Chapter 698: Chapter 695: Excuse_1

He thought that with his cousin’s skills, she wouldn’t be seriously injured. But looking at Bai Qingyan now, could the rumors outside be true?!

“Cousin…” Shi Huishu called Bai Qingyan softly, his eyes full of worry.

Bai Qingyan’s lips curled faintly. “General Shi, no need for such formalities. Sit down. Since General Shi is here at my uncle’s request, please speak directly.”

Shi Huishu cupped his hands toward Bai Qingyan. “This time, it is not Lord Dong who has a message, but rather on my way here, I met a doctor coming from Huayang City. The doctor said… there is an outbreak of plague in Huayang City. At first, livestock started dying one after another, and then people began to fall ill. The doctor, after diagnosing the plague, immediately fled Huayang City with his whole family!”

Bai Qingyan tightened her palm upon hearing this, a plague in Huayang City?

“When did this happen?” Bai Qingyan looked up at Shi Huishu.

“The doctor said the livestock began dying one after another at the end of September. People started falling ill around October fifteenth. The doctor fled the city with his family on October twenty-fifth. I encountered the doctor that night, and he warned me not to enter Huayang City.”

“When I circled around Huayang City, I saw a small group of refugees and sent people to investigate. These refugees said they are from Huayang. The doctors in the city had fled, saying there was a plague in Huayang City. They feared the city would be sealed, so they packed up and left. They were headed toward Shuoyang, hoping to get a meal as they heard Princess of Zhen was training troops here.”

Shi Huishu looked at Bai Qingyan solemnly. “Cousin, I’m worried that some of these refugees might already be infected with the plague. If we allow these refugees into the city, Shuoyang City could suffer. And if the situation in Huayang City worsens, more citizens will escape the town and move toward Shuoyang. Please make preparations early.”

Bai Qingyan knew that Shi Huishu told her this for the sake of Shuoyang.

A plague is no small matter. If sick citizens entered Shuoyang, the residents here would suffer.

“Chun Tao, go have Uncle Ping visit the governor’s mansion and the county magistrate’s office. Ask the governor and Magistrate Zhou to come here!” Bai Qingyan then looked at Shi Huishu. “Lord Shi, please accompany me to meet the governor and magistrate of Shuoyang.”

“Yes!” Shi Huishu cupped his fists in agreement.

“If there is indeed a plague in Huayang, the Crown Prince must have received the news. I hope the Crown Prince can handle this matter properly.” Bai Qingyan clenched her fists.

Governor Shen and Magistrate Zhou, upon hearing Bai Qingyan’s summons, hurried to Bai Mansion with Lu Ping.

When the governor and Magistrate Zhou arrived, Bai Qingyan and Shi Huishu were already waiting in the main hall. Magistrate Zhou quickly stepped forward to greet Bai Qingyan. He was about to chat with her about the supplements he brought when Bai Qingyan spoke, “Please, sit down. Today I have important matters to discuss with you both! This is…”

Bai Qingyan pointed to Shi Huishu. “He is an officer under my uncle, Governor Dong Qingyue of Dengzhou. On his way here, General Shi passed through Huayang and learned of a plague there. Refugees, upon hearing there is food while training in Shuoyang, are heading here.”

The governor, hearing this, looked up sharply.

Shi Huishu repeated the story of encountering the doctor and refugees to the governor and Magistrate Zhou.

Magistrate Zhou wiped the sweat from his palms on his official robes. “Should we ask the governor to write a memorial to the Crown Prince, requesting instructions on how to proceed?”

“The Crown Prince is in Dadu, which is closer to Huayang than Shuoyang. He should already be informed! What we need to discuss now is how to keep Shuoyang safe.” Bai Qingyan spoke calmly.

“The Princess of Zhen means not to let the refugees into the city?” Governor Shen reacted quickly.

Bai Qingyan nodded. “Set up temporary shelters outside the city for the refugees. If they are infected, send doctors to treat them outside. Also, set up porridge sheds, so the refugees don’t cause trouble from hunger. This is not something I can achieve alone. I need your support.”

“Rest assured, Princess of Zhen! I will see to it…” Governor Shen cupped his hands toward Bai Qingyan.

Magistrate Zhou hurriedly expressed his loyalty. “I will also do my utmost to see this done! Princess of Zhen, focus on your recovery. Please don’t worry about these matters. If you tire yourself out, it would be our fault!”

Magistrate Zhou spoke eloquently, with genuine concern, making even Shi Huishu believe he was sincerely worried about Bai Qingyan.

Shi Huishu nodded with satisfaction. He felt that Shuoyang had such wise officials; even if the refugees infected with the plague came, it would be manageable.

“My injury is not a big deal. Ensuring the safety of Shuoyang’s residents and properly accommodating the refugees is the real priority!” Bai Qingyan looked at Magistrate Zhou. “Magistrate Zhou, please pay attention!”

“Rest assured, Princess of Zhen!”

As soon as Magistrate Zhou finished speaking, Steward Hao appeared at the main hall’s door and gave Bai Qingyan a meaningful look.

Bai Qingyan knew that Steward Hao had something to say but couldn’t do so in front of others. She picked up her tea cup and lowered her gaze. “Since the governor and Magistrate Zhou are aware, please make preparations. You two are busy, so I won’t keep you.”

Magistrate Zhou quickly stood and bowed deeply to Bai Qingyan to take his leave. “Rest well, Princess of Zhen. I won’t disturb you further.”

The governor didn’t forget he owed Bai Qingyan an explanation. He wanted to stay but feared the always-scheming Magistrate Zhou would stay too. So, he took his leave of Bai Qingyan as well.

“Thank you, General Shi, and the two wise officials of Shuoyang for explaining the situation in Huayang…” Bai Qingyan turned to Nanny Tong. “Please escort General Shi to rest.”

Shi Huishu also stood and bid Bai Qingyan farewell, following Nanny Tong out.

Shi Huishu saw Steward Hao, who had welcomed him to Bai Mansion earlier, standing outside the door. He nodded and smiled at Steward Hao before heading to his lodging.

Steward Hao entered the room, bowed to Bai Qingyan, and said, “Miss, members of the clan are outside, wishing to see you. They brought a modest gift for your birthday, hoping you will accept it.”

It was natural that those attentive in the clan knew today was Bai Qingyan’s birthday. It wasn’t surprising that some sought to curry favor with this excuse.

“Who led them?” Bai Qingyan asked as she blew on her tea to cool it.