Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

As the last shadows of night give way to the golden dawn, all things usher in the most anticipated transition of the year. The morning star fades its shimmer, giving way to the rising sun. In that moment, the skyline shimmers with a faint violet, followed by a warm orange-red, as if painted by nature herself, the first touches of spring.

The remnants of winter linger, the snowy landscape still lingering, but under the call of the spring sun, the world is undergoing a subtle transformation. On the eaves and among the branches, those stubborn ice crystals begin to slowly melt, transforming into clear springs. These crystals flow down the eaves, falling to the ground or converging into tiny trickles. Each dripping sound is a signal for the hibernating earth to open its eyes.

Deep in the forest, the long-dormant woods begin to sprout new green. At first, they're just a few spots, but soon, tender buds are eagerly pushing through the soil, peering out at the world like curious elves. The branches of old trees are also dotted with new green, showing a vibrant vitality. Wildlife sense the signs of change. Sloth bears stretch their limbs and wander out of their dens. Rabbits and deer hop through the trees. Singing birds celebrate the return of spring with sweet melodies.

Hidden streams in the snow-capped mountains find freedom. Glaciers calve, and waters break free, gathering into majestic waterfalls or cheerful streams, washing over the rock faces along their way, bringing a sense of coolness and vitality. The rocks and vegetation along the streamside are imbued with new colors, becoming nature's palette.

The vast fields are no longer barren, dotted with the figures of farmers. During the spring plowing season, they drive oxen or modern machinery, deeply cultivating this fertile land. Each seed is carefully placed, carrying the dream of a harvest. The spring breeze blows, bringing the fragrance of flowers and hope, foreshadowing the bountiful harvest of autumn.

Migrating birds return. Across the azure sky, flocks of geese fly in formation, heading ever farther afield. Nearby, a variety of birds frolic on the branches, their songs weaving the music of spring. These brightly feathered birds, like messengers sent by Spring, bear news of the changing seasons, adding a touch of color to the world.

Spring is more than just a transition between seasons; it's a time when nature and humanity resonate. In this cycle, every living being plays an indispensable role, collectively composing the magnificent epic of life.

Time flew by, and Li Ruoyue and Luzhu had already been in this place for over half a year. Winter gave way to spring, and the earth gradually awakened from its slumber, its gentle footsteps quietly approaching. The snow began to melt, turning into gurgling streams that nourished the land. They felt firsthand the breath of spring's rebirth and vibrant vitality.

During this time, Li Ruoyue and Lu Zhu led a peaceful yet incredibly busy life. Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight filtered through their windows, they rose and began their busy day. They tirelessly treated the people around them, applying their medical skills to their heart's content, relieving each patient's pain.

In addition to their daily medical practice, they also shouldered a crucial task: preparing essential medicines for their fathers in the military and delivering them to the barracks promptly. This task required not only a deep understanding of various medicinal herbs, but also precise blending techniques and a rigorous work ethic.

Despite their incredibly busy lives, the two never complained. On the contrary, they found this fulfilling and meaningful life incredibly joyful. Seeing the grateful smiles on the faces of those they treated and restored to health, or hearing the satisfaction and praise from military fathers for the medicine they sent them, all their fatigue instantly melted away.

Just as the two were chatting and laughing in the courtyard, a sudden and unannounced knock on the door sounded, shattering the relaxed and joyful atmosphere like a thunderclap, jarring them from their busy and cheerful state. They both looked up at the same time and exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment.

"Who could it be, in the middle of the day?" the hostess muttered to herself. She gathered herself a little, then quickly said to Li Ruoyue, "Miss, I'll go take a look!" Li Ruoyue nodded slightly in agreement. After receiving permission, the hostess hurried towards the gate.

Meanwhile, Li Ruoyue lowered her head again, continuing to focus on her work, but at the same time, she also paid a little attention to the movements outside. Time passed by, and soon, the courtyard door slowly opened, and the hostess led a figure in. When the person entered the courtyard, Li Ruoyue took a closer look and found that it was Baili Xi from the Oasis Bar.

Baili Xi hurried into the courtyard and saw Li Ruoyue intently preparing medicine. He quickly approached her and asked, "Miss Li, what kind of medicine are you preparing?" Li Ruoyue looked up at the sound of his voice, a smile as bright as a spring flower blooming on her face. She replied softly, "Master Baili, I'm just making some common medicines for emergency use."

