The oil lamp had burned down, and a pale morning light filtered in.
Lu Yu, Zhang Zhongjing, and Hua Tuo were exhausted after a night of intense effort. Zhang Zhongjing could still sit upright, focusing intently. Hua Tuo, being older, could no longer continue reading and rested his face on a bamboo slip, feigning sleep.
Lu Yu was also very tired, but he couldn't sleep…
He had to transcribe the "Qian Jin Yao Fang" (Thousand Golden Prescriptions) from memory, a work by the Medicine King Sun Simiao.
The special medicine for treating "schistosomiasis" was proving unreliable.
Therefore…
He had to select traditional Chinese medicines from the "Ben Cao Gang Mu" (Compendium of Materia Medica) and the "Qian Jin Yao Fang."
Fortunately, Zhang Zhongjing and Hua Tuo were masters in this field…
Moreover, "Ben Cao Gang Mu" and "Qian Jin Yao Fang" provided extremely detailed records. Based on this schistosomiasis, there were many choices for medicinal preparations… though it would still take time to experiment.
Zhang Zhongjing was carefully reading the "Qian Jin Yao Fang." He occasionally made notes on the desk, seemingly grouping two herbs together and imagining their reactions.
Finally, upon turning to a completely new chapter…
The words "Jie Chong Du" (Detoxifying Insect Poisons) appeared on the bamboo slips. His spirit immediately revived. He focused with all his might.
The more he read, the more his expression shifted from disbelief to shock, and then to excitement.
Even the hand holding the "Qian Jin Yao Fang" trembled.
The sky was already faintly lit. He even moved the candle closer. He didn't notice the lamp oil burning his hand; he merely shook his hand, his eyes never leaving the bamboo slips.
Zhang Zhongjing's unusual excitement caught Hua Tuo's attention. Hua Tuo gazed at him.
Zhang Zhongjing, too preoccupied to explain, ignored Hua Tuo's puzzled gaze and rushed out the door with the bamboo slips. Lu Yu, in the adjacent room, was also woken by the commotion, and the brush in his hand clattered to the floor.
Zhang Zhongjing trembled, "Nan Shou Hou, look at this… Although the 'Qian Jin Yao Fang' doesn't explicitly state it, many places corroborate the mention of the plague along the Yangtze River, and the prescription…"
Zhang Zhongjing's expression surprised Lu Yu. He took the "Qian Jin Yao Fang"…
From the marked locations, there were indeed four prescriptions.
Prescription One: Chu Feng Qing Pi Yin. Made with Chai Hu, Huang Qin, Qing Pi, Hou Po, Cao Guo, Fa Ban Xia, Fu Ling, Zhi Zi, Huang Lian, Jin Yin Hua, Gan Cao, simmered over a slow fire.
Prescription Two: Fu Fang Bing Lang Wan (Compound Areca Seed Pill). Medicinal components: Hei Qian Niu, Qing Mu Xiang, Qing Pi, Fang Feng, Bing Lang!
It should be noted that areca nuts originated in Southeast Asia and later arrived in China through maritime trade, around the Western Han Dynasty.
This means that areca nuts were available in the Han Dynasty.
Seeing Prescription Two, Lu Yu couldn't help but recall the story of Emperor Wu of Han's campaign in Nanyue.
According to the "Records of the Grand Historian," northern soldiers, unable to withstand the miasma of the south, fell ill. Someone saw the areca nuts hanging from the trees, picked them, and ate them. The patients miraculously recovered. Thus, the entire army consumed areca nuts to alleviate the miasma.
If this were the case…
Then this Fu Fang Bing Lang Wan? Perhaps…
Without time to ponder, Lu Yu's eyes continued downward and saw the third prescription – Xiao Yao San.
Medicinal components: Chai Hu, Bai Shao, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Guang Mu Xiang, Dang Shen, Bian Dou, Zhi Ke, Yan Hu Suo, Gan Cao.
There was even a fourth prescription, a formula for women to treat schistosomiasis.
