A Shocking Dream

He stared at the urgent report, the bloodshot in his eyes becoming more and more obvious, his breathing became rapid and disordered, and his throat seemed to be pinched by an invisible hand, unable to make a sound. He could only pray over and over in his heart that this was just a nightmare.

"You usually talk big, calling yourselves the pillars of the nation. But now that Linzhou is in such dire straits, what have you done?" Qin Rongchen's voice echoed through the hall, deafening like thunder. His gaze was like a knife, slicing across the faces of every minister. The reproach and anger in his eyes made them feel uneasy.

A minister said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, we...we ourselves were caught off guard by this plague, which came with such force..."

"Unexpected?" Qin Rongchen interrupted him, "You receive salaries from the court and are in charge of state affairs, but you can't even foresee this crisis? Now the people of Linzhou are struggling on the brink of life and death, and the surrounding towns are also in danger. Can't you just shirk responsibility?" The ministers were suddenly silent, and the entire court fell into silence again. Only the urgent report on the ground seemed to be silently accusing the horror of this disaster.

In the court, Qin Rongchen's face was raging with rage. He slammed the armrest of the dragon throne and shouted, "Orders are passed down. The towns surrounding Linzhou are to be on high alert. Passengers must be alert. Close the city gates when necessary, and no one is allowed to leave unless it is a matter of urgency. This plague and zombie disaster is a matter of life and death for our dynasty. We cannot afford to lose anything!" Qin Rongchen's voice echoed throughout the empty hall, each word like a heavy boulder, hammering down on the ministers' hearts. The hall was eerily silent, broken only by the occasional tense breathing of the ministers. The auspicious dragons and beasts carved into the surrounding pillars seemed to reveal their ferocious features from the shadows, gazing upon the solemn scene.

The ministers echoed in unison, their voices trembling slightly, buzzing through the hall, unable to conceal their tension and panic. Qin Rongchen's gaze grew colder, like the harshest winter wind. He picked up the urgent report, the paper trembling slightly in his hands, making a subtle rustling sound. "Zeng Mu, as the governor of Linzhou, knew of such a serious disaster but failed to report it, allowing the situation to deteriorate to this point. Once this matter is over, I will punish him severely and show no mercy!" His voice was low and majestic, like the voice of judgment coming from the Nine Netherworlds.

At that moment, the sky outside the palace was shrouded in dark clouds, like a giant iron pot turned upside down over the capital. A fierce wind howled through the streets and alleys, stirring up flying sand and rocks that crackled against doors and windows. The trees along the street were blown this way and that, their branches and leaves dancing wildly in the wind, emitting a mournful wail.

In the towns surrounding Linzhou, word spread quickly. Soldiers hurriedly scaled the city walls, their armor clanging against each other. Atop the walls, a biting cold wind stung the soldiers' cheeks. They clutched spears, their gazes warily scanning the long, eerie road beneath the gloomy sky. Patrols were added, their footsteps hurried and chaotic, shattering the usual tranquility. At the city gates, guards stood as if facing a formidable enemy, meticulously checking every passerby. The heavy iron chains and cold gates creaked and swayed in the wind. An atmosphere of tension spread through the town, like a black tide, engulfing every corner. The people, sensing something was amiss, closed their doors, their windows boarded up tightly, and within, the dim candlelight flickered in the wind, illuminating the terrified faces of the people. The streets and alleys were filled with an atmosphere of unease, as if the shadow of death had quietly descended.

Inside Linzhou City, Zeng Mu battled the zombies near the old mill. A pungent, putrid stench permeated the air, a mingled scent of death and plague. The surrounding grass, long withered and yellow, now stained a dark red by blood, trembled in the wind. The dilapidated mill walls bore the marks of zombie scratches, their masonry loose and crumbling. Occasionally, a few vultures circled in the sky, emitting chilling cries, as if anticipating a bloody feast. Zeng Mu, unaware of the court's wrath against him, was determined to eliminate the zombies and protect the city he governed, even at the cost of his own life. However, amidst this disaster and the court's fury, his fate hung in the balance, like a candle in the wind and rain.

The news that the Linzhou epidemic had mutated and zombies had appeared was like a bolt of thunder that broke through the calm sky and spread throughout Daqi in an instant.

In the bustling capital, the bustle of the streets abruptly died, replaced by panicked whispers. The storytellers in the teahouses put down their wake-up sticks, and the audience lost interest in the legendary tales, their faces etched with terror. The news spread like wildfire, from one mouth to another. The words "Zombies in Linzhou" were like a curse, casting a thick shadow over everyone's heart.

At the market, vendors stopped shouting and sat in a circle, their faces solemnly discussing their wares. Fruits and vegetables tumbled to the ground, but no one paid any attention. Their vibrant colors were particularly glaring, a mockery of the cruel news. Children were hurriedly whisked home by their parents, their cries and shouts mingling. The usually bustling market was now a scene of chaos.

In every town, guards at the city gates increased noticeably, and the atmosphere was as tense as a drawn bowstring. Civilians entering and leaving were rigorously checked, and the lines stretched long, punctuated by complaints and arguments. Soldiers clutched their weapons, their eyes warily observing their surroundings. Their cold armor gleamed in the sunlight, as if only this offered a glimmer of security.

The countryside wasn't immune either. News spread like a relentless wind, reaching every corner. Farmhouse residents gathered, their eyes filled with worry. Elderly people sat on their doorsteps, gazing into the distance, muttering to themselves, praying for divine protection. Young people gripped their farm tools tightly, ready to defend their homes if necessary. Though their hands trembled slightly, their eyes held a resolute look. The news from Linzhou plunged the entire Great Qi region into panic and anxiety.

"Kankan, be careful." Qin Ruoyu's voice was a little weak, but full of concern. He grabbed Kankan's hand, which was slender but with such force that the knuckles turned white.

Wanwan had just finished bandaging his wound, and worry still lingered in her eyes, but now a hint of surprise flashed across her face. She looked at Qin Ruoyu, the usually high-spirited man, whose face was pale from blood loss, and whose lips had lost their usual rosy color.