novelraw Chapter 95: Mass Hysteria (Combined)
Chapter 95: Mass Hysteria (Combined)
Chapter 95 Mass Hysteria (Combined)
Chapter 95 Mass Hysteria (Combined)
Young Master Zhao collected his thoughts and walked into the second-floor room, sensing Butler Fusheng guarding the downstairs.
Why would the security need to be so tight?
After entering, at his father's signal, he closed the door behind him.
"Dad?" he asked, confused.
The Zhao Family Head didn't stop. He pointed to the desk by the window, specifically at the items placed on it: "The paper next to it explains how to use it. Pick it up and take a look first."
Young Master Zhao asked no further questions.
On the desk, the first thing he saw was a tray holding nested cylinders.
Glancing at the instructions on the paper, he picked up a cylinder and looked out the window.The second floor of the book building offered a clear view with no obstructions ahead.
Young Master Zhao adjusted the cylinder, then suddenly put it down, his eyes filled with astonishment. Taking a deep breath, he raised it again to look into the distance.
Within the small field of vision, outside the Zhao Residence, the actions of the distant guards were all visible!
The newly built official offices appeared as if they were right before his eyes!
In that moment, Young Master Zhao thought of many uses.
A powerful military tool!
As the weather warmed up, they could observe the movements of evil creatures in various places without needing to risk getting close.
Young Master Zhao's breathing quickened with excitement. "Dad! This..."
The Zhao Family Head waved his hand and pointed to another strange set of items next to it:
"And that, take a look at that!"
Young Master Zhao suppressed his excitement and calmed his breathing.
At the same time, he became even more confused.
This was a crucial military equipment that could revolutionize tactics, and it wasn't the most important thing?!
Reluctantly, he gently set down the long cylinder in his hand.
Only then did Young Master Zhao look at the other item beside it.
Overall, it was partly made of brass and partly of iron, assembled from various unknown parts. It also had a cylinder at the top, where one would look.
This item also came with an explanation paper, clearly illustrated with diagrams on how to operate it.
The operation was not complicated.
On top, there was a small transparent glass dish, which seemed to contain... a small flying insect?
These small flying insects, smaller than sesame seeds, were common.
"Just look at this?" Young Master Zhao muttered.
Wen Gu came over and adjusted the lighting components, signaling to his cousin: "Please, go ahead."
The best way to prove its usefulness for observation would be to take some water from the Feng Shui fish pond at the Zhao Residence and observe the tiny creatures swimming within.
When the Zhao family renovated this courtyard, they were mindful of the evil plague. Since evil Gu could easily survive in water, they filled in more than half of the original large pond, leaving only the fish pond for Feng Shui purposes to suppress evil spirits and ward off misfortune.
Although it was winter, even by chiseling through the ice, there were still living microscopic creatures in the water beneath the pond.
However, who could be absolutely certain that no evil Gu was hidden within?
When showing it to the Zhao Family Head, these had to be avoided. Anything brought here had to be handled with extreme caution.
Since Wen Gu had arrived, he had Butler Fusheng directly go and find a target for observation, such as the small flying insects in the warm room.
The warm room was used for growing vegetables in winter, and the produce was for the nobles, managed by the Zhao family.
The warm room was both heated and had suitable humidity, so it was inevitable that some small flying insects would be present.
When Butler Fusheng went to get the small flying insects, the servants there thought that the supplied vegetables had not been washed properly, and a noble had found a small flying insect in their food, scaring them to death.
After some fuss, Butler Fusheng finally brought back a small flying insect that had been half-dead.
Never mind the medical miracle that occurred when Uncle took a look at the flying insect with the microscope just now.
At this moment, Young Master Zhao followed the steps on the paper, making adjustments bit by bit, and then...
He suddenly recoiled, kicking over the stool behind him.
His face turned from red to green, then from green to white.
His facial muscles twitched in sharp, stiff movements, and he even had the urge to draw his sword and chop at the table.
"This... this is?" his voice trembled.
"A small flying insect," Wen Gu replied. "A magnified small flying insect."
"You call this... a 'small' flying insect?"
From the cylinder of that apparatus, he had seen a monstrous creature with a terrifying appearance, and even saw the long hairs on it!
