Chapter 72

C72 – Various Grades And Ranks

“Your Excellency, Tang Xiaolang has delivered the list,” said Hu Jinpeng, presenting a bamboo scroll to Wang Zizhao.

As Wang Zizhao unfurled the bamboo slip, his gaze met finely carved words. Each character was artfully crafted, resembling a delicate painting. However, it was evident he wasn’t acquainted with them.

“The prowess of Tang Xiaolang astounds me,” remarked Hu Jinpeng. “In under a month, he’s mastered a thousand characters. This script doesn’t look like it’s from a novice.”

“There’s much about him that raises questions. Let’s not dive too deep,” said Wang Zizhao, scanning the list and highlighting some items. “Have Tang Xiaolang translate these into a language he comprehends.”

Hu Jinpeng peered at the highlighted items – soap, zero-contamination gloves, white coats – all foreign to him.

“Could this ‘soap’ be a reference to soap horns?” Hu Jinpeng pondered.

“Whatever it implies, Tang Xiaolang must clarify. We’re dealing with patients’ lives; there’s no room for ambiguity.”

Nodding, Hu Jinpeng subtly lit a candle in Tang Xiaolang’s honor, asking, “Do you genuinely think Tang Xiaolang would willingly serve as a border military physician?”

“He will,” Wang Zizhao replied confidently. He’d recognized Tang Yue’s inherent compassion. Even if he seemed peculiar at times, he was notably diligent when lives were at stake.

His allegiance might not be to South Jin, but he held every life in high regard.

Such was the nature of genuine medical ethos: every life, rich or poor, ally or adversary, was equal in the eyes of truly ethical physicians.

“We have to ensure his utmost safety!” Wang Zizhao emphasized. In response, Hu Jinpeng assured, “Rest assured, I’ll ensure his safe return.”

“While accompanying him, note any peculiar behaviors. If his requests are reasonable, grant them. As for the Noble Heir of State Duke Heng and Zhao Sanlang, allow them freedom as long as it doesn’t interfere with military operations.”

“Regarding the terms you mentioned earlier…”

“Of course, if we fail to capture the bandit leader, they can take the reins,” declared Wang Zizhao, showing no leniency to the entitled young nobles.

He recalled a past encounter with a brash young noble who had tried to abduct a commoner’s daughter. The rogue had killed her sole guardian, her father, using his privileged status and intended to enslave her.

Fate was not on the rogue’s side, for he crossed paths with Wang Zizhao. Without hesitation, he dispatched her to serve at the border.

Wang Zizhao remarked, “If you have the time, why not contribute to South Jin? It would surely be preferable than disgracing your family’s reputation in Ye City.”

“Rumor has it that Tang Xiaolang went to great lengths to assist Ping Shun in shedding his weight. He not only shared meals with him for a month but also monitored his physical activities diligently.”

With a look of displeasure, Wang Zizhao swiftly set the bamboo slip on the table. As it made a distinct sound, he stated, “Considering his sister’s future happiness and aiming to earn favor from the Yueyang Marquis and his spouse, wouldn’t he naturally put in such efforts?”

Hu Jinpeng wore an odd expression. Clearing his throat, he remarked, “I see it differently.”

“Oh?” Wang Zizhao prompted, gesturing for him to elaborate.

“I observed a rather close interaction between Tang Xiaolang and Ping Shun at the prefecture’s entrance. I suspect they share a bond deeper than what meets the eye.”

Concern briefly flashed in Wang Zizhao’s eyes as he murmured, “That explains it…”

Inside, Tang Yue, instructing Pingshun, suddenly sneezed and commented, “The post-autumn nights have turned chillier. I must remind the steward to get additional cloaks.”

Ping Shun, upright and shirtless, stood before an ornate mirror. Tang Yue had artfully marked several symbols on his torso.

“Note, this marks the heart… Here is the kidney… This signifies…” Tang Yue, with a teaching prop in hand, methodically educated him about the human anatomy.

Trying to contain his discomfort, he questioned, “Why must I understand this?” Chills ran down his spine.

“In combat, it’s crucial to steer clear of these vulnerable areas. This ensures that even if wounded, you can hold on until I arrive for aid. If these critical regions are harmed, even supreme deities would find it impossible to rescue you.”

Ping Shun gently felt his left chest, sensing the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. He realized the significance of protecting this vital organ, understanding that harm to it would mean imminent peril.

Memories of Tang Yue’s miraculous treatment of a servant in Prince Zhao’s residence made Ping Shun’s heart race. He was astounded by the existence of such a transcendent healing ability.

In contrast to Tang Yue, he felt utterly ignorant and insignificant.

“Is it possible for someone like me to also acquire medical knowledge?” Ping Shun inquired spontaneously.

