Chapter 238

Hu Xiaotian knew that Zhou Wenju had many traits of a bookish idiot. If such a person loses his temper, he is most prone to get stuck in a rut. He doesn't fear getting stuck in a rut; he fears dragging himself into it as well. Hu Xiaotian hurriedly reminded Zhou Wenju: "Sir Zhou, a true man can bend or stretch. Although the Li family has established itself independently, Xichuan is ultimately their sphere of influence, so we must still be careful in our words and deeds. As long as the green hills remain, we need not worry about lack of firewood. The urgent priority is to leave here and report their rebellion to the court as soon as possible."

Breakdown:

Hu Xiaotian knew that Zhou Wenju had many traits of a bookish idiot.

If such a person loses his temper, he is most prone to get stuck in a rut.

He doesn't fear getting stuck in a rut; he fears dragging himself into it as well.

Hu Xiaotian hurriedly reminded Zhou Wenju: "Sir Zhou, a true man can bend or stretch. Although the Li family has established itself independently, Xichuan is ultimately their sphere of influence, so we must still be careful in our words and deeds. As long as the green hills remain, we need not worry about lack of firewood. The urgent priority is to leave here and report their rebellion to the court as soon as possible."

We need to keep it concise but faithful.

Let's produce English:

"Hu Xiaotian knew Zhou Wenju had many traits of a bookish idiot; if such a person loses his temper, he is most prone to get stuck in a rut. He doesn't fear getting stuck in a rut; he fears dragging himself into it as well. Hu Xiaotian hurriedly reminded Zhou Wenju: 'Sir Zhou, a true man can bend or stretch. Although the Li family has established itself independently, Xichuan is ultimately their sphere of influence, so we must still be careful in our words and deeds. As long as the green hills remain, we need not worry about lack of firewood. The urgent priority is to leave here and report their rebellion to the court as soon as possible.'"

Check for any added info: we kept all.

Now 【2】:

After being reminded by Hu Xiaotian, Zhou Wenju realized that Hu Xiaotian was still under soft confinement; the reason he had shared so many internal details was because he trusted him, and more importantly, he wanted to ask for his help to rescue him from the tiger's mouth. Zhou Wenju asked: "Sir Hu, what do you want me to do?"

Translate:

"After Hu Xiaotian's reminder, Zhou Wenju finally realized that Hu Xiaotian was still under house arrest. The reason he had shared so many internal details with him was, first, because he trusted him, and second, more importantly, he wanted to ask for his help to rescue him from danger. Zhou Wenju asked: 'Lord Hu, what do you want me to do?'"

Sir Hu, what do you want me to do?

Now 【3】:

Hu Xiaotian quietly voiced his thoughts; he had already succeeded in arousing suspicion among those around him. These people suspected he had the plague and simultaneously felt fear. Now they only lacked an authoritative judgment; if Zhou Wenju said he was likely infected with the plague, everyone, including Li Honghan, would avoid him, let alone take him to Xizhou.

Translate:

"Hu Xiaotian whispered his idea: he had already succeeded in arousing suspicion among those around him; these people suspected he had the plague and simultaneously felt fear. Now only an authoritative judgment was lacking—if Zhou Wenju said he was likely infected with the plague, everyone, including Li Honghan, would avoid him at all costs, let alone take him to Xizhou."

plague

Now 【4】:

After discussing, Zhou Wenju and Hu Xiaotian left the door, still wearing masks, and only removed them upon reaching the courtyard. Two guards responsible for watch approached to inquire about Hu Xiaotian's condition. Hearing this, they felt uneasy; they had long heard of Zhou Wenju's medical skill, and since he said so, they believed it must be correct. One of them said: "Sir Zhou, I've heard the plague is especially deadly; anyone who has come into contact with him will fall ill."

Translate:

"After discussing with Hu Xiaotian, Zhou Wenju went outside, still wearing his mask, and only removed it upon reaching the courtyard. The two guards on duty approached to inquire about Hu Xiaotian's condition. Hearing this, the guards felt uneasy; they had long heard of Zhou Wenju's medical skill, and since he said so, they believed it must be correct. One of them said: 'Sir Zhou, I've heard the plague is especially deadly—anyone who has come into contact with him will contract it.'"

