Time passed amidst the sandstorms and bloodshed of the northern frontier. An'an, using the alias "Anping," quickly distinguished herself in the harsh conditions and teeming with wounded soldiers in the military medical camp, thanks to the solid foundation laid by her family's academic tradition, her exceptional comprehension, and the practical experience she had accumulated in treating countless impoverished people in Jiangnan.
Her methods for treating external injuries were clean, efficient, and precise, with particular expertise in treating difficult knife and gunshot wounds and ulcers and infections caused by harsh environments. Her improved wound medicines showed remarkable hemostatic and tissue-regenerating effects, and her formulated antipyretic and anti-inflammatory decoctions repeatedly pulled wounded soldiers back from the brink of death. Even more remarkable was her patience and meticulous care for the wounded soldiers; whether they were generals or common soldiers, she saw them all as patients in need of treatment. That composure beyond her years and her heartfelt compassion earned her the sincere respect and trust of the wounded soldiers.
"Dr. An! Come quickly and take a look at this brother in the Third Battalion, his arrow wound on his leg has become infected!"
"Dr. An, could you please take a look? Why won't Old Zhang's fever go down?"
"Young Master An, is there any chance I can save my arm? It all depends on you!"
Similar cries echoed throughout the wounded soldiers' camp. An'an moved swiftly between the simple tents and the sickbeds filled with the smells of medicine and blood, her steps hurried yet without panic. Her face, made up with special ointments, was much darker than her original skin tone, her eyebrows thicker, and her cheekbones more prominent. Coupled with her deliberately lowered voice and neat men's attire, she resembled a handsome young doctor bearing the marks of hardship. The noble air of a Jiangnan lady was deeply concealed, leaving only the calm focus on medicine and the resilience in the face of suffering.
Her efforts and contributions were recognized by the military medical officer. Soon, she no longer had to share a dormitory with other junior medics, enduring numerous inconveniences. She had her own small, albeit cramped, tent. This was a huge convenience for her; at least she no longer had to worry about changing clothes or handling personal items (such as the ointments used for disguise). The satisfaction derived from realizing her lofty ideal of saving lives overshadowed the harshness of the environment and the longing for her family. She devoted almost all her energy to the wounded soldiers, only gazing southwards in the quiet of the night, silently missing her parents and siblings.
The battle was exceptionally fierce that day. The Di Rong amassed a large force and launched a fierce attack on a key pass. Marquis Lu Chenzhou of Zhenbei personally led his elite troops to the front line, while the fearless young Lu Xiao once again charged in alongside his father. The battlefield was filled with the glint of swords and the flying of blood and flesh. Lu Xiao displayed astonishing bravery and combat talent, successively slaying several fierce Di Rong soldiers, but ultimately he was too young, and his physical strength and experience were still insufficient.
During a rescue of his besieged comrades, he was struck hard in the back by a wolf-tooth mace from a Di Rong general, and at the same time, a spear thrust from the side pierced his left shoulder blade! The excruciating pain instantly swept through his body, his vision went black, and he fell off his horse, his blood instantly staining the ground beneath him.
"Xiao'er!" A furious roar, eyes blazing with rage, echoed from afar. His personal guards risked their lives to snatch him back, carrying the unconscious, blood-soaked Lu Xiao, and raced back to the rear camp.
"Quickly! Carry him to the seriously wounded camp! Find the best military medics!" the captain of the personal guards roared, his voice trembling with tears. The news of Lu Xiaoshizi's serious injury was like a boulder thrown into the camp, instantly stirring up huge waves and panic.
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