Chapter 008: Arrival in Penglai County

Zhang Lidong: "There is no longer any concern for life, but further observation is still needed for a period of time. Brain diseases are difficult to treat and prone to recurrence, as stated in medical texts."

The scholar gazed blankly at the sleeping child, his eyes filled with a benevolent expression

The scholar displayed a look of confusion and said, "You also know about Kong Youde?"

Zhang Li gently patted Kang Xing'an on the shoulder and said, "Anzi, do not worry. The food at home is sufficient for my mother and Uncle Kang to last for a year and a half. Our Lianhua Tun is sparsely populated, and the rebels will not easily come to cause harm."

The most conspicuous feature, aside from the inscription "Liu Residence" on the main gate plaque, is the couplet displayed in front of the door.

Zhang Li was slightly surprised and said, "Mr. Liu, there are still quite a few horse-drawn carriages ahead of our convoy that arrived before us. Is it really time for us to board the ship so soon?"

The scholar smiled warmly at him and said gently, "Come with us."

... ...

The scholar specifically arranged for one of the carriages in the convoy to be set aside, allowing Zhang Li and Kang Xing'an to sit with the child, while he himself also took this carriage. It seems to be a dedicated vehicle, solely for the convenience of Zhang Li in treating the young master during the journey

The two needles have already been inserted, and the child is gradually becoming more alert, with their eyes slowly regaining focus, and the cries have diminished significantly

Many military officials dressed in the official uniforms of third and fourth rank stood respectfully with their hands at their sides, while those of even lower rank directly knelt on the ground to yield

The scholar appeared dejected, remaining silent for a long while, clearly reminiscing about the hardships faced during the previous escape.

The scholar smiled knowingly: "I am increasingly curious about your master!"

Having said this, the old man turned and walked towards the direction of the carriage, closely followed by several attendants

Kang Xing'an was somewhat puzzled and hurriedly said, "We are going to the Acropolis!"

Zhang Li quickly gave Kang Xing'an a glance, then stood up and bowed to the scholar: "A physician's heart is one of compassion. Rest assured, since I have taken action to save, I will naturally see it through to the end."

Moments later, the scholar said: "Kong Youde has rebelled against the court in Denglai. The troops of the Jinzhou Guard were all dispatched to Shandong last month. Who would have thought that Gao Chengyou, a subordinate of Kong Youde, took advantage of the situation and launched a surprise attack on Lüshun from the sea. Last night, he also captured the city of Jinzhou Guard..."

Zhang Li is indeed somewhat perplexed, but in the presence of such a high-status group of individuals, one cannot casually inquire.

After about a cup of tea's time, the convoy slowly set off. This time, the drivers clearly learned from previous lessons and did not dare to go too fast

Upon disembarking from the ship, Zhang Li was taken to the Liu residence. Liu Lun had previously served as the county magistrate of Penglai County, and thus he had a residence in Penglai County as well

Beyond the main gate is a wall gate, which consists of four panels. Each panel is constructed with a wooden frame and woven vertically with bamboo strips the thickness of chopsticks. In the center is a wooden crossbar, engraved with patterns in red and green, giving it a rather exquisite appearance

It is not appropriate to say much about the tension. If I remember correctly, the Grand General Huang Long of Dongjiang Town will soon recover Lushun and Jinzhouwei. However, how could this be said in front of Young Master Liu?

But who exactly are these people? Zhang Li pondered inwardly

Zhang Li could not help but take a few more glances when he first encountered the residence of a Ming Dynasty official

The carriage has begun to accelerate again, now three parts faster than before

Gao Chengyou launched a surprise attack on the Golden State Citadel last night. Due to the significant disparity in troop strength, the citadel quickly fell. Liu Jingli's family, amidst the chaos of the city's fall, managed to escape from the citadel in a state of extreme panic and danger

"Little doctor, we should board the ship now!" Liu Zhixing's voice came from behind.

