Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

In response to Chen Duhu's question, Doctor Qian said calmly, "The spread of the plague is like an invisible net. There are probably several ways."

Most ancient plagues originated from animal hosts and were subsequently transmitted to humans through parasitic insects such as fleas and ticks, or through direct contact. Plague was transmitted to humans through fleas infected with the Yersinia pestis bacterium, which then spread to rats as an intermediary. Anthrax, similarly, was carried by herbivores and spread to herders and livestock, ultimately infecting humans.

Once a disease takes hold in a population, it's most commonly spread through respiratory droplets and direct physical contact. Tiny particles released during coughing and sneezing can carry viruses or bacteria, which can be inhaled or touched by others and cause infection. Ancient, crowded living spaces, such as military camps, cities, and marketplaces, provided ideal environments for the rapid spread of pathogens.

In the ancient times, when there was no awareness of cleanliness and garbage disposal systems, dirty water and food residues attracted a large number of flies and other flying insects. These insects could pick up pathogens in the process of searching for food and carry them to new locations, accelerating the spread of diseases. Malaria is a typical example, which is transmitted through the bites of Anopheles mosquitoes.

Water is the source of life, but it can also be a vector of disease. Untreated sewage and feces often contaminate drinking water sources, allowing enteric pathogens like Vibrio cholerae and hepatitis viruses to enter the human body, triggering widespread gastrointestinal illnesses. Rivers, lakes, and wells have become invisible "disease corridors."

Trade routes, particularly the renowned Silk Road and Spice Road, served not only as channels for the exchange of goods but also as shortcuts for the transnational spread of diseases. The frequent movement of merchants, soldiers, and travelers, coupled with the potential for pathogens on cargo, such as rodents and disease vectors harbored in textiles and grains, enabled diseases to rapidly transcend geographical barriers and spread globally.

Religious festivals, market transactions, funerals and other activities often attract large crowds, increasing the risk of disease transmission. In closed spaces, close contact between people increases the possibility of infection, especially in the absence of personal protection.

Chen Duhu stared at Doctor Qian, rattling off countless ways of spreading the virus like a rapid-fire machine gun. All of these routes required dense populations and human-to-human transmission. And yet, now people had to be prevented from moving around. What was he supposed to do? Chen Duhu's face was filled with helplessness. He slowly scanned the crowd before him, wondering, how could he prevent people from moving around and spreading the virus? It was a truly vexing problem!

Li Ruoyue took a deep breath and stepped forward resolutely after seeing the embarrassed faces of the crowd. She bowed slightly, clasped her hands together, and said respectfully to Chen Duhu, "Master Chen Duhu, I have an idea, but I wonder if it will work."

Upon hearing this, Chen Duhu raised his head and cast his gaze towards them. Seeing that Bailixi and Doctor Qian were both silent and had not expressed any opinions, he could only wave his hand helplessly and said, "Forget it, forget it. Tell me now."

Li Ruoyue's face lit up with joy after receiving the agreement, and she quickly began to explain her ideas: "First, the sick should be properly isolated and placed nearby, and their free movement should be strictly prohibited. At the same time, those who are not infected should also be isolated and their freedom of movement restricted. This is the only way to prevent the further spread of the epidemic. Second, we must pay great attention to the surrounding environmental hygiene. The living area must be thoroughly cleaned and kept quiet and tidy. Not only should we use moxa fumigation, but we should also use vinegar to purify the air, and finally, we should evenly sprinkle lime on the ground to achieve the purpose of comprehensive disinfection. Third, both food and drinking water must be steamed before consumption. Especially for drinking water, it must be boiled thoroughly and never consumed directly without boiling. Only in this way can we effectively reduce the source of the plague."

When Chen Duhu heard this, I couldn't help but wonder if this method would work! So, I raised my head and cast my gaze at Doctor Qian beside me, as if eagerly asking, "Will this method really work?"

Seeing this, Imperial Physician Qian knew he couldn't remain silent any longer. He stepped out of the line, saluted Chen Duhu, and slowly explained, "Your Excellency, this plan is indeed feasible. As long as we can minimize contact between people, we can effectively reduce the risk of the disease spreading, thus preventing more innocent people from being infected."

