Royal road

Chapter 312 Disaster and Epidemic

"What? There was a civil uprising in Huainan?" Liu Zhun was also shocked when he was on the front line and suddenly heard such news.

How could there be a popular change?There is no shortage of food and grass in Huainan, and the army is suppressing the border. Isn't the rebellion now seeking death?But thinking so, this matter cannot be neglected.After all, Yujia is in Huainan, if the rebel army rushes into Shouchun, it will cause chaos.

However, there is still something to be particular about who will put down the chaos and who will continue to fight against the rebellion.Liu Zhun thought for a moment, then said: "General Ning Shuo's leaders are all Yangzhou soldiers, let him come back to help."

This General Ning Shuo refers to Liu Kun.When the enemy lined up in Huaibei, Liu Zhun was worried that he would not be able to defend against the enemy, so he specially asked the emperor to send a message and recruit Yangzhou soldiers and horses to come to rescue him.But now that there is a tailwind, Liu Kun's existence is a bit of an eyesore.Although the same surname is Liu, Liu Zhun and Liu Kun are not of the same clan, and Liu Kun is so famous that he would almost steal his limelight if he was around.That being the case, wouldn't it be good to throw it back to calm the chaos?

As for the city of Yuzhou, it is best for him to conquer it.

With the order of General Zhengdong, half of the soldiers and horses who had just crossed the Huai River turned around and rushed back to Huainan County.Naturally, this action cannot be concealed from the enemy's probing horse.

"There is civil strife in Huainan, and the food transporters rebelled? I thought it would take a while longer." Shi Le Sensen smiled.

Before, he didn't simply avoid the battle, but gathered the scattered Wang Mi's troops while retreating.Most of Wang Mi's subordinates are refugees. Without the establishment, they are like headless chickens, and the Jin army is chasing after them. As long as they give some sweets, they can take them for their own use.Therefore, the more Shi Le's army retreated, the more people there were, and now there are [-] people.So many soldiers are not raised for idle food.

"Order the vanguard to press on Ruyin and attack the city while it's raining!"

Even the rain is really annoying, and it also consumes willpower.The battle has been fought for a month, how can the Jin army be as brave as before?It's better to take this opportunity to hit a dozen.Whether the city can be taken down or not is the second, the food and grass in the hands of the Jin army is the key!

Following Shi Le's order, the Han army, which had been retreating all the time, regained its footing and rushed towards the complacent enemy.In the blink of an eye, to the north of the Huai River, there was another killing sound!

■

A muffled thunder flashed across the sky, and Sima Tan woke up suddenly, sitting up sweating profusely.The weather is obviously not yet the hottest, but Shouchun is different from Luoyang, it is hot and humid, even placing an ice basin is useless.Besides, this small county mansion doesn't have much ice storage, so after nightfall, it's extremely difficult.

Seeing him waking up, the palace servants on duty hurried forward, wanting to wait on him.Sima Tan waved his hand, got up and went to the window barefoot.Dark clouds cover the moon in the sky, and silver lights flicker, as if a storm is about to come.If it rains heavily, can it stop the rebellious soldiers?

The originally good situation suddenly became out of hand.The servants who escorted grain and grass in Huainan actually gathered a crowd to rebel, and 3 people gathered in just a few days.Now the gentry who settled down in Huainan hadn't built a manor yet, and the soldiers were in chaos, everyone was in danger, and even Shouchun lost his barrier.

Liu Zhun didn't hesitate at all, and ordered Yangzhou soldiers to come back to rescue him.Sima Tan originally thought that these rogues could be strangled in an instant, but Shi Le saw the opportunity and raised his troops again.Liu Zhun's army was dragged to the north bank of the Huai River, not to mention defeating the enemy, it was a blessing to be able to hold Ruyin and prevent Shi Le from leading his troops across the river.

The Yu Xi sent to Bingzhou did not have any effect.The puppet Han is moving the capital, and the situation in Bingzhou is unstable.Liang Zixi sent troops from Jizhou to attack Cao Yi, which prevented him from going south.In this way, Xuzhou can also send troops to rescue, but if Liang Feng defeats Cao Ni, will Qingzhou be granted to him?

