Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

After a brief pause, Li Ruoyue continued, "However, in the next two days I plan to carefully read the medical books and look for the notes left by my former master to see if there are any effective prescriptions for treating this kind of disease. I hope I can find something..."

Baili Xi, who was standing nearby, heard this and quickly agreed, "Yes, yes, Miss Li, please check it out quickly. If you do find a suitable method, please let me know. I will immediately report to His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince, and he will issue the orders. With His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince's power and prestige, he will surely be able to command the support of all. As long as we can use this treatment method properly, I believe this matter will be implemented smoothly."

After a brief exchange with Li Ruoyue, Baili Xi hurried away. He walked hurriedly, as if propelled by an invisible force, eager to deliver the devastating news to the Fourth Prince. He knew the weight of this matter was immense; if he failed to inform the Fourth Prince promptly and assist him in devising a response, the consequences would be disastrous.

As Bailixi walked further away, Li Ruoyue was also extremely anxious. After Bailixi left, she quickly moved to the study. As soon as she entered the study, she went straight to the desk and carefully took out the medical notes given by her master from her arms. The medical notes were tightly wrapped and obviously very important to her. She gently unwrapped the silk cloth, revealing the yellowed and slightly old paper inside. Li Ruoyue held the medical notes in both hands, her eyes focused and eager, and began to read them carefully page by page, as if she wanted to find a good prescription to solve the current predicament. The notes recorded that the master traveled to the northwest.

In the vast northwest borderlands, vast grasslands stretch like a green ocean to the horizon, while majestic mountain ranges, like the backbone of the earth, soar into the clouds, bearing witness to the vicissitudes of time. However, this beautiful land has not always been prosperous; it has also experienced many hardships and challenges, among them the dreaded disease of foot-and-mouth disease.

Foot-and-mouth disease, a livestock epidemic caused by a tiny yet powerful virus, has recurred like a nightmare throughout history. Ancient historical records show that whenever an outbreak occurred, the horses, cattle, and sheep raised by the nomadic peoples of northern China would suffer a series of stricken scare. Initially, the animals would simply suffer from festering wounds in their mouths, causing unbearable pain and difficulty eating. Then, their hooves would gradually rot, making every step a painful tread, and walking becoming extremely difficult.

Even more terrifying was the highly contagious nature of the disease. Once one animal contracted the disease, its companions were quickly infected. Consequently, the number of infected animals increased exponentially, rapidly leading to a widespread outbreak. Entire herds of livestock collapsed, sprawled across the grasslands, and the once vibrant pastures instantly became a scene of death. Such devastating losses were undoubtedly a crushing blow to the tribes, which relied on agriculture and animal husbandry for their livelihoods, threatening their very survival.

When the sudden and unexpected disaster struck, the ancient people did not panic and become helpless like headless flies. Instead, they relied on the valuable experience passed down from generation to generation and quickly launched a series of positive and effective response measures.

First, for those livestock that were already showing signs of illness or were weak, the ancients decisively isolated them. They carefully separated these sick animals from the rest of the herd and placed them in a relatively independent and safe area to prevent the disease from spreading further. While this approach may seem simple, it required considerable courage and determination.

Secondly, ancient peoples fully utilized nature's treasures—a variety of miraculous herbs—to treat sick livestock. They tirelessly trekked across mountains and rivers, searching for herbs that could alleviate pain and eliminate pathogens. Some herbs were boiled into rich decoctions and carefully fed to sick livestock; others were ground into a fine powder and evenly sprinkled on wounds. Despite the arduous process, the ancients remained steadfast in their belief in the healing power of these natural herbs.

Furthermore, the wise ancients also understood the principle of "preventing trouble before it happens." They took preemptive action, systematically relocating healthy livestock, uninfected, to clean areas away from the epidemic zone. This minimized the risk of virus transmission and protected more livestock. This measure not only demonstrated the ancients' keen insight but also their courage and wisdom in the face of adversity.