Young Master Zhao's complexion had not yet recovered. The thought that he had accidentally eaten such a small flying insect as a child made him want to vomit. The color drained even further from his face.
Anyone who saw the image in the eyepiece would be horrified.
It was indeed a great psychological shock! Especially for someone like him who had accidentally consumed a small flying insect. He could dismiss it before, but from this moment on, with the scene replaying in his mind, his mindset had changed!
Breathing rapidly, he suppressed the nausea welling up inside him.
After all, he was the young master of a powerful faction. Once he confirmed that it was indeed that small flying insect, he instantly thought of many things.
This evil plague that caused chaos was rumored to be a type of Gu worm, a poisonous insect that could inhabit the human body. If they had this divine artifact...
Color returned to his face rapidly. Young Master Zhao suppressed his discomfort and looked into the microscope's eyepiece again.
To confirm it himself, he adjusted the knob on the base and moved the target.
The image he observed in the field of vision moved accordingly.
After a long while, he stood up and exclaimed excitedly, "A divine artifact! This is a divine artifact!!"
Young Master Zhao quickly walked up to Wen Gu: "How did you make this divine artifact?"
Wen Gu poured him a cup of tea and explained, "When I was traveling..."
Young Master Zhao drank the tea to calm his excitement, listening to Wen Gu recount his travel experiences and learn about the various uses of the microscope.
He finally understood why his father, confined to a wheelchair, was so restless. He, with his fully functional legs, couldn't sit still either!
If his father weren't here, he would have wanted to run a few laps outside to vent his excitement and elation!
In these chaotic times, for all factions, the most important thing was not to fight outwards or expand territory, but to preserve oneself as much as possible!
This was related to their foundation and survival!
Shock and surprise arrived simultaneously!
Young Master Zhao eagerly asked, "With this divine artifact, can we find a method to suppress the Gu worms faster?"
Wen Gu nodded: "With it, we can observe minute objects and perhaps see the true form of the Gu poison, and find a way to counteract it."
Young Master Zhao's complexion had not yet fully recovered from the visual shock, but his eyes were filled with excitement.
His emotions were so intense that he didn't know what to say for a moment.
Wen Gu said, "The construction period was tight, and we can only produce this much for now. As the craftsmen's skills improve and the magnification of the lenses increases, we can magnify it further."
However, it would only be useful for observing small animals with magnifications of a few hundred times. Bacteria and viruses were out of the question, but observing parasites was possible.
The Zhao clan, as a major power, must have assembled physicians to research the evil plague. Judging by the situation, their progress had been slow. Now, with the microscope, they would surely be able to accelerate their efforts!
Yes, they needed to recruit more talents in the medical field!
Young Master Zhao then inquired about the kiln and workshop in Qingyun District.
Wen Gu replied, "Qingyun District has ceased operations, but the craftsmen involved in these two items are still within the district for now. Each craftsman was only responsible for a part of the work and did not know what the final product would be."
Secrecy had been maintained all along.
The Zhao Family Head finally sat down and said, "Bring those craftsmen and their families to the Zhao family's workshop and arrange for their proper accommodation."
After thinking for a moment, the Zhao Family Head added, "After the New Year, we will open another workshop to produce these telescopes and microscopes. Strengthen security, and cultivate more craftsmen skilled in polishing!"
Wen Gu also said, "We definitely need to cultivate more specialized craftsmen. They should focus on grinding a specific type of lens, and their skills will improve faster, allowing us to produce finished products that meet the requirements more quickly."
"For the microscope and the telescope I prepared, grinding the lenses alone took a considerable amount of time. There were only a limited number of qualified finished products, and we only managed to rush out these two. This was due to good luck; with bad luck, it might take months to grind one."
Upon hearing this, both the Zhao Family Head and his son felt a stronger sense of urgency. Who could guarantee perpetual good luck?
To obtain more telescopes and microscopes, they had to start with the craftsmen!
The number of people available in Xin Prefecture was limited, but they could look elsewhere!
This matter was added to the plan.
Uncle Zhao said to Wen Gu, "Your status is special. Although these two divine artifacts are kept secret from the public, people might still be watching you. Would you like me to assign you more guards?"
To prevent Wen Gu from overthinking and feeling resistant, Uncle Zhao was about to elaborate and persuade him further.