Why is he always able to win in danger, but on his side, he suffers frequently?Is it really God's blessing?

A chill ran up his spine, the little emperor shuddered, he didn't want to watch anymore, and turned back to the couch.In this way, half asleep and half awake until dawn.

Obviously he didn't sleep well, but Sima Tan got up early, dressed neatly, and walked to the court hall.There is no court meeting today, but with the recent frequent wars, he is worried and always asks people to ask questions.A lot of effort wasted, and it was hard to finish the government affairs.Sima Qin felt exhausted and couldn't eat, so he ordered the palace servants to pass the audience to Concubine Xin Shu.

This concubine Xin Shu was born in Yingchuan, and she was also a high-ranking concubine. She came to Shouchun with the southward migration team.As soon as she entered the palace, she was named the head of the nine concubines by Sima Qin, and she loved her very much.In addition to serving the bed, she often calls to accompany the banquet, but she is a heart-warming interpreter.

Unexpectedly, not long after, the palace man brought back bad news.

"Concubine Shu is sick?" Sima Tan frowned, "Didn't you be fine the day before yesterday?"

"It should be the heavy rain last night, and I felt the wind and cold." The palace man replied cautiously.

If a concubine in the palace is ill, she cannot serve in front of the imperial court.Sima Tan sighed: "Order the imperial physician to treat her well. Then find some medicinal materials from the inner storehouse and give them to her to recuperate."

Now the emperor is also impoverished, and there is a shortage of precious medicinal materials in the palace. It is a testament to his favor to be able to give it to Concubine Shu.The palace man hurriedly took orders.Sima Tan also had no intention of recruiting other people, so he hurriedly ate his meals and went back to catch up on sleep.

This time, I slept until the evening.When he woke up, he felt pain all over his body, and he was still a little chilly. He didn't know if he had slept too deeply, or he also felt the same cold.Just as he was about to invite the imperial physician to come and have a look, there was a sudden sound of hurried footsteps outside the hall.

"Your Majesty! The imperial physician said that Concubine Shu has contracted the disease!"

What? !Sima Qin stood up suddenly: "When did you get infected?"

"Concubine Shu's family came to see her in the palace the day before yesterday. It seems that she was infected at that time. The imperial doctor said...it's best to move her out of the palace..."

This is clearly a sign of a serious illness.Shouchun's palace is no worse than Luoyang, it's too narrow to accommodate patients, so they have to be sent out of the palace.

However, Sima Qin was not concerned about this.Wasn't Concubine Shu attending the bed the day before yesterday? !

His fingers were trembling, and he shouted: "Quick, hurry up and pass on the imperial physician! And how about the method of avoiding the epidemic in the palace? Clean up the palace immediately, and there must be no epidemic!"

The epidemic does not distinguish between the noble and the humble, once it breaks out, ten rooms will be empty!It's summer now, and it's the first time I've arrived in Southland. If the epidemic can't be controlled, it will be fatal!

All he cared about was the little court and his own life.However, at this moment, the disease has spread to both sides of the Huai River along with the war and rain.

As soon as Ruyin was captured, news of a major epidemic in the army came.Shi Le's face was livid, and he asked sharply, "How many people are infected with the disease now?"

"I'm afraid it won't be less than two thousand..." The military doctor replied tremblingly with sweat dripping from his head, "General, we can't fight any more! The miasma in the southern land is too severe, we'd better evacuate as soon as possible!"

It was only a few hundred yesterday, but it has doubled today.The horror of the epidemic is enough to make any general terrified.You really can't stay here any longer!

"Get rid of the camp immediately! If there is an epidemic, throw them all away." Shi Le paused, "No, send those infected with the epidemic to the front of the Jin army!"

The war is impossible to fight, but this epidemic is not impossible to use.No matter what method is used to wear it down, the more Jin people die, the better it is for him.Maybe the whole Huainan will collapse if there is a big epidemic!

