With a wave of his hand, the Prince's Mansion's fortune exploded throughout the entire cap

Xiao Shulang said urgently, "Brother, someone has to stay at home. Rui'er has already gone to Qingyang Academy, and Feng'er is still not cured of the poison. I must stay. The herbal medicine bureau in the manor, the evidence stored in the study, and Mother's daily life all need to be taken care of. Moreover, Uncle Lin is secretly contacting ministers, and someone needs to be in the manor to receive him and pass on messages. Don't worry, brother, I will definitely guard the Jingwang Mansion well, keep an eye on everything in the manor, and prevent Liu Ruyan and Yongyi Marquis's people from taking the opportunity to cause trouble. I will never hold you back, and I will never let Mother and sister-in-law suffer any grievances."

Looking into Xiao Shulang's resolute eyes, Xiao Chengyan felt a surge of relief—he knew that after these days of experience, Xiao Shulang had shed his former naiveté and become steady, reliable, and capable of handling things independently. He paused for a moment, then nodded slowly, his tone gentle yet solemn: "Alright, then you will stay in the capital. Remember, be cautious in your actions, consult with your mother and sister-in-law on everything, and never make decisions on your own. Pay close attention to the movements of Liu Ruyan and Marquis Yongyi. If you discover anything unusual about them, immediately send someone to deliver a message to me or notify Uncle Lin to coordinate a response. Do not be careless. Wuwang will be returning to the capital soon regarding Gu Feng's detoxification. Visit the herbal medicine bureau frequently, assist Mr. Wuwang, and take good care of Gu Feng. After Gu Feng is detoxified, let him rest well and do not let him overwork himself too soon."

"Don't worry, brother, I've remembered everything," Xiao Shulang replied solemnly, his eyes filled with determination. "I will definitely guard the Jingwang Mansion, take good care of Mother, sister-in-law, and Gu Feng, and keep a close eye on Liu Ruyan and Marquis Yongyi's movements. I will ensure that nothing goes wrong, and wait for you and Xiao Jingjing to return safely. Brother, you must be extra careful on your journey to the Northern Border and take good precautions. If you encounter any difficulties, be sure to send a message back immediately, and I will find a way to support you right away."

"Alright." Xiao Chengyan nodded, said no more, and turned to board the carriage that had been prepared beforehand. The Duke of Ningguo instructed his guards to load the herbs, medical equipment, and other supplies onto the carriage. He also arranged for two elite female guards to protect Xiao Jingjing's safety before boarding his own carriage. Xiao Jingjing, carried by a female guard, boarded Xiao Chengyan's carriage. Before leaving, she clung to the window and waved to Lu Wenshu and Xiao Shulang: "Mother! Second Brother! Goodbye! Jingjing will fight the plague with Father and come back soon!"

Lu Wenshu and Xiao Shulang waved goodbye, their eyes filled with reluctance, and said in unison, "Take care! Be sure to take good care of yourselves!"

With a command from the Duke of Ningguo, the procession slowly set off, the carriages rattling as they sped towards the northern border. Guards on horseback surrounded the carriages, their expressions serious and on high alert, constantly vigilant for any movement around them, guarding against any sneak attacks from Liu Ruyan and the Marquis of Yongyi. Inside Xiao Chengyan's carriage, Little Jingjing nestled against him, her round eyes wide with curiosity as she watched the scenery rushing past the window, occasionally asking about the situation in the northern border.

Wow, the scenery outside is getting more and more desolate, completely different from the capital. Red-finned Golden Carp, how much longer until we get that treasure? I can only sense a faint, indistinct aura; it's not clear at all. Do we have to travel a very, very long way? If we can find the treasure quickly, maybe we can help Father defeat the plague, and then Father can bring Jingjing home sooner to see Mother and Second Brother.

Xiao Chengyan looked at Xiao Jingjing's chattering and smiled gently. He patted her head and said softly, "Xiao Jingjing, the journey to the Northern Territory is long and will take several more days. If you are tired, lean against your father and sleep for a while. Your father will wake you when we arrive."

"No, Jingjing isn't sleepy!" Little Jingjing shook her head excitedly. "Jingjing wants to look out the window and see what the North is like. She also wants to help Father keep an eye on our surroundings so that bad guys can't take the opportunity to attack us!"

Xiao Chengyan smiled helplessly and stopped trying to persuade her—he knew that Xiao Jingjing was lively and full of anticipation, so she couldn't sleep at all. He took out a thick cloak and covered Xiao Jingjing with it, saying softly, "Okay, then you can look out the window, but make sure you're covered up in the cloak. It's getting colder outside, don't get cold. The weather in the Northern Territory is much colder than in the capital, especially as we go further north, the wind gets stronger and the temperature drops. We need to keep warm so we have the energy to fight the plague."

