All Things Are Contracts

Chapter 203: The Night Before Parting

Ravaged by plague and famine, disaster finally spread from Wu North to Wu South. The people were in panic, already hoarding food and supplies, preparing to relocate. At the border of Wu North and the Northern Frontier provinces was a city called Tianwen. Once a bustling border town between the two provinces, it was now desolate. The merchant caravans once common were now rarely seen, and the once-busy streets now had only sparse stalls.

Rows of shops stood empty, their former bustle long gone. On the old storefronts, mottled wood carvings and red paint had silently peeled off, revealing bare white walls beneath. Atop withering phoenix trees, yellowed leaves danced elegantly in the autumn wind, adding a touch of desolation to the barren city.

“Make way, make way!” A caravan suddenly entered the city, with two lines of tall-horsed soldiers guarding a carriage in the center. Passersby hurriedly moved aside, staying far away to avoid trouble. Suddenly, an old blind man walked into the middle of the road. The lead soldier reined in his horse, halting the entire procession.

“Old fool, are you seeking death?” the soldier berated.

“S-sorry,” the blind old man was startled. Though he couldn’t see, he could hear the horses and knew this group was not to be trifled with. He hurriedly tried to move aside but tripped and fell again.

“You…” The soldier, seeing him still not clearing the way, was clearly angered.

“Zhao Hu, what’s the matter?” A gentle voice came from within the carriage.

“Reporting to Your Highness, a blind old man is blocking the road, disturbing our progress. This subordinate deserves death,” the soldier named Zhao Hu replied.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and a distinguished, gentle middle-aged man stepped out. He wore a golden robe and crown, holding a folding fan.

He descended from the carriage, curiously surveying the street. The commoners all kept their distance but couldn’t resist looking on curiously. The brocade-clad middle-aged man was none other than the current emperor’s half-brother, Prince Yu.

“Your Highness, be careful of traps,” Zhao Hu warned.

“Don’t worry, remember, I have martial arts skills too,” Prince Yu replied.

He walked to the old man’s side, helped him to the roadside, and inquired, “Old sir, I remember Tianwen City used to be very prosperous. How has it come to this state?”

The old man replied in a trembling voice, “Reporting to Your Lordship, they say the plague is about to spread here. Those who could flee have fled. Only us old, weak, sick, and disabled remain, or those whose entire livelihoods are here and can’t leave.”

“I see. It seems the situation is more serious than I imagined,” Prince Yu helped the old man to the roadside before returning to his carriage. “To contain this large-scale epidemic, the few people under my command are far from enough. The administrative systems of Wu South and Wu North are nearly paralyzed. The urgent task is to find enough manpower to restore the governance system. We must continue north to the Northern Frontier Province. Currently, only there can we borrow troops. In these chaotic times, only military forces can efficiently execute orders.”

While Prince Yu was heading to the Northern Frontier to borrow troops to control the disaster, a scene was unfolding in the imperial capital.

A Taoist priest in robes was tending to a furnace of medicinal pills. After a long while, the pills were ready. A fat man standing nearby immediately approached.

“Imperial Advisor, how is it? Is this batch of pills ready?” the fat man asked excitedly.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble official has not failed his mission. This furnace has produced seven pills,” the Taoist-dressed man said.

“Only seven? This cost me seven million taels, averaging one million per pill. Will eating them grant immortality?” the Great Fortune Emperor inquired.

The old Taoist shook his head, “Immortality isn’t so easy, but they will certainly extend life and improve health.”

The emperor took the pills and swallowed one. He felt the pill’s power spreading through his body, nourishing his internal organs. His face showed satisfaction; these few million taels were well spent.

“Your Majesty, I heard Wu South Province is plagued by an epidemic? They say this plague is particularly severe, even spreading to Wu North with fleeing refugees?” the old Taoist asked. Usually, epidemics spread within one province at most, because the more severe the plague, the higher the mortality rate, and the faster patients die, preventing widespread transmission. Only plagues with strong transmission and long incubation periods would show such widespread propagation across multiple regions. This was not a good sign.

“Don’t mention it. Because of this, I’ve even generously exempted them from a year’s taxes. But Wu South and Wu North are poor places anyway, not much revenue to collect. The court is full of incompetents, all talk and no action when it comes to solving real problems. I’ve entrusted the plague matter entirely to my royal brother,” the Great Fortune Emperor said.

“Your Majesty, Prince Yu’s reputation is too prominent, which might be unfavorable to you. He already has high prestige among the people. If he successfully resolves this plague, I fear…” the Imperial Advisor warned, his eyes full of caution.