But his own troops should also be careful, Shi Le hesitated for a moment: "Didn't Bingzhou spread the epidemic prevention measures? Did you know?"

The military doctor was stunned for a moment: "The general is talking about the Buddha's method of avoiding epidemics?"

This military doctor was from the Huns. He had also been in contact with the epidemic prevention method spread by the "Diamond Sutra", so he asked directly.

If it was in the past, Shi Le would never admit any saying of the Buddha.But now it is different than usual, he gritted his teeth and nodded: "Exactly! Follow the method to avoid the epidemic and stop the disease!"

The military doctor didn't dare to neglect, and nodded in agreement.Seeing the back of the other party leaving in a hurry, Shi Le also sighed.This battle in Yuzhou may only end hastily.I just don't know what happened after returning to Yanzhou.If Cao Yi in Qingzhou is destroyed, his territory will be surrounded.

Now I can only ask Chang'an for help.I only hope that Liu Yao can add some troops to him to help him gain a foothold in Yanzhou.

■

"What? A major epidemic has occurred in Huainan?" At the same time, the news reached Sima Rui's ears.

This is completely different from what was expected.Epidemics are no worse than military disasters, and they are impossible to prevent!

"Immediately cut off the river roads, prevent boats from entering Jianye, and don't let the epidemic spread to Jiangdong!" Sima Rui didn't care about those aristocratic families in Huainan anymore.The most important thing now is to save your own life.

It is good that the epidemic is contained in one place, but if it spreads to other counties and counties in Yangzhou, the consequences will be unimaginable!How did it suddenly become like this?

"Captain, cut off the river, I'm afraid Shouchun's side will not be able to explain it. It's better to send medicine across the river as soon as possible." Director Wang said immediately.

Epidemic prevention must be prevented, but gestures cannot be ignored.After all, the emperor is in Shouchun, and there are countless aristocratic families crowded in Jiangbei. If their livelihood is cut off, the consequences may be more terrible than the epidemic.

"This..." Sima Rui was tongue-tied, "But what if the disease spreads..."

"In the early years, the epidemic prevention method was spread in Bingzhou, why not try it according to the law? A big city like Jinyang can stop the epidemic, and Jianye is also possible." Director Wang sighed, "Besides, we also need to explore the situation of Shouchun. .If the emperor is also infected with the disease, the governor may have to plan early."

Director Wang's voice was soft, but the meaning in his words was very clear.If something happens to the emperor in Shouchun City, the power to support the new king cannot fall into the hands of others.

Today is not what it used to be. Back then, they made up their minds to wait until Sima Rui was full-fledged and self-reliant.However, now that the new capital is just around the corner, no matter whether the emperor is dead or alive, and the imperial court is in place, it doesn't mean that he can ascend the throne if he wants to.The best way is to coerce the emperor to make the princes.Of course, it's not the current one, but the new king supported by Sima Rui.

As long as the little emperor in Shouchun City dies in Huangquan.

Sweat broke out from his palm, and Sima Rui wiped it on his knee nervously: "It makes sense...the matter of epidemic prevention is left to Maohong. And Shouchun, send the medicine as soon as possible..."

Whether this medicine kills or saves people, no one dares to say clearly.As the frightening epidemic spread, several forces twisted into a ball in Huainan.

■

"Aunt! Aunt!"

A shrill cry echoed in the rain.Regardless of the disheveled woman with tears streaming down her face, the two men surrounded by thick masks rolled up the straw mat on the ground, gathered up the breathless corpse, and threw it on the car beside her.

One on top of the other, a mountain of corpses had already been piled up on the crude cart.The plague came too fast, the scholars moved south, the refugees swarmed, and there were civil uprisings and military disasters. The plague seemed to have grown wings and flew all over the wilderness in an instant.

The rebellious people collapsed without attack, and the officers and soldiers who suppressed the bandits were also panicked.Who has the heart to fight again?Avoiding the epidemic and saving lives is the top priority.

