Chapter 301: ExplosionTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Su Xiaolu did not see Su Hua, so she knew that Su Hua must be in the quarantine center.
She did not panic and calmly made the arrangements.
Su Chong nodded. At this time, no one said much and went back first.
Not back to the inn, but back to the residence.
No one asked Su Xiaolu about buying the house.
As soon as they arrived home, Su Xiaolu checked their pulses first. There was nothing unusual.
Wang Huilan brought over the prepared food.
Wang Huilan said, "Xiaolu, I got the coachman to ask around this morning. We can't leave the city now."
Wang Huilan held Liu Zijin's hand and was trembling slightly.
Su Hua hadn't returned, so Wang Huilan was very worried. Now that they couldn't leave the city, she felt even more worried.
Hearing that they couldn't leave the city, Liu Zijin and the others were also shocked.
"Is it that serious?"
Su Chong was a little dazed. He did not expect it to be so serious. Thinking of Su Hua, he was extremely worried.
Zhou Heng also frowned, but he did not know what to say to comfort Su Chong.
Liu Zijin held Wang Huilan's hand in silence.
Su Xiaolu said, "Don't worry. I've hoarded a lot of food. It should be enough to deal with this epidemic. I know Second Brother is quarantined. I'm a doctor. I'll do my best to take care of him."
Since they could not leave the city, they would stay here for the time being.
At this moment, Su Xiaolu was glad that she had bought a house and food. She felt more at ease now that she had a safe place to live in.
Su Chong looked at Su Xiaolu and said anxiously, "Xiaolu, do you think I can help?"
He was the eldest brother. He should protect his younger siblings.
This feeling of being unable to do anything was too powerless and painful. If he could, he wished that he was the one who was infected.
Su Xiaolu looked at Su Chong seriously and said firmly, "Big Brother, the plague is coming fiercely this time. Don't worry about blaming yourself. I believe that if it were you, you would do the same thing as Second Brother. Don't forget that I'm a divine doctor now. I'll definitely find the cause of the illness. I'll definitely bring Second Brother back safely. Wait for us to come back."
Su Chong's eyes turned red. He nodded and choked. "Okay, I'll wait for you guys to come back."
Tears fell silently from Wang Huilan's eyes. She picked up some food for Su Xiaolu and said with a smile, "Xiaolu, come and eat more. You'll have the strength to work after eating."
Su Xiaolu nodded.
She concentrated on eating.
Zhou Heng looked at Su Xiaolu worriedly and said, "Xiaolu, we'll wait for you to come back."
Liu Zijin and Wang Huilan also said, "Yes, we'll wait here for you to come home."
Su Xiaolu smiled and nodded.
She ate and went out.
Su Xiaolu went straight to the magistrate's residence in Furongzhou. If she wanted to participate in battling this plague, she had to reveal her identity.
The magistrate of Furongzhou was called Huang Xingliang.
Hearing his subordinate's report, Huang Xingliang hurriedly said, "The divine doctor of Minggu is actually in Furongzhou. What are you waiting for? Quickly invite them in."
The plague was so severe that they couldn't find the cause yet. However, people were already dying. Even the best doctors in Furongzhou were involved, but they were still helpless.
Huang Xingliang also reported the matter to the imperial court.
He hoped that the imperial court would send an imperial physician. After all, it was only seven days from the time one was infected to his death. He did not dare to be negligent.
Apart from controlling the plague and preventing it from erupting, he could only try his best to save those infected.
The capital was too far away. It would take time to send the imperial physician over. Distant water could not extinguish a nearby fire. Now that a divine doctor had come, it was undoubtedly a great thing.
Huang Xingliang asked the servants to welcome Su Xiaolu respectfully into the magistrate's residence. When Su Xiaolu arrived in front of him, he was dumbfounded. "Why is it a child? Are you fooling me!"
Su Xiaolu was neither servile nor overbearing. She said calmly, "I'm the successor of Minggu Medical Valley and have already graduated. My Master is older, but he's not here. If he was, he might not have shown himself either. I'm just a beginner. Be it a plague or a strange illness, it's the best time for me to train."
Huang Xingliang sized up Su Xiaolu and said doubtfully, "I heard that the divine doctor has divine needles that are fine to the touch. Do you have them? I've never seen the divine doctor either. You have to prove something to make me believe you, right?"
Huang Xingliang kept staring at Su Xiaolu, wanting to see something from her face.
However, Su Xiaolu's expression was calm. She picked up the needle bag and took out a silver needle. With a light flick, the silver needle flew out, scaring Huang Xingliang and the guard beside him.
Several armed guards drew their swords and guarded against Su Xiaolu.
"The divine needle is here. Sir, look carefully."
Su Xiaolu said calmly.
On the table in front of Huang Xingliang, there was already a silver needle firmly inserted. The silver needle was a small finger deep into the table and was still trembling.
Huang Xingliang was shocked that Su Xiaolu was so capable. He looked at the silver needles in front of him and believed Su Xiaolu's identity, he still had doubts about Su Xiaolu's medical skills. Was the divine doctor really that amazing?
"Miss, you're so capable. I believe in your identity. Please help me eradicate the plague and save the people of Furongzhou."
Huang Xingliang cupped his hands at Su Xiaolu and said solemnly.
"Thank you for your trust, sir. I'll do my best to find the root cause."
Su Xiaolu walked towards Huang Xingliang. The guards were very vigilant.
Huang Xingliang looked into Su Xiaolu's eyes and waved his hand. "Don't be so nervous. If the divine doctor wants to kill me, you won't be able to protect me."
If the silver needle had landed on his body instead of the table, he would not have been able to escape.
In front of a true expert, the few people around him were still not enough.
Su Xiaolu took out the silver needles and put them away. She said calmly, "There's no time to lose. Please arrange for me to go over now."
Huang Xingliang arranged for a constable to follow Su Xiaolu and listen to her instructions.
The constable's surname was Zhu, and he was about thirty years old.
Constable Zhu brought Su Xiaolu directly to the quarantine area. Currently, Ji Shi Hall was the largest quarantine location. When there was not enough space, the surrounding houses were also requisitioned.
Constable Zhu took Su Xiaolu straight to where the doctor of Ji Shi Hall lived.
"Arrange a place for Doctor Su to stay."
Constable Zhu called out to a medicine boy.
The medicine boy immediately went down to make arrangements. Constable Zhu looked at Su Xiaolu and said, "Doctor Su, when the doctors are discussing later, tell them your identity. Please try your best to treat them."
Su Xiaolu nodded. "I'll go see the people from the quarantine area."
Constable Zhu led Su Xiaolu over. The quarantine area was divided into three places. The first was for people who had just contracted the illness, the second was for those who had developed herpes, and the third was for those who were on the brink of death.
There were about a hundred people in quarantine. Many doctors were already taking their pulses and checking them carefully.
Chapter 302: Second Brother Is SickTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
When Su Xiaolu arrived, Constable Zhu found her a table and put it down. Then, he shouted, "Come here and queue up."
When some people saw this, they pretended not to hear it. She was so young. Who was she trying to fool?
She did not look like someone who could treat a serious illness.
Su Chong saw Su Xiaolu and heard Constable Zhu's shout. No one moved. He walked towards Su Xiaolu.
Constable Zhu had already taken the register and was about to register.
Su Xiaolu looked at Su Hua and asked, "Name. How do you feel now?"
"Su Hua, my throat is sore and itchy. I really want to cough."
When Su Hua said this, he had to swallow a few times before he could stop himself from coughing.
Su Xiaolu looked at Su Hua worriedly. She asked Su Hua to sit down and extended her hand.
Su Hua sat down and reached out his hand. Su Xiaolu reached out to take his pulse. Su Xiaolu focused her attention and sensed Su Hua's body carefully. There was a strange smell lingering at the tip of her nose, making Su Xiaolu very uncomfortable.
Her sense of smell was naturally different from ordinary people's. Ordinary illnesses would not make her feel so uncomfortable.
Su Hua was in a much better condition than the others, but he was also infected with the plague. He also had that smell on him.
Perhaps it was because he had drunk a lot of spiritual spring water since he was young, but his symptoms acted up slower than others.
The symptoms were also slower to show.
Su Xiaolu kept her hand on Su Hua's pulse. After a while, she said, "The initial symptoms are extremely similar to a cold. He experiences pain when swallowing, a white tongue, cold sweat, and other symptoms. His pulse is only slightly weak."
