Because he was concerned about the government officials’ lack of experience, Liao Tingyu went over to provide guidance in person.

Given the difficulty in treating this disease and the widespread of suffering, practically everyone was aware of it.

Liao Tingyu had no intention of concealing it. The more he hid such matters, the more people would become frightened and uneasy.

Liao Tingyu evacuated those who were sick without avoiding others, and everyone who witnessed it was talking about it.

“What do you think the county magistrate is going to do? Is this disease really serious?”

“Well, I do think so. Let me tell you that there is a family next to us with this disease. He can’t even eat anything now. I even saw him vomit once!”

Normally, no one would care if he couldn’t eat and vomited, but at this sensitive time, this was not normal behavior.

When everyone heard that he had vomited, they quickly asked, “Is the vomited substance water or something? Is it white? Is it yellow?”

“How do I know if you ask me that? I saw it from a distance. It scared me so much that I hurried home and didn’t dare to stay outside any longer.”

More and more people joined the conversation, spreading rumors and causing panic.

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Liao Tingyu finally settled the people, but when he heard that the yamen came and told him about this, his head was spinning. He felt like a fool.

“Go and call all the people in the county who can be leaders to the market, and I will personally explain to them. By the way, if anyone dares to talk nonsense about it again, ask if there are any vacancies in our county’s prison. Let them fill it up.”

“According to the master’s order, I promise to pass it on.” The yamen also felt that these people were hindering their efforts. The master was working hard to help the sick people in the front, but these people were causing trouble in the back. It was simply stupid.

Liao Shi was also very annoyed. His younger brother had to stay up late and study at night for this matter these days.

“I have never had to work so hard, not even for exams before. I finally became an official, thinking I would be able to enjoy the blessings. But when something like this happened, there were still people holding me back, making me uncomfortable.”

“Otherwise, little brother, you might as well stop letting those people gather around. If they don’t gather, they won’t talk nonsense.”

“Big brother, you think too much. If you don’t let them have a normal routine, they will still find ways to spread rumors. It will be even harder to control later.”

“Oh! Why hasn’t our county encountered these things before? Our county magistrate back then, only knows how to eat well, drink well, and sleep well all day long. I have never seen him promoted all year round. How can you, a newly county magistrate, actually worry about the livelihood like this? You already done such a good job helping people, but you still have to encounter such a thing. It is really unlucky.” Liao Shi complained about his brother’s fate, he was truly a good official but bad thing suddenly happened to them.

“Okay, big brother, there’s no use complaining now. Let’s resolve this matter first and appease the people, so as to avoid anything else happening.” Liao Tingyu shook his head, recognizing that in this situation, appeasing the people was the top priority.

Complaining about something that had already happened was not a very smart choice.

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“Now that everyone is here, let me solemnly explain this disease to everyone. We have invited the best doctors in the county and even high-level military doctors from the army to come and examine it. Everyone let me tell you, this disease is not contagious and is not a plague, so please don’t worry.”

Liao Tingyu stood on a high stage holding a simple wooden loudspeaker. He was surrounded by a group of government officials, protected in the middle.

The people brought here by the government officials were all quiet. Although they knew the county magistrate was approachable, now that he wore his official uniform, they felt a deep difference.

Officials would always be officials, and common people would always be common people. Those familiar with him now dared not speak to the county magistrate in a friendly voice.

Liao Tingyu felt that the current atmosphere was good, emphasizing the need for distance during such times.

“Now I have gathered those who are sick and had them treated by famous doctors in the county. I believe they will recover soon, and those of us who are not sick must not relax.”

“Starting today, I will lead the yamen to check the well water one by one to see if there is any problem with the well water. The well water we have checked will be marked. If there is no problem with the well water, we will inform everyone, so everyone can use it safely.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“In addition, the government officials and I will conduct a comprehensive disinfection of all living places in the county. This is just a precautionary measure. I hope you will actively cooperate.” Liao Tingyu said seriously, addressing the people below.

The audience nodded in approval, understanding that although there might be inconveniences, this measure was for their safety.

“Now that everyone knows, let’s go back to each house. We are going to start the sweep. Liao Shi, take your team from the south of the city to check the wells from house to house. Zilan, follow big brother and assist with disinfection. Zhuang Hou, allocate yourselves and perform your duties. Those who should start from the north of the city should begin there. I will start from the east of the city.”