I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 462: At the beginning of the sixth year of Huangyou, a cold epidemic broke out and Concubine Zhang was critically ill!
New Year’s Eve, near noon.

In Bianjing City.

The sky was gloomy and the wind was cold. Soon, snow began to fall.

The snow was falling heavily like goose feathers, and soon the whole city was covered with a layer of white gauze.

Sudden cold can easily break people.

This winter was very cold and many elderly people died as a result.

At this moment, there were only a few horse-drawn carriages galloping on the streets of the city, and there were not many customers in the surrounding taverns and teahouses.

On the one hand, it was due to heavy snow, and on the other hand, it was due to cold.

The cold disease has spread and has gradually turned into an epidemic.

At this time.

Su Liang braved the wind and snow and came to Qian's Pediatric Clinic on Nanmen Street, which was Qian Yi's clinic.

Before Su Liang entered the door, he smelled a strong and pungent smell of Chinese medicine.

Inside the hospital.

Several furnaces were on fire and the apprentices were all decocting medicine.

From time to time, the cries of children could be heard from the backyard, and people walked into the clinic carrying children suffering from the cold.

not far away.

Qian Yi, with a piece of silk cloth wrapped around his nose and mouth, was weighing medicinal materials and was so busy that beads of sweat covered his forehead.

Su Liang walked to the medicine dispenser without saying a word.

Qian Yi said without even looking up: "If it is a cold, please go directly to the room on the left. Someone will provide you with medicine."

"Doctor Xiao Qian, it's me!" Su Liang said.

Qian Yi raised his head, was startled, and said: "Su... Sijian, why are you here? I have a lot of patients here, cover your mouth and nose quickly!"

Qian Yi took out a piece of clean silk cloth from the counter and handed it to Su Liang.

Su Liang quickly covered his nose and mouth.

"Doctor Qian, I just came out of the Medical Officers' Institute and learned about the epidemic. I want to talk to you about the epidemic among the people. Later, I may have to meet the emperor depending on the epidemic situation!"

Qian Yi walked out from the counter and led Su Liang to the tea room nearby, saying, "Su Sijian, this winter, the cold epidemic is very serious. The court must not be careless!"

Afterwards, the two came to the tea room.

Su Liang said: "The doctors at the Medical Officers' Office said that those who get this cold epidemic will have body aches and a heavy head, but it is just a seasonal disease and will go away when the weather warms up. Fenghansan, Sandongtang and other prescriptions for treating seasonal diseases in cold winter can cure it, so there is no need to panic. However, the population of Bianjing City exceeds one million, and it is very easy to spread. People with weak bodies may suffer from serious diseases and should be treated with medicine in time..."

The medical officers treated royal family members and scholar-officials, while Qian Yi was more inclined to treat the common people, so Su Liang wanted to hear his opinion.

Qian Yi nodded slightly, but frowned.

"What the doctors said is true. However, I think the situation may be more serious. First, because of the current snow, and second, because the prices of medicines such as Fenghansan and Sandongtang have begun to rise. The rich and powerful have medicine to treat themselves, but many low-level people do not have this condition, and they are the ones who are most likely to spread the cold epidemic."

"In addition, the poor and weak, especially the elderly, women and children, may be in danger of losing their lives if they catch this cold."

"It is best to prevent illness before it occurs, especially when it comes to epidemics. We should 'make a mountain out of a molehill' to ensure that there are no mistakes. Once there are mistakes, it will be a disaster!"

Su Liang nodded in approval.

We must pay great attention to infectious diseases, otherwise once they spread over a large area, it will be impossible to stop them.

Then, Su Liang quickly walked out of the clinic.

……

After a while, it was noon.

Su Liang didn't even bother to eat lunch, and asked Uncle Ji to drive the carriage and take him quickly to the Forbidden City.

There were basins and clothes in the carriage.

Su Liang washed his hands and face carefully, then changed into new clothes before getting off the carriage.

……

Banned.

The snow fell heavier and heavier, and everything around was white.

The large flakes of snow were no longer floating on Su Liang's body, but were pouring into Su Liang's neck along with the cold wind like a sharp blade.

At this moment, Zhao Zhen was reading a book in the Chuigong Hall. When he heard that Su Liang had to meet the emperor to report important matters on New Year's Eve, he immediately let him in.

At this moment, Su Liang had shaken off all the snow on his body.

But his face was red from the cold, and his feet and hands were a little stiff.

Su Liang was about to bow.

Zhao Zhen smiled and said, "Su Qing, no need to be polite, just warm yourself in front of the brazier and have a cup of hot tea!"

Su Liang didn't hesitate and immediately went to the brazier. After warming up for a while, his hands and feet regained full consciousness. Then he drank a cup of hot tea and his body felt better.

"Your Majesty, the cold epidemic is raging and spreading. We must pay attention to it immediately. The government should set up a pot to boil medicine and provide free medical treatment for the people to prevent a small epidemic from becoming a big one. Kaifeng Prefecture has a population of more than one million. Once it spreads, the harm will be great!"

