Chapter 334 The Puppy Abandoned by Its Owner
Chapter 334 The Puppy Abandoned by Its Owner
That night, things didn't stop at the Prince Xian's residence either.
Little Fairy Doctor and Hao Xiong did not go to the Northern Territory on a whim; the two had already discussed it and had been buying and stockpiling all kinds of useful medicinal herbs.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Xuan also suddenly decided to go to the Northern Border, and Gu Zhanghua also wanted to fight for his father.
"That's good. With His Majesty's approval, General Qin will be more likely to accept me as a military doctor."
Since returning from the palace, everyone has been helping Little Fairy Doctor for three whole days, selecting and packing medicinal herbs in batches.
We were to set off early tomorrow morning, but the packed medicinal herbs had not yet been boxed. After discussing it, everyone decided to stay up all night and pack them.
When it comes to her becoming a military doctor, Little Fairy Doctor has endless things to say.
At this moment, everyone was working together to lift the last box of medicinal herbs to the base of the wall and stack them up, waiting to load them onto the cart after dawn.
"I am the first female military doctor in the Great Xia Kingdom. There has never been a female doctor serving in the army before."
"Yes, yes, you're the best, sister!"
Zhao Xuan was tired of hearing it, but she still gave Little Fairy Doctor a thumbs up.
"I wonder if Brother Shui's journey has been smooth. He's been traveling for two days now and should have already entered the border of the Song Kingdom."
Hao Xiong changed the subject, still somewhat worried about Guan Liushui's solo trip this time.
"Do not worry."
Gu Zhanghua wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Father sent secret guards to protect him, and besides, his disguise skills are unmatched, so he'll definitely be fine."
Little Fairy Doctor dusted off her clothes and called to Hao Xiong.
"Come back to the room with me and wipe the acupuncture needles carefully one more time."
"Got it!"
Hao Xiong, as the assistant, felt obligated to follow Little Fairy Doctor into the room.
Zhao Xuan looked up at the sky; it was already slightly bright.
"Why don't you two hurry up and get some sleep? There's still at least an hour until dawn."
"I'm a little excited and can't sleep, I'll catch up on sleep on the way."
Little Fairy Doctor had already opened her medicine box, taken out her acupuncture bag, and carefully wiped the silver needles with Hao Xiong.
Zhao Xuan shook her head helplessly and asked Gu Zhanghua, who was standing next to her.
What about you? Aren't you going to sleep either?
Gu Zhanghua was staring intently at the boxes of medicinal herbs at the base of the wall when he heard Zhao Xuan ask him a question. He turned to look at Zhao Xuan, his eyes filled with unspoken emotions.
"Seeing these boxes of medicinal herbs reminds me of when I was six years old. We hid inside the boxes of herbs and secretly followed the delegation. I never expected..."
It was on that occasion that his elder brother, the Crown Prince, Aunt Zhao, and so many accompanying personnel and guards of the delegation were attacked and killed. To this day, they still haven't figured out who the most mysterious group of assassins was.
Thinking about this, Gu Zhanghua was filled with unease and began to sigh.
"Yes, you couldn't hold your pee halfway there and peed in the medicine box. You were shivering from the cold, and I lent you my skirt so you wouldn't get sick."
As soon as Zhao Xuan spoke, Gu Zhanghua instantly broke down, his bad mood vanished, and he became furious and jumped up and down.
"So many years have passed, how do you still remember this?"
“You have to remember your embarrassing past,” Zhao Xuan chuckled. “How about we catch up on sleep on the way? Now come with me to the kitchen to make breakfast!”
Zhao Xuan dragged and pulled Gu Zhanghua, who was giving her a hard time, to the kitchen, and then ordered Gu Zhanghua around doing this and that.
"Soak the soybeans for me, I'll grind them into soy milk later!"
"The dough is too soft, please add some more flour!"
"Want some dumpling soup? But forget it, it's so hot, I'll just sweat it out. I'll just steam some steamed buns and have them for lunch on the way."
……
Zhao Xuan chatted on and on with Gu Zhanghua, unwilling to let him keep bringing up the tragedy from back then.
When they return from the North, the necessary investigations will still be conducted, but there's no need to spoil the good mood from time to time.
Whether you're happy or unhappy, it's still a day. The most important thing right now is to do the things in front of you well.
The housekeeper was still cooking for everyone in the workshop, and Shishu, who had been keeping an eye on things in the workshop, finally returned before everyone set off.
"Hey? Why are you back? Didn't I tell you to oversee the progress in the workshop? The next batch of crossbow bolts needs to be made as soon as possible! They're all ready to be used!"
