Master, in the ancient medical field, was a respectful term used by students for their teachers.
Nowadays, Zhang Zhongjing kept addressing Lu Yu as Master, which made Lu Yu feel rather embarrassed.
His words became even more earnest...
"I, Zhang Zhongjing, have some reputation in Jingnan, but that reputation is insignificant compared to Master's 'holding a pot to save the world'!"
"Disciple knows he is unworthy of being Master's student, but even if it's just to guard the gates for Master, as long as I can occasionally hear Master's teachings, I, Zhang Zhongjing, will be content. I implore Master to give this disciple... an opportunity, an opportunity to serve Master!"
The more Zhang Zhongjing spoke...
The more Lu Yu waved his hands repeatedly. "Impossible, impossible, I cannot be your Master. I am deeply ashamed!"
To be honest...
Lu Yu truly wanted to tell Zhang Zhongjing that he didn't understand medicine, but... Old Cao had specifically instructed him not to reveal this matter. Cao Cao also hoped for a leader among all the physicians under his command, and Lu Yu was the most suitable to be this leader.
Furthermore, who would dare say Lu Yu didn't understand medicine? He would likely become a laughingstock.
While earnestly begging to be accepted as a disciple and repeatedly refusing, Cao Xiu, standing behind them, trembled. This rhythm was off.
Could Young Master Lu not accept Zhang Zhongjing as a disciple when he accepted physicians from Yanzhou? Why not Zhang Zhongjing?
It seemed... Young Master wouldn't be this humble, would he?
Huang Zhong, standing nearby, secretly nodded. He whispered to Huang Xu beside him:
"Did you see? He is indeed the benefactor who saved your life. Such exquisite medical skills, so young, yet so humble. Rare... truly rare! If you have a chance to serve by the benefactor's side, that would be wonderful..."
Huang Zhong sighed in admiration...
However, this benefactor was unwilling to accept even his younger brother Zhongjing as a disciple, let alone his son Xu... Alas!
On the other hand, Zhang Zhongjing rarely showed such determination in doing something.
"This time I came to Yanzhou, I, Zhang Zhongjing, did not hesitate to resign from my official posts, seeking only to enter Young Master Lu's tutelage, to learn skills and Master Lu's benevolent heart! To be able to become Young Master Lu's disciple is my lifelong wish. If Master does not accept me as a disciple, I will say it again... I will not rise from my kneeling position!"
Saying this, Zhang Zhongjing knelt straight, his expression exceptionally resolute.
"..."
This...
Lu Yu was speechless for a moment. Was this world crazy? Or was he crazy?
I, Lu Yu, am also a person with a sense of shame. How could I have copied your "Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases," learned your method of making dumplings and the Jiao'er Decoction for dispelling cold, and then become Zhang Zhongjing's Master!
Would there be such a shameless person in this world?
Perhaps, but it definitely couldn't be him, Lu Yu.
"Master... Master!" Zhang Zhongjing was still pleading, his back straighter, his head lower.
Lu Yu looked at him with immense helplessness, sighing... In the end... he let out a sigh of helplessness.
At this moment...
Lu Yu pondered how happy it would be to be a shameless person with a skin thicker than reinforced concrete!
"Master's words, I definitely cannot accept. How about this... I will accept you as a disciple on behalf of my Master. You will be my senior brother, and I will be your junior brother. This way, everyone will be happy!"
Ah... Ah...
Zhang Zhongjing shook his head violently. Young Master Lu saved the common people from dire straits, while he... he was merely content in a corner, treating the people of a single prefecture. How could he possibly be worthy of being Young Master Lu's senior brother? Even as a junior brother... a junior of juniors, he was not worthy!
"No, no, no, how can I be senior brother? I... I am not worthy, not worthy, not worthy! Master, please stop joking and agree to this disciple!"
Alas...
Lu Yu stood with his hands behind his back, letting out a sigh of helplessness.
Invincibility is so lonely!
"Alright, since that is the case... you are my disciple. According to age, you, Zhang Zhongjing, are the chief disciple. You will be in charge of the medical offices of all eight prefectures of Yanzhou and four prefectures of Xuzhou. As your Master, I rarely teach through words or actions. The only thing I can teach you is this book, 'Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases.' Please read it carefully. If there is anything you do not understand, then let it remain so..."
As he said this, Lu Yu suddenly thought of something. "Right, your junior brothers don't seem very bright. Currently, there are still many people in the army camps and among the populace suffering from severe cold damage. Whether they can be cured depends entirely on you! Your Master has high hopes for you!"
Having said such words, the thickness of Lu Yu's skin had improved by two levels!
