I Built a Territory in Ancient Times Chapter 157

Chapter 157

In truth, Ming Yu was not seriously ill. It was just that after days of exhausting travel, combined with constant fear and tension, he had been on edge for too long. Now that he had finally relaxed, a wave of fatigue overwhelmed him, causing him to faint suddenly.

When Ming Yu regained consciousness, everyone let out a sigh of relief. However, instead of continuing to rest, he immediately summoned all the doctors for a meeting.

The main purpose of the gathering was to exchange information about the epidemic and discuss the most fundamental treatment options available.

“As of now, the afflicted individuals are experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea, extreme physical weakness, and fever. Their condition worsens within three to five days, and the chances of death are alarmingly high.” Under the watchful eyes of the assembly, Doctor Liu spoke cautiously, his tone careful and restrained. “I have gathered the infected in one place to prevent contact with healthy individuals, but this has caused much discontent among the people. If not for General Xie’s support, I would have had a much harder time managing the situation.”

Doctor Liu had the most knowledge about this epidemic and had made numerous suggestions based on his experience. However, when he saw Duan Wang seated at the head of the table, he felt uneasy, uncertain whether his methods were right or wrong.

Ming Yu nodded and said approvingly, “It’s commendable that you even thought of this.”

Only then did Doctor Liu feel somewhat reassured. “Your Highness flatters me. I merely followed your instructions. Besides, ancient texts also mention that in times of plagues, empty residences should be repurposed as medical stations, which gave me the courage to take this action.”

“You did the right thing. Preventing the spread by isolating the infected is the standard procedure. However, it’s not just about separation; disinfection and protective measures are equally important,” Ming Yu explained. “I’ve already compiled a detailed guide. You only need to follow it accordingly.”

The crowd responded in unison. Only then did Doctor Liu add, “Right now, the army is severely lacking in both medicine and physicians, and there is no effective treatment available. Now that Your Highness has brought medical supplies and personnel, we can put them to good use.”

Dr. Qin, who had accompanied Wang Ye, furrowed his brows and asked, “Even with medicine, there’s no effective treatment?”

Dr. Qin was known as the most skilled physician in Liangcheng, with a highly respected reputation among all present. Dr. Liu had also heard of him. As a military doctor, his skills naturally could not compare to someone like Dr. Qin, so he could only respond truthfully.

Shaking his head, Dr. Liu sighed, “We’ve tried everything, but the results have been far from ideal.”

Dr. Qin fell silent. Traditional medicine relied on observation, inquiry, and examination. Since he had yet to see the patients firsthand, he could not make a judgment. It was necessary for him to diagnose them personally.

“I will go and examine the patients later—”

Before he could finish his sentence, someone beside him gently nudged him and whispered, “This is an epidemic. Anyone could get infected. What if we contract the disease from direct contact?”

Though they were doctors, they were still flesh and blood like any other person. Disease did not discriminate between rich and poor. Dragged here by Wang Ye from miles away, if they were to die in a foreign land from the epidemic, there would be no one to plead their case.

Though the remark was whispered, many people overheard it. Some nodded in agreement, while others frowned and remained silent.

Ming Yu naturally understood that many of these doctors had not come willingly. People were inherently selfish, and not everyone would accept such an assignment without hesitation. He remained quiet for a moment. If they were unwilling, could he really force them into service?

Dr. Qin shot a glance at the person beside him and retorted, “A doctor’s heart should be as compassionate as a parent’s. The patients are not just anyone—they are the soldiers of our Great Yan. How can we sit by and do nothing? If you’re afraid, then you have no right to call yourself a healer.”

His words were harsh. The person who had whispered the reminder was visibly embarrassed. He had only meant to offer a well-intended warning, yet Dr. Qin had completely rebuked him. Feeling humiliated, he had no choice but to keep silent.

The rest of the doctors had varying expressions, and the room fell into a heavy silence, so quiet that even a pin drop could be heard.

