"Your Majesty, after this rebellion, our dynasty has suffered heavy losses. We need to recuperate, but the disaster in Kaiyang County cannot be delayed. We must quickly allocate relief funds and grains to help the people there overcome the crisis!"
"Mr. Wang, I'm afraid this matter isn't as simple as just reallocating grains and funds, is it?"
"Oh? What does Mr. Liu mean by that?"
"Over there, it's not just drought and fire; there's also...an epidemic!"
The middle-aged official referred to as Mr. Liu stated solemnly, "It's heard that the people over there have contracted a strange illness. Some tremble all over, foaming at the mouth; some are mentally confused, acting insane; some experience hallucinations; some..."
Mr. Liu was previously a minor official who normally wouldn't rise to this level, let alone express his views in the court. However, due to Pang Wenzheng's treason, many officials were ousted, leaving numerous vacancies.
Thus, Mr. Liu was promoted as a replacement.