Constable Zhu noted it down.
Su Xiaolu looked at Su Hua with worry in her eyes.
Su Hua smiled and said gently, "Xiaolu, I felt a little unwell last night. I have these symptoms today. I'll be fine after taking some medicine. Don't worry, I'll be fine."
Su Hua was now glad that he did not let Su Chong and the others get near him. It was a plague, so it was enough to infect him alone.
"I won't let anything happen to you. Father and Mother are still waiting for you at home."
Su Xiaolu's gaze was firm. She took Su Hua's pulse and pushed her Internal force into his body.
Su Hua retracted his hand.
Constable Zhu was a little surprised. "Doctor Su, you know each other?"
Su Xiaolu nodded. "This is my second brother."
Constable Zhu looked at Su Hua and thought to himself, No wonder Su Xiaolu recommended herself. It was all for her second brother.
The people who were first infected with the plague had already died. The plague was coming at them aggressively. The divine doctor must be doing this for her brother, even if not for others.
Constable Zhu recorded Su Hua's conditions and did not ask further.
After registering, Su Hua could go down and drink the medicine.
Because all the symptoms were the same as the cold, the medicine brewed was mostly for the cold. There was also a queue for each person to have a bowl.
People who were just infected were no different from ordinary people, so many people took medicine and helped them. Su Hua was no exception.
The doctors only stopped when all the new people in the area had been treated.
There were more than ten doctors in the Ji Shi Hall. After seeing them, they prepared to go back and discuss.
Constable Zhu brought Su Xiaolu over.
On the way, Su Xiaolu heard their discussion.
"The symptoms haven't changed at all. It's the same for those who were just infected with the plague. There's nothing we can do. Let's control it ourselves and wait for the people from the royal court to come."
"Sigh... Everything was fine, and there were no signs at all. How did the epidemic happen? I really don't understand. I don't understand at all. I don't know the source, and I can't figure out where to start."
"That's right, that's right... Those plague medicines from the past didn't work either. Sigh..."
Every doctor frowned and couldn't find a solution. They could only prescribe medicine to treat the cold.
Constable Zhu looked at Su Xiaolu. She was the successor of the divine doctor. Didn't she see anything?
When they returned to the main room, people noticed Su Xiaolu.
Hong Zheng looked at Constable Zhu in confusion and asked, "Constable Zhu, who is this lady?"
Constable Zhu said seriously, "Doctor Su is the successor of the divine doctors of Minggu. She's here to help in the plague. She only hopes to find out the cause of the plague as soon as possible and save the people."
This time, not only was Hong Zheng surprised, but everyone else was as well.
The old doctor sized up Su Xiaolu. "She's the heir of Minggu Medical Valley? She doesn't look much smarter than me. Why did the old man choose her?"
After saying that, the old doctor stroked his beard and said to Su Xiaolu, "I saw that you saw some patients just now. Tell me, what's the reason for this plague?"
"I don't know either. Apart from the symptoms of a cold, people who are beginning to contract the plague gradually become weak."
Su Xiaolu told the truth. She was also thinking about what caused the plague.
Generally speaking, the appearance of plagues was usually caused by floods, droughts, or plagues. Extreme weather caused too many deaths, and corpses floated everywhere without anyone burying them. Only then could it cause plagues.
Furongzhou had a good year and the people were rich. There were no corpses everywhere. How did the plague happen?
"Aren't you a divine doctor? Young lady, a divine doctor can treat any illness. If you're really a divine doctor, take out your identity card and let us take a look."
The old doctor was a little disdainful and suspicious. In the early years, he wanted to acknowledge the divine doctor as his master, but the old man said that his aptitude was ordinary, but he was clearly very outstanding.
Old Wu had long told the world that he had a disciple. As for who his disciple was, one would know after seeing the token.
The old doctor immediately stared at Su Xiaolu sharply.
Su Xiaolu took out the tablet unhurriedly. The old doctor took it and looked at it carefully.
After reading it, he returned it to Su Xiaolu. He moved his mouth. "You really can't tell anything?"
There was no problem with her identity. The problem was Su Xiaolu's medical skills.
The other doctors also looked at Su Xiaolu with doubts.
Hong Zheng frowned and said to the old doctor, "Master, is she really the successor of the divine doctor?"
Hong Zheng asked the question in his mind. The most qualified doctor in the Ji Shi Hall was the old man in front of him. Everyone in the Ji Shi Hall knew that the old doctor respected the divine doctors of Minggu the most. Everyone often heard him say that the divine doctors of Minggu were legendary figures. He wanted to become a disciple but was rejected miserably. However, he still shamelessly learned some superficial knowledge, which was already very impressive.
The divine doctor was a person that all medical practitioners yearned to reach. As the successor of the divine doctor, Su Xiaolu was not as godly as they had imagined. It was as if their dream had shattered.
The old doctor looked at Su Xiaolu in confusion and said to Hong Zheng, "There's naturally no problem with her identity, but it's hard to say if she can be a divine doctor."
Su Xiaolu smiled faintly and said calmly, "I don't have to explain or prove it. As long as the old man confirms that I'm the only heir, that's enough."
As for the plague, she would do her best. Su Xiaolu looked at Constable Zhu and said, "Constable Zhu, if someone passes away, don't incinerate them first. I want to dissect their corpses."
Chapter 303: What's Different?Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"Girl, are you crazy? You're not even sure what plague it is. Aren't you afraid of contracting it?"
The old doctor was shocked and looked at Su Xiaolu in surprise.
He doubted Su Xiaolu's ability and despised her ability. However, Su Xiaolu's calmness and determination proved that she was the divine doctor's disciple. Old Wu's shadow was in her.
Even this crazy behavior seemed to be carved from the same mold as Old Wu.
Constable Zhu frowned. "Doctor Su, this is too dangerous. You should think about it again."
All the doctors in the Ji Shi Hall were stunned by Su Xiaolu. They did not even dare to think about dissecting the corpses of the infected patients.
Ever since they found out that it was a plague, they had taken precautions. They washed their clothes and the food in their mouths had to be cleaned. Su Xiaolu wanted to touch what they avoided. How did she dare?
Su Xiaolu said without hesitation, "I've already thought about it. I can't see anything from the surface anymore. Dissection must be done."
As for being afraid, Su Xiaolu had never considered it.
"Girl, you're young, but you're impressive. Dissect, and I'll help you."
The old doctor stroked his beard and looked at Su Xiaolu.
As soon as the old doctor spoke, Hong Zheng immediately said, "Master, how can you do that? It's such a dangerous matter. Let me do it."
"Master, let me, let me..."
"Master, I..."
For a moment, the other doctors also spoke up.
The old doctor was the backbone of Ji Shi Hall. How could they let him do such a dangerous thing?
The old doctor laughed when he heard that. "Alright, alright. You don't have to do these things. Don't get in the way. Go do what you need to do. I'm already old. This little girl isn't afraid of death even if she's the successor of the divine doctor. If there's really a problem, I won't lose out."
If he really got sick, he would not lose out at all with Su Xiaolu, the successor of the divine doctor, with him.
After saying that, the old doctor looked at Su Xiaolu and asked, "Girl, how is it? Do you want to go back on your word?"
Su Xiaolu shook her head. "I won't go back on my word."
The old doctor was a little impressed. It was rare for someone so young to have such a bearing.
The old doctor dismissed the others while he went with Su Xiaolu to treat patients.
The medicine boy did not even want to step into the room where the critically ill patients were placed. Apart from delivering medicine, he did not want to step into it at all. It was cold and cheerless outside, and the room was filled with the cries of the patients before they died.
All kinds of cries for help made people feel depressed.
They walked to a room. It was very quiet. The old doctor pushed open the door. There were five patients in this room, but there was no sound at all. The old doctor went forward to check for a pulse.
"They're all dead."
This disease came with a vengeance. A living person would be gone in just a few days.
"Little girl, here."
The old doctor said to Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu nodded. She went outside to wash her hands and returned to the room. She took out a small knife and began to dissect. Every patient started with a fever and cough. There must be a lesion in their throats.
The old doctor's gaze changed as he watched Su Xiaolu's swift actions.
The indignation in his heart disappeared. When he was her age, he felt that he was far inferior to Su Xiaolu.
Constable Zhu had been following Su Xiaolu. When he saw this scene, he was also shocked.
Su Xiaolu worked from the afternoon until late at night.