Ming Yu smiled, trying to ease the tension. “There’s no need to be so tense. It is indeed a physician’s duty to treat the sick, but ensuring the doctor’s own safety is just as important. Epidemics are not as terrifying as they seem. As long as proper isolation, disinfection, and personal hygiene measures are taken, the risk of infection is greatly reduced.”

At these words, some nodded in agreement, while others shook their heads in doubt. Wang Ye was of noble status, but he was not a physician—could his words really be trusted?

However, no one openly voiced their doubts. Dr. Qin nodded and said, “Your Highness makes a valid point. I will begin work immediately. This epidemic cannot be delayed—we must find a treatment as soon as possible.”

The group continued discussing for a long time. Only after two hours did the meeting finally conclude, though Ming Yu asked Dr. Qin and Dr. Liu to stay behind.

“Dr. Qin, do you have confidence in this?” Ming Yu asked directly, getting straight to the point. If even Doctor Qin, the most skilled physician in Liangzhou, had no solution, then Ming Yu had no idea who else to rely on.

Dr. Qin shook his head. “It’s too early to say. However, I once heard of an ancient prescription that, when combined with acupuncture, has been highly effective against similar illnesses. But there are thousands of different illnesses, and even the slightest variation requires different treatments. In my opinion, we may need to adjust the approach based on the patient’s condition. This will take time, and I cannot guarantee success.”

Dr. Qin’s words were earnest and reasonable. Ming Yu nodded. “The most urgent matter now is to prevent the epidemic from spreading further. Dr. Liu, you must ensure strict oversight and follow protocol.”

Dr. Liu naturally agreed. The measures formulated by Wang Ye were clear and well-structured, making them easy to implement without issue.

Wang Ye used the cotton cloth they had brought to fashion face coverings that covered the mouth and nose. He even wore gloves made of sheepskin, ensuring that every part of his body was fully protected. Any items belonging to the patients were boiled in hot water, and their living quarters were kept meticulously clean. Every day, the rooms were disinfected with strong liquor infused with realgar.

With these measures strictly enforced and implemented in every detail, the infection rate visibly declined. Everyone’s spirits lifted—this was excellent news. It proved that Wang Ye’s methods were effective. If they could also find the right medicine to treat and control the illness, then…

No one dared to believe it. People had always regarded epidemics as a terrifying force of nature, facing them with fear and helplessness. No one had ever considered the possibility of defeating such a plague. But, just as Wang Ye had said, humans possessed wisdom—once they understood the disease, they could overcome it. Even though the epidemic was invisible and intangible, as long as they took the right precautions, it would have no way of harming them.

The physicians gathered to discuss which medicines could alleviate the symptoms most effectively. Dr. Qin experimented with combining medication and acupuncture, which helped stabilize the patients’ conditions but could not completely cure them. This meant the prescription still needed improvement, but the group could not agree on which direction to take. The heated debate left everyone frustrated.

Ming Yu didn’t understand medical matters, so he couldn’t participate in their argument. He could only hope they would find a truly effective treatment through their discussions and put an end to the epidemic as soon as possible.

While efforts to control the epidemic continued, news of Ming Yu’s arrival had already reached Tuoba Ren’s ears.

“I never would have expected that Duan Wang, a man of such high status, would actually come here in person,” Tuoba Ren said with a smirk.

Song Lian was baffled and asked in disbelief, “Duan Wang knew about the epidemic in Xie Yixiu’s army and still came here without hesitation? How is that possible?”

Duan Wang was no ordinary person. There was an old saying: A noble’s son does not sit beneath a crumbling wall. Was Duan Wang not afraid of death? If someone claimed Ming Yu had come for the sake of the ten thousand soldiers, Song Lian wouldn’t believe it for a second. Could it be for General Xie? But although General Xie was an impressive figure, it was hard to imagine that he alone could compel a prince to risk his own life.

“No matter the reason, Duan Wang’s arrival is a good thing—it suits my plans perfectly.” Tuoba Ren clapped his hands, looking pleased. If he could trap both a great general of the Great Yan and a prince, then sacrificing five thousand of his own men as bait would be worth it.

