Chapter 75 - You're My Lucky Star!
With these two horses as a reference, Wang Zizhao had the entire cavalry inspected. Per Tang Yue's instructions, any injury, irrespective of its size or depth, needed to be identified.
If injuries were addressed promptly, the chances of tetanus would be significantly minimized, which would in turn drastically decrease the horse casualties.
This issue kept the whole squad occupied. Given the manpower, the task was done swiftly since only a limited number of people rode horses, with less than a hundred horses in total.
Tang Yue provided medication to the injured horses and directed that they be looked after diligently. If any issues arose, the matter should be brought to him at once to avoid missing the optimal treatment window.
The evening meal was basic: cold rice cakes accompanied by a large bowl of warm wild vegetable broth. It might not have been flavorful, but it was filling.
Tang Yue had assumed that Wang Zizhao and other young elites wouldn't consume such meals. However, when the food was distributed, everyone received the same, except Wang Zizhao, due to his unique constitution, had an additional bowl of pigeon stew.
“You expect us to eat this?” Zhao Sanlang was the first to voice his dissatisfaction.
Ping Shun remarked with envy, “Where's the meat?” He eyed Wang Zizhao's bowl and couldn't help but salivate.
“If we're on a campaign, the soldiers endure hardships together,” Wang Zizhao said, glancing at them and taking a bite of his rice cake.
Seeing this, Zhao Sanlang and Ping Shun relented, consuming their modest fare. Tang Yue observed silently and realized that if even Wang Zizhao was partaking in such food, it was set in stone.
Despite Wang Zizhao's stature, he wasn't indulging in luxuries. With a thousand guards at his disposal, he could easily hunt for lavish meals. However, he chose not to. Such commitment was worthy of admiration and could serve as an example in instructional materials.
After the meal, Tang Yue discreetly communicated with Wang Zizhao, getting straight to the point, “Tetanus can indeed be cured!”
Wang Zizhao straightened up, his eyes illuminating with intensity. “What is required?”
He realized that if Tang Yue could articulate the pathology so precisely, he must have encountered such an ailment before. His demeanor back then was of despair, but not of incurable disappointment.
Given the way he had treated his wounds, perhaps there was just some element lacking in Tang Yue's treatment approach.
Tang Yue grinned. Communicating with such an astute individual was genuinely straightforward. “Typhoid results when a wound isn't sanitized promptly, allowing bacteria to infiltrate and proliferate within the body, inducing a unique infection characterized by muscular spasms.
Refrain from querying me about terms like bacteria, disinfection, or infection. A comprehension of these medical terminologies isn't requisite. The paramount understanding is that addressing tetanus is crucial.
Tetanus is preventable. Vaccination with tetanus toxin induces automatic immunity. When administered appropriately post-injury, it serves as passive immunity to thwart the disease.
The obstacle, however, is that procuring immunity via anti-toxin serum injection is ostensibly unattainable. The serum necessitates drawing blood from horses that have previously undergone tetanus treatment to extract the blood serum, which is then injected into the afflicted horse to confer immunity.
This remedy is not exclusively for livestock but is also applicable to humans. It's plausible that a considerable number of soldiers succumb to tetanus.”
Wang Zizhao may not have grasped the meaning of certain terms, but he clearly understood the essence of what Tang Yue was conveying. The focal point was the so-called anti-toxin serum.
Despite being unfamiliar with such a therapeutic approach, the existence of hope was reason enough for him to consider it. Isn't this why he was open to exploring it?
“How can I find the so-called… anti-poison serum?”
“Extract blood from the rejuvenated horse, isolate the serum, and administer it to the ailing horse or patient.”
“Locating such a horse and drawing blood isn't challenging, but the separation of serum is puzzling,” Wang Zizhao felt his decade of growth was futile, experiencing a sense of cluelessness.
Tang Yue contemplated deeply and mentioned, “I require several intricate tools. Completing it quickly seems unrealistic. Once I'm back in Ye City, I'll need your comprehensive assistance.”
“Anything that can be found, you can request it.”
Tang Yue breathed a sigh of contentment. Producing centrifuges might be unattainable, but there's a glimmer of hope. He decided to fabricate the syringe initially, deeming it a manageable task.
“Is this the gift you intend to present to me?” Wang Zizhao grinned. The magnitude of this gift was substantial, yet its realization seemed uncertain.
Tang Yue negated, “No, there's another gift, intended for warhorses.”
“Really?” Wang Zizhao resumed his serious demeanor and urged him to proceed.
He harbored no skepticism that the young master would reveal something astonishing. Numerous aspects about him were beyond his comprehension.
“The horse's hooves are prone to deterioration. This is problematic for the horse, isn't it?”
