Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty-Chapter 25: Widespread!

The illness didn't come all at once. At first, it was just a few whispers in the streets. A merchant's son fell sick, coughing blood. A noblewoman collapsed at a banquet, too weak to stand. Most people dismissed it as nothing, just a passing fever.

But within days, more cases appeared. Servants, soldiers, scholars, no one were spared. The physicians were all confused. No treatment worked. Then, the real fear began.

---

A long awaited moment

Hua Qingyan sat in her study, flipping through the latest reports. Her trusted servant, stood beside her.

"The sickness is spreading faster, My lady," he said. "More people are falling ill each day."

Qingyan nodded, but looked unfazed. "Has our stock been moved to the storage houses?"

"Yes, everything is ready. But... is it really fine to sell at such high prices?"

She glanced up, her eyes calm. "Hmm well, do you think a starving man worries about silver? In times of desperation, people will pay anything to live."

He didn't argue. He knew this was the intention of his lady from the beginning itself.

She had been preparing for this moment for months, buying herbs, food, and cloth in secret, waiting for the right time. Now, as the illness spread, her merchant company was the only one with enough supplies. This is really a very good move.

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Commoner's worry

Outside, the city was starting to change.

At a street corner, a group of commoners gathered.

"Did you hear? The illness has reached the palace."

"What? Even the nobles are sick?"

A woman continued. "I heard the physicians have no cure. If this continues, we're all doomed!"

A shopkeeper started. "Well, There's one merchant company selling medicine now, but the prices are...just too high. How are the poors gonna survive?"

An old man coughed, his voice weak. "Price or not, at least someone is selling. What choice do we have?"

---

A report from the spy

At the Prime Minister's residence, Hua Zhen sat in his study, listening to a report from his spy.

"My Lord, the illness is spreading rapidly. But what's more concerning... a certain merchant company has been selling medicine and supplies at high prices."

Hua Zhengyi raised an eyebrow. "Then...do you who owns this company?"

The spy hesitated. "We tried, my lord but the person behind must be someone powerful we couldn't get the information on them. I'm sorry, my lord."

Silence filled the room. Hua Zhen was deep inside his thought.

Then, he gestured him to leave.

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"Qingyan..." he murmured. "Looks like you already know what you doing."