"Is it guaranteed that all plague patients have been completely quarantined?"
Yuan Wenkang did not know how to respond.
"Once there is a single escapee, the plague will not cease to spread," Xiao Jinsen concluded, "And even if they are quarantined, we can’t fully ensure that those quarantined won’t escape! If they do escape, the contagion will begin anew."
Upon hearing Xiao Jinsen, Xiao Zhanping also seemed to think there was some sense in it and nodded, "Is there no way to cure these people?!"
"Reporting to Your Majesty..." Yuan Wenkang was about to speak.
Xiao Jinsen spoke candidly, "Father, I have heard that a disease like the plague is in fact incurable. The longer it drags on, the more dangerous it becomes."
Xiao Zhanping naturally recalled the plague from the Supreme Emperor’s era.
At that time, there were no effective medicines to control it, and in the end, people were consumed by the illness.
And that outbreak caused severe casualties, nearly ten thousand lives were lost.
"With all due respect, I hope that Father could decree the execution of the commoners infected with the plague. Only by doing so can we truly eradicate the spread of the plague," Xiao Jinsen knelt on the ground, appearing to make this decision reluctantly in the interest of the nation.
Xiao Zhanping naturally knew that this was the most straightforward solution.
Since Xiao Jinxing had already gathered all the plague-infected commoners, executing them would be easy.
But as a benevolent emperor, he surely could not disregard the lives of his people.
"Father," Xiao Jinsen obviously saw his hesitation, "Your son understands Father’s consideration and knows of Father’s kindness, not wanting to see the commoners suffer casualties. However, the execution of those infected with the plague is for the greater good of the majority, so please issue Your decree!"
Yuan Wenkang naturally had no right to speak.
On his way here, the King of Chen had warned that more words led to more mistakes.
He was to remain silent whenever possible, not to speak unnecessarily.
Just now he wanted to mention that the King of Chen was concocting a prescription and hoped that His Majesty could help in the collection of medicinal herbs. But because the Prince of Chu had spoken, Yuan Wenkang chose to remain silent.
Moreover, the King of Chen had specifically mentioned that if it was possible to speak of the need for medicinal herbs, do so; if not, better to avoid mentioning it altogether.
Brings fire upon oneself.
In the tranquil imperial bedroom.
Xiao Zhanping suddenly ordered, "Yuan Wenkang, you may leave."
"This servant obeys the command."
"You may rise," Xiao Zhanping instructed Xiao Jinsen.
Xiao Jinsen stood up from the ground, still showing utmost respect to Xiao Zhanping.
"Issuing a decree to kill the plague-infected commoners is not out of the question, but I do not wish to bear the title of a tyrant," Xiao Zhanping pondered more than just the mere hundreds of lives; he was considering his gains and losses, "Those who understand will appreciate my troubled conscience. Those who do not will exploit my actions for their narratives, and I want to hear none of their criticism or slander."
"Your son understands," Xiao Jinsen of course knew what Xiao Zhanping was contemplating.
It was knowing this that he had made such a suggestion.
He said, "The command does not come from Father, but from the King of Chen, Xiao Jinxing."
Xiao Zhanping’s eyes narrowed.
He naturally understood what Xiao Jinsen meant.
"Father needs only to give Xiao Jinxing a deadline to thoroughly eliminate the plague. Your son believes that with Xiao Jinxing’s intelligence, he will surely know what to do. In the end, if there is any bad reputation to be borne, it will be due to Xiao Jinxing’s own initiative. Even then, Father could slightly punish Xiao Jinxing to prevent any idle talk at court!" Xiao Jinsen spoke frankly, "Especially from the family of the Empress."
In Xiao Zhanping’s eyes, there was an expression of agreement with Xiao Jinsen.
What he was most worried about were indeed the relatives of Yu Qingyuan; could they possibly seize this incident as a pretext? If by chance he was left with an unkind and unjust reputation, it would benefit Yu Qingyuan instead.
"Since you’ve considered it thoroughly, we’ll do as you suggest," Xiao Zhanping said, as if with great reluctance, "I have been in poor health lately, and the Imperial Physician wants me to rest. As for the plague in Yuzhou City, I leave it to you to handle!"
"Your son obeys the command," Xiao Jinsen, seeing his plan succeed, quickly responded.
"This matter can be trivial or serious," Xiao Zhanping reminded.
"Your son will surely not disappoint Father’s expectations."
Xiao Zhanping did have some trust in Xiao Jinsen.
Moreover, the situation with the plague in Yuzhou City had really gotten out of hand; if not dealt with, it would probably cause unrest in the court.
He had, in fact, already considered this.