"An hour ago, Bao Xiren came to Chuigong Hall. He asked for exactly the same thing as you did, and he has set up a hospital in the south of the city where the cold epidemic is most serious. The Medical Officers' Institute will fully cooperate with Kaifeng Prefecture's epidemic prevention measures." Zhao Zhen said.

Su Liang took a long breath.

Bao Zheng was extremely competent as the governor of Kaifeng Prefecture.

Su Liang added: "In addition, I beg you to keep the grand court tomorrow simple and quick, and the emperor does not need to hold a banquet in the palace at noon."

"This... this is not necessary! Cold disease is caused by the winter cold invading the body. Those attending the court meeting must be free of cold disease. Do we still need to take precautions?"

In Zhao Zhen's current consciousness, the cold epidemic was a disease contracted by the lower-class people, and those who participated in the grand court meeting would not be affected by it at all.

"Your Majesty, this kind of cold epidemic is not only for the rich and powerful who are well-dressed and warm. Moreover, during the grand court meeting, there are many officials, eunuchs, and palace maids participating. If they are infected with the cold epidemic, it is easy to spread to the palace. Women and children are weaker and it is easy to develop a serious illness. We must be on guard!"

Zhao Zhen nodded.

"That makes sense." Zhao Zhen said to the eunuch beside him, "Immediately inform the ministers of the Secretariat and the Minister of the Honglu Temple Zuo Youding."

now.

The ministers of the two ministries and three departments and the officials of the Honglu Temple are determining the specific arrangements for tomorrow's grand court meeting.

soon.

The ministers from the two ministries and three departments, as well as the Minister of the Honglu Temple Zuo Youding, came to the Chuigong Hall.

Su Liang told them why he hoped the grand court meeting would be simple and quick.

Wen Yanbo thought for a moment and said, "This winter is indeed colder than in the past. The snowfalls in December are also a bit strange. It's getting colder and colder. The sun hasn't come out for most of the month.

"Since it is an epidemic, even though it can be cured, we must still prevent it strictly. I think the court meeting should be kept simple and quick!" Fu Bi said seriously.

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

……

Di Qing, Zhang Fangping, Wu Yu, Ouyang Xiu, Liang Shi, Zeng Gongliang and Wang Yaochen all seconded the motion.

Zuo Youding frowned, thought for a moment, and could only say, "I second the motion!"

Zuo Youding has been busy for more than half a month preparing for the grand court assembly, and he naturally hopes to hold a perfect grand court assembly.

But after all, it is an epidemic outbreak and we have to prevent its spread.

at this time.

An eunuch came over quickly and said, "Sir, Master Bao wants to see you for an urgent matter!"

"Didn't he just come here an hour ago? Xuan!" Zhao Zhen said with some confusion.

Lean slightly.

Bao Zheng walked quickly into the Chuigong Hall.

When he saw the ministers of the two prefectures and three departments and Su Liang were all here, he couldn't help but let out a long sigh. "Your Majesty, Kaifeng Prefecture has found a large number of people infected with the cold epidemic in the west and north of the city, hundreds of whom are in serious condition. In addition, people on the street have begun to scramble for medicine to treat the cold. I think the cold epidemic has spread over a large area. The officials in Kaifeng Prefecture are not enough. I am afraid that a large number of imperial guards will need to be dispatched to maintain order. In addition, some government offices need to be temporarily converted into hospitals."

"It... has become so serious?" Zhao Zhen frowned, thought for a moment and looked at the officials from the two governments and three departments.

"Tomorrow's grand court meeting will be held briefly and quickly, and the luncheon will be cancelled. The Privy Council will dispatch the Imperial Guards to cooperate with Kaifeng Prefecture to deal with this cold epidemic. It must be quickly eradicated!"

At this time.

Su Liang stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I suggest that after the grand court meeting, all the officials in the capital should immediately go to the court to maintain order in the city and avoid civil unrest among the people. This can also effectively prevent some dignitaries from hoarding too much medicine!"

"Accurate!" said Zhao Zhen.

……

At night, the heavy snow still did not stop.

The city of Bianjing welcomed the coldest day in nearly a decade.

All exposed water is frozen.

In the past, New Year’s Eve was very noisy.

But at this moment, due to heavy snow and cold weather, many people stayed indoors.

Rows of imperial guards set up pots to boil medicine at places with heavy traffic, such as the entrance of Daxiangguo Temple, on both sides of the Imperial Street, under Zhou Bridge, outside Nanxun Gate, and at the Bianhe Wharf.

The efficiency of the imperial guards is more than twice that of the yamen runners in Kaifeng Prefecture.

When Su Liang returned home, it was completely dark.

After he washed his hands and feet carefully, he returned home with the seven packets of Fenghan Powder given to him by the Medical Officer's Office.

Fenghansan, when boiled into soup, can prevent cold diseases.

There are five people in his family, plus Uncle Ji and Aunt Ji, a total of seven people.

There were still two maids and two cooks in Su's house, but at the beginning of the twelfth lunar month, Tang Wanmei let them go home to celebrate the New Year.

Uncle Ji and Aunt Ji didn't want to go home because it was cold, so they chose to celebrate the New Year at Su's house.

