"Naturally, it's useful, but this medicine isn't for him to take, it's for you."
Madam Wen was puzzled. Why should she, who was neither sick nor ailing, take such a miraculous elixir? Wouldn't that be a waste?
Before she could ask the reason, she heard Physician Zhang continue his instructions.
"Smallpox spreads extremely quickly. Fortunately, the young master is still in the incubation period. It's estimated that it will break out in six or seven days. Therefore, the Feng family must close its doors to visitors during this time. Otherwise, if your family's misfortune were to spread to the capital, the Feng family would truly be in dire straits!"
His tone was serious, and his expression grave. Feng Hai, who had weathered many storms in officialdom, understood the implications of Physician Zhang's words and immediately gave orders.
"Xiao Er, take men to block all the front and back doors of the house. Anyone who abandons their post without orders will be beaten to death on the spot!"
"Yes!"
Feng Hai's command was absolute. Even the servants who feared contagion dared not harbor any rebellious thoughts. After all, whether they would be infected was one matter, but if they tried to flee out of fear of death at this moment, they would likely report to the King of Hell before they even reached the gate.
Feng Jinlin led the household servants out, his imposing demeanor causing some of the servants who were unaware of the situation to feel puzzled.
"Within seven days, anyone who has come into contact with your young master will have all their clothing and bedding burned. The ashes will be packed into sacks, sprinkled with lime powder, and then buried in a three-foot-deep pit in a secluded spot in the back mountain."
The Feng family's mansion was vast, so there was unused space in the back mountain. Digging a large pit was not difficult, but the lime powder was a bit hard to find.
Feng Jinyao, holding Feng Yunhe in her arms, heard this and couldn't help but say to Physician Zhang, "Lime powder is difficult to find at the moment. However, there is a patch of dry tail grass in the back mountain. Would its ashes be usable if burned?"
Physician Zhang nodded. Although the effect would not be as good as lime powder, it was better than nothing at this moment.
The maids and nannies, who had been in a panic and thought they were doomed, finally regained their composure upon hearing this. As long as they could survive, they could discard not only their clothes and bedding but also their jewelry and hairpins!
"Did you hear the divine physician's instructions? Go down and do as you are told immediately!"
"Yes!"
Upon Madam Feng's command, Mama Bai led many strong nannies to the back mountain to dig pits and burn ashes, not daring to delay for a moment.
Yuegui then gathered the maids and quickly collected all the clothing and bedding that had been in contact with the young master, taking them to be burned.
"Set up several large pots at home and boil them with as much vinegar as you have. Do not be stingy. I will draft a prescription later. Heat well water from the well and boil it to make medicine. Everyone must use that water to wipe their bodies three times a day. This water must also be used to clean all areas inside and outside the courtyard. Do not neglect this three times a day!"
"Divine physician, rest assured, there will be no mistakes."
Madam Feng guaranteed it. With her methods and the current situation, the household servants would be scrambling to do it even ten times a day.
Seeing the head of the household act so decisively, Physician Zhang's eyes showed a hint of satisfaction.
This was more like it. If she had only wept and wailed like Madam Wen, it would have been troublesome.
Feng Jinxu, standing with his hands behind his back, listened to Physician Zhang's instructions from inside the room, his worries finally easing somewhat.
He walked to Madam Wen and supported her. She looked grief-stricken, her eyes red, and her body swaying as if she could not stand. He immediately spoke to comfort her.
"Yunhe will be fine. Don't worry."
His tone was calm yet firm. Madam Wen seemed to have found her anchor and threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
Her tears caused everyone present to have red eyes. Physician Zhang, however, said lightly,
"If Madam wishes to disturb her pregnancy, she may do as she pleases."
Pregnancy?!
Madam Wen was completely stunned by his words.
How could that be?
Physician Zhang dared to be so certain without even taking her pulse. Everyone present was somewhat skeptical of his words.
Zhu Jin lowered her head in thought for a moment, then suddenly said with surprise, "Yes, yes, yes! Madam's menstrual cycle has been delayed for over two months. Before, I thought it might be due to exhaustion from taking care of the second young master, and it would pass. I didn't expect it, Madam, you are pregnant!"
Hearing her words, Madam Wen looked at Feng Jinxu in disbelief. Why were both good and bad things happening at the same time?
"Fortunately, Madam has the Buddha Heart Fruit. When you return, divide the medicine into four portions and take one portion diluted with water daily. After taking these two, you will be safe. However, you must be separated from the young master, otherwise, even a celestial being could not save you."
"But Yunhe..."
"Eldest sister-in-law, don't worry. With me here, I will ensure Yunhe is safe."
Feng Jinyao's words were like a heavy guarantee. Madam Wen's tightly held heart finally relaxed. With red eyes, she knelt towards Feng Jinyao, "Your kindness is beyond words. If Yunhe can truly overcome this ordeal, then in the future, even if third sister asks me to go through fire and water, I will not utter a word of complaint!"
The person kneeling was sincere, and the one who responded was equally firm.
Physician Zhang's impression of the entire Feng family had greatly improved. He had always thought that although aristocratic families were glorious on the surface, they were decadent within. He did not expect the Feng family to be so united, with individuals supporting each other.
Thinking of this, he glanced at the weak Yunhe on the bed and resolved to cure the child.
"In that case, let the people in this room disperse. This Madam needs much rest, otherwise, her pregnancy will be unstable. As for the other Madam, remove all the flowers and plants inside and outside the courtyard. In the depths of winter, absorbing a breath that goes against nature is not good for the body. Also, do not have too much contact with the young master, as it is even worse for him."
Physician Zhang looked at Madam Feng with a reminder in his eyes.
Upon hearing this, Feng Jinyao was also taken aback. Had she misunderstood? She had thought her mother's illness was due to the medicinal prescription being tampered with, but she had not expected it to be the flowers and plants!
However, during the grand cleaning of the mansion last time, had they not already removed many flowers and plants that could endanger her mother?
Could it be that there were others they did not know about?
Or had an insider discovered them and set up new ones?
A tangled mess, it was like adding fuel to the fire for the current Feng family.
The words were not spoken outright, but this was not the time to pursue them. Madam Feng nodded at Feng Jinyao, signaling that she would handle the matter herself and not to worry.
However, should she really stay here to take care of Yunhe?
The words were not spoken, but the worry in her eyes gradually surfaced.
Feng Yunhe was indeed her most beloved grandson, but A'yao was also her own daughter. With Madam Wen pregnant, it was her duty as a mother to step up and support them at this time, but Physician Zhang's words had blocked her intentions.
The insider had not been removed, hidden dangers were everywhere, and even Yunhe's illness was quite peculiar. It seemed that during her illness, many dark hands had reached into the Feng family.
At this thought, her eyes turned cold, and she stared menacingly outside. It seemed some people could not wait any longer.