Wen Bu Zhu Shui Wan (Warm Tonifying Water Dispelling Pill). Medicinal components: Dan Fu Pian, Rou Gui, Dang Shen, Chao Bai Zhu, Hei Chou, Bai Chou, E Jiao, Fu Ling, Gan Sui, Da Ji, Da Zao.
Among these… there might be a few medicinal materials that were not available in the Han Dynasty.
However, with Zhang Zhongjing present, the medicinal materials could be substituted.
What astonished Lu Yu immensely was that the "Qian Jin Yao Fang" actually contained methods to cure schistosomiasis.
As expected of you, Sun Simiao, the "maverick" one!
Compared to Western medicine's special drugs, Chinese herbal prescriptions had fewer side effects and were safer.
On one side was science, on the other were the theories of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. The theories of Chinese and Western medicine were fundamentally different.
But undoubtedly, Traditional Chinese Medicine treated both symptoms and root causes, primarily by regulating the internal environment of the body, and its effectiveness… might not be inferior to "Praziquantel tablets."
Just then.
"Young Master, Young Master…"
Heavy footsteps broke the silence of the night, followed by an urgent voice.
Dian Wei hurried over.
"No, it's not good…"
This man of iron resolve was unusually choked with emotion.
"What is it?"
Lu Yu asked quickly.
Dian Wei truthfully replied, "General Zhong Kang and… and the soldiers of the Tiger Guards have all… all contracted this plague!"
Hmm…
Upon hearing this, Lu Yu's brows furrowed. Schistosomiasis… was mostly contracted through cercariae in infected water. Often, even washing one's face by the river could lead to infection; it was hard to guard against…
He hadn't expected the Tiger Guards to be infected.
This was like adding insult to injury.
They couldn't wait any longer.
Immediately, Lu Yu gave orders…
"Here's the plan, Commander Dian. I, along with Divine Physician Zhongjing and Divine Physician Hua Tuo, will immediately issue prescriptions. Arrange dedicated personnel to decoct the medicine… one bowl per person, and deliver it to the Tiger Guards immediately!"
Medicine?
Dian Wei was taken aback.
Lu Yu nodded gravely.
"Medicine that can cure this plague!"
Might as well be bold and use the Tiger Guards as test subjects for this "new medicine"!
…At worst, it's a dying horse treated as if it were alive.
"Besides this, transmit my military order!"
Lu Yu instructed seriously, "All infected individuals are to be isolated and receive medication distributed by the medical office! They must take it on time and in the prescribed dosage daily!"
"Select ten thousand men to eliminate the 'snails' in all waters around Wulin, using burial and burning to kill all snail bodies in the Wulin area."
"Strictly prohibit direct consumption of river water. All drinking water must be boiled at high temperatures! This includes animal drinking water. Also… strictly prohibit contact between livestock and humans."
These three points were proposed because…
Based on Lu Yu's understanding of schistosomiasis, the transmission of schistosomiasis required intermediate hosts, and this intermediate host was the Oncomelania snail.
He recalled a specific period when a devastating epidemic caused by schistosomiasis had spread across 350 counties in 12 provinces and cities in Jiangnan, affecting 10 million people!
The severity at that time was no less than that of the Battle of Red Cliffs!
But the diligent and brave Chinese nation, united as one… adopted the three methods of controlling the source of infection, cutting off the transmission route, and protecting susceptible populations.
Later, a great leader, upon learning that schistosomiasis had been eradicated in Yu County, excitedly wrote "Seven-Character-Regulated Verse Two Poems: Sending Away the Plague God."
Among them, the famous two lines—
—Seated here, traversing eighty thousand li in a day; surveying the heavens, gazing at a thousand rivers from afar.
—The Cowherd Boy wishes to inquire about the Plague God; joys and sorrows are the same, chasing fleeting waves!
—are from one of the poems in "Sending Away the Plague God."
Although Dian Wei didn't know what kind of medicine this was…
And the reasons behind these methods?
He always regarded Lu Yu's words as divine!
