Ruthless, clearly retribution.
In the beginning of the first month, the weather became gloomier than before.
As night fell, the lantern made of rice paper lost its vitality and emitted a dim light. The cold wind blew in, making a whistling sound inside the small space of the lantern, as if a woman was sobbing. The weak flame was on the verge of extinguishing, but the wind seemed to show mercy and did not completely extinguish it, allowing it to struggle and maintain its pitiful life. Under the chaotic sky, nothing could be seen clearly. The visible range was dim, and one could only rely on the mercy of moonlight. The undulating shadows of the distant mountains appeared and disappeared, creating an interesting contrast with the flickering flame.
The high-ranking official lay on his bed, contemplating the events of the past few days. He thought that the quack doctor who deceived and confused people would not actually be right. People with lung disease were getting worse day by day, causing a stir in the court. Although he had deceived the inspector, he himself was frightened by the words "recovering in a few days". The reports from all over the area piled up on the table, with hundreds of people infected. It was difficult for him to confess to the court, as he felt guilty and sorry for the people. But if he were to confess, not only would he lose his official position, but he might also lose his head. He sighed heavily, blew out the candle, and closed his eyes to sleep.
It was already bright outside, and the prefect was going to visit again today. The high-ranking official had to prepare early and not reveal any flaws. He carefully cleaned his hat and official badge, smoothing out any wrinkles on his robe. Although he had been in office for several years, his robe was actually newer than those of others. After completing all this, he obediently waited at the yamen, with the memorial he had written the previous night tucked in his sleeve. He was extremely nervous because this prefect was temporarily appointed by the court, and apart from their previous encounter, he was not very familiar with him. Before long, a person on horseback appeared in the distance. It turned out to be the prefect's attendant, instructing the high-ranking official to go to the city hospital. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and he became even more anxious and restless, but he had no choice but to obey.
"I heard that there are over a hundred people infected in the city?" Although the prefect smiled, the high-ranking official couldn't understand the meaning behind the smile.
"Replying to Your Excellency, thanks to the grace of the current emperor, our county is rich in resources, and there are no..."
"I am more concerned about how many people are infected and how many have been cured." The prefect took a sip of tea, and his smiling gaze seemed to pierce through the high-ranking official. "As for the grace of the emperor, there is no need to mention it."
The high-ranking official's forehead became even sweatier. "I, I am not aware of how many people have been cured. As for how many people are infected, I, I am also not aware." He answered nervously.
The prefect's face showed some displeasure. "How much medicine has been distributed to the infected people?"
The high-ranking official took out the memorial and read, "Replying to Your Excellency, I have sent medicine to the city hospital and have prepared 108 catties, which is enough for over a month."
The attendant hurriedly whispered something, and his face changed. He quickly corrected himself, "Replying to Your Excellency, it is actually 18 catties. The subordinate made a mistake. Please forgive me, Your Excellency."
Before he could read a few more lines, the attendant reminded him again, and the high-ranking official changed his words again, "Your Excellency, it is actually 108 catties. I, I am sorry, I am sorry..."
The fragments of the teacup scattered on the floor, and the prefect left in a huff, leaving the high-ranking official kneeling on the ground. He was completely shocked and couldn't hear what the prefect said, but he remembered that he was being dismissed from his position.
In a few days, a new high-ranking official took his place in the court. It was said that this new official had previously served in this position, which the high-ranking official found ironic, but he had no choice. He looked at the plaque that read "Justice and Brightness" and wondered if the servants had polished it, as it seemed brighter than before, almost blinding.
The high-ranking official woke up from his dream, his heart still pounding. He put on his shoes and coat and went out of the door. The wind continued to blow, and the sobbing sound of the oil-paper lantern did not stop. He felt annoyed by this sound and blew out the flame. Everything became silent. He gazed at the sky, unsure of what decision to make. He felt that his future and destiny were as chaotic as the sky.
He turned back into his room, and the candle on the desk was about to go out.