Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 421: Pingzhou (Part 4)

Since arriving in Pingzhou, Doctor Sun has been researching prescriptions every day. The saying goes, "treating a dead horse as if it were alive," which perfectly illustrates this situation.

The people infected with the plague are already waiting to die in agony and struggle. Now, with the Imperial Physician providing them with consultations and prescriptions, and even the herbs for brewing the medicine being free—thanks to the grace of the Nanyang County Princess—they are grateful beyond measure and naturally wouldn’t complain about the minor details like the medicine being slow to take effect while people continue to die.

The court abandoned Pingzhou, leaving the plague unattended. At such a time, only the Nanyang County Princess stepped forward. They feel boundless gratitude and appreciation for the Commandery Princess.

That evening, the medicine brewed according to the new prescription was distributed to the patients.

With almost religious sincerity, they drank the bitter, black concoction and fell asleep with beautiful dreams of imminent recovery.

But Doctor Sun was troubled, unable to sleep throughout the night.

Sun Guangbai, having stayed up several nights in a row, slept soundly tonight. He woke up only at dawn, opened his eyes, and was startled: "Father, your hair has turned significantly whiter."

The sleepless night left Doctor Sun with many more gray hairs at his temples, seemingly aged overnight.

Doctor Sun let out a long sigh and said weakly, "After much thought, I still feel the prescription is inadequate. I’ve always based it on recorded prescriptions from medical books, adjusting the herbs slightly, but the effect is minimal."

"This plague in Pingzhou is unlike the previous plagues that occurred in the Da Liang Dynasty. It is not as widespread, but once infected, it’s tough to cure, with a high mortality rate. Ultimately, it is due to the virus arising from cannibalism. I need to research the prescriptions anew..."

At this point, Doctor Sun took a deep breath and stood up.

Sun Guangbai felt inexplicably anxious and quickly blocked Doctor Sun: "Father, what are you going to do?"

Doctor Sun looked at his son inexplicably: "I’m preparing to go to the epidemic area to examine the most severe cases and test the new prescription. What do you think I’m going to do? Am I foolish enough to test the medicine on myself? I’m the only Imperial Physician in Pingzhou now; the hope of treating the plague rests on me. I can’t be so foolish as to send myself to death, can I?"

Sun Guangbai was momentarily speechless, then spoke softly: "Being in close contact with patients is extremely easy to contract the disease, very dangerous."

"Even with great risk, I must go." Doctor Sun said sternly: "From today onwards, I will live in the tent, not coming out. You will handle all outside affairs."

Sun Guangbai’s forehead was covered in sweat, his eyes reddened, mixed with a few tears: "Father!"

Doctor Sun rarely spoke gently to his son: "Don’t worry, I’ve spent half my life studying medicine and know my limits. I’ll be extra careful."

"Even if there is any accident, it is my own choice. I won’t regret it. Guangbai, as a man, don’t whimper and cry. Stand tall and proud."

Sun Guangbai wiped his tears with his sleeve and nodded in acknowledgment.

Before leaving, Doctor Sun added: "If anything happens to me, you will take over, move into the tent until you research a prescription."

Sun Guangbai clenched his teeth and nodded in agreement, watching as his father’s figure left, suddenly overwhelmed by tears.

...

The fact that Doctor Sun moved into the epidemic area tent did not spread widely. Only a few people knew.

As the personal soldier commander, Qin Hai knew, of course. He had a typical martial artist’s temperament, not good with words, speaking directly, "Doctor Sun must have his reasons for doing this. Sun Junyi, don’t be too sad. It’s crucial to stabilize people’s hearts right now. If the people of Pingzhou fall into complete chaos, our small number of people might all meet their end here."

The Commandery Princess spent countless money and grain, sent so many trusted aides here; only by quickly researching a treatment for the plague and completely controlling it can the Pingzhou mission be considered a success.

By then, the court’s praise and the people’s loyalty in Pingzhou will make the Commandery Princess’s reputation reach its peak in the North.

Otherwise, all efforts will be in vain.

Sun Guangbai exhaled deeply, forcefully nodded, "Commander Qin is right. Father has done what he wanted and should do, and we have plenty of work to do."

"Isn’t there a plan to distribute grain seeds today? Let’s go! I’ll go with you."

Qin Hai responded, and together with Sun Guangbai, they went to the porridge shelter.

The people receiving the porridge carefully licked their bowls clean, then lined up again for grain seeds.

The one responsible for distributing grain seeds was a man in his thirties. This man was handsome and extraordinarily dignified, bearing a resemblance to Lu Junma.

Sun Guangbai and Qin Hai immediately perked up and greeted warmly: "Lu Sheren, what brings you here?"

Indeed, this man was Lu Cong, also known as Lu Sheren.

Having traveled from Nanyang County to Pingzhou, enduring hardships along the way, Lu Cong had spent several years honing his skills at the field manor, and now, after riding tirelessly for miles, he made it through. He smiled and cupped his hands, "It’s still relatively calm in the field manor now; someone has to deliver the grain seeds and guide the people in planting new crops. I volunteered to come to Pingzhou with the Commandery Princess’s consent."

In reality, the field manor is always bustling, never really idle. However, with Cui Wang now assisting Cui Du, Lu Cong could leave for a few months.

Lu Cong, having been accustomed to training farmers in farming, made ample preparations beforehand. He specifically printed many thin booklets, primarily using illustrations to carefully depict the process of sowing the new crops.

The personal soldiers were all literate, and if people couldn’t understand the booklets, they could ask anytime.

Lu Cong tirelessly instructed: "These are grain seeds; after planting them in the ground, in a few months, they will yield a harvest. Under no circumstances should they be cooked and eaten, thus squandering the grain seeds specifically sent by the Nanyang County Princess."

After serving as Prefectural Governor for several years, Lu Cong still possessed considerable authority when he put on a stern face.

The people nodded promiscuously in agreement. Occasionally, a few brave ones would say, "Rest assured, sir. These grain seeds are more precious than our lives; we wouldn’t bear to eat them." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

It had been a long time since Lu Cong was addressed in such a manner; he was rather touched, though his face remained stern: "As long as you understand the gravity of the situation, everything will be fine. Don’t worry, once our Commandery Princess sends someone to Pingzhou, she won’t abandon you."

"There is porridge available at the porridge shelter every day. However, you all have hands and feet. You can’t wait in idleness for food. It’s spring now; there are lots of edible wild vegetables outside. Men capable of working can go till the fields, while the elderly and women can take their children to find something to eat."

The trusted aides spread Lu Sheren’s words, and those in the long lines of people all became aware and responded in a jumble of voices.

Lu Sheren, who had served as Prefectural Governor, was different; he was meticulous and efficient in his work. Far better than they, the martial artists who wielded knives.

Qin Hai glanced at Sun Guangbai.

Sun Guangbai got the hint and whispered: "I’ll privately ask if Lu Sheren can stay for a while longer."