Just as Xiao Chengyan had said, the further north the caravan traveled, the colder the weather became. At first, it was just the chill of late autumn, biting at the skin, but as the caravan continued forward, the wind grew stronger, sharp as knives, stinging the face. The roadside trees were already bare, without a single leaf, and the ground had become cracked and parched; as far as the eye could see, it was desolate, devoid of any sign of life. The carriage traveled along the bumpy road, the wheels screeching over the gravel, and the interior grew colder and colder. Even with a thick cloak covering her, Xiao Jingjing couldn't help but shiver.

[It's so cold! Colder than the coldest weather Jingjing has ever seen in the capital! The wind stings my face! Red-finned Golden Carp, where is the treasure you mentioned? Why haven't we arrived yet? If we keep walking, Jingjing will freeze into a little ice statue. But Jingjing isn't afraid. Jingjing has a little magic to warm herself and also to warm her father. She can't let her father get cold; he still has to fight the plague.]

Little Jingjing quietly activated her little spell, a faint warmth enveloping her and subtly spreading to Xiao Chengyan's side. Xiao Chengyan sensed the warmth, looked down at Little Jingjing, his eyes filled with confusion, but he didn't ask further—he simply assumed it was the warmth from the cloak she wore and didn't think much of it. He gently held Little Jingjing's hand; her hand was warm, without a trace of cold. Xiao Chengyan felt a warmth in his heart and whispered, "Are you cold? If you are, lean against Father's chest. Father will hold you, and you won't be cold anymore."

"I'm not cold! Jingjing isn't cold!" Little Jingjing shook her head and said with a smile, "Jingjing is amazing! She can warm herself up and even help Father warm up! Father, look, isn't it a little warmer now?"

Xiao Chengyan nodded, a gentle smile on his face: "Yes, it's much warmer now. Our little Jingjing is really amazing."

The convoy traveled at breakneck speed, daring not to linger for a moment. They traveled by day and rested at post stations along the way at night, with guards taking turns on watch to ensure the safety of the convoy and supplies. The Duke of Ningguo convened his generals and imperial physicians daily to discuss the northward journey and preliminary epidemic prevention plans. Xiao Chengyan, while caring for Xiao Jingjing, kept a close eye on news from the northern border, occasionally sending messengers to the capital to inquire about Mr. Wuwang's movements and the situation at his residence.

These past few days, Xiao Jingjing has been secretly trying to sense the treasure the Red-finned Golden Carp mentioned, but each time she can only detect a faint aura and can never pinpoint its exact location. Her heart is often filled with doubt and anticipation; she frequently talks about the treasure, hoping to find it quickly and help Xiao Chengyan.

"Red-finned Golden Carp, are you lying to me? We've been searching for so long, and we still can't find the treasure! The aura is still so faint, it hasn't become clear at all. Do we have to go a very, very far? We've been traveling for days, rushing every day, it's so tiring. But Jingjing isn't afraid of hardship. As long as we find the treasure and can help Father defeat the plague, it's all worth it. By the way, Red-finned Golden Carp, do you think this treasure can really help Father? Does it have some kind of magical power that can cure the plague?"

Days passed, and the caravan sped along in the cold wind. The scenery along the way became increasingly desolate, and the weather grew colder and colder. Many guards and imperial physicians shivered from the cold, yet they remained steadfast in their posts without the slightest slackening. They all knew that the people of the northern border were in imminent danger, and every moment they delayed meant that more people might contract the plague and perish. Therefore, they could only grit their teeth and persevere, speeding up their journey to reach the northern border as soon as possible and curb the spread of the plague.

On the morning of the sixth day, just as dawn was breaking, the group continued their journey. After traveling for about an hour, the outline of a city finally appeared in the distance. The city was tall and majestic, its walls made of blue bricks, bearing the marks of time. Soldiers stood guard at the city gate, their expressions serious, rigorously checking all those coming and going. The air around them was filled with the faint scent of mugwort, quite different from the chrysanthemum fragrance and sweet osmanthus cakes of the capital, carrying a touch of coolness and a sense of peace.

"Your Highness, Duke Ningguo, Liangzhou is just ahead. It's the second closest city to the outbreak of the plague in Youzhou." Qingzheng rode his horse to Xiao Chengyan's carriage, bowed, and said with a hint of relief in his voice. After six days of fast travel, they had finally arrived in Liangzhou, one step closer to Youzhou and one step closer to saving the people of the northern border.

