Chapter 30 Let her be spoiled to death.
"Da da da—"
The heavy clatter of hooves piled up one after another, and the dust they kicked up seemed to carry the momentum of a thousand troops.
The first batch of Xuanxiao cavalry returned, mainly consisting of wounded soldiers who rushed back to camp for treatment after the battle. The remaining soldiers, either lightly wounded or uninjured, stayed behind to clean up the battlefield.
Weapons should be surrendered, horses should be taken back, and as for prisoners...
Those who surrender will not be killed.
In ancient times, manpower was a very valuable resource. Captives could be used to build cities, to plow fields and grow crops, or to be domesticated and added to one's own army to enhance combat strength.
Therefore, the victorious side generally does not kill surrendered soldiers.
Not to mention that Li Zan was just a salt smuggler who made his fortune with money. He had only enjoyed his power for a few years and had no military spirit whatsoever.
"We annihilated over 3,000 enemy soldiers and captured nearly 5,000 prisoners in this battle, achieving a great victory!" Feng Feng, the garrison commander of Beitun, returned with the first batch of soldiers and loudly proclaimed the victory.
After recounting that incident, he asked urgently, "Where's Old Joe? Where is Old Joe?!"
Feng Feng was one of the three who fought Wang Qinglie earlier, so he knew all too well how dangerous that battle was. If Old Qiao hadn't used himself to lure the enemy and create an opening, the outcome of that battle would have been uncertain.
They all underestimated Wang Qinglie. His three-pointed dagger came at them with overwhelming force, not only breaking Old Qiao's sword but also tearing through his armor. Fortunately, Yan San reacted quickly, otherwise Old Qiao would probably have been killed on the spot.
Thinking of his friend's injury, Feng Feng couldn't help but feel disappointed; it seemed he wasn't much better off now...
"Commander Feng, Commander Qiao are with Mr. Ding and Madam Dai," a soldier said.
Feng Feng, who had originally intended to search for someone, stopped, somewhat puzzled, and also instinctively repulsed by the fact that the rules had been broken. "Madam Dai? What woman is in the army? Why is she here?"
The soldier hurriedly said, "She was brought back by the Lord. Just now, when Captain Qiao was sent back, Mr. Ding shook his head after seeing him and said there was nothing he could do. It was Lady Dai who came up with a way to keep Captain Qiao alive."
The soldier's eyes burned with desire.
Chief Qiao had one foot in the grave, and even Mr. Ding was helpless, but Madam Dai forcefully pulled him back. It should be understood that this saved not only one life, but also countless future "Qiao Wangfeis."
If possible, who would want to see their comrade-in-arms, who was chatting and laughing with them just yesterday, die before their eyes?
Feng Feng seemed not to understand what was being said, and stood there stunned for a long time before finally running off in a certain direction.
Regardless of why she ended up in the military, saving Old Joe is the best thing ever!
Feng Feng rushed to the wounded soldiers' camp like a whirlwind, but was not allowed to enter. He was stopped at the door by the reason that "the camp needs to keep the air fresh and no unauthorized personnel are allowed to enter".
Mo Yanyun and a few others were also waiting outside.
If they couldn't get in, they would ask the people outside. Feng Feng asked Mo Yanyun, "Old Mo, where did the Marquis find such a divine physician? Her medical skills are so superb."
To everyone's surprise, Mo Yanyun turned his head with a complicated expression after hearing this.
"What's with that look on your face? Can't we talk about the goddess doctor?" Feng Feng asked, puzzled.
“…No, that’s not it.” Mo Yanyun suddenly asked, “Didn’t Yan San tell you?”
Feng Feng instinctively asked, "What did he say to me?"
Mo Yanyun muttered, "That's true. Yan San is always a man of few words and never talks about gossip, so it's normal that he wouldn't tell you."
Feng Feng was so anxious that he scratched his head and said, "Then you'd better tell me quickly, where exactly is this goddess doctor from? I need to find a way to get on her good side, who knows, she might save my life in the future."
