To know what happens next, please listen to the next chapter…
Ugh!
Zhang Zhongjing was completely dumbfounded. What kind of operation was this?
The bamboo slips were half-written and then stopped…
It was clearly mentioned in the general outline that the bamboo slips recorded the symptoms and corresponding treatments for over three hundred types of febrile diseases, but… this was only a hundred types. Where were the other two hundred-plus types…
Zhang Zhongjing subconsciously flipped through the entire case file, but unfortunately, the bamboo slips sent by the visitor from Yanzhou were only these four volumes. There were no more after these.
He had finally experienced the profoundness of it, and then suddenly… suddenly it was cut short after just a taste. How could this not make him yearn for more?
Zhang Zhongjing furrowed his brows tightly. He felt like he was about to cry. He subconsciously clenched his fists, not knowing if it was due to urgency or some other emotion.
At this time, there was no concept of cliffhangers. Literati of this era disdained the common practice of cliffhangers used by many in later generations!
Yet, at this moment, Zhang Zhongjing exuded an aura that was like saying—
—One day, with a sword in hand, I will slaughter all those who create cliffhangers!
“Uncle…” Huang Xu noticed his Uncle Zhongjing’s expression. Something was not right. Just a moment ago, his uncle’s face was filled with satisfaction, but then… it turned into bewilderment and helplessness, then righteous indignation, and he was about to draw his sword!
This was quite outrageous…
“Uncle… Uncle, are you feeling unwell?”
Hoo…
Zhang Zhongjing let out a long breath. He felt that everything, everything was not right, but the most uncomfortable part was in his heart. It was itching… this was a sickness, and it needed treatment.
But… without seeing the next volume, this sickness could not be cured.
“I’m fine… I… I’m fine!”
He tried his best to calm the turmoil in his heart…
Wait…
Zhang Zhongjing suddenly thought of something. The messenger from Yanzhou… That’s right, Clerk Wang said that these four volumes of bamboo slips were sent by Cao Cao’s Yanzhou messenger, and… the Yanzhou messenger even… even requested an audience with him, Zhang Zhongjing.
“Bang”…
He heavily slapped his forehead. How could he have forgotten this?
Zhang Zhongjing mustered all his spirit. He decided to go to the posthouse to personally visit this Yanzhou messenger.
Step…
As he took a step, Zhang Zhongjing thought of something again. He turned back, not forgetting to instruct Huang Xu.
“Nephew, rest assured, your febrile disease has already healed… However, to consolidate, you should continue to drink this medicine for another three days. You should come to the yamen to find your uncle each day for the next three days, understand…”
He did not forget his duties after all…
Huang Xu nodded heavily. In fact, he had already guessed…
Even more so, he had already been overjoyed. Now… he had calmed down a lot, but seeing that… it seemed like it was Uncle Zhongjing who was… unsettled.
“Uncle, I have a request…” Huang Xu said loudly…
Zhang Zhongjing, who was about to leave the yamen, stopped, “What is it?”
Huang Xu’s tone became solemn. “Uncle Zhongjing, is it because you saw the medical principles on these bamboo slips that you… that you cured my febrile disease?”
As the words left his mouth, Huang Xu raised his eyes, his entire being filled with anticipation for the answer.
“That’s right… it is precisely because of these bamboo slips!”
As expected, Uncle Zhongjing’s answer confirmed his guess.
It seemed that being pulled back from the gates of hell…
While Uncle Zhongjing deserved credit, the greater credit belonged to the person who wrote this medical book. Without exaggeration, the author behind this medical book was… was his benefactor!
Hoo…
Taking a long breath, Huang Xu continued, “Uncle Zhongjing… I trouble you, I trouble you to find out the name of my benefactor. Even if it is a thousand miles away, I… I will come to kowtow and thank him.”
Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhongjing nodded. This child, Hansheng… although doted upon since childhood, he understands gratitude and repays kindness. Such a quality is very rare.
Speaking of which, it was not just him who wanted to know the name of this benefactor. Zhang Zhongjing also wanted to know…
The person who could write this book was not only Huang Xu’s nephew’s benefactor, but he… he would likely be the benefactor of tens of thousands of people in the entire Han Dynasty!
“I understand…” Zhang Zhongjing tried his best to suppress the excitement in his heart… “You go back and rest well. Be sure not to catch a chill again!”
“Alright…” Huang Xu agreed.
As soon as the words fell, Zhang Zhongjing had already disappeared from the main hall of the yamen.
