Consort of a Thousand Faces

Heiying replied respectfully, “This subordinate has already captured that person. The commander will be able to handle the rest.” He then added worriedly. “However, the people of Liujing are in a state of panic; it would be best to resolve this matter before it devolves into chaos.”

Hua Zirong harrumphed. “Pass down this Monarch’s edict: the imperial physicians are to come up with a prescription to alleviate the plague, and all the big medical clinics are to treat those infected without charging any fees.”

The eunuch immediately went to announce the edict.

“What else have you discovered from your investigation?” Hua Zirong asked.

Heiying smirked. “This is not a natural disaster, but a man-made one.”

The commander of the Lianjin Guards, Ying, appeared in front of the two. “Your Majesty, this subordinate has already investigated it properly; this matter is related to Prince Qing.”

The sneer on Hua Zirong’s mouth deepened. “Good, very good.”

Hua Ziqing, there’s yet another score I have to settle with you.

“Don’t alert him for now; focus on the matter at hand. Heiying, go and investigate the cause of Liujing’s plague. Ying, go and keep a tight surveillance on him; this Monarch wants to know if even an ant enters Liushui Xiaozhu.” Hua Zirong ordered coldly.

Heiying and Ying responded together, “This subordinate obeys the order.”

The two swiftly left Liu Hall and split off to work on their respective tasks.

Pei Qianhao, Su Xi-er, and Du Ling walked into Liu Hall.

Upon their arrival, warmth suffused Hua Zirong’s heart. “This Monarch just wanted to get someone to invite all of you here. I didn’t expect you to have come of your own volition.” He said genially.

Su Xi-er responded with a smile. “The three of us are residing in Liujing, so we can be considered as a part of Liujing.”

Pei Qianhao nodded. “Beimin and Xiliu have diplomatic relations; this Prince will definitely step up to the occasion.”

Du Ling smirked. “The Western Region and Xiliu also have diplomatic ties with one another. How can this Monarch back out?”

A trace of admiration twinkled in Hua Zirong’s eyes. “Then let us discuss this matter.”

“Your Majesty, you will first need to ascertain the source of infection; for those who are not infected, prevention measures have to be taken; all houses must be sprayed with the medicinal herb water.” Su Xi-er listed out her three proposed steps.

Hua Zirong’s eyes sparkled. “Princess Consort Hao is intelligent indeed.” He then turned to the guard standing to the side.

“Why are you still standing there in a daze? Quickly get to it.”

The guard quickly walked out of Liu Hall.

Pei Qianhao wore a placid expression. “This Prince has already sent someone to summon the imperial physician from Beimin who is best at treating plague.”

“This Monarch has long since had my men stockpile medicinal herbs specifically for such an event.” Du Ling spoke with a grin.

Hua Zirong bore a sincere gaze. “This Monarch thanks Prince Hao, Princess Consort Hao, and the Western Region King on the behalf of Xiliu’s civilians.”

The three smiled, and accepted his gratitude.

“Your Majesty, an outsider shouldn’t be making comments on something that involves the imperial family, but I feel that some things will only become harder to handle if they are dragged out.” Su Xi-er reminded with a smile.