The old doctor was already showing signs of fatigue. "This illness is terrifying. There's not a single piece of good flesh on his throat, and his lungs and stomach are all damaged. This illness can't spread. Constable Zhu, hurry back and report to the magistrate."
Constable Zhu looked on in shock. He nodded slightly and left.
Furongzhou was in trouble.
If the commoners knew how terrifying this plague was, they would probably be in chaos.
Furongzhou's military was tight. This was no small matter.
Su Xiaolu's expression was also solemn. She washed her hands with medicine and cleaned the knives.
Constable Zhu had already returned to the magistrate to report. He hoped that Huang Xingliang could deal with it carefully.
"Girl, how do you think we should treat this plague?"
The old doctor asked Su Xiaolu. In the past, when there was a plague, there would definitely be a disaster first. However, this year, the weather was good. Where did the source of the plague come from? Once one was infected, they actually died in less than ten days. This was too terrifying.
Su Xiaolu said, "This plague is very similar to the death plague recorded in the dossier, but there are some places that are different. The medicine we gave them can be changed to see the effect. If only we can find out the source of the plague."
She was familiar with medical and poison books. Many strange illnesses and plagues were recorded. She dissected a few corpses. Some symptoms could match the death plague, but they were different.
Why was it different? If she could find the source, this mystery might be solved.
"The first few patients have already passed away. Now that the plague has started, everyone is panicking. We can only ask their families, but we can't get much information."
The old doctor said slowly. He was afraid that the families of those people had long thrown away what should have been thrown away. They had cleaned the house several times. It was very difficult to find anything useful.
Su Xiaolu looked at the old doctor and said, "Whether I can find out or not, I have to investigate."
"It's getting late. You should rest early. I'll leave first."
Su Xiaolu said to the doctor. She still had to see Su Hua.
The old doctor nodded.
Su Xiaolu asked the medicine boy to take her to see Su Hua. This courtyard was filled with people who were recently infected. During the day, they were still helping out, but now, coughs came from almost every room.
Even if they took the medicine, it didn't help.
Information was posted outside each room, including the names of the people who lived there.
"Su Hua is here."
The medicine boy looked at the name on the paper and said to Su Xiaolu after confirming it.
Su Xiaolu nodded. She raised her hand and knocked on the door. She shouted, "Second Brother, come out for a moment."
When Su Hua heard Su Xiaolu's voice, he endured the itch in his throat and opened the door to go out. The few people he lived with were coughing non-stop. Su Hua closed the door and automatically took a few steps away from Su Xiaolu. He resisted the urge to cough and said, "Xiaolu, let's talk over there."
"Doctor Su, I won't disturb you guys anymore."
The medicine boy said goodbye and left.
Su Xiaolu looked at Su Hua worriedly. She was about to take Su Hua's pulse when Su Hua retreated. Su Hua said, "Xiaolu, I'm fine. I've taken my medicine. You don't have to worry."
'Don't get too close to me, lest you contract the plague too.'
Su Xiaolu looked at Su Hua and said, "Second Brother, you don't have to do this. I dissected a patient who died in the afternoon. Let me take your pulse."
Su Hua looked at Su Xiaolu in a daze. The corners of his lips moved but he did not say anything in the end.
Chapter 304: Zhou Zhi Seals the CityTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Su Xiaolu went forward and grabbed Su Hua's wrist.
Su Hua waited quietly. He really couldn't stand it anymore. He swallowed and said, "Yes, yes." Meeting Su Xiaolu's worried eyes, Su Hua explained gently, "My throat is just a little itchy."
Actually, it was a little itchy. He felt extremely uncomfortable and wanted to cough, but with Su Xiaolu around, he was afraid that it would make her worry.
Under Su Hua's deliberate concealment, Su Xiaolu did not expose him. Su Hua's pulse was weaker than during the day, but other than that, there was nothing unusual.
It was as if he had caught an ordinary cold, but how good would it be if it was just a cold?
Su Xiaolu took out the medicine bottle and poured out a pill for Su Hua. She said, "Second Brother, eat this pill. It's getting late. Rest early."
Su Hua nodded. He took the medicine and said gently to Su Xiaolu, "Xiaolu, don't worry too much about me. You've been tired for a day. Go back and rest."
After taking this pill, Su Hua felt much better. His itchy and painful throat clearly improved.
Su Xiaolu went back and Su Hua returned to his room to rest.
Su Xiaolu returned to the room arranged by the medicine boy to rest. She decided to check on the families of the first few people who were sick tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in the magistrate's residence.
Constable Zhu reported what happened in the afternoon to Huang Xingliang and Zhou Zhi.
After Constable Zhu finished reporting, he stood quietly to the side.
Huang Xingliang frowned and looked at Zhou Zhi. "Second Prince, this plague is dangerous. I have no other choice. Please make a decision soon."
When the plague broke out, Huang Xingliang reported it to the royal court. The second prince, Zhou Zhi, had just entered the city at 3 pm. He had come under orders. As for what to do with this plague, it would depend on his arrangements.
He had already told Zhou Zhi everything. Now, he only needed to wait for Zhou Zhi to speak.
Zhou Zhi's expression was calm as he said coldly, "Seal the city completely and send more troops. Check every household strictly and remove all infected people from the area. Any patients who show signs of fever and cough will be quarantined."
"With the Ji Shi Hall as the center, the surrounding houses will be requisitioned to house the patients. There will be four people in each room, and medicine will be given five times a day. Every patient must drink medicine, and the residences must be sprinkled with ashes every day to expel the poison. Those who disobey the order will be given three warnings. If anyone disobeys the order, the situation can be severely used as a warning to others. Any riots must be eliminated."
Zhou Zhi ordered calmly.
Huang Xingliang heaved a sigh of relief when he heard this. The second prince was a capable person. Since ancient times, plagues were prone to riots, and plagues were difficult to treat. If there was another riot, it would be even more dangerous. It would be terrifying if it was spread and eliminated.
Therefore, the person who gave the order had to be decisive. Zhou Zhi was capable of this. He was not indecisive and had arranged it very well.
They sent more troops to check the entire city.
If the city was sealed, the plague would not spread.
Huang Xingliang immediately went down to make arrangements.
Zhou Zhi instructed Jin Si beside him, "Jin Si, take the token and leave the city. Go to Su Lin and Jiang Lin and mobilize 10,000 troops to defend Furongzhou."
Jin Si took the token and nodded. "Yes."
With that, Jin Si left.
Zhou Zhi stood up and said to Jin Wu, who was following beside him, "Follow me to that residence to take a look. Since we're back, we should send a message."
God made Furongzhou suffer from a plague and trapped that person in Furongzhou...
Did the heavens pity him and give him an opportunity?
"Yes."
Jin Wu followed Zhou Heng out and drove the carriage away.
When they arrived at the residence, Zhou Zhi got off the carriage and waited. Jin Wu went forward and knocked on the door.
The door opened quickly and Su Chong looked at Zhou Zhi warily.
"What do you want?"
Su Chong was puzzled as to why Zhou Zhi had returned. He had to be wary of Zhou Zhi's appearance.
Zhou Zhi smiled and said, "I'm under orders to solve the plague. I know that you haven't left the city yet, so I came to tell you that Furongzhou is going to be sealed off. Before the plague is resolved, you can't leave home. Miss Su is working for the plague in Ji Shi Hall. I'm afraid she can't tell you during this period of time, so I came to tell you."
Zhou Zhi was very polite and his tone was gentle. Since Su Chong did not invite him in, he had no intention of entering.
Su Chong's expression softened a little. He looked at Zhou Zhi. "Since you can see Xiaolu, please help me pass a message."
Zhou Zhi smiled gently and nodded.
Su Chong looked at Zhou Zhi and said, "Please tell Xiaolu not to worry about us. Tell her to protect herself and prioritize herself."
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Chong and nodded. "Alright, I'll pass the message."
Su Chong looked at Zhou Zhi. "Thank you. If you need any help, you can look for me."
Since Zhou Zhi had helped to pass on this message, he owed him a favor.
As long as it wasn't too much, there was no harm in him helping him do something.
Zhou Zhi smiled. "Okay."
Zhou Zhi turned around and got into the carriage. The carriage quickly disappeared from Su Chong's sight.
Su Chong closed the door. Behind him, in the courtyard that Zhou Zhi could not see, Liu Zijin and Zhou Heng were both there. They had also heard Zhou Zhi's words.
