Vol 5 Chapter 25 (1/2)

VOLUME 5 CHAPTER 25: DON’T TELL ME THIS IS FENG XIAO’S LAST MISSION

Meng De POV

After we had gathered back at camp and counted our losses, I found that even though the battle went almost perfectly for our side, we didn’t really get a decisive advantage.

Though we did reduce their numbers by a lot more than our losses, our troop morale is spent. Our supplies are running low as before, and the Qing state soldiers are getting restless as Zhang Xiu’s loyalty is beginning to waver.

As for Cao Hong, her arm was no good by the time she made it to the city. I have no choice but to send her to Professor Ma Jun and see if she can do anything.

(TL: Ma Jun is a mechanical engineer and scientist. Yes you read that right, an engineer and scientist in AD 200+. No, technology isn’t going to go all haywire here. Ma Jun was an innovator who came up with normal useful mechanical stuff related to gears and hydraulics. The honorific used here is 先生 which is Mr or sensei so I translated it as professor.)

But fate bestowed by the heavens is truly unpredictable. It has only been 1 day since we left the encampment but Feng Xiao who had been attending to military affairs is already…

I clenched my fist as I paced up and down outside Feng Xiao’s room.

Hai, Feng Xiao, is this where your path will end?

After a short while, the military physician came out and I hurriedly went up to ask him how she was but when I saw his helpless look, I could already guess what the answer would be.

“Physician…”

“I know what the Imperial Chancellor wants to know. Physician Hua Tuo has attended to Lord Guo Jia’s problems before and instructed Lord Guo Jia not to tire herself or get agitated.” The physician shook his head as he continued, “But it’s easier said than done. With a war going on, everyone will inevitably have a lot of work on their hands and it is impossible to convince Lord Guo Jia to wind down and rest.”

“But before we set out, Feng Xiao clearly said that she would leave everything to Man Chong…”

Ah.

Now that I think about it, could that be Feng Xiao’s will? The one who’s always been busy with work was Feng Xiao as usual after all.

“C, can I go and see Feng Xiao?”

“… Un.” The physician nodded at me with a sorrowful look as he replied.

I took a deep breath, tidied my clothing, and stepped in.

“Feng Xiao, I’m here to see you.” I said so the moment I entered and when I turned my head, I saw Feng Xiao in a white gown sitting up on the bed. Her face was, by now, pale as a sheet.

“What is my lord saying now? You’ve been pacing about outside for a while now. Are you trying to irritate me to death?”

“How could I have such an intent…” When I heard Feng Xiao’s sarcastic words, I felt much more sorrowful than put off and bowed deeply as I saluted her.

“What deeds and merits have I accomplished that the Imperial Chancellor is showing such courtesy to me?” Feng Xiao said as she got out of bed, wore her plain cloth shoes and came to help me up.