"Kaka…"
Just as everyone thought the contenders for the commanding generals of the five camps were settled.
With a "snap," Le Jin slammed his hand on the table. "Does the Lord look down on me, Le Jin?"
Indeed, he hadn't vied for positions before, but that was with the military men of Qiao and Pei!
Le Jin considered himself unable to compete with Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren, but now? Why… should he be the main general of the fourth camp while Le Jin was only a deputy?
Both were loyal to Duke Cao, and neither were nobles from Qiao and Pei. Le Jin felt he was not inferior to Yu Jin in any aspect. He was unconvinced!
"Ever since Duke Cao raised his army in Chenliu, I, Le Jin, have followed him. When Duke Cao lacked soldiers, I returned home alone to recruit a thousand men for Duke Cao. Whether it was fighting the Yellow Turbans, attacking Xuzhou, or taking Puyang, the soldiers of my camp were always the first to charge and break through enemy lines! What? I should be a deputy? And General Yu Jin is the main general?"
Indeed…
Le Jin's loyalty to Cao Cao had earned him great merits. He was not good-looking, short like Cao Cao, but he was always brave and led from the front, being the first to charge in every battle. These were things everyone had witnessed.
On the other hand, Yu Jin was a local general from Yanzhou, who had followed Cao Cao for a short time and had limited merits. By all accounts… it shouldn't have been his turn to be the main general!
It was no wonder Le Jin was unconvinced at this moment!
A man fights for his pride, as a Buddha fights for incense. Le Jin's face was cold, and his tone grew even more serious. "Does Duke Cao discriminate against me, Le Jin?"
"Of course not!"
Cao Cao smiled faintly, his gaze falling on Lu Yu. As expected… it was as they had predicted, someone would step forward and express their dissatisfaction.
And Yu'er had already predicted their prediction!
As Cao Cao's gaze fell upon him, Lu Yu immediately stood up.
"General Le Jin possesses the bravery to challenge ten thousand men. His soldiers are always the first to charge, making him a born vanguard. However, he is not suitable to be the commander of a camp!"
"The foremost duty of a camp commander is to speak and act decisively, establish military discipline, and clarify rewards and punishments! General Yu Jin, although his merits are far less than General Le Jin's, he manages his troops with strict order."
"Even though they are all Qingzhou soldiers, the soldiers under his command have never bullied the good and the kind, nor have they violated the autumn harvest with the common people. Therefore, Duke Cao has appointed General Yu Jin as the main general of the fifth camp? Does General Le Jin have any objections?"
Upon these words…
Le Jin was rendered speechless. Yu Jin's military discipline was renowned throughout Cao Cao's camp. This was undeniable; Le Jin could not compare.
And this… was indeed his flaw and inadequacy.
"Your subordinate obeys the order!"
Le Jin sat back down, silent…
He shook his head, his gaze falling on Lu Yu, and whispered hoarsely, "One day, I will become the First General! I will make Duke Cao and Commander Lu understand that I am stronger than Wen Ze, and no weaker than any warrior present!"
Le Jin's voice was very low and faint, audible only to himself.
This seemed like a minor incident, but… Cao Chun and Cao Hong, the deputy generals of the second and third camps present, exchanged glances, with a hint of eagerness.
A soldier who doesn't want to be a general is not a good soldier; a deputy general who doesn't want to be a main general is not a good deputy general!
Heh heh…
This was simple. Big Brother just mentioned that the current main and deputy generals of the five camps were temporary. If sufficient merits were earned, adjustments could be made!
Then, let them earn merits to show them!
Firstly, to contend for the title of First General of Cao Cao's camp, and secondly, to vie for the position of main general!
The previously calm gazes of the warriors were instantly stirred with ripples… a surge of fighting spirit!
The changes on the faces of the generals were vividly displayed. Cao Cao observed them and nodded slightly.
Even Xun Yu, Xi Zhicai, and Xun You had to admire the strategy devised by Cao Cao and Lu Yu for the selection of generals for the five camps.
Brilliant!
"Wen Ruo…" Xi Zhicai whispered to Xun Yu. "As expected of Commander Lu. He's even using psychological tactics on our own generals."