"It's fine. Brother Hua is lucky and will definitely recover. We'll just close the door and protect ourselves so that we don't cause more trouble for Xiaolu."
Su Chong smiled at them.
Even though he was worried, Su Chong hid it in his heart.
Liu Zijin also said, "Yes, it will definitely be fine."
Wang Huilan also echoed firmly, "Xiaolu is so powerful. She will definitely be fine."
Zhou Heng patted Su Chong's shoulder. "Let's wait for them to return."
All their worries were hidden in their hearts. All they could do was take care of themselves and wait. At this time, doing other things would only add to the trouble.
—-
In the quiet street, there was only the sound of carriage wheels rolling.
Zhou Zhi got into the carriage and did not speak. When they reached the entrance of the residence, Jin Wu said, "Master, we're here."
Zhou Zhi got off the carriage and returned to the residence. The hot water was already prepared. He removed his clothes, removed his prosthesis, and soaked in the hot water. He closed his eyes and recalled what Su Chong had said.
She had to prioritize herself. If Su Chong thought so, what about the infected Su Hua? Would he think so too?
At the moment of life and death, in the face of benefits, was the so-called blood kinship really that tenacious?
He did not believe it. If Su Xiaolu could not find a way to treat the plague, would Su Hua really not blame her?
He didn't believe it.
Now that the opportunity was in front of him, he would see it with his own eyes.
After taking a bath, Zhou Zhi went to bed to rest. The medicine by the bed had long been prepared. They were all pills, but there was a small bowl of them. Zhou Zhi scooped them up with a spoon and ate them. His expression did not change. Jin Wu, who was beside him, hurriedly poured a glass of water after he finished the medicine.
Zhou Zhi took a sip and put it down. He waved his hand lightly. "You may leave. Tomorrow morning, go to the Ji Shi Hall."
Chapter 305: Investigate TogetherTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Jin Wu took the tray and closed the door.
Zhou Zhi gently raised his hand and the flickering candlelight was instantly extinguished by the strong wind.
Zhou Zhi lay down and fell asleep peacefully.
—-
After sleeping for the night, Su Xiaolu was full of energy. After she woke up, she casually ate something and began to take the patient's pulse.
In just one night, more than ten people died, and dozens more people were infected.
She took the pulse of the patients she had admitted yesterday to see if they had improved after taking the new medicine.
Yesterday, she found symptoms of the death plague. She changed the medicine to a few different medicines. From midnight to dawn, the infected had already taken two taels. If the medicine was correct, the symptoms would ease.
Su Xiaolu was taking Su Hua's pulse. Su Hua's condition was much better. He said to Su Xiaolu, "Perhaps the medicine at night is effective. I don't want to cough so much anymore, and my throat doesn't hurt so much."
Su Hua didn't want Su Xiaolu to be too worried. His condition was already improving.
Su Xiaolu smiled and said, "The symptoms have eased a little. Remember to take your medicine on time."
The symptoms had eased a little, but it could not remove the root cause of the illness. It was only temporary. However, she knew very well that she would not say it out loud.
The siblings were using their own methods to make the other party less worried.
After Su Xiaolu took Su Hua's pulse, she took a look at the other patients. They had taken new medicine last night and their symptoms had eased.
At this moment, someone came to invite Su Xiaolu and the old doctor over.
The old doctor washed his hands with medicine and looked at Su Xiaolu. "Xiaolu, let's go."
The two of them went to the front hall together.
"Xiaolu, do you see anything?"
On the way, the old doctor asked Su Xiaolu.
"Elder Sun, after changing the medicine last night, the symptoms alleviated. This means that there are also components of the death plague, but there are also some other things. It's not just the death plague."
Su Xiaolu's heart was heavy. Plague viruses were complicated to begin with. What other lesions there were were often unexpected. The change of every bacteria would cause the virus to mutate.
Elder Sun let out a long sigh. "It's so difficult to resolve. I'm afraid we have to find the source of the illness."
How to find the source of this illness was also a headache.
When the two of them arrived at the front hall, Su Xiaolu saw Zhou Zhi at a glance. She knew that this guy had not left!
A suspicious and scheming person was not so easy to deceive.
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu with a gentle gaze and said, "Hello, Miss Su."
Huang Xingliang looked at Su Xiaolu. He did not expect Zhou Zhi to already know Su Xiaolu. He was a little curious, but this was not something he could ask. He said to Su Xiaolu and Elder Sun, "Divine doctor Su, Doctor Sun, you're both doctors with profound medical skills. The Second Prince was sent by the capital to be in charge of this matter. Tell the Second Prince about the plague."
After saying that, Huang Xingliang stopped talking. With Zhou Zhi in charge, he was at his disposal.
Elder Sun cupped his hands at Zhou Zhi and said, "Greetings, Second Prince. With my medical skills, I'm helpless against this plague. I can only place my hopes on the divine doctor now."
Su Xiaolu dissected a few rounds of corpses and found that it was similar to the death plague. Her attainments and boldness were beyond his. Elder Sun had already admitted defeat on this point.
In private, he could still call Su Xiaolu 'Little Xiaolu' because of his age.
In fact, his medical skills were far inferior to Su Xiaolu's.
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu and said seriously, "Miss Su, if you have any good plans, just tell me. I'll do my best to cooperate with you."
Zhou Zhi could not be underestimated when he was serious. He had a boldness. Su Xiaolu looked at him and said, "Seal the city first. We have to investigate the source."
A smile appeared in Zhou Zhi's eyes. "Looks like we have the same goal. I've already ordered the city to be sealed last night. As for the source, just tell me. I'll cooperate fully."
Su Xiaolu said, "I don't have a good way to investigate the source. We can only check them one by one."
Investigating the source was like solving a case. If they investigated thoroughly one by one and found the connections between a few people, they would definitely be able to find out.
In this world, as long as it was done, it was impossible for there to be no traces.
Su Xiaolu's eyes were determined. She had to find out.
Zhou Zhi nodded. "Alright, we'll check them one by one."
Zhou Zhi looked at Huang Xingliang. Huang Xingliang immediately said, "There were three people who had the illness at the beginning. They all died on the same day, and their treatment time was about the same. The only difference was that they were in different medical centers."
"Among the three of them, one is called Zhang Yimin, who delivers firewood, one is called Wang Dongzi, who specializes in delivering vegetables to big families every day, and the other is called Wu Pingan, who deals in live poultry. The three of them are already dead, but there are still people in their families. Several of their close relatives have already fallen ill and are quarantined."
Huang Xingliang immediately revealed the information about the three people who died first. From the moment he suspected that it was a plague, he immediately quarantined these people. However, these three people had already died two days ago.
What these three people did was too different. They all belonged to different families and came into contact with many people. They were not related.
For example, Zhang Yimin, who was delivering firewood, and Wu Pingan, who was raising poultry, did not know each other at all.
No one knew why they contracted the plague.
"I want to visit their homes and ask their families."
Su Xiaolu said.
Huang Xingliang was about to say that there was no need as he had already investigated this, but before he could speak, Zhou Zhi had already spoken.
"Then let's go now."
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu.
Huang Xingliang swallowed his words and immediately made arrangements.
Elder Sun thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll stay behind to pay attention to the situation of the infected people."
Zhou Zhi nodded lightly. He looked at Su Xiaolu and made an inviting gesture.
He moved with Su Xiaolu.
Huang Xingliang instructed Elder Sun, "Doctor Sun, I'll have to trouble you then."
Elder Sun waved his hand. He could not help much even if he went. He still had things to do if he stayed.
He did not know the real source of the illness, but the medicine to treat the death plague was useful. Then, he would start from this aspect and stabilize the patient's condition first. It was already a good thing that the patients could live for a few more days.
Su Xiaolu walked slowly and maintained the same pace as Zhou Zhi.
After leaving the Ji Shi Hall, Jin Wu, who was waiting with the carriage, went forward.
Zhou Zhi turned to Huang Xingliang and said, "Lord Huang, please lead the way."
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu and said, "Miss Su, please."
Su Xiaolu got into the carriage, and Zhou Zhi also got in. Huang Xingliang was the last to get in.
Huang Xingliang told Jin Wu the address and closed his eyes to rest.
Su Xiaolu also closed her eyes to rest, but she could sense Zhou Zhi looking at her. She couldn't be bothered to be suspicious and let him be.
She had to solve the plague first.
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu and saw that she had her eyes closed calmly. Anyway, she did not open her eyes. Instead, she gave him more opportunities to look at her.