“Advisor, you’re worried about him rebelling? You’re overthinking. My royal brother doesn’t have the guts. Besides, he only has less than two thousand royal guards, while the Dragon Tiger Army guarding the capital has a full hundred thousand men, led by my uncle. Even if he had the courage, he lacks the strength,” the Great Fortune Emperor, though incompetent, wasn’t stupid. He had put much effort into ensuring his personal safety.

“He may not be ill, but Wu North is close to the Northern Frontier, where General Yue is stationed. What if they join forces?” the Imperial Advisor continued.

The emperor laughed heartily, “Advisor, you jest. Let alone the fact that General Yue Feipeng’s troops must face the northern Blue Hill Kingdom’s army, you don’t understand Yue Feipeng. This man is unparalleled in loyalty and righteousness, valuing promises and reputation far above his own life. He once swore before the late emperor to guard my throne. The late emperor told me that General Feipeng is Great Fortune’s Great Wall, the sharp blade of imperial power. Even if the whole world rebelled, he would not. You can rest completely assured.”

“But…” The Imperial Advisor wanted to say more. “Ah.” He remembered that Eunuch Cao, whom he had sent to investigate that matter, had gone silent. Cao was likely in grave danger, but who in the world could be his match?

“No buts. How about this: I’ll send someone from the Divine Dragon Guard to the Northern Frontier to monitor their movements. Will that suffice?” the emperor said. He controlled the Dragon Tiger Army and the Divine Dragon Guard. Yue Feipeng was loyal, and the court officials supported the emperor and followed the rules. Though he was incompetent, only the common people suffered. He had given plenty of benefits to these officials. Compared to tyrants who frequently killed officials, he was quite amiable. As for the common people? As long as they had food to eat, they wouldn’t rebel. He understood this well, and even if they did rebel, it would only be in a few provinces. He had the power to suppress them. His throne was very secure.

In a secret room in the Northern Frontier General’s Mansion, there were still only four people: Yue Feipeng, Deputy General Li, Zhanyue, and Feng Xueqing.

“Prince Yu has sent word that the Wu South plague shows signs of spreading to Wu North. If Wu North falls, it will inevitably affect the Northern Frontier. If the Northern Frontier is unstable, logistics cannot be guaranteed, so we must control the plague. I have recommended you two to Prince Yu. I hope you won’t decline. This is a great meritorious deed. Once the plague is contained, I will certainly report to His Majesty, commending your achievements,” Yue Feipeng said. Now knowing Feng Xueqing’s exceptional medical skills, he naturally wouldn’t miss this opportunity.

“This…” Feng Xueqing looked at Zhanyue beside her, who nodded. “Go. If you gain Prince Yu’s trust, your suggestions and measures can be properly implemented.”

“Alright,” Feng Xueqing nodded.

Then Zhanyue said to Yue Feipeng, “My wife can stay in Wu North. I’m willing to go north with the general. Firstly, I know some medical skills and can serve as an army doctor. Secondly, my lightness skill is quite good, and I can do many things for the general.”

Yue Feipeng looked at Zhanyue, frowning in deep thought. This young man’s background was too mysterious, but he always felt he wasn’t a bad person and could be of great use. Whether delivering the message, curing his poison, or pursuing White Rat, he had been of great help. He was definitely a capable person.

Deputy General Li also said, “General, take young brother Zhanyue along. His skills are exceptional and might be very useful in the coming battles.”

“Very well, you can stay by my side,” Yue Feipeng finally agreed.

Back in their room, Feng Xueqing and Zhanyue both felt reluctant to part. Having shared a room for so long, though nothing had happened, they had grown accustomed to each other’s presence. These days of discussing alchemy methods had been fruitful for both. In a few days, they would have to separate, one going south to assist Prince Yu in quelling the plague, the other going north to help General Yue against Blue Hill.

“Keep this with you at all times, never take it off. But remember, don’t open it to look!” Feng Xueqing handed Zhanyue a tightly sewn cloth package, its contents invisible. Her face was now slightly flushed.

“What is this?” Zhanyue asked, holding the small package curiously.

“Something that can save your life. Going to the battlefield, with your skills, you should be safe. But I still have a bad feeling. Your task definitely won’t be that simple. With this, I’ll feel more at ease. My task of managing the plague in the rear is relatively safer,” Feng Xueqing explained.

“Uh, alright,” Zhanyue didn’t know what was in the package but tucked it into his clothes.

Feng Xueqing reminded him again, “Don’t open the package to peek, or I… I won’t forgive you.”

“I understand…” Zhanyue agreed, but was even more curious about what she had given him. They talked for a long while before going to sleep. Lying in bed, Feng Xueqing’s face was red with embarrassment. She had been so bold to give that thing to Zhanyue, but with it by his side, it was like giving him an extra life, which put her mind at ease.