Chapter 105: Smallpox - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 105: Smallpox
"It will certainly work, but this medicine isn't for him—it's for you."
Madam Wen was puzzled. Why would she, without any illness or calamity, need to take such a miraculous medicine? Wouldn't it be a waste?
Before she could ask why, Doctor Zhang continued with his instructions.
"Smallpox spreads extremely fast. Fortunately, young master is still in the incubation period. I estimate it will erupt in six or seven days. During this time, everyone in the Feng household must close the doors and refuse guests. Otherwise, if this family's misfortune spreads to the Eastern Capital, the Feng family will truly face calamity!"
His tone was serious, his expression grave. Feng Hai, who had spent a long time in official circles, understood Doctor Zhang's meaning and immediately issued orders.
"Second Son, lead the men to seal all the gates. Anyone who leaves without permission will be punished immediately!"
"Yes!"
Feng Hai's orders were strict. Even the servants who feared infection dared not disobey. Running away in fear of death now would mean meeting Yama, the King of Hell, before even leaving the house.
Feng Jinlin marched out with the household servants, displaying an imposing demeanor that puzzled many servants who were still unaware of what was happening.
"Within seven days, anyone who has had contact with young master must be accounted for. All clothes and bedding that have been in contact must be burned. Collect the ashes in hemp sacks sprinkled with lime powder, then find a secluded spot in the back mountain to bury them three feet deep."
The Feng residence was quite large, so finding a large hole was not difficult, but finding lime powder was a bit challenging.
Feng Jinyao held Feng Yunhe in her arms and suggested to Doctor Zhang, "Lime powder is hard to find right now, but there's a patch of dry tail grass in the back mountain. Could burning it into ashes work?"
Doctor Zhang nodded. Although it wouldn't be as effective as lime powder, having something was better than nothing at this moment.
The maids and servants, who had initially thought they were doomed, finally regained their senses. As long as they could survive, they were willing to discard not only clothes and bedding but even their jewelry and hairpins.
"Did you hear Doctor Zhang's orders? Carry them out immediately!"
"Yes!"
Madam Feng's command spurred Bai Mama and several strong maids to head to the back mountain to dig holes and burn ashes without delay.
Meanwhile, Yueli gathered the maids and quickly collected all the clothes and bedding that had come into contact with young master, preparing to burn them.
"Prepare several large pots in the house. Boil as much vinegar as you have. Spare no expense. Later, I'll prepare a prescription. Fetch well water and boil it to make medicine. Everyone should use that water to wipe their bodies three times a day, ensuring every inch of the courtyard inside and out is covered. Do not neglect this duty, three times a day!"
"Rest assured, Doctor. We won't fail."
Madam Feng assured him, confident that with her methods and the current situation, the servants in the mansion would compete to carry out her orders ten times a day.
Seeing the head of the household so decisive, Doctor Zhang's satisfaction increased slightly.
This was almost perfect. If the mistress had just cried and wailed like the others, it would have been troublesome.
Beside her, Feng Jinxu stood with his hands behind his back, listening to Doctor Zhang's instructions inside the house, feeling somewhat relieved.
He walked over to Madam Wen and supported her, seeing her grief-stricken face, red eyes, and swaying body, seemingly unable to stand steady. He immediately spoke to comfort her.
"Yunhe will be fine. Trust me."
His tone was calm yet firm, and Madam Wen seemed to find her backbone again, rushing into his arms and bursting into tears.
Her crying moved everyone present, but Doctor Zhang lightly interjected,
"If the madam miscarries from her emotions, just grieve."
"A miscarriage?!" Madam Wen was stunned by his words.
How could this be?
Doctor Zhang hadn't even felt her pulse, yet he dared to be so sure. Everyone present was somewhat skeptical of his words.
Zhu Jin lowered her head in thought for a moment, then suddenly exclaimed with joy, "Yes, yes! Madam's monthly cycle has been delayed for more than two months. Before, this servant thought it might have been caused by taking care of Second Young Master. I thought it would pass in a few days, but Madam, you're pregnant!"
Upon hearing this, Madam Wen looked incredulously at Feng Jinxu. How could good and bad luck come together like this?
"Fortunately, madam has Buddha's fruit. Later, split the medicine into four parts, dissolve it in water, and take it daily. After taking these two, you'll be safe. However, you must stay away from young master. Otherwise, not even the gods can save you."
"But Yunhe..."
"Elder sister-in-law, rest assured. With me here, Yunhe will be safe."
Feng Jinyao's words were a solemn assurance. Madam Wen only relaxed her tense heart after hearing this, and with eyes reddened, she knelt before Feng Jinyao, "I can never repay this great favor. If Yunhe can truly overcome this crisis, even if my third daughter requires me to face danger, I will not utter a word!"
The sincerity of the one kneeling was matched by the firmness of the one responding.
Doctor Zhang's perception of the entire Feng family underwent a significant change this time. He had always thought that noble families and clans were merely face-deep in public and fragmented behind the scenes. However, he hadn't expected the Feng family to be so united and supportive of each other.
Thinking this through, and glancing again at the weak Feng Yunhe on the bed, he resolved to ensure the child's recovery.
"In that case, let's disperse the people in this room. Madam here needs quiet rest. Otherwise, unstable fetal qi could be detrimental. As for the other madam, clear out all the flowers and plants from inside and outside the house. In this deep winter, any abnormal qi could be harmful to health. Also, try to minimize contact with the young master; it's not good for him either."
Doctor Zhang's eyes turned towards Madam Feng, his gaze carrying a warning.
This statement startled Feng Jinyao. Could it be that she had misinterpreted the cause of her mother's illness, thinking it was due to tampering with the medicine, when in fact, it might be due to flowers and plants?
But during the last thorough cleaning of the mansion, hadn't they already removed many plants that could endanger her mother?
Could it be that there were still some they didn't know about?
Or perhaps the spy had discovered this and set up new ones?
It was a tangled mess, adding fuel to the fire that was currently the Feng family's situation.
Although the truth wasn't disclosed, now wasn't the time to investigate. Madam Feng nodded at Feng Jinyao, indicating that she would handle this matter herself and reassuring her.
Should she really stay here to take care of Yunhe?
The words didn't come out, but the worry in her eyes was evident.
Feng Yunhe was her most beloved grandson, but Ah Yao was also her legitimate daughter. With Madam Wen pregnant, this was the time for her, as a mother, to step up. Yet Doctor Zhang's words had just blocked her train of thought.
With the spy still at large and hidden dangers abound, even Feng Yunhe's illness seemed quite suspicious. It appeared that during her illness, many hands had reached into the Feng family.
Thinking to this point, a coldness flickered in her eyes as she stared outwards. It seemed that some people couldn't wait any longer.
