Wang Qingchun spoke those words with a triumphant air, completely missing the flicker of disappointment, anger, or fear on the woman's face; instead, what he saw was pure delight.

"Really?" Qi Yue asked, "That's wonderful news!"

Wang Qingchun gave a cold laugh. Pretending to be benevolent! Too late for that now!

"It means that even if the penicillin runs out, it's not an unsolvable situation," Qi Yue continued, even clasping her hands together as if in prayer, thanking heaven.

Given the current purity and yield of the penicillin extraction, if a massive outbreak were to occur, it would be little more than a drop in the ocean. To have another method of cure was truly a blessing, but...

"However, no matter how happy you are, we must remain vigilant about any new cases cropping up," Qi Yue cautioned.

Wang Qingchun smiled.

"Madam Qi," he sighed with mock admiration, "in this world, not everyone is beneath you."

The elderly Mr. and Mrs. Liu, who had just gotten into their carriage but hadn't left, heard this and turned to look.

"That's absolutely right..." Old Master Liu nodded, finding this Wang Qingchun figure unexpectedly pleasing to the eye.

Old Madam Liu swatted his arm and was about to speak, but Qi Yue interjected first.

"Indeed," Qi Yue conceded, nodding at Wang Qingchun.

This woman admits defeat so readily! Wang Qingchun sneered internally. Don't think this absolves you from a good round of humiliation...

"There are plenty of people in this world I cannot surpass," Qi Yue went on, then smiled at Wang Qingchun, "but I can absolutely surpass you."

The smile on Wang Qingchun's face faltered slightly.

"Have you forgotten that you still owe me for the last wager you lost? I truly don't understand what you have to be so smug about in front of me," Qi Yue said, frowning, wearing an expression of utter bewilderment that, paired with her words, was infuriating enough to kill.

Old Madam Liu burst into laughter.

Wang Qingchun shot her an angry glare.

"Hey now, what did you lose? Owing gambling debts is a terrible character flaw, surely at your age you aren't that base?" Old Madam Liu asked with amusement.

If he couldn't win this round back, he felt he would never overcome this obstacle in his life!

Wang Qingchun looked sharply at Qi Yue.

"Madam Qi, at this juncture, you must apologize to the entire city!" he commanded sternly.

"Apologize? For what?" Qi Yue asked, smiling.

"For spreading plague rumors and cursing the populace with death!" Wang Qingchun roared. "For this entire absurd incident, not only must you apologize, but as the Medical Examiner, I will also revoke your license to practice medicine in Yongqing Prefecture!"

Qi Yue let out a sharp laugh and waved her hand dismissively.

"What rumors did I spread? When a disease strikes fiercely, performing epidemiological assessments and compiling statistics is the most fundamental thing. Don't be so ignorant. As for cursing the populace with death..." she continued, "I was not crying wolf. If people still fail to grasp the importance of what I said, they will inevitably perish because of it. Some people simply won't learn unless they are properly frightened."

Without waiting for Wang Qingchun to reply, Qi Yue waved her hand again.

"Wang—I will not apologize, and don't even think about humiliating me. You are absolutely not qualified for that," she stated, then turned and raised her hand toward the Liu family members. "We take our leave."

Old Madam Liu laughed heartily and waved back.

"Farewell," she echoed, and Yan'er, who popped out from her embrace, chirped, "Farewell!"

Qi Yue turned and walked away.

Wang Qingchun was left standing there, not even warranting a proper farewell in return.

Yet, his trip wasn't entirely in vain. Everyone present now knew that the cases of diarrhea in the city had been cured.

"It seems it wasn't the plague," people sighed in relief.

The sword hanging over their heads had been lifted. It felt like a rebirth. But amidst the relief, a slight unease lingered: what about the master who so confidently declared it a plague?

Inside her rooms, Qi Yue meticulously reviewed all the records: patient details, onset times, and contact histories.

Chang Yuncheng hesitated at the doorway for a moment before stepping inside.

Qi Yue was letting out a sigh.

"Honestly, it's nothing," Chang Yuncheng offered.

"No, there must be something..." Qi Yue shook her head.

"Yue Niang," Chang Yuncheng took a step forward, positioning himself in front of her so his shadow enveloped her small frame. "It's just one setback. We start again. You know yourself better than this."

Qi Yue looked up at him and smiled.

"You're talking about that?" she chuckled, standing up. "Why would I be bothered?"

