Chapter 236: Longevity is a Difficulty

Xu Zhian seemed to be in a rare state of high spirits, and he praised Wang Mang without hesitation.

Those days in Dayue are gone forever, now is a new era.

What Wang Mang did was fundamentally changing the bottom-level situation of a country. Xu Zhian didn't know much about state affairs. The position of Imperial Physician was given to him by Lin Xiaoyi when she became the queen.

But not understanding state affairs does not mean that you cannot distinguish between good and bad policies.

If you don't understand it yourself, don't the people who are actually affected by it understand it either?

While the noble families continued to curse, the common people seemed quite happy.

After three years of tax exemption, the tax collection in the next two years was very low. The most important thing was that the damn corvée could finally be offset by other means.

Even for the common people who really could not afford the money and had to go there in person, the food was much better. They could have one meal of meat every seven days, although it was only a little bit of meat, which was extremely difficult to come by.

Governing a big country is like cooking a small fish. Actions can be swift and resolute, but achieving results will require the help of time.

Andy Hui has already seen different signs, and the neighbors around the courtyard have smiles on their faces. Five years have passed, and the imperial capital has regained its prosperity, with hawkers hawking their wares everywhere.

In addition, there are merchants and travelers from various countries, bringing different specialties from each country. The era of war is really gone forever.

Countries are connecting with each other at an unprecedented rate, with almost no defenses, and even their armaments are being reduced again and again - but the number of petty officials has greatly increased.

It is foreseeable that, at least in the next few decades, there will be no more wars among the surrounding countries, and the long-awaited peace will come to this land that was once almost lost.

Xu Zhian, who has seen many ups and downs in the Imperial Hospital, was happy from the bottom of his heart and said with a cheerful face: "Now people in the folks have begun to praise your kindness, and this is all because of what you have done. You must continue to do it and don't give up halfway."

When people get old, they tend to become a little nagging.

The words I have said seem to be turning around in my mouth like a wheel. Over and over again, they are all the same words.

Wang Mang smiled and nodded, feeling a little sore at the tip of his nose.

Five years ago, when he ascended the throne, there was endless abuse.

Five years later, his name finally began to spread across this land, no longer being as insignificant as it had been at the beginning.

"This is not all my credit. Qin Lisheng, Gong Shangguo, and some ministers are all very important. Oh, and Brother Gu, it was Brother Gu who told me about the national policy of allocating land tax."

Wang Mang did not take credit for it. On the contrary, he kept mentioning people that Andy Hui also knew and talked about some changes.

Unlike the emperor who could take a break from his busy schedule, Gong Shangguo was the Shangshu at a time when the country was striving for progress. He was extremely busy and had no personal space at all.

Even if I have some free time, I should think about which person is suitable for which official position.

Not to mention Qin Lisheng, a giant of the Mohist school, who was even busier than others and never slacked off for a single day.

From any perspective, Qin Lisheng never disgraced the name of Mohism, nor did he delay Mozi's morality.

The reason why he was able to inherit the throne of the great master was not only because of his master's strength, but also because of his indomitable determination.

It’s just that times have changed, and this giant can no longer add to his own glory by doing anything earth-shaking, but this is also a kind of luck.

Times that need heroes are always full of tragedy.

As long as the saints live, the thieves will never stop.

Having one saint, Mo Qiu, is enough. At this time in the Xia Dynasty, there is no need for a new saint to stand up.

Not having an extremely glorious resume means that living in a peaceful and stable era, and being able to give full play to one's talents is a great blessing.

“You are all capable people.”

Andy Hui was very happy and was not angry because anyone did not come to see him.

On the contrary, he had gotten furious several times because of these people surrounding his bed, but Wang Mang was not there at the time.

"For an old man like me, I can still see the prosperous times. This life is worth it."

Andy Hui said this with a smile.

When the White Lotus Sect leader occupied the imperial capital, no one had ever thought that the disaster would end so quickly.

Disaster and peace are just a fine line apart.

"Don't say that! You are the imperial physician of the Xia Dynasty. You must live a long life to set an example for the people of the world!"

Wang Mang said immediately.

"Live a long life?"

Xu Zhian was slightly startled, then sneered: "I'm lucky not to be dragged out and hacked to death halfway."

In this era, for those who truly understand medicine, it is not difficult to live to sixty or seventy years old unless there is a major disaster.

Going further up, no one has an accurate number.

But if we look at the life expectancy of Chinese medicine practitioners in the Imperial Medical Bureau, it is probably not a good number.

Many people died of old age, but there were also many who died along the way.

We should be a little thankful that Emperor Zong Ming loved alchemists and didn't care much about the Imperial Medical Bureau.