As soon as Su Liang entered the front hall, he saw hundreds of packets of medicine on the table, and the name on them was: Fenghansan.

At this time, Tang Wanmei came over with a smile.

"Mei'er, did you go out to buy medicine?" Su Liang asked.

"No, this was sent by the uncle of the emperor. He said that these medicines are enough for our family to use until the sixth day of the New Year. By then, if the cold epidemic still exists, he will send more!"

Su Liang smiled helplessly. Cao Yi really missed him.

Su Liang raised the seven packets of Fenghan Powder in his hand and said, "These seven packets are enough for our family. I will ask Uncle Ji to deliver them to Kaifeng Prefecture. Just now in the Forbidden City, I reported to the government and prohibited officials from hoarding medicine. I will still supervise this action tomorrow. I must set an example myself. If officials hoard medicine, then the people may not be able to buy medicine even if they have money."

"Okay, all up to you." Tang Wanmei said with a smile.

Tang Wanmei is very sensible and always listens to Su Liang when it comes to matters concerning family and country.

Half an hour later, the heavy snow finally stopped.

Tang Ze, Su Liang, Tang Wanmei, Su Zimu, Su Qinyi, Uncle Ji and Aunt Ji sat around the fire, chatting and laughing as they ate the New Year's Eve dinner.

A family will be very lively if there is one child, let alone two.

Dinner is over.

Everyone sat together and chatted.

Nearing midnight, everyone went back to their rooms to rest, leaving only Tang Ze and Su Zimu, the grandfather and grandson who were determined to stay up until dawn. They sat in front of the stove, playing Go, and preparing to wait for dawn.

……

The next day was January 1, the sixth year of Huangyou.

Fourth watch.

Su Liang got up hurriedly and took a carriage to the Forbidden City.

The road was very slippery along the way.

All the snow turned into ice, which became more and more solid under the pressure of vehicles.

On this day, the number of officials attending the grand court meeting decreased by 60%, all of whom were officials who had to go to the government office that day.

The officials were waiting in several side halls where charcoal braziers were placed.

In addition, envoys from various countries also came alone to attend the grand court meeting, and were only qualified to enter the Daqing Hall after the medical officer examined their pulses and confirmed that they were in good health.

The ceremony of this grand court meeting was also quite simple.

Zhao Zhen simply said a few auspicious words, and the envoys presented the gift list, and that was the end.

then.

The officials then went to their respective offices and performed their respective duties.

The censors of the Censorate and the Court of Remonstrance carried out their supervisory duties.

Monitor whether there are dignitaries who hoard large amounts of medicine, whether there are officials who pretend to be sick for fear of infection, and whether there are officials who are incompetent in doing their job during the New Year...

For the sake of their families' health, the censors chose to live and eat in the government offices in the next few days.

The scholars and officials also chose to close their doors to visitors to prevent the spread of the cold epidemic.

On this New Year's Day, the city of Bianjing was rather deserted.

But for the sake of good health and to eliminate this cold epidemic as soon as possible, it is all worth it.

……

The third day of the first lunar month, near noon.

The sun finally came out over the sky of Bianjing City, which had been gloomy for several days.

Although the sun was dim and the sunlight was almost negligible, it provided some relief to everyone's long-depressed mood.

Once the temperature rises, the cold epidemic will quickly dissipate and people's lives will return to normal.

The fifth day of the first lunar month, afternoon.

The sun is shining, the ice and snow are melting, and people are finally feeling the beauty that the sun brings.

With the joint efforts of the officials of Kaifeng Prefecture and the imperial guards, the cold epidemic in the city of Bianjing was brought under control. Many cold epidemic patients were taken to the hospital, isolated and treated, and gradually returned to normal.

There has been no large-scale spread or increase in the number of patients with serious illnesses.

Everything is getting better.

Of course, there are misfortunes too.

During these five days, 132 people still lost their lives due to physical weakness or other illnesses made worse by the cold epidemic.

Just when the officials breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that the cold epidemic would dissipate in three to five days and that their approach this time could serve as a model for fighting the epidemic, something bad happened.

Suddenly, news came from the palace: Concubine Zhang was suddenly infected with a cold, and it was a serious illness.

In an instant, the entire forbidden area became tense.

The second prince Zhao Han was quickly taken away. After the imperial physician confirmed that he was in good health, he was still locked up in a single room and began to drink a bowl of Fenghansan every three hours.

at the same time.

Empress Cao ordered the entire Qixiang Palace to be closed.

Except for the eunuchs, palace maids and imperial physicians, even Zhao Zhen was not allowed to enter.

Concubine Zhang had always been weak and sickly. When she lost her daughter, she suffered from headaches that never recovered.

The officials thought the problem was not serious and that drinking a few more bowls of Fenghansan might be enough.

After all, the mortality rate of this cold epidemic is not high and it is completely treatable.

But when the imperial doctors walked out of Qixiang Palace with frowns on their brows, saying that Concubine Zhang had a fever all over her body and was in a state of coma.

Officials felt that something was wrong and that something serious might be about to happen.

(End of this chapter)