Chapter 58 - Zhejiang discovers a new variant

The testing stations Zhang Yi has set in the borders were busy. As more incoming traffic arrived, more people tested positive for the disease. The quarantine centers set by Zhang Yi seem to be working, and no new cases were reported from local infections. But, admissions in the hospital of Jinhua have increased suddenly. Always vigilant, Zhang Yi walked down the street to the hospital and asked the medical staff to report to him what is happening.

They said that a new disease was identified, but they can't tell if the disease was the new one Zhang Yi identified or another. They tested the patients, and the solution turned black instead of red. Zhang Yi was shocked:

-This test is supposed to react only with this particular disease... something seems to be wrong.

Zhang Yi ordered the hospital to keep the entire staff quarantined and away from the patients. He brought the vessel with the altered test to his lab. Yu Lexuan was walking close, and almost bumped into him:

-Oh, your highness, please, I'm sorry...

-All right Zhang Yi, no need to apologize, I was distracted... What is inside this container?

-Well, I don't know yet... But we need to investigate it quickly...

-Seriously? Well, let me accompany you on that?

-Yes, your highness...

Zhang Yi puts the solution in a transparent container, and analyzes it: 

-This was a test result that didn't come out red, well at least not red as I can see. 

-Wow, this is really intriguing... I didn't realize it can have other colors! - Yu Lexuan moves closer.

Zhang Yi takes his books and starts to flip through them. He finds a reference table he made almost a decade before:

-Yu Lexuan, I have bad news...

-The test is not working?

-No, it is working perfectly fine. But, the disease has mutated somehow, that's why the color, better, the tone, is different. 

-Mutated?

-Yes, it is somehow different now. We have to be extremely careful, as it might be better or worse. But diseases tend to always get worse. The pathogen is trying to attack us in a better way, so it may become more contagious too. This is how evolution happens.

-Do you remember that the darker the color, the worse the disease?

-Yes, that's exactly what happened. The test looks black but is probably a very dark tone of red. 

-I agree with you we have to be extremely careful...

-The entire staff was quarantined outside of the city. I'll keep it that way for at least another two days and observe what will happen. Also, I'll check the medicines available and test their effectiveness. I'll take them and expose myself to the disease, I must be fine.

Yu Lexuan raises an eyebrow:

-But... but you can't do that!!!

-I have to. I trust my medicines, and I have to, otherwise, I'll violate one of the basic principles of the beauty of governance. 

-But Zhang Yi...

-No worries, Yu Lexuan, I know what I'm doing, yes there is some risk involved, but I need to put it to the test somehow. 

-Well, if you are willing to do it, I feel obligated to do it too. - Yu Lexuan smiles.

-You definitely are not obligated... You can take it, but please, his highness, do not feel obligated... - Zhang Yi bows to him.

Yu Lexuan helps Zhang Yi to rise, and kisses him:

-Please, the medicine. I will take it. - He smiles.

-Your highness wants it... I will not oppose you...

Zhang Yi brings two small cups containing the medicine he was testing. He gives one to Yu Lexuan:

-Your highness, it does not taste so well, so I put a flavor on it...

-No problem.

They take the medicine at the same time. Yu Lexuan smiles:

-It actually only needs a bit of sugar. But is perfectly drinkable.

-I'm happy your highness liked it.

-Well, so what should I do?

-I think we should keep behaving in the same manner, and also perform a weekly test to verify if we have gotten the disease.

-Perfect.

-But I will have to keep some distance from the palace from tomorrow... I need to evaluate how effective is the medicine, and in the meantime, it is imperative that no one frequenting the palace gets in touch with me.

-I understand... But please, do not stay so far away from me. I'll miss you.

Zhang Yi hugs Yu Lexuan:

-I hope this will all end well for us. I'm willing to sacrifice my life to keep you and everyone else safe... The beauty of governance guides us towards greatness. 

-I'm sure it will work... you are the best!

Both yu Lexuan and Zhang Yi are supposed to be protected from now on, but Zhang Yi is going to be at greater risk, as he will get in touch with the patients. 

...

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