Now 【5】:

Zhou Wenju said: "We still can't determine for sure; let's keep him here for observation for a few days before making a final conclusion."

Translate:

"Zhou Wenju said: 'It cannot yet be determined; we should observe him here for a few more days before reaching a conclusion.'"

Now 【6】:

A voice called out from afar: "Doctor Zhou, you still can't confirm the diagnosis?" It was Li Honghan returning after having left.

Translate:

"A voice sounded from afar: 'Sir Zhou, you still cannot confirm the diagnosis?' It was Li Honghan returning."

Now 【7】:

Zhou Wenju bowed to Li Jiangjun and said: "General Li, I just went to his room to examine him; from his symptoms and that bowl of water, many aspects match the plague's characteristics. However, in our Xichuan, the plague has vanished for seventy years. An outbreak is not likely to reignite easily; I think we should first keep him in the temporary palace, and I will examine him daily. In a few days we can confirm the condition." These words were all spoken at Hu Xiaotian's prompting; if Zhou Wenju outright declared that Hu Xiaotian had the

Let's break:

(already has translation after arrow)

(has translation after arrow)

(has translation after arrow)

Now produce translation.

We need to keep it concise but include all details.

Let's craft:

"Zhou Wenju bowed to Li Jiangjun and said: 'General Li, I just went to his room to examine him; from his symptoms and that bowl of water, many aspects match the plague's characteristics. However, in our Xichuan, the plague has vanished for seventy years. An outbreak is not likely to reignite easily; I think we should first keep him in the temporary palace, and I will examine him daily. In a few days we can confirm the condition.' These words were all spoken at Hu Xiaotian's prompting; if Zhou Wenju outright declared that Hu Xiaotian had the plague, Li Honghan might not believe him. Although Hu Xiaotian and Li Honghan had only brief contact, one could see his suspicious nature. Therefore, Hu Xiaotian had Zhou Wenju speak ambiguously and also say he would keep him in the temporary palace for observation. As a result, Li Honghan had no suspicions. Zhou Wenju said: 'If he truly has the plague, we must isolate the entire temporary palace; anyone who has come into contact with him must remain here for observation, and no one may leave. This is a necessary measure to prevent the spread of the epidemic.'"

Now 【8】:

【100】

Translate:

"Li Honghan nodded, never expecting to suddenly encounter such a matter. After a moment's thought, he said: 'Sir Zhou, then I'll trouble you.'"

Now 【9】:

Zhou Wenju said, "General Li, if you have no further orders, I will return first to prepare the medicine."

Translate:

"Zhou Wenju said: 'General Li, if you have no other orders, I will return first to prepare the medicine.'"

Now 【10】:

【116】

Translate:

"Li Honghan said: 'Go!'"

Now 【11】:

After Zhou Wenju left, the two guards immediately approached Li Honghan's side.

Translate:

"After Zhou Wenju left, the two guards immediately went to Li Honghan's side."

Now 【12】:

【132】

Translate:

"Li Honghan said: 'Yan Zhou, I will accompany the Shajia Envoy back to Xichuan at dawn; I entrust this matter to you.'"

Now 【13】:

Yan Zhou is his trusted subordinate and one of the two warriors tasked with watching over Hu Xiaotian. Yan Zhou clasped his hands in acceptance of the order, but his heart was filled with anxiety; he never expected such a high‑risk, thankless assignment to fall on him. Yan Zhou whispered, "General, what should we do if Lord Hu has contracted the plague?"…

Translate:

"Yan Zhou was his trusted subordinate and one of the two warriors tasked with watching over Hu Xiaotian. He bowed to accept the order, yet his heart was filled with apprehension; he never expected such a high-risk, unpleasant assignment to fall to him. Yan Zhou whispered for guidance: 'General. If Sir Hu has the plague, what should we do?'"

Note: The ellipsis at end; we keep as is? Probably we keep the ellipsis as part of translation: "...", but we can keep three dots.

Now 【14】:

【150】

Translate:

"Li Honghan smiled calmly: 'There's no such thing as so much plague. As you just heard Sir Zhou say, it cannot yet be determined; we need to observe him here for a few days.'"

