The autumn cicadas cried mournfully, a single leaf falling, leaving desolation everywhere.
Outside the Huben Army camp.
Cao Cao and Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan were at a stalemate. One wanted to go in, while the other was determined to block him.
At this moment, Cao Cao's hand, which held his sword, was trembling.
Just then.
"King Wei, Generals Xiahou."
Dian Wei hurried to this place, and upon seeing the atmosphere, he quickly spoke, "Marquis of Nanshouting said that this plague originates from a disease called 'Schistosomiasis,' and this epidemic is not contagious from person to person!"
"Then how is it transmitted?" Xiahou Dun quickly asked.
How could he let Cao Cao pass without clarifying?
How could he allow Cao Cao to enter?
"Water sources!" Dian Wei continued, "Marquis of Nanshouting said that the reason the epidemic spread so quickly in the army was due to the water sources… this Wulin Port is a heavily affected area of 'Schistosomiasis,' and all the water sources here carry a certain degree of toxicity!"
As these words left his mouth.
Xiahou Dun repeatedly shook his head. "This is wrong. If it were as you say, then none of the soldiers in the entire army could drink water?"
This…
Dian Wei scratched his head. He had only followed Lu Yu's instructions and didn't know the deeper reasons.
But at this moment.
"Not so, not so…"
At some point, Lu Yu had arrived with Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing.
He waved his hands repeatedly, "Brother Xiahou… didn't say soldiers can't drink water, but rather can't drink raw water?"
"Raw water?"
This time, it wasn't just Xiahou Dun who was stunned; Cao Cao and Xiahou Yuan were also taken aback.
Lu Yu continued, "High temperatures can kill all viruses. All water sources from lakes must be boiled until they are scalding hot. This way, the viruses in the water can be minimized."
"Northerners are often hearty and accustomed to drinking raw water, which is the source and crux of 'acclimatization issues'! This is also why people in the entire army are constantly getting 'Schistosomiasis'!"
Lu Yu's words had a basis…
He and Hua Tuo had observed this epidemic for many days throughout Wulin…
They found that the camps where the epidemic broke out concentratedly mostly had a bad habit: the soldiers there loved to drink raw water. The autumn by the Yangtze River was still scorching hot, and under the scorching sun, drinking raw water was a common practice for northern soldiers.
This was precisely the fundamental reason for the rapid spread of schistosomiasis.
"Ziyu, according to your words, as long as the soldiers drink boiling hot water, the epidemic can be stopped at its source?"
Xiahou Yuan quickly asked…
Lu Yu gently shook his head, "This is only one aspect. At least it can prevent the epidemic from further expanding. Other aspects need attention, and that would take a long time to explain."
"The immediate priority is…"
Lu Yu hadn't intended to say that the immediate priority was to test the medicinal ingredients to see if they could cure schistosomiasis.
But… before his words could escape his lips.
Cao Cao had already broken into the Huben Army camp.
Schistosomiasis was important, but in his eyes, a thousand soldiers could not be exchanged for Xu Chu!
Xiahou Dun intended to pursue, but Xiahou Yuan grabbed him, "Ziyu said that this epidemic is not contagious from person to person. We should trust Ziyu!"
Trust… Ziyu?
Xiahou Dun's eyes narrowed, his heart filled with complex emotions.
Did he not know about the bond between his elder brother and Zhongkang?
But could Ziyu's medicine cure this worsening epidemic?
…
…
At this moment, Xu Chu in the camp was still gasping for breath.
He seemed to have foreseen the end of his life. He tried hard to open his eyes, his vision blurred. He suddenly thought of something.
He drank the medicine again, but with great effort, he mumbled something.
"King Wei, did King Wei promise me?"
An old soldier of the Huben Army stood before Xu Chu. He looked at Xu Chu, understanding… what Xu Chu was thinking.
When one's life reaches its end, what they can't let go of are their loved ones and children.
Xu Yi…
At this moment, Xu Chu was still concerned about his son, Xu Yi.
Xu Chu wanted to ask King Wei to agree to let Xu Yi guard Lu Ziyu by his side for life, protecting him at all times.
The close confidant soldier actually wanted to ask…
Why guard Marquis Nanshouting?
Instead of guarding King Wei…
Seeing Xu Chu in such a weakened state, he still didn't ask the question.
"Old brother, you must get better. This medicine… was sent by Marquis Nanshouting. He is a divine doctor of our time. Perhaps this medicine… after taking it, you will be fine, you will be fine."
The close confidant soldier comforted him in a low voice, but he also knew.
Whether it was a cold or other illnesses before, Doctor Lu often cured them with his medicine.
But this time… he had already taken this bitter medicine several times, and there was still no improvement.
Even… all the brothers in the Huben Army were getting worse.
No one believed that just this bowl of bitter decoction could cure this epidemic?
"Hearing the words 'Marquis Nanshouting'…" Xu Chu fell silent. He seemed to be gathering strength.
