"The momentum of Qin's conquest of Zhao is now unstoppable."
"For our Wei Kingdom to ensure its survival in the future, we must seek foreign aid," Wei Wuji said slowly.
"Foreign aid? Where would we find foreign aid in times like these?" King Wei asked with frustration.
"The Chu Kingdom!" Wei Wuji said loudly.
"Chu? That southern barbarian kingdom? While they may be powerful, would they come to aid Wei?" King Wei asked worriedly.
"I request permission to travel to Chu as an envoy," Wei Wuji said, his voice firm.
"Permission granted," King Wei agreed without hesitation.
The news of Qin's capture of Zhao's capital spread quickly across the land, shaking every corner of the warring states. No one knew the full extent of the upheaval that was to come.
Handan.
Inside the military field hospital:
"Chief, someone has come to see you," a servant reported to Master Chen.
"Not now, not now!" Master Chen replied curtly. "The number of wounded is overwhelming. If it isn't urgent, let them wait!" He was busy disinfecting an arrow wound with strong liquor.
At present, the hospital had switched from Qin's standard alcohol to the strong spirits brewed by the "Wine Immortal Tavern." After multiple trials, the tavern's spirits proved stronger and more effective at sterilization, and they had since become the go-to supply.
"But the visitor claims to be your teacher," the servant added respectfully.
"My teacher?" Master Chen froze for a moment before quickly looking toward the entrance.
There stood an elderly man, his hands clasped behind his back, waiting quietly.
"Someone, take over here!" Master Chen immediately called a nearby medic.
"Understood," the medic replied as he stepped in to assist.
Master Chen then hurried out to greet the visitor.
"Disciple greets Teacher!" Master Chen knelt on the ground and bowed deeply.
Xia Wuqi smiled faintly and raised his hand. "No need for formalities. Rise."
"Thank you, Teacher," Master Chen said as he stood up.
"I was unaware of your arrival, Teacher. Please forgive your disciple's lack of hospitality," Master Chen said with great respect.
"You are tending to the wounded for the nation. How could I fault you for such a noble cause?" Xia Wuqi said with a kind smile.
At this moment, a voice rang out from the field hospital.
"Master Chen, we need you for wound cleaning!"
The voice belonged to Zhao Feng.
"Wait a moment!" Master Chen called back before turning to Xia Wuqi. "Teacher, that was Zhao Feng, a general of Qin."
Hearing this, Xia Wuqi's eyes flickered with surprise.
The voice carried such authority, yet Master Chen, known for his fiery temper, had responded promptly and without hesitation. This piqued Xia Wuqi's curiosity. He looked toward the field hospital and saw a young man in military uniform, skillfully treating a wounded soldier.
"Could it be him?" Xia Wuqi mused.
"Teacher," Master Chen explained, "that is General Zhao Feng. He is the one who developed the stitching technique and the method of sterilizing with strong liquor. Now that the battle for Handan has ended, the general is here to assist with treating the wounded."
Xia Wuqi's expression softened into a smile. "When you first told me about these innovative techniques, I was already intrigued by this Zhao Feng. Now that he's here, I must meet him in person."
Saying this, Xia Wuqi stepped into the hospital, approaching Zhao Feng quietly. He soon reached Zhao Feng's side, watching as the general operated with calm efficiency.
Zhao Feng first disinfected his small knife in fire, then cleansed the wound with spirits before extracting the deeply embedded arrowhead. He cleaned the wound again, stitched it with expert precision, and applied medicine all in one seamless sequence.
"So this is the stitching technique," Xia Wuqi murmured to himself. "Fire and alcohol for disinfection... These are methods unheard of in our time."
"Truly, the world continues to bring forth new talent. Medicine evolves with each generation," Xia Wuqi thought, marveling at the process.
Once Zhao Feng had finished treating the soldier, he patted him on the shoulder. "The arrow's out, and the bleeding has stopped. Drink some liquor and rest well."
"Thank... thank you, General," the soldier said weakly, his voice filled with gratitude. Though he tried to rise, his body was too weak.
"Stay still and rest properly," Zhao Feng said gently, pressing the soldier back down.
"General, your kindness and grace will never be forgotten," the soldier said, deeply moved.