Thump… thump…
Listening to Dian Wei's hurried footsteps leaving,
Lu Yu's mood gradually grew somber, hoping… hoping they could truly send away the plague god!
—To win at Red Cliffs, this schistosomiasis was a hurdle that had to be overcome.
…
…
Cao's camp, within the central army's encampment.
This was originally the guard unit protecting Cao Cao. The encampment was chosen in the most core location, but now… this encampment and the surrounding hundred paces were surrounded by high wooden fences, and completely deserted.
In the center of the encampment, the atmosphere was one of extreme tension.
The reason was that the entire Tiger Guards camp had contracted the plague. At this moment, Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan led heavily armed troops to surround the encampment within a hundred meters. Only doctors were allowed to enter, but no one was permitted to leave.
The spread of this plague had exceeded everyone's imagination. The Tiger Guards were just the tip of the iceberg; at least a hundred thousand people had already contracted this plague.
Just then…
Suddenly, a roar was heard.
"Zhong Kang? Where is Zhong Kang?"
From a distance, Cao Cao's roaring voice could be heard. It seemed that even the usually calm Cao Cao was somewhat flustered and agitated by Xu Chu's illness.
Xu Chu… was not just one of Cao Cao's guards.
Years ago, the extremely suspicious Cao Cao… trusted no one except his kinsmen. But Lu Yu suggested… that the fellow villagers and soldiers brought by Xu Chu guard his safety.
Because Xu Chu and Cao Cao were from the same hometown, Pei Commandery, Qiao County… naturally, Cao Cao trusted him implicitly.
And over the years, Xu Chu always stayed by Cao Cao's side. Cao Cao would entrust him with all sorts of matters, big and small. Their relationship was not just master and servant, but rather good friends, even… brothers!
The world only knew of Cao Cao's might, but who knew that Cao Cao's kindness often outweighed his might!
At this moment, seeing Xu Chu trapped in the Tiger Guards' camp, how could Cao Cao not be agitated? He desperately wanted to rush in.
"Get out of the way, get out of the way!"
A cold shout…
Cao Cao had been acting all his life, but this time, he wasn't acting… it was genuine emotion.
He vividly remembered… when his good brother, the Administrator of Jibei, Bao Xin, left him, he had wept so heartbrokenly…
He couldn't bear to see any of his brothers by his side leave him.
"Elder Brother… you mustn't go… you mustn't go!"
"This place is full of… full of plague. If Elder Brother also gets infected, then…"
Xiahou Yuan and Xiahou Dun, holding and dragging him, tightly restrained Cao Cao, preventing him from advancing.
Countless armored soldiers also formed a human wall in front of Cao Cao, blocking him from moving forward.
Even if it meant defying orders, they absolutely could not allow Cao Cao to enter the Tiger Guards' camp!
This concerned Red Cliffs, the Great Wei, and the entire realm!
"You rebels!"
With a swish… Cao Cao drew his sword and pointed it at the armored soldiers in front of him.
All the armored soldiers stood their ground. This was an order, a mountain-like order!
This was also loyalty, the absolute loyalty of the Great Wei soldiers to Cao Cao!
"Elder Brother… do not make things difficult for them. If you must pass, then step over your foolish brother's corpse first!" Xiahou Dun patted his chest, refusing to budge.
Xiahou Yuan also had a resolute gaze, "Your foolish brother is the same!"
Just then…
It seemed…
The sounds from outside the camp attracted the attention of the Tiger Guards. Countless Tiger Guard soldiers emerged from the tents, each gripping the wooden railings that held them captive, looking towards Cao Cao.
Seeing Cao Cao still attempting to break through…
"Clack…"
"Clack…"
"Clack…"
Countless Tiger Guard soldiers knelt down one after another.
With their leaders, they shouted in unison, "Our lives are all dedicated to protecting King Wei. We implore King Wei not to come any closer. Even if we die… we will protect King Wei to our last breath!"
"The safety of King Wei concerns the realm. Do not concern yourself with the Tiger Guards' camp… The Tiger Guards have followed King Wei for a lifetime. There is not a single coward among the Tiger Guards!"
