"His Highness the Crown Prince is a peerless medical immortal. This student is greatly impressed. To be able to study here today and pledge loyalty to him is truly a blessing in three lifetimes. Let me join your free clinic as well!"
"And me, and me..."
"I don't know medicine, so even if I can't join the free clinic, please let me stay here and lend a hand!"
Each word echoed in Zhang Zhao's ears before the free clinic...
On the second floor, looking at the physicians and commoners below, Lu Yu was actually moved. When one area suffers, help comes from all directions. This made him feel... Jiangdong was a place with warmth!
...
...
Thus, with the strong cooperation of Lu Yu and Zhang Zhongjing, the Jiangdong government and populace, and even the Five Pecks of Rice Sect, on the fifteenth day... Wu County's plague showed a turning point.
On the thirtieth day, the plague in the entire Wu County was gradually brought under control.
Not to exaggerate, under Lu Yu's leadership, Jiangdong's Wu County accomplished a remarkable feat!
This plague, which caused the death of one-third of Europe's population in the Middle Ages, was brought under control in just thirty days, and... it did not leak into the other five counties of Jiangdong.
This was already a great fortune in misfortune!
...
...
Outside Wu County city, at a Five Pecks of Rice Sect altar.
Zhang Qiying knelt before the statue of Lao Tzu and added three sticks of incense to the censer...
*Hoo...*
She exhaled a long sigh, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
"In the end, the mistakes of the Celestial Masters Sect were... were made up for by the Crown Prince of Wei."
Zhang Qiqi murmured softly.
She had not misjudged him, and during this time in combating the plague... her interactions with Lu Yu made her increasingly feel that... Lu Yu was an extraordinary person.
But...
Next...
Zhang Qiying took out two small bottles from her embrace.
These were given to her by her father, Zhang Lu, who entrusted Bu Lianshi to deliver them... and these two small bottles were the only two methods to ensure the Five Pecks of Rice Sect in Hanzhong could stand firm in this chaotic world.
"The left one..."
Zhang Qiying looked at the bottle on the left, her eyes narrowed, revealing a hint of difficulty...
She shook her head, then turned to the bottle on the right.
For some reason... her cheeks flushed.
Should it be the left one, or...
Or the right one?
It was truly a difficult choice!
...
...
Outside the port on the east side of Wu County... lay the boundless sea.
Ships were loaded with supplies and goods. Gan Ning stood on the deck of a flagship, a red rope tied around his head, his white feather plume particularly eye-catching...
With a harpoon by his side, he stood tall, gazing at the horizon.
The fleet was about to set sail again...
As per Lu Yu's instructions, the target this time was the islands of the South China Sea. Lu Yu had given Gan Ning a map, which roughly marked the locations of islands such as "Ganquan Island," "Zhongjian Island," and "Xisha Islands."
Just like conquering Yamatai Kingdom before, this voyage was to conquer the islands of the South China Sea...
Especially Ryukyu, according to the map, it was a gathering place for pirates!
Speaking of which...
This journey was a little closer than sailing from the Donghai Port of Xuzhou to Yamatai Kingdom... but whether the local natives would welcome them, that was all unknown.
Lu Yu had already begun to attempt... to open the "Age of Discovery" for Great Wei...
Of course...
One must take steps one at a time; taking too big a step can easily lead to a setback!
General Wen Pin...
After dealing with the plague in Jiangdong, Lu Yu, now free, began to plan this voyage. As the fleet was about to set sail, Lu Yu's words became increasingly earnest.
"This time, the three of you will cooperate. Gan Xingba is more resourceful and bold, while Lü Fengxian possesses unparalleled martial skills. If you encounter trouble... and need to use troops and weapons to solve it, I am not worried. Only... you,
Wen Pin, must mediate this army well... and also mediate the relationship between Lü Fengxian and Gan Xingba..."
"Your subordinate understands!" Wen Pin cupped his hands.
Lu Yu patted his shoulder, "The purpose of this voyage is to expand the territory of Great Wei overseas. The merit is no less than driving out the Hu barbarians..."
Wen Pin cupped his hands again. "Your Highness, rest assured, your subordinate will not fail in this mission!"
Speaking of which... Lu Yu turned and looked around the port...
Today, there were many people seeing them off.
For example, a father and daughter pair over there... were particularly eye-catching.
It was Lü Bu and Lü Lingqi...
"Father, won't you take me? Daughter went with Father to explore Yamatai Kingdom before! This time... daughter also wants to... wants to..." Lü Lingqi blinked her large eyes repeatedly...
Indeed, rather than a peaceful life, she desired to roam overseas and fight alongside her father.
Lü Bu looked at his daughter and gently patted her shoulder, "Lingqi, you are now a married woman. From now on, your husband is your heaven..."
"Then can't Father stay?" Lü Lingqi was reluctant.
Lü Bu shook his head, "Your father has been in the military all his life. If he were to enjoy blessings on land now, his hands would itch. I heard Ziyu say that there are countless islands overseas, and among these islands are countless natives. These people... Father yearns to conquer them one by one! This is also the original, purest appearance of Lü Fengxian of Jiuyuan that Ziyu asked me to find again!"