Indeed, people do grow.
"Dong... Dong..."
With a soft sound, Zhang Zhongjing exclaimed in joy, "Disciple Zhang Zhongjing pays respects to Master! Master's instructions will definitely be remembered, and I will never disgrace the sect!"
Cough, cough...
Lu Yu coughed lightly. It seemed he should say something more at this moment, but unfortunately... there was nothing to say.
"Zhongjing, remember this, today you begged to become my disciple. It is not that I insisted on taking you as a disciple."
Saying this, Lu Yu's guilty conscience was somewhat eased. After all, he was a noble person, a pure person, detached from low-level tastes.
"Disciple understands, disciple remembers!" Zhang Zhongjing kowtowed again, and the discipleship ceremony was complete.
Lu Yu did not forget to instruct Cao Xiu.
"General Cao Xiu, take my chief disciple to visit our Chenliu Prefecture's medical office and introduce him to the other disciples!"
"From now on, all matters concerning the medical office will be handled by Zhongjing! Zhongjing's words are like my own... Furthermore, after a few days, when Zhongjing has understood the 'Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases,' you will hold classes daily to teach all physicians. Anyone who disrespects Zhongjing will be disrespecting me, their Master, and will be expelled from the sect and never employed again!"
"Yes!" Cao Xiu cupped his hands and accepted the order, leading Zhang Zhongjing away slowly...
Huang Zhong, who was still kneeling, marvelled. Young Master Lu and his younger brother Zhongjing had only just met, yet Young Master Lu dared to entrust him with such great responsibility so boldly. Trusting without suspicion, what spirit!
Huang Zhong's admiration for Lu Yu increased a few notches.
After Zhang Zhongjing withdrew...
Huang Zhong then spoke, "I am the former Zhonglang General of Jingzhou, the Vanguard General of Jingnan, Huang Zhong, courtesy name Hansheng! I express my deepest gratitude to the benefactor for saving my son's life!"
Saying this, Huang Zhong cupped his hands. He did not kowtow like Zhang Zhongjing. Perhaps in the subconscious of a warrior, kneeling with cupped hands already represented a very profound courtesy.
Facing Huang Zhong, Lu Yu became fully alert...
This was the legendary Five Tiger Generals, and even the "God of Archers" that keyboard warriors in later generations raved about!
To meet such a divine general at this time and place, Lu Yu felt exceptionally excited!
It seemed, from Huang Zhong's words, that Lu Yu had saved Huang Zhong's son's life?
According to the records in "Records of the Three Kingdoms," Huang Zhong did have a son, but he had passed away. As for why he passed away, it was not clearly recorded.
Could it be due to a cold disease?
Thinking about it this way, it was entirely possible!
If that were the case, then the "Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases"?
Thinking in this direction, Lu Yu understood instantly. Good heavens, who would have thought that half a "Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases" would have earned him two SSRs in Zhang Zhongjing and Huang Zhong? This luck was too good!
Lu Yu subconsciously looked at Huang Xu, who was about eleven or twelve years old and as tall as "Zhuge Liang." If his father Huang Zhong joined the Dragon Riders, this young man could then be a companion to "Zhuge Liang!"
This arrangement was quite good!
Cough, cough...
With a sudden light cough, Lu Yu felt he was thinking too much. Huang Zhong's gratitude was one thing, but whether he would join the Dragon Riders was still uncertain!
Lu Yu quickly gestured. "Old Huang... no, General Huang, you and your son please rise before we speak. To tell you both the truth, recently... many common people kneel when they see me, and it has scared me... Let's sit and talk about whatever we need to discuss! Besides... your son had a cold disease, and he should have recovered only about a month ago. Kneeling might not be good for his body; it might impede blood circulation!"
Mmm...
Upon hearing these words, Huang Zhong, stroking his beard, slowly stood up and pulled Huang Xu up with him.
"Benefactor, Huang Xu pays his respects!"
This time, it was Huang Xu's turn to cup his hands in a bow. This... made Lu Yu feel much more comfortable.
"General Huang and Young Master Huang, have you come to Yanzhou solely to express your gratitude?"
This... Huang Zhong would naturally understand Lu Yu's intention.
"Young Master Lu has saved both my son and me. Now, I, Huang Zhong, am also following the example of my younger brother Zhongjing and resigning from my official posts, becoming a commoner. If Young Master Lu has any other orders, my son and I will not hesitate to go through fire and water."
Hearing this, Lu Yu felt much more at ease. He only knew that Huang Zhong was a loyal person, but... what his true intentions were, Lu Yu could not grasp.
