Gu Youyou understood her meaning—in the eyes of the people of ancient times, typhoid fever was akin to the King of Hell, and escaping from the clutches of the King of Hell, survival was anything but certain.
But Gu Youyou was different; she had a very clear treatment plan for typhoid. Although the medical conditions here were extremely poor, as long as prevention and treatment were appropriate, she was confident she could keep the mortality rate below ten percent.
She looked at Jin Zijin, whose face showed anxiety, and patted Banxia on the back, saying, "Although typhoid is formidable, I have a way to treat it. If I don’t go, many people will die from typhoid. This disease should be fatal, but if I shrink back for fear of infection, then it will become a widespread epidemic, you tell me, should I go or not?"
Banxia was stunned, her tear-stained face gazing blankly at Gu Youyou.
Did she say it could be treated, that typhoid could be treated?
"Don’t you believe me?" Gu Youyou said, "Go take a look at the gourds hanging at the door."
Look at the gourds? What did gourds have to do with whether it could be treated?
Banxia, hesitating between belief and doubt, got up and went to the entrance.
However, Jin Zijin said, "Whether it can be treated or not, you’re still going, aren’t you?"
Gu Youyou smiled and said, "I’m not the Virgin Mary, of course I’ll go if it truly can be treated, if not, I’ll run faster than anyone."
"You..." Jin Zijin, with a helpless smile, said, "Alright, I believe you, I’ll go with you."
Gu Youyou nodded and picked up her package to head outside.
Banxia was still stunned at the entrance, looking at that gourd.
"Dedicated to saving lives!" she muttered to herself.
Suddenly understanding something, as if a realization had struck her, she turned around abruptly.
"Sister Youyou, I understand!" she said, crying and laughing, "I understand now, as healers, even when facing the most formidable diseases, we cannot shrink back. Because if we step back, what we lose is the chance for patients to survive."
Gu Youyou did not deny it, simply smiling and saying, "Then guard the shop well before I return, and check on the equipment I ordered when you have time, see if it’s ready at the blacksmith’s."
"Mhm, rest assured, I will guard it well."
She was as earnest as if taking an oath for her beliefs. Gu Youyou shook her head, not knowing what to do with her.
Although the Marquess had given orders that each medical hall must send out half of their doctors, everyone was afraid of death. Thus, those sent to fulfill the obligation were mostly those with mediocre medical skills, along with unqualified apprentices.
One by one, they were apprehensive, as if ducks being forced onto a perch.
In the hall, there were about twenty or thirty doctors, including some military physicians.
The Marquess came out from behind the house and stood at the forefront. Seeing Gu Youyou, he was slightly startled.
He thought that Jisheng Hall would send another doctor, and did not expect her to come personally.
Of course, he was not the only one surprised; others in the room felt the same.
"Greetings, Marquess!"
All the doctors bowed to the Marquess in unison.
"Doctors, please rise!" After everyone stood up, the Marquess took his seat.
"Everyone must have heard about the epidemic by now, typhoid, a great scourge. Not only are our soldiers suffering heavy deaths and injuries, but the enemy Nanzhao is hit just the same. If we do not control it soon, I fear it may spread to the common folk. Doctors, what are your thoughts on this epidemic?"
Almost everyone here had been reluctantly drafted and came with resignation, expecting a slim chance of survival. What opinions could they have?
After the Marquess asked the question, everyone lowered their heads.
Only Gu Youyou stepped forward, bowed slightly, and her clear voice rang out in the deadly silent hall, as if it were a divinely inspired anthem.
"Marquess, I have a solution. I have developed a comprehensive prevention and treatment plan. As long as everyone cooperates fully, I can keep the epidemic contained within the barracks and ensure the death toll stays below ten percent of the infected."