Night Owl's figure flickered among the enemy ranks, his scimitar flashing with each swing.

Each time, a flash of blood appeared, followed by the enemy's screams.

The blade traced deadly arcs through the air.

Blood splattered, staining Night Owl's battle robes and the city walls of Haixia Pass.

On the city wall, Lu Fei sat firmly as a mountain, directing the musketeers to carry out precise strikes.

He calmly observed the battlefield situation and issued orders from time to time.

The musketeers were well-trained and moved in perfect unison.

Gunfire erupted like popping beans, filling the air with smoke, wiping out the enemy's manpower one by one.

Each bullet, carrying the scent of death, whistled through the air and struck its target precisely.

Javanese soldiers fell in droves, their cries of agony and agony echoing through the sky.

The fierce battle lasted for less than an hour.

The defenders of Haixia Pass finally succumbed to the fierce offensive of the Shannan Prefecture army, and their defenses collapsed completely.

The Javanese soldiers on the city walls were either killed, wounded, or fled.

At this time, all four walls of Haixia Pass had been firmly occupied by the army of Shannan Prefecture.

The victory flag fluttered in the wind atop the city walls.

Below the city wall were more than 50,000 elite soldiers from Shannan Prefecture and more than 100,000 laborers.

They are clearing the battlefield, treating the wounded, and consolidating the gains of victory.

Night Owl wiped the blood off his face with his blood-stained sleeve and looked around.

Looking at the soldiers fighting fiercely around him.

A victorious smile spread across his face as he shouted:

"Brothers, Haixia Pass, take it!"

Cheers erupted like a tidal wave as the soldiers of Shannan Prefecture raised their arms and shouted in celebration of the victory.

...

On the other side, in Qingshui County.

The silt emitted a putrid, fishy stench, mixed with damp moisture, causing Lu Yan to frown.

Although the floodwaters from the breached dam have receded, they have left behind a scene of devastation.

He was directing the laborers to clear the silt when suddenly, the sound of rapid hoofbeats broke the bustling scene.

"Report, Commander, a great victory at Haixia Pass!"

The scout dismounted, knelt on one knee, and presented a letter with both hands.

Lu Yan took the letter and quickly glanced through it.

His previously furrowed brows instantly relaxed, and a smile appeared on his lips.

"Good! Well done! In this battle, we killed more than 10,000 enemy soldiers and captured more than 200,000 civilians."

"They've been caught red-handed in Java! That Night Owl kid is really something!"

Upon hearing this news, Li Kui, disregarding the mud on his clothes, excitedly rubbed his hands together and came over.

"Congratulations, sir! Congratulations, sir!"

His face lit up with joy, but he asked cautiously:

"My lord, does this mean that our Shannan Prefecture has once again expanded its territory by a hundred miles?"

Lu Yan glanced at him with a smile.

"Little Kui, when did you learn to flatter people?"

Li Kui chuckled and scratched his head.

"I'm just happy for you, sir! With the capture of Haixia Pass, our Shannan Prefecture will have a completely open gateway to Java!"

"How you want to fight from now on is just a matter of your word, sir."

"We can't just give back the Haixia Pass that we've already got our hands on."

The joy of victory made Lu Yan feel a sense of relief, but soon, a trace of worry swept over his heart.

Behind this victory, the shortcomings of the Shannan Prefecture navy were laid bare.

Admittedly, advanced firearms were a powerful weapon for Shannan Prefecture; however, the lack of naval forces could not be ignored.

However, the fall of Haixia Pass undoubtedly tore open the last line of defense for Java.

Java, a once dazzling pearl.

Now, however, they can only passively endure the attacks from Shannan Prefecture, struggling like a trapped beast.

Haixia Pass, this fortress guarding the strait, will become a solid stronghold for the Shannan Prefecture Navy.

With the inner canal, the water transport in Shannan Prefecture will be further improved, and commerce will reach a new level.

"Pass down the order! Tell everyone that we have won this battle!"

Lu Yan gave the order in a loud voice, his tone full of pride and magnanimity.

News of the great victory quickly spread throughout Shannan Prefecture, dispelling the gloom brought by days of rain and floods.

The people spread the news and cheered with joy, as if it were the New Year.

Meanwhile, the cholera epidemic in Jingzhou Prefecture was like a lurking beast, ready to bare its fangs again at any moment.

More than ten days ago, the epidemic was brought under control thanks to the concerted efforts of everyone, but no one can guarantee that this is only a temporary calm.

The shadow of the plague loomed over Lu Yan's heart, making him restless and unable to eat or sleep.

He knew that once the cholera reached Shannan Prefecture, it would suffer a severe blow and might fall within a few days.

The safety of the people and the stability of Shannan Prefecture are hanging by a thread.

After careful consideration, Lu Yan decided to fully implement the vaccination program in Shannan Prefecture.

"Sir, is this vaccine really effective?"

Li Kui stepped forward, his face filled with doubt.

"Whether it's useful or not, it's better than sitting and waiting to die."

Lu Yan spoke firmly, knowing that this was the best preventative measure at present.

He was the first to get vaccinated, setting an example in the hope of dispelling the fear and doubts in people's hearts.

"The children should be vaccinated too!"

Seeing this, Li Kui also stretched out his arm without hesitation.

Lu Yan gazed into the distance, silently praying that the vaccine would effectively protect against the cholera outbreak.

In every corner of Shannan Province, a tense but orderly vaccination campaign has begun.

Medical staff traveled between towns and villages to administer vaccines to the people.

People are still somewhat afraid of vaccines.

However, with the government's publicity and guidance, they gradually accepted this new preventative measure.

"For everyone's safety and for the future of Shannan Prefecture, please cooperate actively in getting vaccinated!"

Lu Yan's voice echoed over Shannan Prefecture, carrying a powerful force that inspired everyone.

Not only the people of Shannan Prefecture, but also the soldiers far away at Haixia Pass were on Lu Yan's mind.

He knew that Haixia Pass was located in a strategic location with frequent personnel movement, and the consequences of an outbreak would be unimaginable.

He immediately arranged for a top-level doctor to rush to Haixia Pass with the vaccine to ensure the safety of the soldiers.

"Great Doctor, we entrust the soldiers of Haixia Pass to you!"

Lu Yan said solemnly to the great physician.

"Rest assured, sir, I will certainly complete the mission!"

The doctor accepted the order and set off, carrying Lu Yan's instructions and the vaccine, embarking on his journey to Haixia Pass.

Lu Yan watched the doctor's departing figure, his heart filled with hope.

As long as everyone works together, we will surely be able to overcome the plague and protect the peace of Shannan Prefecture.

"By the way, have the vaccines been sent to Jingzhou Prefecture?"

Lu Yan suddenly thought of Chen Qingwan and couldn't help but feel a little worried.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, the vaccine has been sent to Jingzhou Prefecture, and Miss Chen has received it!"

Li Kui quickly replied.

"That's good." Lu Yan was finally relieved.

"Prepare the boat, we're heading to Haixia Pass!"

On the gate tower of Haixia Pass, Night Owl was covered in blood, but he couldn't hide the excitement in his eyes.

Looking at the massive, dark mass of Shannan Prefecture troops below the city, he felt a surge of pride.

"Brother Ye, Haixia Pass has been captured! The Javanese garrison has been completely wiped out!"