Smallpox was rampant, and in the days that followed, not only the families of officials and wealthy merchants in Yunshui County, but also the people of the eight villages began to provide assistance to the best of their ability.
The cotton produced in Mumian Township is spun into cotton cloth, which is then used to make masks, face towels, cotton swabs, and gauze, and continuously transported to the city.
The rice fields in Daohua Township transported all their harvested grains to Mijiu Township for brewing and producing high-purity spirits.
The village of Mijiu was originally plagued by smallpox, and almost all the villagers were infected. Just when they were about to die, the princess sent people to vaccinate them against smallpox, one household at a time!
Within three days, almost all the villagers recovered. A few who were seriously ill were left with many acne scars, but being able to save their lives was more important than anything else!
They came back to life, and the whole village worked hard to brew wine!
The village head personally led people to distill high-purity liquor to supply the princess, so as to save more people!
Other villages also quietly contributed their share, and a crisis that could have destroyed Yunshui County was quelled in less than half a month.
In the end, only five people from the entire population of Yunshui County and its eight townships died from smallpox.
Three elderly people and two young children.
The rest of the people survived safely!
After Jiang Yue gathered her trusted officials and the heads of the eight townships for a meeting, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
They won this battle against the epidemic!
"Your Highness, an imperial edict has arrived from Jinling, requesting that you proceed to receive it."
Immediately after the meeting ended, Xiong Yong came over to report.
The other township heads and officials had to stop and look at the princess with concern...
Jiang Yue frowned. Shouldn't we avoid the epidemic in Yunshui County?
Why are you rushing over here, and with an imperial decree at that?
The Empress's decree—she remembered the two of them had no connection whatsoever.
I don't understand why, but I have no choice but to accept the imperial decree.
Jiang Yue changed her clothes and solemnly ordered someone to burn incense before receiving the imperial decree.
The visitor was the same old father-in-law. The two greeted each other like old friends, and then the usual routine began.
Kneel and receive the imperial decree.
The entire princess's residence was filled with kneeling figures, awaiting the imperial decree...
The imperial edict stated that the Crown Prince's daughter, who was only a few months old, had contracted smallpox. Upon learning that Yunshui County had a cure, the Emperor ordered Princess Xiangyun to immediately travel to Jinling to cure the young princess of smallpox.
Tsk tsk, this Empress's tone is anything but polite.
Every word was precious, filled with threat and arrogance.
The paper seller revealed that the young princess is not well and is only being kept alive by ginseng soup.
If she arrived too late, it would be too late to save her; the Empress and the Crown Prince would likely hold a grudge against Princess Jiang...
Jiang Yue felt like a million alpacas were trampling over her mind. What kind of logic was this?
The imperial eunuch proclaiming the decree: Alas, the royal family is heartless. Princess, please reconsider.
The others were somewhat worried after hearing this.
None of the royals are reasonable!
If the princess leaves Yunshui County for Jinling, isn't that like a lamb entering a tiger's den?
Without time to think, Jiang Yue gave a bribe to the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree, asking him to make an exception for a while. She first settled the affairs in the county and then put away the smallpox vaccine to take with her.
The eunuch who delivered the imperial decree was not unreasonable. Knowing that Princess Jiang was facing a life-or-death situation on this journey, he said that she had a long and tiring journey and suggested that she be treated to a meal before setting off.
Jiang Yue naturally understood the implied meaning and immediately arranged for someone to take her father-in-law and his entourage to the best restaurant for a meal.
Time waits for no one. The township heads and trusted officials of the eight villages had not yet left the princess's mansion. They briefly explained the matters again, and the maternal grandfather also returned.
"To make a long story short, it seems that this smallpox didn't start in Yunshui County, but was brought over by merchants from Jinling!"
Grandpa, what do you mean—
“That’s right, Jinling is the source of smallpox. It’s dangerous for you to go alone. You should take your grandfather with you. I can bluff people in a critical moment.”
"But Grandpa, this journey is dangerous. I have no worries if I go alone, but if you go too, I..."
"How old are you? How old is your grandfather? He's been practicing medicine for decades, don't try to argue with him."
The grandfather and granddaughter argued for a while in their local dialect, but in the end, Jiang Yue had no choice but to surrender.
But it's agreed that we'll do whatever she says!
Grandpa Gu nodded, no problem. Without another word, he went back to pack his luggage and said hello to his wife and grandson.
Aunt Ge also wanted to accompany the princess so as to take care of her daily life.
But Jiang Yue hoped she would stay and take care of the princess's residence and look after Yao Yao.
In January and February, they volunteered. The princess is a good person and has devoted herself to Yunshui County.
Now the Empress is threatening the princess to go to Jinling to treat the young princess.
Although this journey is dangerous, they are willing to accompany the princess into the lion's den!
After thinking it over, Jiang Yue agreed to let the two of them follow.
Of course, everything must be done according to her instructions, and no one may disobey her orders.
Her luggage was packed and everything was ready. Others wanted to come along, but she refused.
By traveling light, once they enter Jinling, the Empress's faction will be able to lower their guard.
At the restaurant, the imperial eunuch and his entourage had finished their meal. Seeing that the princess was sensible, he didn't make things difficult for her and led her out of the city with a friendly demeanor...
Outside the city, there was a troop of iron cavalry.
Jiang Yue remained calm, exchanged a glance with her grandfather, and then had January and February come in to serve her.
They seemed oblivious to the presence of the iron cavalry, remaining completely unperturbed.
The carriages and horses were escorted by cavalry, traveling day and night.
In just three days, they arrived in Jinling.
It seems the young princess is in grave danger, and the Empress—no, the Crown Prince—is panicking.
“Princess Xiangyun, I apologize for the long journey. I should return to the palace and report to Her Majesty the Empress that since you are here, please make the best of it and take good care of the young princess. She should be fine.”
Having received favors from Princess Xiangyun and being treated with courtesy everywhere, this eunuch was not ungrateful; he extended a gesture of goodwill during their separation.
"Thank you, sir."
Jiang Yue thanked him and watched the old man leave before lowering her eyes, her expression slightly somber.
"Ugh~"
"Mr. Gu, how are you?"
I got off the bus in January, my legs were weak, and despite the discomfort, I patted the old man's back.
"It's alright."
For three days, we were on the road, day and night, all in the carriage. How could we not feel uncomfortable?
After swallowing the curses that followed, Old Master Gu rinsed his mouth and ate a few plums before he felt a little better.
At the entrance to the East Palace, a side gate opened, and a head maidservant emerged. She seemed quite disdainful of their attire, and said in a high-pitched voice:
"Distinguished guests, please come with me to bathe and change your clothes."
"Wasn't it said that the young princess was on the verge of death? Why did you rush here to fetch me, so that I could bathe and change first? Has the young princess recovered? Is she alright now?"
Jiang Yue smiled faintly, finally letting out the anger she had been holding in all the way.
Just then, the sound of horses' hooves rang out, followed by the whistling of a whip cutting through the air, passing over her and landing on the old woman who had spoken—
*Smack!*
"You lowly slave! How dare you obstruct our honored guest! Are you plotting to harm my Chan'er?!"
"Your Highness, spare my life! This old servant wouldn't dare!"
......
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com