Chapter 142

C142 – It’s Better to be Healthy

“Let’s proceed...” A cavalry unit galloped into the camp just outside Yellow Flower Village.

“Who dares trespass here?... Men, apprehend them!” The clattering of swords and chains echoed through the air. As Tang Yue heard the commotion and rushed out of the makeshift infirmary, the intruders had already been captured.

“You... How dare you all... I am here, and what kind of punishment do you deserve for challenging your superiors... Ah...”

“Who is Gu Dao to have the audacity to enter our camp? It’s none other than the Third Prince himself, turning up unannounced.” Crown Prince Zhao raised his right hand, prompting the soldiers who had initially subdued Wang Zixian and his companions to step back. They stood at attention nearby, still keeping their weapons trained on them.

Wang Zixian straightened his clothing and rose to his feet. He glared up at Crown Prince Zhao, preparing to admonish him, but a guard by Crown Prince Zhao’s side stepped forward and remarked, “Even the Third Prince doesn’t bow in the presence of the Crown Prince? Doesn’t this constitute insubordination to a superior?”

Tang Yue silently applauded Wang Dingjun’s quick thinking. He approached Crown Prince Zhao with a smile and said, “Ah, so it’s the Third Prince. You’re all travelers from afar. It’s quite chilly outside. Why don’t you come in and have some tea?”

Wang Zixian gave Tang Yue a once-over and heard him continue, “Oh, I nearly forgot. Our place is filled with patients suffering from various illnesses, some of which are contagious. Third Prince, would you like to take a look inside?”

Upon hearing the mention of infectious diseases, Wang Zixian hesitated to move any closer, feigning nonchalance. “Humph, there are probably no patients left. I suspect they met their end at the hands of the Crown Prince long ago.”

“What do you mean, Third Brother? Illnesses can be cured, you know. Death doesn’t have to be the outcome,” Tang Yue retorted confidently. “As long as I’m here, dying won’t come so easily.”

Wang Zixian recalled that Tang Yue had healed the man who had been impaled by his sword in the chest, removing the parasitic insects from his body. He realized there was nothing Tang Yue couldn’t cure.

“The villagers of Yellow Flower Village suffered from malaria, which means they had parasites in their stomachs. Due to poor hygiene, they experienced headaches, fever, and diarrhea. Third Prince, haven’t you undergone all of these symptoms?” Wang Zixian inquired. “If I could extract those parasites from your stomach, I can certainly do the same for the villagers, don’t you think?” Tang Yue smiled with a hint of malice.

Wang Zixian’s face darkened. Tang Yue’s words brought back that haunting memory that he couldn’t erase, deepening his animosity toward Tang Yue.

However, his motive for being here wasn’t about Tang Yue’s medical skills. What did it matter if Tang Yue’s abilities were genuine or not?

Wang Zixian produced an imperial decree from his sleeve and tossed it to Crown Prince Zhao. “The Crown Prince has repeatedly defied imperial orders. Have you considered the consequences?”

“I don’t require my Royal Brother’s assistance!” Crown Prince Zhao replied indifferently. He briefly glanced at the imperial decree, then handed it to Wang Dingjun.

“I don’t wish to trouble myself. The Imperial Decree clearly entrusts me with the affairs here. The Crown Prince should return to the Palace and report, ensuring the Queen’s peace of mind.”

Crown Prince Zhao had initially assumed that the King would postpone this matter after the messenger returned yesterday. He hadn’t anticipated Li Xian’s arrival today.

In essence, the unfounded rumor had indeed found its way into the King’s thoughts. Even if the King didn’t believe it entirely, doubt lingered.

The fundamental trust between father and son had eroded. How could they still speak of a father-son relationship?

He called out, “There’s nothing more for you here. The Crown Princess and I have done what we needed to do. Why linger?”

“Since Royal Father has tasked me with overseeing disaster relief here, I naturally have other responsibilities. Look at these villagers; they’re all frail and emaciated. It’s evident how much they’ve suffered,” Wang Zixian explained.

As Crown Prince Zhao and his retinue prepared to leave, the villagers gathered to bid them farewell. They stood in rows at the village entrance, their hunched forms clad in tattered clothing, their cheeks gaunt and pallid. They resembled refugees.

Crown Prince Zhao rode his horse forward, positioning himself at the forefront and gazing down at Wang Zixian. “This time, Third Brother arrived empty-handed. How do you intend to assist with disaster relief?”

“The food supplies will arrive shortly. Crown Prince, are you concerned that I might steal your glory? Or perhaps...” Wang Zixian sneered, as if taunting Crown Prince Zhao for harboring guilty secrets.

Tang Yue rolled his eyes at Wang Zixian’s words. How could someone be so irritating? While their hearts were filled with darkness, they couldn’t help but feel that darkness permeated the entire world.

Did they truly believe that their fabrications could manifest into reality?

Tang Yue shot a glance at Wang Zixian’s affected demeanor, and it left him feeling uneasy. He spoke with agitation, “Your Highness, if you wish to stay here, then let him stay. We’re all in the same predicament. Perhaps Third Brother desires to savor the flavor of insects?”

Wang Zixian returned Tang Yue’s cold smile with a malevolent glare. The juxtaposition of their expressions seemed to cause Wang Zixian great discomfort.

“Indeed,” Tang Yue continued, “Brother San Wang, did you bring any spare clothes with you? If you intend to spend the night, we may only have room for you in the three cabins at the village entrance.” He paused before adding with mock concern, “However, I must kindly inform you that those rooms have been occupied by malaria patients. There might still be a few insects lingering around. You might as well relish the experience again.”

The soldiers and villagers in the vicinity all lowered their heads simultaneously, struggling to stifle their laughter. They had never witnessed Doctor Tang’s venomous side before.

People who earned the doctor’s disdain likely possessed some unsavory qualities. No one felt an ounce of sympathy for Wang Zixian.

“Let’s depart!” Unable to contain himself any longer, Wang Zixian left with a flick of his sleeves.

“Third Prince, don’t go...” someone began.

“Silence! Opportunities abound!” Wang Zixian glanced back at the village before departing at a swifter pace than his arrival.

Crown Prince Zhao observed their retreat with a thoughtful gaze. He summoned Wang Dingjun and whispered to him.

Wang Dingjun’s eyes gleamed with understanding. He lowered his head and nodded in agreement. Soon, he led his men in pursuit.

“Let’s move out!” The group set off, advancing steadily toward Ye City.

Tang Yue drew back the curtains and waved at Wei Yan, who was running to catch up. This young man possessed qualities that appealed to him: filial devotion, optimism, and determination.

In his previous life, Tang Yue mused, if he had encountered such an individual, he might have spared him a few more glances.