172 INSIDE THE LECTURE HALL

Zoe recalled her communicable diseases lecture during college days. She still wasn't sure about the true nature of the disease. But based on the symptoms, it looked mostly like cholera.

She closed her eyes and imagined herself in front of her colleagues and she was just reporting a thesis.

Zoe bowed to them and cleared her throat before she tried to explain its pathophysiology. 

"I thank you for the opportunity to be in front of you today to share what I have learned about this disease so far based on my experience in Xianghai Province, the most contaminated part of Terra. As it is widespread already, I believe we can classify it as a communicable disease. As such, it is an infectious disease which causes severe watery diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and even death if left untreated."

A loud murmuring could be heard along the corridors as Zoe explained the situation. 

"I knew it! The Crowned Prince shouldn't have sent the provincial physicians back at once!"

One of them commented, which was agreed upon by others.

"Order. Let us hear her first." Physician Sheng Tun commanded which hushed the commotion.

Even though she felt betrayed by Raigon, she doesn't want to hear anyone badmouth him.

"Fortunately, it is unlikely that anyone will catch the disease merely by being in contact with an infected person."

"What do you mean by that?" One of them reacted.

"The cause of the disease is by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the bacteria that is causing the disease."

Another uproar came out of the royal physicians. "How could our drinking water be contaminated with a bacteria like this? We have been living off the Changyuan River for ages!"

Changyuan River is the body of water that sustains all areas of Terra. It flows through every Terrain and is their source of everything that needs water. Since it came from the mountains, they believed that it is pure and safe to use for eating and drinking.

"Could it be perhaps true that an intruder has entered the land and is causing all this chaos?"

Another one asked which made Zoe and Erin glanced at each other in fear.

"Silence! Are you the Royal Council to discuss such matters? We are here to discuss the disease. And the ladies are here to discuss that. Would you please continue?" 

Physician Sheng Tun directed her attention to Erin.

Erin's eyes widened in horror and screamed "Help!" to Zoe in her thoughts.

"Yes. Although I was the one who treated the major complications, I believe Lady Selena's help has also contributed to the fast recovery of the patients in Xianghai. Why don't you tell them how you lead the women in Xianghai to prevent the disease from spreading further?"

Zoe commented giving a cue to Erin that she could just report what they did in Xianghai.

Erin cleared her throat and started. "We-well, as what Lady Asha said, the waters have been contaminated. So the women in Terra and I boiled everything, from the water that we use to prepare our food to the water that we use to wash our faces and hands."

She added on. "We also prohibited everyone from eating unpeeled fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized milk and milk products, raw or undercooked meat or shellfish and fish caught in tropical reefs, which may be contaminated. We make sure that everything is clean from this bacteria."

Everyone nodded their head as if they were agreeing with everything she was seeing. Erin beamed as she saw their responses.

"That is prevention but how about the treatment?" One of them reacted.

Zoe carried on their report. "We must address the dehydration as it is the cause of death due to severe water loss from the diarrhea and vomiting. We provided a mixture to solve that by adding sugar or honey and salt to the water that they drink to replenish their fluid loss."

"Sugar and salt." Physician Sheng Tun rubbed his chin. "I believe the components of salt could also be seen in our body. But sugar?"

"Yes, my lord. The glucose.. I mean the sugar helps the intestines absorb the fluid and the salt more efficiently." Zoe responded to his question.

"I see. But that's only for treating the symptoms. How about the cure?" The others commented.

Zoe's head tilted down and replied. "We don't have a cure yet, my lords."

A tumultuous clapback resounded within the halls that is greater than the previous one. Zoe bit her lips and glanced at Erin who was now looking pale in fright.

As if God is on their side, a fellow physician came rushing through. "News from the provincial physicians coming through."

He dashed towards the side of Physician Sheng Tun and gave him a piece of paper. 

Everyone leaned forward in anticipation of what was written, including Zoe and Erin.

Physician Sheng Tun read the letter out loud.

"Greetings, fellow loyal physicians of Terra. We are pleased to inform you that things here are getting better. The Crowned Prince's directions as instructed by the lady physicians were effective as the people were showing signs of recovery. If we will apply this until a month or so, we believe the disease will be completely eradicated from Terra."

Zoe and Erin looked at each other in delight. The other physicians also shook each other's hands in joy.

"That is great news, my lord!" Zoe responded in enthusiasm.

"This is the first time that we have encountered such a disease that devastated Terra. And thanks to your intervention, we were able to suppress it."

Physician Sheng Tun bowed to Zoe and Erin. The others who were contradicting a while ago followed after their leader as they also bowed to them. 

Zoe bowed to them and responded. "Terra is already strong in and of itself. It is blessed that its chosen protectors of health, you, the royal physicians, cared about it."

The physicians looked at one another and nodded at her.

"Why don't you continue teaching us your other skills so we could further treat our people more effectively? Even just a few hours a week will do."

Zoe's eyes widened in disbelief. Her hands flew to her opened mouth and glanced at Erin who was also cheering on her.

Zoe bowed down to them. "It's an honor, my lord."

*************************************

When your heart is pure and your intentions are sincere,

The Almighty has a way of making sure that everything works out for you.