Chapter 82 - A Warm Man
“Someone, have Military Physician Tang and the two young masters sent to Yu Xin City!” Wang Zizhao issued the command.
“What?”
“Why?!!” Tang Yue and Zhao Sanlang protested in unison. Even Ping Shun regarded Wang Zizhao with bewilderment.
“The circumstances have taken a turn. To ensure your safety, it's advisable not to accompany us.”
“I am a military doctor!” Tang Yue emphasized, pointing out that no journey should proceed without a doctor. So why was he being left behind?
“Yu Xin City isn't far. If there are any wounded individuals, I'll instruct someone to transport them to Yu Xin City. The young lord will be there to receive them,” Wang Zizhao reassured.
“That will prolong their injuries!” Tang Yue contended. “Your Highness, rather than going to the frontlines, it would be wiser to establish a medical facility in the rear. There would be no risk there.”
Wang Zizhao arched an eyebrow, his concern still evident.
In his view, the lives of a thousand soldiers couldn't hold a candle to Tang Yue's. He was determined to protect this man at any cost.
“I already have fifty guards with me. Your Highness, if you're concerned, why not assign me an additional fifty guards?” Tang Yue inquired with a smile.
Wang Zizhao hesitated briefly before consenting, “Since you insist, I'll grant your request. In case of danger, send a signal to me.”
“Certainly,” Tang Yue replied with a gracious hand gesture toward Wang Zizhao, scissors in hand.
Wang Zizhao was taken aback by the warmth in Tang Yue's smile. He mused, “This young master of the Tang Family may appear unremarkable, but there's a certain charm to his smile. I wonder which fortunate family will have him as a son-in-law.”
Shaking off these inexplicable thoughts, Wang Zizhao shifted his attention to the other two individuals in his care.
Zhao Sanlang rose to his feet and asserted, “Your Highness, regardless of Zhao Xian's shortcomings, he'll never flee from the battlefield. If he were to desert today, he'd have no standing in Ye City in the future.”
Wang Zizhao frowned and offered a stern admonition, “This is a matter of life and death. You mustn't let emotions cloud your judgment!” Originally, he had brought these two burdens along for the sake of maintaining cordial relations with the State Duke's family and providing them with some training.
Their role wasn't to engage in combat and slay enemies; it was to experience the rigors of marching.
The situation at the frontlines remained uncertain, and the identities of these two individuals were esteemed. If they were to perish here, it would be difficult to justify to their families.
“Your Highness, there's no need to fret. It's clear that everyone here is present as witnesses. Regardless of life or death, our choice is apparent. It doesn't concern others,” Zhao Sanlang affirmed resolutely. Earlier, he had harbored various anxieties and apprehensions, but now, his determination was unwavering.
However, it was impossible for him to retreat in time!
He gave Ping Shun a push. “Noble Heir, what's your decision?”
Ping Shun bit his lip and cast a determined look at Tang Yue, exclaiming loudly, “I want in, too!”
There was no justification for him to retreat alone; that would be an act of cowardice. Ping Shun might be naive, but he wasn't foolish. He understood what the right choice was, and he grasped Tang Yue's intentions for bringing him along.
He may have been somewhat foolish, but he certainly wasn't clueless. He comprehended the correct path and why Tang Yue had invited him here.
Wang Zizhao nodded approvingly. It appeared that these two were not entirely unyielding. If they performed admirably on this expedition, he wouldn't mind investing in their development.
Despite his youth, Wang Zizhao had spent numerous years on the border, with few reliable followers besides Hu Jinpeng.
His leg injury had made him realize that his position was precarious. Only a select few remained steadfast by his side. If Ping Shun and Tang Yue could be nurtured into talents, they would represent two valuable assets. It would be a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties.
With a consensus reached, the group resumed their journey. Their pace quickened noticeably, and a solemn air pervaded the atmosphere.
The sound of horse hooves and the sound of footsteps intertwined.
Wang Zizhao and Hu Jinpeng deliberated on their approach and eventually devised a strategy to entice the adversary.
The team abruptly divided into a convoy of a hundred individuals. They loaded several carts with provisions and discarded their armor, presenting themselves in a more refined manner.
Hu Jinpeng truly wished Ping Shun could masquerade as a prosperous merchant's son; his appearance was a perfect fit. No disguise was needed, just adept acting.