After experiencing too many life and death experiences, and even separation from his loved ones, Andy Hui has moved on.

Being able to live to old age is a blessing that many people envy!

"I will make a rule when I get back. Unless it is a quack who uses the wrong medicine or treats the wrong disease, you are not allowed to vent your anger on the Imperial Hospital."

Wang Mang immediately assured.

Hearing this, Andy Hui seemed to have thought of something and said, "It's not the Imperial Hospital, it's not the Imperial Hospital. No matter what time it is, it's best not to let that happen."

"I will try my best to do it."

Wang Mang did not dare to give any guarantees this time.

After gaining power, the first generation may be able to resist temptation, but what about the second and third generations? There is a saying in the world that the grace of a gentleman will be cut off after five generations.

There is also a saying that wealth does not last for more than three generations.

A family with wealth will either be rich and powerful or penniless after three generations.

Even the virtue and reputation of a gentleman could hardly influence people after the Five Dynasties.

Wang Mang could only guarantee his own conduct, but he did not dare to say anything big.

He won't live that long, but judging by Gu Wei's ability, he can probably see it.

If you brag now and remember it later, won't you be scolded in your grave?

When you become an emperor, you must be more careful in what you say and do.

"Very good. Very good."

Andy Hui nodded happily, but a look of fatigue appeared on his face.

After all, he is old, and he can't talk for long before he feels exhausted and wants to fall into a deep sleep.

"Go back, don't stay here. I can't sleep well if you watch me."

Andy Hui waved his hands weakly and did not stand up to see him off.

This time no one argued, everyone walked out of the room obediently, with Gu Dan walking last.

The door was right in front of him, and Gu Dan looked back.

Andy Hui was leaning on the bed contentedly and fell asleep with a smile on his face.

He walked back quietly, laid Xu Zhian flat on the bed, tucked in the quilt for him, and left the room.

Everyone in the yard stood there, their eyes fixed on Gu Dan.

There was no sound, but it seemed as if there were words flowing in his eyes.

"Go back and do your own things."

Gu Dan lowered his voice and spoke very quietly.

"Mr. Gu, Grandpa Xu, is there really nothing he can do?"

Xun Ke asked very carefully.

Cang hugged Gu Dan's arm tightly.

Xiaoying's bright eyes were also fixed on him, full of expectation.

Gu Dan said nothing, but just shook his head silently.

This silent action gave them the clearest answer.

Xiaoying wiped her tears silently, Cang hung on Gu Dan's body, and said in a rage: "Master, you are so powerful, there must be a way!"

Only Wang Mang and Xun Ke remained silent.

If it were possible to simply bring the dead back to life, then the leader of the Mohist school at this time would not be Qin Lisheng, but Mo Qiu.

In fact, they already had the answer in their hearts.

People not only have good and bad fortune at any time, but also birth, aging, sickness and death.

No matter whether you are a royal relative, a virtuous minister or a good general, a wise monarch, a saint or a great man, or an ordinary commoner, you cannot escape.

Perhaps it is for this reason that, when one takes a step towards another path, people in the world will call them immortals. Immortals are immortals who can leave the sea of ​​suffering of the mortal world and get rid of the shackles of human beings.

When they truly realize that death is the destination of everything and that life is limited, these not-so-long-lived guys will strive to create infinite possibilities within their limited lives.

Because death is always with us, looming over us, we should make the most of our life in this world while we are alive.

No matter what, life must go on.

Time is fair and does not stop for anyone or anything.

Time is cruel. Every sunrise and sunset represents the passing of the old day and the arrival of a new day.

It has become difficult for Andy Hui to get out of bed and walk around.

Someone must support him.

All the organs of his aging body, which had reached the end of their life, were protesting silently all the time, making him feel extremely tired.

Gu Dan no longer went out and he always stayed by Andy Hui's side.

When Andy Hui wants to go out for a walk, he will take him for a walk.

As a grandmaster, Gu Dan also took Andy Hui to experience the feeling of flying. He used his true energy to block out all the wind and looked down at the world from the sky.

Andy Hui was lying on his back, his face slightly pale, his skinny hands tightly holding the burden, but his dim eyes were wide open.

“How beautiful!”

Looking down at the world from the sky is a completely different perspective.

The place where I used to live has become very small, and the pedestrians on the street are only the size of soybeans, coming and going.

His eyesight was not very good, but he could still see the Wanshou Palace built on the mountain, which was the imperial palace of the Xia Dynasty at that time.

Occasionally, someone looked up at the sky and was surprised to find that there were two more people in the sky.

