Many people in the court knew of Yu Ji, but fewer than five people truly knew what Yu Ji was researching.

On the surface, Yu Ji was a doctor at a medical school, studying medicine and treating patients alongside Hua Tuo, Zhang Zhongjing, and others.

In reality, Yu Ji did much more work in secret, researching the formation of various infectious and rare diseases.

Furthermore, most of the experiments Yu Ji conducted involved live human experimentation. From the year before last to the present, hundreds of Jie and Japanese slaves have died in Yu Ji's experiments.

However, in contrast, medical research in medical schools, as well as treatment methods for various diseases, have been significantly improved and perfected.

Therefore, Liu Hong has always classified Yu Ji's live human research as a top secret.

Now, Liu Hong's sudden order for Xi Zhicai to take several of Yu Ji's disciples to Kushan inevitably made him think of some unpleasant things.

Seeing Xi Zhicai's constantly changing expression, Liu Hong chuckled and explained, "What could I possibly be thinking? Yu Ji's disciples are not just skilled in medicine; with them around, it will be much easier for you to act in Kushan."

Of course, I also need to let the old king of Kushan live a few more years!

"Your Majesty is right!"

Upon hearing Liu Hong's explanation, Xi Zhicai suddenly understood the meaning behind the emperor's words.

Yu Ji's disciples were all specially trained. In addition to being proficient in the research of various diseases and possessing profound medical skills, they were also very familiar with various assassination, infiltration, and trap techniques.

After all, in the struggle for the throne, some dark methods are still unavoidable. These disciples, who have no official status and have seen life and death, are far more reliable than the people from the Investigation Bureau.

Furthermore, according to intelligence from the intelligence agency, the old king of Kushan is old, frail, and plagued by illness; he may pass away at any time.

If the old Kushan king had died too early, the struggle for succession in Kushan would have been decided immediately. Although it would have caused some turmoil, it would have been far less than Liu Hong had expected.

If the old Kushan king could live a few more years, the power struggle in the Kushan Empire would only intensify, maximizing the depletion of the Kushan Empire.

Furthermore, the Han Dynasty also needs several years to recuperate and consolidate the territories it has previously occupied.

Seeing this, Liu Hong waved his hand with a wry smile: "Alright, go and say goodbye to your wife and children. As for Hachi and the others, you don't need to worry about them. I will arrange for people to go over there!"

"Your Majesty, I take my leave. Take care!"

After bowing to Liu Hong, Xi Zhicai bowed and withdrew.

Watching Xi Zhicai's departing figure, Liu Hong couldn't help but sigh.

Over the years, he and Xi Zhicai have always been close friends and complemented each other perfectly. From the beginning of Liu Hong's reign, Xi Zhicai has always been by his side, offering advice and strategies.

Although Liu Hong trusted Xi Zhicai greatly and entrusted him with important responsibilities, Xi Zhicai's ambitions did not lie in the imperial court.

Now, there are no major events in the Han Dynasty, and everything can proceed in an orderly manner. Xi Zhicai naturally wants to be like Yuan Shao, Li Ru, and Cao Cao, and participate in the great cause of seizing other countries, so that his name can be recorded in history books for future generations.

Upon leaving the palace and returning home, Xi Zhicai saw his wife, Wang Yin, holding their son and taking a walk in the courtyard as soon as he entered the door.

While strolling around, Wang Yin kept reaching out to tease his son in his arms, making him giggle non-stop.

Seeing his beloved wife and son, Xi Zhicai's face showed a happy smile, but his eyes also held a hint of apology.

"My husband, you're back!"

Seeing Xi Zhicai standing at the door, Wang Yin smiled sweetly, then carried her son and walked towards Xi Zhicai.

Xi Zhicai smiled and went to meet her, taking his son from his wife's arms.

"Husband, wasn't His Majesty summoning you? Why are you back so early?"

Seeing Xi Zhicai starting to tease his son, Wang Yin couldn't help but ask in confusion.

Based on her understanding of her husband, whenever the emperor summoned him, it was almost always for important matters, which often required a whole day.

"Well, I didn't have much to do today, so I came back a little early!"

Xi Zhicai smiled and explained, then said, "By the way, I'm a little hungry. Is there any food prepared at home?"

"I'll have someone prepare right away, please wait a moment, my husband!"

Upon hearing that Xi Zhicai was going to have dinner at home, Wang Yin's face lit up with joy, and he turned to head towards the back room.

Because he was busy with various things, Xi Zhicai rarely ate meals at home during the years since they got married.

"Also, prepare two jugs of wine. I, your husband, will have a good drink tonight!"

"My husband, your body...?"

Upon hearing that Xi Zhicai wanted to drink, Wang Yin paused, a hint of worry on his face.

Recently, she has noticed that her husband has become increasingly thin and coughs more frequently than before.

Although Xi Zhicai's health has improved a lot under the care of doctors at the medical school, if he doesn't pay more attention, he may still encounter serious problems.

Seeing his wife's worried expression, Xi Zhicai said with a relaxed look, "It's alright. As Dr. Zhang Zhongjing said, moderate drinking is fine. Besides, I have resigned from my position in the Military and Political Affairs Department, so I won't be so busy in the future!"

"Very well, I'll go prepare right away!"

Upon hearing that Xi Zhicai had resigned from his position in the Military and Political Affairs Department, Wang Yin not only did not blame him, but was actually relieved.

In her eyes, her husband was the emperor's friend and confidant, so it didn't matter what position he held; it would be best if he could have an easier life.

Watching his wife's departing figure, Xi Zhicai's smile turned bitter, and he couldn't help but sigh inwardly, unsure how to explain his trip to Kushan.

The baby boy, who had been lying in Xi Zhicai's arms and giggling, quieted down and stared at his father with his big eyes.

"Heh~, little one, from now on you must take good care of your mother and never make her sad or upset, understand?"

Looking at his son in his arms, Xi Zhicai chuckled and gave him earnest instructions.

Whether he didn't understand or for some other reason, Xi Zhicai's son still stared at him quietly with his big eyes wide open.

Meanwhile, Wang Yin also came to the kitchen and personally prepared some of Xi Zhicai's favorite dishes.

Although they didn't eat together often, Wang Yin remembered clearly what Xi Zhicai ate and what he liked to eat each time they had a meal.

Before long, plates of delicious-looking dishes were placed on the table.

"Mmm, it smells so good!"

Looking at the meal his wife had prepared, Xi Zhicai praised it while taking a deep breath with a look of enjoyment, wanting to remember the taste.