Xiao Chengyan nodded, lifted the carriage curtain, and looked towards Liangzhou City in the distance. A hint of relief flashed in his eyes, but it quickly turned serious again: "Alright, speed up and enter Liangzhou City. Send someone to inform the prefect of Liangzhou that I and the Duke of Ningguo have come with imperial physicians and epidemic prevention supplies to inspect the epidemic prevention situation, and have him come to meet us immediately. Also, arrange for guards to carefully investigate the situation in Liangzhou City, to see if there are any suspected plague patients, and to see how well the local government is implementing epidemic prevention measures."

"Your subordinate obeys!" Qing Zheng responded, turned around and made the arrangements. The team sped up and headed towards Liangzhou City.

Upon arriving at the gates of Liangzhou City, the stationed soldiers, seeing the size of the procession and the carriages of Xiao Chengyan and the Duke of Ningguo, hurriedly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Your subordinate greets His Highness Prince Jing and the Duke of Ningguo! We were unaware of your arrival and have failed to greet you properly; please forgive us!"

"No need for formalities," Ning Guogong said solemnly. "This Duke and Prince Jing, along with imperial physicians and epidemic prevention supplies, have come to inspect the epidemic prevention situation. Where is your prefect? ​​Have him come to meet us immediately! Furthermore, open the city gates and allow our entourage and supplies to enter the city without the slightest delay!"

"Yes! I'll go and inform the Prefect right away!" The soldier replied hastily, turning and running quickly into the city to inform the Prefect of Liangzhou. The remaining soldiers immediately opened the city gates and respectfully welcomed Xiao Chengyan and the Duke of Ningguo's entourage into the city.

Upon entering Liangzhou City, Xiao Chengyan and the Duke of Ningguo were somewhat surprised. They had originally thought that Liangzhou was very close to Youzhou, and the plague might have already spread here, causing panic and chaos in the city. However, the Liangzhou City before them was orderly, with clean and tidy streets and orderly pedestrians. Although their expressions showed a hint of vigilance and worry, there was no panic. Most of the shops on both sides of the street were open for business as usual. However, at the door of each household, there was a bunch of mugwort, and the air was filled with a strong aroma of mugwort. Every so often, soldiers and yamen runners patrolled, and some people were smoking mugwort on the streets. The entire Liangzhou City was enveloped in the fragrance of mugwort.

Wow, this city is so clean, and the smell of mugwort is everywhere—it's so unique. Red-finned Golden Carp, can you sense it? The aura of the treasure seems a little stronger than before; does that mean we're closer? Great! Just a little further, and maybe we'll find the treasure!

Little Jingjing clung to the car window, gazing at the scenery outside with curiosity on her face. She muttered to herself, her heart filled with joy—she could feel that the treasure the Red-finned Golden Carp had mentioned was getting closer and closer, its aura becoming clearer and clearer. This made her even more excited and more determined to help Xiao Chengyan find the treasure and defeat the plague.

Just then, a middle-aged man in official robes with a refined appearance, accompanied by a group of yamen runners, hurried over. He bowed respectfully before Xiao Chengyan and the Duke of Ningguo's carriage, his tone both courteous and urgent: "Your subject, Prefect Li of Liangzhou, greets His Highness Prince Jing and the Duke of Ningguo! I was unaware of Your Highness and the Duke's arrival in Liangzhou; I have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me!"

"Prefect Li, no need for formalities," Xiao Chengyan said, his tone gentle yet solemn. "This prince and the Duke of Ningguo, along with imperial physicians and epidemic prevention supplies, have come north to Youzhou to combat the plague. We passed through Liangzhou and came specifically to inspect the epidemic prevention situation there. I see that Liangzhou is well-organized, and every household is burning mugwort. I suppose you have made proper arrangements. Tell me, how did you implement these epidemic prevention measures?"

Prefect Li quickly rose and said solemnly, "Your Highness, upon learning of the plague outbreak in Youzhou, I was extremely anxious. I immediately summoned the yamen runners and soldiers in the prefecture to deploy epidemic prevention measures, sealed off all checkpoints at the border between Liangzhou and Youzhou, and strictly screened all people coming and going. Anyone with symptoms such as high fever, cough, and body aches was isolated for observation and strictly prohibited from entering Liangzhou City. At the same time, I ordered the people in the city to burn mugwort every day, wash their hands frequently, ventilate their homes, avoid gatherings, and take good care of themselves to prevent the plague from spreading to Liangzhou."