…
…
Changsha Commandery, Posthouse.
Two people sat opposite each other at a table…
On the left was Cao Xiu, and on the right was the Clerk of Changsha Commandery named Wang Qi.
Cao Xiu had specifically invited Clerk Wang over tonight. The reason was that he still wanted to ask Clerk Wang to arrange his meeting with Governor Zhang as soon as possible.
This was of utmost importance to Master Lu, and Cao Xiu dared not delay for a moment.
After a cup of wine…
“Clerk Wang, you must know my purpose. I am on a mission and must meet Governor Zhang. I hope Clerk Wang can make some effort to arrange it.”
Cao Xiu lowered his posture as much as possible. After all, he was asking for a favor, and his tone was humble.
“Ahem…”
With a slight cough, Wang Qi feigned difficulty. “Alas, this is truly difficult… As you know, Governor Zhang is very busy. He has to handle official duties every day, and he also has to hold consultations. He doesn’t have time…”
“Logically speaking, if he says he won’t see you, then he won’t see you… Just recently, the envoy sent by Yuan Shao is in the room next to the posthouse, and it’s been seven or eight days… How can we see Governor Zhang?”
Seven or eight days?
Cao Xiu frowned. Before he set out, Lu Yu had repeatedly instructed him to bring Zhang Zhongjing back within a month. This was related to the lives of more than twenty critically ill patients in the Long Xiao Camp.
In fact, Lu Yu had also revealed a secret to Cao Xiu: he himself did not understand medicine, and the medical texts he wrote…
It was good enough if the medical officers in Yanzhou could understand six parts of it… For mild patients, it was naturally no problem, but for severe patients… then it was “heh heh.”
It could be said that Zhang Zhongjing alone was related to the lives of more than twenty people in the Long Xiao Camp, related to hundreds of lives in Chenliu Commandery, and related to thousands, tens of thousands of lives in Yanzhou.
Of course, the more Lu Yu said this, the more Cao Xiu felt… it was difficult. This mission would likely be incredibly arduous!
“Clerk Wang, is there no other way? Even if it’s at night… I can wait outside Governor Zhang’s mansion!” Cao Xiu asked urgently…
“That would be too impolite!” Wang Qi waved his hand, then his eyes darted around. “Alas… it’s difficult, it’s difficult… Governor Zhang is our pride in Changsha Commandery. If you insist on meeting him, then…”
“Then what?” Cao Xiu leaned his entire head forward…
“You need to pay more!” Wang Qi blurted out immediately…
Ah… ah…
Cao Xiu was stunned. Why didn’t you say so earlier? After being with Lu Yu for so long, he hadn’t learned much else, but… he quickly learned one thing, and understood it deeply.
—Things that can be solved with money are not problems…
“Ahem…”
Cao Xiu coughed lightly. Wang Qi thought he was angry, so he quickly explained, “This money isn’t going into my pocket… To meet Governor Zhang, we have to design various coincidences, and that requires bribing people from top to bottom. Don’t you think so…”
As he spoke these words…
Unexpectedly, “Haha”… Cao Xiu directly laughed, “Name your price!”
He had brought quite a bit of gold with him this time, as instructed by Lu Yu. When traveling… spend generously. Now, he realized how true that was!
“Well… at least… at least two more bags of gold!”
Wang Qi tried to quote a price. While quoting, he kept glancing at Cao Xiu, thinking to himself that if he was displeased, he could… slightly reduce the price. The more he could trick out, the better!
Mmm… Hahaha!
After a brief hesitation, Cao Xiu got up decisively, walked to the wooden chest, took out three bags of gold, and placed them directly in front of Wang Qi.
“Here are three bags. If I can meet Governor Zhang, I will give you another bag. Please arrange it, Clerk Wang!”
This… Wang Qi’s eyes darted.
He thought to himself that he never expected to have quoted a low price. What a pity!
“Hehehe, generous… I, Wang Qi, like making friends with generous people the most!”
As he spoke… Wang Qi was about to put away these three bags of gold.
But just then.
Someone announced from the posthouse— “Governor Zhang has arrived…”
Ah… ah…
This time, not only Wang Qi was dumbfounded, but even Cao Xiu was stunned. Can money really make ghosts push mills? The money was just taken out, and Governor Zhang… he arrived. This was truly magical!
Wang Qi grabbed the three bags of gold and stuffed them into his embrace. As if afraid Cao Xiu would go back on his word, he quickly stood up to welcome the governor.