Now 【15】:

Yan Zhou secretly thought, "If it's not the plague, why are you leaving in such a hurry? Originally we were set to depart the day after tomorrow, but now you suddenly have to go. You must also be worried that Hu Xiaotian might have caught the plague, fearing infection, and the more you think about it, the more gloomy you become; this time you are destined to face great risk."

Translate:

"Yan Zhou secretly thought: If it's not the plague, why are you leaving in such a hurry? Originally scheduled to depart the day after tomorrow, but now you suddenly set off; you too are worried that Sir Hu might contract the plague and infect you. The more he thought, the more gloomy he became; this time he was destined to face great risk."

Now 【16】:

【166】

Translate:

"Li Honghan whispered: 'If he truly has the plague, just burn down this temporary palace; under no circumstances may the epidemic be allowed to spread—do you understand?'"

Now 【17】:

Yan Zhou's heart sank; Li Honghan's meaning could not be clearer—if Hu Xiaotian had contracted the plague, they intended to burn him alive together in the Heavenly Palace residence. Now that it has come to this, fear is useless; he clasped his fists and bowed to accept the order.

Translate:

"Yan Zhou's heart jolted; Li Honghan's meaning was crystal clear: if Sir Hu contracted the plague, they would burn him alive together in the Heavenly Palace temporary residence. Having come to this point, fear was useless; he clasped his fists and bowed, accepting the order."

Now 【18】:

【182】

Translate:

"Before departing, Li Honghan added: 'Also, you must keep this matter strictly secret; do not let word of his illness leak out, lest it cause panic.'"

Now 【19】:

Upon hearing that Li Honghan and the Sha Jia envoy had departed early, Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but sigh in relief, realizing that few people in this world are unafraid of death. Hearing that he might have contracted the plague, whether it was his sworn elder brother or his future brother‑in‑law, each one fled faster than the last, terrified of being infected by him—what a cold‑hearted world! Sworn brothers, sharing life and death, are all just empty talk.

Translate:

"Hu Xiaotian heard the news that Li Honghan and the Shajia Envoy had left early, and he couldn't help but sigh with relief. It seems that in this world, those who are not afraid of death are indeed few. Having heard that he might have contracted the plague, whether it was his sworn elder brother or his future brother-in-law, each fled faster than the last, terrified of being infected by him—truly, human sentiments are cold and fickle. Sworn brothers, sharing life and death, are all nonsense."

Now 【20】:

【198】

Translate:

"Li Honghan took away many people; besides his two trusted aides, the Heavenly Palace temporary residence still had six soldiers stationed on guard. Although the watch over Hu Xiaotian had not relaxed, the defensive perimeter had greatly expanded, and no one voluntarily approached the courtyard where he stayed."

Now 【21】:

Hu Xiaotian also enjoyed his carefree ease.

Translate:

"Hu Xiaotian was also happy to be at leisure."

Now 【22】:

【214】

Translate:

"Zhou Wenju only returned in the evening, carrying his medicine chest, entered the room, and closed the door."

Now 【23】:

At this moment, Hu Xiaotian's spirit had largely recovered; he sprang up from the bed and asked, "Mr. Zhou, what's the situation outside?"

Translate:

"At this moment, Hu Xiaotian's spirit had largely recovered; he sprang up from the bed and said: 'Sir Zhou, how is the situation outside?'"

Now 【24】:

【230】

Translate:

"Zhou Wenju said: 'Li Honghan has seen off the Shajia Envoy; outside the Heavenly Palace temporary residence there are still six soldiers on guard, and outside your courtyard there are two warriors—one named Yan Zhou, the other Zhao Qi—both are attendants of Li Honghan.'"

Now 【25】:

Hu Xiaotian said, "What news is there in the city?"

Translate:

"Hu Xiaotian asked: 'What news is there in the city?'"

Now 【26】:

【246】

Translate:

"Zhou Wenju said: 'This morning I took time to visit Governor Yang Daoquan, but he had no time to see me. I observed that Xiezhou city inside and out is mobilizing troops, defenses are tight; since last night, all city gates have restricted entry and exit, and anyone entering or leaving must undergo strict inspection. Even if Sir Hu could leave the temporary palace, wanting to leave the city would not be easy.'"