Su Xiaolu's eyes were beautiful, her mouth was beautiful, and her nose and eyebrows were beautiful.
Chapter 306: Investigate Together 2Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
She was quick-witted, lively, beautiful, and more attractive than any woman he had ever met.
Zhou Zhi could not help but remember that Zhou Heng and her had grown up together. They were like childhood sweethearts and Su Chong and Su Hua were so protective of him. Would he like Su Xiaolu?
Would Su Xiaolu like Zhou Heng?
No matter how they cooperated and acted realistically, he only glanced at Zhou Heng and knew that it was Zhou Heng and not Su Heng.
He didn't even need to check. That feeling couldn't be wrong.
He did not explain because he really did not intend to take Zhou Heng's life.
However, the envy in his heart was also real. Zhou Heng was very healthy. In order to avoid being hunted down, his bone structure had even changed a little, making Zhou Heng's appearance not similar to his appearance at all. However, all of this was built on him.
Many emotions grew wildly in his heart, making his heart ache terribly.
Zhou Zhi's eyes were deep. He watched as Su Xiaolu's eyelashes fluttered. The surging emotions in his heart disappeared. He smiled slightly and closed his eyes when Su Xiaolu could not help but flare up.
Su Xiaolu frowned. She opened her eyes and pursed her lips as she looked at Zhou Zhi, who was resting with his eyes closed. This person...
Su Xiaolu also looked at Zhou Zhi. Although Zhou Zhi was thin, he had a good bone structure and was very good-looking.
Perhaps it was because of his thin body that he looked a little sickly, making him look very humble. When one talked to him, they could not help but treat him gently.
If she didn't know that he was proficient in scheming and had deep thoughts, she would really think that Zhou Zhi was a humble, gentle, and polite man. She would naturally be gentle to him.
But in reality, she could only be careful and afraid of him.
The carriage stopped. Zhou Zhi opened his eyes and met Su Xiaolu's gaze. He smiled and said, "Miss Su, we're here."
Su Xiaolu nodded. "I know."
Zhou Zhi got up first.
Su Xiaolu looked at Huang Xingliang, who was still resting with his eyes closed. She stood up and patted Huang Xingliang gently. "Lord Huang, we're here."
Huang Xingliang opened his eyes and smiled. "Oh, we're all here. I fell asleep just now."
As for whether he was really asleep, only he knew.
Su Xiaolu got out of the carriage and it stopped outside a courtyard.
Jin Wu had already knocked on the door.
A vigilant old man's voice came from the door. "Who is it?"
Jin Wu said coldly, "The government will conduct a spot check. Open the door."
When they heard that it was the government, the courtyard door quickly opened and an old woman timidly sized up them.
Huang Xingliang was wearing an official uniform, and the old woman was about to kneel down.
Huang Xingliang hurriedly said, "Auntie, please rise. We're here about the plague. Your son, Zhang Yimin, was among the first batch to be infected, so we came to check again. This is the second prince and the doctor."
The old woman looked sad and was about to kneel down and bow to Zhou Zhi.
Zhou Zhi said calmly, "There's no need to bow. Get up and reply."
The old woman said fearfully, "Sir, Second Prince, doctor, come in first."
Everyone was wearing masks to cover their mouths and noses, so there was no need to worry.
The few of them entered the courtyard. Zhou Zhi and Huang Xingliang waited for Su Xiaolu to speak.
Su Xiaolu looked at the firewood piled up in the courtyard and asked the old woman, "Tell me about your son ten days ago, including who he sent firewood to and what he ate during that period of time. Tell me everything you remember in those three days."
Zhang Yimin went to see a doctor on the eighth of August. The symptoms only showed after a day or two, so his life during those few days was especially important.
However, after so many days, coupled with the seriousness of the plague, he might not be able to remember many things.
Zhang Yimin's wife and child were also infected, and they died yesterday.
Patients in the quarantine area were incinerated by the authorities when they died. In the future, they would not be able to retrieve th]eir corpses. They would be burned at the place where the corpses were. After the plague passed, the survivors would build an ancestral hall there for future generations to worship.
There was pain in the old woman's eyes. She fell into deep thought and tried her best to recall. After a while, she said, "My son mainly sent firewood to Minister Li's family for the past few days. Minister Li used more firewood this year. Apart from Minister Li's family, there was also Minister Wang's family. As for the food... it was all run of the mill, par for the course. It was just home-cooked vegetables, meat, and so on..."
The old woman was a little choked up. At first, when her son was not right, the family only thought that he had a cold, so her daughter-in-law took care of him. After taking the medicine and seeing that he was not getting better, he went to see a doctor.
However, in just a few days, he was gone.
The old woman sighed and said, "The doctor we found at that time was a doctor from the Ji Shi Hall. At that time, my son's illness was already a little serious. That's all. I've said it many times."
The old woman was very sad. Every time she mentioned it, it was equivalent to opening up old scars again and again. This made her feel so much pain that she wanted to die.
Tears welled up in the old woman's eyes.
Huang Xingliang said to Zhou Zhi and Su Xiaolu, "It's like this. At that time, Zhang Yimin saw Doctor Hong Zheng from Ji Shi Hall. Because he was afraid of the cold spreading heat, Dr. Hong covered his mouth and nose when he was treating the patient. Dr. Hong did this to avoid contracting the disease."
Speaking of which, Hong Zheng was really lucky. Coincidentally, he had covered his mouth and nose at that time.
There were suddenly more people coming to see the doctor. The doctors were careful. Needless to say, they knew how to protect themselves.
Su Xiaolu looked at the old woman and asked, "Which room did he live in?"
The old woman frowned slightly. "Ever since we found out that it might be a plague, his room has been tidied up. It's also for the sake of the children at home. He lives in that room."
The old woman pointed and Su Xiaolu walked towards a room in the corner of the courtyard.
Huang Xingliang did not want to go to a room that might have a plague.
However, seeing that Zhou Zhi had already followed, he could only brace himself and follow.
The door was closed. The Zhang family had already lost three people.
Su Xiaolu pushed open the door and walked in.
Although some things had been cleaned up, there were still traces of life in the house. Su Xiaolu saw a small rattle drum and said, "Do they have young children?"
Huang Xingliang replied, "There was a three-year-old child who was also infected with the plague. He's gone."
The old woman outside the door couldn't help but cry. Her heart ached for her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson.
Su Xiaolu frowned. "The first to fall ill must be Zhang Yimin. The plague will be dormant for a day or two. It will only pass on after it acts up."
Su Xiaolu turned to look at the old woman outside the door and asked, "Has his wife always taken care of him? Has this three-year-old child always lived in the same room as them?"
The old woman wiped her tears and nodded. "Yes, Madam Niu has always taken care of my son. My little grandson hasn't weaned yet, so he lives in the same room as them."
The youngest grandson was especially doted on, so he was not weaned even when he was three years old. The old woman thought about it and cried sadly again. She could not figure it out. He should have caught a cold and recovered after taking medicine. How did it become a plague that killed him?
Chapter 307: Found SomethingTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
"Do you all eat the same food?"
Su Xiaolu asked again. She also knew that the old woman was very sad now. Every time she asked, she would expose her scars, but she had to do this. Only by investigating could she save more people.
The old woman took a deep breath and calmed herself down. She nodded and replied to Su Xiaolu, "Yes, our family eats the same pot of rice. Those days, my eldest son's family also came for a meal. Their family is fine, but my youngest son..."
As the old woman spoke, tears flowed out again.
They could not find any problems with the food, but he had lost his life in vain.
Huang Xingliang sighed softly. As long as there was a plague, such things happened everywhere.
Su Xiaolu looked at the old woman and asked, "Think about it again. There's nothing wrong with the things in your house. What about the things outside? Did you go to a restaurant to eat? Did you have friends treat you to a meal? Did you eat anything given by others?"
Su Xiaolu asked about several possibilities.
The old woman wiped her tears and shook her head subconsciously. "No, no..."
However, she suddenly stopped and seemed to have thought of something. She looked at Su Xiaolu and said, "I think so. He came back and said that he ate two buns from Minister Li's house."
The old woman looked a little excited. "Yes, I remember now. My son ate two buns from Minister Li's house. When he came back, he even said that Minister Li was too good. He worked for his family and could get food from them. Sometimes, it was buns, and sometimes, it was steamed buns."
"Minister Li?"
Huang Xingliang muttered in confusion. He did not expect that he would really find something this time. At least he had a breakthrough.