Zhao Feng smiled and turned around, only to find himself face-to-face with Xia Wuqi. Startled, he blinked in surprise.
Xia Wuqi also snapped out of his trance-like state and locked eyes with Zhao Feng. For a moment, time seemed to freeze.
The elderly physician's heart trembled as he studied Zhao Feng's side profile and the calm yet determined look in his eyes. Something about Zhao Feng's presence struck a chord deep within Xia Wuqi, leaving him momentarily speechless.
"Teacher," Master Chen interjected, breaking the silence. "This is General Zhao Feng. If not for his uniform, one might never guess he's among Qin's most valiant warriors."
But Xia Wuqi continued to stand there in a daze, lost in thought.
"Teacher… Teacher!" Master Chen called out twice, finally bringing Xia Wuqi back to reality.
"Oh, oh," Xia Wuqi said, shaking his head slightly as if to clear his mind. Embarrassed, he smiled faintly. "I apologize for my rudeness. Greetings, General Zhao Feng."
"I have long admired your name, Master Xia," Zhao Feng replied with a polite smile and a cupped fist salute. "Meeting you today fulfills one of my wishes."
"General Zhao is too kind," Xia Wuqi said, stroking his beard with a chuckle. "It is I who am honored to meet you. When I first heard from Chen about your stitching and disinfection methods, I felt as though I was hearing a revelation from the heavens."
"These techniques were things I stumbled upon by chance," Zhao Feng said modestly. "They're nothing exceptional."
"Your reputation for humility precedes you, General," Xia Wuqi said, his tone filled with admiration.
"This isn't the place for a long conversation. There are still many injured soldiers needing treatment. I should focus on tending to them first, and we can discuss medicine later when things settle," Zhao Feng politely replied before turning back to help the next wounded soldier.
Xia Wuqie.
The most senior physician in Qin.
According to unofficial records, he was said to have an unusual relationship with the First Emperor of Qin.
However, Zhao Feng didn't particularly care about such matters.
Having reached his current position with strength and ability, he did not need flattery or pandering; everything he gained was earned through the sword in his hand.
"You carry on," Xia Wuqie said, refraining from further conversation.
A thoughtful expression remained on his face as he stood to the side.
"Teacher, you seemed distracted earlier," Chen Fuzi couldn't help but ask. "Did something happen?"
"It's nothing," Xia Wuqie replied, waving his hand dismissively.
"You go and handle your tasks. While you're at it, prepare some surgical tools for me. With so many injured soldiers, I should contribute as well."
"With you lending a hand, even more lives will be saved," Chen Fuzi said excitedly before hurrying off to gather the necessary equipment.
Yet Xia Wuqie's gaze lingered on Zhao Feng, his old face marked by a pensive expression mixed with a touch of concern.
"That looks just now it's too similar. That glance…"
"The same as Dong'er."
"Sigh…"
"In this vast sea of people, to encounter someone whose eyes so closely resemble hers what a coincidence."
"Or… am I simply too consumed by my longing for Dong'er?" Xia Wuqie murmured to himself, his voice tinged with sorrow.
Time passed quickly.
Night fell.
Zhao Feng remained hard at work, treating the injured until Chen Fuzi approached.
"Brother Zhao, you should take a break. Most of the severely injured have been treated, and I've assigned others to handle the remaining cases. Rest for the night, and resume tomorrow."
"It's fine. I'll rest for a moment and then continue," Zhao Feng replied with a smile, understanding Chen Fuzi's well-meaning concern.
"Brother Zhao, you've just returned from a campaign. I've heard you led the charge to break through Handan's defenses, going days without rest. You're one of Qin's most treasured generals you can't afford to overexert yourself. Otherwise, General Wang Jian will hold me responsible," Chen Fuzi said with a laugh.
"Compared to the battlefield, this kind of fatigue is nothing," Zhao Feng said, washing his hands and smiling warmly.
"Fine, I won't argue with you anymore."
"Here, I brought you some good wine this is the strong liquor from Jiu Xian Lou. It's even better than the imperial brews," Chen Fuzi said, pulling out a wine jug and handing it to Zhao Feng.
This was a special gesture just for him.
