Chapter 21: The Infection Spreads

“Thank you, Doctor.” The two men bowed deeply.

They were servants born into the Jin household; whatever the master commanded, they had to obey.

They had been assigned to care for the elderly master. Although the master promised that if they unfortunately contracted the illness and died, their families would be well taken care of.

But who isn’t afraid of death? Even ants cling to life, let alone humans.

Until now, Yu Yuanzheng was the first to consider their feelings.

They nearly shed tears.

“All right, you are not infected yet, but it’s hard to say what will happen later, so prevention is the best strategy,” Yu said.

“What should we call you, young doctor?” Jin Lin suddenly remembered he didn’t know the doctor’s name.

“Just call me Doctor Zeng. My name is Zeng Yuan.” Yu Yuanzheng had temporarily taken on a pseudonym.

The treatment was complete, and the prescription written.

“Master Jin, you will not die. Now, gather your disheartened spirits. Haven’t you yet seen your great-grandchild?

I guarantee you will see him, as long as you cooperate fully with my treatment,” Yu encouraged with a smile.

When a patient has hope, their mood brightens, and treatment becomes more effective.

“All right, all right,” the elderly master nodded repeatedly.

As the direct sufferer, he clearly felt much better after the treatment; his chest was no longer so tight.

“Also, going forward, pay attention to your diet. Eat nutritious foods like lean meat, fish, shrimp, eggs, and milk. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and reduce salt, irritants, and spicy foods,” Yu instructed.

After washing her hands, the consultation ended.

“Young man, not bad. It’s rare to see someone brave enough to say they can treat consumption. You’re the first I’ve met. I’ve learned something today,” Old Doctor He sighed.

Jin Lin bowed deeply to Yu Yuanzheng. “Doctor Zeng, I apologize for any previous offenses. Please forgive me.”

“No problem. It’s normal to be distrustful. I’m new here and don’t fully understand the customs. My assistant may have been a bit harsh. I hope Master Jin will pardon us both,” Yu replied.

Both sides had faults, so it balanced out.

Everyone laughed together.

Harmony!

“The prescription I just gave is for five days. After five days, I will return.”

“Where are you staying, Doctor Zeng? I can arrange a carriage to pick you up,” Jin Lin asked, wanting to know where to find him anytime.

“Uh, I just arrived today and have no lodgings yet. I’ll go find a place and let you know,” Yu of course could not tell the truth.

“If you don’t mind, Doctor Zeng, you are welcome to stay at my Jin residence,” Jin Lin offered.

“Thank you, Master Jin, but I have friends to visit. I won’t trouble you,” Yu declined politely.

Jin Lin saw them out, but just then, a woman hurried over.

“Master, Master, Young Master Yu has a fever. I heard you invited a doctor. The second madam sent me to ask the doctor to stay and examine Young Master Yu,” the woman said hurriedly. She was the nursemaid for the second madam of the Jin household.

Young Master Yu was Jin Lin’s young nephew.

“Please, doctors, follow me,” Jin Lin immediately gestured politely.

They changed direction toward the second branch’s courtyard.

Second Madam Ming was holding the child, waiting outside.

The child looked listless and weak, about three or four years old.

They could hear him coughing.

“Brother, Yu’er’s had a slight fever since yesterday. We called the house doctor, thinking it was just a cold and nothing serious, but a whole day has passed with no improvement. I heard you brought in a renowned doctor for Grandfather, so I’m troubling you now,” Ming said apologetically.

She felt a bit rude interrupting with the esteemed doctor her eldest brother had summoned at great expense.

“Hmm, Doctor He, please examine him first,” Jin Lin showed respect by inviting the elder doctor first.

The child was uncomfortable and clung to his mother, unwilling to be put down.

Ming had no choice but to hold him for the examination.

After a thorough inspection, Doctor He had his diagnosis.

“Master Jin, Madam Jin, the young master has likely contracted consumption as well,” he said gravely.

“What?” Ming nearly lost her hold on the child.

“My child, is my child beyond help?” she cried out.

“Madam, what’s wrong?” Just then, the second master of the Jin household, Jin Sen, returned.

He was not yet thirty and was the second legitimate son.

Worried about the child, he had returned early from his post.

“Sniff, husband, Yu’er has the same disease as Grandfather,” Ming sobbed sorrowfully.

It was clear the grandfather had transmitted it.

In the early stages, before being diagnosed with tuberculosis, the elder Jin had not been isolated.

The grandson from the second branch was his favorite, so they had frequent contact.

After the incubation period, symptoms had now emerged.

“What?” Jin Sen staggered in shock upon hearing his son was infected.

“Doctor, is there hope?” Jin Sen asked anxiously, looking to Doctor He for an answer.

“I can only slow the disease’s progression. As for a cure…” He shook his head. “But this young doctor here should have a way.”

He pointed at Yu Yuanzheng.

Jin Sen then noticed the four people standing nearby, all wearing masks.

“Doctor Zeng, please examine my nephew as well,” Jin Lin invited.

Yu stepped forward to examine the child.

Her approach differed slightly from Doctor He’s.

After inspection, she coaxed the child to lie flat on the table. She listened to his chest and pressed gently. When the child cried out in pain, she confirmed the diagnosis.

He indeed had tuberculosis.

“Masters Jin, the child indeed has the disease as Doctor He said, but his symptoms are not as severe as the elder master’s and it is treatable. Children have strong regenerative abilities, so recovery will be much faster.

I will prescribe medicine for the child to take on schedule.

If he refuses to drink it, I will prepare pills next time.

However, you must be vigilant. I suspect those in close contact, including the parents, may also be infected. I recommend everyone take medicine together.

Since the child is so young and must be constantly attended to, caregivers must wear masks soaked in realgar, changing them every two hours.

I advise everyone in the household to wear masks, even when going out, to reduce transmission,” Yu instructed.

She immediately wrote two prescriptions—one for the child and one as preventative medicine for the family.

“Thank you, Doctor Zeng. We will follow your instructions,” Jin Lin said, surprised the infection had already spread.

He broke out in a cold sweat.

Today, fortunately, Doctor Zeng insisted on entering the residence to treat his father; otherwise, the entire Jin family might have been lost to this disease.

Jin Lin respectfully escorted Yu and the others out of the residence, his demeanor completely changed from when they had arrived.

As they neared the gate, Jin Lin took out a silver note worth one hundred taels.

“Doctor Zeng, this is the consultation fee. Please accept it.”

Yu smiled wryly at the silver note extended to her.

“Master Jin, I already said no fees. You must keep your word.”

“Why?” Jin Lin asked.