The old woman nodded. "Yes, it's Minister Li's family. His firewood has always been provided by my son. He gave me a lot of money and was straightforward."
As she thought about it, the old woman felt hurt.
Could it be the problem with the buns? The old woman looked at Huang Xingliang as if she wanted an answer.
Huang Xingliang could not give her an answer, so he looked elsewhere in the room.
Zhou Zhi and Su Xiaolu checked around the house. Su Xiaolu did not ask further and checked the house.
They did not find anything else. All the records were the same as those found by the government.
After checking, Su Xiaolu said, "Let's go to the next shop."
Zhou Zhi nodded.
Huang Xingliang said to the old woman, "Madam, you can't go out for the time being. Just stay at home."
The old woman seemed to want to ask, but she didn't dare to.
Huang Xingliang said, "Auntie, the imperial court will definitely investigate this plague."
The old woman nodded and sent them out. To her, her son's family of three was already gone. All of this could not be salvaged. If she knew what illness it was, it was just to have peace of mind.
—-
The few of them got into the carriage and went to Wu Pingan's house. Huang Xingliang closed his eyes to rest as soon as he sat down.
Su Xiaolu looked at Zhou Zhi, who also closed his eyes to rest.
Su Xiaolu also closed her eyes and circulated her internal energy in her body. However, as soon as she circulated her Internal Breath, she felt Zhou Zhi looking at her again.
...
Su Xiaolu could not be bothered. She circulated her Internal Breath in her body over and over again. When the carriage stopped, she happened to retract her aura and open her eyes. Zhou Zhi looked at her all the way and their gazes met. He smiled and said gently, "We're at Wu Pingan's house."
Wu Pingan's family raised poultry. He lived a little far from home. His wife brought the three children to stay at his parents' home.
In Wu Pingan's family, Wu Pingan and his son had died.
Jin Wu went forward and knocked on the door. Soon, an inquiring voice came from inside. "Who is it?"
Huang Xingliang shouted into the room, "The government is investigating the case. Open the door and assist in the investigation."
After Huang Xingliang spoke, the door opened very quickly. The person who opened the door was a tired-looking middle-aged woman with a small white flower in her hair.
She looked at Su Xiaolu and the others and bowed. "Greetings, sirs."
Madam Qin turned around and invited Su Xiaolu and the others into the courtyard.
Teacher Wu Pingan had passed away and they could not retrieve his corpse. They could not even hold a funeral. They could only hang white sails and white flowers at home as a memorial.
The cold and quiet courtyard had lost its liveliness, leaving only coldness. This was another family that needed a long time to heal.
Huang Xingliang shook his head and sighed.
Madam Qin said gently: "Please forgive me, sir. My father-in-law and mother-in-law are both hurt. The child is still young and it is not convenient for him to come out to meet people. If you have any questions, just ask me."
Su Xiaolu said, "Then try to recall. Did they eat anything else during those days? Something from friends or treats."
As the first few patients, their families were not all infected. This meant that there were certain conditions for the plague to spread.
All the investigative testimony was clear and there was nothing suspicious. It was just that Zhang Yimin's mother had said that Zhang Yimin had eaten the bun given by Minister Li. This could be a breakthrough.
Regardless of whether these families had something in common, they had to go to Minister Li's house in the end.
Su Xiaolu pondered.
When Madam Qin heard Su Xiaolu's question, she also recalled carefully. As she thought about it, tears subconsciously flowed out. She quickly wiped them away and choked. "He didn't eat anything special. During that period of time, he sent some chickens and ducks to Minister Li's house. Minister Li gave him two buns. He ate one and left one for home... My eldest wanted to eat it when he saw it, so I let him eat it..."
"Minister Li's buns?"
Huang Xingliang asked excitedly.
Madam Qin did not understand and nodded nervously. "Yes, yes. Other than that, there's nothing else. He didn't go out for a meal. I sent the food to him."
"Doesn't he live at home?"
Su Xiaolu looked at Madam Qin and asked.
Madam Qin nodded. "My family raises chickens, ducks, and live poultry. Those things are dirty and smelly, so we set up a plot of land outside the city to raise them. We send him food every day. That day, my eldest son ate a bun and said it was delicious. He wanted to help his father raise chickens and ducks, so he went..."
Madam Qin could not continue. Her tears fell like rain as she covered her face and started to cry.
It was the buns again. Those who ate the buns were all infected and died. Zhang Yimin's wife and children lived with him, so they were the most contagious after being infected. His family had escaped because they paid attention to hygiene and heating.
There was something wrong with Minister Li's buns. Huang Xingliang's expression was solemn.
He looked at Zhou Zhi, who looked at Su Xiaolu. Su Xiaolu pondered for a moment and said, "Let's go to Wang Dongzi's house to take a look."
Su Xiaolu and Zhou Zhi turned around and left.
Madam Qin wiped her tears.
She said weakly, "Sir, after you've found out. Can you tell me?"
Huang Xingliang nodded. "I'll tell you."
Huang Xingliang agreed and instructed Madam Qin not to go out for the time being. She had to be well-protected and obey the government's arrangements.
After saying that, Huang Xingliang followed Su Xiaolu and Zhou Zhi. After getting into the carriage, Huang Xingliang closed his eyes to rest.
Chapter 308: Found Something 2Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Su Xiaolu did not care if Zhou Zhi looked at her or not. She closed her eyes to rest and circulated her Internal Breath over and over again.
Jin Wu drove the carriage to Wang Dongzi's house.
Wang Dongzi was in the food delivery business, so the carriage stopped.
The few of them got out of the car and saw many rotten vegetables being thrown out of the courtyard. Accompanying them was a woman's shrewish cursing.
"I'll curse you to death. Your son will be born without any skin, you'll break your legs. If you go up the mountain, you'll be bitten by a poisonous snake. If you go into the river, you'll be pulled by a water spirit. If you pour feces into my house, your mother will die. The feces comes from your mouth..."
"I'll stand guard here today. I'm not sleeping anymore. Whoever dares to come, I'll chop off their hands. If you don't want me to live, then I don't want to live anymore. All of you can die. Anyway, I have no one to rely on without a man. I'm barefoot and not afraid of wearing shoes... Boohoo..."
"Damn Ghost King Dong Zi, open your eyes and watch carefully from the sky. See which family bullies a widow like me and our unborn child. Go and look for them at night. You're alone over there. You can drag these animals to accompany you."
The woman scolded and cried. The surrounding neighbors were quiet, but it was broad daylight, and the people were not allowed to go out. Everyone was definitely at home, but they did not make a sound.
Huang Xingliang frowned when he heard that. This, this...
He looked at Zhou Zhi and Su Xiaolu. Zhou Zhi's expression was calm as he nodded at Jin Wu. Jin Wu went forward and knocked on the door.
Su Xiaolu's expression was calm.
After Jin Wu knocked on the door, the wailing and cursing in the courtyard suddenly stopped. Right on the heels of that, the woman asked in a hoarse voice, "Who is it?"
Huang Xingliang said, "The government is investigating a case. Please open the door and cooperate."
After Huang Xingliang finished speaking, he whispered to Zhou Zhi and Su Xiaolu, "This is Wang Dongzi's wife, Madam Yuan. His parents have already passed away. Now, there's only Madam Yuan and her unborn child in this family."
The government sealed the city and asked the people to close their doors. The families of the first few people who were infected were naturally attacked by their neighbors. Zhang Yimin and Wu Pingan's families were fine, because at least there were some elders in their families who had some say.
Wang Dongzi's family was different. There were no elders, only a pregnant Madam Yuan. The child in her stomach could not be considered a person, so her neighbors bullied her much more ruthlessly.
Rotten vegetables, rotten eggs, and feces would all be poured into Wang Dongzi's courtyard.
Huang Xingliang explained why Wang Dongzi's family was in such a situation. Bullying the weak and fearing the strong were unchanging. They existed everywhere. Wang Dongzi's wife, Madam Yuan, was not the first, nor would she be the last.
Creak!
Madam Yuan opened the door halfway and looked around warily. She saw that Huang Xingliang was wearing an official's uniform before opening the door completely. Her eyes were still a little red, and her stomach was already obvious. She was very vigilant, but she also straightened her back and said, "Greetings, Lord Huang. I can't walk in the courtyard, so I won't invite you in. If you have anything to say, say it here."
"I've said it very clearly before. My man's clothes have all been burned. Even if you want them, I can't give you anything."
