Sharing The Remedy

“Well done. It’s thanks to your hard work that the plague in Pucheng was brought under control so quickly.”

After listening to Su Lan’s report, Margaret finally let out a breath of relief.

The infected had already been quarantined, and with the arrival of renowned doctors capable of treating the sick, much of the pressure had been lifted from her shoulders.

Now, all that remained was to root out the remnants of the White Bone Cult --- and the mission would be complete.

“All credit goes to your excellent leadership, Boss. No one else could’ve handled this like you,” Su Lan said with a smile.

“Don’t start flattering me just yet --- the job’s not done.”

Margaret changed the subject. “What’s the status on Pei Nan, the one I asked you to investigate earlier?”

“We’ve got something.”

Su Lan reported truthfully, “According to our investigation, Pei Nan did indeed go to Wugang City and has been in close contact with several members of a Western cult there. I’ve already dispatched a team to apprehend her. We should have a result soon.”

“Good.”

Margaret nodded, then suddenly asked, “Right, how many cities in Southern Frontier have reported plague outbreaks? Is it serious?”

“Out of the seven major cities in the Southern Frontier, four have been hit by the plague --- Pucheng, Wugang, Lincheng, and Liyang.”

Su Lan continued, “Pucheng, as we know, is under control. But the situations in Wugang, Lincheng, and Liyang are worsening. That said, each of the three royal princes has arrived in one of the affected cities. As long as they handle things properly, there shouldn’t be any major issues.”

“My three brothers are all here in the South?” Margaret was a little surprised.

The moment she learned of the plague in the Southern Frontier, she had rushed here without delay, unaware of other developments.

She didn’t expect that just one night later, all three princes would converge here.

“It was the Emperor’s decree.”

Su Lan didn’t hold anything back. “You had just left Stonia when the three princes received the order from the Emperor. They arrived immediately. Looks like they’re here to earn merit.”

“So Father wants to use this plague to test them --- see how they handle a crisis.” Margaret quickly understood.

If the goal were only to contain the plague, there’d be no need to mobilize three royal princes. The fanfare suggested this was more than a public health response.

This move clearly signaled a deeper purpose --- a test of capability.

From that, she could infer that her father’s health was deteriorating faster than expected, and a successor needed to be chosen soon.

“The three princes are all talented, but they’re still not quite on your level, Boss. It’s just a pity…” Su Lan trailed off.

“Watch your tongue!”

Margaret gave her a sharp glare. “Focus on your duties. The three princes are not people you should speak lightly of --- unless you want trouble!”

“Forgive my mistake, Boss.” Su Lan immediately lowered her head in apology.

“Su Lan, you’re one of my most trusted aides. I don’t want anything to happen to you. More importantly, I don’t want you involved in royal succession struggles. Understand?”

Margaret’s tone was serious.

Some things could be said, others couldn’t.

What seemed harmless now might be dangerous in the future.

“You’re absolutely right, Boss. I’ll remember that,” Su Lan said, no longer daring to speak out of turn.

“Alright, let’s move on. No matter what others are doing, our priority is to contain the plague and minimize casualties.”

Margaret instructed, “Send a few people to deliver the treatment formula Dustin wrote to the three princes. Tell them to apply it accordingly and stop the spread.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Su Lan acknowledged the order and quickly left.

“I heard your three precious brothers have arrived in the Southern Frontier too?”

At that moment, Dustin walked in, yawning.

After a long day, he had finally finished training those so-called famous doctors.

Though they were still a bit slow at treating patients, that would improve with practice.

“Yes. Father sent them. Likely as a test,” Margaret answered without hiding anything. “He wants to use this plague to evaluate their abilities and pick the next heir. As for the outcome --- it depends on their own skill.”

She had already done all she could. She was helping where possible, but she didn’t intend to interfere with the princes’ trials.

Her only hope now was for the plague to end soon.

“Using a plague as a test of leadership? Your royal father is quite… inventive,” Dustin remarked wryly.

“Maybe Father doesn’t have much time left, and this was a desperate measure.” Margaret shook her head.

When charity becomes performance, when saving lives becomes entangled with power and interests --- everything changes.

“Whatever the Emperor’s thinking, that’s his business. But I don’t have much confidence in your three brothers.”

Dustin was blunt. “If curing the plague becomes a competition, and given how power-hungry those three are… there’s no telling what they might do.”

“Something unexpected?” Margaret raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean by that?”

“You’re smart --- you know exactly what I mean.”

Dustin replied coolly, “Just in case, have your people keep an eye on those three. That way, if something happens, there’s still time to fix it.”

“I will.” Margaret nodded, saying no more.

She knew exactly what Dustin was warning about --- but she dared not dwell on it.

All she could hope for now… was that everything would move in the right direction.

That was all. - Ton


For AUD discussions, to read novel from the start and get automatically notified of updates, we invite you all to join our Discord. Just click the Invite Link on the upper right of blog Home page. See you!