Merciless, clearly retribution.
It's already the first month, and the weather is even gloomier than before.
As the 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, like a woman sobbing. The weak flame was almost extinguished, but the wind seemed to show mercy and didn't completely extinguish it, allowing it to struggle and maintain its pitiful life. Under the chaotic sky, nothing could be seen clearly. Within the visible range, everything was dim, relying only on the mercy of moonlight. The undulating shadows of the distant mountains occasionally appeared, creating an interesting contrast with the flickering flame.
The high-ranking official lay on his bed, pondering over the events of the past few days. He thought that the quack doctor was just bluffing and misleading people, but he didn't expect him to be right. The people with lung diseases were getting worse day by day, causing a stir in the court. Although he had managed to deceive the prefect who came to inspect, the words "recovering in a few days" made him feel uneasy. The reports from all over the area piled up on the table, with hundreds of people infected at the very least. He felt guilty and unworthy of the people for not reporting the truth to the court. However, if he were to confess, not only would he lose his official hat, but he might also lose his head. He let out a long sigh, blew out the candle, and decided to sleep.
The sky was already bright, and the prefect was coming again today. The high-ranking official had to prepare early and not reveal any flaws. He carefully wiped his hat and official beads, 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 these preparations, he obediently waited at the yamen, with the report 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 wasn't 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's medical clinic. Beads of sweat started to form on his forehead, and his anxiety grew, but he had no choice but to obey.
"I heard that there are over a hundred people infected in the city?" The prefect smiled, but 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. "Your Excellency, I am not aware of how many people have been cured. As for the number of infected people, I, I am not aware either," 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 report and started reading, "Replying to Your Excellency, I have sent the city's medical clinic to prepare the medicine. We have prepared 108 catties, which is enough for over a month."
The attendant hurriedly whispered something to him, and his face changed. He quickly corrected himself, "Replying to Your Excellency, it is 18 catties. The subordinates made a mistake. Please forgive me, Your Excellency."
Before he could read a few more lines, the attendant reminded him again. The high-ranking official changed his words once more, "Your Excellency, it is 108 catties. 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 just 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 he found ironic but had no choice but to accept. 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, still feeling a lingering fear. He put on his shoes and coat and went out of the house. The wind continued to blow, and the sobbing sound of the paper lantern didn't stop. He felt annoyed by this sound and decided to extinguish the flame. Everything became silent. He gazed at the sky, unsure of what decision to make. He felt that his future and fate were as chaotic as the sky.
He turned back and returned to his room. The candle on the desk was about to go out.