Chapter 82

C82 – A Warm Man

“Someone, have Military Physician Tang and the two young masters sent to Yu Xin City!” Wang Zizhao issued the command.

“What?”

“Why?!!” Tang Yue and Zhao Sanlang protested in unison. Even Ping Shun regarded Wang Zizhao with bewilderment.

“The circumstances have taken a turn. To ensure your safety, it’s advisable not to accompany us.”

“I am a military doctor!” Tang Yue emphasized, pointing out that no journey should proceed without a doctor. So why was he being left behind?

“Yu Xin City isn’t far. If there are any wounded individuals, I’ll instruct someone to transport them to Yu Xin City. The young lord will be there to receive them,” Wang Zizhao reassured.

“That will prolong their injuries!” Tang Yue contended. “Your Highness, rather than going to the frontlines, it would be wiser to establish a medical facility in the rear. There would be no risk there.”

Wang Zizhao arched an eyebrow, his concern still evident.

In his view, the lives of a thousand soldiers couldn’t hold a candle to Tang Yue’s. He was determined to protect this man at any cost.

“I already have fifty guards with me. Your Highness, if you’re concerned, why not assign me an additional fifty guards?” Tang Yue inquired with a smile.

Wang Zizhao hesitated briefly before consenting, “Since you insist, I’ll grant your request. In case of danger, send a signal to me.”

“Certainly,” Tang Yue replied with a gracious hand gesture toward Wang Zizhao, scissors in hand.

Wang Zizhao was taken aback by the warmth in Tang Yue’s smile. He mused, “This young master of the Tang Family may appear unremarkable, but there’s a certain charm to his smile. I wonder which fortunate family will have him as a son-in-law.”

Shaking off these inexplicable thoughts, Wang Zizhao shifted his attention to the other two individuals in his care.

Zhao Sanlang rose to his feet and asserted, “Your Highness, regardless of Zhao Xian’s shortcomings, he’ll never flee from the battlefield. If he were to desert today, he’d have no standing in Ye City in the future.”

Wang Zizhao frowned and offered a stern admonition, “This is a matter of life and death. You mustn’t let emotions cloud your judgment!” Originally, he had brought these two burdens along for the sake of maintaining cordial relations with the State Duke’s family and providing them with some training.

Their role wasn’t to engage in combat and slay enemies; it was to experience the rigors of marching.

The situation at the frontlines remained uncertain, and the identities of these two individuals were esteemed. If they were to perish here, it would be difficult to justify to their families.

“Your Highness, there’s no need to fret. It’s clear that everyone here is present as witnesses. Regardless of life or death, our choice is apparent. It doesn’t concern others,” Zhao Sanlang affirmed resolutely. Earlier, he had harbored various anxieties and apprehensions, but now, his determination was unwavering.

However, it was impossible for him to retreat in time!

He gave Ping Shun a push. “Noble Heir, what’s your decision?”

Ping Shun bit his lip and cast a determined look at Tang Yue, exclaiming loudly, “I want in, too!”

There was no justification for him to retreat alone; that would be an act of cowardice. Ping Shun might be naive, but he wasn’t foolish. He understood what the right choice was, and he grasped Tang Yue’s intentions for bringing him along.Rêạd new chapters at novelhall.com

He may have been somewhat foolish, but he certainly wasn’t clueless. He comprehended the correct path and why Tang Yue had invited him here.

Wang Zizhao nodded approvingly. It appeared that these two were not entirely unyielding. If they performed admirably on this expedition, he wouldn’t mind investing in their development.

Despite his youth, Wang Zizhao had spent numerous years on the border, with few reliable followers besides Hu Jinpeng.

His leg injury had made him realize that his position was precarious. Only a select few remained steadfast by his side. If Ping Shun and Tang Yue could be nurtured into talents, they would represent two valuable assets. It would be a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties.

With a consensus reached, the group resumed their journey. Their pace quickened noticeably, and a solemn air pervaded the atmosphere.

The sound of horse hooves and the sound of footsteps intertwined.

Wang Zizhao and Hu Jinpeng deliberated on their approach and eventually devised a strategy to entice the adversary.

Truth be told, his concerns for Wang Zizhao had consumed him to the point where he had entirely overlooked the other two.

Amitabha. I hope they have a safe journey, amen.

Tang Yue changed into a long, pristine white robe, thoroughly washed his hands, and donned white gloves, a hat, and a mask. Anxious anticipation filled him as he awaited the arrival of the wounded.

