"So you're from the Dragon Tiger City Lord's Mansion!"
Clearly, Yi Shangyun was quite surprised to see the two people standing side by side in front of her, and only now did she learn their true identities.
As soon as he finished speaking, the young city lord continued sincerely, "This time, the great plague in Longhu City came fiercely, and everyone outside was afraid to leave it. Fortunately, Her Highness the Princess stayed by our side and personally directed the fight against the epidemic, which prevented the epidemic from spreading on a large scale. Here, I, Lu, thank the Princess on behalf of all the people of Longhu City for saving our lives."
As he spoke, he clasped his hands and bowed deeply to Yi Shangyun.
Then, she straightened up and continued, "The old king has just passed away, and the court is in turmoil. Although the princess is a woman, in terms of merit, she is second to none in this war without gunpowder. It is a great blessing for our people that Dongning has such a wise ruler as the princess."
What the young city lord said was exactly what everyone present was thinking. The people around him nodded silently, indicating that they agreed with his views and expressed their approval.
As he spoke, he paused, and though his face was covered by a veil, his delicate features were still clearly visible. A slight frown appeared on his brow, revealing a hint of melancholy. He said, “However, now, since the end of the Northwest War, everyone knows that the relationship between the three kingdoms of Lingkong has reached an extremely delicate state. On the surface, they appear to be on good terms, but in reality, each is secretly making its own tense calculations. I, Lu, also know that the princess is willing to dedicate herself to the country and its people, but if anything were to happen to the princess on this trip to Western Qin, then all the subjects of Longhu City would be a burden to the princess, and it would be a sin of Longhu City. How would Longhu City then explain this to the people of the entire Dongning Kingdom?”
Seemingly quite worried, he didn't dare to think any further. After a pause, perhaps he hesitated, but in the end, he gritted his teeth and secretly made up his mind.
He clasped his hands together again, respectfully, solemnly, and resolutely, with a hint of inexplicable ruthlessness in his eyes, and said, "If... even in the end... I really can't save the people of Longhu City, I will deal with these infected citizens myself. Even so, the princess must not be sacrificed. Dongning cannot be without the princess."
Upon hearing this, Yi Shangyun immediately shouted at him, "Nonsense! I'm telling you, Lu, Lu, Lu..."
The young city lord introduced himself as "Lu Yuan".
Yi Shangyun glared at him fiercely, her anger barely contained, and said, "Yes, Lu Yuan. You call yourself the young master of a city? Have you ever heard of 'the people are the foundation of the nation,' 'only when the people are well-off can the nation be prosperous, only when the people are at ease can the nation be secure. All governance is based on the well-being of the people. When the people are secure, the nation is secure. The nation is based on the people, and the people depend on food for survival. This is why those who govern a country value the well-being of the people and cherish their lives.' How can you disregard the lives of your millions of citizens in the face of the people's lives? You even dared to think you could 'solve' them? How do you intend to solve their problems? Will you bury them all alive? Who gave you the audacity and the right to take lives?"
If Lu Yuan truly had no concern for the people's lives, why would he be here at this moment?
Hearing this, the last vestige of reluctance and tenderness buried deep within Lu Yuan's heart was finally touched. He stared at her in astonishment, as if dumbfounded: "The people's lives... I..."
After a moment of stunned silence, he spoke again with righteous indignation: "Of course, the lives of the people are important. But the princess is both a ruler and a subject. Doesn't the princess's life matter? During my many days in the epidemic area of Longhu City, I have personally witnessed the princess's superb medical skills, benevolent heart and skill, and extraordinary wisdom. She has achieved what many monarchs of the past could not do: truly loving the people like her own children. Even if the sky were to fall, she would always stand with the people. The princess's courage and determination in fighting the epidemic, saving the people and the country have deeply moved everyone in the epidemic area."
Recalling the sight of Yun's frail body displaying such astonishing power, Lu Yuan felt immense admiration for her.
On that occasion, a patient who had clearly passed out was presumed dead by all the doctors. However, she pounded on his chest for an unknown amount of time, and the patient was actually pulled back from the brink of death.
Countless days and nights, even when my body was exhausted, I would just slump down at the door and lean against something to rest.
In a daze, upon seeing a patient brought in, he was the first to rush forward and examine them personally, fearing that someone might be infected due to momentary negligence. Only after clarifying the illness did he instruct those around him on how to handle it and what precautions to take.
And so, she single-handedly shielded everyone from all danger, steadfastly holding her ground and doing her utmost to treat every patient without giving up on any one of them.
...
Every touching moment in the past, everything, made Lu Yuan's already hard-won decision even more weighty.
He spoke firmly and resolutely: "However, if we were to sacrifice the princess today for the sake of Longhu City, wouldn't that be tantamount to losing the entire Dongning Kingdom? If the lives of all the people of Longhu City could be exchanged for the safety of a wise ruler who can lead Dongning to prosperity, I, Lu, am willing. The destruction of Longhu City... is worthwhile."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the room was stunned by his actions and words, and after a moment they started discussing it again.
