own bedding.
As the request was reasonable, County Magistrate Zhou arranged for it to be done.
Two days later, seeing no signs of relapse in these individuals and observing their improved spirits, they were allowed to return home.
Although Jade County was under martial law, the magistrate intentionally spread the good news, so within half a day, everyone in Jade County knew that someone had cured the epidemic!
The despondent mood in Jade County seemed to lift somewhat.
Having been under Yu Ying's care, Fu Ning's health had significantly improved, finally easing Yu Ying's worries.
Now that the quarantine center was no longer suitable for her, Yu Ying asked the father and son from Ji's Medical Hall to examine her.
If a few doctors agreed, she could be discharged.
After careful examination by the Jis, confirming no issues, Fu Ning was set to be discharged the next day.
Master Ji, stepping out of the room, looked at Yu Ying who escorted him out and asked, “Everyone avoids those infected with the epidemic, how can Lady Yu dare to stay in the same room with this child?”
Yu Ying smiled, “Although the epidemic is fearsome, as long as one administers the right treatment and takes proper precautions, it’s not so frightening.”
Hearing her words, even though Yu Ying was young, Master Ji couldn’t help but admire her, “My son and apprentice are older than Lady Yu, but they lack her steadiness and capability.”
Towards the end of their conversation, he cautiously extended an invitation, “Once this epidemic is over, would Lady Yu be interested in joining Ji's Medical Hall?”
Yu Ying was momentarily taken aback.
Master Ji added, “It may seem abrupt, but I genuinely admire Lady Yu and would like you to consider it carefully.”
Yu Ying was unsure how to respond in the moment and simply agreed to consider the offer carefully.
After seeing off Master Ji, Yu Ying pondered deeply.
If she were to open a medical hall, she needed to understand the rules and practices of this era; experience was necessary to start successfully.
However, now was not the time to think about this issue; it was better to wait until the epidemic was over.
On the twenty-ninth day of the year, Fu Ning and a portion of the recovered villagers were allowed to return home.
More and more people were able to go home. Those remaining in the quarantine center, though envious and distressed, were less fearful of the epidemic.
On the thirtieth day, the quarantine center remained as deserted as ever, with no hint of the New Year's spirit.
Yu Ying thought her first New Year in this era would pass uneventfully, but to her surprise, the yamen runners brought several red lanterns to hang in the courtyard, adding a touch of festivity to the cold environment.
The yamen runner who brought the lanterns found Yu Ying and handed her a letter.
“Lady Yu, this is from Mr. Fu, he asked me to give it to you.”
Yu Ying received the letter, a gentle smile appearing on her face.
She only read the letter after returning to her room.
Fu Wei updated her about the situation in Lingshui Village and other villages.
The best situation was in Lingshui Village.
Lingshui had fewer patients, and Yu Ying had visited twice. Half of them had already recovered, and the rest were also improving.
The situation in other villages was also improving. Fu Wei calculated that, given the current progress, the epidemic could be completely resolved in a maximum of half a month.
After discussing official matters, at the end of the letter, there was a line, “I miss you dearly, seeing the mountains reminds me of you, as does looking at the water. Every day, I eagerly await your return.”
Yu Ying smiled warmly, then started to write a reply on a piece of stationery.
Although the yamen runners report daily to the county magistrate about the situation at the quarantine center, Yu Ying still wrote about the current state of affairs there.
She also mentioned Master Ji's invitation for her to join his medical hall.
Additionally, she requested Fu Wei to prepare two red envelopes, each containing ten coins, as New Year gifts for Fu An and Fu Ning.
Towards the end, Yu Ying indulged in a bit of sentimentality, concluding with “I too miss you.”
Writing these last few words, Yu Ying felt somewhat embarrassed.
It seemed a bit cheesy.
After sealing the letter in an envelope, she handed it to a yamen runner who was due to report back to the yamen early the next morning, asking him to deliver it to Fu Wei.
Just as she gave the letter to the runner, hurried footsteps approached the courtyard, followed by the sound of a door opening in the adjacent ward for critically ill patients.
Soon, a yamen runner came rushing in. Seeing Yu Ying, he urgently called out, “Lady Yu, come quickly! Someone just found an unconscious man with a high fever in a dilapidated house!”
Hearing this, Yu Ying’s expression changed drastically. She hastily donned her mask and followed the runner to the next courtyard.
The man was placed in a temporary straw hut in the courtyard.
The biggest fear for seriously ill patients is cross-infection, so the courtyard had ten temporary straw huts, each about half a zhang wide and less than a zhang long.
Yu Ying entered the hut first, followed by the runner holding a lamp.
The narrow hut, aside from the man on the bed, could barely fit the two of them.
