Chapter 94: Two Things

The entire document of disaster relief and epidemic prevention regulations was concise and to the point. Ning Yi went through each item, highlighting the main and secondary priorities. Elder Qin and Elder Kang listened, occasionally whispering a few words and nodding. Among the four servants who accompanied Kang Xian, two male attendants, like Lu Agui, were also well-informed. They listened from the back, occasionally glancing at Ning Yi.

After he finished, Elder Qin and Elder Kang began asking about some unclear points, mainly concerning hygiene. In those times, there wasn't much emphasis on hygiene. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) didn't typically instruct people on hygiene, although there were concepts like "external evils invading the body." However, TCM primarily focused on theories like the Five Elements and cultivating qi, which offered little direct evidence for these matters. While there might have been some understanding that illness was more likely in very dirty places, under the circumstances of disaster relief, few people would obviously prioritize hygiene.

Unable to explain these issues from a germ perspective, he could only broadly speak of theories like external evils invading the body, or how infections in the human body proved that many inanimate objects carried disease-causing substances, or how dirty rats caused plagues.

"...Regarding other aspects, once a disaster strikes, the entire area tends to become unregulated, and a lack of rules makes management increasingly difficult. Selecting managers from among them, arranging unified living quarters, shared meals, and communal latrines easily provides them with a simple sense of discipline and belonging, making them feel that someone is looking out for them, thus calming their minds. In reality, grassroots management is chosen from among them, requiring far less effort than if true chaos were to erupt. As long as there is food, people can be calmed. Tidy shelters, organized pathways, and clean surroundings can further reinforce these suggestions and guidance.

"Discipline shouldn't rely solely on high pressure; guiding them by adapting to circumstances is best. Moreover, they currently have time on their hands; the idler they are, the more they will want to cause trouble and panic. By gradually assigning tasks, leveling the surrounding ground, erecting uniform shelters, and communal latrines, everything standardized, people won't resort to fighting. Otherwise, even if they receive two bowls of porridge a day, if they're not full, they'll think about stealing from others. Those who cause trouble and break rules should be killed, without mercy.

"Doctors have some understanding that poor hygiene leads to illness; we won't discuss exactly how much is due to this for now. But it is a factor. We transport lime and have them spread it around; this also gives them something to do. Emphasize repeatedly: poor hygiene will make you sick... Because medication problems might not be solved immediately, but hygiene problems can be addressed right at hand. The posture must be shown, as if directly telling them that by doing this, they won't get sick. The stronger the publicity, the more confident they become after doing it. When their mood brightens and they stop worrying, the likelihood of falling ill will actually decrease.

"For example, if there's a dead rat in front of us, and our publicity efforts are weak, someone might see it, ignore it, and feel nothing. If our publicity is strong, that person sees it, immediately reports it, and a doctor comes to clean it up, burn it, or bury it. This visible action easily instills confidence. At least we know that when rats, snakes, or insects die and rot, it's the same as when humans die and rot – it's definitely a disease-causing factor. On the other hand, isolating patients prevents widespread panic. Doctors must also be more diligent, showing people that things are under control, which calms their minds. Even if a small number of people worry because their family members are isolated, if the disease spreads, that's the most terrifying scenario and impossible to stop. Therefore, isolation must be effective..."

Regarding hygiene practices, for now, he could only explain them using various other reasons, as his efforts were limited. If he had ample time, Ning Yi, in his typical style, could probably have compiled a detailed case study so horrifying it would scare ancient people into understanding the importance of hygiene. Even if he were to falsify some data, it's doubtful anyone would discover it. But right now, with the disaster after the flood imminent, there was no need for a slow, methodical approach.

After listening, Elder Kang sighed and handed the Wuchao Disaster Relief Regulations in his hand to Lu Agui, saying, "With Li Heng's booklet, all the others can be discarded. Each chapter and regulation is interconnected; even a single point about latrines manages to consider human psychology, management, hygiene, and discipline in all aspects... Judging by the handwriting, did Li Heng only finish this last night?"

"These past few days, you two have often discussed these matters in the halls, and I've also spoken about them with some children and occasionally debated with others. So last night, I summarized them, thinking they might be useful."

"More than just useful," Kang Xian shook his head. "Putting aside everything else, just the method of collecting statistical data for review alone—if it can be implemented this time, disaster relief losses can be reduced by over thirty percent. Li Heng's document is a policy that benefits countless people. Once this strategy is revealed, Li Heng will truly become famous throughout the land."

"That's what I'm truly worried about," Ning Yi smiled. "If it genuinely proves useful, Elder Qin can send it to Brother Shaohe, or you, My Lord, can distribute it to anyone who might find it useful. I have only one request: please do not reveal that I wrote it. This is not an evasion; please understand that I am very serious when I say this."

The last time Ning Yi said something like this, it also showed his resolve not to enter official service. However, the nature of this instance was entirely different from the last. After hearing him, Elder Qin and Elder Kang became truly serious. Elder Qin pondered for a moment, then asked, "Why so? For such an important matter, does Li Heng truly wish to remain uninvolved?"