Soon a group of soybeans gathered below, pointing and jumping around.

Andy Hui showed a rare smile on his face.

When I went back that day, a neighbor came to visit and said excitedly that two fairies appeared in the sky during the day and were looking down at the world.

Everyone said that it was the soul of a saint, and the immortal official who guided the saint's soul to become a god. It was just because the saint was reluctant to leave this mortal world, so he wanted to see it for a while longer.

Andy Hui laughed.

In this life, he was actually treated as an immortal by others.

I guess my life is not in vain.

The autumn wind blew in unnoticed, and the annoying cicada chirping from the willow tree in the yard finally stopped.

But no one has stayed in the yard for a long time.

Andy Hui can no longer get out of bed on his own.

He began to be reluctant to go out.

When Gu Dan wanted to take him out, Andy Hui just shook his head and began to stare at one place in a daze.

Occasionally he would mumble a few words that no one could understand to an empty space.

However, his consciousness was still clear and he could recognize people, but he could no longer chat for a long time. He would often feel tired after saying a few words.

Gu Dan stayed by his side all the time. After he fell asleep, he sat on the ground and waited quietly for Andy Hui to wake up next time.

When the countryside and fields become empty, autumn is gradually coming to an end.

On a day like this, Andy Hui rarely lost his temper.

He was incontinent and in bed.

Even though he was unable to walk before, he could still ask Gu Dan to support him to go to the bathroom.

But now, everything is no longer up to him.

It was the first time that Gu Dan saw embarrassment and shame on Andy Hui’s face when he faced him.

"Get out! Get out!"

Andy Hui screamed loudly, his face flushed, as if he had been extremely humiliated.

In fact, he has always been strong.

He never showed embarrassment in front of the younger generation.

But at this time he could no longer swing his fists, and even his voice sounded weak and powerless.

Gu Dan quietly cleaned up for him and walked out of the room.

Andy Hui lay on his back on the bed, tears silently falling from his eyes.

He is very old.

It's damn time.

But it seemed as if God was still playing a trick on him, not wanting him to step peacefully into the gentle night.

Death is not scary, he has already accepted it.

But before he died, he had to go through such a thing, which made him curse and want to just die.

He asked himself that he had never done anything bad in his life, so why should he wait until he was old to embarrass himself and make the younger ones feel uncomfortable?

The next day, Andy Hui refused to eat.

Gu Dan brought the cooked porridge and rice and handed it to his mouth, and Xu Zhian just looked at him quietly.

"Uncle Xu, eat."

Gu Dan gently blew away the heat on the soup spoon, as if he was taking care of a child.

Andy Hui looked at him quietly.

"Uncle Xu, it's time to eat."

Gu Dan said it again.

"Bearing"

Andy Hui called out Gu Dan's name.

The sound is very weak.

But Gu Dan could hear it, so he deliberately moved his head closer, "Uncle Xu, don't you want to eat this? Then I'll go change it for you."

A hand was placed on his body. Andy Hui tried hard to lift his body up, but failed, so he stopped again, "Let me die."

"What?"

Gu Dan seemed not to have heard clearly, but for some reason, the soup spoon in his hand suddenly cracked into lines.

"Let me die."

Andy Hui looked at Gu Dan. His voice was weak, but his pronunciation was clear and he enunciated each word.

Gu Dan was completely stunned.

It was as if an invisible thunderbolt was striking down on my head, making my vision dizzy and my mind heavy.

"Why?"

"No, don't let them see me like this."

Andy Hui tried hard to smile at Gu Dan.

Gu Dan just shook his head, but his vision became blurry and he found that he could no longer see Andy Hui's appearance clearly.

"Promise me."

Xu Zhian held Gu Dan's hand tightly, and his spirits lifted up. He tried to speak, "I have lived a good life. Now I am old, and lying like this is a torture. I won't be awake for long, and I won't live for many more days. Don't let the children hate me in the last few days."

After finishing a long speech, Andy Hui began to breathe hard.

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Even though he had made up his mind to die, his body still retained the desire to live.

"No disgust. No disgust"

Gu couldn't help but shook his head.

In front of this old and frail man, the hands that had killed several masters with their own hands were trembling.

"Not dying is torturing myself. It is torturing everyone."

Andy Hui shook his head and looked out the window.

This is the best house in the yard, and you can overlook the scenery of the yard.

Since he began to suffer from frequent hardship, the small courtyard has been deserted for a long time.

They stood outside the door, keeping a close eye on the changes in the old man.

Andy Hui knows it very well.

He was just an ordinary imperial physician. He had never done anything earth-shattering, nor achieved anything worth boasting about, nor even a single feat that could be used as a topic of conversation.