With a "clang", beside the corpse truck, a man with a black scarf covering his face rang the gong in his hand.Amidst the ear-piercing sound of gongs, the car creaked and moved forward.Hearing this sound, people from the houses on both sides of the road kept carrying out straw mats.The corpses were loaded onto carts one after another and transported out of the village.

Everyone now knows that these sick bodies must be disposed of as soon as possible.The corpses cannot be buried, and condolences cannot be mourned. Those who have money must be buried as soon as possible, and the graves must be covered with white ash.Those who have no money can only let these corpse collectors take away the remains and drag them outside the village to bury or burn them.

On the ground, traces of white ash can be seen from time to time.The air was full of the smell of burning mugwort.

You can't eat raw water, you can't touch the clothes worn by the patient, the spitting out of the patient, you can't go to the crowded market, and you even have to set fire to the corpse.In the past, all kinds of unreasonable restrictions would definitely cause trouble.Now no one has the guts to say no.

Because this is the only way to drive away the plague ghost.

King Langya of Jiangdong has sent his men to Huainan to rescue and treat the epidemic, and he used this method of avoiding the epidemic.Logically speaking, no matter how useful the method is, as long as it goes against the custom, it will definitely not be implemented.Not to mention Bingzhou's epidemic prevention law, which has nothing to do with Hujiao, so how can you trust it?

However, Huainan is not what it used to be. After the emperor moved the capital, the number of gentry around Shouchun increased by more than ten times, and all the villages and cities were taken over.These people are not short-sighted fools.Who in North Korea and China does not know about the control of the epidemic in Bingzhou?Who would dare to take lightly on important matters related to wealth and life?

Therefore, regardless of whether you believe in Buddhism or not, these various epidemic prevention measures are still spreading like a gust of wind through the forest.And those ignorant people only know that there is a Buddha who entered the world to eliminate disasters.Can save lives, who cares which god it is?Many unacceptable measures gradually spread, and even brought a bit of piety.

However, the drizzle can't solve the wildfires. Even if someone does their best, the epidemic cannot be controlled in a short while.Especially the army at the center of the battlefield.

"Has the medical officer from Bingzhou not arrived yet?" Liu Zhun's face was scorched. It had been seven days and he dared not even leave the city gate!

There was an epidemic in the army before, and before he could react, Shi Le's soldiers and horses withdrew from Ruyin, leaving behind two thousand remnants.How could Liu Zhun have expected that these 2000 troops were not cut off, but everyone was sick and plagued by ghosts!Unprepared, the epidemic in the military raged like wildfire.Not to mention the servants below, even half of his personal soldiers contracted serious diseases!

retreat?Return to Shouchun soon?But now, they can't go back.

An epidemic also broke out in Huainan, so how could the sick soldiers be allowed to go back and add to the chaos?As the coach, he is even less likely to escape easily!Seeing that the epidemic in Ruyin is becoming more and more intense day by day, and there is a shortage of doctors and medicines.Liu Zhun felt anxious.Knowing this earlier, he would rather not take any credit for taking back Yuzhou.Wouldn't it be better to just stay in Huainan to calm the chaos?

At this moment, Bingzhou got the news and sent a medical officer to come!

This is like the only driftwood that can be caught in the torrent!There has been no major epidemic in Bingzhou for several years, and the method of epidemic prevention is probably really useful.Now that General Liang learned of the severe epidemic in Shouchun, he sent a special medical officer to rescue him.As a close minister of the emperor, he should personally escort the medical officer to Shouchun.

Only in this way can we justifiably avoid the evil epidemic and escape back to Shouchun!

As for the army, stay in Ruyin and slowly control the epidemic.Now that the emperor is sick and unable to go to court, who would dare to doubt him, the leading general?

Just wait for the medic to arrive.

Liu Zhun was very anxious, and Shi Le, who was retreating to Yanzhou, didn't feel very good.The military doctors under him know some methods of epidemic prevention, but how can they control the epidemic with their superficial medical skills?

