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So far, no one knows what caused the plague that ravaged half of the Ming Dynasty. People used to call it the "lump plague."
Because people who are infected usually have lump-like fat on their necks or armpits, which is caused by swollen lymph nodes.
But people now don’t know what lymph nodes are, let alone know that this is the plague transmitted from rats to humans. They don’t even have the concept of bacteria, and don’t know that bacteria can be transmitted through the air.
Because no one knew anything, but people were infected with the plague and died for unknown reasons, people generally believed that the plague was spread by evil spirits and plague gods.
There were even scholars who recorded the scene when the great plague hit the capital: The capital was plagued, and people and ghosts were mixed together. At dusk, people could not walk. Many traders got paper money and threw it into water. If there was a sound, it was money, and if there was no sound, it was paper. Even in the daytime, they formed a formation, walked on the walls and roofs, and teased the residents. Every night, they cried and roared, and chased shadows when they heard sounds... ... ...
This record mainly said that there were too many dead people, and ghosts could be seen everywhere in the city during the day, and rows of ghosts walked on the roofs, which was really creepy. Even the scholars were so sure about it, let alone what ordinary people thought.
At that time, rumors about all kinds of ghosts were flying around in Beijing. At night, people would bang copper and iron tools all night long to drive away ghosts, and the sound reached the ninth heaven. The government was unable to stop it, and even held various ceremonies to drive away evil spirits.
Qin Mu proposed to go to Daning Village where the plague broke out to worship the gods and exorcise the ghosts. It was not because he believed in ghosts. In terms of epidemic prevention, he used all the epidemic prevention measures he knew about in later generations and did everything he could. Now it is necessary to use the way of this era to make a gesture to appease the people who are in a state of panic.
As a later person, he knew what plague was, knew that bacteria existed, and knew what lymph node swelling was... But the people of the Ming Dynasty did not know. Could you explain it to them one by one? And could you explain it to them in a reasonable way
If you tell this to ordinary people, they will probably think you are crazy.
It doesn't make sense, but the morale of the army and the people must be appeased as soon as possible. You know, it's already February and the spring ploughing season will soon be here. If the people's hearts are not appeased, will they still have the heart to farm
But Zhuge Min and others firmly opposed Qin Mu's going to Daning Village. As one of Qin Mu's core staff, Zhuge Min was now in charge of half of Huguang's government affairs, and his power was no less than that of the original governor.
All his power was given by Qin Mu. If something happened to Qin Mu, Zhuge Min would be nothing. Therefore, he would never agree to let Qin Mu take risks.
Qin Mu did not insist too much on this matter. In fact, according to the request of Zhuge Min and others, setting up a Taoist temple in Xiangyin County to worship gods and exorcise ghosts might be more effective, because Daning Village has been blocked and no one outside dares to approach. This Taoist temple was originally built for the people to see. If it is built in the county, more people will see it.
In those days, people were ignorant and medical conditions were poor, so they were extremely afraid of this terrible plague. They didn't know where the plague came from, so everyone in the world believed that the plague was spread by the plague god.
In folk legends, there are five plague gods: Zhang Yuanbo, the god of spring plague; Liu Yuanda, the god of summer plague; Zhao Gongming, the god of autumn plague; Zhong Shigui, the god of winter plague; and Shi Wenye, the god of general plague.
According to the five elements and directions, these five plague gods are divided into:
Liu Yuanda, the Eastern Green Plague Ghost, is the spirit of wood and leads all ghosts to cause evil wind diseases.
Zhang Yuanbo, the Southern Red Plague Ghost, is the spirit of fire and leads all ghosts to cause diseases caused by heat and poison.
Zhao Gongming, the White Plague Ghost of the West, is the essence of gold. He leads all ghosts to cause diseases caused by the injection of qi.
The northern black plague ghost Zhong Shiji, the spirit of water, leads all ghosts to spread vicious diseases;
The central yellow plague ghost Shi Wenye, the spirit of earth, leads all ghosts to treat sores and carbuncles.
It is early spring now, February, and the early symptom of the plague is fever. According to these folk legends, Zhang Yuanbo, the Spring Plague, was singled out by the great Governor Qin. It's you I'm fighting, and don't even think about running away. This time I'm going to fry you to a crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
At noon that day, the sky was gloomy and gongs could be heard in Xiangyin City. An ugly-looking Zhang Yuanbo, made of mud, was tied up with long ropes and carried towards the south gate by soldiers in bright armor.