Now 【27】:

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said, "Let's put aside the matter of leaving the city for now; first we need to find a way to get out of this palace."

Translate:

"Hu Xiaotian nodded: 'Let's set aside the matter of leaving the city for now; first we must find a way to leave this temporary palace.'"

Now 【28】:

【262】

Translate:

"Zhou Wenju said: 'I have an idea: I will only say that your illness has been confirmed as the plague, that you are mortally ill and about to die, and that you must be taken from here to a desolate wilderness to be cremated; perhaps we can deceive them.'"

Now 【29】:

After thinking it over, Hu Xiaotian realized this was currently the only viable option, so he nodded and said, "These two are very shrewd; it won't be easy to deceive them."

Translate:

"Hu Xiaotian thought it over; at present, this seemed the only feasible plan, so he nodded: 'These two are very sharp; deceiving them will not be easy.'"

Now 【30】:

【278】

Translate:

"Zhou Wenju said: 'Let me give it a try!'"

Now 【31】:

Zhou Wenju set down his medicine box, stepped out, and returned shortly afterward. Hu Xiaotian thought his plan had succeeded, but he saw Zhou Wenju remove his mask with a look of panic: "Lord Hu, something terrible has happened."

Translate:

"Zhou Wenju set down his medicine chest, went out, and returned shortly after. Hu Xiaotian thought his plan had succeeded, but he saw Zhou Wenju remove his mask with a look of panic: 'Sir Hu, something serious has happened.'"

Now 【32】:

【294】

Translate:

"Hu Xiaotian asked: 'What is so alarming?'"

Now 【33】:

Zhou Wenju said, "I had just stepped out, intending to tell them that your condition is critical and your life hangs by a thread, when I saw people carrying dry firewood into the palace, along with many oil barrels—clearly meant to set a fire."

Translate:

"Zhou Wenju said: 'I had just stepped out, intending to tell them that your condition was critical and your life hung by a thread, when I saw people carrying firewood into the temporary palace and many oil barrels—clearly meant as kindling.'"

Now 【34】:

【310】

Translate:

"Upon hearing this, Hu Xiaotian's heart sank instantly. There was no need to ask—the warriors had already prepared to burn down the entire temporary palace. Undoubtedly, this was Li Honghan's idea; without his direct order, those warriors would not dare make such a decision on their own. However, upon further reflection, if the plague were truly confirmed, cremating the corpse on the spot and burning down the Heavenly Palace temporary residence would also be a necessary response. But then, their plan to use the plague as a pretext to leave the temporary palace smoothly would be completely thwarted."

Now 【35】:

Hu Xiaotian quickly found himself in a situation with no viable solution.

Translate:

"In a short time, Hu Xiaotian found himself at a loss for what to do."

Now 【36】:

【326】

Translate:

"Zhou Wenju said: 'Sir Hu, how about this?' He stepped closer to Hu Xiaotian and lowered his voice: 'Anyway, I entered wearing a mask; we are roughly the same build. If you put on my clothes and leave under the cover of night, they may not be able to tell us apart.'"

Now 【37】:

Upon hearing that Zhou Wenju actually wanted to swap places with him in order to help him escape, Hu Xiaotian immediately shook his head and said, "This is absolutely out of the question; how could I let you put yourself in danger for me?" He understood that Zhou Wenju's action would be tantamount to trading his life for Hu's, and it would surely be exposed soon; although Zhou Wenju has some reputation, he is merely a doctor—how could he bear such responsibility?

Translate:

"Upon hearing Zhou Wenju actually propose swapping places with him to help him escape in this way, Hu Xiaotian immediately shook his head: 'This is absolutely out of the question; how could I let you, sir, risk yourself for me?' He understood that Zhou Wenju's action would be tantamount to exchanging his life for Hu Xiaotian's; before long, the scheme would inevitably be exposed. Although Zhou Wenju had some reputation, he was merely a physician—how could he bear such responsibility?"

Now 【38】:

【342】

Translate:

"Zhou Wenju smiled: 'Sir Hu, you need not worry. I have a life-saving debt to Governor Yang Daoquan of Xiezhou; he owes me many favors. Even if they discover this, I doubt he would repay kindness with enmity and have me killed.'"

