Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 327 Li Zhi's Heartache

After Li Zhi arrived in Youzhou, he still did not enter the city, but set up camp on the east bank of the Sanggan River.

The upper reaches of the Sanggan River pass through the Loess Plateau. The water is turbid and it is known as the Little Yellow River. It is like a dark dragon rushing into the mountains, forming the famous Youzhou Gorge.

Early that morning, Li Zhi took several concubines to visit the Youzhou Gorge.

In the camp, Sun Simiao was studying a medical book when Fei Shisan suddenly walked in and said, "Master, Master Zhen wants to see you."

On this trip, Sun Simiao only brought Fei Shisan with him, and left Meng Shiyi in Chang'an.

Sun Simiao said, "Please invite him in."

After a while, Zhen Guangxiou came in.

Sun Simiao asked his apprentice to serve tea and asked him why he came, but Zhen Guangxiou did not say anything and just stared at Fei Shisan.

Sun Simiao then asked Fei Shisan to go out and guard the place, and said to Zhen Guangzhou, "Imperial Physician Zhen, what do you want from me?"

Zhen Guangzhou's face was solemn, and he said in a deep voice, "Lord Sun, you are a senior doctor, and His Majesty has entrusted you with the sole responsibility for the headache. I dare not question it, but there is one thing I don't understand."

Sun Simiao said, "Please speak, Imperial Physician Zhen."

Zhen Guangzhou said solemnly, "By visiting famous mountains and rivers, the patient can relax both physically and mentally. This method of treatment is also recorded in my father's medical book and is called 'traveling therapy.'"

Sun Simiao said, "This method has been passed down from ancient times. Your father has extensive medical skills, so it's not surprising that he knows it."

Zhen Guangzhou looked at him and said, "But according to my father's record of this method, the key to healing is slowness. Slowness is beneficial, while speed is harmful. Isn't the itinerary planned by Lord Sun too hasty? This may not be good for your Majesty's health!"

According to Zhen Liyan's records, the scenery and environment of mountains and rivers in the world vary greatly.

Moving suddenly from one place to another is not only not good for your health, but can also easily cause harm.

This is what is commonly known as acclimatization.

Many people can stay in one place their entire lives without any problems, but suddenly go to another place and soon get sick and die. This is caused by the environment.

Therefore, the "walking therapy" recorded by Zhen Liyan requires that when touring mountains and rivers, one must walk slowly to allow the body to slowly adapt to environmental changes, so that it can have a beneficial effect.

Zhen Guangxiou had long been secretly suspicious of the emperor's rapid progress, but he dared not speak out.

He had been feeling uneasy these days, thinking that if something happened to the emperor, the Tang Dynasty would surely fall into chaos. Finally, he couldn't stand it anymore and came to Sun Simiao to question him about this matter.

Sun Simiao was silent for a long time, then slowly said, "Imperial Physician Zhen is right. The best treatment method is to travel slowly along the way, staying in each place for a month or two."

Zhen Guangzhou was surprised and asked, "Then why don't you use this method?"

Sun Simiao asked, "Imperial Physician Zhen, you also take His Majesty's pulse every day. In your opinion, what is His Majesty's current condition?"

Zhen Guangzhou pondered and said, "Your Majesty's pulse is becoming more gentle, long, steady and smooth. This is a sign of improvement."

Sun Simiao smiled and said, "Since Your Majesty's condition is improving, why does Imperial Physician Zhen keep asking questions?"

Zhen Guangzhou said sternly, "This matter concerns the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. I'm not an expert in medicine, but I feel there's a hidden danger. How can I feel at ease if I don't get to the bottom of it?"

Sun Simiao stared at him for a while, then said slowly, "Imperial Physician Zhen, could you accompany me for a walk?"

Zhen Guangzhou nodded and said, "Okay."

The two men immediately left the military camp and came to a nearby hill. After walking along the rugged mountain path for a long time, Zhen Guangzhou was already a little out of breath.

Sun Simiao was clearly several decades older than him, yet he still walked with such vigor and vitality that Zhen Guangzhou had to admire him. He panted and said, "Mr. Sun, I can't walk anymore."

Sun Simiao glanced around, then walked towards a gravel area to the west and said, "Let's talk over there."

Seeing that Sun Simiao was so cautious, Zhen Guangxiou knew that what he was about to say would be very shocking. His heart was pounding as he followed him.

Sun Simiao sat down on a protruding rock on the mountain wall and stared at Zhen Guangxiou.

"Imperial Physician Zhen, I have never told anyone these words. I hope you will not tell anyone after listening to them, otherwise it will be detrimental to His Majesty's treatment."

Zhen Guangzhou sat down on a small hill of loess and panted, "If you are truly concerned about His Majesty's health, I will never reveal this to anyone."