"The Tiger Guards' camp will never cause trouble for King Wei!"
Hundreds of Tiger Guard soldiers knelt and kowtowed together… the sound of countless foreheads colliding with the ground was exceptionally crisp…
They had decided… that even if they died, they would not allow the plague to continue to spread and propagate.
And this… was the backbone forged by the Tiger Guards over decades!
Tears welled up…
Cao Cao was on the verge of tears.
Xiahou Yuan and Xiahou Dun were already in tears, and countless soldiers guarding outside the wooden fences also shed tears.
How formidable were the Tiger Guards? They were second only to the Dragon's Might Camp… these wooden fences, let alone them, couldn't even hold ordinary armored soldiers. But… the Tiger Guards before them made no attempt to escape. They remained in the camp, awaiting their fate!
"King Wei, return!"
"We implore King Wei, return!"
"Return!"
Countless Tiger Guard soldiers shouted in unison, their voices reaching the heavens, each shout higher and more unified than the last.
"I will not leave!"
Cao Cao's tone was equally resolute. "Today, no one can take me away. I will be with the Tiger Guards!"
This declaration deeply shook the soldiers present… the entire scene was incredibly tragic.
"Where is Zhong Kang?"
"Where is Zhong Kang?"
Cao Cao shouted towards the Tiger Guards' camp… but there was no response!
He knew that as long as Xu Chu had a shred of strength left, he would not hide in the tent. He definitely… definitely would come out, but… but with so many Tiger Guards, Zhong Kang was nowhere to be seen!
"Marquis Hu he…"
A Tiger Guard soldier said with tears in his eyes…
But before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by other Tiger Guards, "Your Majesty Wei, rest assured, Marquis Hu is fine… Marquis Hu is fine!"
"Fine? If he's fine, then let him come see me!" Cao Cao shouted…
But the response… was silence.
Not a single Tiger Guard soldier could answer this question, because at this moment… their Marquis Hu no longer had the strength to move.
Fading away…
Such a burly, broad-shouldered General Xu Chu, who was like a mountain, was now… gasping for breath, at his last gasp.
He liked to drink raw water…
And how many bacteria, how many snails were parasitic in this raw water.
…
At this moment, inside the Tiger Guards' tent.
Xu Chu's face was as pale as paper. It was hard to imagine that he, who had been full of vigor just yesterday, had been suffering from a high fever since early morning, his entire body feeling like a furnace.
Several old soldiers surrounded him… these were comrades who had shared life and death.
"I… I will tell you."
Xu Chu spoke, his voice extremely faint. "Do not let Your Majesty Wei know of my current state. At the end of my life, let… let Your Majesty Wei remember me at my best!"
"Marquis Hu… do not speak for now. The medical office has sent medicine, one bowl per person… we… we will feed you!" his old comrades said.
"When did I, the mighty Xu Chu, have to rely on others to be fed medicine? Ah…"
Xu Chu tried to reach for the medicine bowl himself…
However… he didn't even have the strength to extend his arm.
Clack… both arms fell simultaneously, and he nearly tumbled off the bed.
"Marquis Hu… Marquis Hu…"
The old comrades quickly helped him up, "Let… let us feed you then!"
Xu Chu didn't even have the time to ask where the medicine came from!
Currently, thousands were dying of plague in Cao's camp every day. As Cao Cao's trusted confidant, how could Xu Chu not know this?
If there were medicine, why would it be so tragic?
But… he, or rather, they, were now unable to distinguish the quality of the medicine. Having medicine was enough; it was better than sitting and waiting for death!
After drinking the medicine, Xu Chu became even more exhausted. He struggled to open his eyes a little.
His vision was blurry.
"I think I heard, heard Your Majesty Wei's voice?"
"Outside the camp… is there… is there Your Majesty Wei?"
He thought it was auditory hallucination. In reality… outside the Tiger Guards' camp, Cao Cao had already shouted himself hoarse!
…
…