Madam Yuan sniffed and said. She lowered her eyes and clenched her fists under her sleeves.
As she thought about it, her eyes couldn't help but turn red. All his things, whether she was willing or not, had been forced to be burned by her neighbors. Only a shirt was left. That was his last thing. She had worn it before it was burned.
She was unwilling to take it off. She was unwilling to let him leave no trace.
If he had nothing left, she was afraid that she would not be able to endure it.
But who could understand all of this?
Madam Yuan gritted her teeth and insisted, "Sir, there's really nothing left."
Madam Yuan was extremely nervous.
Huang Xingliang nodded and said, "I know, I know."
Huang Xingliang had already investigated Madam Yuan's place many times in the past few days. Wang Dongzi's things had been burned, and many things in the house had been burned. Madam Yuan said there was nothing left, and Huang Xingliang believed her.
He looked at Su Xiaolu and Zhou Zhi.
Su Xiaolu asked, "Ten days ago, did your husband eat anything given by others, like buns or steamed buns?"
When Madam Yuan heard this question, she heaved a sigh of relief and loosened her grip. She subconsciously said, "No."
"Think about it. Think about it carefully."
Huang Xingliang asked seriously.
Madam Yuan also recalled. She frowned and said, "I remember now. My man has always eaten at home, but one day, he delivered vegetables to Minister Li's house and got two buns. He said that there was a lot of meat, but I felt disgusted by the smell of meat, so I didn't eat them. I was afraid that they would spoil, so I let him eat them all."
Madam Yuan's eyes were red and filled with tears. Wang Dongzi treated her well and cherished her very much. She really wanted to live a good life with him.
Whatever good things Wang Dongzi had, whether it was food or fun, he brought them all back to please her. The meat buns were given by the minister's family. He couldn't bear to eat them and wanted to share them with her. However, she was pregnant and felt nauseous just by smelling the meat. She really couldn't eat them, so she didn't eat them.
"Another bun from Minister Li."
Huang Xingliang frowned and muttered. These three people had actually eaten the buns given by Minister Li. The three of them were also the first batch of people to die from the plague. This Minister Li's family was really too suspicious.
Su Xiaolu also thought of this. She had to go to Minister Li's house.
When Madam Yuan heard Huang Xingliang muttering, she was stunned for a moment before asking anxiously, "Lord Huang, is there a problem with Minister Li's bun? Did that bun kill my man?"
Without waiting for Huang Xingliang to answer, Madam Yuan said in a sobbing voice, "It must be. My man has never been sick. He has always been healthy. Why did he suddenly contract a disease? He doesn't go to other people's houses to eat either. There must be something wrong with Minister Li. Poor my man..."
Madam Yuan felt sorrowful at the thought of it, as if she had found an outlet to vent. She shouted loudly, "That Minister Li has lost his conscience. He made buns with plague and harmed people's lives. He made me so miserable. Poor me, I'm now a single mother and a widow."
Zhou Zhi said to Huang Xingliang calmly, "Lord Huang, deal with it. Seal the city and the gates, but you have to manage public security well. If such matters are not strictly controlled, someone will die."
There were countless people like Madam Yuan in Furongzhou. No one knew when the plague would end, so such a thing had to be stopped.
Su Xiaolu said to Zhou Zhi, "Let's go to Minister Li's house."
It was very likely that something had happened to Minister Li's family. They had to go and take a look to know if there was a problem.
Huang Xingliang nodded. "Alright, I'll stay behind and talk to the patrolling soldiers. I'll come over immediately after everything is arranged."
Chapter 309: Xiaolu Treats Him WellTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Zhou Zhi nodded. He looked at Su Xiaolu and said, "Miss Su, let's go."
Su Xiaolu and Zhou Zhi left together. After getting into the carriage, Su Xiaolu closed her eyes and circulated her Internal Breath.
She thought that Zhou Zhi would be like before and not speak along the way. Everyone would quietly go to Minister Li's house to check if there were any clues.
However, not long after the carriage left, Zhou Zhi said, "Xiaolu, I went to see your brother and the rest last night. I told them that the city would be sealed and told them not to worry about you. Just stay behind closed doors."
Su Xiaolu's Internal Breath was in chaos. She retracted her Internal Breath and opened her eyes. She looked at Zhou Zhi and saw that he was smiling. Su Xiaolu said calmly, "Thank you."
Zhou Zhi smiled lightly and said gently, "No need to thank me. Your medical skills are extremely good. I want to be friends with you. It's naturally not convenient for you to report your safety since you're participating in the plague. I just did it conveniently."
Su Xiaolu looked at Zhou Zhi. His expression was gentle and he was smiling. The way he looked at people was also very sincere, as if what he said was true.
For a moment, Su Xiaolu could not tell if he was serious or if he had other motives.
She couldn't understand or see through Zhou Zhi.
"Thanks anyway."
Su Xiaolu said seriously. Since she could not understand him, she would treat his kindness as real. It was indeed inconvenient for her to tell her brother that she was safe. Zhou Zhi was powerful, so it was naturally convenient for him.
The fact that he could say this proved that he had not done anything to her brother and the rest. Just based on this, she thanked him sincerely.
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu with a smile in his eyes. He asked softly, "Xiaolu, can we be friends?"
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu, and Su Xiaolu looked back at him. Su Xiaolu said, "Sure."
As long as he was like this, as long as he did not hurt her family.
Su Xiaolu took out a bottle from her cloth bag. She poured out a pill and handed it to Zhou Zhi. "Your body is weak. This is a pill made of Snow Herb and Ghost Orchid. It can nourish your body and extend your life. Eat it."
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu with a hesitant expression.
Su Xiaolu was already a little regretful. She remembered Zhou Zhi's identity and situation. He probably wouldn't trust people easily. It wasn't good for him not to take it.
However, if Zhou Zhi didn't want such an expensive thing, she had to keep it well. One pill could be worth thousands of taels. She was also muddle-headed. Why did she suddenly take it out and give it to him?
Su Xiaolu was about to retract her hand when Zhou Zhi reached out and took the pill from Su Xiaolu's palm. He put it under his mask and ate it. He said calmly, "It's a little bitter and hard. It's a little hard to chew."
Zhou Zhi spoke seriously about the feeling of taking medicine.
At first, he was a little hesitant, but he still chose to believe her. When the medicine entered his mouth, he knew that it was good.
There was a smile in his deep eyes as he shared his feelings with Su Xiaolu seriously.
Su Xiaolu was stunned. Then, she muttered, "Who asked you to chew? This medicine can be swallowed. It's not a big pill. The medicine is not delicious to begin with. It will definitely not taste good if you chew it."
Zhou Zhi believed her. So be it.
However, Su Xiaolu was shocked when he chewed the medicine.
The reason why she and the old man made pills was the same as Medicinal cuisine. It was impossible for it to be delicious. The pills were small, and they were all swallowed with water. She had never seen them chew.
"Really? I didn't know that was the case. I blame myself."
Zhou Zhi said with a smile after swallowing the bitter medicine. When he smiled, his eyes curved slightly.
At this moment, Su Xiaolu felt that Zhou Zhi was a human too. She smiled too. "Of course it's your fault. Just remember to swallow the pill next time."
Zhou Zhi nodded.
Su Xiaolu lowered her eyes. Zhou Zhi looked at her and asked, "Xiaolu, do you know how to make Medicinal cuisine?"
After asking, he smiled and answered his own question. "Look at what I'm asking. How can you not know how to make Medicinal cuisine?"
Su Xiaolu smiled lightly to show that she didn't mind. She said, "I know how to, but it doesn't taste good."
Zhou Zhi asked tightly, "That's not up to you. I've never eaten it before, so I reserve my opinion."
Su Xiaolu looked at Zhou Zhi. She thought about Zhou Zhi's health and thought that he could eat some Medicinal cuisine. She said, "You can also eat Medicinal cuisine for your body. When the plague is resolved, I'll make some Medicinal cuisine for you later. If you want to try it, I can make it into a pancake. You can bring it back then. It can last for a long time."
Medicinal cuisine pancakes were like dry flatbreads. They could be kept for a long time when brought back. Generally speaking, they could stay well for three months.
There was no harm in Zhou Zhi's body eating Medicinal cuisine.
Perhaps it was because he and Zhou Heng were twins and because she knew about his miserable experience, Su Xiaolu actually sympathized with Zhou Zhi. If there was no conflict, she did not mind treating him better.
