The next day, the sky once again revealed a glowing red sun, bringing a touch of warmth to the cold and desolate earth.
Han Lei rose early and used the silver rewarded by the system to buy several sets of fleece sportswear. To blend in and not look too outlandish, she also bought a cloak from this dynasty to wear over it.
After tidying herself up, Han Lei slung her emergency kit over her shoulder and headed to Zhao Zun's large tent next door.
With the guard at the entrance granting her permission, Han Lei stepped into the tent.
Zhao Zun was sitting at his desk, his brow furrowed as he focused on a slip of paper in his hand. Hearing the footsteps, he hastily grabbed a book to cover the paper.
As soon as he looked up, a gleam appeared in Zhao Zun's eyes, for Han Lei had already gracefully entered the tent.
Today, Han Lei wasn't in her camouflage outfit. She had donned an ancient cloak with a fur collar, the snow-white fur gently brushing against her neat bob cut. The blend of modern and ancient on her was unusual yet harmonious.
The clean cut of her short hair and the elegant drape of the cloak made her seem like a time traveler who, with an irreverent smile, stepped into the river of history.
"You've arrived." Zhao Zun's voice carried a barely perceptible warmth.
Han Lei smiled slightly, walked to his side, and quietly said, "I'm here to remove your stitches; once that's done, you can touch water again."
"Alright!"
Zhao Zun lifted his long robe and turned his face aside, allowing Han Lei to work.
He wasn't scared to look; rather, the gender protocols of this era formed a deep divide.
Every time he changed bandages, Ping Chuan was there to assist, and he was also instructed to turn his head away. Han Lei was a doctor, but nonetheless, she was also a woman.
After removing the stitches, Han Lei cleaned up her tools, and Zhao Zun took a package from under the table and placed it in front of Han Lei.
"This is something I specially had someone buy for you in the city. Try it on and see if it fits."
Han Lei took the clothes, a trace of surprise in her eyes, "This... is for me?"
Zhao Zun nodded, "I noticed you only have that one set of clothes, so I had someone buy it. The border isn't like the capital; you can't find good material here, so you'll have to make do."
Han Lei opened the package, gently touched the fabric, and felt a warmth surge in her heart. She teased, "I didn't expect you to be so meticulous."
"As long as you like it!" Zhao Zun saw Han Lei accept it and lowered his gaze, concealing the deep emotion in his eyes.
As they talked, a commotion came from outside the tent, as if a large group of people was heading toward them.
"Miss Han. Master, are you there?" It was Mr. He's booming voice.
Han Lei and Zhao Zun exchanged a glance. She slung her emergency kit over her shoulder and hurried out, with Zhao Zun following, limping slightly.
Han Lei thought someone might have been injured, and Mr. He couldn't handle it, needing her treatment. But stepping out, she saw Mr. He approaching with a large group of soldiers, around a hundred or so.
The dense crowd seemed like they were coming to start a fight.
Mr. He, over sixty years old, moved with ease, his face beaming.
In the past few days, under Han Lei's guidance, he learned the Sewing Skill, basic injections, and infusions, and embraced various foundational Western medical concepts.
He completed the post-care of severely injured soldiers under Han Lei's guidance with the medical team.
The combination of theory and hands-on practice skyrocketed his medical skills, making him even more eager to call Han Lei 'Master'.
"Mr. He, what is this..." Han Lei looked puzzled.
"It's nothing; it's just that these rascals pestered me, insisting I bring them over." Mr. He jovially gestured to the group of soldiers behind him.
Han Lei looked up and realized the group following Mr. He were the very soldiers she had saved, who had once been on the brink of death.
Due to malnutrition, they were recovering slowly, each appearing pale and emaciated.
Supporting each other, they hobbled to stand before Han Lei.
A slightly robust man suddenly dropped to his knees with a thud, beginning to kowtow, startling Han Lei.
"Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? Get up quickly!" Han Lei hurriedly took two steps forward, wanting to help him up.
This was too much! She had never encountered such a scene in her life!
But the strong man was stubborn and refused to rise. Seeing this, the other injured soldiers followed suit, dropping to their knees. Han Lei was at a loss as to whom to support first.
The robust man raised his head, cupping his fist toward Han Lei, and from beneath his collar peeked a white bandage. Tears glistened in his eyes, filled with gratitude.
"Miss Han, thank you for saving my life. My name is Tao Qing, a rough man, and I'm not good with words. But if you ever need me, I will go through fire and water for you!"
Han Lei remembered this young man named Tao Qing, whose arrow had wedged between the seams of his broken armor and his chest bone.
Though not heavily injured, the arrow's angle was tricky. With the army doctors' skills, it couldn't be extracted, leading them to deem him unsavable, nearly being sent off by his comrades.
Han Lei performed surgery on him, taking great effort to remove the arrow.
"That's right, Miss Han." Beside him, the young soldier Ah Mao chimed in, "If it weren't for you, I would have lost this arm."
"Miss Han, thank you for saving me!"
...
Everyone spoke in turn, their gratitude evident, creating a noisy scene.
Han Lei smiled, her eyes glistening with tears. She knew these vibrant lives were more precious than any honor.
Zhao Zun remained silent, quietly watching the injured soldiers express their heartfelt gratitude.
He understood how these rough men felt after surviving a near-death experience. Without Han Lei's miraculous appearance, their lives would have ended on that cold night.
After everyone had mostly spoken, Zhao Zun turned his head to ask Han Lei, "Once they've recovered, can they still fight on the battlefield?"
"Some can, some can't."
Han Lei's face showed undisguised regret. Some had missed the optimal treatment time and were left with permanent disabilities, beyond even her help.
"Ah!"
Zhao Zun sighed deeply, his expression darkening.
These were his brothers who'd faced the blades and arrows with him, some even fought alongside his father. They hadn't earned promotions but were left disabled, condemned to a bleak existence just to get by.
The thought made Zhao Zun's heart ache.
"You'll ensure they're properly settled, won't you?" Han Lei lifted her face, looking expectantly at Zhao Zun.
She had promised the soldiers a few days ago without seeking Zhao Zun's consent first. She feared he would abandon them.
After all, Da Jing Dynasty wasn't Huaxia, and she didn't know how this era treated soldiers forever stripped of battle capabilities.
"Of course." Zhao Zun nodded, "I will temporarily place them in the Supply Camp."
Han Lei was pleased, giving a light laugh. However, she caught a keyword in Zhao Zun's words—
"Temporarily? What about their future..."
Zhao Zun didn't answer, but faced Han Lei, his gaze containing indescribable emotions.
After a moment, Zhao Zun spoke a seemingly out-of-the-blue line.
"Aren't you looking for a way back to Huaxia? Let's go, I'll accompany you."