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“These past few days, many people in Taizhou Prefecture have fallen ill. Most of them show the same symptoms—fever, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and in severe cases, they fall into a coma. The doctors in the city, as well as the physicians in my household, have examined them and prescribed medicine, but there has been no clear improvement,” Madam Yuan explained.
Hearing this, Wei Ruo quickly asked, “Has there been any sign of human-to-human transmission? For instance, when one person contracts this illness, do the people around them soon develop the same symptoms?”
“It does seem to be the case…” Madam Yuan admitted.
Wei Ruo’s heart sank as she realized the seriousness of the situation.
“Madam, where are these patients now?” she asked, her expression grave, her eyes filled with urgency.
“Most are still in their own homes,” Madam Yuan replied.
“Please take me to the nearest patient. I must examine them in person,” Wei Ruo said.
“But I fear the illness might spread to you…”
“If I don’t examine them directly, it will be very difficult to prescribe effective treatment. If I fear contagion, then I won’t be able to cure anyone,” Wei Ruo answered firmly.
“Then I will go with you,” Madam Yuan insisted.
“You still need to care for Young Master Sheng. It isn’t suitable for you to take such a risk. Just send someone to guide me there,” Wei Ruo said.
Of course, she dared not let Madam Yuan put herself in danger—not only because she had a son less than a year old, who could easily be infected, but also because her special status made it inappropriate for her to take such risks.
“But, Ruo’er, you…”
“Rest assured, Madam. My medical skills are sufficient. I won’t let anything happen to me lightly.”
Hearing this, Madam Yuan grasped Wei Ruo’s hand gratefully. “In this matter, we can only rely on you now!”
“Do not worry, Madam. As a member of Taizhou Prefecture, I cannot stand by and watch countless innocent lives be lost,” Wei Ruo said.
Moved by the determination in her expression, Madam Yuan murmured, “Ruo’er, you are truly the most extraordinary woman I have ever met. If you were a man, the imperial court would surely have a place for you.”
In this world, there were still far too many restrictions placed upon women. Even Princess Jingmin, doted on by her royal father, could not escape them.
“Some things can’t be changed, so I won’t waste my thoughts on them. What I should do is focus on what I can change. Whether I’m a woman or a man makes no difference—I will still follow my heart and do what I must,” Wei Ruo said.
“Very well. I’ll have Qingyi go with you right away. If you need anything, just tell her and she’ll see it done,” Madam Yuan said.
As she spoke, Madam Yuan took the jade pendant from her waist and placed it in Wei Ruo’s hand. “This is my token—showing it is the same as seeing me in person. Keep it with you, it will make things easier. This matter is my request. By risking yourself for the common people, you are also risking yourself for me. I owe you a debt of gratitude.”
“Madam, let us save these words for later. For now, let’s first see how the patients are,” Wei Ruo replied.
Madam Yuan didn’t waste any more time and immediately ordered her people to escort Wei Ruo to the nearest patient’s home.
Besides her personal maid Qingyi, Madam Yuan also sent six attendants with Wei Ruo to ensure her safety.
###
At the Colonel’s Residence, Yingzhu Courtyard.
“Young Master, there’s still no news of the Seventh Prince, but another situation has come up in the city. Quite a few people have fallen ill, and it looks like the prefectural city may soon fall into chaos.”
Xiaobei reported the latest updates that Ke Chongshan and the others had sent back.
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