A Shocking Dream

In the rather rudimentary alchemy room, Lin Wunian toiled day and night. The air was filled with the rich aroma of a blend of herbs, and the fire blazed, illuminating her exhausted yet resolute face. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her figure was slightly stooped, but the thought of those in desperate need of treatment filled her with boundless strength. "As long as I can save them, even a little fatigue doesn't matter," she muttered to herself, her hands never pausing, grinding herbs or controlling the heat, each step meticulous and precise.

Time slipped quietly through the curls of smoke from the medicine cauldron. Finally, Lin Wunian developed a round, shimmering pill. When the pill was administered to the sick and cured, the gloom that had shrouded everyone's hearts instantly dissipated, and a ray of hope pierced through the clouds like a sharp sword. "There's help! There's help!" Cheers echoed.

Everyone seemed to be infused with boundless energy, and they all mobilized. Those who had been responsible for searching for herbs quickened their pace, shuttling through the mountains and forests, not missing a single potentially useful herb. Those who assisted Lin Wunian in refining the medicine meticulously prepared various herbs and instruments, their eyes gleaming with a fiery light. And those responsible for caring for the patients comforted those suffering with even gentler and more resolute words, telling them that hope was within reach.

After months of arduous struggle, the epidemic in Linzhou finally began to thaw, like the first ray of spring on a frozen earth. The number of infections gradually receded, and the patients' conditions, under Lin Wunian's meticulously formulated medications, gradually improved, like a withered tree returning to life in spring. Linzhou, a land ravaged by war and epidemic, was finally about to see a new dawn.

The atmosphere in the magnificent palace was solemn yet tinged with a sense of relief. A prominent official, dressed in court robes, addressed the almighty Emperor with a respectful and sincere expression, "Your Majesty, if it weren't for Lin Wunian's timely development of the pill, our dynasty would have been in turmoil. I believe he deserves a reward."

Sunlight filtered through the carved window lattices, casting patches of golden light on the polished marble floor. Emperor Ansheng nodded slightly, his eyes revealing recognition and admiration for Lin Wunian's achievements. "I am fully aware of the severity of this crisis. Lin Wunian's actions are truly a service to the nation." His voice was steady and commanding, echoing through the empty hall, seemingly penetrating the walls and reaching far into the distance.

His Highness's ministers nodded in agreement, whispering to each other in admiration for Lin Wunian. The court now had a different atmosphere because of Lin Wunian's name, as if the gloom that had shrouded the dynasty had completely dissipated with the appearance of this key figure.

"Then draft an edict to summon Lin Wunian to the palace. I will reward him in person, give him ten thousand taels of gold, a thousand acres of fertile land, and confer on him the title of 'miracle doctor', so that everyone in the world will know about his achievements and my favor." Emperor Ansheng said with a firm gaze, as if he had already outlined a blueprint for treating Lin Wunian well in his mind.

After the decree was passed down, the palace was bustling with activity. The eunuchs and palace maids hurriedly prepared to welcome Lin Wunian. Along with the decrees and palace rumors, Lin Wunian's name quickly spread through the streets and alleys of the capital and even the entire dynasty, becoming a legendary figure among people. The image of a hero who saved the dynasty from danger was established, attracting the admiration and praise of countless people, and also making more people with lofty ideals yearn for him, hoping to leave a bold and colorful mark on the historical picture of this dynasty like Lin Wunian.

"You want to summon me to the palace?" At sunset, Lin Wunian, who had just woken up, was stunned when she heard Kankan mention it to her.

For the past few months, she had been like a lone sailor at the helm amidst raging storms, battling the epidemic day and night. The clinic was filled with a suffocating, dull atmosphere, the dim lights flickering amid the patients' agonized moans. The walls seemed to bear the weight of the disease, pressing down on her. In the medicine room, the charcoal fire flickered, herbal remnants scattered everywhere, and the pungent odor made her head spin. She shuttled between ancient books and medicine jars, each step filled with fatigue and determination. The endless bustle had already strained her body and mind, every ounce of energy squeezed to the limit.

Only when the epidemic was finally contained did she gradually awaken, as if from a nightmare. This time, she slept soundly, as if dispelling the exhaustion of months. At this moment, she stared at Kanan with sleepy eyes, her hair a little disheveled on her shoulders, her face still etched with weariness.

Looking at Lin Wunian's expression, a trace of heartache flashed in her eyes, and she said softly, "Yes, His Majesty has issued an order to reward you in person."

Lin Wunian frowned slightly, and after a moment of silence, he said, "I'm just doing what a doctor should do. I have no dealings with anyone in this palace. Why did you summon me to the palace?"

Qianqian smiled and said, "You have saved so many people, which is a great achievement for both the court and the people. His Majesty will naturally reward you handsomely. This is an unparalleled honor."

Lin Wunian sighed softly, "I only treat illnesses and save lives among the common people. I know nothing about the rules of the palace. What if I offend them? But if I refuse, I am afraid that I will offend His Majesty."

Lin Wunian frowned slightly, her thoughts still not completely withdrawing from the long fight against the epidemic. She slowly stood up, walked to the window, pushed open the window frame, and a gust of evening breeze blew in, bringing a little coolness. Outside the window, the setting sun was like blood, dyeing the sky orange and red, but the brilliant colors made her feel uneasy. The mountains in the distance were only vaguely outlined in the twilight, as if hiding countless unknown secrets. The flowers and plants in the courtyard trembled in the autumn wind, making a slight rustling sound, as if whispering about the mystery of the deep courtyard of the palace. Enter the palace? Face His Majesty? This sudden summons made her a little overwhelmed.

"Miss Lin, did you sleep well?" Zhou Cheng's voice sounded outside the door, and he seemed very anxious. There was a hint of concern and nervousness in his voice. His tone unconsciously rose, and the ending tone even trembled slightly, as if he was afraid that there would be no response from inside the house.

Lin Wunian packed up and walked out the door. He looked up at Zhou Cheng and asked softly, "What's wrong?"

Zhou Cheng's face was filled with confusion and heaviness. His lips parted slightly, but it seemed as if a thousand words were stuck in his throat. After a long while, he managed to utter a few words with difficulty: "The court has issued an imperial decree. The Lord..." Lin Wunian understood the unfinished words. She dusted herself off, her expression calm, like a deep, still pool. "You must take responsibility for your mistakes. This is your court's business. It's not for me to interfere."