However, this individual possessed a distinct identity and modest abilities, causing Hu Jinpeng to hesitate to put Ping Shun at the forefront.
Consequently, he had no choice but to select an unremarkable soldier, dressing him in Tang Yue's attire. After applying some paleness to his face, the soldier was compelled to imitate Tang Yue's demeanor.
If Tang Yue hadn't lacked martial prowess, he would have volunteered himself. It would have been an occasional opportunity to flaunt his affluence, which he found quite gratifying.
Hu Jinpeng assumed the role of guard captain, donning a warrior's uniform. He then led his contingent away. Meanwhile, Wang Zizhao slowed his pace, biding his time with his comrades, awaiting the signal.
As they neared the predetermined area, Wang Zizhao was adamant about not allowing Tang Yue to proceed. He directed his men to select a level spot to establish a camp, preparing for any potential medical emergencies.
Tang Yue understood the gravity of the situation. He instructed the guards to unpack the herbs and instruments he had brought, arranging them methodically based on their purposes.
All was in readiness, save for the eastern wind. Tang Yue surveyed the hundred guards encircling him and devised a plan, dividing them into several groups.
“Which one of you can read?” Tang Yue asked loudly.
The guards exchanged glances and, after a brief pause, two rather diminutive young men stepped forward. They spoke in subdued tones, “Young Master, I recognize some of them, but not all.”
Tang Yue nodded in acknowledgment. He assigned these two to oversee the herbs, providing them with a list of herb names to identify.
The journey had subjected them to external injuries, and while the variety of herbs needed was not extensive, their quantity was significant. Designating individuals to gather the herbs would save valuable time.
For the remaining team members, Tang Yue organized a small group to transport the wounded, another to tidy up the area and clean the tools, and allocated roles for sentries and logistics support.
After settling the arrangements, Tang Yue realized who he needed most—surgeons. As a surgeon himself, he understood the importance of having skilled assistants and nurses.
Handling minor injuries and ailments alone was feasible, but in the case of major surgeries, the absence of assistance would undoubtedly slow down his work considerably.
Moreover, in the army, nurses were more useful than doctors.
They merely required basic first aid knowledge, proficiency in treating external injuries, applying bandages, and identifying commonly used external injury medications.
Training individuals of this sort wasn't a complex task. With around a hundred recruits, a significant portion of wounded soldiers retrieved from the battlefield could receive timely treatment.
In his thoughts, Tang Yue devised a plan to establish a nursing team when a commotion suddenly erupted outside.
He dashed out of the tent and the first sight that met his eyes was Wang Zizhao, clad in silver armor, seated atop his steed as he rode away with a flick of the reins.
Tang Yue hurriedly grasped a soldier's arm and asked loudly, “Is Wang Zizhao departing as well?”
The soldier nodded, and Tang Yue released his grip, shouting after Wang Zizhao in frustration, “Your Highness, your legs aren't suited for strenuous activity!”
It remained uncertain whether Wang Zizhao had heard his words as he turned around briefly to cast a glance in his direction. Although Tang Yue couldn't discern the expression on Wang Zizhao's face from the distance, his racing heart instantly steadied.
He had confidence that Wang Zizhao was no reckless individual. He understood how to handle matters, alleviating any need for undue concern on Tang Yue's part.
Taking a deep breath, Tang Yue issued orders, “Alright, everyone, prepare for patrol duty. We will begin police patrols and apprehend any suspicious individuals we encounter.”
“Yes.”
Tang Yue pivoted and entered the tent. Stepping inside, he suddenly remembered the two other individuals he needed to keep an eye on.
Slapping his forehead, he inquired of the mountainous figure next to him, “Did you happen to spot Zhao Sanlang and Noble Heir just now?”
Shan nodded. “They were with His Highness. Weren't you aware of that?”
“Er…” Tang Yue felt a touch of embarrassment. He chuckled and admitted, “I did see them, but they were a bit far away. I wasn't entirely sure.”
Truth be told, his concerns for Wang Zizhao had consumed him to the point where he had entirely overlooked the other two.
Amitabha. I hope they have a safe journey, amen.
Tang Yue changed into a long, pristine white robe, thoroughly washed his hands, and donned white gloves, a hat, and a mask. Anxious anticipation filled him as he awaited the arrival of the wounded.
It marked his inaugural experience handling such an extensive treatment, and it transpired in ancient times, a period marked by a dearth of equipment and medical resources. Uncertainty gnawed at him.