"Haha, indeed!" Xun Yu nodded. "To contend for the title of First General and the name of main general, how could the generals not fight to the death on this march to Luoyang?"
Xi Zhicai nodded, softly chanting, "A good strategy! An original way to provoke them!"
At this moment, Cao Cao also murmured with shining eyes… "The effect is good!"
With this thought, Cao Cao's lips curved into a smile, and he continued, "The first camp is our most valiant legion. I will temporarily serve as the main general. Once we escort the Emperor back, the First General can be promoted to the main general of the first camp. Henceforth, the generals and marshals of the military camps will not be fixed. Promotion and demotion will be based on merit!"
Military reform!
This was a concept that Lu Yu had proposed during his recent conversation with Cao Cao.
Fixed generals and marshals, promotion and demotion based on merit… At first glance, it seemed there might be disadvantages such as soldiers not being familiar with their generals, and generals not being familiar with their soldiers. However… such disadvantages would be infinitely minimized by the generals' strategic abilities!
Cao Cao considered himself that the strategic abilities of the generals under his command were above average.
In this way, with clear rewards and punishments, and promotions, everyone would be more motivated. It seemed… the reform concept proposed by Lu Yu was worth trying.
Indeed…
"First Camp!"
"First General!"
The generals repeatedly chanted these two titles, their eyes burning with fighting spirit.
This was the uncrowned king. Whoever became the First General and commanded the first camp could walk with an unbridled swagger in Cao Cao's camp, living out their unrestrained youth.
"Have all generals understood?"
"Understood!"
When Cao Cao asked, everyone cupped their fists in unison and responded…
Cao Cao meticulously assigned tasks. "I will lead the first camp directly into Luoyang city to escort the Emperor! Zhicai, you will assist me!"
"Yes!" Xi Zhicai took the order!
"The second camp will advance to Xuxian, expedite the construction of the palace, and transport provisions! Wen Ruo, you will assist them!"
"Yes!" Yu Jin and Le Jin cupped their fists.
"I, Xun, accept the order!" Xun Yu also agreed.
"The third camp, Yuan Rang and Zi Lian, will clear all checkpoints along the road from Luoyang to Xuxian, ensuring that the capital move to Xudu can be completed swiftly! Gong Da, you will assist them."
"Yes!" Xiahou Dun, Cao Hong, and Xun You took the orders.
"The fourth camp, Miao Cai and Zi He, I order you two to march at high speed, proceed to the west of Luoyang, and lie in ambush. Act when the opportunity arises. Li Jue and Guo Si's pursuers from Xiliang will definitely chase to Luoyang! If you two can intercept them, you will have earned great merit!"
"Yes!" Xiahou Yuan and Cao Chun took the orders.
The entire deployment was discussed and deliberated by Cao Cao, Lu Yu, Xun Yu, Xi Zhicai, and Xun You, ensuring no room for error after repeated simulations!
Escorting the Emperor was no small matter, and Lu Yu had meticulously reviewed this deployment countless times.
Of course, after the fourth camp was assigned, Cao Cao's voice abruptly stopped!
It seemed all matters concerning the westward advance to Luoyang had been deployed?
Then… what were the tasks for Lu Yu and Cao Xiu's fifth camp?
Everyone was curious for a moment.
"Fifth Camp…" Finally, after much anticipation, Cao Cao uttered the words "Fifth Camp."
Following that, his gaze softened. "Commander Lu, the fifth camp will proceed according to our original plan!"
Ah… ah…
Upon hearing this, everyone was astounded. What was the original plan?
So mysterious?
For a moment, all the warriors scratched their heads and ears, wondering what it was.
Before they could ponder further.
Lu Yu cupped his fists. "Dragon Soaring Camp… ah no, the fifth camp will not fail its mission!"
Hahahaha…
Hearing this, Cao Cao burst into laughter, though it was brief this time. "Everyone, march to Luoyang and escort the Emperor!"
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's heart was filled with heroic spirit. This battle was like a game of chess. All preparations were in place, and he and Lu Yu had meticulously simulated every move, ensuring no mistakes!