Now, seeing him hint at his thoughts, it seemed he could be persuaded!
"General Huang and Young Master Huang might as well stay at my residence for now. Firstly, I see that Young Master Huang is weak, and I can try to help him recuperate. Secondly, my sister Zhaoji sometimes holds classes to teach knowledge to young people. It would be beneficial for Young Master Huang to attend as well!"
"That would be excellent! Thank you, benefactor!" Huang Zhong cupped his hands repeatedly...
Whether classes were held or not was secondary. In his heart, Lu Yu was an immortal physician. By staying close to an immortal physician, his son's weak health could likely be managed!
In fact, in Lu Yu's opinion, Huang Xu's weak physique... was not a matter of recuperation at all, but rather too fragile. In common terms, it was a lack of physical exercise. A month of five-mile cross-country runs every day would build up his physique.
Of course, the intention behind arranging for Huang Xu was not just for him, but for you, Huang Zhong...
"As for General Huang..." Lu Yu pondered slightly. "Coincidentally, my Dragon Riders camp is in need of a vanguard general who is skilled in battle. General Huang's fame precedes him, making him the most suitable!"
Lu Yu mused, your son is settled, surely, there shouldn't be a problem with you, Huang Zhong, right?
Who would have thought...
Huang Zhong's reply startled Lu Yu. "I beg to be excused from this command!"
Ah... Ah...
Lu Yu was a little confused. What was going on? Why wasn't Old Huang playing by the script?
"General Huang..."
Lu Yu was a little flustered. He had finally found an SSR divine general, and he couldn't let him escape!
"Actually, the official title can be discussed. However, my Dragon Riders camp only has seven hundred men, at most a general of the vanguard. Naturally, it cannot compare to your previous Zhonglang General. However... I can specially ask Duke Cao for..."
Lu Yu was about to say that he could specifically request a higher official title from Duke Cao...
But before the words could escape his lips, Huang Zhong's voice came first. "I, Huang Zhong, am willing to join the Dragon Riders camp. However, I do not want to be a vanguard general. I want to start as a common soldier!"
This... To refuse a general's position and become a common soldier? What... what did this mean? Was he playing a game?
Lu Yu was a little confused...
"Hahahaha..." Huang Zhong laughed heartily. "All the merits of my life as Huang Zhong were earned through the great sword in my hand and the seven-foot bow at my waist! The general positions I held previously were also accumulated through merit. If Young Master Lu directly bestows the position of general upon me, it would be looking down on me!"
Saying this, Huang Zhong stood with his hands behind his back.
"Today, Young Master Lu's Dragon Riders camp will either gain a mounted archer! Or, it will lose a vanguard general!"
Huo...
Lu Yu's eyes focused. Indeed, Huang Zhong's thoughts were different from others. Some people sought office through money, some through connections, but Huang Zhong sought office through nothing but genuine skill and true merit. Lu Yu truly admired this point to the utmost.
"Good, then according to General Huang... no, according to the Dragon Riders camp's mounted archer Huang Zhong!"
As soon as these words were spoken... Huang Zhong knelt on one knee and cupped his hands in a military salute. "Dragon Riders camp mounted archer Huang Zhong pays respects to Commander Lu!"
Hoo...
Lu Yu let out a long sigh. He had successfully acquired a divine general!
"In five days, our army will march to Runan Prefecture..." Lu Yu wanted to say, "Old Huang, you have traveled over a thousand miles back and forth. If you haven't rested enough, this mission is not heavy, so you don't have to go..."
Who would have thought that Huang Zhong immediately accepted the order? "Yes!"
Without much ado, the soldier's duty was obedience, and Huang Zhong was a born outstanding soldier.
Just as they were discussing this.
"Younger Brother Yu..." Cai Zhaoji rushed in.
Judging by her appearance, she seemed quite hurried...
It seemed it had been a long time... since he had seen Sister Zhaoji so unsettled.
"Sister Zhaoji? What's wrong?" Lu Yu asked directly.
"It's... it's the two Madam Dings who have come to visit. They specifically asked to see Younger Brother Yu!" Cai Zhaoji said gracefully...
Ah... Ah...
Madam Ding, and two Madam Dings?
Lu Yu mused, one of them should be Old Cao's wife, the Ding夫人 who raised Cao Mu and Cao Ang. But who was the second Madam Ding?
Could it be? Her?
... He suddenly remembered that Xiahou Yuan's wife was also surnamed Ding. Xiahou Yuan and Old Cao were brothers-in-law!
Presumably, the second Madam Ding was Xiahou Yuan's wife!