Gu Zhanghua was taken aback when he saw Shishu coming towards him as he stepped out of the mansion gate.
“Your Highness, I am your personal bodyguard and must stay by your side to protect your safety. The workshop is running smoothly, and everyone is very conscientious. There's no use for me staying there…”
Seeing that Gu Zhanghua was frowning and silent, Shi Shu knew that His Highness was somewhat displeased with him for acting on his own initiative. She turned to look at Zhao Xuan, who was standing next to Gu Zhanghua, and gave her a pleading look.
"Your Highness, I am truly worried about the Prince's safety. I beg you to make an exception and allow me to go to the Northern Border with you."
Gu Zhanghua's safety is very important, but the production of crossbows is equally important. Otherwise, once war breaks out, the thousand crossbows in the north and south will not be enough.
Currently, she, her father, and Gu Zhanghua are all unable to keep an eye on things at the workshop, so Shishu was originally the best candidate...
Looking at Shishu's pitiful eyes, Zhao Xuan couldn't bear to refuse. She suddenly turned around and pulled Chunlan, who was following behind to see them off, over.
"Shishu is coming with us to the Northern Border. Are you confident in looking after the workshop for her?"
"I……"
Chunlan thought to herself, "Such a big task has been entrusted to her. She knows nothing about crossbow manufacturing. What if she messes it up?"
But Shi Shu had already clasped his hands in a gesture of respect to her.
"Chunlan, I'm begging you!"
Suddenly, it seemed as if a thousand words were contained in Shi Shu's eyes, but in the end, he only said one sentence earnestly.
"If... if I can return from the North unscathed this time, I will definitely give you an explanation!"
Chunlan's heart suddenly pounded, as if she had a bad premonition. She stepped forward and angrily punched Shishu on the shoulder.
"What nonsense are you spouting?! If that's what you're saying, then don't even bother going! Say it again!"
Shi Shu saw the tenderness hidden in Chunlan's eyes, and her voice unconsciously softened, becoming cautious and somewhat pleading.
"It was all my fault before. There were some things I didn't explain to you clearly. Wait for me to come back, and I'll tell you everything. Can you keep an eye on the workshop for me?"
"That's pretty much it!"
Chunlan turned to Zhao Xuan and said decisively:
"Your Highness, rest assured, I will keep a close eye on the workshop, and I will ask questions whenever I don't understand something. I will absolutely not delay the progress of crossbow manufacturing!"
“Chunlan is someone we all trust, so let Shishu come with us this time.”
Zhao Xuan suddenly chuckled as she said this.
“We’ve abandoned him and run away several times before. Every time we came back, we saw Shishu’s mournful look. He looked like a little puppy that had been abandoned by its owner. Let’s take him with us this time.”
"Hahaha!"
Gu Zhanghua couldn't help but burst into laughter. He recalled the time he went to Yue Kingdom to meet the Yue Emperor, when he drugged Shi Shu and knocked her out. He felt quite sorry for him.
"Alright, I won't blame you for acting on your own this time. You'll come with us to the Northern Territory, but this is a one-time exception!"
"Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you, Your Highness!"
If Shi Shu had a tail, he would surely be able to wag it and leave afterimages. He bowed deeply to Gu Zhanghua, his eyes filled with joy.
But Zhao Xuan saw a resolute determination hidden in Shi Shu's eyes, which reminded her of a saying.
The wind howls, the Yi River is cold; the hero departs, never to return!
Why? Why does Shishu have such a ruthless spirit, as if she were ready to die?
Before Zhao Xuan could think about it, she heard Chunlan's voice.
"Shishu, wait a moment, I'll go pack some clothes for you to take with you!"
After Chunlan finished speaking, she ran back to her residence.
Shi Shu watched Chunlan's figure disappear before her eyes with longing before turning her gaze away.
He took out a small paper packet from his pocket, opened it, and inside were several amulets for good luck, which he handed to Gu Zhanghua.
"Your Highness, this is a peace charm that the head housekeeper specially went to the temple to burn incense a couple of days ago, and asked me to pass on the message that she wishes everyone good fortune and a safe return from misfortune!"
"Thank you for your kind words, housekeeper!"
Gu Zhanghua distributed the amulets to everyone and searched for them in the crowd.
"Sister Xuan, it's time to leave. Where's Dad?"
"Ahem..." Zhao Xuan coughed lightly on behalf of her father, feeling embarrassed. "I'm saying goodbye to Xueyan. I'll be right out."
"Oh……"
Everyone gave a meaningful "oh".
NFBE