…
…
Chenliu Commandery, Cai Mansion, Study.
"Brother Yu has gone to the yamen to discuss matters. Doctor Zhang, General Huang, and Young Master Huang, please rest in the study for a while. I will have the servants prepare some fruits and snacks!"
Cai Wenji's clear voice echoed in the study.
At this moment, there were four people before her. While she was quite familiar with Cao Xiu, the other three were meeting for the first time.
Cao Xiu had specifically introduced them as Zhang Zhongjing, the Administrator of Changsha Commandery, Zhonglang General Huang Zhong, and Huang Zhong's son, Huang Xu.
Hmm…
Cai Wenji felt a slight tremor in her heart.
Cai Wenji had heard of Zhang Zhongjing's reputation. She heard that he opened his clinic to treat the common people, a story that was praised throughout the Great Han!
As for Huang Zhong… although his reputation was even more resounding, Cai Wenji did not care for martial arts. She had not paid particular attention to such fighting and killing matters. However… given Cao Xiu's solemn introduction, he must be a significant figure, a great general!
Cai Wenji dared not be negligent towards them and behaved with great courtesy.
"I have long admired Miss Cai's talent. People say Miss Cai is the foremost talented woman of the Great Han. Seeing you today, it is indeed true to your reputation!" Zhang Zhongjing replied courteously…
Huang Zhong seemed to recall something.
"Miss Cai's name, I, Huang Zhong, have often heard of it. The common people say that Young Master Lu was unable to treat the populace due to his master's instructions, but it was all thanks to Miss Cai's concern for the common people. After she pleaded several times, she managed to get Young Master Lu to act!"
Having said that…
There were too many legends circulating about Lu Yu and Cai Wenji, and they were all positive. Huang Zhong did not know which ones were true and which were false.
However, seeing Cai Wenji so knowledgeable and polite in conversation, Huang Zhong was willing to believe that these beautiful legends were all true.
"It's not like what General Huang said at all…" Cai Wenji waved her hands repeatedly. "It's all a misunderstanding. Three people make a tiger. The treatment of cold diseases is entirely the merit of my Brother Yu. But as the stories spread… it's as if I also contributed something. Even I am starting to believe it after hearing it so often. These are all rumors, General Huang, please do not take them seriously!"
"Hahaha…" Zhang Zhongjing chuckled. "Miss Cai is too modest. I heard that Young Master Lu was raised by Miss Cai from a young age. Regardless, to be able to raise a younger brother like Young Master Lu, who is skilled in medicine and cares for the common people… Miss Cai deserves great credit. What if these beautiful legends circulating among the populace are true?"
"This…"
Cai Wenji was speechless. Any further explanation would seem affected.
"I will go and prepare tea. General Cao, please entertain them for now!"
Her face flushed with praise, Cai Wenji slowly walked away.
"Hahahaha…" Huang Zhong laughed, stroking his long beard, and couldn't help but sigh, "Young Master Lu's righteousness can be seen from Miss Cai Yan alone!"
"Indeed!" Zhang Zhongjing nodded slightly…
However, as he nodded, his gaze fell upon a partially unrolled bamboo slip on the desk. Out of curiosity, Zhang Zhongjing looked at the title of the slip – "Treatise on Cold Diseases and Miscellaneous Illnesses, Volume Five."
Below it were Volume Six, Volume Seven…
Instantly, Zhang Zhongjing's eyes widened…
Strictly speaking, the first three volumes of the "Treatise on Cold Diseases and Miscellaneous Illnesses" were the general principles, and from the fourth volume onwards, there were many specific cases and corresponding medical treatments!
And these were the essence of the "Treatise on Cold Diseases and Miscellaneous Illnesses"…
Of course, this was also the most abstruse and difficult part.
Without exaggeration, although Lu Yu had written this "Treatise on Cold Diseases and Miscellaneous Illnesses" for over a month, in reality, few of his disciples could grasp even half of it…
The main reason was that these physicians rarely encountered the treatment of cold diseases in their daily practice, and Lu Yu did not answer their questions. Therefore, they could only hold the "Treatise on Cold Diseases and Miscellaneous Illnesses" and try to comprehend it…
And the process of comprehension was lengthy.