"What the young city lord says is correct. The three kingdoms of Lingkong have long been at odds, and with the recent passing of the old king, the court is in turmoil, and we are facing a turbulent time. In terms of virtue, wisdom, power, strategy, and courage, the princess is meticulous and thoughtful, and is capable of shouldering great responsibilities!"
"The old king was wise; he did not pass the throne to the wrong person. Dongning Kingdom truly cannot be without the princess!"
"The young city lord's righteousness and consideration for the overall situation are truly admirable. If we delay any longer, the epidemic will soon spiral out of control, and Dongning will face an unprecedented and devastating outbreak..."
"Without ephedra, even if a divine being were reincarnated, or Hua Tuo were still alive, he would be helpless against this!"
"It seems that we have no choice but to give up on Dragon Tiger City."
"Hmm, it seems we have no choice but to abandon the city..."
...
Seeing that everyone had suddenly calmed down, Yi Shangyun panicked. She glanced at everyone and then looked at Young Master Yi, who was standing silently opposite her, waiting for her to change her mind.
Finally, he shook his head, indicating that he would never grant him his wish.
Then she turned her gaze to Lu Yuan and loudly denied him, saying, "Young City Lord, you are wrong! In that case, wouldn't all the hard work and dedication of so many people who have stayed here day and night be in vain? Besides, I will never allow the people of Longhu City who died because of this plague to have sacrificed themselves in vain."
Upon hearing this, the room fell silent and returned to calm.
With one hand behind his back, Yi Shangyun said solemnly, suppressing his pain, "Everyone here has witnessed it firsthand. They all tried so hard to live, to live for their families and loved ones. Although things didn't always go as planned, they are the eternal pride of my Dongning Kingdom."
Recalling those memories always brought a pang of heartache, and tears welled up in her eyes. She paused, slightly raising her head to hold back the tears, and continued, "It is precisely because of their deaths that we have gained more experience and have the greatest chance to treat other patients who still have a glimmer of hope. Even if we didn't have a cure, even if we ultimately couldn't leave Longhu City… now the Third Prince is handling state affairs in the court, and everything is well-organized. What is there to fear in death? This princess will continue her research. If I cannot save Longhu City, this princess will never admit defeat!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was extremely shocked. They all bowed and knelt before her, saying in unison, "Your Highness, may Your Highness bless Dongning! Long live the Princess! Long live the Princess! Long live the Princess!"
Seeing that only Young Master Yi was standing alone, Yi Shangyun met his gaze, but her unwavering eyes seemed to be warning him not to try to shake his resolve.
After a moment, Yi Shangyun gradually withdrew his gaze and said to everyone, "Alright, get up!"
She then pulled out her palace token from her sleeve, stepped forward, and handed it to Lu Yuan, saying, "No one can dissuade me from my decision. My mind is made up. Please ensure all the remaining herbs are prepared. If you need anything, simply take my token to the palace and ask my third brother. The day I bring the ephedra back will be the end of the plague in Longhu City, the city gates will open wide, and the people will see the light of day again and return home to reunite with their families."
In an instant, a continuous round of applause erupted from all around, and everyone had once again mustered the courage to fight against the disease.
Only Lu Yuan stared blankly at the jade phoenix waist token he was holding in his hands, as if dumbfounded, feeling that it was extremely heavy, weighing far more than a thousand pounds!
Who can argue with that?
At this moment, what this jade phoenix waist token carries is the lives of the entire Longhu City, and even the entire Dongning. And, how could it not weigh heavily on the life of this stubborn princess before him!
With this thought in mind, he knelt down heavily to express his gratitude, saying each word with conviction, "Young Lord of Dragon Tiger City, Lu Yuan, thank you, Princess, for your kindness in not abandoning me. I will certainly live up to your expectations!"
Little did he know that, in his heart, he had already secretly fallen in love with the woman who was busy moving among the patients as soon as he arrived at the temple.
But how could he not know this feeling? In this lifetime, it can only be buried deep within.
Yi Shangyun reached out and helped him up, saying meaningfully and confidently, "Longhu City is truly fortunate to have a young city lord like you. I'm sure we'll overcome this difficulty smoothly. How can you see a rainbow without experiencing wind and rain? I've heard the old city lord is also suffering from a long illness and doesn't have much time left. Anyway, you'll understand everything I'm going through now one day. Actually, we're the same! We both need to learn to grow and take on all the responsibilities we should! I believe in you; you'll definitely do even better than me!"
Lu Yuan was still deeply worried and said, "But what about the King of Qin..."
Upon hearing the name of King Xuanyuan Han, Yi Shangyun paused for a moment, then quickly took a deep breath, raised an eyebrow, and said with a slight smile, "Don't worry, King Qin, he won't do anything to this princess."
Just as Lu Yuan was looking into his eyes, half believing and half doubting what he was saying, Young Master Yi spoke up again...
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