Cao Xiu also slowly stood up. As he stood up, Zhang Zhongjing had already walked in…
“Are you the distinguished guest sent by Governor Cao of Yanzhou?”
Before Cao Xiu could speak, Zhang Zhongjing spoke first, and even… respectfully bowed to Cao Xiu.
This…
Wang Qi shivered all over. The rhythm was not right! What was going on?
Governor Zhang had just used the term “distinguished guest”… and bowed to a messenger. Given his status and his reputation in Jingnan, unless it was the Governor of Jingzhou, Liu Biao, who else could be worthy of such a title and such a grand gesture from him?
At that moment, Wang Qi felt the gold in his embrace was not very secure.
“I am Cao Xiu, the General of the Dragon Xiao Camp under Governor Cao of Yanzhou. Greetings, Governor Zhang…”
Cao Xiu bowed slowly to Zhang Zhongjing.
“Dare not, dare not!” Zhang Zhongjing helped Cao Xiu up, his tone exceptionally gentle. “May I ask General Cao, were the four volumes of bamboo slips sent this morning authored by Governor Cao?”
Cao Cao, Cao Mengde!
Zhang Zhongjing had heard of him. He was a former student of the Imperial Academy, a Northern Commandant of Luoyang, the Magistrate of Dunqiu, the Governor of Jinan, an Advisor, who raised an army in Chenliu, and called for the punishment of Dong!
Zhang Zhongjing had heard some of his deeds, and he greatly admired them.
Of course, the reason he suspected these bamboo slips were authored by Cao Cao was that the Imperial Academy had specialized courses in medical theory and pharmacology.
Perhaps…
Cao Cao was exceptionally talented and learned it all at once…
It was possible that over the years, he had integrated and assimilated them, and thus authored this book!
Of course… this was very strange, but… Zhang Zhongjing could only think this way.
“This book was not authored by Governor Cao…” Cao Xiu answered truthfully…
“Then who?” Zhang Zhongjing continued to ask.
“I cannot reveal that directly.” Cao Xiu began to play coy. It wasn’t that he was deliberately being secretive, but Lu Yu had instructed him… to say he didn’t know whatever Zhang Zhongjing asked…
As expected…
This made Zhang Zhongjing even more curious.
“To be able to author such a monumental work, one must be a master. People have given me the title of ‘Medical Sage,’ but I feel unworthy… Rather, the author of these bamboo slips is more deserving of such a title. It is a pity that we have not met!”
Speaking of which, Zhang Zhongjing sighed and continued.
“Then… may I ask General Cao, are there any other bamboo slips after these four volumes?”
This was what Zhang Zhongjing was most curious about. How could one leave people hanging? What was the difference between this and those who created cliffhangers?
However… to his disappointment.
Cao Xiu’s answer was as usual, “I don’t know about that!”
Still don’t know?
This time, not only was Zhang Zhongjing a little confused, but even Clerk Wang was bewildered…
The rhythm was wrong. You paid so much money to seek an audience with Governor Zhang, but when asked by Governor Zhang, you didn’t know anything? What was this all about?
“Haha…”
Although Zhang Zhongjing was a little disappointed, he still managed a forced laugh. He continued, “Then… why did Governor Cao send the general here to give me these bamboo slips that save lives?”
This… Cao Xiu really wanted to answer, but… he truly didn’t know about this.
Instantly, Cao Xiu felt a bit awkward.
“To be honest, Governor Zhang, this… I don’t know either!”
Ho, indeed, he knew nothing!
Zhang Zhongjing’s brows immediately rose… Not to mention, the more Cao Xiu answered this way, the more curious he became about the subsequent content of the bamboo slips, and even more so about the “great talent” who wrote this work.
He desperately wanted to know what the later content was!
Even more so, he wanted to know… who was this esteemed master who wrote such exquisite articles.
“Haha…” Zhang Zhongjing maintained his smile. “Then… General Cao, you must have a purpose for seeking me out, right? Why not… be direct.”
This question was on point…
Cao Xiu’s eyes darted. It seemed that among the instructions from Lu Yu, there was a sentence: if the other party asks urgently, tell him to go to Yanzhou, and everything will become clear.
“Ahem…”
With a light cough, Cao Xiu’s tone became a little more serious. “Governor Zhang must have many questions in his heart, but… I don’t know these questions, and secondly, even if I did know, I cannot speak carelessly. If Governor Zhang wishes to find the answers in his heart, perhaps you can accompany me to Yanzhou. There… everything will become clear.”
Ho… Yanzhou?