The sudden outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease was like a terrible storm, sweeping across the country and bringing heavy losses to the people. The losses caused by this disease were not limited to the economic aspect, but it was like an invisible hand that deeply shook the entire social structure.

For nomadic peoples, the impact was particularly pronounced. Their once free and unfettered lifestyle, navigating the vicissitudes of life, was drastically altered by the rampant foot-and-mouth disease. To escape the disease, they were forced to move frequently, searching for areas deemed relatively safe. However, this constant onslaught filled their lives with increased uncertainty and burdens.

The importance of livestock to nomadic peoples is self-evident. They are not only the backbone of their livelihoods but also a symbol of wealth and status. Therefore, when foot-and-mouth disease ruthlessly decimated large numbers of livestock, fear and anxiety quickly spread among the people. This psychological panic, like a plague, spread rapidly among the population, triggering a series of social unrest.

Thankfully, despite the extremely limited technological advancements and medical resources of the time, our ancestors didn't sit idly by. With keen observation and tireless effort, they meticulously documented the pathogenesis of foot-and-mouth disease and its various consequences in ancient texts. These precious records are not only indispensable and crucial data in medical history, but also provide valuable lessons and profound warnings for future generations.

Through studying and analyzing these historical records, the ancients gradually developed methods and strategies for combating foot-and-mouth disease, which they continuously refined and improved. Although their time lacked the advanced technology and medical treatments of modern society, they still expended all their energy, wisdom, and courage to protect their homeland from the devastation of this terrible disease.

Li Ruoyue stared wide-eyed at her master's solemn face. She blinked, her mind reeling from descriptions of foot-and-mouth disease and its devastating effects. A chill welled up in her heart, and she trembled uncontrollably.

Although Li Ruoyue had heard of the horrors of this disease, she had never personally experienced it, and lacked a direct understanding of it. She had no idea how to treat it. She had originally considered foot-and-mouth disease to be just another common infectious disease, far less terrifying than the plague. However, when she witnessed the devastating toll on livestock—cattle and sheep—due to foot-and-mouth disease, she truly realized the severity of the problem.

These animals were the entirety of the people's wealth, accumulated through years of hard work! They were not only a vital source of daily necessities, but also the key to their livelihoods. Without them, life would become incredibly difficult, almost impossible. Thinking of this, Li Ruoyue's heart grew heavier. She knew the devastation this epidemic would bring to the people was immeasurable.

Li Ruoyue felt a chill run down her spine as she witnessed this scene, and she instantly broke out in a cold sweat. Only then did she grasp the immense dangers inherent in this situation. And now, she was already in this part of the northwest, her heart filled with worry and uneasiness.

She knew she couldn't let something as serious as this happen again, so she secretly made up her mind to minimize the chances of it happening, even if it meant exhausting all her strength.

In reality, it wasn't her supposed "saintly heart" that was overflowing. Rather, since her rebirth, she had deeply understood the hardships and difficulties faced by ordinary people. By comparison, the rich and powerful possessed a far greater ability to withstand risk. Yet, for ordinary people, even the smallest disturbance could become an unbearable burden, even bringing catastrophic disaster. Therefore, no matter the hardships and dangers, she would strive to protect every life on this land and prevent tragedy from happening again.

Li Ruoyue sat quietly at her desk, absorbed in flipping through the yellowed medical book in her hands. Time slipped by quietly, and when she finally closed the book, she was startled to realize that it was already midnight outside the window. The moon hung high in the branches, casting a cool, clear light.

The night was dark and chilly, but Li Ruoyue ignored the cold. She had only one thought in mind: to quickly prepare an effective medicine. Without hesitation, she stood up, donned a thick cloak, and resolutely headed for the pharmacy.

Upon entering the pharmacy, a rich herbal aroma washed over us. Li Ruoyue gently lit the oil lamp, and the dim light instantly illuminated the entire room. She walked to the shelf where the medicinal herbs were stored and carefully selected the herbs she needed. Each herb was carefully selected to ensure its superior quality and effectiveness.