A Si saw Lord Ji flee in disarray and still didn't quite understand.
“Miss, why did he run?” A Si had initially thought Lord Ji would throw his weight around, but he actually ran.
“How would I know? Perhaps he’s worried about General Feng and wants to find him as soon as possible?”
A Si didn’t think it was likely but couldn’t figure out any other reason, so she let it go.
It was pointless to waste effort on people like that; as long as he didn’t bother them, it was fine.
“Miss, what do we do next?”
“What do you mean, what do we do? We do what we need to do.” Li Man’er’s eyes darted around as she said, “Everyone should be rested by now. It's time to train the soldiers again. Come, follow me to the training grounds to take a look.”
“Yes.” Seeing this.
A Si didn’t say a word and quickly followed Li Man’er to the training grounds.
Although called the training grounds, it was really just a space the size of a playground. The ground had been deliberately turned over and then flattened, with all the stones and pebbles that could injure someone removed. They weren't afraid of getting hurt from falling or tumbling. There was also a large sandpit specifically for wrestling.
To the northeast of the training grounds was a simple arena. When people had nothing else to do, they liked to compete on the arena, and sometimes the winners received some extra rewards.
As Li Man’er walked by, she noticed that the atmosphere in the camp was somewhat subdued, as if something unhappy had happened.
“What’s wrong with everyone?” Li Man’er was very confused. They had won the battle and suffered no losses, so why were they all dejected?
A Si quickly went to inquire. Upon asking, she found out that there were several sick soldiers in the Iron Blood Camp, all suffering from colds. It wasn't serious at first, and no one paid much attention, just giving them some ginger soup. However, it didn't work, and the condition worsened. By the time the military doctor arrived, many had developed a fever. Even with medication, they showed no improvement, and their condition looked grim.
Li Man’er’s expression became serious, and she immediately said, “Let’s go see them.” This was the ancient times, and a cold could be a minor or major issue, potentially leading to death.
“Yes.” Upon hearing this, A Si immediately followed Li Man’er to where the sick soldiers were staying.
They were sensible enough to know that sick people shouldn't stay with healthy people and had followed the doctor's advice to house them all together.
The houses in the sick bay were quite good. They were converted civilian homes, reinforced, and all the drafts were sealed with felt and straw, making the rooms much warmer.
The northern desert region didn't have the custom of heated brick beds. When it got cold, they would build a fire, burn a basin of charcoal, and then pile on blankets.
When everyone heard that Li Man’er had come to see the sick soldiers, they were all overjoyed and deeply moved. For a general to care so much about her common soldiers was truly loving them as her own children. Moreover, their general was no ordinary person; she was a divine physician, so surely treating a mere cold wouldn’t be a problem.
Li Man’er washed her hands and took the pulse of each sick soldier, her expression becoming solemn.
This was a serious problem. Some were already suffering from pneumonia, which in an era without antibiotics was a death sentence.
“General, how are they?” The person speaking was Li Haizhu, an old soldier nearing forty. His son had enlisted with him and was also one of the sick soldiers, so Li Haizhu was more anxious than others.
“Very serious, but there is still hope.”
Li Haizhu’s eyes lit up, “Really? General, please save my son’s life.”
Among these wounded soldiers, Li Haizhu’s son, Li Shuanzi, was the most seriously ill. He was currently unconscious, and according to the military doctor, it was only a matter of a day or two, so Li Haizhu should prepare himself mentally.
He never expected the General to say she could save him.
“Your son?”
“The one who’s unconscious is my son. His name is Li Shuanzi. He’s been weak since he was little. When our hometown was hit by disaster, my son and I had no choice but to join the army. He’s the worst off this time.” Li Haizhu was too anxious and spoke incoherently, unable to articulate his words clearly.
Li Man’er said, “Don’t worry, I will do my best. However, this room is not well-ventilated. Keeping it sealed like this will make even a healthy person sick. Let’s open a window for a while to let in some fresh air.”
“Yes, alright.” Li Haizhu and the others did not dare to object and quickly opened the windows. Even the military doctor had said they were beyond saving, so now all their hopes were pinned on Li Man’er, and they naturally dared not disobey her.
Who wouldn’t fall ill? On the battlefield, swords and sabers were unpredictable; who could guarantee they wouldn’t get injured? When it came to illness and injury, and when their lives were at stake, a good doctor could save them. Who would dare oppose such a doctor?
“A Si, issue an order. The wounded soldiers are to have special meals, mainly liquid food, low in oil and salt, but nutritious. Chicken soup, congee, and noodle soup are good choices.”
“General, our camp does have sick meals, but chicken soup is difficult to prepare.” Soldiers ate from communal pots, and when they were sick, they only got some porridge and eggs, nothing else.
“Is it a matter of funds?”
A Si thought for a moment and nodded.
“I have money. I will cover the expenses,” Li Man’er said. “Let’s focus on getting them well first.”
Everyone in the room was moved to tears. Li Haizhu even knelt directly before Li Man’er.
“A Si, help him up.” Li Man’er said, “I don’t have time to stay here. I’ll write prescriptions first to save their lives. Also, pay attention to hygiene in the room. The dirtier and messier it is, the more prone to illness. Don’t eat anything indiscriminately.”
Everyone nodded, indicating they understood.
Li Man’er then quickly wrote out the prescriptions and sent someone to the medical camp to fetch the herbs. She quietly dropped a drop of water from the Spirit Mist Spring into the kettle in the room and instructed the people inside, “This kettle’s water is only for the patients to drink. You should also not use the cups they’ve used. Be careful to prevent cross-infection.”
They didn’t understand what “cross-infection” meant, but they understood not to use the patients’ cups or drink their water.
“General, please be assured, we understand.”
“Ventilate the room twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, for about the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn.”
“Yes.”
Li Man’er then said, “I’ll head back now. I’ll have medicine sent over later.”
“I’ll escort the General out.” Li Haizhu took the lead and escorted Li Man’er out.
A Si met her and said, “General, the medical camp is swamped, and no one is paying any attention to this servant.”
Li Man’er didn’t go to the training grounds but went directly to the medical camp.
Li Shu’s army was equipped with several military doctors and over a dozen apprentices. Having just gone through a minor battle, everyone was busy. Upon seeing Li Man’er, they only greeted her and then returned to their tasks.
“Miss Li… no, General Li, why are you here?”
Li Man’er then said, “Why hasn’t the medicine for the Iron Blood Camp been fetched? Is it that you’re too busy, or is there no medicine?”