Yu Ying approached the bed and examined the unconscious man.
The man appeared to be in his late twenties and was flushed with a high fever.
Yu Ying placed the back of her hand on his forehead, finding his temperature frighteningly high.
He must be in a state of unconsciousness due to the fever, likely around 40 degrees Celsius.
Yu Ying wondered why someone so gravely ill hadn’t sought help sooner.
Moreover, he was found in a dilapidated house, almost as if he was terrified of being discovered.
Could he possibly be a fugitive bandit?
Despite her suspicions, the most pressing matter was to assess the man's condition.
Yu Ying lifted the man's eyelids to check his eyes and then reached for his hand to take his pulse, noticing a thick callus in the man's palm.
She frowned slightly, her suspicions growing, and carefully examined his palm.
There were calluses on the base of his thumb and on the second joints of his index and middle fingers.
Recalling the mention of the bandits from Muchun Mountain by Fu Wei, Yu Ying suddenly made a connection.
“Lady Yu, what’s wrong?” asked the yamen runner.
Unsure of the man's identity, Yu Ying decided to observe a little longer before making a decision, shaking her head, “It’s nothing.”
She proceeded to take the man’s pulse.
Her brow furrowed.
The man's pulse was dangerously weak; if he didn't make it through the night, he would likely lose his life.
Yu Ying quickly turned to the yamen runner, “I remember the medicinal soup was just prepared. Hurry and bring a bowl of the strong medicine!”
Hearing this, the yamen runner immediately put down the lamp and hurriedly left the room.
As soon as the runner left, the hand being held for pulse-taking suddenly moved, gripping Yu Ying's wrist forcefully.
Startled, Yu Ying looked up to see the young man barely opening his eyes, gasping, “I am an old acquaintance of the Fu family…”
After uttering these words, the man’s grip loosened, and he fell into complete unconsciousness.
Chapter 99.
After speaking with the county magistrate, dusk had quietly fallen, and the evening breeze was bitterly cold.
Upon Yu Ying’s departure, County Magistrate Zhou specifically ordered a carriage to take her home.
Fu Wei accompanied her out of the yamen, asking her to wait for a moment.
After a short while, Fu Zhen came out from the yamen with a package and stopped beside them, handing it to Yu Ying.
Fu Wei said, “I brought the candies and preserved fruits you bought in the county seat earlier. You can take them to the quarantine center and share them with Ning Ning.”
Fu Zhen added, “Inside there are clothes made by Sister-in-law Apricot for you and Ning Ning. She asked me to give them to you.”
Yu Ying accepted the package, a gentle smile appearing in her eyes as she looked at it.
The feeling of being cared for is truly wonderful.
“Please thank sister-in-law for me,” Yu Ying said, turning to Fu Wei, “And thank you too.”
Fu Wei replied softly, “It is us who should be thanking you.”
After speaking, he glanced at the sky, “It’s getting dark, you should head back.”
Yu Ying nodded, holding the package as she boarded the carriage.
Once inside the carriage, she lifted the curtain and waved to Fu Wei, “You should head back too.”
Fu Wei concealed his worry, showing a gentle smile as he waved back to her.
All their interactions were observed by Fu Zhen.
Only after the carriage disappeared from view did the smile fade from Fu Wei’s face, replaced by a solemn expression.
Pushing him towards the yamen, Fu Zhen asked, “Are you and your wife going to separate?”
Hearing this, Fu Wei asked indifferently, “Why do you ask that?”
Fu Zhen replied, “It’s been obvious to all of us that you and your wife were only companions midway through life, hardly even qualifying as a nominal husband and wife.”
Fu Wei wasn’t surprised by Fu Zhen’s words, as he and Yu Ying hadn’t made any effort to hide their relationship from them. It wasn’t surprising that they had noticed.
“Yu Ying and I will not separate.”
As he spoke these words, Fu Wei’s eyes held a firm resolve.
Fu Zhen smiled, “I thought as much.”
Ever since their return from the county seat, the atmosphere between the two had changed completely, feeling entirely different from before they left.
Being experienced, he could tell from their subtle expressions and the nuanced atmosphere when they looked at each other that their relationship had grown closer.
Yu Ying, upon returning to the quarantine center, headed straight to her lodging to check on Fu Ning.
Fu Ning had been obedient, not wandering off, and had stayed inside making clothes for her doll.
Yu Ying opened the package, revealing a bag of candy and preserved fruits, along with undergarments for her and Fu Ning.
Busy all day and with scarce resources like firewood and water, she could only wash clothes every two days.
And with the bad weather, it would take a couple of days for clothes to dry, so the undergarments were much needed.
Yu Ying handed Fu Ning two pieces of preserved fruit and two candies.