Speaking of this, Lu Yu inexplicably thought of this Madam Ding who had given birth to eight children for Xiahou Yuan in her lifetime. It seemed... she was either giving birth or on her way to giving birth again.
Moreover... apart from the child who starved to death during the famine, the remaining seven children were quite formidable... Not to mention the well-known Xiahou Ba, it was rumored... that his third son Xiahou Cheng had shot a tiger at the age of sixteen. Cao Cao was very fond of him. His fifth son, Xiahou Rong, had a photographic memory, but unfortunately, at the age of thirteen, when his father Xiahou Yuan was killed by Huang Zhong on Mount Dingjun, he also slit his own throat!
If one thought about it this way...
Now that Huang Zhong was in the Dragon Riders camp, Mount Dingjun... Heh heh...
It seemed that Xiahou Yuan, along with his wife and his seven sons, should thank Lu Yu profusely. What a beautiful coincidence!
Here, Huang Zhong heard Cai Zhaoji's words and immediately cupped his hands, saying:
"Benefactor, please attend to your business. My son and I will take our leave."
Lu Yu did not forget to instruct. "Sister Zhaoji, these two are distinguished guests. Please arrange a superior room in the residence for them first... Sister Zhaoji, please help them find a residence as soon as possible!"
"Okay..." Cai Zhaoji nodded.
In Cai Zhaoji's eyes, Younger Brother Yu gifting houses to others was commonplace!
For example, gifting to Dian Wei, Cao Xiu, and soldiers who distinguished themselves in the Dragon Riders camp. It seemed that in terms of rewards, Younger Brother Yu was never stingy.
Huang Zhong wanted to say a few more words of thanks, but who would have thought that Lu Yu had already disappeared into the pavilion in a flash.
Only Cai Zhaoji, Huang Zhong, and Huang Xu were left.
"Please, you two..."
Cai Zhaoji was still graceful and courteous.
"Thank you, young lady!" Uncharacteristically, Huang Zhong was also very polite today. This was a stark contrast to his arrogant and conceited demeanor when he was in Jingnan!
As they walked towards the door, Huang Xu couldn't help but ask Huang Zhong, "Father? Do you really... really have to start as a mounted archer in the Dragon Riders camp? Clearly... Young Master Lu wanted to assign you as the vanguard general!"
"Hahaha..." Huang Zhong smiled and stroked Huang Xu's forehead. "We are here to repay a debt of gratitude, not to seek office. If we were seeking office, the higher the position, the better. But repaying a debt is different!"
Huang Zhong's words carried a hint of thoughtfulness. "I have long heard that the Dragon Riders camp has strict military discipline. If Young Master Lu casually assigned a general? Or a general who is not well-known in the Central Plains? What would the armored soldiers think? What would the original generals think?"
"Xu'er, we are not here to cause trouble for Young Master Lu. Besides, the status in the army is more stable and lasting if earned through one's own efforts!"
Upon hearing this...
Huang Xu nodded. "Your son has learned his lesson!"
With this in mind, he turned his head to look back in the direction of the front hall. He heard Miss Zhaoji say that the current benefactor Lu was in the front hall.
Young Master Lu, having achieved so much at such a young age, must have achieved it step by step, just like his father, right?
Subtly, Huang Xu had already begun to regard Lu Yu as his role model in life!
...
...
Cai Residence, Front Hall...
Lu Yu strode into it. Before he could even look up to find the two Madam Dings!
"Dong..."
The door was closed.
"Dong dong dong dong..." The windows were also closed in unison.
There was not a single servant in the entire front hall... It was exceptionally quiet and exceptionally eerie!
What... What was going on?
Lu Yu was a little confused. He felt like he had stumbled into the White Tiger Hall.
Just then.
"Tap tap"!
With light steps, two women appeared before Lu Yu. Lu Yu was not unfamiliar with one of them, Cao Cao's principal wife, Madam Ding Hui! As cold as ever... as solemn as ever.
As for the other, she appeared much more agile, with a face full of pleasant smiles, looking very lively. She should be Xiahou Yuan's wife, Madam Ding Xiang!
But what did it mean?
Why close the doors and windows? Lu Yu was a little scared. He was afraid that Madam Ding Hui or Madam Ding Xiang would suddenly say – "Don't you want to work hard anymore?"
Then he, Lu Yu, would have truly stumbled into the White Tiger Hall.
And, possibly, it seemed, perhaps... two white tigers!
"Commander Lu..."
Ding Xiang spoke, but her voice was a little low and somewhat alluring, making Lu Yu shiver all over!
The atmosphere here was truly a bit intoxicating...
...
...