Now 【39】:

Hu Xiaotian shook his head and said, "I will absolutely not let Mr. Zhou put himself at risk for me." Although Zhou Wenju's medical skills are profound, his understanding of politics is superficial; he has no idea how ruthless and vicious these officials can be.

Translate:

"Hu Xiaotian shook his head: 'I will absolutely not let Sir Zhou risk himself for me.' Although Zhou Wenju's medical skill was profound, his understanding of politics was superficial; he had no idea how treacherous and vicious those officials could be."

Now 【40】:

【358】

Translate:

"Zhou Wenju grasped Hu Xiaotian's arm and said: 'Sir Hu, Xichuan has now become a land of tigers and wolves; if you do not leave, they will certainly not let you go. Sir Hu previously came to my rescue without regard for danger, and what I do today is merely to repay your kindness. Moreover, you are young and talented, possessing supreme skills; if your medical art were lost just like that, what a loss it would be.' Zhou Wenju was not only repaying Hu Xiaotian's past kindness in saving him; he also felt genuine pity for Hu Xiaotian's talent, truly unwilling to see such a young medical master perish thus."

Now 【41】:

Hu Xiaotian bit his lip and said, "Mr. Zhou only needs to lure them in; I have a way to eliminate the two of them."

Translate:

"Hu Xiaotian bit his lip and said: 'Sir Zhou only needs to lure them in; I have a way to dispose of the two of them.'"

Now 【42】:

【374】

Translate:

"Zhou Wenju shook his head: 'Having heard that you might have contracted the plague, they have already become jumpy at the slightest scare; unless you bind them and bring them in, they will certainly not approach this courtyard. Sir Hu, time is pressing; we cannot hesitate any longer.'"

Now 【43】:

Hu Xiaotian gazed at Zhou Wenju, a myriad of feelings surging through him, and firmly grasped Zhou Wenju's hands. He whispered, "But if I leave afterward, they will burn down the palace—what will you do then, sir?"

Translate:

"Hu Xiaotian gazed at Zhou Wenju, his heart filled with a myriad of feelings as he firmly seized Zhou Wenju's hands. He whispered: 'But if I leave, they will burn down the temporary palace—what will become of you, sir?'"

Now 【44】:

【390】

Translate:

"Only two more monthly tickets needed to reach two thousand; I implore everyone to help—those with monthly tickets, please vote for Medical Union!"

Now 【45】:

Read the latest chapter of Medical Unification on the literature site..

Translate:

"Read the latest chapter of Medical Unification on the literature site.."

Read the latest chapter of Medical Unification on the literature site..

===TITLE===

Translate: "Chapter 105【Sacrificing Oneself to Save Another】(Part 1)"?

Now

Zhou Wenju, after being reminded by Hu Xiaotian, only then realized that Hu Xiaotian was still under house arrest; the reason he had revealed so many internal details to himself was first because he trusted him, and second, more importantly, he wanted to ask for his help to rescue him from danger. Zhou Wenju said: "Hu Sir, what do you want me to do?"

Hu Xiaotian quietly voiced his idea; he had just successfully aroused suspicion among those around him. These people suspected he had contracted the plague, and at the same time felt fear. Now they only lack an authoritative judgment; if Zhou Wenju says he is likely infected with the plague, then everyone, including Li Honghan, will avoid him, let alone take him to Xizhou.

After Zhou Wenju and Hu Xiaotian discussed, they left the doorway, still wearing masks, and only upon reaching the courtyard did they remove their masks. Two guards on duty came over to inquire about Hu Xiaotian's condition. Hearing this, the guards felt uneasy; they had long heard of Zhou Wenju's medical skill, and since he said so, they believed it must be correct. One of them said: "Mr. Zhou, I've heard the plague is especially deadly; anyone who has come into contact with him will fall ill."

Zhou Wenju said: "We still cannot determine it for now; let's keep him here under observation for a few days before making a conclusion."

A voice sounded from afar: "Mr. Zhou, you still cannot confirm the diagnosis?" It was Li Honghan returning.

