"Your Majesty, the common people want to leave the city, but this is understandable since... there are no herbs in the city, and Minister Shen left for Liuxiang City, the hardest hit by the epidemic, three days ago. The people knew Minister Shen left and thought the city was abandoned. Fearing for their lives, they intended to force their way out instead of waiting to die here. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"
Even though Qian Yongzhong had just called the common people troublemakers, in front of his own emperor, he couldn't help but plead for the people to avoid the emperor's wrath.
With his face covered by a cloth soaked in medicinal water, Bai Qingjue drew the reins and said to Bai Qingyan, "Eldest Young Lady, let's enter the city first!"
Bai Qingyan nodded, then instructed, "Have Liu Pinggao escort the officials and herbs into the city and first visit the treatment center! Lu Ping, protect Doctor Hong."
"Yes!" Bai Qingjue responded, accepting the order.