Sun Simiao nodded, considered his words for a moment, and then slowly said, "Imperial Physician Zhen, you have been practicing medicine for many years. Have you ever seen a patient who has no known cause of illness but still suffers from symptoms?"

Zhen Guangzhou was stunned for a moment and said, "I haven't encountered it before, but I have seen it in my father's notebook. It's called a heart disease!"

Sun Simiao twirled his beard and said, "Indeed, heart disease is caused by excessive anxiety, which leads to stagnation in the meridians and blockage of qi and blood. There is no cause, but it triggers symptoms. This disease cannot be cured by medicine. Only by dispelling the patient's worries can it be cured!"

Zhen Guangzhou was surprised and said, "You mean, His Majesty is suffering from a heart disease? That's not right. The pulse clearly shows that His Majesty is suffering from a headache!"

Sun Simiao said, "Yes, Your Majesty does have a headache, but he also has a heart problem."

Zhen Guangzhou was stunned and speechless, confused for a moment.

Sun Simiao looked at the white clouds in the sky and said slowly, "Since I entered the palace, I have been observing your majesty's condition. Soon, I discovered something strange."

Zhen Guangzhou asked, "What's the matter?"

Sun Simiao's gray eyebrows knitted together as he spoke, "Your Majesty has a strange obsession with his headache. For some reason, he seems to believe that this illness is extremely serious and could even cost him his life!"

Zhen Guangxiou remained silent. He was only concerned with taking care of the emperor's health and never observed the emperor's mentality.

Sun Simiao said, "If this anxiety persists for too long, it will become a source of worry for Your Majesty. Your Majesty is in good health, and even if it is a natural illness, it should be under control with the care of so many imperial physicians."

"And yet, your Majesty's headache has worsened. Don't you find it strange?"

Zhen Guangzhou whispered, "I haven't thought about it that much."

Sun Simiao said, "The reason lies in your Majesty's mentality. Your Majesty is too obsessed with this disease, treating it as a scourge. A person's mood swings have a great impact on the disease, which is why the condition has begun to worsen."

Zhen Guangzhou said thoughtfully, "So this trip out for treatment is mainly to cure His Majesty's mental illness?"

Sun Simiao nodded and said, "That's right. As long as His Majesty feels that his headache is being treated and is gradually improving, this anxiety can be alleviated."

Zhen Guangxiao finally understood why Sun Simiao hid this matter.

This kind of psychotherapy is most taboo for the patient to know about it, otherwise the patient's mentality will not be able to be as relaxed and natural as this.

He pondered for a moment, then continued, "Your Majesty, although you have a heart problem, you also have a headache. If you take your time to treat it, it will be more beneficial to your health. Why are you rushing?"

Sun Simiao said, "Indeed, Your Majesty's mental illness is primary, and physical illness is secondary. Slowing down treatment is indeed the best option. However, to prevent unexpected situations, this treatment must be expedited!"

Zhen Guangzhou asked: "What accident?"

Sun Simiao said solemnly, "Of course, there was an accident in Chang'an. Your Majesty is the ruler of the world. If an emergency happened in Chang'an, do you think Your Majesty could still rest and recuperate?"

Zhen Guangzhou took a deep breath and said, "Yes, you are very thoughtful."

Sun Simiao said, "If you proceed slowly and carefully, if something unexpected happens, Your Majesty will feel that you have been forced to interrupt the treatment just as you began, and that your headache will be impossible to cure, and you will be filled with anxiety again."

"If the accident occurs after you've already completed most of the treatment, we can offer some comfort to Your Majesty so he won't be too anxious. The key to treating this disease is to soothe Your Majesty's mind; physical treatment is secondary."

Zhen Guangzhou bowed and said, "I appreciate your advice. Mr. Sun's good intentions are appreciated. I will never tell anyone about this."

Sun Simiao twirled his beard and smiled, "From now on, we must work together to cure your majesty's physical and mental illnesses."

The two men immediately went down the mountain together. On the way back to the camp, they suddenly heard the sound of horses neighing behind them. Turning around, they saw a dozen soldiers escorting two carriages.

The two men moved aside.

As the carriage approached, it suddenly stopped. An old man stepped out of the carriage and bowed to the two men, saying, "Divine Doctor Sun, Imperial Physician Zhen, Mr. Liu greets you."

The person who came was Liu Rengui, and both of them bowed in return.

Liu Rengui asked the two men if the emperor's camp was ahead. Sun Simiao replied, "It's on the river bank ahead."

Liu Rengui invited the two men to get on the carriage and gave them a ride.

When they arrived at the emperor's camp, Liu Rengui learned that the emperor had gone out and had not returned yet, so he took Daochen and Jin Yan to wait in a tent.

It was around 3 p.m. that Li Zhi brought everyone back to the camp. When he heard that Liu Rengui had arrived, he met him in the tent.

