My Lady Always Lacks Ambition

Chapter 1172 - 1126: The Daoist Temple Is in Big Trouble

Qingping Temple reopened its doors to devotees after more than ten years, for the first time being so meticulously prepared, closing the mountain gate not because of a visiting dignitary, but because of an epidemic.

And now, staying temporarily at the Daoist Temple were not only the mother and daughter with the surname Li, but also other people, including some officials’ families. Seeing that Qingping Temple had sealed its mountain gate, they sent people to inquire about the situation. Although Qing Yuan didn’t dare to mention it outside, anyone could guess what was happening from their demeanor, causing panic and demands to leave the temple.

Qing Yuan felt a tingling sensation on his scalp.

No one dared to let these people leave. This pair of mother and daughter had been here for two days, although they hadn’t wandered much, they weren’t confined to their quarters either, especially the woman who had visited the great hall to worship and had spoken with many Daoists and believers. How could anyone be certain the illness hadn’t spread? If it did, and these people left, Li City would be in danger, possibly spreading to more places, and when that happened, determining the greatest sin would be difficult.

Qin Liuxi was treating Miss Li, while Qing Yuan ordered mugwort to be burnt throughout the Daoist Temple, sprayed vinegar water, and led Daoists in advising people without rest, his throat nearly smoking.

Everyone understood that if this situation wasn’t handled correctly, Qingping Temple might revert to the abandoned state of over ten years ago, potentially ending with the official’s fire, so no one dared to relax.

At the mountain gate, Qing Yuan dispatched people to guard, but manpower within the temple was limited and prevention was challenging, nearly allowing people to escape.

Qin Liuxi dragged back the one dressed as a servant, startling Qing Yuan, who felt a chill down his back, cold sweat flowing.

"Withdraw the guards and let them come back. No need to guard the mountain gate; I’ve set up a Mysterious Formation. They can’t get out, bring the people back to focus on other tasks."

Everyone: "..."

Daoist Lin and the others instinctively glanced at the guest courtyard, then at the servant on the ground, then at Qin Liuxi, their expressions a mix of admiration and astonishment.

She knew the intentions of those trying to escape the mountain gate even while treating patients inside, confidently setting up an array. Indeed, a model among Daoists.

Daoist He, eyes gleaming, stepped forward and said, "Temple master, I know a bit about medicine and am willing to help as much as I can."

Qin Liuxi looked over and said, "Perfect, follow Sanyuan, prepare these herbs, and brew a medicinal soup for everyone in the temple to drink a bowl, just in case."

She handed over a prescription, Daoist He took it, glanced at it, his eyes sparkling, and said, "I will not fail the temple master’s trust."

Sanyuan led him away.

Qin Liuxi handed another prescription to Qing Yuan, "The medicine for that mother and daughter, brew this batch and let them drink and see."

Qing Yuan nodded.

Daoist Lin asked, "Can we do anything to help?"

Qin Liuxi replied, "According to Li, Li Family Village in An Nan Prefecture has already had a plague outbreak. Aside from their escape, whether others also escaped is unknown. Along the way they came, who knows whom they have contacted. If others are infected, another Li Family Village will surely appear."

Everyone’s expressions changed slightly.

They all knew the terror of plagues, how each time it was found, gatherings were made, treating those who could be cured, killing or burning those who couldn’t. At that time, regardless of health status, all would become Lonely Souls under the plague.

"Blessings to the Infinite," Daoist Lin murmured an incantation, saying, "This year is indeed challenging."

"Thus the situation is dire; even with only two patients, we at Qingping Temple are unsure of the future. Fellow Daoists, if you find this inconvenient, you may..."

Daoist Zhang immediately said, "Temple master needn’t say more. Since I’m staying here, having descended for the purpose of helping society, leaving when faced with difficulty is out of the question. Feel free to command."

"Mr. Zhang speaks truly; it’s merely a plague," Daoist Lin smiled openly, "A cultivator can practice anywhere; the mortal world is also the Dao."

Upon hearing, Qin Liuxi performed a bow, "I was being disrespectful."

They hastily returned the courtesy; despite Qin Liuxi’s youth, her cultivation surpassed theirs, and observing her actions was truly admirable, they couldn’t easily accept her courtesy.

"Currently there are two patients in the temple; that guest courtyard I’ve isolated with an array, but plague spreads quickly and troublesome. Uncertain if other believers have been infected, pulsing and diagnosis are needed. Are you familiar with the pulse?"

"While not particularly skilled in medicine, I understand a bit."

"Alright then, let’s begin the screening and diagnosis to some extent." Qin Liuxi glanced and then nodded to Wuwei, instructed, "No need to guard the mountain gate, but keep an eye on the situation at the foot of the mountain, hoping it’s not as we feared."