The only two young masters of the third household contracted smallpox, and with Song Ci's instructions, the news swept through the entire Song Mansion like a gust of wind, causing everyone to look alarmed.
An outbreak of smallpox could easily be life-threatening.
Those traveling between Plum Garden and Wangzhou Pavilion wished nothing more than to avoid the area, fearing that the wind might carry the disease to them. Such cautious and evasive behavior was often met with a slap or two from the steward.
If you, a servant, dare to act so evasively, why don't you just try and fly to heaven?
Your dodging and fear suggest you're thinking of abandoning your position here.
This wind of news reached the ears of the family masters as well. Jiang Shi, after dealing with household affairs, returned first to her courtyard, ordered the wet nurse to keep Yuanyuan from leaving, and forbade the maids and servants in the courtyard from moving around freely.