Zhou Wenju saluted Li Jiangjun and said: "Li Jiangjun, I just went to the room to treat Hu Xiaotian; from his symptoms and that bowl of water, many aspects match the features of the plague, but in Xichuan the plague has disappeared for seventy years. The epidemic is not so easily reignited; I think we should first keep him in the temporary palace, and I will treat him daily; in a few days we can determine the condition." This speech was all prompted by Hu Xiaotian to say it this way; if Zhou Wenju outright declared that Hu Xiaotian had the plague, Li Honghan might not believe it. Although Hu Xiaotian and Li Honghan had only brief contact, they could see that this person was suspicious. Therefore they had Zhou Wenju phrase things ambiguously, also saying to keep him in the temporary palace for observation. This way, Li Honghan had no suspicions instead. Zhou Wenju said: "If he truly has the plague, we must isolate the entire temporary palace; anyone who has come into contact with him must remain here for isolation observation, and no one may leave; this is a necessary measure to prevent the spread of the epidemic."

Li Honghan nodded; he never expected to suddenly encounter such a matter. After thinking, he said: "Mr. Zhou, then I'll trouble you."

Zhou Wenju said: "Li Jiangjun, if you have no other orders, I'll return first to prepare the medicine."

Li Honghan said: "Go!"

After Zhou Wenju left, the two guards immediately came to Li Honghan's side.

Li Honghan said: "Yan Zhou, I will accompany the Shajia envoy back to Xizhou at dawn; I'll leave this matter to you."

Yan Zhou was his close subordinate and also one of the two warriors responsible for watching over Hu Xiaotian. Yan Zhou bowed to accept the order, but his heart was uneasy; he never expected such a high-risk, unpleasant task to fall on him. Yan Zhou whispered for advice: "General. If Hu Sir has the plague, what should we do?"

Li Honghan smiled lightly and said: "There couldn't be that much plague; you just heard Mr. Zhou say it's still undetermined, we need to keep him here under observation for a few days."

Yan Zhou secretly thought, if it's not the plague, why are you leaving in such a hurry? Originally planned to depart the day after tomorrow, but now you suddenly want to leave; you also worry that Hu Xiaotian might have contracted the plague, fearing infection yourself; the more you think, the more gloomy you become; this time you are destined to face great risk.

Li Honghan whispered: "If he truly has the plague, then burn this temporary palace to the ground; under no circumstances may the epidemic spread, do you understand?"

Yan Zhou's heart jolted; Li Honghan's meaning could not be clearer—if Hu Xiaotian contracted the plague, they intended to burn him alive together in the Heavenly Palace temporary palace. Now that it's come to this, fear is useless; he clasped his fists and bowed to accept the order.

Before departing, Li Honghan added: "Also, you must keep this strictly secret; do not leak the fact that he is ill, lest it cause panic."

Hu Xiaotian, upon hearing the news that Li Honghan and the Shajia envoy had left early, couldn't help but sigh in relief; it seems that in this world, those who are not afraid of death are indeed few. Having heard that he might have contracted the plague, whether it was his sworn elder brother or his future brother-in-law, one left faster than the other, terrified of being infected by him—truly, human sentiments are cold and warm. Sworn brothers, sharing life and death, are all nonsense.

Li Honghan took away many people; besides his two close aides, the Heavenly Palace temporary palace still had six soldiers stationed on guard. Although the watch over Hu Xiaotian had not relaxed, the defensive perimeter had expanded greatly, and no one voluntarily approached the courtyard where Hu Xiaotian stayed.

Hu Xiaotian was also happy to be at leisure.

Zhou Wenju only returned in the evening, carrying his medicine case, entered the room, and closed the door.

At this moment, Hu Xiaotian's spirit had largely recovered; he sprang up from the bed and said: "Mr. Zhou, how is the situation outside?"

Zhou Wenju said: "Li Honghan has already escorted the Shajia envoy away; outside the Heavenly Palace temporary palace there are still six soldiers on guard; outside your courtyard there are two warriors, one named Yan Zhou and the other Zhao Qi, both are Li Honghan's personal attendants."

Hu Xiaotian said: "What news is there in the city?"

