Jade of Another World

In the plague-stricken areas, thanks to the tireless efforts of Lin Ning, Lin Wan, and everyone else, the spread of the virus was finally contained. The symptoms of the infected refugees gradually lessened, the death toll decreased day by day, and the resettlement sites began to show signs of order. The news eventually reached the palace in the capital. Upon hearing of this devastating plague, Nangong Jin was extremely anxious and immediately decided to dispatch the most elite imperial physicians to the affected areas.

Just as the attendant was about to take his orders, someone else said that Miss Lin Ning had already gone to the epidemic area several days ago. Nangong Jin instantly stood up, his face changing drastically. After pacing back and forth a few times, he resolutely ordered, "I will personally go with the team. Prepare immediately!" The attendants were shocked and tried to dissuade him, saying, "Your Majesty, the epidemic area is extremely dangerous. Your precious body cannot be risked so easily. Sending imperial physicians is enough."

Nangong Jin's eyes widened, and his tone left no room for doubt: "How can I sit here in the palace with peace of mind? The people are suffering, and I should personally go and comfort them. No need for further words, go and make arrangements immediately!" Seeing that the emperor's mind was made up, the crowd dared not persuade him any further and hurriedly went to prepare supplies and mobilize manpower.

Soon, a well-equipped and large support team was assembled. Nangong Jin, dressed in civilian clothes, stood in the team, his gaze fixed firmly on the direction of the epidemic area. He was deeply concerned about Lin Ning's safety and wished he could fly to her side immediately to fight alongside her and bring hope and strength to the people suffering from the epidemic.

Upon hearing the news that Lin Ning had rushed to the epidemic area, Xuan Yuanche's heart clenched instantly. His mind was filled with images of Lin Ning's frail yet stubborn figure amidst the rampant disease, and he longed to immediately ride his horse to her side. However, as soon as he stepped out of the palace, he abruptly stopped, remembering the distance Lin Ning had deliberately maintained. He knew that rushing there now would only annoy her.

Left with no other choice, Xuan Yuanche turned to find Uncle Zhong. He had a lot of contact with Uncle Zhong, as Uncle Zhong was an old friend of Lin Ning, and he knew that Uncle Zhong must be busy with what Lin Ning was doing. Seeing Xuan Yuanche's anxious expression, Uncle Zhong understood the situation quite well and sighed, "Your Highness is worried about Miss Lin, isn't he?"

Xuanyuan Che nodded emphatically: "Uncle Zhong, I'm really worried, but I can't just rush over and cause trouble. You're experienced, so please think of a way. I'll do my part from the rear." Uncle Zhong stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and then said: "Your Highness, don't worry. I'm currently gathering a batch of medicinal herbs and grain to send to the epidemic area, where supplies must be very scarce. Besides, I know a few craftsmen, and I plan to gather them together and have them make some epidemic prevention equipment to send over as well. You can help me with these things now, and if you want to go later, you can come with me."

Xuanyuan Che's eyes lit up, and he immediately sprang into action. He ordered his personal guards to procure medicinal herbs from all over the place, and he personally went to the artisans' workshops to supervise the production. During the day, he followed along, carrying supplies, working tirelessly even when he was drenched in sweat; at night, he was still discussing with Uncle Zhong what was still needed and how to deliver it faster. He longed to see Lin Ning, even if it was just to be by her side to protect her, and he hoped even more to help the people in the epidemic area get through this difficult time.

Before Xuan Yuanche and Uncle Zhong could set off, Nangong Jin had already led his personal guards and imperial physicians on a whirlwind journey, raising clouds of dust, and finally arrived outside the plague zone. The group quickly set up camp, and soon the tents stood in orderly rows. Standing before the main tent, Nangong Jin gazed into the distance, his heart aching at the sight of the plague zone shrouded in gloom and despair.

He turned to the imperial physicians beside him, his expression grave, and issued his orders: "My esteemed ministers, the situation in the epidemic area is critical. I brought you here in the hope that we can control this epidemic as soon as possible and save the people from their suffering. You shall depart immediately, examine the patients' conditions, and prepare prescriptions. Do not delay." The imperial physicians accepted the order, packed their medicine chests, and, with trepidation and a sense of mission, stepped into the perilous epidemic area.

The soldiers were busy maintaining order in the camp and moving supplies. Nangong Jin wanted to immediately follow them into the epidemic area to find Lin Ning, but reason held him back. As the emperor, he needed to prioritize the overall situation and stabilize the morale of the army in order to fight the epidemic and provide disaster relief more efficiently. So, he suppressed his anxiety and stayed at the camp, waiting for news from the imperial physician while planning subsequent rescue operations. His gaze frequently swept into the depths of the epidemic area, hoping to see Lin Ning safe and sound as soon as possible.