Elder Kang thought for a while, then looked at Ning Yi and whispered, "Li Heng, could it be that you are truly disheartened by worldly affairs and the imperial court... feeling some discontent?"

This statement could be taken in many ways, but it was clear that the elder before him harbored no ill will, merely making a possible deduction. Ning Yi shook his head, "Honestly, I simply dislike the backstabbing and scheming. I... prefer a leisurely life, unwilling to bow and scrape to superiors or plot against colleagues..." He pointed to the booklet. "I've already brought these out. Can you two not even grant me this small request?"

Kang Xian and Elder Qin probably had many more arguments ready, but that single sentence blocked their path. Elder Qin sighed, "Oh, Li Heng, you... truly make one feel conflicted. It wasn't much before, but now that you've presented this booklet, yet are unwilling to truly come out and serve, I genuinely don't know whether I should feel fortunate or regretful..."

"I am still just an ordinary person, occasionally with some whimsical ideas. If they are useful, I present them. You two can consider me like Zhao Kuo, who only talked about war on paper, having grand ambitions but lacking practical skill. I can strategize, and others can execute it, but if I were to do it myself, it might not be done well. Hiding my inadequacies now is an act of self-awareness... Oh, actually, it's not entirely without personal desire; I also have a favor to ask. As I said yesterday, if this is useful, consider it one of two gifts for Elder Qin. This is the first."

Elder Qin and Elder Kang exchanged glances. "What is the second item?"

Ning Yi paused, then said, "A daughter."

"Hmm?"

"Actually... this is just an idea of mine for now, and I haven't spoken to her about it yet. It would be normal for Elder Qin to refuse. You two have actually met this woman; she is Nie Yunzhu, who sells preserved eggs. This might be a bit disrespectful, but she used to perform at the Jin Feng Tower. I met her one morning while exercising when I saw her slaughtering a chicken, a fact Elder Qin is aware of..."

Qin Siyuan was a great scholar of his time, and once served as the Minister of Rites. For him to adopt a former courtesan as his foster daughter might be quite taboo. Ning Yi was not unaware of this, but he continued to speak about Nie Yunzhu.

"...After she left the brothel, she stopped associating with anyone she knew from that past. When she didn't know how to live, she learned. When she didn't know how to slaughter chickens, she gritted her teeth and learned it in the market. Later, to prove she could support herself like an ordinary person, she even prepared to sell pancakes. These are the qualities I greatly admire about her. That's why I taught her the method for making preserved eggs, and later offered some advice. However, her business has now reached a certain scale, and the level of matters she encounters is different from before. There might not be much more direct help I can offer her..."

"My Lord, you should understand these matters better. In the future... if some prominent figure or official tries to make things difficult for her, a slight background might help her fare better. Of course, it's just business, and I can guarantee she won't exploit Elder Qin's name for deceitful practices or act arrogantly. It also wouldn't be appropriate for Elder Qin himself to adopt her as a foster daughter. I was wondering if Auntie Yun could step forward, seeing her virtuous conduct, and recognize her as a goddaughter. She herself is from an official's family, so in terms of etiquette..."

These latter words were spoken cautiously, and before he could finish, Elder Qin waved his hand with a smile, saying, "Li Heng, you are truly overly cautious. We have known each other for over a year. Do you really see me, Qin Siyuan, as such a snobbish, worldly person?"

"Although one's status is sometimes not chosen willingly, the views of worldly people often have to be considered."

Qin Siyuan shook his head. "I have heard Li Heng mention Nie Yunzhu several times before. I always thought she was extraordinary, but now I know she is such a virtuous, noble, and remarkable woman, without any lowliness. For Li Heng to speak on behalf of a friend and suggest Auntie Yun adopt her would be too dismissive. I will personally adopt her as my daughter and treat her as my own. Ning Heng need not worry that I will treat her unfairly; her two older brothers will also surely be delighted to have such a foster sister."

Kang Xian watched from the side and said, "Hearing Li Heng speak like this, I, too, am moved. Such a noble and hardworking woman deserves a good standing. How about I adopt her as my foster daughter? I also guarantee I will not treat her unfairly. Moreover, Li Heng just mentioned her business; if she recognizes me, Kang Xian, as her foster father, I can ensure no one in Jiangning City dares to trouble her. Wouldn't that be even better?"

Ning Yi smiled and bowed to him, "Thank you, My Lord, for your kind intentions. However, if My Lord were to adopt her as your daughter, wouldn't she become a princess? Such a status might truly cause Your Lordship trouble..."

As dusk approached, Elder Kang departed in a sedan chair from the bend of the Qinhuai River. In the afternoon, the group had discussed adopting Nie Yunzhu as a foster daughter for a while, then had Lu Agui fetch brushes and ink to copy the disaster relief booklet. After more discussion, they finally parted ways.

Providing patronage and adopting a foster daughter seemed a sensitive matter, but not overwhelmingly significant. What truly weighed on Kang Xian's mind at the moment was everything related to the booklet. He re-read it in his sedan chair and then called Lu Agui over.

"Agui, what do you now think of this booklet, and of Ning Li Heng...?"

Lu Agui pondered for a long time before finally speaking.