After a long time, he said, "Marquis Nanshouting is not an immortal, after all. He cannot cure every illness. We should not be too harsh on him! However, my son Xu Yi… he… his lifelong protection of Marquis Nanshouting, after I die, you must convey this to King Wei and make him agree!"
Speaking of this…
Xu Chu's mind was filled with countless thoughts.
Others might not know, but he, Xu Chu, knew best. Lu Ziyu did not have the surname "Lu"; he had the surname "Cao." He was the future Crown Prince of Wei, the future King of Wei.
He, Xu Chu, had guarded Cao Cao his entire life, and now… he was about to bid farewell to the world.
The unfulfilled aspirations of their Xu family had to be passed down from generation to generation.
His son also had to guard the son of King Wei for his entire life. This… was "loyalty" in Xu Chu's heart!
"This is all fate. I, Xu Chu, cannot live on, but… the Huben Army must survive. There are not many people King Wei can trust."
Cao Cao killed people in his dreams.
Once…
A soldier entered his bedroom and was killed by him with a single stroke of his sword while he was sleep-talking.
From then on, only a few close relatives and Xu Chu and the Huben soldiers were allowed to enter Cao Cao's bedroom…
Cao Cao was naturally suspicious; cultivating trust was not easy!
"Hmm?" Xu Chu seemed to have seen something suddenly. He opened his eyes wide, but his vision was blurred, seeing only a phantom.
"King Wei, is it King Wei who has come?"
He could feel a familiar aura…
Having been by Cao Cao's side for many years, even by just hearing his footsteps or breathing, Xu Chu could feel… Cao Cao was by his side.
The same familiar feeling and scent.
"Zhongkang, I've come to see you!"
As expected, the familiar voice sounded again.
Who else could appear beside Xu Chu if not King Wei Cao Cao?
Cao Cao walked quickly to Xu Chu's sickbed and tightly clasped his hand, feeling the cold temperature there… Cao Cao's heart grew heavier.
"Why is King Wei… why has he come to this place of plague? Quick… quickly take King Wei away…"
Xu Chu spoke with great effort, but the last two words "take King Wei away" could not be uttered.
For a moment, Cao Cao's eyes welled up with tears.
"Zhongkang, have no worries. Ziyu said this disease is not contagious! Even if it were, how could it stop me from coming to see you!"
"King Wei…"
Xu Chu, using almost all his strength, said, "Xu Chu… Xu Chu can no longer guard King Wei, but… but I have one last wish before I die, and I hope King Wei will grant it."
"Please, King Wei, let my son Xu Yi… follow Lu Ziyu forever, and guard him for his entire life, just as I have guarded King Wei. Let him… let him guard Ziyu for his entire life, consider it… as the inheritance of me, Xu Chu, and my son."
With a whoosh…
Instantly, Cao Cao's tears were rolling in his eyes. Was this entrusting his child?
Does a parent who loves their child plan for the distant future?
Xu Yi… Ziyu!
It was Xu Chu who thought so far ahead.
Who would dare to say that he… he was just a brute?
"Zhongkang…" Cao Cao's eyes turned red, his tears almost uncontrollable. "I promise you, I promise you everything, but you must get better. Drink the medicine Ziyu sent on time. You know Ziyu's medical skills. As long as you take these medicines, you will be fine, you will be fine!"
Cao Cao repeatedly comforted him.
But… looking at Xu Chu's current appearance, how could he still be cured?
Dong… dong…
Just then, the sound of a gong rang from outside the camp gate.
Hearing the gong, Xu Chu suddenly sat up with a surge of strength he didn't know he had, startling Cao Cao and the Huben soldiers in the tent.
"It's the midday gong." Xu Chu reflexively opened his mouth, "It's time… time to patrol the camp."
"Make sure that because I am ill, no despicable people can take advantage of the situation to harm King Wei!"
"Patrol… patrol…"
At noon, as he habitually patrolled, Xu Chu tried hard to stand up.
In the netherworld…
It seemed he had gained some strength, perhaps a surge of dying energy, or the last vestige of his duty!
And this…
Made Cao Cao tremble all over.
Even at this moment, Xu Chu's mind was still preoccupied with Cao Cao's safety.
Just like always… he used to patrol five times a day, ensuring that there were no loopholes in the guards of the Huben Army at any given moment. For years… he had done this without interruption.
It was like a habit deeply etched into his bones, unalterable!
Today… today it could not be broken!
Watching Xu Chu struggle to stand up and then sway precariously, Cao Cao felt both heartache and sorrow. Initially, when he let Xu Chu and his fellow villagers guard him, perhaps it was due to Yu'er's recommendation, but more so because he valued their honesty and loyalty.
Cao Cao shed tears…
"Zhongkang, you have patrolled for me for many years. This time, I will accompany you on the patrol. We brothers… I will support you!"
As the words fell…
Xu Chu was about to refuse, but all his strength was in his legs, leaving him no energy to even speak!