It could be said that with Lu Yu, it was like the master leading the way, and the cultivation depended entirely on the individual…
How high could your medical skills be? It all depended on how capable you were.
However… Zhang Zhongjing was not like these ordinary physicians. He had already been attempting to cure cold diseases for over twenty years!
He had visited famous physicians and sought out patients.
It could be said that he was only a step away from conquering cold diseases. Even without reading every word of the medical principles in the "Treatise on Cold Diseases and Miscellaneous Illnesses," he could roughly guess the treatment method by seeing the cause of a certain disease!
In the eyes of other physicians, the abstruse "Treatise on Cold Diseases and Miscellaneous Illnesses" was read by Zhang Zhongjing with great ease.
In just over an hour, he had skimmed through volumes five to nine.
And in this hour, he suddenly understood. Others viewed the "Treatise on Cold Diseases and Miscellaneous Illnesses" for specific diagnostic and treatment methods, but Zhang Zhongjing was different. He could integrate these theories, and even… refine and summarize them, elevating his own medical skills!
"Brilliant, every word and every sentence is profoundly brilliant…"
"Young Master Lu's medical principles are too profound. It is expected that Young Master Lu's medical skills must be unfathomable and unattainable!"
Zhang Zhongjing chanted continuously…
Cao Xiu, Huang Zhong, and Huang Xu remained silent. They could understand Zhang Zhongjing's feelings at this moment.
The pursuit of his life was now in his hands. This sense of accomplishment and satisfaction swept through him, making him… unable to remain calm.
And at this moment.
"Creak…"
The study door opened…
A delicate young man, about sixteen or seventeen years old, stood before them. The young man was handsome, just as handsome as all the viewers in front of the phone screen.
Especially his eyes, though somewhat tired, the profound light within them made anyone who looked at them feel they were unfathomable.
And Cao Xiu spoke almost subconsciously.
"Lu… Young Master Lu!"
As these three words were spoken, Huang Zhong, Huang Xu, and Zhang Zhongjing were all startled. Then, with a "thump," the three of them actually knelt down.
— "Huang Zhong of Nanyang, along with my son Huang Xu, pays respects to our benefactor!"
— "Zhang Zhongjing of Nanyang pays respects to 'Grandmaster'!"
What? What's going on?
Lu Yu was a bit confused. When he met Sister Zhaoji just now, Sister Zhaoji only said there were noble guests in the study. Turns out… when he opened the study door, he realized these noble guests were kneeling people?
Wait?
Is this person Zhang Zhongjing? And that person is… is Huang Zhong?
Zhang Zhongjing's presence here was understandable. Although he arrived later than expected, it was still within expectations!
But… why is Huang Zhong here?
Is this a buy-one-get-one-free situation? Ah no… is it buy-one-get-two?
While Lu Yu was still in a daze.
Zhang Zhongjing, Huang Zhong, and Huang Xu were also very surprised. They had imagined Lu Gongzi's appearance countless times. Normally, a divine doctor who saves the world should have at least some beard, right? As the saying goes, a smooth chin means unreliable work…
Or, since he was a divine immortal rumored in the marketplace… he should be very mature, with extremely defined facial features, right?
But… but Lu Yu's appearance… completely dispelled all their preconceived notions of a divine doctor. It seemed he wasn't so unfathomable, and even… seemed very approachable?
This leader of the Dragon Soaring Camp in Cao Cao's army, the most valued official in the Governor of Cao's court, the Lu Gongzi praised by the common people as a divine immortal, was… was too young?
Simply outrageously young!
Such a person, ah no, such a peerless genius, wouldn't appear once in five hundred years, would he?
Zhang Zhongjing and Huang Zhong's minds raced!
Uh…
On the contrary, Lu Yu was a bit flustered. He needed to sort things out!
Is this man in the scholar's robe with a black beard and a straight posture Zhang Zhongjing?