Zhang Zhongjing was slightly startled. He subconsciously felt that… Yanzhou was more than a thousand miles away from Changsha, and a round trip would take at least over a month…
Moreover, he was still the governor of Changsha Commandery. How could a governor leave his prefecture and commandery privately for over a month?
Wasn’t this irresponsible towards the people?
He was about to refuse…
But… the words reached his lips, and he couldn’t utter them no matter what. Zhang Zhongjing was too eager to know the complete prescription for treating febrile diseases, and this was what he had pursued his entire life!
Now… now, this medical book was within his grasp, and it was only a thousand miles away? How… how could he not reach out for it?
As for… the governorship?
Heh heh, he didn’t care for fame or fortune. He only became governor to help the common people.
But even though he held consultations every day, the people he treated were only within Changsha Commandery…
But… if he could comprehend this method of treating febrile diseases…
Then… then… he would be saving hundreds of thousands, even millions, of lives in the Han Dynasty.
In the past, the scenes of his clansmen dying tragically during the rampant outbreaks of febrile diseases were vivid in his mind. Now, how could Zhang Zhongjing remain indifferent?
Clenching his fists…
He clenched his fists tightly, and suddenly he seemed to have made a decision.
“I, I will go with you!”
Ah… ah…
As these words left his mouth, Clerk Wang beside him was stunned. If Governor Zhang had shown respect to this person named Cao earlier, it could still be understood. Perhaps they had truly brought something valuable.
But… now, Governor Zhang was actually planning to go with him… go to Yanzhou. What… what was this?
What exactly caused Governor Zhang to make such a decision…
Clerk Wang felt his chest tightening, as if he were suffocating.
And at this moment, Zhang Zhongjing’s voice continued.
“Can you delay for two days… I need to hand over the official documents of Changsha Commandery, and I also need to give final instructions to some of the patients here… Shall we depart early in the morning three days later? What do you say?”
This…
Cao Xiu hesitated for a moment. To be honest, he was also surprised.
Was Zhang Zhongjing really going with him? Abandoning his position as governor of Changsha Commandery and eloping with him… no, accompanying him back to Yanzhou. This was too unbelievable.
Even more unbelievable was… Master Lu had calculated everything…
Good heavens, this was a thousand miles away, and Master Lu had completely understood Zhang Zhongjing’s personality!
But… regarding the two-day delay, Cao Xiu couldn’t help but feel hesitant. To be honest, he was concerned about the safety of his comrades and didn’t want to stay for a moment longer, but… analyzing from Zhang Zhongjing’s perspective, it seemed… his proper handover and appeasing the people was also understandable.
“Alright… then as Governor Zhang says, we will depart early in the morning three days later.” Cao Xiu agreed.
“Good… good!” Zhang Zhongjing nodded repeatedly…
Just like that… he was leaving?
Wang Qi was still a bit confused. Governor Zhang was the pride of Changsha City. From the bottom of his heart, he… he really didn’t want Governor Zhang to go to Yanzhou.
Immediately… Wang Qi took out all the gold in his embrace. He was almost breaking down.
“I don’t want it anymore, I don’t want any of this… You… you can’t take Governor Zhang away, no… no!”
Although he was greedy, he couldn’t bear to part with Governor Zhang. Without exaggeration, in Changsha Commandery… Governor Zhang was the pride of all the people!
This…
Cao Xiu felt a bit awkward… He had initially wanted to say, damn it… You took the money but didn’t do the job properly! But it turned out you returned it.
Zhang Zhongjing, however, suddenly understood something…
“Clerk Wang… do you still remember? How did your mother die?”
“Febrile… febrile disease…” As if his heart had been struck, Wang Qi’s face sank…
Zhang Zhongjing’s next words were earnest.
“If I do not go to Yanzhou… the method of curing febrile diseases cannot be spread. Then hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of mothers like yours will die from this febrile disease, and countless filial sons like you will be saddened when they hear of it…”
“This time I go to Yanzhou, I, Zhang Zhongjing, am not saving people from one prefecture or one commandery, but saving every patient like your mother in the Han Dynasty, saving all the common people in the Nine Prefectures. They should have conquered febrile diseases, and they have the right to continue to… to live on in this harsh weather!”
When he mentioned the words “live on,” Zhang Zhongjing heavily emphasized the tone.
It was evident…
At this moment, what he held in his heart was not the gain or loss of a city or commandery, nor the gain or loss of an official position…
But the common people, the masses!
…
…
Between Guiyang and Lingling Commanderies in Jingnan.