Tang Yue appeared taken aback, questioning with astonishment, “You wish to study medicine?”

Ping Shun snapped back to reality, quickly shaking his head. “The Noble Heir probably mentioned it in passing. Wanting to learn medicine? That’d be insane.”

The Noble Heir remarked, “I don’t believe this profession suits you.” Tang Yue responded with a hint of sarcasm, “A physician needs to possess a compassionate heart. To a healer, all patients are of equal worth. But your entrenched belief in social hierarchy makes you ill-fitted for such a role.”

“Why this insistence on equality? Life is inherently stratified. Even with medical knowledge, I’d only treat the nobility.”

Instead of debating, Tang Yue smiled. This discrepancy in beliefs was reflective of the vast divide between two different eras. He had no intention of convincing Ping Shun about universal equality.

“The Noble Heir truly has a remarkable child!” Tang Yue commented genuinely.

But Tang Yue wasn’t the only one to express this. When Ping Shun heard such comments, he took them in stride, replying joyfully, “It’s destiny. One shouldn’t harbor jealousy.”

There was a part of Tang Yue that wished he could set Ping Shun straight with a firm hand. “It’s a shame the Noble Heir squandered the golden opportunity the universe offered. Had it been another, they might have reached great heights.”

Such resources, yet he misused the leverage that the State Duke’s Mansion provided. Tang Yue felt a profound sense of regret for him.

In this time period, there were no formal examinations for positions of power. The elite governed, and those from humbler origins could only gain prominence through noble endorsement. Many talented students might go unrecognized and never get the chance to fulfill their potential.

This wasn’t an era known for its impartiality or transparency.

“Now, commit to memory the anatomy I just explained. You’ve got tonight. From tomorrow, you’ll begin saber training in the mountains.”

Ping Shun’s expression grew grim as he glanced at his body, painted in a daunting manner, identifying each internal organ.

It puzzled him; how did the young master from the Tang Family possess such intricate knowledge? Had he previously conducted dissections?

This chilling idea made Ping Shun shiver involuntarily. The crimson markings on his skin seemed eerily animated, almost as if wanting to incise him.

A covert glance at Tang Yue’s reflection showed him engrossed with a peculiarly small knife. Rumor had it, the knife was for surgical purposes.

The term “surgery” was unfamiliar to Ping Shun, but he’d heard Tang Yue had used it on Wang Zizhao’s leg. A growing dread told him he might be the next subject.

In a hushed voice, he ventured, “If need be, you can eliminate them. As long as Deputy General Hu remains unaware, no one will trace it back to you.”

Tang Yue’s gaze turned icy as he retorted with a hint of derision, “Why would I engage in your battles? Your tasks are yours alone; they bear no relation to me.”

“You… This Noble Heir can call you brother-in-law!”

“I can’t accept this due to your brother-in-law’s elevated status!” Tang Yue handed him a human anatomy chart and ushered him out. “I’ve taught you all that’s necessary. It’s up to you to grasp it now.”

Had it not been for the irrevocability of the marriage, he’d have wished to never associate with the hefty man again.

Over the subsequent days, Tang Yue felt increasingly at ease. He occasionally observed Pingshun honing his saber skills. Pingshun started off clumsily, but with time, displayed competent skills, befitting a general’s son.

But his physique overshadowed these talents. Viewing him through a general’s lens could be rather displeasing.

Lately, Ping Shun hadn’t shed any weight. Tang Yue’s log consistently showed the same number. Once Tang Yue permitted Ping Shun to consume meat, it became a staple in his diet.

Had Ping Shun not expended significant energy requiring nourishment, Tang Yue would’ve rather given the meat to dogs than him.

“Uncle Quan, ensure the invoice gets sent to State Duke Heng’s Mansion. They should cover the food and medical charges of the past month.”

The steward simply chuckled in response. Even Lady Hou wouldn’t dare to make such a request, let alone him. Considering it was the State Duke’s Mansion and future kin, how could they quibble over such trivial expenses?

“Young sir, Master Hou has instructed you to select several guards from the front yard to accompany you. Would you like to meet them now?”

“Why do I need to choose guards?” Tang Yue queried, taken aback. He already had a sizable entourage and was unsure if he could accommodate any more.

“You’re expected to have at least fifty guards for this journey. Master Hou is concerned about your welfare.”

Fifty? Tang Yue was taken aback, wondering if he’d misheard.

Considering he had dispatched merely a few hundred troops to handle bandits, needing fifty personal guards seemed excessive. Wouldn’t that complicate things?

If neither Zhao Sanlang nor Ping Shun had such a significant guard detail, wouldn’t that make him excessively conspicuous? He might be swamped by criticisms.