It marked his inaugural experience handling such an extensive treatment, and it transpired in ancient times, a period marked by a dearth of equipment and medical resources. Uncertainty gnawed at him.

Whether due to emotional influence or sheer diligence, everyone present exhibited utmost gravity. The two guards responsible for the medicinal herbs meticulously double-checked their inventory. Not only did they commit the herbs’ names to memory, but they also etched the appearance of each medication into their minds, harboring a fear of committing errors in the critical moments to come.

After waiting for approximately two hours, a voice suddenly rang out ahead: “Hurry... where’s Young Master Yue? ... The wounded have arrived.”

Tang Yue instructed them to usher the wounded in, arranging them in an orderly manner according to the severity of their injuries. Those with minor injuries could be bandaged if they had the necessary medicine.

“The wound was inflicted on the abdomen, measuring two inches in length, with a turnover, substantial blood loss, and damage to the small intestine...” Tang Yue instinctively recited a litany of injuries. Upon finishing, he realized there was no one recording for him.

He shook his head and addressed Shan, who was serving as his temporary assistant, saying, “Fetch a glass of lightly salted water, cotton, scissors, and thread...”

Despite his furrowed brow, Tang Yue couldn’t dismiss the fact that the patient had lost an extensive amount of blood. In an ideal scenario, a blood transfusion would be the most suitable course of action, but given the present circumstances, it was an impossibility.

“Provide the patient with a cup of jujube tea.” After giving the order, Tang Yue directed someone to carefully transport the patient to the makeshift rest area adjacent. It was the best he could offer under the current constraints.

“Next...”

Blood marred the makeshift operating table, which had been fashioned from a bed. Tang Yue’s hands had long been stained crimson, and his once-white robe now bore telltale spots.

After tending to ten patients consecutively, Tang Yue’s forehead glistened with sweat. Absentmindedly, he wiped it with his hands, causing his face to flush.

Shan busied himself by drying his hands with a cloth towel. Meanwhile, Tang Yue removed his gloves and washed his hands with clean water before moving on to the next patients.

“What’s the situation up ahead? Are they preparing for a direct confrontation?” Tang Yue inquired of a soldier who had sustained a thigh injury.

He skillfully unwrapped the bandage and applied a fresh one. The soldier was deeply moved, and his cheeks reddened.

“As we passed through the canyon, disguised as a caravan, we were ambushed by a gang of bandits. Deputy General Hu immediately signaled for help. There were roughly 300 assailants on their side. Luckily, the odds were in our favor, and they didn’t gain much ground.”

“We’re awaiting reinforcements. All the bandits were captured alive. As for us wounded soldiers, we don’t know what transpired afterward.”

Tang Yue patted the soldier’s shoulder and commended, “Well done!” Tang Yue wasn’t aware of any casualties yet, but considering the number of wounded soldiers he had tended to, it seemed the battle was relatively straightforward.

Tang Yue carefully examined each wounded soldier’s injuries. He treated those in need and expertly bandaged them. It was only then that Tang Yue realized half a day had passed, and dusk was gradually descending.

“Young Master, shall we prepare dinner?” Tang Yue approached from the mountainside and asked.

After contemplating for a moment, Tang Yue shook his head. “Let everyone have some dry rations. We won’t light a fire for now; it could easily expose our position. Given our limited numbers, we need to prioritize safety.”

“Yes.”

“However, let’s not extinguish the stove used for preparing medicine for the wounded soldiers. Instead, let’s cook some meat porridge for them. The nights are cold, and a hot meal will do them good.” Tang Yue had set up a tent to serve as a makeshift kitchen. Here, he personally concocted medicine for the injured troops and heated water discreetly beneath thick tarpaulin, concealing the fire’s glow.

As midnight approached, drowsiness overcame everyone. Tang Yue fought against sleep, despite the weariness that tormented him, for he dared not close his eyes given the dire circumstances.

“Young sir, you should rest. I’ll remain vigilant here. I’ll wake you if anyone approaches,” Shan said, gently nudging Tang Yue’s shoulder, urging him to get some sleep.

“It’s all right. Let’s wait a little longer. It’s been quite a while, and it should be ending soon,” Tang Yue responded with a yawn, rubbing his face. He was about to rise and stretch when he caught wind of sounds outside the tent. “Listen, there’s a fire out there!”

Tang Yue rushed outside and witnessed the western sky illuminated by flames. A faint scent of burning wafted through the air.

His heart tightened, wishing he could rally his men to investigate the situation.

The agony of waiting proved excruciating.