Chapter 543: Loss of a War God
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Just when the Dynasty Duke and the army he led reached the capital of the Rong Dynasty, they received shocking news from Imperial City.
The Great Prince had revolted.
He even poisoned the Emperor!
The Emperor was still alive at this point but was not far away from death.
The court members delivered the news to the army, intending to summon Zhao Chuchu back to Imperial City to save the Emperor.
Even though the Emperor was Xie Jun’s biological father, Zhao Chuchu did not like him at all because he trusted no one. He even planned to use this border war to eliminate Xie Heng.
In her 0Dinion, the Emperor should just die quickly.
The victory of the Northwest War would soon be determined.
Zhao Chuc.hu felt that even if she went to Imperial City, she wouldn’t be able to save the Emperor.
The Great Prince had risked everything he had in this revolution. He must have used the most deadly poison he could get on the Emperor. For all she cared, the latter might already be dead now.
However, she could not blatantly show indifference to the Emperor’s wellbeing.
Their army would soon claim victory in this war. If nothing went wrong, there wouldn’t be many casualties. The other military doctors could handle the situation here with ease.
Zhao Chuchu packed her things and prepared to leave. The military doctors were all very reluctant to let her go.
One of them asked, “Military Doctor Zhao, will we be able to meet again in the future to discuss medicine?
Another doctor added, “Yes, I wish to ask the same. We might not be able to meet again if you are stationed in Imperial City.”
“Thank you for everything. I learned a lot from you. My art of healing has improved too. If it weren’t because Official Xie objected, I would have requested to study medicine under you.”
The military doctors expressed their gratitude for Zhao Chuchu one by one.
Zhao Chuchu interrupted them with a laugh, “Hahaha. Me being your teacher? In your dreams! You are stationed at the border all year round. You can’t offer me enough to teach you. I won’t accept you as my disciples.”
After she said this, she took out a handbook detailing how to treat physical injuries that she had written during her free time here. She passed it to the military doctors and said, “Take this. You might need it in the army. Study it well. Maybe one of you’ll become the next Doctor Miracle.”
The military doctors were stunned.
Zhao Chuchu had been giving them pointers to improve their medical skills. They were already very grateful to her for it. To their surprise, she even summarized all her notes in a book for them. Recorded in the book were all tips on how to treat physical injuries. There were some notes about how to deal with the plagues too.
One of them said, “Military Doctor Zhao, this book is too precious. We can’t acceDt it.”
Such a helpful handbook was equivalent to an heirloom for military doctors.
Zhao Chuchu said, “Consider it a farewell present from me. Hopefully, in the future, you will also teach young doctors selflessly, just like how I taught you. The battlefield is cruel, and the military doctors are the most important people who can save the injured soldiers from the Gates of Hell. There will always be wars. I hope we can reduce the number of deaths.”
The military doctors were so touched that they were at a loss for words.
“Alright, I must continue packing and rush back to Imperial City. All of you, take care. Hope we’ll meet again.”
Zhao Chuchu saluted them with her fists and hurriedly left the medical tent.
When she returned to her tent, Xie Heng was almost done packing.
They had stayed here for more than half a year. Even though the war was cruel, Zhao Chuchu preferred living in the army over Imperial City. She had an innate sense of belonging to the military.
“The Dynasty Duke has already prepared horses for us. The people from the palace are urging us to leave immediately,” said Xie Heng when he heard Zhao Chuchu’s footsteps and looked up at her.
Although Xie Heng was only an aide in the military camp, this half a year had made him a calmer person, and his expressions were less readable.
“Hmm, but can you bear it?” asked Zhao Chuchu in concern. “After all, to oversee the siege of the capital of the Rong Dynasty, you have not slept for even two hours across several days!”
“I am still young. I will manage,” replied Xie Heng with a faint smile. “Chuchu, when we return to the capital, it will be completely different from last time. Are you afraid?”
Zhao Chuchu shook her head and said, “There is nothing to be afraid of. We will deal with anything that comes our way. What is the worst that could happen?