Therefore, Shi Le had to use the simplest method, abandoning the sick soldiers along the way, and cut off their tails like a gecko to survive.This is not a good strategy.The soldiers in his army were extremely complex, including Wang Mi who surrendered his troops, some soldiers who joined forces, and there were also a large number of Jin people.These people were originally rebels who just wanted to survive, but now they encountered such cruel handling by Shi Le, and the morale of the army was suddenly shaken.

The army with high morale and repeated victories had escaped tens of thousands in just a few days, even Shi Le couldn't bear it.But the epidemic loomed in front of him, even he couldn't think of any other way.But fortunately, there are many miscellaneous beards in Shile's army, and there are many believers in Buddhism.The method of epidemic prevention was originally spread by the Buddha to save the world and calm the people.

In order to stabilize people's hearts, Shi Le had to let the name of Buddha's son spread throughout the army.For a while, the number of Buddhist believers increased sharply, and even the memorial tablets for worship appeared.With the threat of a pandemic, who wouldn't want to be safe and sound, free from disease and disaster?

However, the morale of the army was stabilized, but the reputation of Buddha could not be shaken off.His own territory is closely connected with Sizhou and Jizhou. Who doesn't know that these states belong to Liang Feng?If there is a war in the future, will his subordinates dare to do their best?

As a Jie person, Shi Le relied on his subordinates.A major epidemic has touched his roots.But no matter how wrong it is, it can't beat the fear of death.Shi Le could only grit his teeth and swallow the bitter pill.

As long as you don't touch Bingzhou for the time being, there is always room for change.The top priority is to save your life.

In Yuzhou, the flames of war have subsided.But Shouchun Palace is not half easy.

The emperor was also infected with the epidemic and had already closed his palace.This is a malignant disease, even if you are a Ninth Five-Year Honor, it may not be safe and sound.At this time, King Langya's loyalty was shown.To be able to send a medical officer to Shouchun, I really did my best.It's just that some people may not welcome these saviors.

"The medical officer from Bingzhou has already passed the Huai River?" Jingling King Sima Mao asked with a frown.

"At most one more day, we will be able to reach the royal city." The confidant below replied in a low voice.

"This Liang Feng is really troublesome!" Sima Mao scolded.

As Sima Yan's cousin, Sima Mao's seniority in the clan is not low, and he has been reused.But before, he had a quarrel with Sima Yue and stayed away from the center.Later, Sima Yue died, and he was never reused by the little emperor, so he could only be an idle county king.

How can this be reconciled?But the little emperor was very suspicious and tried his best to seize power, so Sima Mao couldn't find a chance to make his mark for a while.Moving the capital to Shouchun filled him with resentment.Sima Qin, a child with a yellow mouth, was too timid. If he could last for a few more months, maybe the Xiongnu would move their capital first. Why would they travel thousands of miles to such a barren place like Shouchun?

It's good now.First there was a great war, and then an epidemic. I don't know how many people died, causing people to panic, and every family closed their doors.The resentment and anger in Sima Mao's heart suddenly increased.If it wasn't for the emperor in the palace, why did he come to this?

How to deal with it, Sima Mao has seen too many precedents.Just when the little emperor was seriously ill and was bedridden, he began to collude with Tingwei, trying to learn from the previous county kings and seek to seize power.

Because of this, when King Langya sent a medical officer, he was very displeased.Fortunately, these medical officers looked mediocre, but they were of little use.The little emperor was still unconscious and showed no signs of recovery.

However, the medical officials in Jiangdong are incompetent, and those from Bingzhou are not mediocre.If they let them save the emperor, wouldn't they miss another good opportunity?It seems that we have to prepare in advance...

"Order, let the servant do it." After hesitating for a moment, Sima Mao finally said.

It's a pity that there was an epidemic in the palace, so he didn't dare to rush in lightly, and it was even more impossible to control Sima Tan to set up his heir and take care of his life.Without the righteous prince, it is really troublesome.

However, under the great epidemic, others may not be able to compete with him for power.Always better than usual.

This Shouchun, he doesn't want to stay any longer.It is better to return to Luoyang as soon as possible.

The next day, the emperor's condition suddenly turned serious.Before midnight, the dragon controls Bintian.