Chapter 635 - 486: Who Will Go to Dongshan? (Part 3)

"Crown Prince." Tang Jing took a deep breath after reading, closed the document, and then walked over to hand it to Crown Prince Zhao Yuanze.

From Tang Jing’s demeanor, Crown Prince Zhao Yuanze knew that the content of this document was likely related to Pei Jian’s report about the discovery of "smallpox epidemic" in Dongshan.

To be honest, when he received Pei Jian’s confidential report delivered by eagle, he broke out in a cold sweat. Although he hadn’t experienced the "smallpox epidemic" in Jezhou thirty years ago, he’d read historical records and biographies that included accounts of the "smallpox epidemic". The scenes of corpses scattered across the lands were depicted so vividly in writing that one could imagine the devastation.

After reading it, Zhao Yuanze’s face turned pale, and he respectfully handed the document to Fu Qingzhu.

Although Fu Qingzhu’s expression didn’t change, it was evident that the content of the confidential report sent from Dongshan Prefecture was significant.

Once he opened it, Fu Qingzhu’s brow furrowed deeply.

He had seen a lot in his time, and he had even participated in combating the "smallpox epidemic" in Jezhou. Several of the remedies used at the time proved effective and were promoted.

He had contributed to the efforts in that "smallpox epidemic," which earned him recognition from the late emperor.

Both Tang Jing and the Crown Prince remained silent after reading, and Fu Qingzhu did the same. Instead, he passed the confidential report to the fourth person, the chief of the Imperial Pharmacy, Leng Qingfeng.

Standing at the back, Leng Qingfeng was the least confident among the four. If anyone were to be selected to take the blame, it would undoubtedly be him.

His hands trembled as he received it, unsure if from excitement or nervous fear. Upon reading the content of the document, he couldn’t contain his reaction, and his face turned as white as a sheet.

How could such a thing happen while he was serving as the chief of the Imperial Pharmacy? He was well aware that when the "smallpox epidemic" broke out in Jezhou thirty years ago, the then-chief Guo Shouhe was demoted and imprisoned for failing to effectively combat the epidemic.

This was no fault of Guo Shouhe; the "smallpox epidemic" was untreatable, a consensus within the Qihuang Realm.

As the chief of the Imperial Pharmacy, what significant role could he play?

Yet he was punished for failing to find a cure for the "smallpox epidemic," as if whomever held the position would inevitably be scapegoated.

The true culprits, who caused civil unrest and desolation through poor epidemic response in Jezhou, were the officials who lacked any strategy and acted recklessly.

In the end, it was the Imperial Pharmacy that took all the blame.

Someone always has to take the fall.

At the time, it was Guo Shouhe, tasked with directing the epidemic response in Jezhou, who became the blamed and sacrificed figure.

"Dongshan, who will go there?" The emperor, seated high on the throne, glanced at those below and spoke lightly.

All four were stunned.

They didn’t understand what the emperor intended.

Though Tang Jing was the Chief Minister, it wasn’t unreasonable for him to go to Dongshan amid a "smallpox epidemic," given his authority to manage crises.

After all, should any trouble arise, the Chief Minister has the power to suppress it.

The Crown Prince is the heir apparent; if he went to Dongshan and incurred any loss, it would benefit King Qi...

If Fu Qingzhu went and something happened to the emperor, who could take his place?

That left only Leng Qingfeng!

The hall was windless, but Leng Qingfeng felt a chill creeping up his back, making him bend even lower.

"Given the severe epidemic outbreak in Dongshan Prefecture, your son has spent time there before and is familiar with the situation. Father, your son requests permission to go to Dongshan to oversee the epidemic control!" Crown Prince Zhao Yuanze was the first to step forward.

As the Crown Prince, he had to step up as the heir apparent. Without bearing responsibility and showing courage, how could he command respect?

"As the Crown Prince, you should not leave the central administration lightly. Let me go," Tang Jing also spoke up. He couldn’t remain silent, or the emperor might question him, suggesting the Crown Prince should take such a risk?

Fu Qingzhu slightly bowed, "My incompetent closed-door disciple is in Dongshan. It would be more convenient for me to go."

All three expressed their willingness to go, leaving only Leng Qingfeng.

Sweat covered Leng Qingfeng’s forehead, and he knelt down with a "thud," "I, Leng Qingfeng, am willing to share the emperor’s worries and lay down my life without hesitation!"

Zhao Rui glanced over the four faces.

The Crown Prince appeared resolute, suggesting sincerity. Tang Jing, being an experienced Chief Minister, masked his true emotions. Fu Qingzhu remained calm since, even if he went, his safety was not a concern.

The "smallpox epidemic," while terrifying, posed little threat to highly skilled Martial Artists. However, for lower-ranked Martial Artists and ordinary people, the mortality rate was extremely high if infected.

The Crown Prince had now reached the Blood Fusion Realm, and even if he went, he wouldn’t face significant problems. Tang Jing, being a scholar, likely possessed decent skills and wouldn’t face major issues if he went.

As for Leng Qingfeng, it was likely he hadn’t reached the Blood Fusion Realm and was among the vulnerable. If he went and got infected, he might actually perish.

Epidemic control is a technical task, requiring someone knowledgeable, and Fu Qingzhu was undoubtedly the most appropriate choice. But the last epidemic lacked a unified strategy, leading to chaos, mutual blame, and harming of colleagues. As a result, the epidemic spread uncontrollably and had to run its course naturally.

The cost was too great, leaving scars deep within the bones.

Thus, Fu Qingzhu lacked the authority. If the epidemic spread, could he manage the local governors?

Tang Jing, being the Chief Minister, had numerous state matters. If he left, who could take charge, giving him peace of mind?

As for Leng Qingfeng, he was only present to fill the numbers. Zhao Rui had never considered him, but if a scapegoat was needed, he would be a good candidate.

Wasn’t the previous scapegoat also the chief of the Imperial Pharmacy?

The Crown Prince, however, was a suitable candidate. Pei Jian was under his command, and the director of Dongshan Prefecture Medical Bureau, Wen Ruyu, was Fu Qingzhu’s closed-door disciple. Even if Fu Qingzhu didn’t go, he would fully support the effort. As for Leng Qingfeng?

He could serve as the Crown Prince’s deputy.

Zhao Rui needed to balance between the Crown Prince and King Qi; having previously favored Consort Xue and King Qi in the Marquis Lingyang affair, a chance must be given.

If the Crown Prince truly managed to control the "smallpox epidemic," the credit would be his, and the fifth prince could become a wealthy regional king in the future.

The emperor had made up his mind.

"Crown Prince, I appoint you as the ambassador for the Northwest Route, immediately proceeding to Lanzhou to lead the epidemic control efforts."

"Leng Qingfeng will serve as deputy, accompanying the mission, departing immediately!