The little girl, who had been taking bitter medicine for many days, lit up at the sight of the sweets, her eyes sparkling.
After thanking Yu Ying, she popped a candy into her mouth. The sweetness dispelled the bitterness, and the sugary taste made her squint her eyes happily, her lips curving into a smile.
Yu Ying fetched some warm water and, after a simple wash for Fu Ning, changed into her visiting clothes, put on an apron, and donned her mask.
Once ready, she said to Fu Ning, “Auntie has to go out and work. Stay in the room and be good.”
After a moment's thought, she looked at the candies and preserved fruits on the bedside table, then picked up a packet of preserved fruits before leaving the room.
Yu Ying first visited the hut where the children were placed.
The children, pale and weak, lay on makeshift beds, moaning in discomfort.
In this quarantine area, most of the people infected with the epidemic were children and the elderly, almost 200 in total, with children and elderly accounting for about 150.
Yu Ying distributed the preserved fruits among the children, giving one to each.
After distributing, only a few were left, which she gave to the children with the most severe conditions.
Some children, upon receiving the preserved fruits, put them in their mouths, bringing a hint of a smile to their faces.
After distributing the sweets, Yu Ying continued with her other tasks.
On the fifth day of the epidemic, about twenty people with milder symptoms recovered, confirmed by several doctors. They then sought permission from the county magistrate to let these people return home.
The contagious nature of the epidemic was truly frightening; it was uncertain if these people might relapse or infect others.
The cautious county magistrate was also undecided.
However, Fu Wei suggested, “The people of Jade County are in panic, fearing that the epidemic is incurable. If this continues, there might be runaways. Once one person flees, others will follow, and it's inevitable that some might escape, potentially spreading the epidemic elsewhere. This would be a responsibility too great for the magistrate to bear.”
Hearing this, the magistrate's brows furrowed deeply.
Fu Wei added, “Perhaps letting these people go home now can prove to the public that the disease is curable and give them some assurance.”
County Magistrate Zhou pondered Fu Wei’s words, finding them quite reasonable.
With recovered patients emerging just five days into the epidemic, it greatly encouraged the public and the yamen staff, and also positively affected the emotions of those infected, greatly benefiting their treatment.
In his hesitation, Fu Wei further suggested, “Since the doctors have confirmed their recovery after thorough checks and deliberation, there shouldn’t be any major issues. There's no need for excessive worry. If there are still concerns, perhaps we can temporarily place these people in an inn for a couple of days. If there are no signs of relapse, then they can be allowed to return home.”
County Magistrate Zhou found the proposal feasible and accepted Fu Wei's suggestion, ordering people to bring those recovered individuals and requisitioning an inn, offering compensation in silver.
Despite reluctance, the innkeepers, under official requisition, dared not voice any complaints.
The only requirement was that these people must enter through the back door and bring their own bedding.
As the request was reasonable, County Magistrate Zhou arranged for it to be done.
Two days later, seeing no signs of relapse in these individuals and observing their improved spirits, they were allowed to return home.
Although Jade County was under martial law, the magistrate intentionally spread the good news, so within half a day, everyone in Jade County knew that someone had cured the epidemic!
The despondent mood in Jade County seemed to lift somewhat.
Having been under Yu Ying's care, Fu Ning's health had significantly improved, finally easing Yu Ying's worries.
Now that the quarantine center was no longer suitable for her, Yu Ying asked the father and son from Ji's Medical Hall to examine her.
If a few doctors agreed, she could be discharged.
After careful examination by the Jis, confirming no issues, Fu Ning was set to be discharged the next day.
Master Ji, stepping out of the room, looked at Yu Ying who escorted him out and asked, “Everyone avoids those infected with the epidemic, how can Lady Yu dare to stay in the same room with this child?”
Yu Ying smiled, “Although the epidemic is fearsome, as long as one administers the right treatment and takes proper precautions, it’s not so frightening.”
Hearing her words, even though Yu Ying was young, Master Ji couldn’t help but admire her, “My son and apprentice are older than Lady Yu, but they lack her steadiness and capability.”
Towards the end of their conversation, he cautiously extended an invitation, “Once this epidemic is over, would Lady Yu be interested in joining Ji's Medical Hall?”
Yu Ying was momentarily taken aback.
Master Ji added, “It may seem abrupt, but I genuinely admire Lady Yu and would like you to consider it carefully.”
Yu Ying was unsure how to respond in the moment and simply agreed to consider the offer carefully.
After seeing off Master Ji, Yu Ying pondered deeply.
If she were to open a medical hall, she needed to understand the rules and practices of this era; experience was necessary to start successfully.
However, now was not the time to think about this issue; it was better to wait until the epidemic was over.
