Chapter 57: The official appointed by the imperial court, who had once been forced into marriage and subsequently divorced...

Although Liang Shuyan and others found a good cure, completely eradicating the epidemic was still extremely difficult.

Chengya County has a small population to begin with, and a major epidemic has affected two-thirds of the town's population. Every day, many patients are waiting for them to get medicine and see a doctor.

Despite everyone's best efforts and tireless efforts to treat the people day and night, they were ultimately unable to completely quell the epidemic before the end of the year.

Fortunately, their epidemic prevention publicity was very effective, and since the end of December, the number of new patients has almost completely stopped.

Everyone finally got a break from the days of running around and had some free time to write a letter home.

Since reuniting with her mother, Wen Qingshi has spent every day with Cui Ling. Cui Ling attends all of Wen Qingshi's lectures as an audience member, sitting in the front row watching her daughter.

Xia, Qiu, and Dong, three girls, also joined the team helping out at the clinic. They also started calling the doctors "teachers," just like the students.

Fan Yizhen missed her parents at home the most. When they parted at the city gate, it was easy to say that they would meet again, but she never expected that it would become a problem.

In the stillness of the night, she leaned over her desk and, by the flickering candlelight, carefully wrote her apology on a letter.

"Greetings, Mother and Father. I'm sorry, I broke my promise and couldn't come back to see you before the New Year..."

But as she wrote, her pen suddenly shifted, and she excitedly added, "Do you know? We saved so many people..."

How can a young person not be proud?

This was not only the first time she had ever been to such a far place in her life, but also the first time she had ever come into contact with so many patients.

Previously, she only studied and did odd jobs at the clinic and never had a chance to really help. But in Chengya County, she didn't have a single day off.

Watching them recover day by day and hearing their words of gratitude filled her with a great sense of accomplishment, feeling that her knowledge was finally coming in handy. Although she was still just an apprentice, she believed that one day she would become as skilled as those doctors.

On the Lantern Festival, the last batch of patients finally received good news: their symptoms had lessened to the point where they could no longer affect their daily lives, and they were on the verge of a complete recovery.

This news dispelled the gloom that had shrouded Chengya County for days, like a spring breeze.

During this period, the local doctors who were cured by them have already joined the ranks of those providing treatment, and some have even chosen to stay in the clinics in Chengya County to continue practicing medicine.

A few days ago, when Cui Pingchun and others were treating patients, they also took the opportunity to recruit some local girls who were interested in medicine for the clinic. They not only let them observe the treatments, but also let them help the students prepare and decoct medicine, making them apprentices at the clinic.

They weren't after the manpower; they just wanted to give these women another way out, a chance to be independent, so they wouldn't be oppressed and tormented by their husbands' families like Jiang Mingpei was before, without even the means to escape.

Upon learning of their impending departure, the doctors and apprentices, though reluctant to part, sincerely bid farewell with tears in their eyes: "Have a safe journey, everyone."

After confirming that the remaining patients were in stable condition, Wen Yu and his group handed over all the unfinished procedures to the clinic and went to the county government office to bid farewell to the county magistrate.

The county magistrate, having witnessed firsthand their quelling of the epidemic, revered the doctors as deities and repeatedly bowed in gratitude, saying, "I will never forget your kindness."

Before anyone could refuse, he ordered his servants to bring over several boxes full of local specialties, insisting that they take them back to Luxi.

Unable to refuse such hospitality, Wen Yu had no choice but to accept it.

After tidying up their lodgings, they planned to leave quietly, driving their carriage straight to the city gate.

Unexpectedly, when they arrived at the city gate, they found it crowded with people, all of whom were wearing the masks that had been distributed to them properly, as if they had been waiting for a long time.

The air there carried the sweet aroma of glutinous rice, and wisps of white mist rose with the wind, as if something was being cooked.

The carriage stopped, and everyone got off. They were stunned by what they saw.

There was a large pot over there, with a fire burning brightly, inside which were plump, white glutinous rice balls, steaming and bubbling.

An elderly man at the head of the group bowed tremblingly to them: "Thank you all for traveling so far to save Chengya County from disaster!"

Everyone bowed in unison:

"Thank you so much, doctors! I will never forget your kindness!"

Have a safe journey, everyone!