The most important thing that happened to him was that one of his old friends passed away prematurely.

Now that he is old, what merits and what ability does he have to have so many people around him? He is already very tired.

I want to sleep forever.

Gu Dan didn't say anything else.

He walked out of the house in silence.

Soon, Xiaoying and Cang came.

"Uncle Xu hasn't eaten yet."

Gu Dan said so.

"I'll feed Grandpa!"

Cang volunteered and was very active.

Andy Hui looked at Gu Dan, and Gu Dan also looked over, his eyes full of pleading.

Seeing Cang raising his little hand and handing the spoon to him, Andy Hui sighed softly but still tried hard to swallow it.

Everything is so plain.

Nothing good to say about it.

When the autumn wind brings a biting chill, the sky is also gloomy.

Dark clouds loom overhead, and the sun is dark and without light.

The winter thunder let out a dull and hoarse roar, and the wild beasts that had been dormant for a long time began to show off their power. The vast light illuminated the world, but what was revealed was not a warm and beautiful scene, but a bleak and gloomy scene!

This momentary brightness, alas, was set off by the overwhelming dark clouds rolling in.

Bean-sized raindrops fell all over the ground, and the cold wind howled incessantly.

The unlocked gate of the Gu family courtyard finally began to creak again.

The Xuanniao Gate that was replaced in the Imperial Palace in the 37th year of Emperor Zongming could not withstand the wear and tear of time.

In such weather, there are no pedestrians on the streets.

Fortunately, they still have somewhere to go to shelter from the wind and rain.

There are more people coming to the Gu family courtyard today.

In addition to Gu Dan, Xun Ke, Xiao Ying and Cang, Wang Mang, Qin Lisheng and Gong Shangguo all came.

Andy Hui has been in a coma in bed for three days.

They put aside everything they were doing and came to the old man's bedside, visiting him as people they knew during his lifetime.

In the room, Gu Dan sat quietly in front of the bed, like a sculpture.

His gaze lingered on Andy Hui's chest, which was rising and falling so slightly that one would almost mistake it for a stationary state.

Judging from the Qingmu Huasheng Jue's assessment of human vitality, Andy Hui's life is like a candle that has burned out, filled with thick deathly aura and can no longer continue.

When another loud thunder roared across the sky, Gu Dan's shaking hands tried several times before he finally held Andy Hui's hand.

Tiny drops of green light seeped into Andy Hui's body very subtly, and he dared not make any mistakes.

With the influx of that subtle vitality, Andy Hui's chest rose and fell slightly faster.

About a quarter of an hour later, Andy Hui woke up.

I opened my extremely tired eyes again and saw a lot of people.

Feeling his body slightly relaxed, he looked at Gu Dan again.

He tried hard to force a smile towards Gu Dan.

"Everyone, come and see this old man of mine."

Andy Hui said with great effort.

"Grandpa Xu!!!"

Cang, whose eyes were already swollen from crying, heard him speak and flew to the bed, but did not dare to touch his body. He just kept crying loudly.

As he cried, crystal drops of water fell from Xiaoying's red eyes, and she suppressed her own voice.

"Don't cry, don't cry, dear."

Andy Hui wanted to reach out and touch Cang’s head.

But he had no strength left.

Gu Dan saw what he was thinking, gently took his hand and placed it on Cang's head.

Cang stopped moving, but he couldn't stop crying.

"I'm fine. Just a little sleepy. A little sleepy."

Andy Hui said with all his might.

His body was constantly emitting various sounds, urging him to rest quickly, rest quickly. Every breath was like lifting a mountain and then pressing it heavily on him.

The most important thing is that this body that was once so familiar to him no longer obeys his commands.

Even moving one's hands and feet has become a luxury.

He tried hard to say a few words to everyone, but before he could say a few words, his eyelids became heavy again.

A long dark moment loomed before him, but he did not feel fear. Instead, he wanted to throw himself into it.

Andy Hui fell asleep again.

In a less than willing situation.

In Gu Dan's hand, a green light continuously bloomed with a little radiance, trying hard to maintain the energy required to nourish the body that was on the verge of collapse, and he did not dare to go beyond the line.

In the next few days, Andy Hui woke up several times.

Each time it lasted shorter and shorter, and he couldn't even utter three complete sentences before falling into a deep sleep again.

Gu Dan never left.

Xiaoying and Cang almost cried until they fainted but refused to leave. Xun Ke had to force them to take him away to eat.

After waking up again, Andy Hui did not try to say a few more words.

He looked at Gu Dan calmly, and there was a pleading look in his eyes!

