Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 1987: Chapter 1986: Natural Disaster or Man-Made

”Miss, the Prime Minister is requesting to see you. Master wants you to go to the Main Hall.” Early in the morning, while Bai Ruozhu was still washing up, a young servant from Bai Yihong came running to deliver the message.

”Prime Minister? Did he mention what it was about?” Bai Ruozhu felt a sense of unease. Shouldn’t the court officials be in discussion at this time? Even if the Emperor were on a campaign, it should be the Prime Minister leading the discussions. Why would he come here?

Could something have happened?

In that instant, Bai Ruozhu thought of Achun, abandoned her hair grooming, and rushed outside.

”Miss, your hair hasn’t been done!” Min Ju chased after her with a hairpin.

Bai Ruozhu snatched the hairpin from her hand, quickly shaping her hair into the simplest bun and securing it with the pin.

When she arrived at the Main Hall, she saw from a distance that the Prime Minister’s face didn’t look good, causing Bai Ruozhu’s heart to sink even further.

”Prime Minister, is it urgent?” She didn’t want to ask if it was bad news; she didn’t want to hear any bad news!

”Ruozhu, my apologies for disturbing you so early. The county magistrate of Linchuan City sent an urgent report. There’s a severe outbreak of Plague there, and since you have more experience in controlling Plagues, I wanted to discuss this matter with you,” the Prime Minister said.

Bai Ruozhu secretly let out a sigh of relief; she was anxious due to concern. If something happened to Achun, the Prime Minister wouldn’t have come personally; he could have just sent someone to report.

She calmed down and thought quietly for a moment.

”Linchuan City is not far east from Beiyu. I recall there’s a river in the city. The army should have passed there long ago, and when they arrived, they made no mention of a Plague, suggesting it has only broken out in recent days, which is quite odd.”

Bai Ruozhu frowned, ”Prime Minister, when I went to Guangqi Town with Achun to combat the epidemic, we discovered that many had contracted Plague, but it was the work of a Poisonous Insect master. Although we eliminated the master, it doesn’t mean there aren’t others skilled in this, so I suspect this Plague is man-made.”

”It must be King Rui’s scheme, trying to cause chaos in our rear. I’m afraid the Plague will soon spread to Beiyu City,” Si Yuanhang furrowed his brow deeply, ”What should we do?”

”Let me take people to investigate. If it’s the work of a Poisonous Insect master, we’ll capture them. If it’s a natural disaster, we’ll stay and treat the Plague,” Bai Ruozhu said, her expression becoming serious.

She didn’t actually need to go to the Epidemic Area, necessitating separation from the children, and she didn’t want to witness the scenes there, as they would cause great distress.

However, she had to step up; Linchuan City is not far from Beiyu City. The Plague spreads quickly, and if no one stops it, it could soon reach Beiyu City.

Then, her family, children, and friends could all be at risk of infection.

And those affected people, she couldn’t bear not to rescue those pitiful folks.

The Prime Minister stood up and bowed deeply, ”I thank you on behalf of the people.”

”I receive a salary from the Imperial Court, and as a female Chief Doctor, this is my duty,” she pondered and continued, ”Give me two days to organize some manpower before setting off.”

The last time in Guangqi Town, we lacked manpower, but this time I have female doctors under me, and the Medical Alliance has many doctors who could be gathered. The more doctors, the quicker and more effectively we can treat.

”Alright, make the arrangements and let me know what you need,” the Prime Minister said.

”Okay.”

That afternoon, a notice was posted at the gate of the Medical Alliance, stating that a Plague had broken out in Linchuan City, and doctors were being summoned to follow Chief Doctor Bai to the Epidemic Area to save lives.

Many turned pale at the mention of Plague, including some old doctors who turned apprehensive, afraid to rush to the Plague’s origin.

Guoguo stood at the Main Gate and saw no one willing to register, his eyes reddening with anger.

”You’re all older than me; are you not as brave as a child? My master managed to cure the Plague in the disaster area before, and she can do the same for Linchuan City’s Plague. What are you afraid of?” he cried, clenching his fists.

Jiu Sheng also spoke, ”Linchuan City is not far from here. For the sake of your family and friends, everyone should contribute. Do you want to watch the Plague spread here?”

Finally, someone voiced, ”But, we don’t know how to treat Plagues, even though we’ve seen Bai’s notes on treating Plague. This Plague may not be the same!”

”That’s precisely why you should go with my master to learn. There’s strength in numbers, and with everyone’s help, the Plague can surely be quickly controlled.” Jiu Sheng patted Guoguo’s shoulder, signaling him not to be impulsive.

After hearing Jiu Sheng’s words, many wavered, though some still harbored fear and hesitance.

Just then, a bold voice declared, ”Sign me up; as long as this old body can move, I’ll lend a hand.”

Everyone turned to see; wasn’t that Doctor Mu from Fushou Hall? Many blushed, for Doctor Mu, at seventy, was willing to contribute, while those in their forties and fifties hesitated.

”I’ll sign up too and learn well from Bai!”

”Count me in!”

”I’ll go too!”

Jiu Sheng hastily registered the names, with Doctor Mu’s name prominently first.

When Bai Ruozhu learned of this later, she visited Doctor Mu’s home that night to express her gratitude and gifted him one of her newly prepared green pills.

This pill contained Green Fruit from the Space, making it more effective at detoxification. If each doctor took one, the chance of contracting the Plague would drop to less than ten percent.

”This is valuable; do you really want to give one to everyone?” Doctor Mu couldn’t determine the ingredients but could sense the pill’s pure medicinal aroma, guessing it contained precious medicinal materials.

Bai Ruozhu nodded, ”This way, those going will be safer, and to save more people, first ensure that our doctors don’t fall.”

”Good, Bai, though I’ve lived long and seen many, you truly earn my respect,” Doctor Mu said jubilantly.

The next day, Bai Ruozhu gathered the registered doctors for a brief meeting, explaining the mission’s objectives and precautions.

Meanwhile, she arranged for the purchase of large quantities of medicinal materials and supplies, preparing to set out for Linchuan City.

The escort team was led by Team Leader Kuai Feibai of the Jinwu Guard patrol; Bai Ruozhu had interacted with him before, making him an acquaintance.

Additionally, Jiao Ling and Fen Jiu decided to accompany them; one reason was their concern for Bai Ruozhu, and the other was the possibility of a Poisonous Insect master causing trouble, prompting Jiao Ling to seize any opportunity for revenge against Wei Yu.

Unexpectedly, on the morning of departure, Zu Mei from Jiuli suddenly appeared, her expression grim, ”Elder Su sent me to accompany you, lest any formidable foes arrive, and you cannot protect yourselves.”