The scholar nodded slightly, smiled at Zhang Li, and said: "You are quite good. If you can escape from this predicament, you may choose any treasures you desire."

The scholar glanced carefully at Zhang Li and then scrutinized Kang Xing'an before slowly saying: "The rebel Gao Chengyou is causing chaos, and the Jinzhou fortress has already fallen!"

Zhang Li raised his head and saw that the scholar was wearing a nine-flower cap, dressed in a stone blue brocade robe, with a white lychee-patterned silver belt tied around his waist, and silk shoes with clean socks on his feet. It was evident that he was the son of an official family

Zhang Li felt somewhat distracted, and he could only sense a surge of pent-up frustration within him, which he was unable to release for a long time

After a brief contemplation, Zhang Li came up with a plan

The attendants beside the old man were filled with righteous indignation, but the old man waved his hand and said, "It's nothing! First and foremost, we must treat Xuan'er!"

The old man nodded, glanced at Zhang Li, and then said to the scholar: "There are no doctors on the road, take this person along."

Zhang Lidian nodded, silently following Liu Zhixing along with Kang Xing'an.

Kang Xing'an's face was filled with anxiety, his lips moved slightly, yet he ultimately remained silent

Zhang Li pondered over his choice of words and tentatively said: "Sir, my companions and I were originally intending to head to Jinzou Wei City..."

Zhang Li was about to take out the needle from the philtrum when the scholar spoke up: "Are you Zhang Li?"

Zhang Li carefully examined for a long time before recognizing the two lines of cursive script. The first line reads, "Two sleeves in the clear breeze, quietly recalling this life of officialdom," while the second line states, "A courtyard welcomes the fine moon, brightly aligning with our aspirations." Zhang Li pondered that this Lord Liu indeed possesses some elegance, suggesting that he at least prides himself on being an honest official.

Zhang Li slightly nodded at hetushucom.com, waiting for the scholar to continue speaking

Zhang Li also smiled: "I apologize for the inconvenience."

The scholar saw that Zhang Li was unwilling to speak, and it was not appropriate to press further, so silence fell once again in the carriage

Zhang Li苦笑了一声, 随着Liu Zhixing登上了最大的那艘海船

In this era of internal strife and external threats, the soldiers who throw their heads and shed their blood appear in such a manner

Liu Zhixing said lightly: "They are merely military officials from the garrison, insignificant figures like ants"

What circumstances could lead to the county magistrate's convoy being associated with the word "escape"

Zhang Li knew that the child had a concussion, but the specific severity was still unclear. Without the advanced scientific instruments of later generations, they could only observe gradually and treat slowly

That's all. What use is it to think about these things by oneself

Zhang Li had no time to think further and took out three golden needles, piercing them into the adrenal and subcortical points in his ears. There are numerous acupoints in the ear, including Shenmen, pelvic, adrenal, subcortical, and others such as the inter-screen points.

The low status of military officials in the Ming Dynasty is evident from this observation

Zhang Li has not yet responded, and Kang Xing'an interjected: "Li Ge'er is the 'Immortal Physician of Penglai' who imparts knowledge in dreams"

Only the voice of a servant outside the carriage could be heard: "Young Master, the Master has just sent word that it is imperative to arrive at Jiahekou today"

Liu Zhixing nodded and said: "Jinzhou and Lushun have both been occupied by the rebel forces, and to the north lies the territory of the Jianlu. We can only take the sea route."

While they were conversing, the carriage suddenly slowed down.

The convoy traveled eastward, and by around evening, it finally arrived at Jiahekou.

The scholar, with a hint of admiration, said: "At such a young age, your acupuncture skills are remarkably advanced. I wonder who your teacher is?"

However, if this child is saved, surely that official will not hold it against us

Seeing the tension, which was somewhat orderly, the child clearly showed signs of improvement, and the old man beside him nodded slightly.