Wen Gu immediately replied, "That would be wonderful! Thank you, Uncle!"
In the future, he would have elite bodyguards to escort him, so he wouldn't have to worry about being mugged. When he was at home, he would have more people to help out. The wages paid would definitely be added to the public office's expenses.
It was all good things, so why refuse?
Uncle Zhao fell silent for a moment.
Young Master Zhao also looked at Wen Gu several times, but he couldn't detect the slightest hint of reluctance on Wen Gu's face.
This cousin seemed to be quite open-minded!
Uncle Zhao said, "Then I'll assign you five guards?"
Wen Gu: "Ten, please. I'll have a lot of affairs after the New Year, so having more people will make me feel safer."
The guards would be on rotation, not overworked, and could maintain their peak combat readiness!
Uncle Zhao nodded: "Alright, ten guards it is!"
Given Wen Gu's contributions, apart from other material rewards, providing guards was a small matter.
In terms of official positions, as some veteran clerks knew, the same title could have vastly different administrative levels!
And Wen Gu was in such a situation now. He himself wanted to continue being the Foreman and not move. However, the leadership had granted him greater authority!
In addition to money, grain, and goods, the Zhao Family Head also agreed to several of Wen Gu's requests. For example, after the glass artisans were moved from Qingyun District, Wen Gu wanted to recruit a group of ceramic firing artisans.
Simply firing ceramics was not a major problem, and Uncle Zhao agreed on the spot.
The number of ceramic firing artisans was much larger than that of glazed tile artisans, and they could be trained more quickly.
After discussing the workshop matters, Wen Gu produced another drawing and handed it to Young Master Zhao: "This was originally intended as a New Year's gift for you."
Young Master Zhao dared not underestimate the drawing Wen Gu gave him. He quickly took it and looked. It also depicted a glass product, also a "mirror," but its purpose was clearly different from the previous two.
"What is this?"
"I saw it during my travels as well. Some people call it 'Aìdài' (ai dai), while others simply call it 'glasses.' They are remarkably effective for people with vision problems!"
Wen Gu explained myopia and hyperopia in simple terms to the two of them.
"The lenses have not been ground yet. The qualified glass materials were produced not long ago, and they were all used up in making the telescopes and microscopes."
Young Master Zhao understood: "Indeed, those two divine artifacts should take priority!"
Wen Gu said, "If we have the capacity, I still hope the workshop can produce the glasses as soon as possible."
Regardless of wealth or poverty, regardless of status, most people would experience vision problems.
Especially among scholars nowadays, after reading too much and not taking care of their eyes, the probability of problems increased.
"For those tiny characters, and for reading fine print and secret letters, people with good or minor vision problems can use a magnifying glass. For those with noticeable vision problems, they will need glasses."
The Zhao Family Head had known about magnifying glasses before, and Wen Gu mentioned he had made one and given it to Madam Shen.
Young Master Zhao had seen it at Madam Shen's place recently and nodded repeatedly: "Magnifying glasses are indeed convenient for reading small text."
Wen Gu said, "When vision is blurred and fine print cannot be discerned, but with corresponding glasses, the brushstrokes become doubly clear!"
Nowadays, there were quite a few talented people within Xin Prefecture.
For young and middle-aged men with severe myopia, the jobs they could do were limited, and they rarely went out despite being physically fit.
For those who were older but healthy, presbyopia also limited them; reading documents was difficult, and work efficiency was low.
Wen Gu said, "We are currently facing a shortage of talent, and it's a time when we need people. If these two types of glasses can solve the problem of vision, it will enable more people to contribute to Xin Prefecture."
The Zhao Family Head and his son looked serious.
How could they not know what Wen Gu was talking about?
Especially Young Master Zhao.
When he heard Wen Gu mention myopia, a deep gloom settled in his eyes.
He had a friend who loved literature and ink, but his eyesight had deteriorated to the point where he couldn't recognize people five steps away.
During the spread of the evil plague, that friend mistook an evil creature for a normal person and went to meet it, only to be killed.
At the beginning of the chaotic times, when things were disordered, they didn't have strong defensive awareness. Due to their near-sightedness, they couldn't distinguish between monsters and normal people, causing them to miss the best escape time.