The shouts came in waves, clearly without prior rehearsal; everyone wanted to shout their feelings as loudly as possible.

Although it was chaotic, it brought tears to my eyes.

Cui Pingchun was both touched and helpless, and waved his hand repeatedly, saying, "Alright, you should all go now, or you'll catch the disease again!"

Someone shouted back, "Don't worry, doctor, we're wearing masks. We'll just say a few words and then head back!"

"Today is the Lantern Festival, so let's treat all the doctors to tangyuan!" someone interjected.

Everyone couldn't help but laugh.

Yes, it's been so long since we arrived here before the Lunar New Year, and now it's the Lantern Festival. Time really flies.

Not wanting to offend them, everyone got off the bus, went to the front to get bowls and chopsticks, and started eating the glutinous rice balls.

Only after eating them did they realize that the people were afraid they would go hungry, so they stuffed every single glutinous rice ball with plenty of filling.

The sweet sesame filling melted in my mouth, its sweet and warm taste instantly sweeping away the bitterness and hardship of the past few days, and even the wind no longer felt cold.

After eating the glutinous rice balls, the group continued their journey.

Even after the carriages had traveled far, far away, people still followed behind, waving goodbye with reluctance.

Later, the people of Chengya County erected a stone tablet at the city gate, engraving the righteous deeds of these doctors who descended from the sky and saved the area.

Passersby can see it at a glance.

----

The journey back to Luxi was no longer as tense as when they had come.

Since we've already missed New Year's Eve, there's no need to rush.

When everyone stopped to rest at various points along the way, they finally had the leisure to appreciate the scenery.

At this time, the snow in the fields gradually melted, and the branches under the snow had sprouted new buds, exuding the breath of early spring everywhere.

Liang Shuyan always kept in mind the situation of the surrounding counties mentioned in Su Lin's letter, and whenever they passed through a county, she would take Cui and Chen with her to investigate.

Fortunately, the situation in various places was much better than they had expected. The medical manual printed by Su Lin had been delivered to various places as soon as possible. The doctors in the clinics studied it immediately after receiving it, and also sent people to distribute the epidemic prevention publicity pamphlets to the public. The situation improved greatly in a short time.

What surprised Wen Yu even more was that this batch of medical books had received an imperial decree, which not only distributed them within Luzhou and Cizhou, but also promoted them to other prefectures.

The names of Liang Shuyan and his companions quickly spread throughout the land.

Upon hearing the news, the magistrates of the counties along the way came and respectfully welcomed them into the city, leading them to the clinics to have them examine the effectiveness of the treatment.

Cui Pingchun was somewhat puzzled: "Why do you specifically want us to take a look?"

The local magistrate bowed solemnly: "The imperial edict clearly states that the three physicians have rendered meritorious service to the nation and have been granted the position of imperial physicians. Since it is the imperial physicians who are examining them, I will naturally cooperate."

Seeing Cui Pingchun's stunned expression, he added, "Although the official seals have not yet been delivered, once you return to Luzhou Prefecture, Lord Su will personally perform the investiture ceremony for you. In the future, as fellow officials in the same court, I hope you will offer your guidance."

Cui Pingchun stood there, stunned, unable to utter a word.

Imperial Physician, a high-ranking official of the eighth rank.

Although his rank was not high and he had not yet received his official seal, it was probably just a nominal title.

But she never imagined this day would come.

The Cui family's daughter, who once ran away from home because she was forced into marriage, has now become famous throughout the land and a high-ranking official in the imperial court!

Chen Miaozhi gently patted her shoulder, seemingly with a hint of emotion: "Now you're not afraid of being dragged back by your family, are you?"

yes.

She was an official appointed by the imperial court.

From then on, she had a dignified identity, one that allowed her to stand tall in the world without relying on the Cui family.

Even the usually calm and composed Cui Pingchun couldn't help but raise his hand to wipe away the tears welling up in his eyes, and said in a muffled voice, "Wonderful, I'm so happy."

Chen Miaozhi put her arm around her shoulder and said gently, "Pingchun, from now on, you will be reborn."

----

When they set off again, even the carriages and horses seemed to move more nimbly.

As they approached Luzhou Prefecture, Wen Yu glanced at Liang Shuyan beside her, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

They are the people in the world who know each other's secrets best.