The scholar frowned and said, "The Citadel? Are you going to the Citadel to seek death?"

Zhang Li was taken aback and immediately asked, "Gao Chengyou? Is he not a subordinate of Kong Youde?"

Yet what they are avoiding is merely a seventh-rank civil official

Escape

Inside the carriage, Zhang Li finished threading the needle and then put away the golden needle. At this moment, the child had already fallen asleep, and there should be no major issues.

Kang Xing'an nodded, clearly still somewhat uneasy.

After the carriage came to a stop, Zhang Li and Kang Xing'an jumped down from the vehicle, walked around, and took the opportunity to get some fresh air

After a night of turbulence, the ship slowly docked at the shore

Zhang Li feigned a look of confusion and asked, "Why?"

Zhang Li raised his gaze and saw that six or seven ships were docked at the dilapidated port, none of which were particularly large, merely twenty to thirty zhang in length. Several horse-drawn carriages had already arrived here ahead of Zhang Li and his companions, clearly belonging to officials and their families preparing to flee to Shandong.

The scholar furrowed his brow and immediately exclaimed: "The Golden State Citadel? It is not to be visited! It is not to be visited!"

Kang Xing'an, who had remained silent until now, was no longer as restrained as before. He opened his mouth to ask, "Mr. Liu, is that the estuary at Jiajiekou? Are we heading out to sea?"

Scholar Dao: "Very well. Xuan'er, it is up to you to provide the treatment, let us go with you."

Zhang Li noted that there are rivers flowing into the sea from the north and south of this port, and it is likely due to the terrain that this place was named Jiahhekou.

Upon arriving here, the convoy needs to transfer to a sea vessel to escape by sea to Shandong

The scholar smiled faintly and said: "I see that your medical skills are quite good, and you will naturally have your day in the sun. Why then must you resort to tricks and illusions with the illustrations?"

The scholar saw Zhang Li tidying up all the golden needles and, with a hint of confusion, asked, "Is everything alright?"

Zhang Li was afraid to discuss this and quickly changed the subject: "My master is used to a carefree and wandering life, so it's better not to mention it. Today, encountering you and your family is also a matter of fate. If my companions and I were to rush to the Wei City like this, I fear..."

Liu Zhixing said: "Understood"

The short distance of four to five hundred steps from the carriage to the ship left Zhang Li feeling quite uncomfortable

All of this fell into Zhang Li's eyes; how could Zhang Li not understand Kang Xing'an's thoughts

Penglai County, Dengzhou Prefecture

At that moment, a middle-aged scholar cautiously approached the old man and whispered, "Father, the situation is urgent; we should..."

From the mouth of that scholar, Zhang Li learned that the scholar's name was Liu Zhixing, and that his father was Liu Lun, who served as an officer in the Jinzhou Guard's Administrative Division, indeed holding the rank of a seventh-grade official. The Jinzhou Guard does not have any counties or districts, and the role of an officer in the Administrative Division is equivalent to that of a county magistrate, overseeing the civil administration of the entire guard.

Due to the need to administer an injection to Xiao Liu, Zhang Li and Kang Xing'an were assigned to a room near the inner courtyard

Zhang Li felt somewhat apprehensive; he indeed lacked knowledge of etiquette. Originally, he had no concept of the hierarchical notion that one must kneel before officials. However, upon hearing his attendants speak in this manner, he felt a sense of unease.

In such an atmosphere that emphasizes literature over martial prowess, how could the Ming Dynasty possibly withstand the skilled cavalry of the Jurchens!

Zhang Li was taken aback for a moment, then fabricated an explanation: "My master once traveled extensively and often shared his experiences from various places with me. Therefore, I have heard a little about Kong Youde from Dongjiang Town."

The child's mother is riding in another carriage; it is impossible for her to share a carriage with outsiders

Zhang Li's heart already had some vague suspicions, so he asked, "Sir, is he your child?"