At this point, Prefect Li paused, then continued, "Actually, these epidemic prevention measures were not my idea, but rather suggested by a renowned physician in the city named Guang. This physician Guang is highly skilled and adept at treating all sorts of rare and difficult diseases. Upon learning of the plague outbreak in Youzhou, he proactively came to the prefectural government office and offered these epidemic prevention suggestions to me. He also personally instructed the people on how to smoke mugwort, explained epidemic prevention knowledge, and reassured the people. It is thanks to Physician Guang's guidance that Liangzhou City has been so orderly and the spread of the plague has been effectively prevented. To date, there has not been a single suspected case of plague in Liangzhou City."

"Oh? There's such a renowned physician?" A hint of surprise flashed in Xiao Chengyan's eyes, followed by a look of relief. "This renowned physician, Guang, is truly righteous and cares deeply for the people. Where is he now? The King, the Duke of Ningguo, the imperial physicians, and I wish to meet him in person and consult him on some matters of epidemic prevention. Perhaps he can offer us some assistance in better combating the plague in Youzhou."

Duke Ningguo nodded and said earnestly, "Yes, Prefect Li, this renowned physician is highly skilled and experienced in epidemic prevention. If we could invite him to go to Youzhou to assist us in fighting the plague, it would surely be twice as effective. Tell me quickly, where is he now? We will go to visit him immediately."

Upon hearing this, Prefect Li's face showed a hint of regret, and he said helplessly, "Your Highness, Duke, I am truly sorry, but Physician Guang is no longer in Liangzhou City. Just three days ago, Physician Guang learned that the plague outbreak in Youzhou was extremely severe, with countless deaths and injuries, and the imperial physicians were helpless. He was extremely anxious, so he packed his medicine box and herbs and went to Youzhou alone overnight to treat the plague patients. Before leaving, he specifically instructed me to strictly implement epidemic prevention measures, protect the people of Liangzhou City, and prevent the plague from spreading to Liangzhou."

"What? He actually went to Youzhou alone overnight?" Xiao Chengyan and the Duke of Ningguo were both surprised, their eyes filled with admiration. They had not expected that this renowned physician would be so courageous and so concerned about the people. In such a dangerous situation as the plague, he actually went to Youzhou alone to save the sick people. His courage and sense of responsibility were truly admirable.

"Yes, Your Highness, Duke." Prefect Li nodded, his tone full of admiration. "The renowned physician Guang dedicated his life to medicine, caring deeply for the people. He practiced medicine and treated the common folk in Liangzhou City, earning their deep respect and love. When the plague broke out in Youzhou, he disregarded his own safety and went there to save as many people as possible. His spirit is truly moving. I have repeatedly advised him not to go so easily, as the plague in Youzhou is dangerous, and it would be too risky for him to go alone. But his mind was made up, and he insisted on going. I had no choice but to comply."

Xiao Chengyan nodded, his expression solemn, and said, "Good, what a renowned physician who cares deeply for the people! This courage and sense of responsibility deserve our utmost respect. Prefect Li, you have done a great job. Continue to strictly implement epidemic prevention measures, close checkpoints, and screen all comings and goings. Let the people continue to smoke mugwort and take good care of themselves. Do not be careless. You must protect the people of Liangzhou City and prevent the plague from spreading to Liangzhou. If you encounter any difficulties or discover any suspected plague patients, immediately send someone by fast horse to inform me. I will immediately send people to support you."

"Your subject obeys!" Prefect Li replied solemnly, his eyes filled with determination. "Your subject will do his utmost to strictly implement epidemic prevention measures, protect the people of Liangzhou City, and never fail the trust of Your Highness and the Duke, nor the expectations of the people."

Afterwards, Xiao Chengyan and the Duke of Ningguo instructed their subordinates to leave some herbs and masks for Prefect Li to use in the epidemic prevention work in Liangzhou. They then continued leading their entourage, speeding towards Youzhou. After leaving Liangzhou, the weather grew increasingly cold, with howling winds that stung their eyes, and the carriages became increasingly bumpy. However, the entourage's speed did not slow down at all—they all knew that the renowned physician Guang had already gone to Youzhou alone, and they had to hurry to reach Youzhou as soon as possible to join him in fighting the plague and saving the people of the northern border.

Meanwhile, inside the Jingwang Mansion in the capital, a flurry of activity was underway. Master Wuwang, accompanied by his disciple Xuying, had traveled day and night and finally returned to the capital from Yuzhou. He carried with him Hanxi Fragrance and prepared Nuanyu Flower—both of these medicinal herbs were key to the antidote. Only by relying on these two herbs, combined with his medical skills, could the strange poison in Gu Feng's body be cured.