“She was captured by the Marquis in Taiping County,” Mo Yanyun said in a low voice.
Feng Feng froze, feeling as if his brain had been hit by a heavy hammer, as if something had been overturned.
Yan San did not like gossip, but he was not the only one left behind at the Jiang residence; there were also a few Xuanxiao cavalrymen.
Feng Feng vaguely knew that the Lord's trip to Taiping County was ostensibly because of a woman, but he didn't know the specifics. However, he couldn't connect the concubine who used her beauty to please men with the goddess doctor who saved his friend from danger.
Mo Yanyun patted his shoulder, his expression complicated. "This Madam Dai is no ordinary woman. I personally believe she has extraordinary abilities. You will find out soon enough."
To be able to "cool down" a furious lord, isn't that an extraordinary skill? At least in all these years, he has never seen anyone who could completely subdue a tiger, and even managed to escape the lord several times without ever getting away unscathed.
*
Inside the military doctor's tent.
The military medical tent, which had been kept completely covered up like a silkworm cocoon, had its windows opened as requested by Dai Li to ensure air circulation as much as possible.
The cow that was wrapped up with Qiao Wangfei was moved here, and Dai Li and Ding Lianxi discussed the sewing.
Surgical procedures already existed in this era. The *Book of the Later Han Dynasty, Biography of Hua Tuo* records: "If the disease is internal and cannot be reached by acupuncture or medicine, then first administer a anesthetic powder in wine. Once the patient is intoxicated and unaware, then cut open the abdomen and back to remove the accumulation." ①
This means that if acupuncture and medication are ineffective, then anesthesia must be administered before opening the abdomen and back to remove the tumor.
However, there are three cornerstones of surgery: disinfection, anesthesia, and hemostasis.
Disinfection, or sterility, requires ensuring a clean surrounding environment to prevent infection of patients with open wounds when they are at their weakest. This alone is extremely difficult. Using plants like mugwort and cloves to fumigate the room is possible, but how can one guarantee thorough disinfection?
In ancient times, without antibiotics, the mortality rate from postoperative infections was extremely high. It was like sending someone to the underworld to report your name beforehand, and then just waiting for someone to arrive.
Therefore, surgery was extremely rare in this era, belonging to the type of procedure that even the most elite experts at the very top of the pyramid would not easily attempt.
Ding Lianxi was a military doctor, and his chances of performing surgery were far higher than those of other medical professionals. However, he had absolutely no confidence in dealing with the seriously injured Qiao Wangfei.
He had previously done a rough examination and found that Qiao Wangfei's wound was very large, almost starting from his collarbone and going all the way to his abdomen, cutting him open completely.
"The wound needs to be cleaned before it's stitched up." Dai Li stood at the tent entrance, not getting too close to Qiao Wangfei.
The knife was filthy, stained with mud and other people's blood, and might even have been crawled on by insects. If it wasn't cleaned, even if Qiao Wangfei survived, he would definitely die from infection.
Ding Lianxi frowned subconsciously, feeling that it was really dangerous to reopen the wound after finally stopping the bleeding. However, he still said, "Then wash the wound. Xiao Li, go and get some charcoal to boil water."
"We also need salt. While we're at it, let's go get some from the cooks and bring another cow," Dai Li added.
Ding Lianxi asked in surprise, "Why return the salt?"
Dai Li remained silent.
How can I explain that she wants to make some saline solution? Saline solution has a concentration similar to human extracellular fluid, making it perfect for wound cleaning.
Distillation technology didn't exist at that time, so there was no pure water, and frankly, it was impossible to make saline solution. Using saline solution containing impurities to clean wounds carries certain safety risks.
But as I said before, we're going to try anything now, even if it's a desperate situation. At worst, Qiao Wangfei will die, so we might as well give it a shot.
“It’s a local method too.” A deep male voice rang out. It was Qin Shaozong, who had been standing with Dai Li at the entrance of the military tent and hadn’t spoken until now.