Liu Rengui came into the tent and told Li Zhi about the plan he and Jin Yan had discussed.

After listening to this, Li Zhi nodded and said, "Liu Qing's plan is very good. Have the Baekje envoys arrived yet?"

Liu Rengui said: "I have brought them here, and Lady Jin is also with them."

Li Zhi pinched his chin and said, "Let's ignore them for a few days first. That way, there will be no loopholes."

Liu Rengui had originally been planning to persuade the emperor to ignore Daochen and Jinyan, but when he heard the emperor suddenly think of this, he secretly praised him and said, "Your Majesty is wise."

Three days later, Li Zhi finally summoned Daochen and Jinyan and inquired about the situation in Baekje. Daochen, well-versed in Tang etiquette, kowtowed three times before raising his head and saying, "Your Majesty, my general has risen up against Buyeo Ui-ja, and Baekje is now engulfed in civil war."

Li Zhi asked, "Why did Fuyu Fuxin rise up in rebellion?"

Daochen was about to speak when Li Zhi looked at Jin Yan and said, "Madam Jin, you come and tell me."

Jin Yan said, "To your Majesty, the Emperor of the Upper Kingdom, it was because Yici's attack on the Tang Dynasty failed and he wanted to put the blame on General Fuxin that General Fuxin betrayed him."

Dao Chen frowned secretly when he saw Jin Yan telling the truth honestly.

If he were to speak, he would say that Fu Xin was resented by Yi Ci because he opposed Yi Ci's fight against the Tang Dynasty, so Yi Ci took the opportunity to deal with him.

Li Zhi asked again: "Since you are at war among yourselves, why are you coming to me?"

Jin Yan said, "Your Majesty, General Fuxin hopes to lead Baekje to submit to the Tang Dynasty again, and is willing to help the Tang Dynasty deal with Goguryeo in the future!"

Li Zhi said calmly, "Boxin has not yet eliminated Yici, so he cannot represent Baekje. Are you here to ask for my help?"

Jin Yan said, "To be honest, Your Majesty, we do hope to gain assistance from the Tang Dynasty."

Li Zhi's eyes flashed, but he said nothing.

Dao Chen was secretly anxious, blaming Jin Yan for not being able to speak and the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty for not wanting to listen to him.

At this moment, Liu Rengui suddenly said, "Your Majesty, I heard that Japan is planning to help Yici!"

Li Zhi snorted coldly and said, "How dare an island nation interfere in mainland China's affairs?"

Liu Rengui added, "Your Majesty, this envoy Daochen once discussed Buddhism with Master Xuanzang, and the gifts he brought from Baekje were also very generous, which shows his sincerity."

Li Zhi glanced at Daochen and said, "Emissaries from Baekje, in view of your sincerity, I can promise you that if Japan sends troops to attack you, the Tang Dynasty will send reinforcements. As for the matter of joining the Tang Dynasty, we will discuss it later."

Daochen also knew that it was not easy to become a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty.

Seeing that the Tang Dynasty agreed to send troops, he was overjoyed and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you!"

Daochen and Jinyan immediately returned to Baekje and told Buyeo Boksin the results of the mission.

Fu Xin was overjoyed. With the Tang Dynasty's promise to send troops, he was no longer afraid of anyone. He immediately sent people to spread the news, and soon several neighboring countries knew about it.

King Kim Chunchu of Silla was very angry when he saw that the Tang Dynasty had abandoned him and turned to Baekje.

However, he did not have the courage to attack Baekje and risk going to war with the Tang Dynasty, so he had to swallow his anger and wait and see.

Quan Gaesomun of Goguryeo was growing older and was no longer as ambitious as he had been in his youth.

Since the failure of his last plan to take over Yingzhou, he gradually began to indulge in pleasure and ignore external affairs.

Not much attention has been paid to the affairs of Baekje.

Only Japan is still making intensive preparations for war.

Queen Treasure and Prince Nakano Oe have already arrived at Chikushi Asakura Palace in Kyushu, ready to personally take command of the war at the front line.

After hearing that the Tang Dynasty had clearly intervened, although they did not intend to give up, they became more cautious. They built water forts in Jiuzhou, trained the navy, and mobilized military supplies and weapons to prepare for a long-term war.

Li Zhi stayed in Youzhou for about ten days, then turned west and headed towards Hedong Road.

Hebei and Hedong are separated by a majestic mountain range, the Taihang Mountains.

There are only eight routes to cross this mountain range, which are called the "Eight Jings of Taihang".

Four of the routes were close to the south and required a detour, but Li Zhi did not consider them.

The only options left were the Northern Four Xings, among which the most famous was Jingxing Road.

This road is located at a transportation hub and has always been a battleground for military strategists.

