The Emperor exclaimed with joy, "Exactly, exactly, Dean Wang said the same thing, but he does not know how to treat it."

Dean Wang bowed towards Yun Jiao, "In my younger years, I heard people mention that in the areas of the Southern Ocean, and even Yazhou, the miasma is thick. Those who are poisoned by it experience chills and fever, shaking uncontrollably, which is why it’s called ’malaria.’

"However, I have not heard of any medicine that can treat this illness."

"Doctor Gu, do you have a method of treatment?"

Yun Jiao thought for a moment and said, "If it truly is malaria, I do have a way to treat it, but I’m afraid it might not be."

The Emperor looked at the few doctors below, all had their heads bowed avoiding his gaze. He sighed, "In that case, would Doctor Gu be willing to make a trip to the epidemic area?"

"Only Doctor Gu recognizes this illness, please, Doctor Gu, save the people from fire and water."

Yun Jiao pondered for a moment and then said, "I am willing to go."

"However, I have one request."

The Emperor waved his hand grandly, "Speak freely."

Yun Jiao said, "After all, I am just a doctor. Even if I go to the epidemic area, the officials and the people may not be willing to listen to me."

"The Emperor must give me an official edict, so I can act conveniently."

The Emperor nodded, "That is easy."

"I will write you an official edict and send a squad of the Forbidden Army to accompany you."

Yun Jiao lowered her head, "This humble woman obeys the decree."

Now the Imperial Physicians in the study began to become active, "As expected of divine Doctor Gu."

"The people are saved now."

Some secretly thought to themselves, now they won’t be scolded by the Emperor. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Others thought, thank goodness they don’t know how to treat this illness, otherwise, being sent to the epidemic area would be a near-death experience.

The Emperor personally took up the brush and wrote an official edict, which the eunuch respectfully presented to Yun Jiao.

Yun Jiao took the edict, left the palace gate, returned home, and quickly instructed someone to pack her clothes and luggage.

Cai Ping and Yang Ying both wanted to accompany Yun Jiao, but Yun Jiao thought for a moment, "Let Cai Ping accompany me instead."

"Yingying, you stay at home and watch over the children."

You Er lifted his head from the chessboard, "Mother, where are you going? I want to go too."

Opposite him, Ruru also exclaimed, "I want to go with sister-in-law."

Qi Er also shouted, "Mother, I want to go, I want to go with you."

Yun Jiao was at a loss, so she came over and gently touched each child’s head, "The place I’m going is very dangerous, children cannot go."

"Stay at home and listen to Aunt Yang."

"When I return, I’ll reward whoever was the most obedient with something nice."

The three children all clamored, "Me, I’m the most obedient."

Yun Jiao smiled, finished packing, and sent someone to run over to the workshop to give the steward some instructions.

Jiang Youzhi hadn’t returned home yet. Yun Jiao was hesitating whether to meet him before leaving, but then the steward reported from outside: "Young madam, a squad of the Forbidden Army has arrived at the door."

With the Forbidden Army already here, there was no time to say goodbye to Jiang Youzhi. Yun Jiao hurriedly gave the steward a few last instructions, then got into the carriage with Cai Ping.

A squad of a hundred Forbidden Army soldiers escorted Yun Jiao’s carriage on both sides as it set off.

Great Chu had never been known for producing good horses. Now, having lost vast northern territories, the court had even lost its only horse farm.

The horses ridden by the Forbidden Army were Yunnan Horses from the southern frontier.

Yunnan Horses are small in stature, and the Forbidden Army riding on them always felt something was missing, not quite as imposing or majestic.

In the hot weather, the horses could barely manage to cover just over a hundred miles a day.