Wang Zizhao gave a nod of understanding. “South Jin lacks extensive meadows. Consequently, the horses raised there are petite, lacking in stamina, and are not weighty. They are ill-suited for long journeys. When compared to the stallions of North Yue, they fall significantly short in robustness.
Besides the damage brought about by the horse hooves, these horses are one of the most vital and limited resources in South Jin.”
“What if there existed a method to decrease the depletion rate of the horse hooves?”
Wang Zizhao, typically composed, inquired urgently, “Could you elaborate on this method?”
Tang Yue illustrated a few concepts on the white fabric with a brush. “There exists an item known as a horseshoe. It's a sleek iron piece bent at both ends to shield the horse hooves.
As you can see, one could instruct the artisans to affix the horseshoe iron to the hoof's keratin using nails. The procedure involves molding the horseshoe iron and attaching it beneath the horse's feet. Using a hammer and nails, the thick nail can be secured into the horses' soles. The hooks of the nail can also be used to anchor it to the horses' ankles, ensuring it remains in place.
Furthermore, implementing wave-like patterns on the horseshoe's rim can enable a more powerful and stable grip on the ground, assisting the horse in maintaining balance.”
Wang Zizhao was simultaneously astonished and exhilarated. This innovation would offer optimal protection for the warhorses. It would not only mitigate the attrition of horses but would also enhance the swiftness and efficiency of the cavalry.
“Tang Yue…” Wang Zizhao uttered softly.
A wave of emotion struck Tang Yue. He lifted his gaze to meet Wang Zizhao's, feeling as though those tender eyes had the power to liquefy one's soul.
“You are really my lucky star!”
Tang Yue's cheeks flushed as he averted his gaze. “What Your Highness speaks of… I merely endeavor to fulfill my duties. I hope Your Highness will not delve too deeply into this matter.”
Wang Zizhao perceived Tang Yue's implication. The knowledge that Tang Yue possessed was indisputably beyond the grasp of ordinary people in South Jin. His background was a significant mystery, worthy of exploration.
Nonetheless, Wang Zizhao had no inclination to probe deeper. The disclosure of such unique information signified Tang Yue's trust in him. Whether viewed from South Jin's perspective or a personal one, he ought to safeguard Tang Yue in his entirety, refraining from causing him distress due to his obscured origins.
“Rest assured, as long as Zhao is present, your safety is assured!”
Tang Yue nearly sputtered, his eyes shifting. He wondered, Why does this declaration feel so overly intimate? It echoes of affection!
However, why did he find himself flustered by such a bold and authoritative vow from a younger man?
“You're free to claim the origination of this idea, but please exclude me from it.”
“You wish to forfeit this merit?”
Tang Yue, with a hint of arrogance, shrugged, “I am not in want of wealth.” The accolades carried financial rewards, but he was not in deficit of them.
The abundant treasury of Yueyang Marquis's Mansion was at his disposal, eliminating any necessity to exploit it fully. For trivial gains, there was no imperative for such exploitation.
Nonetheless, he still relished the sensation of earning and expending his own wealth.
Wang Zizhao could only shake his head and emit a sorrowful chuckle. Never before had he encountered someone with such a liberated spirit. Regardless of his origins, his presence would be a colossal blessing for South Jin.
“I haven't had the chance to showcase the brush you've constructed. Is this agreeable to you?”
Tang Yue scratched his nose, pondering, “It's peculiar that there aren't any brushes available in the market. I initially speculated it was because we were reluctant to embrace this innovation.”
“Provided you remunerate me with some patent fees, I am willing to do whatever is necessary to endorse it.”
“Patent fee?” Wang Zizhao mulled it over and conceded, “Certainly. Profits would be abundant if you decide to vend these.”
Wang Zizhao drafted a contract and handed it to Tang Yue. The latter perused it and expressed his satisfaction with a smile.
“Your Highness's generosity is truly commendable. Should the Marquis's Mansion ever face decline, I will devise several lucrative ideas to procure funds.”
Wang Zizhao's face displayed lines of frustration. Who else would speak such ill words of their own lineage?
“Listening to the young master's words, this sovereign hopes for the descent of the Yueyang Marquis's Mansion by the morrow.” Wang Zizhao expressed, laughing afterwards. If it meant aiding Tang Yue in creating more invaluable items, he genuinely wished to make a proactive effort.
Nonetheless, it remained a thought. Based on Tang Yue's interaction with the Noble Heir at the bar, he appeared to be someone who held his family in high esteem. Any harm to his family could incite considerable opposition.
Tang Yue offered a sheepish smile, “Let's pretend I never uttered those words.”
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