Zhao Feng's efforts in the field hospital had not only been for his comrades but had significantly supported Chen Fuzi's work. Zhao Feng alone worked with the speed of ten medics, saving countless lives, which would, in turn, bolster Chen Fuzi's reputation and prospects for promotion to Grand Physician.
Accepting the wine, Zhao Feng walked out of the field hospital and found a quiet spot to sit and rest.
Moments after he sat down, Zhang Ming approached.
"Master," Zhang Ming greeted respectfully.
"What is it?" Zhao Feng asked, sipping his wine.
"Word from home: those two are causing trouble, insisting on seeing you," Zhang Ming reported.
"Keep them waiting," Zhao Feng said calmly.
"Let them move around a bit, but don't allow them to leave the base. If they try to force their way out kill them."
"Yes, sir." Zhang Ming nodded and promptly left.
At that moment, Xia Wuqie approached, wiping his hands as he slowly walked toward Zhao Feng.
"You may leave," Zhao Feng instructed, gesturing with his hand.
Zhang Ming bowed and departed.
Xia Wuqie smiled as he approached Zhao Feng.
"Today was my first attempt at the suture method. Seeing how effective it is for stopping bleeding, I must commend you, General Zhao. If this technique is passed down, it will save countless lives a monumental contribution to the world."
"Xia Wuqie's skills are exceptional, and your aptitude for medicine is extraordinary. To have mastered sutures in just one day is nothing short of impressive," Zhao Feng replied with a polite smile.
"May I ask a bold question?" Xia Wuqie said as he sat beside Zhao Feng, his face kind but marked with curiosity.
"Ask whatever you wish," Zhao Feng said nonchalantly.
"Your medical skills are remarkable. Which school of medicine did you study under?"
"Among the great lineages of medicine, each has profound traditions. Perhaps I may know your mentor," Xia Wuqie said with interest.
Zhao Feng chuckled.
"To be honest, I didn't have any formal teacher. My mother happens to know some herbal remedies, and I picked up bits and pieces from her over the years. As for the sutures and sterilization techniques, they were insights I stumbled upon by chance."
"And what is your mother's name?" Xia Wuqie asked, his eyes gleaming with a faint glimmer of hope.
Zhao Feng didn't think much of the question and replied casually,
"My mother's surname is Wu, and her given name is Ning.
After marrying my father, she stopped using her given name everyone in the village simply calls her Madam Zhao."
Hearing this, a trace of disappointment flickered across Xia Wuqie's face.
It was clear that he had been clinging to a sliver of hope, longing to hear the name of his daughter. But ultimately, it wasn't to be.
"Your mother must be remarkable teaching you such incredible skills and raising you to become Qin's unmatched war hero," Xia Wuqie said, suppressing his disappointment and offering a kind smile.
"Thank you for your praise, Xia Wuqie," Zhao Feng replied with a slight smile. Hearing his mother compliment him always warmed his heart.
"By the way," Xia Wuqie continued after a pause, "what about your father?"
"In the battle of Handan, my father died serving Qin," Zhao Feng said, a trace of sadness flashing in his eyes.
This was what his mother had told him. Although Zhao Feng had never met his father, he understood the inevitability of conscription. After his father's death, the stipend provided to his family allowed his mother to raise him and his younger sister. Zhao Feng held great respect for his father, even though they had never met.
"My apologies," said Xia Wuqie with a touch of regret. "I didn't know."
In truth, he had been asking out of stubborn hope, clinging to the possibility of uncovering a clue. But now, it seemed, everything was just a coincidence.
"It's nothing," Zhao Feng replied with a faint smile. "In Qin, there are countless children like me. As long as war persists, this kind of thing will continue to happen. And it's not just Qin this is true across the world."
"Only by unifying the realm will children no longer lose their fathers, and the elderly no longer lose the pillars of their families. That is the only way to end this," Zhao Feng said, his voice steady.
Of course, Zhao Feng knew the Qin dynasty would eventually fall, but at least its unification of the land had brought a few decades of peace. The central plains had enjoyed years of stability, free from major wars.
It was the strength of Qin's unification that laid the foundation for the centralized empires that followed.
"You're right," Xia Wuqie nodded firmly. "Only a unified world can bring this to an end."
He had joined Qin alongside his daughter for precisely this goal.