She patted Chang Yuncheng's arm with a smile. "I'm thinking about what this illness actually is. There must be a connection between these few cases."

Chang Yuncheng breathed a sigh of relief. "Didn't you say they all ate unclean food from Qingfeng Tower?" he suggested. "That's the connection."

Qi Yue frowned and began rummaging through her desk.

"What are you looking for? I'll help you," Chang Yuncheng asked, watching her frantic search. This woman always had this habit of piling her desk into chaos; how could one ever find anything?

After knocking over two stacks of notebooks, Qi Yue finally yanked one out.

"Found it!" she exclaimed, flipping through a few pages rapidly, then pointing to an entry to show Chang Yuncheng. "Look at this record."

Chang Yuncheng leaned over to see.

"'August 4th, morning, rain, West City. Intercepted funeral procession. Deceased male, age unknown, occupation unknown. Claimed not to have died from diarrhea. Refused further inquiry. Details unknown.'"

Qi Yue read aloud, explaining as she went. "This was recorded when my disciples were investigating the whole city right after the first diarrhea deaths were reported. I wanted every single patient and deceased person reported so we could get accurate case data quickly and identify potential new cases immediately. But people simply aren't accustomed to reporting things, so it wasn't smooth..."

As she spoke, she turned another page and pointed to another line.

"And here," she said, "August 5th, Jin Dian Village outside the city. Deceased: male, around fifty years old, a pig butcher. Did not die of diarrhea. Family described high fever, body covered in pustules. Refused autopsy, specific symptoms unknown..."

Chang Yuncheng nodded. "So, what you're saying is, besides the diarrhea, there were other causes of death." He summarized. "Therefore, even though the diarrhea is cured, we can't dismiss the abnormality of the increased death toll during this period."

Qi Yue nodded, setting the ledger down. "Exactly. I just feel things aren't this simple; there must be another link we've missed." She exhaled, her brow furrowed. "If only Xiao Guan were here..."

Chang Yuncheng was momentarily stunned. Xiao Guan? Who is that?

"He would know how to get those bodies," Qi Yue mused, looking out the window, realizing it had been quite a while since Xiao Guan left without any word. She wondered if he was doing well wherever he was. Thinking of this, she nodded. "I need to write him a letter."

"Is that Coffin Boy?" Chang Yuncheng asked.

Qi Yue nodded. "Don't call him that. He has a name, a very nice one at that—Yuan Ziqing," she added with a smile.

Chang Yuncheng murmured an acknowledgement. "Yes, that is quite a nice name," he agreed.

A silence settled in the room.

"Where was I going with this?" Qi Yue patted her head. "I think I need to personally visit the families of those recorded as not having died from diarrhea."

"Good, I'll go with you," Chang Yuncheng offered immediately.

Qi Yue looked at him and smiled. "Hey, if people start saying nasty things, you are not allowed to lay a hand on anyone," she teased.

Chang Yuncheng looked at her.

"If someone actually tries to hit me, just shield me and we'll run," Qi Yue finished, still smiling.

Chang Yuncheng returned her smile, and for the first time, their gazes met and lingered, as if glued together, rather than quickly breaking away.

"Thank you for coming," Qi Yue said softly.

Chang Yuncheng lowered his eyes. "I..." he began.

"Don't say it was coincidence or any other excuse. You made the effort, so why hide it? Why can't I know the kindness you show me?" Qi Yue pressed, reaching out to pat his arm. "It's unfair to you."

Chang Yuncheng laughed softly. "Truthfully, I haven't helped much. All this time, I haven't been very... kind... to you," he murmured.

Just as Qi Yue was about to respond, A'Ru's voice called from outside the door.

"Mistress, the families outside are here to collect their people," she announced. "Can they... be discharged?"

Qi Yue went out and gave the five remaining patients one last examination.

"You are well now; you may leave," she confirmed.

The families seemed taken aback by her reaction.

"Madam Qi, we heard some... rumors, so we came to collect them. Perhaps we should keep them here for a couple more days..." they stammered, sounding slightly embarrassed.

Qi Yue smiled at them and then bowed deeply.

The families jumped, scattering back or returning the bow hastily.

"Madam Qi, you cured our people, saved their lives—how can we be the ones to thank you?" they insisted.

Qi Yue raised her head. "I thank you for trusting me," she said, looking at the few families. "For a doctor, curing an illness is naturally joyous, but far more joyful is the trust placed in them by the patient and family. Your belief in me is the greatest acknowledgement, especially when so many others distrust me. Trusting me took courage."