The two looked at each other silently.

After a moment, the green light in Gu Dan's hand finally bloomed.

A heartfelt smile appeared on Andy Hui's face, and his exhausted body regained its vitality.

He pushed himself up and sat up.

Cang, who was lying on the bed in a daze, was awakened by Xiaoying.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Andy Hui sitting up by himself.

"Grandpa Xu, you are cured!!!"

Cang shouted in surprise, his voice sharp and hoarse.

"All right, all right!"

Andy Hui nodded at him with a smile and hugged Cang in his arms again.

He used his pale beard to wipe his pale, chubby cheeks.

Xun Ke anticipated something and ran out of the room like a flash. The closed gate of the courtyard did not even have time to be opened before he knocked it to the ground. The Xuanniao Gate, which had gone through two dynasties, fell to the ground, while he ran towards the palace.

"Why has Xiaoying become thinner?"

After coaxing the restless Cang in his arms, Andy Hui looked at Xiaoying again and said with concern: "It's not good for a girl to be too thin."

"Xiaoying can't eat without Grandpa Xu's cooking."

Xiaoying forced a smile and kept brushing her cheeks with her sleeves.

"You can't say that. You have to be able to be a good lady in the living room and a good cook in the kitchen. Only by learning a good skill can you catch the man. The woman in my family was the one who cooked bad food. I would rather stay in the Imperial Hospital to eat than go home."

Andy Hui had a mischievous smile on his face and joked, "We had a lot of arguments over this matter. Don't learn from her. Her cooking is so salty."

"Xiaoying will learn to cook well."

Xiaoying nodded repeatedly, tears streaming down her face.

Andy Hui's face became rosy, he was in good spirits, and his speech no longer sounded weak and slow. "Cang must study hard, understand? Studying is good, it can help people understand the truth, know what to do and what not to do, it can benefit all people."

"Um."

Cang in his arms nodded desperately.

Andy Hui looked at Gu Dan again.

The smile on that old face became warmer and warmer, and he simply said, "I'm sorry for your hardship."

Gu Dan still didn't speak, he was speechless.

With a 'bang', the door was pushed open roughly.

Xun Ke and Wang Mang, wearing dragon robes, ran back.

Xun Ke was breathing heavily, looking at Andy Hui who had just woken up, trying to force a smile.

Wang Mang stepped forward and said, "Uncle Xu, you look much better."

"ha"

Andy Hui shook his head slightly, and said calmly and even indifferently: "I am going to die. After I die, don't give my disappointing child any preferential treatment because of me. If he has no ability, it is enough for him to have food to eat."

"Don't say that."

Wang Mang wanted to comfort.

But Andy Hui took the initiative and gently waved his hand, "You should be a good emperor. Don't learn from Emperor Zong Ming. Don't learn from him."

“I’m sure I won’t learn from him.”

Wang Mang nodded with particular assurance.

Xu Zhian then looked at Xun Ke again, "Ke has great talent. This child is different, let Cang learn from him."

"Grandpa Xu!"

Xun Ke also came forward, and there were a lot of people surrounding the bed.

Andy Hui just smiled and chatted with everyone one by one.

Except for Gu Dan, he could give careful instructions to everyone.

It's not because he didn't have room for Gu Dan in his heart, but because he knew very well that there was nothing in his life that he could give Gu Dan any advice on.

All along, it was not him who accommodated Gu Dan, but Gu Dan who accommodated him.

In this aspect of life, he himself is not actually that successful; he just has some insignificant experience, but in the foreseeable future, Gu Dan will live longer than him.

There was nothing to worry about here.

"I'm a little sleepy."

After chatting for a while, Andy Hui leaned on the bed and said this with a smile.

There seemed to be a sound outside, and it was quite noisy.

But he could no longer hear clearly.

I'm just very sleepy and tired.

My eyes closed unconsciously, and a long, dizzy darkness gradually enveloped me.

It's not scary, but rather warm.

But in my heart, there seems to be something that I can't let go of.

Faintly, it seemed as if someone had not come to say goodbye to him.

However, Andy Hui couldn’t quite remember.

He tried hard to recall and think in a daze.

He began to resist the darkness, and his eyes, which were originally closed, opened a crack.

With his dim eyes, he stared at the few people blankly.

His eyes were fixed on Xiaoying's face.

He remembered.

"Xiaoyi, you came to see me too!"

Xu Zhian was very happy. He held Xiaoying's hand and gently placed it on Gu Dan's palm, "You two, don't be estranged."

He was still giving instructions.

Want to say something.

But I have no strength left.

Andy Hui, fell asleep.

(End of this chapter)