There are many passes on Jingxing Road, the most famous of which is Niangzi Pass.

Niangzi Pass was originally named Weize Pass. Because Li Zhi's aunt Princess Pingyang once guarded here, it was renamed Niangzi Pass. It is known as the "Ninth Pass in the World".

The east side of Jingxing Road is connected to Jizhou. There is a famous mountain in Jizhou called Panshan, which is very popular among emperors. Both Cao Cao and Li Shimin have climbed this mountain.

Since Li Zhi came to Jizhou, he would not miss Panshan Mountain, so he climbed Panshan Mountain the next day.

The scenery of this mountain is indeed unique and different from that in Guanzhong and Henan.

The pines, rocks and water of Panshan are so beautiful that it is known as the "best of the three mountains".

The pine trees on the upper plate are magnificent, winding and covering the sky; the stones in the middle plate are magnificent, strange and magical; the water on the lower plate is magnificent, splashing jade and spraying pearls.

Li Zhi liked the scenery of the winding mountain, so he stayed in Jizhou for another half a month. It was not until November that he headed towards Jingxing Road.

The Jingxing Road is shaped like a slingshot. It is a straight road near Hebei Province. However, in the middle section, it splits into two branches, one to the south and the other to the north.

Li Zhi took the northern road because it was wider and Niangzi Pass was on it.

The brigade entered Jingxing Road from Changshan, headed west, and arrived at Niangzi Pass in early November.

This pass is indeed majestic and steep, and there is also a statue of Princess Pingyang inside the pass.

After staying at Niangzi Pass for two days, Li Zhi continued his journey westward.

It started raining that day. It was early November and the weather was cold. The rain was icy and cold, and it turned into frost when it hit the ground, making the team slippery and moving very slowly.

Li Zhi could no longer sit still in the dragon chariot, so he put on his rain gear and went out.

The road was very narrow and two carriages could not run side by side. Li Zhi was riding a horse next to a carriage and could touch the mountain wall with his hand.

This cramped environment, coupled with the dark sky and low-hanging clouds, can easily make people feel depressed.

Li Zhi looked back and saw the patrol team lined up in a long line. He also saw Xue Rengui standing in front, directing the soldiers to push the carts. Suddenly, an idea popped into his mind.

If the enemy were surrounded from front and back in such a place, even a general like Xue Rengui would be powerless to turn the situation around and could only accept his fate.

If someone wants to murder him, this is the best choice.

Just as he was daydreaming, Zhang Dahai came quickly in the rain.

"Your Majesty, Her Royal Highness the Queen invites you over." He bowed.

This fat eunuch has lost a lot of weight since he followed Li Zhi on his tours.

Li Zhi noticed that he looked strange and asked, "What happened?"

Zhang Duohai said, "The Imperial Concubine has suddenly fallen ill and has a high fever."

Li Zhi was startled and rode over and soon arrived next to Concubine Zheng's carriage.

I saw Empress Wu, Concubine Zhu, Concubine Liu Chong'er, and Concubine Yang all standing beside the carriage, their faces full of anxiety.

Sun Simiao and Zhen Guangxiou have already arrived and are treating Concubine Zheng in the car.

Li Zhi did not get into the car, but just took a look inside. He saw that Concubine Zheng's face was flushed, her eyes were closed, and she was muttering something in a low voice.

The eighth prince Li Ren was held in Liu Chong'er's arms. He had been silent all this time, but it seemed that he knew that his mother was not feeling well, and he burst into tears.

"What happened? Why did the imperial concubine suddenly fall ill?" Li Zhi asked in a deep voice.

Zhu Cairen said with a bitter face, "We don't know either. She was fine yesterday, but this morning her face turned a little red. She said she was fine, so we didn't take it seriously. But then she suddenly passed out."

Wu Meiniang said softly, "Your Majesty, don't worry. With Divine Doctor Sun here, I don't think anything will happen."

After a while, Sun Simiao and Zhen Guangzhou got out of the carriage. Li Zhi asked, "Lord Sun, how is the imperial concubine?"

Sun Simiao said, "Your Majesty, please be at ease. The imperial concubine is simply experiencing acclimatization issues, coupled with the recent sudden drop in temperature, and has caught a cold. The combination of these two illnesses has caused a severe attack. After a few days of recuperation, she will be fine."

Li Zhi breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That's good."

That night, the team arrived at Taohe Valley, and Li Zhi ordered them to camp in the valley.

The team stayed there for three days in total.

During these three days, several concubines took turns to take care of Concubine Zheng. Even Wu Meiniang took care of her at the bedside for half a day. Only then did Concubine Zheng's condition finally improve.

On the fourth day, after consulting Sun Simiao, Li Zhi gave an order and the team continued to move westward. Finally, in late November, they left Jingxing Road and arrived in Yangquan County.

(End of this chapter)