Whether due to emotional influence or sheer diligence, everyone present exhibited utmost gravity. The two guards responsible for the medicinal herbs meticulously double-checked their inventory. Not only did they commit the herbs' names to memory, but they also etched the appearance of each medication into their minds, harboring a fear of committing errors in the critical moments to come.
After waiting for approximately two hours, a voice suddenly rang out ahead: “Hurry… where's Young Master Yue? … The wounded have arrived.”
Tang Yue instructed them to usher the wounded in, arranging them in an orderly manner according to the severity of their injuries. Those with minor injuries could be bandaged if they had the necessary medicine.
“The wound was inflicted on the abdomen, measuring two inches in length, with a turnover, substantial blood loss, and damage to the small intestine…” Tang Yue instinctively recited a litany of injuries. Upon finishing, he realized there was no one recording for him.
He shook his head and addressed Shan, who was serving as his temporary assistant, saying, “Fetch a glass of lightly salted water, cotton, scissors, and thread…”
Despite his furrowed brow, Tang Yue couldn't dismiss the fact that the patient had lost an extensive amount of blood. In an ideal scenario, a blood transfusion would be the most suitable course of action, but given the present circumstances, it was an impossibility.
“Provide the patient with a cup of jujube tea.” After giving the order, Tang Yue directed someone to carefully transport the patient to the makeshift rest area adjacent. It was the best he could offer under the current constraints.
“Next…”
Blood marred the makeshift operating table, which had been fashioned from a bed. Tang Yue's hands had long been stained crimson, and his once-white robe now bore telltale spots.
After tending to ten patients consecutively, Tang Yue's forehead glistened with sweat. Absentmindedly, he wiped it with his hands, causing his face to flush.
Shan busied himself by drying his hands with a cloth towel. Meanwhile, Tang Yue removed his gloves and washed his hands with clean water before moving on to the next patients.
“What's the situation up ahead? Are they preparing for a direct confrontation?” Tang Yue inquired of a soldier who had sustained a thigh injury.
He skillfully unwrapped the bandage and applied a fresh one. The soldier was deeply moved, and his cheeks reddened.
“As we passed through the canyon, disguised as a caravan, we were ambushed by a gang of bandits. Deputy General Hu immediately signaled for help. There were roughly 300 assailants on their side. Luckily, the odds were in our favor, and they didn't gain much ground.”
“We're awaiting reinforcements. All the bandits were captured alive. As for us wounded soldiers, we don't know what transpired afterward.”
Tang Yue patted the soldier's shoulder and commended, “Well done!” Tang Yue wasn't aware of any casualties yet, but considering the number of wounded soldiers he had tended to, it seemed the battle was relatively straightforward.
Tang Yue carefully examined each wounded soldier's injuries. He treated those in need and expertly bandaged them. It was only then that Tang Yue realized half a day had passed, and dusk was gradually descending.
“Young Master, shall we prepare dinner?” Tang Yue approached from the mountainside and asked.
After contemplating for a moment, Tang Yue shook his head. “Let everyone have some dry rations. We won't light a fire for now; it could easily expose our position. Given our limited numbers, we need to prioritize safety.”
“Yes.”
“However, let's not extinguish the stove used for preparing medicine for the wounded soldiers. Instead, let's cook some meat porridge for them. The nights are cold, and a hot meal will do them good.” Tang Yue had set up a tent to serve as a makeshift kitchen. Here, he personally concocted medicine for the injured troops and heated water discreetly beneath thick tarpaulin, concealing the fire's glow.
As midnight approached, drowsiness overcame everyone. Tang Yue fought against sleep, despite the weariness that tormented him, for he dared not close his eyes given the dire circumstances.
“Young sir, you should rest. I'll remain vigilant here. I'll wake you if anyone approaches,” Shan said, gently nudging Tang Yue's shoulder, urging him to get some sleep.
“It's all right. Let's wait a little longer. It's been quite a while, and it should be ending soon,” Tang Yue responded with a yawn, rubbing his face. He was about to rise and stretch when he caught wind of sounds outside the tent. “Listen, there's a fire out there!”
Tang Yue rushed outside and witnessed the western sky illuminated by flames. A faint scent of burning wafted through the air.
His heart tightened, wishing he could rally his men to investigate the situation.
The agony of waiting proved excruciating.
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