Nine dragons fight for the throne, I don't want to sit on this throne

Chu Ning made strategic arrangements.

Then, his gaze turned to Han Xing, who could barely stand without the support of his colleagues, and his tone became serious and concerned:

"General Han's injuries are severe, and there is no time to lose!"

"When the army sets off tomorrow and returns to the capital, we must prepare the most secure carriage for General Han, and send the most capable personal guards and physicians to accompany and take care of him. It must be smooth and free from any bumps!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Xue Huaide immediately replied.

After a moment's thought, Chu Ning added, "In addition, immediately send a message to the capital via carrier pigeon, using the fastest channel available to the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"Immediately summon Sun Simiao, the chief physician of the Imperial Medical Academy and a renowned physician, and order him to take the best medicines from the palace, travel light, and head south at top speed!"

"Calculate the journey, arrange for him to travel in the opposite direction of my returning army, and strive to meet him halfway as quickly as possible so that I can treat General Han!"

"Time is General Han's life; not a moment can be wasted!"

This arrangement is meticulous and thoughtful, demonstrating both consideration for important officials and an efficient and pragmatic approach.

The message sent by carrier pigeon summoned the divine physician to meet him halfway, thus maximizing the time available for treatment.

Han Xing, who had been listening intently to Chu Ning's decision with all his might, was deeply moved when he heard, "My mind is made up... return to Jin to recuperate... and wait until next spring..." and the subsequent series of arrangements.

Especially when he heard that Chu Ning had finally adopted his core suggestion of "postponing the Northern Expedition and consolidating the foundation first".

In his eyes, which were bloodshot and almost unfocused from injury and perseverance, a final glimmer of relief and reassurance suddenly burst forth.

His spirit, taut like a fully drawn bowstring, finally snapped after hearing the answer he most wanted to hear. The string that had kept him standing, clear-headed, and able to speak out finally broke.

He let out a soft "hoarse" sound in his throat, and the strange blush that he had forced onto his face quickly faded, replaced by a deathly paleness.

His body swayed violently, unable to support himself any longer. His eyes closed, and he fell softly backward as if all his bones had been removed!

"General Han!"

"Old General!"

Ran Ming and Ma Chao, who were standing nearby, reacted the fastest and quickly reached out to help him up, preventing him from falling to the ground.

Han Xing's eyes were closed, his jaw was clenched, and his breath was so weak it was almost inaudible; he had completely lost consciousness.

"Quickly! Summon the army medic!"

"Carefully carry it down!"

The hall was immediately thrown into chaos.

Chu Ning abruptly stood up from his throne, his face filled with solemnity and concern, and said urgently:

"Quickly! Do as I just said, arrange it immediately! You must save General Han's life!"

Xue Huaide and the others agreed repeatedly, and directed their men to carefully carry the unconscious Han Xing out of the council hall to arrange for his treatment.

The meeting in the hall was temporarily interrupted by this sudden change, but Chu Ning's strategic decision had already been clearly issued.

The Great Chu, having just weathered a raging storm, will temporarily enter a period of rest and recuperation after a brief period of turbulent progress, awaiting the next, even stronger east wind.

The next morning, before the mist had dissipated, the east gate of Jianghuai City slowly opened.

The victorious royal army, returning to the capital, embarked on its journey northward.

Although the army was not as vast and continuous as when it marched south, it still had banners waving and armor shining brightly.

However, the solemn and warlike atmosphere had been replaced by a complex mix of exhaustion after a major battle and feelings of triumph.

Chu Ning, dressed in full military attire with a black cloak over his head, rode atop the divine steed "Black Cloud Covering Snow" in the center of the army.

Feng Mulan followed closely behind, riding in a phoenix carriage.

Generals Xue Huaide, Zhao Yu, Ma Chao, and others led their respective troops to protect the front and rear.

Nearly 100,000 troops, along with necessary supplies and the wounded, marched north along the official road in several columns.

Chu Ning was not in a good mood.

The scene of Han Xing vomiting blood and falling into a coma in the council hall yesterday was still vivid in his mind, and the safety of this old minister weighed heavily on his heart.

On this trip back, he specially prepared a spacious carriage for Han Xing, pulled by eight docile oxen, which traveled in the core area of ​​the procession.

The vehicle was surrounded by layers of elite guards, and two experienced military doctors accompanied it with the best medicine.

Chu Ning even ordered the convoy to slow down to ensure a smooth ride, and sent someone to inquire about Han Xing's condition every hour.

The carrier pigeons that flew to the capital to summon the divine physician Sun Simiao were released last night. Judging by the time, if all goes well, they may be able to meet in a few days.

After leaving Jianghuai City, the group traveled for about ten miles and arrived at a relatively flat and open area.

As the morning mist gradually dissipated, the rising sun cast its golden rays upon the marching procession, dispelling some of the chill.

Chu Ning was discussing arrangements for their return to the capital with Xue Huaide beside him in a low voice. His brows were slightly furrowed, clearly indicating that his mind was still on Han Xing's injuries.

Suddenly, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from the rear of the column, breaking the relatively dull rhythm of the march.

Chu Ning looked in the direction of the sound and saw Zhao Yu, still in his silver armor, galloping towards them on horseback, his face showing unprecedented anxiety and solemnity.

He disregarded even the strict military etiquette and rushed straight to Chu Ning's horse several feet in front of it before suddenly reining in his warhorse.

"His Majesty!"

Zhao Yu didn't even have time to fully dismount and bow before clasping his hands in greeting. His voice trembled slightly with urgency and a hint of panic.

"Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened! General Han... General Han, he..."

Chu Ning's heart sank suddenly, and an ominous premonition instantly gripped him.

He reined in the reins and asked in a deep voice, "General Han, what's wrong? Tell me slowly!"

Zhao Yu took a deep breath to steady himself, but his voice still carried an undeniable heaviness:

"The military doctor just reported urgently that General Han's pulse suddenly weakened drastically, and he was barely breathing. He was... he was on the verge of death! I'm afraid... I'm afraid he won't make it!"

"what?"

Chu Ning's expression changed drastically, and she cried out in alarm. Her hand gripping the reins tightened suddenly, and her knuckles turned white instantly.

On his deathbed?

Although he was unconscious yesterday, the military doctor reported that his condition had temporarily stabilized. How could it have suddenly deteriorated to this point?

He even managed to deliver a passionate speech in the council chamber yesterday!

"How could this happen? Didn't the army doctor say yesterday that the condition had stabilized? Didn't they administer medication last night?"

Chu Ning's voice was filled with suppressed anger and disbelief and pain, and her gaze shot towards Zhao Yu like lightning.

Zhao Yu quickly explained, "Your Majesty, please calm down! According to the military doctor, General Han... when General Han vomited blood and fell into a coma in the council hall yesterday, his internal injuries were already so severe that they were beyond medical help, and his life was almost over."

"The medication I took last night was merely a temporary reprieve, and while it may seem like there's been a slight improvement, it's actually... a sign of a final burst of energy before death."

"Although the marching column was made as smoothly as possible today, the bumpy journey, coupled with General Han's sudden relaxation after his emotional turmoil, has ultimately exhausted that last bit of life he had forced back..."

Back to the light!

These four words were like ice picks, piercing Chu Ning's heart.