Chapter 101: Plague Strikes

The floodwaters finally receded, material supplies finally returned to normal, and public opinion gradually calmed.

Through Liu Ju's meticulous governance and unremitting efforts, the livelihood of the disaster-area people gradually regained its former vigor and vitality.

Sunlight pierced the heavy clouds, falling on this land scarred yet full of hope, bringing a hint of warmth and solace.

Thanks to the unremitting efforts of the imperial army, the populace was properly settled in various temporary relief sites.

These relief sites were neat and orderly, rows of brand-new tents arranged in staggered fashion, like sturdy fortresses shielding the disaster-stricken populace from wind and rain.

Around the tents, simple passageways were fenced with planks and ropes, facilitating movement and transport of supplies.

Inside the relief sites was a lively and warm scene; children played and frolicked on the open ground.

A large temporary kitchen was set up in the center.

Chefs from Xianyang and Chang'an were busily preparing meals, waves of aroma wafting forth, making mouths water.

The disaster victims lined up in orderly queues to receive their meals.

"This food is so fragrant! Thanks to the court and the army, we can enjoy such delicious meals."

Besides basic livelihood guarantees, the relief sites also offered rich cultural and recreational activities for the disaster victims.

On an open space, some books and newspapers were placed for people to read.

Under Liu Ju's emphasis, the educational and cultural undertakings of the disaster area also flourished.

Schools were established one after another; children studied literacy in bright classrooms and listened to the teachers' instructions.

They looked forward to the future with hope, knowing that only knowledge could change fate, enabling them to better build their hometown and repay the emperor's grace.

At the entrance of the relief site, donated supplies were placed—clothing, quilts, daily necessities, all contributed by benevolent people from all sectors of society.

At the construction site of the Yellow River management project, a scene of bustling activity prevailed.

Workers bustled back and forth within the river channel, holding tools, their sweat soaking their garments.

Some reinforced the dikes, some cleared river silt, and others built water conservancy facilities.

Every movement was filled with strength, every gaze with determination.

Meanwhile, in the process of managing the Yellow River, Liu Ju fully exerted the power of technology; engineers employed advanced surveying instruments and hydraulic engineering techniques to meticulously design each segment.

At the same time, they also emphasized leveraging human labor, organizing large numbers of common folk to participate in the project construction.

Under the engineers' guidance, the populace actively learned and mastered new techniques, contributing their wisdom and strength to the Yellow River management.

Moreover, officials led by Liu Ju and Tian Qianqiu went deep into the worksite, directed on-site, coordinated resources from all sides, and ensured the project proceeded smoothly.

"Your Majesty is sage and perceptive, leading us with extraordinary wisdom and courage to overcome the flood disaster, manage the Yellow River, and let the people live in peace and prosperity. Your Majesty's achievements will be recorded forever in history, to be praised by posterity."

"Your Majesty bears the world in mind, sparing no effort for the people's welfare, personally directing disaster relief and Yellow River management. Your Majesty's benevolence is like sunlight shining over the earth, warming every commoner's spirit."

"Yes, Your Majesty exhausts all thought and effort..."

After this disaster relief effort, the officials finally came to genuinely admire Liu Ju.

And the people's admiration for Liu Ju sprang from the depths of their hearts.

The management of the Yellow River and the reconstruction of the disaster area, under Liu Ju's leadership, have already entered the proper track.

In the temporary medical station, Zhang Shi, who had just been extraordinarily promoted to Imperial Medical Secretary by Liu Ju due to outstanding performance, was examining patients as usual.

Yet as the examination deepened, a pungent odor suddenly emanated from the depths of the ward, accompanied by waves of painful cries.

Zhang Shi's heart tightened; he hurried over.

As he drew nearer, the smell grew stronger; Zhang Shi slowly approached the patient, seeing only that the patient's complexion was pallid, gaze unfocused, lips purplish, body slightly trembling.

Zhang Shi's heart instantly welled with a faint ominous premonition.

With further probing, he found the patient's skin abnormally dry, feeling rough and tight to the touch, as if deprived of moisture.

His forehead was beaded with sweat, yet carried a strange chill; his breathing was rapid and difficult, each breath requiring great effort, as if his lungs were pressed by a heavy stone.

The patient's cough was low and hoarse, accompanied by thick phlegm; each cough made his body tremble incessantly.

Zhang Shi's gaze instantly sharpened; his fingers lightly rested on the patient's pulse, feeling that feeble yet rapid beat, his heart inevitably sank.

His countenance grew grave, realizing the seriousness of the matter.

"This pulse... is not quite right."

He muttered to himself, a strong unease rising in his heart, then turned to the aide beside him and said, "Quickly summon Imperial Medical Director Shen Hong."

In no time, Shen Hong hurried over, his face likewise solemn.

After he examined the patient, his whole body involuntarily trembled as he muttered, "How could this be?"

Zhang Shi anxiously asked, "Sir, could it be...?"

His face also suddenly turned ashen.

Shen Hong nodded gravely: "Indeed, it is malaria!"

"What?"

Zhang Shi and the other Imperial Physicians, as well as the nearby patients, all panicked.

Some even dropped to their knees on the spot, continuously kowtowing.

"May heaven bless us."

In this era, contracting malaria was no different from having a terminal illness; it amounted to a death sentence.

Shen Hong drew a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions, then said: "We must immediately take measures to prevent the spread of the disease. First and foremost, isolate the patients to avoid further infection."

He then turned to the other Imperial Physicians, ordering: "Quickly prepare mugwort, calamus, and other herbs for fumigating the ward to dispel miasma. At the same time, prepare some warm medicinal decoctions for the patients to take, to alleviate symptoms."

Shen Hong had no confidence in treating malaria; he ultimately decided to resort to superstitious means to soothe the patients' and families' emotions.

He turned to the crowd and said: "We ought to sincerely pray, beseeching the spirits for protection. Perhaps the spirits will look upon us and let this plague dissipate soon."

Soon, the ward echoed with chanting prayers; people knelt and kowtowed, hoping to receive the spirits' favor.

However, despite these measures, the patient's condition showed no noticeable relief.

On the contrary, his symptoms grew ever more severe, his temperature continued to rise, and his consciousness gradually blurred.

Zhang Shi anxiously looked at the patient, saying, "Sir, the condition seems to be worsening; we must find a more effective treatment as soon as possible."

The patient himself also felt the severity of the condition; he lay on the hospital bed, looking fearfully at the people around him, trembling nonstop.

"I don't want to die, I don't want to die!"

He shouted loudly.

The people around him tried to comfort him, but his emotions could not calm down.