Chapter 56 Epidemic (1)
Nowadays, plagues are spreading in many countries around the world. The epidemic is difficult to control. Wherever the plague spreads, corpses are everywhere. It is a horrible sight. The scene is obviously more tragic than during the war...
The capital of [Fan State] was silent and lifeless, not recognizable as a capital at all. Inside the palace and in the court, the ministers were timid and panic-stricken, and the elderly monarch on the throne looked haggard...
"What should we do? Not only has the epidemic not been brought under control, but it has gradually spread. Now it has begun to spread to the cities and counties surrounding the capital. If it continues like this, it will sooner or later affect the capital, and then our Fan State will be destroyed."
The aged king was extremely worried and sighed as he consulted his ministers for advice. However, his worries received no response. Upon closer inspection, the ministers in the court all looked panic-stricken and uneasy, without any dignity of a minister at all.
"Alas, my country Fan is now facing a life-or-death crisis. Don't you have any solution at all?"
What can we do? The plague was not only in Fan State, but also in other countries. After the plague was discovered in Fan State, measures were taken immediately, and a team of top doctors from the country was dispatched, but the epidemic was still not under control. Other countries could not do it, so how could a small country like Fan State do it?
Suddenly, among the restless officials, an old official stepped forward...
"Your Majesty, I have a proposal."
Someone spoke, and the court hall fell silent in an instant. All eyes were focused on the old official. Judging from his official uniform, he must be a high-ranking official.
"What brilliant plan does Lord Jia have? Tell us quickly."
The elderly king couldn't wait to know the proposal of the old official. Jia Hong was the Grand Tutor of Fan State and was also a senior official.
"I heard that Doctor Xue, the disciple of the former number one doctor in the world and known as the number one doctor of the contemporary era, is currently the exclusive imperial physician of King Zhou. If it's him, he must have a solution. Why don't we send someone to ask for help?"
"Well, you also said that he is now the exclusive imperial physician of the King of Zhou. How could he easily agree to our request? Besides, our Fan State has always only had diplomatic relations with the Zhao State, and has never had any dealings with the Zhou State. You are not unaware of the conflicts between the Zhao State and the Zhou State, and we are not sure whether they have already been in opposition. If we go there rashly, we will probably fall into a trap."
After hearing what Jia Hong said, the elderly King Fan couldn't help but sigh. Even if he had a proposal, whether he could put it into practice was still a difficult problem.
"How can the diplomatic relations with Zhao compare with the life and death of our country? Now that Zhao has lost power, we can just ask for the Zhou Kingdom's help. Maybe they can help us."
"I know clearly what Lord Jia is up to, but the reason why our Fan State is what it is today is because of the help of Zhao State . Zhao State has been kind to us. Even if Zhao State is losing power now, it is still our lord. How can we turn against it at this time?"
"But--"
"No need to say more. It is impossible for me to abandon Zhao and side with Zhou. Even if it means destroying the country, I will never allow it. This time is fine. If there is such a topic again next time, I will punish them severely."
"……yes!"
Although Prince Fan was old, his integrity was admirable. Jia Hong could not say anything more and had to return to the ranks of court officials. Then the court hall became heavy again.
"For now, even if it is impossible, we can only send people to Zhao for help. Although Zhao is not as powerful as before, I heard that the young King of Zhao is a wise monarch. Zhao has recovered rapidly under his leadership after the civil strife. I hope he can also save the survival of Fan State."
After a moment's thought, King Fan spoke slowly, and many people nodded in agreement. However, they also faced a difficult problem: who should they send to Zhao during this extraordinary period? The news of the plague in Fan State had already spread, and if they randomly selected an envoy, they would not even be able to see Zhao Ziheng.
"Who should we send, then? Your Majesty?"
King Fan also knew the concerns of the ministers. Not only must he be cautious in selecting a person, but this person must also have status and be able to convince Zhao Ziheng.
"…Send it to the prince!"
"Yes, summon the prince to an audience!"
Prince Fan instructed the eunuch in front of him, and then the voices calling him spread farther and farther...
"Does the Emperor want to send His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"
"No, Your Highness is the only heir to the Kingdom of Fan. On the way to the Kingdom of Zhao, we have to pass through many areas with severe epidemics. We cannot let Your Highness take this risk."
" Yes, Your Majesty, we cannot let His Royal Highness take risks."
The ministers all expressed their opposition to King Fan's appointment. Their opposition was naturally reasonable, but...
"It is because he is the king's only heir that I am sending him."
"emperor!!"
"I am old, and the crown prince has long been a capable heir. This trip to Zhao is a final test for him. If he succeeds, and if Fan can luckily escape this catastrophe, I will give up my throne and let him take over."
Compared with the ministers' concerns, King Fan's realization made the ministers who expressed opposition silent. Since King Fan had such a realization, what else could they say? King Fan could remain calm in the face of a major disaster, which made him seem a little unprepared as a minister.