Ding Lianxi's lips didn't move, but she didn't ask any more questions.
While the soldier was boiling water and fetching salt, Ding Lianxi was preparing the necessary materials for "Sealing the Abdomen with Ointment": silk thread and ointment. The former was used to suture the wound, and the latter was used to accelerate the healing of the wound.
Dai Li picked up the silk thread, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping herself.
Ding Lianxi was now paying extra attention to Dai Li's every move, and seeing this, he hurriedly asked, "Madam Dai, is there anything wrong with this silk thread?"
Two gazes fell upon him, one like a hungry thirst for knowledge; the other dark and unfathomable, like a vast ocean on a cloudy day, carrying an unfathomable depth.
Dai Li turned her head and looked directly into those brown eyes without flinching.
Before her period, she felt uneasy disobeying this man, thinking that Qin Shaozong was a vicious tiger who would devour her without spitting out the bones, and that she would be torn apart and eaten whole if she wasn't careful.
During the few days since the Gui water arrived, she stayed in the makeshift enclosure, while the ferocious tiger outside paced back and forth, eyeing her menacingly.
Now that the fence is about to be dismantled, she is not flustered at all, because she thinks she may have found a bite stopper that can prevent this greedy tiger from opening its mouth at her.
Dai Li's red lips curled up. Although she was speaking to Ding Lianxi, she didn't look at him. "Mr. Ding, have you ever thought about using mulberry bark thread instead of silk thread?"
Ding Lianxi froze, muttering, "Mulberry bark thread?"
Mulberry bark paper had already appeared in this era. This type of paper, which is highly absorbent and insect-resistant, was favored by many calligraphers.
Dai Li continued, "Mulberry bark has the medicinal effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and promoting wound healing. Using it to suture wounds is not only beneficial to the body, but also because mulberry bark thread can integrate with the flesh and blood, there is no need to remove the sutures later, which is twice as effective with half the effort."
As Dai Li explained the medicinal effects of mulberry bark, Ding Lianxi's lips trembled uncontrollably. With each word she spoke, the light in his eyes grew brighter, and he finally exclaimed, "Wonderful! Madam Dai is so knowledgeable and insightful. I am truly impressed. Mulberry bark thread should indeed replace silk thread!"
Dai Li smiled but didn't say anything.
Just as Shennong initially identified and tasted hundreds of herbs, leading to the existence of various medicinal plants, every industry undergoes a process of exploration in its development. She is simply standing at the back of the river of history, looking back to tell her ancestors about some of the achievements.
Ding Lianxi was overjoyed and couldn't wait to make mulberry bark thread to use on the wounded. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice the undercurrents swirling within the tent.
They stood at a distance, their eyes meeting, neither looking away. Qin Shaozong watched her slowly curling red lips and noticed that her well-hidden untamed spirit was resurfacing.
Well, that wicked fox is up to his old tricks again.
The soldier went quickly and returned swiftly, bringing back the required items.
After preparing the saline solution, Dai Li handed everything over to Ding Lianxi. She was only good at theoretical work; she knew absolutely nothing about actual wound cleaning.
Moreover, this Mr. Ding probably didn't know that from the beginning until now, she had never looked closely at Qiao Wangfei's injuries. They were too bloody and the wounds were too large, so she couldn't bear to look at them.
After a flurry of activity, they even replaced Qiao Wangfei's cow. Once everything was finished, Ding Lianxi exhaled a breath of stale air and looked at Dai Li again, "Madam Dai, what happened next?"
Dai Li thought for a moment, "Keep the ventilation going, and keep the incense burning with cloves and mugwort. If Chief Qiao wakes up and says he's thirsty, don't give him too much water, just enough to moisten his lips."
People who have just experienced severe bleeding should not drink large amounts of water, as excessive water intake can decrease blood volume and may even lead to heart failure.
Ding Lianxi's admiration deepened.