Lin Ning and Lin Wan, following the local magistrate Wang Wei, hurried along, their clothes still covered in dust and fatigue from the epidemic area. The moment they stepped into the tent, Lin Ning immediately spotted Nangong Jin seated in the main seat. She paused for a moment, then curtsied, and Lin Wan quickly followed suit. Seeing that Lin Ning was unharmed, Nangong Jin's tense nerves relaxed somewhat. He hurriedly rose and walked to the two of them, saying, "Rise quickly, both of you. You've both worked hard these past few days."

Wang Wei spoke first, reporting: "Your Majesty, we are very grateful to Miss Lin Ning and Miss Lin Wan. They arrived in time and are knowledgeable in pharmacology. They organized everyone to fight the epidemic and stabilize the situation. Although there are still many patients, it is not as chaotic as it was at the beginning, and the death toll has been greatly reduced."

Nangong Jin looked at Lin Ning, his eyes full of praise and heartache: "I have heard about it, Lin Ning. You always surprise and impress me. Tell me, what is the current situation of the epidemic? What supplies are still needed? I will make arrangements immediately."

Lin Ning cleared his throat and said clearly, "Your Majesty, the spread of the epidemic has been initially contained, and most patients with mild symptoms have shown signs of improvement after recuperation. However, those with severe symptoms still need careful care and more effective medicine. In addition, there is a shortage of food, and the people are weak. If they do not get enough nutrition, they will recover very slowly. Furthermore, protective equipment is being used up in great quantities. Both doctors and people who care for the sick urgently need protective equipment."

Lin Wan added from the side, "Your Majesty, there are also those children who have lost their parents due to the epidemic. They are helpless and their resettlement is also a problem." Nangong Jin listened and nodded frequently. He had already made up his mind and immediately ordered the servants beside him to arrange the allocation and transportation of various supplies, determined to overcome the last problem in the epidemic area one by one.

Nangong Jin pondered how to resolve the difficulties in the epidemic-stricken areas. Naturally, he would start with the local gentry and landlords in the prefectures and counties. He instructed the county magistrate, Wang Wei, to arrange a banquet, intending to have these people contribute money and food. However, he forbade Wang Wei to reveal his identity, only saying he was an official from the capital. He wanted to see how these places were managed; previously, in the capital, much of his information about local affairs came from local officials' reports. Now, coming down personally, he might as well conduct an incognito visit to see how these places were actually managed. Wang Wei, having received Nangong Jin's instructions, dared not slacken in the slightest and hurriedly began preparing for the banquet. He sent invitations to the residences of various local gentry and landlords, using earnest language, only stating that an official from the capital was coming to discuss important matters and requesting their attendance.

On the appointed day, the most prestigious restaurant in the county was booked, and its ornately decorated private rooms were filled with delicacies. Local gentry and landlords arrived one after another. Although curious about the lavish display, they didn't ask many questions, only exchanging warm greetings. Nangong Jin, dressed casually, took his seat discreetly. Wang Wei quickly rose to introduce him: "Gentlemen, this is an esteemed official from the capital. He cares deeply for the people in our epidemic-stricken area and has come today to discuss epidemic prevention and disaster relief with you all." Everyone bowed in greeting.

After several rounds of drinks, Nangong Jin put down his wine cup and spoke with a solemn expression: "Gentlemen, I'm sure you all know that the epidemic is raging outside the city, and the people are suffering terribly. I've heard that you are all highly respected and wealthy in this area. Now is a critical time for survival, so I hope you can generously donate some money, food, and supplies to help those poor refugees and patients."

A well-to-do local gentryman, Zhou Datong, frowned, then chuckled and said, "Sir, this epidemic is highly contagious, and we are still quite apprehensive. We need to keep some food on hand." The others echoed his sentiments, and the atmosphere became somewhat tense for a moment.

Nangong Jin had anticipated this outcome. He calmly pulled a map of the epidemic from his sleeve and began to explain in detail: “Gentlemen, please take a look. If the epidemic gets out of control, the entire prefecture and county will be affected. When the nest is overturned, how can the eggs remain intact? Your businesses and families will also suffer greatly. If we join hands to control the epidemic, our businesses will only prosper, and we will gain a good reputation that will last for generations. Why not?”