Qin Mu was wearing the uniform of a second-rank official, holding a Juque sword in his hand, and was followed by officials of all ranks, including He Tengjiao, Zhuge Min, and Li Yingxin, as if he was escorting prisoners to the execution ground.
This strange scene attracted the people of Xiangyin City to watch and talk about it, but people did not praise Qin Mu's bravery, nor were they excited because he "caught" the God of Plague.
On the contrary, the people who saw this scene all showed panic expressions, and even whispered to blame Qin Mu.
When they were near the south gate, an old man with white hair and a group of people stopped Qin Mu and his party. They knelt down in front of Qin Mu and begged him with tears in their eyes: "Master Qin, Master Qin, no, this will offend the God of Plague. If the God of Plague is angered, the people of Xiangyin will probably suffer..."
"Yes, yes, Lord Qin, please untie the God of Plague."
"Everyone prepare three other animals to apologize to the God of Plague."
"... ... ... "
The scene was in chaos for a while, with a large number of people kneeling on the street, kowtowing and begging, including some students from the county school.
Qin Mu's eyes were fierce, and he drew out the Juque Sword with a "clang" sound. He pointed his finger into the air and shouted, "My fellow citizens, do you know that I hold an ancient divine weapon in my hand? It can drive away evil spirits and demons, and kill green monsters and white ghosts!"
The people kneeling on the ground heard Qin Mu's shout and all looked at the giant sword in his hand.
The sword was shining with dark light, like a swimming dragon, dazzling people's eyes.
The story of Qin Mu digging out the ancient divine weapon in Huichang has spread widely, and everyone has heard about it, but today is the first time that everyone has actually seen this extra-large giant sword.
The swords that ordinary people see are made of steel, but Qin Mu's giant sword is made of copper mixed with some unknown substances. It is not only tough and sharp, but also reflects golden light, which is extremely rare nowadays.
People looked at the huge sword with flowing golden light, and they couldn't help but feel a little surprised and doubtful. For a moment, they didn't know whether they should believe Qin Mu.
Qin Mu casually swung his sword and continued to shout: "I only have one life. If I am not absolutely sure that I can subdue this evil god, how dare I offend him? Everyone, get up quickly. If you are interested, follow me out of the city and see how I punish this demon who harms the world."
The people kneeling on the ground didn't know whether to stand up or not, but Qin Mu ignored them and shouted to the soldiers in front, "What are you waiting for? If you don't obey my order, take this plague god out of the south gate. I will punish this official severely today."
The soldiers carrying the Plague God Zhang Yuanbo continued to march towards the South Gate, led by gongs and drums. Qin Mu followed closely behind the "Plague God" with a sword in hand, chanting loudly:
Thousands of willows are swaying in the spring breeze, and billions of people in China are like Shun and Yao.
The red rain turns into waves at will, and the green mountains turn into bridges intentionally.
The silver hoe falls from the sky to the Five Ridges, and the iron arms shake on the earth's three rivers.
May I ask where the Plague God is going? The paper boat with a bright candle is burning in the sky.
This poem expresses a high-spirited and passionate sentiment, and it also has the spirit to make the mountains bow their heads and the rivers give way, so as to completely eliminate the plague god that strangles people's fate. He Tengjiao, Zhuge Min and others, who were originally somewhat uneasy, couldn't help but feel cheered up after hearing this poem.
Zhuge Min and the others actually did not believe in the various magical legends about Qin Mu in the past, but at this moment, they could not help but look at Qin Mu with a different feeling. Even saints avoided talking about ghosts and gods. Perhaps Qin Mu was the only one in the world who had the courage and boldness to despise gods and demons.
As if to coordinate with Qin Mu's chanting, the Taoists walking on both sides raised their heads and blew at the incense heads. Balls of flames shot up several feet high, creating a secret and warm atmosphere.
The severe punishment of the God of Plague was unprecedented in history. The people of Xiangyin City could not help but follow suit and walked out of the south gate. The team was like a long dragon with crowds of people. The buzzing sounds of discussions were like waves, rising and falling.
"Did you see it? There is a golden dragon shadow moving on Lord Qin's sword."
"You are the only one with good eyesight, who didn't see it?"
"I've heard that Lord Qin is the descendant of the Purple Star. It seems to be true."
"Needless to say, who would dare to offend the God of Plague like this? It's better to tie him up with a long rope..."
"I think it's better for everyone not to talk too much about this matter. I'm always worried. What if Lord Qin fails to subdue the plague god? Sigh!"
"Yeah, yeah, let's take a look first."
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ps: Thank you Lucheng for the generous reward. I wish you good work and a happy marriage.
.(To be continued..)
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