When Baili Xi heard this, his face flushed slightly, but he quickly calmed down and said shamelessly: "Miss Li, I wonder if you could trouble me to prepare some common medicines for me?" After saying this, he showed a flattering smile.

When Li Ruoyue heard this, a hint of doubt flashed in her beautiful eyes, and she asked softly, "Don't you have any medicine with you? After all, you are always with the Fourth Prince. Common medicines like these should not be in short supply." She frowned slightly, as if she was a little puzzled by Baili Xi's request.

Baili Xi quickly waved his hands and explained, "No, no, no, of course we have those medicines. It's just... Alas! To be honest, I always feel that the medicines prepared by you, Miss Li, are more effective. That's why I dared to ask you for help." After that, he scratched his head embarrassedly, but his eyes always stayed on Li Ruoyue, expecting her to agree to his request.

Li Ruoyue couldn't help but chuckle at the slightly embarrassed man before her. She knew Baili Xi's words might be a bit exaggerated, but seeing his sincerity, she couldn't refuse outright. So, she smiled and nodded in agreement.

After receiving Li Ruoyue's affirmative answer, Baili Xi was overjoyed and thanked her repeatedly: "That's great! Thank you so much, Miss Li!"

Li Ruoyue turned and walked to a nearby cabinet, opened the door, and took out several small porcelain bottles and paper bags. She carefully arranged them one by one and placed them in a small cloth bag. She then handed the small cloth bag filled with medicine to Baili Xi and said gently, "Here, it's all here. Remember to take it with you when you leave."

Baili Xi took the small cloth bag as if it were a treasure, holding it tightly in his hands, and said with tears of gratitude again: "Thank you very much, Miss Li, for your kindness. If you need me in the future, please let me know."

Li Ruoyue listened quietly to Baili Xi's argumentative assurance, a ripple of emotion stirring deep within her heart. This Young Master Baili was too sincere! This was just a trivial, easy thing to do, so why was he thanking her so solemnly? However, despite this thought, she remained silent. She only smiled and nodded slightly, indicating that she was aware of the matter. Her response was concise and subtle, without any extraneous words.

Baili Xi, watching all this, knew that Li Ruoyue didn't truly appreciate his gratitude. But this didn't affect his resolve: he would do his utmost to help Miss Li solve any problems she might encounter. Only in this way could Li Ruoyue devote herself to drug development without any worries, thus saving more people suffering from illness.

Inside, the two sat facing each other, the atmosphere somewhat lazy and casual. They chatted casually, the topic gradually focusing on the current situation in the northwest and the corresponding response strategies.

When discussing the arrival of spring, Ruoyue frowned slightly and said worriedly, "Every spring, everything comes back to life, but at the same time, certain diseases also quietly resurface." She paused, then explained, "For example, the common foot-and-mouth disease is particularly prone to spreading among cattle and sheep during this season. Once a single cow or sheep is infected, within a few days, the entire herd will likely be affected. Even more terrifying is that it not only has an extremely high mortality rate, but can even be transmitted to humans!"

Baili Xi, sitting nearby, had been slightly relaxed, but upon hearing this, his body jolted violently, and he instantly straightened up in his chair, his expression becoming serious. He stared intently at Ruoyue and eagerly asked, "Miss Li, is there any way to prevent such a serious illness? If just one sheep were to become ill, wouldn't it cause suffering to the people?"

Li Ruoyue sighed helplessly and said, "Alas, this is indeed something we can't help! You know, the number of sheep, cattle and horses in the entire Northwest region is simply countless. Who can clearly know which one is sick and which one is healthy? Moreover, this disease breaks out and spreads almost every spring. Although some experienced old herdsmen know how to plan ahead and make some countermeasures in advance, it is ultimately just a stopgap measure and cannot fundamentally solve the problem. I am helpless about this now and have no idea at all." After that, she shook her head gently, frowning slightly.

After a brief pause, Li Ruoyue continued, "However, in the next two days I plan to carefully read the medical books and look for the notes left by my former master to see if there are any effective prescriptions for treating this kind of disease. I hope I can find something..."