Young Master Zhao recounted these events, and Wen Gu expressed his regret.
He had indeed died unjustly!
Silence fell for a moment.
After the somber atmosphere subsided, Wen Gu sighed:
"There are many people in the city who are clearly talented but have poor eyesight and cannot go out, or dare not go out. It's better in winter, but when the weather gets hot, they are even more afraid to go out."
Young Master Zhao was deeply touched.
He had other friends of the same age who, due to vision problems, could only stay at home. With the preceding example, they dared not go out, and their families also did not let them go out, keeping them confined and dejected.
Wen Gu sighed again: "With glasses, this will be solved! However, the lenses need to be ground by hand, and different vision problems require different ground lenses. There are too few craftsmen who master the technique of grinding lenses, and specialized training is needed!"
The Zhao Family Head and Young Master Zhao felt their heartstrings tighten once more.
Sense of urgency +1+1...
Setting aside relatives and friends, even they themselves, especially the Zhao Family Head, were fine for now, but in a few more years, they might face presbyopia.
Both the Zhao family father and son pondered where to find more craftsmen.
Craftsmen with carving and polishing skills were certainly more concentrated in the other five clans. The question was, would they poach from one clan first, or target all five clans?
The Zhao Family Head let out a long sigh, making a mental note for now.
He said, "We will search for craftsmen and produce a batch of glasses as soon as possible."
Wen Gu said sheepishly, "For the presbyopia glasses, Uncle and Aunt should not need them yet. I want to pre-order a pair to give to Old Mr. Hong. There will be many affairs at the academy after the New Year, and glasses can alleviate Mr. Hong's burden."
The Zhao Family Head readily agreed: "Okay, the first pair will be made for Old Master Hong!"
Since Wen Gu had presented these glasses, the first pair would naturally be made for Wen Gu. Whoever he wanted to give it to, it would be made for them first!
The Zhao Family Head then remembered something and said to Wen Gu, "On the third day of the New Year, there will be a small meeting with only a few participants to discuss affairs for the coming year. You should attend and share your thoughts with the seniors if you have any."
Wen Gu stood up and bowed: "Yes! Thank you, Uncle!"
The small meeting on the third day of the New Year was a genuine high-level meeting of Xin Prefecture's power structure!
It was a sign of trust in Wen Gu and an opportunity for him to interact with the top power figures of Xin Prefecture!
Seeing that Wen Gu had understood, the Zhao Family Head was filled with emotion.
As for the topics he had prepared earlier for calling Wen Gu over – "A tall tree in the forest will be hit by the wind" and "Young people are too fond of causing trouble" – they had been discarded.
What forest?
What wind?
Causing trouble?
None of it was a problem anymore!!
It was good to be lively; young people should be like this!
They could be even more active!
The Zhao Family Head encouraged him: "Don't be afraid. No matter how strong the wind and rain, our Zhao family will protect you! We are your umbrella, shielding you from the wind and rain!"
Wen Gu was deeply moved: "...Can we change the wording, Uncle? This phrase is inauspicious! I heard some things during my travels that were not good."
Although he didn't know why it was inauspicious, since Wen Gu had said so, Uncle Zhao smiled: "Alright, let's change it. How about a shelter that shields you from the wind and rain!"
Knowing that his uncle and cousin had other important matters to discuss, Wen Gu took his leave.
He had carried a heavy gift box when he came, and he left with another heavy gift box. However, this one contained special pastries and drinks from his uncle, and a follower helped to carry it.
After Wen Gu left, Young Master Zhao held the telescope: "Father! This telescope is beneficial for combat and defense in spring and summer. We can let the generals know. But this microscope... should it be kept secret for now?"
Under the current circumstances, the level of secrecy for the microscope had to be higher than that for the telescope!
This item concerned the change in the situation!
The Zhao Family Head pondered for a moment and said, "Let them know as well. We must let them see hope!"
The evil plague had shattered the psychological defenses of so many people, causing them to collapse directly.
Even some individuals with very high combat power and great bravery in battle were so terrified by tales of ghosts and spirits that they lost all will to resist.
The generals and strategists under him, although their minds were more resilient than others, still felt lost and unsure in their hearts. Initially, they had mercilessly eliminated a group of demon monks and heretics who spread rumors to destabilize people's minds.