He was aware that one should not immediately rehydrate after a major hemorrhage.
How did you find out?
It was discovered using the lives of wounded soldiers as a foundation.
Without having treated a large number of wounded soldiers, the only way she could have known this was—
Inherited knowledge.
It seems that this Lady Dai, like him, likely came from a family that had practiced medicine for generations. However, unlike his Ding family, which was renowned for its medical expertise, her family practiced medicine without seeking fame, possessing true integrity.
Ding Lianxi had the idea of exchanging ideas with his colleagues. "Madam Dai, I wonder when you will be free? I was thinking..."
"She's been very busy lately," someone interjected.
"My lord," Ding Lianxi called out disapprovingly.
Qin Shaozong looked at Dai Li and led her away directly: "Madam, there is no longer any use for you in the tent, so please come out with me."
Ding Lianxi, apparently already old and blind, mistook her for a physician. Tell me, what doctor in this world wouldn't even dare to look directly at a wounded soldier's wound?
There was really no use for her, and she couldn't help with anything else. Staying here would only be a hindrance, so Dai Li left with Qin Shaozong.
All the Xuanxiao cavalry returned to their camp. Today, they returned in triumph, and the atmosphere in the camp was enthusiastic and high. The cooks, having received orders, sharpened their knives and generously slaughtered sheep to cook meat to celebrate the great victory.
The news of Qiao Wangfei's brush with death and subsequent pull-back spread like wildfire throughout the entire military camp. From the platoon leader to the lowest soldier, everyone knew that a divine physician had arrived in their army.
As the sun set, the aroma of meat and vegetables gradually filled the camp. Dai Li and Qin Shaozong walked side by side in the camp, their shadows stretched long by the orange-yellow sunset, one tall and one short, not far apart, like two trees standing side by side.
At first, no one spoke, until Qin Shaozong broke the silence.
"What are you planning?" His voice was flat, revealing no emotional fluctuation.
Dai Li paused upon hearing the sound, turned to look at him, and her shimmering eyes curved into crescents, her long eyelashes tinged with the brilliant gold of the setting sun, like a pretty little fan.
Okay, since he brought it up himself, she took the opportunity to speak.
"If that Commander Qiao survives, wouldn't it count as me saving his life?" Dai Li said softly.
"Yes." He said it without any hesitation.
Dai Li asked again in a light tone, "There must be regulations in your army regarding rewards for meritorious service, right?"
Both of them knew perfectly well that this was utter nonsense. Qin Shaozong glanced at her, the half of his face not illuminated by the setting sun appearing exceptionally cold and stern. "Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. With laws to punish wrongdoing, there will naturally be rewards for merit."
“What you say is absolutely right, my lord.” Dai Li’s smile widened. “I hope that Commander Qiao can escape danger. That way, I can ask you for a reward along with the matter of submitting the traditional remedy.”
Now that it was just the two of them, Qin Shaozong didn't need to hide anything. "Is it really a traditional remedy?"
"Actually, it's not really. This method is recorded in an old book in my family. As for whether it's true or not..." Dai Li honestly said, "Just as I said at the time, if Commander Qiao is any worse, he'll only die. We might as well try anything."
Unbeknownst to her, Dai Li followed him to the main tent.
The main tent was clearly different in size from the other military tents. It was larger and taller, firmly rooted in the Xuanxiao Cavalry Camp like a pillar stabilizing the sea. The small flag on the top of the tent, along with the military banner, was fluttered in a strong arc by the wind.
The tables and chairs in front of the main tent were arranged in a row, with a large pot and a wooden frame for a fire in the middle. On the fire was a sheep with one side pierced by an iron halberd.
The lamb had clearly been roasting for some time, its surface a tempting golden brown. Hot oil oozed out from the inside, gathering and falling into the flames below. The flames licked it into the lamb's belly, and it seemed to sizzle and rise a little higher as if in a pleasurable burst of flavor.