However, the impact of this horrific plague went far beyond this. Like a relentless storm, it swept through, bringing a heavy blow to society as a whole. The economy bore the brunt of the impact, which was truly devastating. The sudden loss of so many people in a short period of time created a dramatic labor shortage. Once-fertile farmland lay uncultivated, gradually becoming barren. Food production plummeted, famine loomed, and prices skyrocketed. Ordinary people suffered unbearably, and livelihood issues became increasingly severe.

At the same time, commerce and trade were not immune, suffering unprecedented damage. Once bustling cities, bustling with people and traffic, became deserted, their streets no longer bustling with people, shops closed one after another, and economic activity almost completely stagnated.

Bailixi added that plague outbreaks were often accompanied by a weakening of political authority. Governments at all levels were overwhelmed by the sudden disaster, and fiscal expenditures surged like a flood. To offset the shortfall, they had no choice but to increase the tax burden on the people. Over time, public discontent grew, and complaints spread. Some regimes, losing popular support, even sparked social unrest and rebellion.

What's worse, the economic recession caused by the plague and the fierce competition for limited resources among countries sometimes further intensify the existing tensions between countries, and the shadow of war quietly hangs over people's heads.

Protector Chen listened quietly to Baili Xi's unending rant. He knew the truth, but he remained hesitant, hesitant to make the difficult decision. On the one hand, he truly didn't want to shoulder such a heavy responsibility; on the other, he felt helpless, for the consequences of inaction could be even more disastrous. Finally, his face etched with worry, he spoke, "Alas! I'm afraid that if I decide to seal the city gates, the Fourth Prince will return and blame me! What will become of my entire family then?"

Erich, standing nearby, completely understood Chen Duhu's concerns and worries upon hearing this. He couldn't help but feel helpless. After a deep sigh, he said resolutely, "Chen Duhu, please follow my instructions and seal the city gates. If the Fourth Prince comes back and blames me, you can simply put all the blame on me. I will bear all the responsibility!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Duhu's face was immediately filled with a flattering smile, and he hurriedly responded: "Oh, how can this be, how can this be! Since Master Baili is so righteous and speaks out, I will no longer refuse. I will order the city gates to be blocked!" After that, Chen Duhu turned around and hurried away, ready to execute the order to block the city gates.

Li Ruoyue's brows furrowed, her beautiful eyes fixed on Baili Xi, her heart filled with worry. She knew that Baili Xi had made such a solemn promise to seal the city gates, which was truly astonishing.

"Master Baili, why do you have to make such a big bet?" Li Ruoyue couldn't help but persuade him, her voice full of concern and uneasiness. "Aren't you worried that the Fourth Prince will blame you for this after he returns? The consequences would be unimaginable..."

Baili Xi's face flickered with resignation upon hearing this, but his eyes remained resolute. He shook his head gently and said slowly, "Blame me if you will. The worst that can happen is that I lose my life. If I can save tens of millions of people in the northwest from the plague, then even the greatest cost will be worth it. I've done a truly good thing for the people."

Zhuo Yue, standing nearby, was overwhelmed with admiration when he heard Baili Xi's impassioned words. He bowed and said respectfully, "Mr. Baili, your noble character is truly a role model for our generation! I am ashamed to be inferior to you!"

Baili Xi smiled slightly, waved his hand, and said, "Your Excellency is too kind. How can you say I am of high moral character? Haven't you also traveled thousands of miles to this northwest land for the sake of the people? What we do is for the people, so what is the difference between us?"

When Li Ruoyue heard this, the corners of her mouth raised slightly, like a blooming flower, and she said in a delicate voice: "Mr. Baili, let's stop flattering each other. Doctor Qian and I need to go and treat those patients quickly, so we'll say goodbye now." After that, she led Doctor Qian and hurried away like a gust of wind to treat those patients.

Baili Xi watched Li Ruoyue's hurriedly retreating figure, his gaze lingering for a long time, his heart churning with emotion. This Miss Li truly was a person of great righteousness! She had completely disregarded her own safety, resolutely accompanying them on this long journey from the bustling capital to this arid and barren northwest. And now, to save the impoverished people stricken by the plague, she had unhesitatingly risked her own life.

Such courage and kindness are truly precious. This place is far from peaceful, plague-ridden, and even the slightest carelessness could lead to infection, even life-threatening consequences. Yet, Li Ruoyue showed no sign of retreat, her single-minded focus solely on helping these helpless people escape the torment of illness and regain health and vitality. This selfless dedication commanded Baili Xi's respect and deeply touched the softest corners of his heart.