Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 65 : Epidemic

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Raindrops bounced all over, while splotches of mud spattered. 

People hurried in and out of Zhao Zui Temple. The awning to provide shelter from the rain had already been erected, and the strong, bitter aroma of the herbal decoction pervaded the air everywhere. Even the Imperial Bodyguards keeping an eye on the stoves were covering their noses and mouths with handkerchiefs. 

With a cloth wrapped around his head, Qi Huilian distributed the medicinal decoction together with Ji Gang. Seeing the feverish man who had fallen unconscious vaguely mumbling some words, he scrutinized him for a moment. 

Ji Gang was clearing the bowls with nimble movements, but when he saw an unmoving Grand Mentor, he asked, “What’s wrong?” 

“This is the Dancheng epidemic disease.” Qi Huilian pushed apart the patient’s collars. “The rashes will spread over his body. We cannot get close to him. It’s contagious.”

Ji Gang asked, “Can it be treated?”

Qi Huilian’s scalp itched. He scratched it a few times and said, “Yes, but it’s troublesome. The public ditches must continue to be dug, but who knows if any of the infected have spat or pissed in the water? If the diggers were to get infected without realizing it and come into contact with the others, then wouldn’t another bunch of them topple over ill?” 

“Such a sin.” Ji Gang looked beneath the rain shelter awning. “What should be done then?” 

“What should be done…” Qi Huilian suddenly pulled up the cloth to cover his face as he looked at Zhao Zui Temple’s entrance where some people had come. He whispered, “It all depends on fate. First of all, the public has to be reassured; there’s no room for unrest. Then, assemble all the big and small medicinal stores in Qudu. The infected have to be quarantined and isolated.” 

“We can’t stay for long too.” Ji Gang put the bowl down. “There’ll be someone handling this matter. I’ll ask Chuan-er to leave.” 

“Lanzhou can’t leave.” Qi Huilian said. “He’s the one handling this matter. At such a juncture, can you count on Han Cheng to step forward and handle this? All of them can hardly wait to hide and dodge this bullet.”

“No!” Ji Gang turned pale. “He’s only just a fifth-grade Judge now. He doesn’t even have the qualifications of a fourth-grade to attend court. So how can they let him do it? This is a major issue. There are plenty of higher-ranking people with more authority and power than him!”

“Who are you reasoning with?” Qi Huilian put down the bowls. “There’s nothing you can do if Han Cheng keeps him here in the name of gaining experience! Once the disease starts spreading, which high-ranking official would be willing to come down here? Even Hai Liangyi won’t be able to come! Besides, Lanzhou can’t leave. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. If he succeeds, he can get promoted again! A promo—” 

Ji Gang shoved him away abruptly and said, “What nonsense are you spouting?!” 

Qi Huilian fell to the ground and climbed back to his feet. He said, “What are you still waiting for if you don’t seize the opportunity to act now?!” His temper flared too. “This is the time when people trample over one another for personal gain. He has to do it no matter what! Do you understand?”

“I don’t care to understand.” Ji Gang flushed with rage. “I’m telling him to leave. I have to take him away!” 

After saying that, Ji Gang moved to head inside. Qiao Tianya walked out towards him and blocked his path.