"Unifying the world isn't something that can be accomplished with soldiers alone. The military physicians you train, Xia Wuqie, are a great help as well," Zhao Feng said solemnly. "This requires the combined effort of all of Qin."
"Don't worry," Xia Wuqie said with a smile. "Our current king is a man of great ambition and vision. He will unify the world."
"Xia Wuqie, would you care for a drink?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile, extending the wine flask in his hand.
"Ha!" Xia Wuqie laughed heartily. "It's been a long time since I've had a drink."
Without hesitation, he took the flask and took a hearty swig.
As the wine flowed down his throat, Xia Wuqie's face turned red, and his eyes showed a hint of surprise.
"What kind of wine is this? So strong, yet so sweet and fragrant," Xia Wuqie exclaimed, astonished.
As one of Qin's leading physicians and Emperor Ying Zheng's father-in-law, Xia Wuqie had tasted the finest wines in the palace. Yet, this was something he had never encountered.
"This is strong wine from the 'Wine Immortal Tavern,'" Zhao Feng replied with a smile. "It's one of the finest."
"'Wine Immortal Tavern'?" Xia Wuqie echoed, surprised.
"It's a tavern in Yingchuan County," Zhao Feng explained.
"No wonder I've never heard of it here in Qin. This wine is indeed extraordinary far better than the imperial brews. It's stronger, too," Xia Wuqie said, nodding in admiration.
"If the opportunity arises, I'll invite Xia Wuqie to Yingchuan to enjoy a proper drink at the Wine Immortal Tavern," Zhao Feng said with a laugh.
Since coming to Qin after his daughter's departure, Xia Wuqie has maintained a cold and reserved demeanor. Invitations from others were usually met with indifference. Yet, when Zhao Feng extended his offer, Xia Wuqie felt no inclination to refuse. Perhaps it was that fleeting glance that made him feel a sense of closeness to Zhao Feng.
"After this drink, Xia Wuqie, you should rest," Zhao Feng suggested. "I need to get back to treating the wounded."
"If a general like you is so dedicated, how can I, a mere physician, stand idly by?" Xia Wuqie replied with a smile. "I'll join you shortly."
Inside the Zhao Palace.
In a temporarily cleared hall, Ying Zheng addressed Ren Xiao with a concerned expression.
"What is Xia Wuqie up to?" he asked.
Since entering Handan, Xia Wuqie has been absent. While Ying Zheng suspected he might be in the medical camp, he couldn't help but worry.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, Xia Wuqie is currently treating the wounded in the medical camp," Ren Xiao replied respectfully.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng nodded. "Go and tell Xia Wuqie that he is already advanced in age. He should take care not to overexert himself. The medical camp has Chen Fuzi and the army physicians it should be sufficient."
"Understood," Ren Xiao replied.
"By the way, Your Majesty," Ren Xiao added, "General Zhao Feng is also in the medical camp, treating the wounded."
"Zhao Feng?" Ying Zheng's brows lifted in surprise. "He didn't return to rest but went to treat the wounded instead?"
"Yes," Ren Xiao confirmed.
"He's truly tireless leading campaigns for so long without rest, and now aiding the injured?" Ying Zheng remarked, astonished.
"General Zhao told his comrades that many of his brothers-in-arms were in the medical camp. Now that the battle is over, he can't bear to see them die from their injuries when he can help. He's determined to give his all," Ren Xiao explained, a note of respect in his voice.
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's expression softened into one of admiration.
"Zhao Feng," he said, "is truly worthy of being Qin's most formidable and courageous general. No wonder his troops honor him as the soul of the army. With such camaraderie and loyalty to his brothers-in-arms, he deserves all the praise."
"To receive such praise from Your Majesty is a singular honor for General Zhao," Ren Xiao said respectfully.
"Have the offerings I requested been prepared?" Ying Zheng asked.
"They have been prepared," Ren Xiao confirmed.
"Good. Inform Zhao Feng tomorrow, he shall accompany me and General Wang Jian," Ying Zheng ordered.
Ren Xiao bowed. "By your command."
After Ren Xiao withdrew, Ying Zheng allowed a slight smile to appear on his face.
"Zhao Feng," he mused, "is truly a blessing for me and Qin. Once the Zhao state is fully subdued, his merits will earn him the title of Protector General. He will be the youngest supreme general of Qin."
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