Liang Shuyan knew that she came from another world, and she also understood that Liang Shuyan was originally an NPC summoned by the system.

However, after spending so much time together, this relationship can no longer be defined by a simple contract.

At first, Wen Yu only bought half a month's worth of NPC services, planning to go their separate ways once things calmed down. But now, as she gets to know Liang Shuyan better, Wen Yu gradually realizes that she is not the tool NPC she imagined, but a person with flesh and blood.

Wen Yu couldn't bear to send her away, so he quietly extended her employment period.

However, her savings couldn't withstand the squandering, and if things continued like this, she could only hire someone for another month.

We can only hope that we can harvest more grain when we return to the village...

Liang Shuyan, however, was quite open-minded. Seeing that Wen Yu was troubled by this matter, she joked with her, "Anyway, I am just a Taoist doctor who travels down the mountain. I may return to the mountain at any time. There is no need to worry about it."

She remembers her public persona very well.

Wen Yu was both amused and exasperated: "You know that's not what I meant."

"It's alright, Wen Yu." Liang Shuyan leaned closer to her and comforted her gently, "Parting and reunion are common occurrences in life. I am already very content to be able to live again in this world and do my part for the common people."

"Again".

Wen Yu noticed this word.

But before she could ask any more questions, Liang Shuyan had already turned away, her gaze fixed on the fleeting fields outside the window, leaving her with only a quiet profile.

The group then entered Luzhou Prefecture.

Just as the magistrate had said, Su Lin had already prepared everything.

The three physicians respectfully accepted the imperial decree, and then, in accordance with etiquette, received the official robes and seals, bowing and expressing their gratitude in turn.

Cui Pingchun habitually began, "This humble woman..."

Su Lin raised his hand to stop her, and said with a smile, "Now that we are all colleagues serving in the same court, Lord Cui, please stop referring to yourself as a commoner."

These words warmed Cui Pingchun's heart.

Yes, from now on, she can also be addressed as "Sir".

Even she, who was usually not one to show her emotions, couldn't help but blush. In the midst of her triumphant moment, she bowed deeply and said again, "This humble official thanks you for your guidance, sir!"

Su Lin then turned to Wen Yu, and the attendant beside him, sensing the danger, presented a brocade box to Wen Yu.

"When His Majesty commended medical classics, he also highly praised this 'Wen's Epidemic Prevention Manual' and bestowed upon it a special reward of silver."

Wen Yu was stunned for a moment before remembering to accept the gifts and express her gratitude.

So she was also involved?

Just then, the system's voice sounded: [Congratulations, host, you have completed the Ancient Reputation Points quest.]

As expected, Wen Yu knew that this trip would definitely be fruitful.

Wen Yu's comments section also became excited.

[That's really impressive! One of our people has finally got an official position!]

[Will the next storyline feature political intrigue? Let's see a female official/empress storyline!]

Do you guys still remember this was a farming livestream...?

[Upstairs, don't worry about it. I just love watching this. We'll talk about farming later.]

Farming is everyday life, but it's nice to have some exciting plot twists now and then! It's even better than a TV drama.

[Exactly! Even TV dramas have become so boring lately. It's a shame that Wen Yu's story is so slow-paced. It follows the same daily schedule every day, and I've been following it for months with only this little progress.]

[That's the charm of our live stream! It's almost synchronized with reality!]

Wen Yu took the opportunity to glance at the number of viewers in the live stream.

She had unknowingly approached 280,000 people, still 20,000 short of her goal.

But then we'll inevitably return to the mundane farming storyline, and it's unclear how long it will take to reach the remaining points.

With their business in Luzhou Prefecture concluded, the group bid farewell to Su Lin and packed their belongings to return to Luxi Village.

At that moment, Lu Hongguang, the Assistant Magistrate, happened to come to Su Lin to discuss official business and witnessed the scene of the official appointment. He almost choked on his own saliva.

He suppressed the turmoil in his heart and exchanged a few polite words with an expressionless face.

After Su Lin saw the guests out, Lu Hongguang immediately returned to the quiet room, summoned his trusted servant, and asked in a low voice, "Why have those women been granted official positions again?"

-----------------------

Author's Note: Congratulations to the three of you on receiving official titles! [Sprinkling flowers]