A detailed disaster relief and epidemic prevention plan lay before them, each point concise and to the point. Ning Yi explained each item methodically, highlighting key priorities and secondary concerns. Master Qin and Master Kang listened quietly, occasionally exchanging a few soft comments and nodding. Among the four attendants who had accompanied Kang Xian, two, like Lu Agui, were seasoned and knowledgeable. They stood at the back, listening intently and occasionally casting glances at Ning Yi.
When Ning Yi finished, Master Qin and Master Kang began asking questions about some unclear areas, particularly concerning hygiene. In this era, hygiene was not a common concept. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) did not emphasize cleanliness; while it recognized theories like "external evils invading the body," its primary focus lay on ideas such as the five elements and cultivating inner energy, which left little room for empirical verification. Although there was some awareness that unclean environments could cause illness, in the context of disaster relief, hygiene rarely became a focal point of concern.
Without the ability to explain these issues from the perspective of bacteria, Ning Yi had to resort to broadly invoking the theory of external evils entering the body. He elaborated that infections in humans were proof that various dead substances carried pathogens, pointing out examples such as plague outbreaks caused by rats.
"...On another note, when a disaster strikes, the lack of order across the region makes it even harder to manage. Selecting leaders from among the people, organizing living arrangements, centralizing food and drink distribution, and standardizing communal latrines can instill a sense of discipline and belonging. It reassures them that someone is planning for their welfare, which helps them settle emotionally. Practically, this bottom-up management approach reduces the effort needed compared to chaos. As long as there is food, people can be pacified. Neatly arranged shelters, orderly pathways, and clean surroundings reinforce this sense of order."
"Restraint should not rely solely on high-pressure tactics. Guiding them with incentives is more effective, especially since idle people grow restless and prone to trouble. By assigning tasks layer by layer—leveling the ground, constructing uniform shelters, setting up standardized latrines—everything becomes organized. This prevents conflicts over resources. Even if there are only two bowls of porridge a day, disorganization will lead to fights. Troublemakers who break the rules must be dealt with decisively and without hesitation."
"Poor hygiene contributes to illnesses; even physicians understand this to some extent, though they might not know the full extent of its impact. For now, let's not overanalyze the proportion of cases caused by this. It remains a factor nonetheless. We can distribute lime and instruct people to sprinkle it around their surroundings. This not only gives them a task but reinforces the idea: poor hygiene leads to illness. While medical supplies might not resolve all issues immediately, addressing hygiene is a manageable solution. By demonstrating tangible actions—like claiming cleanliness prevents illness—confidence among the people grows. When their spirits lift and they feel less anxious, the likelihood of illness diminishes."
"For example, imagine we encounter a dead rat. If our message isn't strong, someone might see it and ignore it, feeling indifferent. But with a robust message, that person would immediately report it, enabling the physician to dispose of it—either by burning or burying it. This show of action inspires confidence. At the very least, people understand that dead rats, snakes, and other decaying animals are just as harmful as decomposing human remains and are definite sources of disease. Moreover, isolating patients prevents widespread panic. Physicians must fulfill their duties visibly, reassuring people even if some are worried about their family members being quarantined. The real danger lies in unchecked outbreaks, which are unstoppable once they begin. Hence, isolation must be enforced decisively."
At present, explanations around hygiene could only borrow from other areas of reasoning. Ning Yi knew these efforts were limited; if given more time, he could, with his style, craft a comprehensive guide on hygiene so thorough it would shock the ancients into compliance. Even fabricating evidence to support these practices might go unnoticed. However, with disaster relief for flood victims urgently needed, there was no time for such methodical elaboration.
After Ning Yi finished, Master Kang sighed and tossed the imperial disaster relief manual to Lu Agui. "With Li Heng's guide, the rest can be discarded. Every rule here is interconnected and thorough. Even a minor detail like latrines considers morale, management, hygiene, and order. Judging by the handwriting, did Li Heng complete this only last night?"
"These past days, I've often discussed such matters in the academy with the students and occasionally debated them with others. Last night, I simply compiled my thoughts, thinking they might be useful," Ning Yi replied.
"Useful? That's an understatement." Kang Xian shook his head. "Take, for instance, the method of compiling statistical data for inspection. If implemented, this alone could reduce disaster relief losses by more than 30%. Li Heng's plan is truly a policy to benefit the people. Once this proposal is adopted, your name will spread across the land."
"That's exactly what I'm worried about." Ning Yi smiled. "If it proves effective, Master Qin, you may send it to Brother Shaohe or share it with anyone who could make use of it. I have only one request: do not reveal that I wrote it. This is not modesty but a serious request."
Ning Yi's tone was firm, akin to his earlier declarations of refusing to enter officialdom. This time, however, the situation was entirely different. Hearing his words, Master Qin and Master Kang grew solemn. After a moment of contemplation, Master Qin asked, "Why such reluctance? This is a matter of great importance, yet Li Heng still wishes to remain uninvolved?"