Very good… he looks like a divine doctor, like a noble person, a pure person, someone who has divorced himself from vulgar tastes!
Of course, this man moved Lu Yu. The original author of the "Treatise on Cold Diseases and Miscellaneous Illnesses"… strictly speaking, he, Lu Yu, was the plagiarist. Perhaps, it couldn't be called plagiarism, but rather, interception… Lu Yu was the one who intercepted the "Treatise on Cold Diseases and Miscellaneous Illnesses"!
As for Huang Zhong beside him… good heavens, this is Huang Zhong, with a black beard.
You must know that Huang Zhong, with his white beard at seventy, could cleave Xiahou Yuan, let alone… now, Huang Zhong at his peak!
His combat power at this moment might be enough to take down Guan Yu, or even fight Lu Bu one-on-one, and it wouldn't be a problem, right?
Why did he come?
With this thought, Lu Yu hurried to help the two of them…
As he supported them, he tried his best to calm his emotions and spoke with composure.
"So it is Divine Doctor Zhongjing and Elder Huang… ah no… Divine Doctor Zhongjing and General Huang! Please rise quickly, please rise quickly!"
Speaking of which, too many people had knelt to him, Lu Yu, during this period. Lu Yu was already numb. He even felt a sore back from helping people up!
He truly couldn't stand others kneeling. He was too thin-skinned. Whenever he saw someone kneeling, he felt embarrassed and wanted to help them up… It had almost become a reflex!
However… Huang Zhong and Zhang Zhongjing remained kneeling firmly, unwilling to get up. Huang Xu, seeing his savior, would not get up either.
Lu Yu felt a bit complicated.
To be honest, it was shameful. He used your, Zhang Zhongjing's, work, "Treatise on Cold Diseases and Miscellaneous Illnesses," dumplings, and the cold-dispelling Jiao'er soup… to cure the cold diseases and save the people of all eight commanderies of Yanzhou and four commanderies of Xuzhou!
To put it bluntly, he, Lu Yu, was merely a copyist. And these things couldn't be revealed to the public!
Moreover, Lu Yu was a man with sound values… no, Lu Yu was a man with impeccably upright values. If it weren't for curing cold diseases and saving the populace, why would he have "seduced" you, Zhang Zhongjing… ah no, plagiarized your book?
Therefore, Lu Yu felt a deep sense of guilt towards Zhang Zhongjing. It was his noble morality at play. He always felt that pirated copies were not good, and plagiarism was not good either. If everyone could support the genuine product, then… the quality of online literature would certainly improve significantly!
If… no one supported the genuine product, then online literature would sooner or later go down a path of decline.
In the end, it was not easy to be a writer!
It was precisely for this reason that Lu Yu was exceptionally courteous to Zhang Zhongjing, and his tone was exceptionally gentle, which Cao Xiu found very rare!
Of course, this was somewhat strange. In most of the rumors about Lu Yu along the way… he was a profound and unfathomable person, a cold and aloof person!
Such a person, and now such a benefactor, suddenly showing such closeness to you, it was inevitable that Zhang Zhongjing and Huang Zhong would feel as if they were bathed in spring breeze!
This made them feel… they had come to the right place, this Yanzhou was indeed the right place to come!
Streams of warmth instantly permeated Zhang Zhongjing's entire body.
His heart fluttered incessantly, and even his speech became hesitant.
"If Grandmaster does not accept Zhongjing as a disciple, Zhongjing will not rise even if he dies. Although this student is older than Grandmaster, in terms of medical skills, I am still far behind Grandmaster's slightest bit!"
"If I cannot become a disciple of Grandmaster and thoroughly cure the cold diseases of the Great Han, this disciple… this disciple is willing to kneel and not rise!"
A Medical Sage!
The Medical Sage whose work Lu Yu had copied was kneeling directly before him, Lu Yu.
His eyes were even filled with tears, sobbing and choking…
This made Lu Yu completely dumbfounded.
He especially wanted to discuss the Dao with Zhang Zhongjing—How about… you take me as your disciple, okay?
It's impossible for me to take you, a Medical Sage, as my disciple, Master cannot do that!
…
…