NOVPUBShen Roujia couldn’t help but mentally criticize, wondering why Xu Lianggen’s gifts were always so impractical. These items couldn’t compare to the straightforwardness of gold and silver.
However, she said nothing and called over a few students. “His Highness has considered the needs of scholars across the land. I am in awe.”
The young eunuchs paused, unsure of what to say.
Shen Roujia directed the students to distribute the items. “These are all high-quality goods. Cherish them!”
The children thanked her and dispersed joyfully.
Although Shen Roujia had no use for these trinkets, the children loved them.
One of the eunuchs looked displeased. “Seventh Elder, these were sent by His Highness specifically for you.”
Shen Roujia waved her hand. “My heart belongs to these children. My possessions will eventually be passed on to them. Thank you for His Highness Prince Chun’s kindness.”
The eunuchs exchanged glances and, without further comment, slowly retreated.
At that moment, a chubby little boy approached Shen Roujia and whispered, “Teacher, does this mean His Highness wants you to become his advisor?”
Hearing the word “advisor,” Shen Roujia was taken aback. Xu Lianggen was indeed focused on his career but clearly lacked capable aides.
Especially now, with Jia Shen’s sudden emergence in the capital, many sought to recruit him.
Shen Roujia playfully poked the boy’s head. “Go back to your studies.”
The boy stuck out his tongue and ran off.
Over the next few days, Shen Roujia settled matters at White Stone Academy and then began dealing with accounts at the Hidden Pavilion and the guild. She was constantly busy.
Yet, during all this hustle, Gu Zhi was nowhere to be seen.
Exhausted, Shen Roujia returned to the Eastern Palace, eager for a good night’s sleep, when another crisis arose.
The nanny caring for An’er suddenly fell ill with a high fever and cough, her body covered in red rashes.
Shen Roujia quickly brought An’er to her side chamber.
Then, several others fell ill in quick succession. Her first thought was of a plague.
The red rash symptoms reminded her of the smallpox vaccine she had read about, making her suspect smallpox.
Could it really be so sudden? Shen Roujia felt overwhelmed and immediately summoned everyone in the Eastern Palace, forbidding anyone from leaving and ordering them to cover their faces with handkerchiefs.
She boiled vinegar to disinfect the air, but it was clearly not enough.
An’er, though not showing symptoms, was still very young, and the situation was dire.
How could smallpox appear in the palace? Shen Roujia’s mind raced, forgetting all other concerns, including An’er’s safety.
This was no coincidence.
Shen Roujia ordered the sick to be quarantined in one room and their belongings burned.
When the imperial physician arrived, he looked nervously at Shen Roujia.
“Your Highness, how are you sure this is an epidemic?”
Shen Roujia responded without hesitation, “Medical texts describe these symptoms. If you have experience, you’ll recognize it. I am taking precautions to prevent a disaster.”