On the twenty-ninth day of the year, Fu Ning and a portion of the recovered villagers were allowed to return home.
More and more people were able to go home. Those remaining in the quarantine center, though envious and distressed, were less fearful of the epidemic.
On the thirtieth day, the quarantine center remained as deserted as ever, with no hint of the New Year's spirit.
Yu Ying thought her first New Year in this era would pass uneventfully, but to her surprise, the yamen runners brought several red lanterns to hang in the courtyard, adding a touch of festivity to the cold environment.
The yamen runner who brought the lanterns found Yu Ying and handed her a letter.
“Lady Yu, this is from Mr. Fu, he asked me to give it to you.”
Yu Ying received the letter, a gentle smile appearing on her face.
She only read the letter after returning to her room.
Fu Wei updated her about the situation in Lingshui Village and other villages.
The best situation was in Lingshui Village.
Lingshui had fewer patients, and Yu Ying had visited twice. Half of them had already recovered, and the rest were also improving.
The situation in other villages was also improving. Fu Wei calculated that, given the current progress, the epidemic could be completely resolved in a maximum of half a month.
After discussing official matters, at the end of the letter, there was a line, “I miss you dearly, seeing the mountains reminds me of you, as does looking at the water. Every day, I eagerly await your return.”
Yu Ying smiled warmly, then started to write a reply on a piece of stationery.
Although the yamen runners report daily to the county magistrate about the situation at the quarantine center, Yu Ying still wrote about the current state of affairs there.
She also mentioned Master Ji's invitation for her to join his medical hall.
Additionally, she requested Fu Wei to prepare two red envelopes, each containing ten coins, as New Year gifts for Fu An and Fu Ning.
Towards the end, Yu Ying indulged in a bit of sentimentality, concluding with “I too miss you.”
Writing these last few words, Yu Ying felt somewhat embarrassed.
It seemed a bit cheesy.
After sealing the letter in an envelope, she handed it to a yamen runner who was due to report back to the yamen early the next morning, asking him to deliver it to Fu Wei.
Just as she gave the letter to the runner, hurried footsteps approached the courtyard, followed by the sound of a door opening in the adjacent ward for critically ill patients.
Soon, a yamen runner came rushing in. Seeing Yu Ying, he urgently called out, “Lady Yu, come quickly! Someone just found an unconscious man with a high fever in a dilapidated house!”
Hearing this, Yu Ying’s expression changed drastically. She hastily donned her mask and followed the runner to the next courtyard.
The man was placed in a temporary straw hut in the courtyard.
The biggest fear for seriously ill patients is cross-infection, so the courtyard had ten temporary straw huts, each about half a zhang wide and less than a zhang long.
Yu Ying entered the hut first, followed by the runner holding a lamp.
The narrow hut, aside from the man on the bed, could barely fit the two of them.
Yu Ying approached the bed and examined the unconscious man.
The man appeared to be in his late twenties and was flushed with a high fever.
Yu Ying placed the back of her hand on his forehead, finding his temperature frighteningly high.
He must be in a state of unconsciousness due to the fever, likely around 40 degrees Celsius.
Yu Ying wondered why someone so gravely ill hadn’t sought help sooner.
Moreover, he was found in a dilapidated house, almost as if he was terrified of being discovered.
Could he possibly be a fugitive bandit?
Despite her suspicions, the most pressing matter was to assess the man's condition.
Yu Ying lifted the man's eyelids to check his eyes and then reached for his hand to take his pulse, noticing a thick callus in the man's palm.
She frowned slightly, her suspicions growing, and carefully examined his palm.
There were calluses on the base of his thumb and on the second joints of his index and middle fingers.
Recalling the mention of the bandits from Muchun Mountain by Fu Wei, Yu Ying suddenly made a connection.
“Lady Yu, what’s wrong?” asked the yamen runner.
Unsure of the man's identity, Yu Ying decided to observe a little longer before making a decision, shaking her head, “It’s nothing.”
She proceeded to take the man’s pulse.
Her brow furrowed.
The man's pulse was dangerously weak; if he didn't make it through the night, he would likely lose his life.
Yu Ying quickly turned to the yamen runner, “I remember the medicinal soup was just prepared. Hurry and bring a bowl of the strong medicine!”
Hearing this, the yamen runner immediately put down the lamp and hurriedly left the room.
As soon as the runner left, the hand being held for pulse-taking suddenly moved, gripping Yu Ying's wrist forcefully.
Startled, Yu Ying looked up to see the young man barely opening his eyes, gasping, “I am an old acquaintance of the Fu family…”
After uttering these words, the man’s grip loosened, and he fell into complete unconsciousness.