“The road ahead for us will not be an easy one,” said Xie Heng sternly. “Junjun and the Third Prince’s situation in Imperial City also seems bleak.”
Zhao Chuchu seemed to have understood something and asked, “Have you already made arrangements?”
Xie Heng was somewhat surprised. However, he also felt that this was to be expected. They had developed a tremendous tacit understanding between them.
“Once we reach Tianlang Checkpoint, we will return to the capital before the rest. There will be people waiting for us,” said Xie Heng as he lowered his voice.
“Alright.
Zhao Chuchu and Xie Heng were about to return to the capital. The Dynasty Duke found time in his busy schedule to see them off personally.
In truth, the Dynasty Duke truly appreciated Xie Heng.
This youth was wise and resourceful. He always offered unexpected strategies, causing their attack on the Rong Dynasty to go unbelievably smoothly.
The Dynasty Duke had repeatedly advised Xie Heng to cease being a scholar and join the army. He was convinced that if Xie Heng joined the military, the Wei Dynasty would have a war god that could strike fear in the hearts of enemy nations.
However, Xie Heng turned down his suggestion.
The Dynasty Duke felt that it was regrettable. However, whenever he had the chance, he would advise Xie Heng again.
As a result, whenever Xie Heng saw the Dynasty Duke, he would keep his distance.
“Da Lang, will you really not consider joining the army?” Even when they were about to part, the Dynasty Duke still had not forgotten about this. “It is a waste for you not to become a general.”
Xie Heng had led troops to ambush the enemy and had killed countless foes. Although he was just an aide, he had achieved many military exploits.
“Many thanks for thinking so highly of me, Dynasty Duke. I will await for you to return in victory to court in Imperial City,” said Xie Heng as he saluted with his fists.
The Dynasty Duke sighed and said, “Will you truly not consider?”
Qiao Heting said, “Father, have you considered my feelings in this matter?”
The Dynasty Duke chided, “You have to acknowledge when other people are excellent! ”
Zhao Chuchu could not help but laugh.
However, this was just lip service on Qiao Heting’s part. He was not genuinely jealous of Xie Heng. He too, admired Xie Heng very much. The latter was practically a perfect all-rounder who left no chances for others to surpass
“Dynasty Duke, we will part ways here. We will head back to the capital first and await your return in victory,” said Xie Heng as he mounted his horse. “May your battles go smoothly.”
Zhao Chuchu also mounted her house. They waved at the crowd and then galloped off.
The Dynasty Duke watched as Zhao Chuchu and her group left. Only after he could no longer see their silhouettes in the distance did he return to camp with Qiao Heting.
Since the succession of the throne was the most turbulent time in the dynasty, even though Xie Heng had already arranged everything in the capital, he was eager to return to Imperial City as soon as possible.
Otherwise, when other parties made their moves, Xie Jun would be powerless to do anything. Even with Xie Yan around, Xie Heng could not be at ease.
When they arrived at Tianlang Checkpoint, just like Xie Heng had said, they were joined by two hidden guards whom Zhao Chuchu had never seen before. The two guards disguised themselves as Xie Heng and Zhao Chuchu, substituting them in traveling together with the people from the palace. Zhao Chuchu and Xie Heng returned to the capital in secret instead.
Initially, the journey would take half a month, even with riding swift horses without sleep or rest. Yet, Zhao Chuchu and Xie Heng managed to rush back to the capital in three days.
The Great Prince had failed in his revolt. His whereabouts were unknown.
On the other hand, the Emperor was on the brink of death and was breathing his last.
Xie Yan and Xie Jun stayed by the Emperor’s bedside. They had severe expressions as they watched the Emperor, whose eyes were closed.
No one had imagined that the Great Prince would actually go mad and attempt to kill his father to seize the throne.
The imperial physicians did everything they could to treat the Emperor. However, they could only manage to keep him alive. They were unable to neutralize the poison within him..
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