"Father... Father..." Lü Lingqi felt a bit sentimental... but she knew that at this time, she should not persuade her father further.
This was the lifestyle her father had chosen...
It was also the way her father chose to protect her, protect Diao Chan, and protect Sister Ling Ju...
Wasn't it?
"Alright!" Lü Bu hugged Lü Lingqi and gently patted her back, "In the future, if you have problems, ask your husband. He is the smartest man I have ever met. I am very relieved to have you by his side!"
"Dad... Dad... Daughter will miss you, will miss you..." Lü Lingqi sobbed...
"It's not like we won't see each other again," Lü Bu smiled. "At most six months, at least a few months, Father will be back. Just like conquering the islands of Yamatai Kingdom... after conquering these archipelagos, I will return with a triumphant army!"
When he said these words, Lü Bu's eyes were exceptionally resolute.
In less than half an hour, the ships conquering the Nansha Islands had already departed...
Wen Pin, Gan Ning, Lü Bu...
Lu Yu found this combination very strange!
But it couldn't be helped, given their previous success!
Yamatai Kingdom... they had performed exceptionally well.
Lu Yu waved at Gan Ning, Lü Bu, Wen Pin, and the others on the ship...
Lü Bu, with his hand on the ship's railing, caressed the great ship that had weathered countless storms. After a long silence, he extended his hand and waved... as a farewell.
He turned around with difficulty, but before him... a familiar man was smiling at him.
"Gong... Gongtai?"
Lü Bu cried out in surprise...
And who else could appear before him other than Chen Gong, Chen Gongtai!
"Hahaha..." Chen Gong laughed, stroking his beard as he spoke, "I never thought I'd be able to fight alongside Marquis Wen again in my lifetime!"
"Looking back at the events of over ten years ago, those were truly magnificent years... does Marquis Wen still have the demeanor of the peerless God of War from back then?"
Chen Gong's words immediately pulled Lü Bu back to... the battlefield of the third year of Chuping.
Back then, he, Lü Bu, and Chen Gong, one martial and one civil, had found themselves in a desperate situation and emerged alive, astonishing the world. What glorious days those were!
"Hahahaha..." Lü Bu burst into laughter, "I never expected Ziyu to make such arrangements... Excellent... Come, Gongtai, the wine we haven't shared for over ten years, today you and I must drink it back!"
Unlike their hurried meeting last time...
This time, the two had ample time to spend together, ample time to reminisce about the glorious past... and all of this...
Was in the wine, in the laughter.
As the saying goes: "A smile of recognition can melt away past grievances."
Outside the ship were vast and surging waves...
Inside the ship, the wine was sweet and abundant!
However, on shore...
Lu Yu specifically glanced at Sun Shangxiang, who, as expected, looked reluctant to part.
"Let's go..."
Lu Yu quietly instructed Dian Wei beside him.
"What about Miss Sun..." Dian Wei asked in return.
Lu Yu paused and said with emotion, "Let her stay a while longer... Leave a few people to ensure her safety."
"Yes!" Dian Wei agreed. Just then, he seemed to recall something. "Just now, Sun Erlang, Sun Sanlang, and Zhou Gongjin, Lu Zijing were discussing matters in the yamen, seemingly discussing... how to find the culprit behind this plague, the villain who introduced the Western Regions plague into Jiangdong and spread rumors to slander the Crown Prince!"
"Is there any progress?" Lu Yu asked with interest...
Dian Wei shook his head, "Probably not... It seems the source is very well hidden, and there are no clues whatsoever."
Heh...
Hearing this, Lu Yu smiled. He instructed, "Commander Dian, go tell them that I will apprehend the ringleader by tomorrow!"
...
...
Because the plague had subsided, the entire Wu County returned to its original order.
Wu Guotai's condition had also recovered well after a month of recuperation, and she was able to walk. Perhaps it was due to the many tonifying medicinal herbs she had consumed, she was even more nimble than before.
However, Wu Guotai proposed... that since the Crown Prince and her daughter's wedding had already been held in Luoyang, it should also be held in Jiangdong... so that the people of Jiangdong could share in the joy.
Of course... Lu Yu was already accustomed to these matters. This was not his first marriage, he was used to it...
And because of this matter, Sun Shangxiang began to avoid Lu Yu these past few days, whether it was out of gratitude, shame, or shyness, it was unknown.
Of course...
While Jiangdong was celebrating, only three people were unhappy...
— Zhou Yu!
— Lu Su!
— Lu Xun!
The sun was already high in the sky...
"Alas..."
Zhou Yu in the yamen let out a long sigh. Similarly sighing were Lu Su and Lu Xun, who were seated before him.
This was their umpteenth sigh...
The reason, as always, was the plague.
"A month has passed since the spread of this plague. During this time, there have been so many rumors and slanders directly targeting the Crown Prince of Wei, yet what about us? Who exactly is the culprit behind spreading rumors and releasing the plague... we still have no clues."
