Chapter 889: A Swarm of Refugees (2)
Editor: Henyee Translations

Collapsing to the ground, their bodies stiffened, but they were not dead.

Chu Qingzhi withdrew her magic, and the movements in the forest also calmed down.

In this world, martial arts internal energy could create the same effects, so sometimes Chu Qingzhi did not need to be so secretive when casting spells. Everyone would think it was because her martial arts were so advanced.

After all, apart from Tang Jinghong, no one believed that there really were immortals in this world.

This action greatly impressed the soldiers; it was incredible that her profound internal energy could create a gust of wind. They believed they could never achieve this in their lifetime.

Tang Jinghong glanced at Chu Qingzhi, pondering what it’s like to have a fairy as a fiancée?

It’s like, for the things you find as difficult as reaching the heavens, she could easily accomplish with a wave of her hand.

Chu Qingzhi quietly informed Tang Jinghong about the refugees being afflicted with smallpox and advised him to make arrangements in advance.

Tang Jinghong nodded and ordered, “Set up camp on the spot, and the cook immediately arranges to boil porridge.”

“First, second, and third teams of soldiers are to build a barrier, isolating the refugees. Neither side should come close to each other.”

“Scouts one and two, go and find out why there are so many refugees here.”

“Sheng Dong, bring the nearby county magistrate or prefect here. I have questions.”

“…”

“Yes, General.”

After receiving the orders, the soldiers immediately acted, everything proceeding in an orderly fashion.

Chu Qingzhi, accompanied by the military doctor, headed towards the forest. They were officials of the court and couldn’t ignore the refugees.

Smallpox was treated based on symptoms, varying from person to person, so it was necessary to take their pulses before treating them.

Chu Qingzhi told everyone, “Put on your masks. After taking the refugees’ pulses, wash your hands with alcohol. Be careful.”

After speaking, she reassured them, “Don’t worry, following my instructions, the chance of contracting smallpox is very low. And even if you do contract smallpox, I can save you. Be at ease.”

Chu Qingzhi was highly respected, and upon her words, everyone immediately put on their masks and followed her deeper into the area where the refugees were congregated.

Chu Qingzhi said, “The effect of the medicine on the refugees will last for three hours. Everyone, spread out and take their pulses. Group those with the same symptoms together, and we will boil the medicine together later.”

Everyone listened carefully, “Yes.”

At this moment, a painful plea came, “Miss, I’m about to give birth, I’m going to give birth…”

Chu Qingzhi looked over and saw a woman, thin as a rake but with a prominently large belly, struggling to make a sound.

She approached and instructed the assistant assigned by Tang Jinghong, “Go tell my fourth sister that someone is giving birth. Have her prepare, then set up a tent outside the barrier.”

Inside the barrier was the military camp, where they were not afraid of contracting smallpox, but contracting it would require the consumption of medicinal herbs for treatment, and herbs were scarce to begin with.

Moreover, the Emperor’s second batch of supplies had not yet caught up. The first batch was hastily prepared and was not abundant.

Jia Liyu and Jia Lixia responded, “Yes, Miss.”

They were the assistants arranged for Chu Qingzhi by Tang Jinghong. Both were young ladies, but dressed no differently from men, valiant and efficient in their tasks.

The woman was indeed in labor. Chu Qingzhi took off her cloak and lifted the woman towards the tent.

On this side, a tent was quickly erected. By the time Chu Qingzhi returned with the woman, the tent was already set up.

Chu Qingzhi arrived at the entrance of the tent, “Don’t let anyone near.”

Jia Liyu replied, “Yes.” After Chu Qingzhi entered the tent, Jia Liyu stood guard at the entrance.

These two sisters had long been captivated by Chu Qingzhi’s charisma, following her orders without question.

Chu Qingning opened the medicine box, ready to assist in the childbirth based on experience, “Fifth sister, leave this to me. You go take care of the rest.”

Chu Qingzhi expressed her concern, “Be careful.”

Chu Qingning nodded confidently, “Mhm.”

Chu Qingzhi left the tent, instructing Jia Liyu, “Stand guard here, don’t let anyone in. If someone brings something, you transfer it inside. Wear your mask properly.”

Jia Liyu responded, “Yes.”

Chu Qingzhi, along with Jia Lixia, returned to where the refugees were gathered.

The refugees, now able to move again, were incredulous, “You’re treating us?”

The military doctor replied, “What else? Are we here to play?”

Ying Shengtian looked up at the sky, murmuring, “Other officials either drove us away or wanted to kill us. Why are you different?”

Hearing this, the military doctor, with good hearing, retorted, “They are they, we are us. Don’t compare those foolish officials with us.”

Ying Shengtian didn’t say more. After having his pulse taken by the military doctor, he was carried to a place where others with the same symptoms were gathered.

The area had already accumulated quite a few people, all as puzzled as Ying Shengtian. They had thought all government officials were the same, uncaring of their lives or deaths. They never expected to encounter good ones.

By the time the refugees were half treated, Chu Qingzhi instructed, “Half of the military doctors return to the camp to boil medicine; the rest continue with the diagnoses.”

Chu Qingzhi had made the treatment for smallpox public. Now, every physician in Dalin possessed a copy of the prescription, understanding the treatment process without further instruction.

“Yes, Miss.”

As night fell, the treatment of the refugees was finally organized.

By then, the refugees had regained mobility, but none dared to act rashly as before, all obediently remaining in place.

Chu Qingzhi told Jia Lixia, “Notify the camp, it’s time to distribute porridge.”

“Yes.” Jia Lixia hurried back to the camp to convey the message.

At this moment, a cry of a newborn echoed from the tent, signifying the birth of the child.

This sound warmed the hearts of the gathered refugees. The arrival of a newborn symbolized a new beginning for them as well.

Chu Qingning emerged from the tent, “Fifth sister, the mother and child are safe.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and nodded, “Sister, you’ve worked hard.” Then she entered the military tent.