But…
He could see the unwavering and determined look in Cao Cao's eyes. He had already helped Xu Chu up.
This burly man, at this moment… seemed to have gone limp all over.
Even…
At such close proximity, Cao Cao could feel the heat on Xu Chu's forehead, like a flame, constantly draining the life of this good brother!
This patrol was no longer mighty…
It even had the flavor of "a monkey wearing a crown," but… this patrol was also awe-inspiring!
…
…
Outside the camp, Lu Yu, Xiahou Dun, and Xiahou Yuan saw Cao Cao supporting Xu Chu as they walked out, step by step.
Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan's eyes turned red, and their hearts felt heavy.
Lu Yu, on the other hand, looked much calmer. He had been intently watching Xu Chu. Instead of useless "compliments" and "groans," it was better to observe the patient more.
In a book, a very formidable person would say a sentence: "You are watching, while I am observing!"
If emotion and tears were useful, what need would there be for traditional Chinese medicine?
However…
Because of the unique system of traditional Chinese medicine, the speed of efficacy was far slower than Western medicine.
Western medicine often showed results in one or two days, while traditional Chinese medicine might take four or five days to take effect.
For now, nothing could be seen.
Lu Yu looked back at Zhang Zhongjing and Hua Tuo.
Their expressions were similar to Lu Yu's; they still needed to observe.
Xiahou Yuan patted Lu Yu, his worthy son-in-law, on the shoulder, "Ziyu, I never thought you would be so heartless! Big brother, Yuan Rang, and I are so distraught, yet you seem so indifferent!"
Lu Yu knew Xiahou Yuan meant no harm, so he smiled faintly, "Father-in-law, now is not the time for tears. Moreover… eyes are for observing, not for crying."
"In short, let's wait and see!"
Lu Yu's eyes blinked, and he smacked his lips… shook his head…
Success or failure depended on Xu Chu and these soldiers of the Huben camp.
They must… persevere!
…
At this moment… inside the Huben camp.
Cao Cao was supporting Xu Chu step by step forward.
Xu Chu's spirit seemed to have recovered somewhat, which made everyone think of the phrase "surge of dying energy."
Seeing King Wei Cao Cao and their commander, some Huben soldiers gathered around.
Xu Chu opened his mouth and asked, "How is it? Can everyone… still hold on?"
A deputy general reported.
"King Wei, Commander Xu…"
"From yesterday to today, a few more have died in our camp. Just now, Chen Gouzi died… Zhao Erhu also died."
Hmm…
When these words left his mouth, Cao Cao wasn't too moved, but Xu Chu instantly fell silent. Chen Gouzi and Zhao Erhu were both deputy commanders of the Huben Army.
Xu Yi's martial arts were taught by Zhao Erhu!
After all…
They, like himself, had not… escaped this disaster.
"It's good that they're gone… it's good," Xu Chu said with effort. "At least… at least it's the end of their suffering and pain."
As he said this, Xu Chu's eyes turned back to Cao Cao.
"Their sons have been brought to Luoyang City. In the future… I cannot take care of them. I hope King Wei…"
"Don't worry, Zhongkang," Cao Cao comforted him. "Whether alive or dead, the families and children of the Huben Army soldiers are my Cao Cao's family and my Cao Cao's kin."
Xu Chu wanted to kneel and thank him, but his body was supported by Cao Cao, so he had no strength to kneel!
"That's good…"
"That's good…"
After these three words, Xu Chu suddenly seemed to be in a daze.
He looked up at the sky, "Yi'er, Yi'er…"
"Listen to your father… stay by Marquis Nanshouting's side."
"Just… just like how I protected King Wei, use your life to protect him… Father is doing this for your own good, for your own good…"
"Did you hear me? You don't know yet… Marquis Nanshouting is… Marquis Nanshouting is…"
As if murmuring in a dream…
Xu Chu could no longer distinguish who was beside him! Who was in front of him!
The surge of dying energy… had also reached its limit.
At this moment.
"Puff…"
Xu Chu spat out a mouthful of black blood.
Immediately after, his legs staggered, as if his last bit of strength had been depleted…
"Dong"
"Dong!"
The weak him, like a wooden stick falling to the ground, made "dong dong" sounds.
His vision also darkened, and he could no longer hear any words…
"Zhongkang, Zhongkang…"
Cao Cao tried to shake him.
Countless Huben soldiers also rushed over.
"General Xu… General…"
Everyone called out with all their might, as if trying to call Xu Chu back from hell…
Only the adjutant, he cried, his large tears falling like raindrops.
"King Wei… King Wei… although he still has breath, but… but at the Chen hour, Chen Gouzi and Zhao Erhu died just like this… exactly the same… exactly the same!"
"General… General, how can you… how can you leave us?"
…
…
－－－－－－ Off-topic －－－－－－
I don't know who removed my group chat.
This is a new group…
Currently, only genuine readers are accepted, 826373191.
In the group, everyone can be a bit more assertive, after all, they are the benefactors of Milk Candy.