Zhou Zhi nodded with a smile. "Alright, thank you, Xiaolu."
Su Xiaolu nodded. She felt much better than before.
Zhou Zhi stopped staring at her.
Zhou Zhi lowered his eyes and the corners of his mouth slowly curled up. When he looked up at Su Xiaolu, he smiled. As long as he was kind, Su Xiaolu treated him very well.
The carriage stopped and they arrived at Minister Li's house.
Zhou Zhi and Su Xiaolu got out of the carriage. The door of Minister Li's mansion was closed.
Jin Wu knocked on the door as usual.
Logically speaking, Minister Li's residence was so big, so there should be a manservant guarding the door. Even if he requested to close the door, the manservant guarding the door should be there.
However, Jin Wu did not get an answer for a long time.
Jin Wu kept knocking on the door. Jin Wu shouted, "Is anyone here? Please open the door and cooperate with the government."
There was no response. Jin Wu looked at Zhou Zhi and asked him if he needed to climb over the wall to take a look.
Zhou Zhi looked at the Li residence and was about to nod.
A voice came from the Li residence. "Who is it? Stop knocking—"
When someone came, Jin Wu silently retreated to the side.
Zhou Zhi and Su Xiaolu walked forward and waited for the door to open.
"Who is it? What's the matter?"
The manservant did not open the door immediately. Instead, he ran to the door and asked through it.
Zhou Zhi said, "The government is investigating a case. Please open the door and cooperate with the investigation."
Upon hearing that it was the government, the manservant opened the door.
After opening the door, the manservant looked at Zhou Zhi and Su Xiaolu and then at Jin Wu, who had a sword. He suspected their identities.
Jin Wu took out his waist token and extended it to the manservant. With a cold expression, he said, "Look carefully. I'm a first-grade armed guard of the royal family. The person in front of you is the second prince of the current dynasty."
The manservant looked at the dark token and then at Zhou Zhi's cold and heavy aura. He knew very well that this was not someone he could afford to offend. He hurriedly knelt down and said in fear, "Second Prince, please forgive me. I was blind."
Zhou Zhi said calmly, "Those who don't know are innocent. Get up and reply."
Chapter 310: Rejecting GuestsTranslator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The manservant stood up.
Zhou Zhi went straight to the point and asked, "Is your master, Minister Li, around? Has he been out recently?"
Su Xiaolu glanced at Zhou Zhi. Zhou Zhi did not seem to like beating around the bush.
When the manservant heard this, he hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, my master hasn't seen any guests since last month. The shopkeeper has been in charge of the family's business. Now that the plague has broken out in the city, my master won't go out. My master hasn't gone out since last month."
Minister Li had not gone out for almost two months.
How could a businessman be so strange?
Zhou Zhi asked again, "Your master is in the business world. Why hasn't he gone out for so long? Is there something going on?"
There was indeed something wrong with Minister Li. People in the business world had to socialize the most. It was unbelievable that Minister Li had not gone out for more than a month.
Knowing that there was something wrong with Minister Li, Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu and saw that she was not in a hurry. He just listened to the manservant's answer.
When the manservant heard Zhou Zhi's question, he did not hide anything. He said, "There's indeed a reason why my master doesn't go out. It's because Madam is sick. Actually, my master has already rejected many invitations this year to accompany his wife in the residence. My master treats his wife very well and even spent a lot of money to find the divine doctor for her."
"My master is kind-hearted. Now that there's a plague, he even asked the servants in the residence to go home. The servants in the other residences are all death contracts. My master is different. The servants in the residence are all living contracts, and the monthly salary is not low. My master is a famous philanthropist."
The manservant told him all this because it was not a secret. As long as he asked around, he would know. Moreover, the main family was indeed kind. Those with families had all gone home. He was originally alone, and the Li Residence was his home.
Su Xiaolu asked, "Then why didn't you go back when everyone else went back?"
The manservant smiled and said, "Miss, I fled here. I'm the only one left in my family. Minister Li kindly took me in, and I treat this place like my home. After I save some money, I'll marry a wife and have a home. Now, the residence is quiet. Apart from me, there's also an old cook. She's also alone, so this Li residence is our home."
Only the owners and two servants remained in the huge Li Residence.
And this manservant didn't look like a sick person.
Su Xiaolu asked again, "The servants have all gone back. Then what are the arrangements for food in the residence now? Don't Minister Li and Madam Li need someone to serve them?"
Su Xiaolu asked tentatively.
The manservant smiled and said, "There's no need. My master and Madam have deep feelings for each other. Madam is sick, and my master is worried, so he took care of her himself. Now that there's a plague, my master doesn't need servants to serve them. If anything happens to us now, we'll call him outside the main courtyard. Because of the plague, we can't step into the main courtyard."
Speaking of Minister Li, the manservant was filled with gratitude. Such a good master was too rare and easy to serve. His monthly salary was not low, and he did not scold the servants harshly. Anyone who saw him had to say good things.
Zhou Zhi and Su Xiaolu looked at each other. Zhou Zhi smiled at Su Xiaolu and then said to the manservant, "We want to see Minister Li. Lead the way."
The manservant was in a difficult position. He thought it was the same to ask him about these things. He had already told him everything he knew.
If it were anyone else, he would have rejected them on behalf of the main family, but this person was the Second Prince.
The manservant could only lead Su Xiaolu and Zhou Heng into the house.
The manservant secretly guessed that there was nothing else going on in the Li Residence. Minister Li had done nothing wrong, so what else could it be?
However, this was not something a manservant like him could ask.
The manservant brought Su Xiaolu and Zhou Zhi outside the main courtyard. The manservant shouted, "Master, the Second Prince is investigating. Please come out quickly."
After the manservant advanced, he said to Zhou Zhi and Su Xiaolu, "Your Highness, this is the main courtyard. Master and Madam live inside. You can go in."
He was a servant. It was Minister Li's rule that he could not enter the main courtyard. As long as Minister Li did not allow it, he would not step into the main courtyard.
Su Xiaolu and Zhou Zhi stepped into the main courtyard.
Jin Wu followed behind.
This courtyard was clean and did not look dangerous, but this was the most likely source of the plague.
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu beside him and said, "Xiaolu, why don't you wear another mask?"
Su Xiaolu nodded. She was not sure if this was the source of the plague, but in this courtyard, she smelled the plague. It was best to be careful, so she took out a handkerchief and covered it with a layer of water. She looked at Zhou Zhi. "You should add another layer too."
Zhou Zhi smiled and said, "No need. These plagues are useless to me."
He had a poisonous body to begin with. His body was immune to all poisons, and plagues were no exception.
Su Xiaolu looked at Jin Wu behind her. "Add another layer to your guard."
Zhou Zhi looked at Jin Wu. "Jin Wu, add another layer."
Jin Wu was a little flattered. He quickly added another layer and said, "Thank you, Master. Thank you, Miss Su."
They were about to walk forward when a person came out of the main courtyard.
The person was wearing a black robe and was tightly wrapped up from head to toe.
The person said, "Your Highness, please forgive me for my rudeness. In the face of the plague, I asked everyone to go back. That's why I was negligent. Please forgive me."
After Minister Li finished speaking, he bent down to bow.
Zhou Zhi raised his hand. "Those who don't know are innocent. Get up and answer."
They wanted to look for Minister Li. Minister Li came out, so now it was time for investigations.
Minister Li stood up and said respectfully, "Thank you, Second Prince. I will definitely cooperate with the investigation."
Zhou Zhi asked, "Bring us to the main courtyard first. We'll talk as we walk. I heard that your wife is sick. Where is she? Is she seriously ill?"
Minister Li came out on his own. Knowing that it was the royal family investigating the case, his wife should have come out if she could stand up.
Zhou Zhi looked at Minister Li. Although he only revealed his eyes and could not see any emotions, he could still see a lot from his unwilling eyes.
Su Xiaolu was also observing Minister Li, but he was wrapped too tightly and could not see much. Moreover, Minister Li looked fine. He did not have a plague and was a healthy person.
If he had the plague, he wouldn't have come out to talk. However, the strange thing was that he didn't have a plague. Why was he wrapped up so tightly? Apart from his eyes, his entire body was covered.
Minister Li led them into the main courtyard to check. He said, "My wife has already passed away. She didn't like attention when she was alive, so I didn't let anyone know and let her leave quietly."
Zhou Zhi and Su Xiaolu were surprised by this news.