A Shocking Dream

Qin Ruoyu immediately followed suit, covering his face with a cloth. "Uncle, you're absolutely right. Everyone, be careful. This mission is arduous. We must not only rescue the people, but also ensure our own safety." His voice was firm and powerful, inspiring everyone.

Everyone in the group following them was nervous, covering their faces. They knew they were about to face a severe test, but they didn't flinch at all.

The moment they entered Linzhou, a wave of despair washed over them. The scene on the streets was even worse than they had imagined: patients groaning in pain and discarded debris littered the streets. The once bustling city of Linzhou now seemed cursed, its air permeated by despair. The streets were almost deserted, littered with discarded items and the occasional sickly figure. Houses were shuttered, their doors and windows still lingering with the lingering air of fear.

Qin Ruoyu frowned, his eyes filled with grief. "Uncle, how could Linzhou have become like this?" Qin Rongchen's face was solemn, and he shook his head slightly. "The scourge of this plague is far beyond our imagination. But now that we've come here, we can't retreat."

Zeng Mu had been waiting at the city gates since the morning, sweating profusely, fearing the court would punish him. Linzhou was plagued by a plague, and as a local official, he had failed to effectively and promptly control the epidemic, leaving him filled with guilt and fear.

He kept pacing back and forth, his eyes fixed on the distance, hoping that the people sent by the court would arrive soon. The subordinates around him also looked nervous. They knew that this plague had brought great disaster to the people, and their own fate hung in the balance.

As time went by and the sun rose higher, Zeng Mu became increasingly anxious. He kept wiping the sweat from his forehead, silently praying that the court would show some mercy.

Finally, a group of people appeared in the distance. Zeng Mu's heart suddenly tightened. He quickly straightened his clothes and led everyone to greet them.

When he saw Qin Ruoyu, Qin Rongchen, and the others, he immediately knelt and saluted. "Your Highness, the Crown Prince, and the Sage King, your humble servant, Zeng Mu, leads the officials and people of Linzhou in welcoming your presence. Plague is raging in Linzhou, and I have failed to fulfill my duties. I deserve death. Please, Your Highness, the Crown Prince, and the Sage King, punish me." His voice trembled, filled with self-blame.

Qin Ruoyu looked at Zeng Mu and frowned slightly. "Get up, now is not the time to assign blame. We must find a way to control the plague as soon as possible and save the people."

Zeng Mu stood up, his face filled with shame. "Your Highness, I am ashamed. This plague came suddenly, and despite my best efforts, I have been unable to control the situation. I beg Your Highness for guidance."

Qin Ruoyu said seriously, "First, tell me about the current situation in Linzhou. How many patients are there? What measures have been taken?"

Zeng Mu quickly replied, "Your Highness, there are already hundreds of people infected in Linzhou, and the number is increasing every day. I have organized some doctors to treat them, but the medicine is scarce and the effect is minimal. At the same time, I have also ordered the city gates to be sealed, prohibiting people from entering or leaving at will to prevent the spread of the plague."

Qin Ruoyu nodded slightly. "You acted in a timely manner. But simply blocking the city gates is not enough. We must find a way to cure the plague."

Zeng Mu lowered his head and said, "I am a foolish official. I hope Your Highness will explain it to me."

Qin Ruoyu thought for a moment and said, "We need to investigate the source of the plague as soon as possible and gather more medicinal herbs and supplies. You must organize manpower to cooperate with our actions and make sure this plague is under control."

Zeng Mu knelt again and said, "Your Highness, I have failed to perform my duties properly, causing the people of Linzhou to fall into such a predicament. This is truly an unforgivable crime. I am willing to accept any punishment. I only hope that Your Highness can save the people of Linzhou from this dire situation."

Qin Ruoyu reached out and helped Zeng Mu up. "Now is not the time to apologize. Get up. If we work together, we will definitely defeat this plague."

Zeng Mu was filled with gratitude. "Yes, Your Highness. I will do my best."

Qin Rongchen also said: "Zeng Mu, you must be responsible for the people and not slack off in the slightest."

Zeng Mu knelt again and said, "I will follow the teachings of the sage king and do my utmost to seek the welfare of the people."

At this tense moment, Zeng Mu knew that he had to go all out to cooperate with the Crown Prince and the Sage King to fight this terrible plague.

All the people seemed to see hope when they saw the troops from the capital. A glimmer of light gradually ignited in their eyes that had been filled with despair, a desire for survival and anticipation for the future.

The crowd began to whisper, and someone excitedly said, "The court has sent people. We're saved." Another person nodded in agreement, "Yes, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Sage King are here. This plague will definitely be brought under control."

Everyone looked in the direction of Qin Ruoyu and Qin Rongchen, their eyes filled with respect and anticipation. Some people even couldn't help but shed tears of excitement. They had struggled for too long in this terrible plague, and now they finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel.

Qin Ruoyu and Qin Rongchen felt the people's expectations, and their sense of responsibility grew stronger. Qin Ruoyu said loudly, "Don't panic, fellow villagers. We will do our best to control the plague and let everyone return to normal life."

Qin Rongchen also continued: "Everyone should trust the court. We will overcome the difficulties together with everyone."

After hearing their words, the people were filled with confidence and began to actively cooperate with the court's arrangements. Some helped to carry supplies, and some assisted medical staff in caring for the patients.

In this difficult time, the arrival of troops from the capital was like a timely rain, nourishing the dry hearts of the people.

"Your Highness, the Sage King, please follow me into the city," Zeng Mu said, leaning slightly to the side and making a gesture of invitation. His face was full of respect, but his eyes revealed a hint of anxiety and worry.

Qin Ruoyu nodded slightly, exchanged glances with Qin Rongchen, and then they stepped forward together. The team behind them also followed in an orderly manner, each with a serious and sense of mission on their face.

Entering Linzhou City, the air of despair grew even thicker. The streets remained dead silent, broken only by faint coughs and painful groans. Qin Ruoyu's brow furrowed, his heart heavy.

Qin Rongchen looked around and said solemnly, "Master Zeng, the situation of this plague is more serious than we imagined. Take us to see where the patients are concentrated immediately."

Zeng Mu quickly responded, "Yes, Sage King. I will take you two there right away."

They quickened their pace and headed towards the area where the patients were concentrated. Along the way, Qin Ruoyu and Qin Rongchen were thinking about how to deal with the plague. Qin Ruoyu frowned, and his mind kept calculating various possibilities. "Uncle, we must find an effective treatment as soon as possible, otherwise this plague will take the lives of countless more people."