There were quite a few such bonfires roasting sheep; at least as Dai Li looked around, there were about two bonfires with sheep roasting in front of each military tent.
Judging from their posture, they are about to hold a victory celebration banquet.
The sun had completely sunk below the horizon, leaving only a barely visible layer of pale light in the sky. Night swept in like a tide, bringing a deep, silent darkness. But somewhere beneath the vast sky, on Peach Blossom Ridge, flames blazed, a lively scene unfolded, filled with laughter and joy.
For ease of carrying, long tables were often used in the military, where two or even three people would sit together and eat in close proximity.
Dai Li sat next to Qin Shaozong at a long table. As the commander-in-chief, the food at their table was quite lavish, with good dishes and meats; Dai Li even noticed a small dish of wild berries.
During forced marches, soldiers typically ate quick rations, which didn't need to be heated and could be eaten directly, making it very convenient. However, during ordinary marches, quick rations were not eaten very frequently. The soldiers ate rice porridge and wheat porridge, and occasionally a paste with various wild vegetables added.
Right now, a bowl of wheat porridge sits in front of Dai Li. In this era, wheat porridge is made from steamed, unhulled wheat; the taste…
Dai Li, who was eating wheat rice for the first time, chewed it and said, well, it wasn't particularly bad, and it was quite novel.
Once the lamb was roasted, the military officers, with their rough and unconventional style, used short knives to cut large chunks of lamb, each larger than the palm of their hand, and slammed them onto the table padded with broad leaves, then ate them with their hands.
The mutton was shared, and everyone got a piece. Dai Li also received a piece of mutton.
Her table was full of high-ranking military officers. Feng Feng had just distributed the meat. Whether he was specifically thanking her for saving his longtime friend or trying to build a good relationship with Dai Li, Feng Feng's gesture of goodwill was particularly obvious. Specifically, the piece of mutton he gave Dai Li was twice the size of her face.
Dai Li: "..."
“Madam Dai, please eat as much as you like. If you’re not full, just let me know and I’ll cut you more.” Feng Feng grinned, revealing a row of white teeth.
Dai Li: "...Thank you, but I guess it's not necessary."
Marching and fighting is physically demanding. The generals devoured the meat. Dai Li didn't go to the battlefield, but she had walked a lot of mountain roads today and was also very hungry.
The whole piece of mutton was too big, so she took out a short dagger and carefully wiped it clean. Then, holding the knife in one hand and using the other hand to roll up a corner of a broad leaf to wrap the mutton and hold it down without getting her hands dirty, she began to cut the mutton.
The gleaming surface of the dagger reflected the firelight, appearing incredibly bright from a certain angle. Dai Li was focused on cutting the meat, unaware that the man beside her had glanced at her several times.
A bright light kept flashing in his eyes from the side, irritating Qin Shaozong.
She took so long to prepare such a small piece of mutton. While others were already full and ready for their second meal, she still hadn't finished cutting that piece of meat.
"Bring it here."
Dai Li didn't realize at first that Qin Shaozong was talking to her until he called out again, "Madam."
Dai Li turned to look at him, her eyes filled with doubt. However, after exchanging a glance with Qin Shaozong and seeing his gaze shift downwards, glancing at the mutton in her hand, Dai Li remembered his earlier remark and suddenly understood what he meant.
Holding a corner of the broad leaf, Dai Li pulled the "tray" and moved the mutton in front of Qin Shaozong.
As Qin Shaozong held the knife, preparing to cut down, he suddenly heard a soft female voice drift over, "Could you use my knife to cut?"
Immediately afterward, as if offering sacrifices, a short dagger, with its handle facing each other, cautiously and slowly crept in from the side of his field of vision.
Qin Shaozong paused, his face darkening.
She still complains that his knife isn't clean enough? Let her be as delicate as she wants.
-----------------------
Author's Note: Another day of timely updates! Please give me some nutrient solution! [Let me see...]
①: Biography of Hua Tuo in the Book of the Later Han Dynasty
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