But in times of chaos, various sinister cults were still plotting in the dark. If any more twisted theories and heresies appeared in the future to shake people's hearts, it could lead to greater chaos.
It was better to stabilize some of the higher-ranking personnel first.
This was his decision after weighing the pros and cons: "From a global perspective, it can stabilize the morale of the army, and the benefits outweigh the disadvantages!"
Young Master Zhao thought about it and agreed that it made sense.
Therefore, he sent people to notify the various high-ranking officials.
While waiting, Young Master Zhao recalled Wen Gu's travel experiences about what to observe with the microscope, and he found a few more items for observation.
The scenes under the microscope might cause discomfort to scholars, but not necessarily to generals. It was better to look at a few more things.
According to the order of notification, Pei Jun, the Chief Officer of the Patrol Division, was the first to arrive.
Not long after, a group of people arrived one after another. These were all trusted confidantes of the Zhao family who were stationed in Xin Prefecture City or had returned from reporting their work for the New Year. They included both military officials and scholars.
Each of them could influence the situation in Xin Prefecture!
However, upon their arrival, they were told to wait outside. Only when Pei Jun came downstairs and notified them did they enter and go upstairs together.
Meanwhile, Pei Jun stood guard with his sword outside the door on the first floor.
The few people who entered the building noticed this, which added another layer of caution to their hearts.
Regardless of what they thought when they went upstairs, moments later...
Kicking stools, strange cries, spitting insults, talking nonsense!
A cacophony of meows and woofs.
A scholar suddenly ran to the window on the other side and vomited out.
After a while, a general pushed open a window and let out a string of incomprehensible, emotional shouts, only to be gagged and dragged back by two other generals.
The window was closed again, but after a while, the scene repeated, only with a different person at the window.
Vomiting and laughing, crying and shouting, as if collectively gone mad.
The guards responsible for defending this small courtyard were stunned.
Although...
Although in this chaotic era, many people's minds were twisted, and their mental states were unstable, and they would occasionally go mad.
However, these prominent figures who held great power and had tenacious spirits, even when emotionally agitated, would not lose composure to this extent!
The guards were unsure how to respond, and the leader's head began to ache.
Butler Fusheng had already informed them that the Family Head, the Young Master, and several important figures were having a discussion of urgent matters, and there might be some commotion, so they should not interfere.
But the commotion just now was too bizarre. Several highly capable generals had entered today, and the guards were still worried. The leader decided to approach and check the situation.
As he walked towards the book building, he saw Butler Fusheng and Pei Jun, the Chief Officer of the Patrol Division, guarding the entrance.
Pei Jun's face was stern, his sword held ready. His gaze swept over them sharply, filled with a chilling glint, as if telling them that anyone who approached without permission would die!
The guard, swallowing hard, looked at Butler Fusheng.
Butler Fusheng waved his hand, signaling that everything was fine here, and told them to leave.
The leader could only suppress his doubts for the time being, led his men to retreat, and continued to observe cautiously.
After a long while, there was finally movement again. The generals and scholars who had entered earlier began to emerge one by one.
Those with flamboyant personalities were still muttering something.
Those with less control over their expressions seemed excited, their faces flushed, their eyes smiling, and then their faces would darken, looking ferocious. They hadn't walked far before their expressions became solemn again.
The guards: Was this a lingering effect of their madness?
On the second floor of the book building.
After everyone left, silence returned to the surroundings.
Only the father and son remained here.
The Zhao Family Head sat in his wheelchair, lost in thought.
Young Master Zhao wiped the sweat from the telescope's barrel, carefully placing the tube back.
He turned around and saw the creased drawing on the table.
Earlier, during their excitement, several highly placed generals and scholars had fought over it, and the drawing had almost been torn.
He carefully put the drawing away.
These things could not fall into anyone else's hands!
After tidying up the room, Young Master Zhao sat down and let out a sigh.
He thought about what Wen Gu had said today and sighed from the bottom of his heart: "I really should have gone out to travel back then!"
The Zhao Family Head agreed wholeheartedly and said with utmost sincerity, "Yes, we should have sent you to travel back then!"
(End of this chapter)