Inside the tent, Xu Yuehuai slowly moved the brush in his hand across the military plan, each stroke seemingly carrying deep thoughts about the future of the Great Zhou.
However, a subtle aura suddenly swept over her, and Xu Yuehuai raised her head alertly, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
"Who?" she hissed, her body tensing instantly, like an arrow about to be released from a bow.
With a soft sound, the tent curtain was gently lifted, revealing a familiar figure—Xiao Rui, his face anxious and his eyes full of pleading.
"My lord, you're finally here! His Majesty... since you left, his health has deteriorated day by day, and now he is on the verge of death. Please, you must come with me to see him one last time."
Upon hearing this, Xu Yuehuai slammed his pen down on the table, the ink splashing out like his chaotic thoughts.
"The Great Zhou and the Eastern Sang are at a tense moment. As a general, how can I easily leave the camp?"
Just then, the tent flap was lifted again, and the Ghost Doctor rushed in, clutching an exquisite jade box in his hand. Inside was a newly developed elixir, which he had intended to share with Xu Yuehuai, but he unexpectedly witnessed this scene.
"Oh dear, what's going on here...?" The Ghost Doctor was surprised, but quickly sensed the heavy atmosphere.
Xu Yuehuai quickly greeted him, "Ghost Doctor, you've come at the right time. Bai Yu's condition is critical. Would you be willing to come with me to Dongsang? Perhaps your medical skills can prolong his life."
The Ghost Doctor's expression turned serious. "Although we are not close friends, we have met, and I should do my best. Let's go, time waits for no one."
Seeing this, Xiao Rui's eyes flashed with joy: "That's great! With the Ghost Doctor here, there might still be a chance for the King."
Xu Yuehuai sighed softly, turned to Xiao Rui and said, "Wait here for a moment, I need to say a few words to Aze." After saying that, she strode out of the tent, leaving the two of them looking at each other.
On the training ground, Qi Guze, seated in a wheelchair, intently watched Wang Mang, Li Feng, and others spar. Each exchange was accompanied by the crisp sound of clashing weapons, like a rehearsal for a battle. Xu Yuehuai's arrival disrupted this tense yet orderly atmosphere.
"Ah Yue, what's wrong? You look strange." Qi Guze spoke first.
Xu Yuehuai relayed the news Xiao Rui brought to Qi Guze, who smiled and said, "Go. You don't need to worry about Da Zhou. Your responsibility is not only to protect this land, but also to protect those you cherish."
Xu Yuehuai stepped forward, hugged Qi Guze tightly, and whispered, "You're so good, Guze. Thank you."
As night deepened, Xu Yuehuai hurriedly packed his bags, and together with Xiao Rui and the Ghost Doctor, they set off on their journey to Dongsang under the moonlight. They rode swiftly along the way.
However, just as they were about to reach Dongsang, a figure suddenly darted out of the forest and blocked their horses' path.
Xiao Rui immediately became alert, drew his longsword, and pointed it at the person who had entered: "Who goes there? How dare you block my way!"
The person slowly emerged from the shadows, their figure becoming much smaller.
“It’s me, Bei Ye,” he replied briefly, then explained, “I’ve been gathering rare herbs in the deep mountains these past few days, hoping to do my part for my sister. I never expected to run into you here.”
Hearing this, Xu Yuehuai felt a little relieved and then teased, "You rascal, how did you get so tanned? I almost didn't recognize you."
Bei Ye smiled wryly, took out an exquisite jade box from his pocket, and handed it to the Ghost Doctor: "Ghost Doctor, these are some rare herbs that I found with great difficulty."
The Ghost Doctor took the jade box, opened it, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "This is truly heaven's help! These herbs are exactly what I need. With them, the hope of saving the king has increased even more."
Xiao Rui was even more excited: "That's great! With Bei Ye joining us, plus the Ghost Doctor's medical skills, His Majesty will surely be able to turn misfortune into good fortune!"
So the group set off again, speeding towards Dongsang.
In the morning light of Dongsang, Xiao Rui, holding a heavy token, led Xu Yuehuai, the Ghost Doctor, and Bei Ye through the once bustling but now unusually deserted city gate.
Beneath the city gates, even the wind seemed heavy, foreshadowing the city's untold secrets.
"Why is it so deserted?" Xu Yuehuai's gaze swept across the empty streets, and an ominous premonition welled up in her heart.
Xiao Rui explained, "Dong Sang recently contracted a plague, causing widespread panic and naturally reducing the usual liveliness."
Upon hearing this, the Ghost Doctor's expression changed drastically, and he angrily said, "You actually didn't tell us beforehand! If something were to happen to the Princess here, could you bear the consequences?" His voice carried a hint of reproach, but also revealed his deep concern for Xu Yuehuai's safety.
Xiao Rui quickly bowed and apologized: "Please calm down, Doctor Ghost. The plague has been quelled with the help of a master. I didn't tell you in advance because I was afraid you would worry."
Bei Ye stood to the side, scrutinizing Xiao Rui with sharp eyes, and asked in a deep voice, "Are you telling the truth? You're not lying to us anymore?"
The Ghost Doctor took a light sniff of the air, his brows gradually relaxing: "There's no lingering smell of medicine, so it seems that's indeed the case."
Looking at everything before him, Xu Yuehuai felt a mix of emotions: "Dong Sang's information was really well hidden. But how exactly was this plague resolved?"
A hint of admiration flashed in Xiao Rui's eyes: "A few days ago, a mysterious master came to the city. With his extraordinary medical skills, he quickly curbed the spread of the plague."
"If the master is so powerful, why couldn't he cure Bai Yu?" Xu Yuehuai's voice was filled with urgency and confusion.
Xiao Rui shook his head and said helplessly, "I don't know the reason either."
The group passed through a hidden passage outside the palace walls. Xiao Rui led the way and said softly, "Please follow me this way from now on."
Upon hearing this, Xu Yuehuai became even more puzzled: "This isn't the way to Bai Yu's palace, so where is he now?"
"His Majesty has recently been staying in the small courtyard where you stayed for a while." Xiao Rui's answer made Xu Yuehuai's heart tighten.
The moment Xiao Rui pushed open the courtyard gate, a strange atmosphere rushed towards him. This small courtyard had been isolated from the Empress Dowager's palace, surrounded by new walls, making the expanded space even more secluded and lonely. Xu Yuehuai had never expected that Bai Yu would choose such a place as a safe haven.
Upon entering the courtyard, an indescribable medicinal smell wafted through the air, accompanied by a faint cough, making one's heart tighten.
Xu Yuehua quickened her pace and rushed into the room. When she saw the emaciated, barely breathing figure on the bed, she was somewhat dazed.
Bai Yu lay on the bed, his eyes vacant and his face as pale as paper. The moment he saw Xu Yuehuai, a look of disbelief flashed in his eyes. He struggled to get up, but due to exhaustion, he fell heavily to the ground with a dull thud.
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