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances and began whispering amongst themselves. Seizing the opportunity, Nangong Jin spoke of helping children and the elderly living alone, striking a chord deep within their hearts. Finally, several local gentry members took the lead in expressing their willingness to donate grain and goods, and others, seeing this, readily echoed his sentiments. A smile appeared on Nangong Jin's face, but when the gentry and landlords announced the quantities, Nangong Jin slammed his fist on the table, shattering it in a fit of rage.

It turned out that Zhou Datong, the head of the local gentry and landlords, also wielded considerable influence in the capital. He was the cousin of the concubine of General Zhao. Relying on this distant kinship, he had become accustomed to acting recklessly, bullying men and women and committing all sorts of evil deeds without anyone daring to intervene. Even the county magistrate dared not show him the slightest disrespect. This time, he completely disregarded this so-called "official from the capital." Nangong Jin tried to persuade him earnestly for a long time, but Zhou Datong remained unmoved, even scoffing and waving his hand, saying, "Sir, don't waste your breath. This disaster is for the court to handle. We commoners don't have that kind of power." With that, he gave a wink, and the other gentry and landlords also began to shirk their responsibilities, instantly turning the dinner table awkward. Nangong Jin, his face turning ashen with anger, stormed off.

The few dozen taels of silver and several dozen bushels of grain that these gentry and landlords wanted to donate were a drop in the ocean compared to their wealth. Seeing that these people were stubborn and unyielding, Nangong Jin thought he would think of another way when he got back.

Xuan Yuanche and Uncle Zhong had already set off. Lin Ning and Lin Wan's worries eased considerably upon learning that Uncle Zhong had departed. After His Majesty left in anger, the gentry and landlords remained. They all followed Zhou Datong's lead. Zhou Datong, having succeeded, became even more arrogant, saying, "So what if he's a high-ranking official from the capital? There are plenty of people from the capital; I'm not afraid of him. We're not without capable people in the capital; we'll make him regret it." After everyone laughed, they started chatting again, their lewd thoughts turning to Lin Ning and Lin Wan. They talked about Lin Ning and Lin Wan's beauty, drooling and spitting everywhere. As Zhou Datong grew increasingly restless and agitated, he sent someone to deliver a message to Lin Ning, fabricating a convincing lie: "Miss Lin, we, a few local gentry, have just discussed this and decided to do our utmost to help the epidemic area. However, there are some details that we would like to trouble you to come over. We can talk about them over a meal at Zuixianglou on the front street."

Lin Ning was in a makeshift shed, distributing meager rations to a group of ragged, emaciated children. Hearing this, she had her doubts, but thought that if she could secure supplies, the children would suffer less. After all, her own supplies in the capital couldn't arrive quickly, and the wait was unbearable. Having readily available supplies would be much better, as distant water couldn't quench immediate thirst. So she immediately instructed Lin Wan, "Sister, you stay here and take care of the children. I'll be right back. If I can persuade them, it would be a great thing." Lin Wan worriedly pulled her sister back, "Sister, I feel something's not right. Should we ask around again?" Lin Ning reassured her, "It's alright. With so many people watching, they probably won't dare do anything. I'll be right back." With that, she straightened her clothes and followed the person to Zui Xiang Lou.

As soon as Lin Ning stepped into the private room of Zui Xiang Lou, she sensed something was off. There was no indication of any serious discussion; only Zhou Datong and his men were leering, and the table was piled high with wine jugs. Lin Ning's expression changed, and she turned to leave, but Zhou Datong darted forward to block the door, grinning, "Miss Lin, don't be in such a hurry to leave now. Have a few drinks with us, and if you serve us well, we'll give you whatever you want."

Lin Ning suppressed her anger and slowly sat down at the table, forcing a smile. "Everyone," she said, "if you're willing to put in the effort for the people in the epidemic area today, I'll offer you a toast." With that, she raised her glass and downed the drink in one gulp. The liquor was harsh and choking, but she didn't even flinch. Zhou Datong and the others burst into laughter, raising their glasses in return, their eyes darting freely over Lin Ning.

After a few rounds of drinks, Zhou Datong, slurring his words, said, "Miss Lin, we've heard you've seen a lot in the capital. Why don't you tell us what those high-ranking officials and nobles do on a daily basis? Let us broaden our horizons." Lin Ning sneered inwardly, but her face remained gentle. She casually fabricated some interesting anecdotes to divert everyone's attention. While they were engrossed in listening, Lin Ning quietly glanced around, looking for an opportunity to slip away.