Zhou Yu sighed again.
Speaking of which, he, Lü Xun, and Lu Su were responsible for investigating this case, but now... let alone the ringleader, there wasn't even a single clue. Did this indirectly indicate their incompetence?
"Boyan, the Lu family has the most businesses among the common folk. Do you have any clues?" Lu Su proactively asked Lu Xun.
Lu Xun shook his head, "If I had any clues, why would I be here? I would have already led people to apprehend the ringleader!"
Lu Su sighed helplessly, "This... what is all this! It makes our Jiangdong side look incompetent..."
Another round of sighing...
Just then...
"Report..." a voice called out. The three turned around and saw a subordinate of the Lu family.
He hurried over, "Just now, His Highness the Crown Prince sent the Dragon Cavalry to inform us that tomorrow... he will be able to capture the ringleader who poisoned the rats, and asked the three of you to await good news..."
Ah...
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu, Lu Su, and Lu Xun exchanged glances, their eyes full of doubt.
His Highness the Crown Prince... he had been busy dealing with the plague during this period. Could he still spare time to investigate this case?
For a moment, a large question mark... appeared on everyone's foreheads.
...
...
Outside the guesthouse where Lu Yu resided.
Xu Chu blocked Zhang Qiying's path.
Zhang Qiying calmly stated, "This humble woman cooperated with the Five Pecks of Rice Sect to assist His Highness the Crown Prince in treating the plague. His Highness the Crown Prince has granted me permission to see him at any time. Why is General Xu blocking me?"
"Hmph..." Xu Chu had been by Cao Cao's side for a long time and had learned some of Cao Cao's skills in judging people.
"His Highness the Son of Heaven may believe you, but I do not. I do not believe that there are such kind-hearted saintesses like you in this world, nor such world-saving sects as the Five Pecks of Rice Sect!"
With a cold gaze...
Zhang Qiying was not bothered at all, "Does General Xu forbid me from seeing His Highness?"
"I dare not!" Xu Chu stepped aside from the stairs, "Don't let me catch you!"
Zhang Qiying gracefully bowed and was about to ascend with her maidservant...
Xu Chu stopped the maidservant, "His Highness the Crown Prince only allows the Saintess to see him at any time, but these maids, I dare not let them approach His Highness!"
Zhang Qiying signaled her maidservants...
The maidservants all handed over food boxes... Zhang Qiying smiled, "These meals were already checked once by the Palace Office upon entry. Does General Xu need to check them again?"
Xu Chu did not reply... he walked a few steps away.
Zhang Qiying then pursed her lips and stepped onto the stairs...
At this moment, Lu Yu was alone in his study, still writing, as if composing something.
Because she had brought food many times, Zhang Qiying entered the room familiarly and slowly knelt beside Lu Yu, setting down the food.
The guesthouse had food, but it was not as delicious as Zhang Qiying's...
Lu Yu had praised the food she brought once, and the people below did not dare to stop her anymore.
However, today...
Zhang Qiying placed the dishes on the table, a total of seven plates, all looking and smelling delicious, along with a pot of small wine.
Lu Yu smelled the wine... and looked up slightly.
"You have worked hard during this time. Your sect understands the plague here better, so... we need to consult the Saintess on many issues. As for the dishes, I have said it before, the guesthouse has food... you do not need to bring it every time, Saintess."
This was not the first time Lu Yu had eaten food prepared by Zhang Qiying...
Of course... when he first ate it, Lu Yu would be cautious. But as the number of times increased, it seemed... he had also begun to trust Zhang Qiying.
"It is my fortune accumulated over several lifetimes to be able to serve His Highness the Crown Prince..." Zhang Qiying smiled and poured wine for Lu Yu, also pouring a cup for herself. "It's the same as before, whether it's the wine... or the dishes, this humble woman always tries them first..."
As she spoke...
Zhang Qiying took a sip of the wine and drank it all down... She also served herself a bowl of each of the dishes on the table and ate them with a smile.
After doing all this, Zhang Qiying said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, do not overwork yourself. It is already noon; it is time to dine."
"Indeed..."
Lu Yu looked up at the sky. Unknowingly, he had been busy for an entire morning.
He picked up his wine goblet and slowly moved it to his lips, sighing, "Good wine..." and was about to drink it all.
However... Zhang Qiying's eyes flickered with a hint of a hazy look.
Just as the wine was about to reach Lu Yu's mouth...
"Wait..." Zhang Qiying softly called out to stop him.
Lu Yu, on the other hand, slowly put down the wine goblet, and then... his eyes fixed on Zhang Qiying.
"What is it?"
"Drinking on an empty stomach is most intoxicating. Why don't you eat some food first?" Zhang Qiying's expression changed very quickly. If Lu Yu had not been deliberately paying attention, it would have been difficult to notice.
At this moment...
Lu Yu's expression changed. He gently picked up the wine goblet again and asked with a smile, "Saintess, what have you placed in this cup of wine? Is it poison, or... aphrodisiac? This Crown Prince is very curious!"
...
...
-wAp..Com- to check