The only two young masters of the third household contracted smallpox, and with Song Ci’s instructions, the news swept through the entire Song Mansion like a gust of wind, causing everyone to look alard.
An outbreak of smallpox could easily be life-threatening.
Those traveling between Plum Garden and Wangzhou Pavilion wished nothing more than to avoid the area, fearing that the wind might carry the disease to them. Such cautious and evasive behavior was often t with a slap or two from the steward.
If you, a servant, dare to act so evasively, why don’t you just try and fly to heaven?
Your dodging and fear suggest you’re thinking of abandoning your position here.
This wind of news reached the ears of the family masters as well. Jiang Shi, after dealing with household affairs, returned first to her courtyard, ordered the wet nurse to keep Yuanyuan from leaving, and forbade the maids and servants in the courtyard from moving around freely.
anwhile, she sent her senior maid to her son’s courtyard to warn that visiting Song Lingzhou was forbidden, not out of disregard for familial bonds, but because such matters couldn’t be resolved just by a visit. If the disease were to spread, it would indeed be a major incident. Any visit should wait until Song Lingzhou had fully recovered.
Unfortunately, when Qing Yang and the others arrived, Song Lingzhao and Song Lingjie had each gone out.
In the main courtyard.
Song Zhiyuan was about to bid farewell to Madam Song, as he too needed to hurry back to the palace. Upon hearing the news, his brow furrowed.
Madam Song was even more alard and said to Song Zhiyuan, "Pri Minister, you should leave the mansion for the palace imdiately, without delay."
"As for Third Brother..."
"Second Brother is still at ho, along with Third Brother, and Mother is overseeing everything. How could a Pri Minister like you be burdened with such a minor matter? As for you, it’s best not to visit; should the smallpox spread to the Emperor in the palace, it would be disastrous." Madam Song might have her own intentions, but she maintained a broader perspective.
If Song Zhiyuan, out of kindness, went to visit his nephew and contracted the disease, spreading it to the Emperor, it would spell ruin for the Song Family.
Song Zhiyuan hesitated, but a ssage had already been sent from Song Ci, instructing him to imdiately leave for the palace and forbidding him from visiting the third household.
Madam Song breathed a sigh of relief at this.
Song Zhiyuan inquired of the maid nad Chun Fen about the state of the third household.
Chun Fen was prepared and clearly relayed Song Ci’s instructions and arrangents.
Song Zhiyuan said, "Tell the Grand Madam that I have been inford and she can rest assured. She should also take good care of her health."
Chun Fen curtsied in acknowledgnt, then addressed Madam Song, conveying instructions to the maids and servants about maintaining hygiene and sanitization, especially avoiding too much contact around the sixth young master to prevent contamination.
Madam Song naturally agreed, and once Chun Fen departed, everyone in the main courtyard sprang into action as if facing a major enemy.
Song Zhiyuan left the main courtyard and went to the study, summoning his trusted steward Jiang Fula to convey a ssage.
"The smallpox outbreak there in the third household seems quite unusual; investigate thoroughly to see who might be behind the scenes causing trouble," Song Zhiyuan said with a stern face.
Jiang Fula respectfully clasped his hands and acknowledged.
"Also, have soone keep an eye on the Grand Madam, but do not trouble her with the investigation to avoid over-exertion. Once you have the results, report directly to the Grand Madam," Song Zhiyuan said lightly.
"Understood."
Song Zhiyuan further instructed him to prepare for the departure to the palace. Once Jiang Fula left, he tapped the table with his fingers and closed his eyes to rest.
If it’s jealousy and rivalry at work, targeting even children, such a person is indeed a scourge. If it’s an external foe, then what could be their motive?
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