Jingzhou soldiers were suppressing a group of bandits.
Speaking of which, ever since Liu Biao entered Jingzhou alone, the rebellions in Jingnan had never ceased. Compared to Jingbei… Jingnan was more like a barren land, with many bandits and mountain thieves, and frequent famished citizen riots.
Due to Zhang Zhongjing, many rebellions deliberately avoided Changsha Commandery…
However, the situation in Lingling and Guiyang was particularly complex.
Fortunately, the Jingzhou soldiers were led by General Huang Zhong this time!
In Jingnan, his name alone would make the bandits tremble and their morale fall.
“Dong dong dong…”
The drums roared like thunder… countless officers and soldiers charged towards the enemy stronghold.
Smoke billowed into the sky over Lingling Commandery, and arrows rained down!
A fierce battle raged from dawn till dusk, and as expected, this bandit stronghold was completely leveled by Huang Zhong!
Late at night…
Liu Pan, the commander of the Jingzhou army, hosted a celebration feast for Huang Zhong’s great victory.
“As expected of General Huang, what a divine bow, what a master of a hundred paces… Hahaha, I personally saw the bandit leader pierced through the throat by General Huang’s arrow, his death extremely tragic… Let us all toast General Huang!”
Saying this, Liu Pan raised his large bowl…
Only Xing Daorong, the General of Lingling Commandery, scratched his head, his face filled with discontent.
He muttered to himself that if Huang Zhong hadn’t taken the lead, with his Pear Blossom Mountain Splitting Axe, he could have chopped off the bandit leader’s head with one swing… and this celebration feast should have been for him today.
Alas, he was a step too late, what a pity!
“Hahaha…” At this moment, Huang Zhong, stroking his beard, also raised his wine goblet… “Come, let’s finish it all…”
He drank it all in one gulp. Fifty-year-old Huang Zhong was still fierce. Guan Yu of the same period was no match for him, especially his divine bow, which was almost always accurate!
Of course, Huang Zhong at this time was still quite arrogant and did not put others in his eyes.
And this… was also the reason why, despite his superior martial arts skills, he was sent to this barren land of Jingnan!
He was too proud, and in terms of social graces, he was far behind!
Of course…
Huang Zhong did not care about this…
The only thing he cared about was that as long as his son was by his side and grew up healthy, he, Huang Zhong, would be content!
Alas… in truth, Huang Zhong had wronged his son’s mother!
Speaking of which, Huang Zhong and his wife were of similar age, but… Huang Zhong had no child for a long time. It was not until he was over forty that he learned his wife was pregnant, and he was overjoyed.
But… forty years old, even in later generations, it was considered an advanced maternal age, and childbirth would carry great risks, let alone… in this era.
Logically, Madam Huang should have aborted the fetus to ensure her safety, but… she knew how much Huang Zhong longed for this child, so she disregarded the doctor’s advice and insisted on giving birth.
Finally, tragedy still occurred, and only one could live…
Huang Zhong’s wife chose the child…
And this… also made Huang Zhong feel eternally indebted to his wife. He had never remarried for over ten years…
However, his son, Huang Xu, had been sickly since childhood, which had caused him endless worry!
He drank the wine, and everyone was praising General Huang, but who could understand the pain in Huang Zhong’s heart every moment!
“General Liu? After this battle, we can return to Changsha Commandery tomorrow, right?” Huang Zhong couldn’t help but ask…
“Hahaha…” Liu Pan laughed. “General Huang, are you missing your son again? It’s alright, I’ve specially sent people to look after him. If anything happens, someone will report it… Haha, it’s not a few days. Besides, after such a great victory, we have to let the brothers rest for a few days, don’t we?”
Hearing this, Huang Zhong nodded… He was too eager, alas… he was too eager to see his son.
Just then.
“Liu… General Liu.” A guard ran in quickly. In his hand was a letter. He seemed to notice Huang Zhong by Liu Pan’s side, glanced at him meaningfully, and then… without stopping, handed the letter to Liu Pan.
Seeing the guard’s expression, Liu Pan knew it was likely something important, so he quickly unfolded it.
He didn’t look, but as soon as he did…
His eyes suddenly widened, and his entire face began to tremble noticeably.
Afterward, he looked up at Huang Zhong… his lips moved as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.
Finally, he managed to calm the tremor in his heart and then spoke.
“General Huang… your… your son has had an accident!”
Upon hearing this…
Huang Zhong’s face changed drastically!
…
…