Master Kang studied Ning Yi for a moment and then spoke softly, "Could it be that Li Heng is truly disheartened by the state of the world or holds grievances against the court?"
The weight of Kang Xian's words was undeniable, though his tone carried no malice. He seemed to be making an educated guess. Ning Yi shook his head. "It's simply that I dislike political scheming. I prefer a leisurely life, free from bowing to superiors or manipulating colleagues." He gestured toward the manuscript. "Since I've already provided this, can the two of you not respect such a small request?"
Master Kang and Master Qin, initially ready with further arguments, were silenced by this remark. Master Qin sighed. "Li Heng, oh Li Heng, you truly leave one with mixed feelings. Before, I had no strong opinions, but after seeing this manuscript, I don't know whether to celebrate your talent or lament your refusal to step forward."
"I am just an ordinary man with occasional fanciful ideas. When I have something useful, I share it. Consider me akin to Zhao Kuo, skilled in paper plans but lacking practical ability. Were I to implement this myself, it might fail. Holding back now is an act of self-awareness… Oh, I admit there is some selfishness involved. I do have a favor to ask. As I mentioned yesterday, this guide is one of two gifts I offer to Master Qin. This is the first."
Master Qin and Master Kang exchanged a glance. "And the second?" they asked.
Ning Yi paused briefly before replying, "A daughter."
"Hmm?"
"It's just an idea for now, and I haven't discussed it with the other party yet. Master Qin may well refuse. The young woman in question is Nie Yunzhu, the seller of century eggs. Perhaps this seems disrespectful, but she was once an entertainer at the Jin Feng Brothel. We became acquainted when I saw her slaughtering chickens during my morning exercises—an event you, Master Qin, might recall…"
Qin Shiyuan, a renowned scholar of his time and a former Minister of Rites, was no stranger to societal expectations. For him to adopt a woman who had once been a courtesan as his goddaughter would undoubtedly be a controversial move. Ning Yi was fully aware of this but continued to elaborate on the matter regarding Nie Yunzhu.
"...After leaving the brothel, she cut ties with all her former acquaintances. She didn't know how to make a living at first, so she learned. She didn't know how to butcher chickens, but she gritted her teeth and learned it at the market. Later, to prove that she could live like any ordinary person, she even prepared to sell pancakes. These traits of hers are what I greatly admire. That's why I taught her the method of making century eggs. Later, I offered her some guidance as well. However, now that her business has reached a certain scale, the matters she encounters are of a different level. The help I can offer directly may no longer be enough…"
"Your Excellency understands these matters better than I do. In the future, if she were to face difficulties posed by prominent figures or officials, having some form of backing might allow her to fare better. Of course, this is merely commerce—I can assure you that she will never misuse your name to flaunt or act recklessly. It may not be appropriate for you to adopt her as your goddaughter personally. I was thinking that perhaps Lady Yun could step in. Given her background as a daughter of an official family, she could recognize Nie Yunzhu as her goddaughter, considering the latter's upstanding conduct."
These words were carefully spoken, and Ning Yi had not yet finished when Qin Shiyuan waved his hand with a smile.
"Liheng, you are far too cautious. We've known each other for over a year. Do you see me as such a worldly and calculating man?"
"Status is often not something one chooses, but in the eyes of society, it's something that must frequently be taken into account."
Qin Shiyuan shook his head.
"I've heard you mention Nie Yunzhu a few times before, and I already found her extraordinary. Now, knowing that she is a virtuous and upright woman of such integrity, I see no reason to regard her as lowly. For you to speak up for her and suggest that Lady Yun adopt her as a goddaughter would be an insult to her. I shall personally adopt her as my daughter and treat her as my own flesh and blood. Liheng, you need not worry that I will mistreat her. My two sons would surely be delighted to have such a sister as well."
Kang Xian, who had been listening, smiled.
"Hearing Liheng's account, even I am moved. Such an admirable and hardworking woman deserves a proper status. How about I adopt her as my goddaughter instead? I would certainly not treat her poorly. Besides, as you mentioned earlier regarding her business—if she recognizes me as her godfather, I guarantee no one in Jiangning would dare to trouble her. Would that not be better?"
Ning Yi chuckled and bowed to him.
"I deeply appreciate Your Excellency's kindness. However, if she were to become your daughter, wouldn't that make her a princess of sorts? That title might truly cause trouble for you…"
As dusk approached, Kang Xian left the Qinhuai River in a sedan chair. That afternoon, the group had discussed Nie Yunzhu's adoption at length. Later, they had a copy of the disaster relief guidelines transcribed by Lu Agu, followed by further deliberations. It was only then that they parted ways.
The matter of backing and adopting a goddaughter seemed sensitive but not overly significant. However, the primary concern weighing on Kang Xian's mind remained the guidelines. While seated in the sedan chair, he reviewed the document once more and called for Lu Agu.
"Agu, what are your thoughts on this document and on Ning Liheng?"
Lu Agu pondered for a long moment before responding.