The families chuckled at her words, looking at this humble woman who bore no resemblance to the arrogant tyrant the public described. It seemed she was the sort who respected those who respected her tenfold.

"When you return home, continue to rest well and mind your diet," Qi Yue advised, as her disciples handed them detailed pamphlets on nursing care and diet. "We will conduct regular follow-ups."

The families expressed their thanks.

"And one more thing—you still need to maintain strict sanitation and quarantine measures," Qi Yue added.

The families paused.

"Does Madam Qi mean the illness isn't... completely over?" an older woman inquired.

Qi Yue finished the sentence for her. "This illness has not completely passed," she confirmed with a nod.

The families exchanged glances. "Very well, we understand," they affirmed, and then finally departed.

In Yongqing City, as the five diarrhea patients were discharged, the tense atmosphere vanished entirely. Everyone rejoiced when they saw the patients who had been isolated outside the city walls returning healthy.

"Now, that Madam Qi has truly offended everyone."

"Exactly! Telling everyone they'd die if they didn't listen—that's too much."

"Let's see if she has the nerve to enter the city now..."

Several doctors were chatting and laughing in their pharmacy.

"Well, she does have the nerve to enter the city, and she's even gone to investigate other households!" a disciple rushed in, his face beaming with excitement. "She was stopped by Lord Wang and his group; they're trying to drive her out of the city!"

This spectacle couldn't be missed.

Everyone hurried out, and the crowds were already gathering, moving towards the city gate.

"You intend to forbid me from entering the city?" Qi Yue asked Wang Qingchun, smiling faintly.

Wang Qingchun gave a cold laugh. "It's not I who forbids you entry," he said, pointing behind him. "This is the will of the people."

Behind him was a noisy throng of onlookers.

"Didn't you claim it was a plague? Didn't you demand quarantine? Then, Madam Qi, for the safety of the entire city, shouldn't you, who have been dealing directly with this plague, quarantine yourself first?" Wang Qingchun questioned with a smirk. "You screamed the loudest, yet you fail to lead by example, instead going around harassing the citizens in their homes..."

"What do you mean 'harassing'? This family lost a patient just a few days ago..." Qi Yue frowned. "Wang Qingchun, despite my aversion to you, I must remind you: this matter is not finished. You had better follow my advice—conduct a city-wide investigation and report all deaths..."

Before she could finish, Wang Qingchun burst into loud laughter.

"Qi Yue Niang, are you still going to insist this is a plague?" he boomed.

"I can't be certain, which is why we must investigate..." Qi Yue replied.

Wang Qingchun cut her off again. "Qi Yue Niang, stop saying you can't be certain. Aren't you the one who claims to know everything? Tell me, do you dare to make a wager with me?" Wang Qingchun looked at her, seizing the moment he had been waiting for, his expression alight with excitement.

"That Wang Qingchun is really something... this wager clearly favors him, yet he still wants to bet..."

"Right, the diarrhea is cured; what's the point of a bet like this..."

"...Can't say that entirely. He's just trying to regain some standing; losing last time was too humiliating..."

"Well, he's not an idiot. With things this way, who would bet with him? Isn't he just asking to be disgraced again..."

As this murmuring spread, the crowd began to buzz with speculation.

Qi Yue looked at Wang Qingchun and smiled.

"Fine," she said. "Of course, I dare to wager with you."

What?

The murmuring instantly ceased as every eye turned toward them.

"Same rules as before: the loser kneels at the city gate!" Qi Yue stated with a laugh.

"Agreed!" Wang Qingchun laughed back.

"And no running away if you lose," Qi Yue added.

Wang Qingchun’s smile finally vanished.

Qi Yue laughed heartily and turned her attention away from him, addressing the assembled crowd.

"I will say it one last time: epidemic prevention is paramount. Pay attention to disinfection and isolation," she called out loudly, raising one hand. "For emergencies, seek out Qianjin Hall!"

With that, she turned and strode away. Chang Yuncheng, who had stood silently beside her, immediately turned and followed without a word.

"From now on, that woman and anyone from Qianjin Hall are forbidden from entering the city!" Wang Qingchun roared commandingly.

The Prefect had granted Wang Qingchun certain discretionary powers regarding the management of the city's current illnesses. The guards at the gate exchanged glances and assented. (To be continued) www.RT (No pop-up novel website)