Zhou Wenju said: "This morning I took some time to visit Prefect Yang Daoquan, but he had no time to see me. I see that Xiezhou city inside and out has mobilized troops, defenses are strict; since last night, all city gates have restricted entry and exit, and entering or leaving the city necessarily involves strict inspection. Even if Hu Sir could leave the temporary palace, leaving the city would not be easy."

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said: "Let's put the matter of leaving the city aside for now; first we need to find a way to leave this temporary palace."

Zhou Wenju said: "I have an idea; I will only say that your illness has been confirmed as plague, that you are mortally ill and about to die, so we must take you from here to seek a desolate wilderness to cremate you, perhaps we can deceive them."

Hu Xiaotian thought it over; right now this is the only feasible plan, so he nodded and said: "These two are very shrewd; deceiving them won't be easy."

Zhou Wenju said: "Let me give it a try!"

Zhou Wenju put down his medicine case, went out and returned shortly after; Hu Xiaotian thought his plan had succeeded, but saw Zhou Wenju remove his mask with a look of panic: "Hu Sir, something serious has happened."

Hu Xiaotian said: "What is so alarming?"

Zhou Wenju said: "I had just stepped out, intending to tell them that your condition was critical and your life hung by a thread, when I saw someone carrying firewood into the temporary palace and many oil barrels; they must be preparing to set it on fire."

Hu Xiaotian's heart sank upon hearing this; there was no need to ask—the warriors had already prepared to burn down the entire temporary palace; without doubt, this must be Li Honghan's idea, for if he had not personally ordered it, those warriors would not dare make such a decision on their own. However, upon further reflection, if it were truly confirmed as plague, cremating the corpse on site and also burning down the Heavenly Palace temporary palace would be a necessary countermeasure. But in that case, their plan to use the plague as a pretext to leave the temporary palace smoothly would come to nothing.

Hu Xiaotian found himself at a loss for a short time.

Zhou Wenju said: "Hu Sir, how about this?" He stepped closer to Hu Xiaotian and lowered his voice: "Anyway, I came in wearing a mask; we are roughly the same build, if you wear my clothes and leave under the cover of night, they might not be able to tell us apart."

Hu Xiaotian, hearing that Zhou Wenju actually wanted to swap places with him in this way to help him leave, immediately shook his head: "This is absolutely out of the question; how could I let Mr. Zhou risk his life for me?" He understood clearly that Zhou Wenju doing this would be tantamount to exchanging his life for Hu Xiaotian's; it would not be long before this was exposed, and although Zhou Wenju had some reputation, he was merely a physician—how could he bear such responsibility?

Zhou Wenju smiled and said: "Hu Sir, you need not worry; I have a life-saving debt to Prefect Yang Daoquan of Xiezhou, and he owes me many favors; even if they discover this, I think he would not repay kindness with enmity and kill me."

Hu Xiaotian shook his head and said: "I will absolutely not let Mr. Zhou risk his life for me." Although Zhou Wenju's medical skill is profound, his understanding of politics is superficial; how could he know the ruthlessness of those officials?

Zhou Wenju grasped Hu Xiaotian's arm and said: "Hu Sir, Xichuan has now become a den of wolves and tigers; if you do not leave, they will certainly not let you go. Hu Sir previously also came to rescue me without regard for danger; what I do today is merely to repay your kindness. Moreover, Hu Sir is young and talented, possessing supreme skills; if your medical art were lost just like that, what a loss it would be." Zhou Wenju was not only repaying Hu Xiaotian's past favor of saving him, but also sincerely pitying Hu Xiaotian's talent; he truly did not want to see such a young medical master perish like this.

Hu Xiaotian bit his lip and said: "Mr. Zhou only needs to lure them in; I have a way to eliminate the two of them."

Zhou Wenju shook his head and said: "I've heard you might have contracted the plague; they have already become jumpy at the slightest scare. Unless we tie them up and bring them in, they will certainly not approach this courtyard. Hu Sir, time is pressing; we cannot hesitate any longer."

Hu Xiaotian gazed at Zhou Wenju, his heart filled with mixed feelings; he firmly grabbed Zhou Wenju's hands and whispered: "But if I leave afterward, they will burn the temporary palace—what will Mr. Zhou do then?"

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