“But I heard that Duan Wang brought a significant amount of medicine and physicians with him. Couldn’t that mean there’s a chance they might control the epidemic?” Chacha Qi couldn’t help but ask.

Tuoba Ren let out a cold snort. “If it were that easy to control, then the Youye tribe wouldn’t have been completely wiped out by the plague.”

At those words, Chacha Qi shuddered involuntarily. He knew well the tragic fate of the Youye tribe. Just thinking about it sent chills down his spine. But then, he recalled that it wouldn’t be long before the Great Yan’s army met the same end, and he couldn’t help but feel excited.

“How is the situation in the Great Yan’s army now?” Tuoba Ren asked.

Hearing this, Chacha Qi couldn’t hide his delight. “Our spies just reported that nearly half of the Great Yan’s soldiers have already fallen ill. Their army is no longer a threat.”

Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged knowing smiles, and Song Lian’s doubts dissipated. The Great Yan army had recently crushed the Jieluo tribe, but now it seemed that had merely been their last desperate struggle. They had been stationed at Beiga Lake for over half a month without making a move—surely that meant the epidemic was out of control.

That said, General Xie’s command was indeed remarkable. Even with the army in such dire straits, there had been no sign of mutiny—a testament to his skill.

“It seems they are no longer a concern. Now that Xie Yixiu and Duan Wang are both away from Liangzhou, we should seize this opportunity to attack Shi Chongguan. If we break through Liangcheng, we will achieve unparalleled glory.”

At last, Tuoba Ren revealed his true ambitions. Back when he had agreed to the conditions set by the Great General of the Right Division and promised to lead their army to victory, he had done so to secure their full support. As long as they captured Liangcheng, the Right Division’s army would gain immense merit. At that point, how could they possibly remain subordinate to the Left Division?

For the Great General of the Right Division, surpassing the Left Division was a dream. Now that the opportunity had arrived, he and Tuoba Ren had naturally reached an agreement.

That was why Tuoba Ren had meticulously laid his plans, willingly sacrificing five thousand soldiers to lure the tiger from the mountain. As long as Xie Yixiu was trapped here, the Great Yan’s border defenses would be left vulnerable.

Tuoba Ren’s words ignited the passion of Chacha Qi and the others. Chacha Qi, in particular, was filled with admiration—Tuoba Ren was still the same formidable leader as before. He had not lost heart after his past defeat; instead, he had grown even stronger. To follow such a man and achieve everlasting glory—Chacha Qi had no regrets.

“Wang Ye, then shall we prepare to set out? The fifty thousand troops of the Right Division are ready at any moment,” Chacha Qi said excitedly, immediately leaving to make preparations.

The Great General of the Right Division was a shrewd man and did not fully trust Tuoba Ren with his forces. That was why he had handed the military talisman to his own son, Chacha Qi, while Tuoba Ren was left to strategize. In the end, all the merit would be credited to Chacha Qi and the Right Division’s army.

Once Chacha Qi had gone, Song Lian lowered his voice and asked, “Wang Ye, are you really willing to let others take the credit?”

“What does it matter?” Tuoba Ren replied. “If I can accomplish something great for the Great Sui, does it matter who gets the recognition? If one worries too much about such things, they will never achieve anything.” After speaking, he coughed lightly, his gaze deep and unreadable.

“Wang Ye possesses true vision and ambition—how many in this world can compare?” Song Lian understood now. He watched Chacha Qi’s departing figure, deep in thought.

The Great General of the Right Division was indeed cunning, but in the end, he would still hand power over to his son. And a man like Chacha Qi was the easiest to manipulate. Clearly, Tuoba Ren had already set his sights on him. Heh. Once Chacha Qi was under control, would it even matter whether Tuoba Ren held military power or not?

Tuoba Ren did not respond to Song Lian’s flattery. To him, the world was nothing more than a chessboard, and all people were merely pieces to be moved. Controlling the pieces—was that not simple? This time, he had bet everything to rectify the regrets of the past. Tuoba Ren was no cripple. He was a true hero. One day, history would remember his name for eternity.

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