All Things Are Contracts

Chapter 197: Spring Return Hall

Several months passed in a flash. Zhanyue and his companion traversed the provinces of Wu South and Wu North, finally reaching the Northern Frontier. Along their northward journey, they witnessed the plague ravaging Wu South, with corpses strewn everywhere. In Wu North, they saw corrupt officials and bandits running rampant. The people under these two provinces’ rule could hardly find peace, either hiding deep in the mountains or fleeing to other provinces. The pair often encountered groups of refugees, their faces showing only numbness, everything done just to survive, and only to survive.

The Northern Frontier Province was the northernmost province of the Great Fortune Kingdom, bordering the Blue Hill Kingdom to the north. Due to the rich mining areas at the border, there had been constant warfare, with the mines changing hands between the two countries multiple times. Now, with General Yue Fei Peng personally leading troops northward, the mining areas were fully occupied by the Great Fortune Kingdom. Though Blue Hill had troops stationed at the border, they dared not move south due to General Yue’s reputation. General Yue Fei Peng had achieved the feat of being a one-man Great Wall, beloved by the Northern Frontier soldiers. His troops were the most elite in the Great Fortune Kingdom, able to rival the Dragon Tiger Army that guarded the capital.

“I hear they’re stockpiling troops and supplies at the front. A major battle could break out at any moment. You rest here, I’ll go scout the situation,” Zhanyue said.

The two were resting in a small village, finally seeing normal living people, though the villagers weren’t faring well either. Mostly the old and weak remained, with most young people having gone to the front lines.

“Alright, go ahead and check things out,” Feng Xueqing nodded. Their long time alone together had made them quite in sync.

Zhanyue used his lightness skill and soon arrived at Iron Horse City, the location of the front line headquarters. Iron Horse City was large but very quiet, with strict checks on all civilians entering and leaving. Zhanyue wanted to enter the general’s mansion, but it was impossible through normal means. Though he had the Black Robe’s token, he knew too little about it to risk using it carelessly.

Instead of entering the city normally, Zhanyue infiltrated directly. With his abilities, this was easily accomplished, and he soon found the general’s mansion.

The general’s mansion was heavily guarded, with sentries every ten steps and lookouts every five. After all, they had to be vigilant against Blue Hill assassins at such a time. Bells hung from every rooftop, and every potential hiding spot was manned. From a distance, Zhanyue frowned at the strict arrangements. Even he, the world’s greatest divine thief and master of theft, found it challenging.

“I was hoping to secretly meet General Yue, but it seems impossible,” Zhanyue was at a loss. He had to admit that General Yue’s military discipline was excellent. The soldiers on guard duty showed no signs of slacking, with no opportunities left even during shift changes.

“Well, if this way is blocked, let’s try another,” Zhanyue thought, then moved to the kitchen area. As expected, the kitchen was also heavily guarded, leaving no chance for poisoning attempts. But Zhanyue came only to confirm one thing – that General Yue was indeed ill. The kitchen was permeated with the smell of medicinal herbs.

Soon after, Zhanyue returned to Feng Xueqing.

“How did it go?” Feng Xueqing asked.

“I had hoped to find a chance to meet General Yue alone, but the mansion is too heavily guarded. I couldn’t get an opportunity. However, I’ve thought of another method. This time, we’ll have to rely on you,” Zhanyue said.

Feng Xueqing’s eyes glinted as she said, “You want me to practice medicine nearby and make a name for myself? If General Yue is truly ill, he shouldn’t miss this opportunity and might even send people to find us?”

“Uh… well, you’ve guessed it all,” Zhanyue nodded. This was indeed their chance. Actively presenting themselves would be suspicious, but having them come looking for us would be ideal.

The reason they could stay peacefully in this small village was that Feng Xueqing had cured the illness of the village headman’s young son.

“Then let’s get started, beginning with this small village,” Feng Xueqing said. The two then set up a simple clinic in an empty house in the village.

Due to the low prices, people seeking medical advice and medicine came in an endless stream. First from the village, then from neighboring villages, and finally even people from the city heard about it and came from afar.

One day, as Zhanyue was helping prepare medicine, an old man in blue clothes entered. He was very thin but gave off a sturdy impression. His eyes fell on Feng Xueqing, and he was shocked. The recently rumored divine doctor was not only a woman but also so young. Though her appearance was ordinary, she had kind eyes and a gentle demeanor.

“Excuse me, are you the divine doctor Feng?” the old man asked.

Feng Xueqing nodded, “My surname is Feng, but I dare not claim the title of divine doctor.”

“Dr. Feng is too modest. These days, I’ve heard you’ve treated many patients, some of whom I had seen but couldn’t cure. You’ve worked miracles with your skillful hands. Such medical skills certainly deserve the title of divine doctor,” the old man said.

He then added, “I forgot to introduce myself. My surname is Deng, you can call me Old Deng. I’m the owner and chief physician of the Spring Return Hall in Iron Horse City. I heard there was a divine doctor in Zheng Lin Village and came specially to meet you.”

“Old sir, you’ve come to recruit, haven’t you?” Zhanyue asked. This must be like a boss coming to hire directly.

The old man nodded, not hiding his intentions. “And you are?”

Feng Xueqing took over, “This is my husband. We run this small pharmacy together. You can discuss anything with him, he usually makes the decisions.”

“Uh…” Zhanyue was stunned for a moment, then quickly played along. The two went into a small room and talked for a long time, discussing everything from schedules to benefits, from work to welfare. When the old man came out, he was beaming with joy. At his age, all he had was this medicine hall, and now finding a highly skilled doctor to take charge allowed him to retire to the background with peace of mind.

“It seems everything is going even more smoothly than imagined. Isn’t that right, dear wife…” Zhanyue smiled.

Feng Xueqing gave him a sidelong glance. Since they would be acting together from now on, this identity was reasonable. But seeing Zhanyue’s smirking face, she felt like she had been taken advantage of. However, throughout their journey, the two had become quite close, talking about everything. She had been carried on his back the whole way, a treatment probably not even Baizhi or the Holy Maiden had received. She was grateful to have met Zhanyue; this trial seemed too easy for her. Someone to carry her while walking, someone to feed her – this wasn’t a trial, it was pure enjoyment. So she had long wanted to contribute more.

“I didn’t expect that before General Yue’s people could find us, the Spring Return Hall contacted us first. But this is good too. Once we enter the city, everything else will be easier,” Zhanyue said. Soon after, the two set off for Iron Horse City. With the old man leading the way, entering the city became much simpler. The city guards clearly recognized the old man.

“We’re here,” the old man led them into the Spring Return Hall. It was indeed a large establishment, befitting its status as the best medicine shop in Iron Horse City.

“Old sir, where are your children?” Zhanyue asked curiously. Such a large shop was managed by the old man alone with just two hired helpers.

“I have only one son. He doesn’t like practicing medicine but prefers fighting. He joined the army under General Yue and now works in the military camp. Never mind about him. From now on, you’ll be seeing patients here,” the old man said, then led them to the back courtyard.

“This large house is for you two to live in. It used to be where my wife and I lived. After she passed, I don’t need such a big house. I’ll move to the small house on the west side,” the old man pointed to the largest bedroom, showing his sincerity. In his life, he only cared about two things: his son’s safety and this medicine shop.

“This…” Zhanyue nodded. If they were to act, they had to do it thoroughly. Besides, the room was large enough for two people to sleep comfortably.