A Shocking Dream

In Linzhou, the thrilling battle against the plague finally came to an end after more than six months of arduous struggle. From initial panic and despair, the city's citizens now regained hope, and the streets and alleys were filled with the joy and relief of having survived the catastrophe. Lin Wunian and all the brave warriors who bravely fought this battle were destined to be etched in the annals of Linzhou history, becoming legends passed down through the ages, earning the admiration and praise of the people.

As the news spread, the entire imperial court was shaken. In the court, officials discussed Linzhou's heroic deeds, but the most notable was Lin Wunian—a woman who played a crucial role in this pandemic. "It's truly rare for a woman to be a doctor, and to be so skilled at it." "I heard she toiled day and night in Linzhou, disregarding her own safety, saving countless lives." Praises were heard everywhere.

However, when everyone learned of Lin Wunian's name, long-forgotten memories were quietly awakened. Throughout Daqi's history, there once was a female physician also named Wunian. That long-faded memory, gradually forgotten over the years, has now become a topic of conversation once again thanks to Lin Wunian's appearance.

"Could this Lin Wunian be related to the previous dynasty's Doctor Wunian? Could he be a descendant of an ancestor?" "Perhaps it's a fateful reincarnation, the same name, the same medical talent." For a moment, inside and outside the court, on the streets, everyone was speculating about the connection between the two. Rumors spread like wildfire.

In the imperial study, the emperor frowned as he flipped through the report on the Linzhou plague. Seeing Lin Wunian's name, he fell into deep thought. An old eunuch beside him observed this and whispered, "Your Majesty, the appearance of Lin Wunian reminds me of the former female physician, Dr. Wunian. Back then, Dr. Wunian was also a skilled doctor who had saved many royal relatives and nobles, but later..." The emperor raised his hand slightly, signaling him to stop. His gaze lingered on the report, his mind quizzed: Who exactly was this Lin Wunian? If she was truly connected to the former physician, what would her appearance bring to Daqi? Would it be a blessing or a curse? The words in the report seemed to become a series of puzzles, lingering in the emperor's mind. Lin Wunian's achievements in Linzhou were enough to shake the court and the people. A female physician was rare, and yet she could turn the tide against such a devastating plague. If there were deeper reasons behind this, the situation would become even more elusive.

The emperor was well aware that the previous physician, Wu Nian, had caused quite a stir in the palace. Although her medical skills were highly praised, she had also disappeared due to some secret matters. Could Lin Wu Nian's sudden appearance now be just a coincidence? He stood up and paced around the imperial study, the hem of his dragon robe swaying gently with his steps.

At this time, the capital was in turmoil due to the news about Lin Wunian. Various factions were watching, some hoping that she could bring a new atmosphere to Daqi, while others worried that she would disrupt the existing balance.

On this long journey home, every step seemed to carry an unknown weight. The capital's waiting was like an invisible net, slowly unfurling, awaiting their return. All would have to wait until Qin Rongchen and the others returned to the capital for answers.

"It's so hot." In the quiet forest, Lin Wunian couldn't help but complain. Her snow-white hair gleamed silver in the sunlight filtering through the leaves. She and the charming Kankan rode slowly through the jungle. Although a cool breeze blew from time to time, the oppressive heat remained a constant presence, like an invisible net, enveloping them tightly and making them unbearable.

Lin Wunian raised his hand to gently wipe the sweat from his forehead, frowning slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of fatigue and irritation. Kana Kana looked around, trying to find a cooler spot. "Sister Wunian, this is awful weather! We need to find a place to rest, or else both man and horse will be exhausted."

Lin Wunian nodded in agreement, and the two of them rode forward, searching for a place to rest. Not long after, they heard the sound of gurgling water ahead. "It must be a stream. Let's go there," Lin Wunian said, pulling on the reins and galloping towards the source of the sound.

Arriving at the stream, Lin Wunian dismounted, walked over to the edge, squatted down, scooped up a handful of clear water, and splashed it on his face, feeling a burst of coolness. Kankan also dismounted and came to the stream, playfully kicking the water with her feet, causing a splash. "This feels better." Lin Wunian breathed a sigh of relief and looked around. He saw green trees and lush flowers and plants lining the stream, a perfect place to rest.

However, just as they relaxed, Lin Wunian keenly sensed something amiss. She quietly stood up, her eyes warily scanning the surrounding jungle, her hand unconsciously reaching for the sword at her waist. Seeing her like this, Wan Wan also grew nervous and whispered, "Sister Wunian, what's wrong?"

Lin Wunian didn't answer, but stared intently at a spot in the jungle. Suddenly, a hare darted out from the bushes, followed by a slight rustling sound, as if something was moving slowly through the grass. Lin Wunian's heart tightened, and he whispered, "Be careful, something might be wrong."

Lin Wunian protected Kankan behind him and drew his sword, the blade gleaming coldly in the dappled sunlight. The rustling sound gradually approached, and the grass swayed more violently, as if some huge creature was lurking among them.

A moment later, a large, spotted tiger slowly appeared. Its copper-bell-like eyes stared at Lin Wunian and the others. Its bloody mouth opened slightly, revealing sharp fangs, and a low roar came from its throat, as if declaring its sovereignty over this territory and warning the uninvited guests.

Kanan couldn't help but gasp, her body trembling slightly. Although she was somewhat clever, she couldn't help but feel fear in the face of such a ferocious beast. Lin Wunian, however, remained calm and composed. She knew she couldn't show her fear at this moment, and she gently comforted Kanan, "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

The tiger, seemingly enraged by Lin Wunian's composure, suddenly pawed the ground, raising a cloud of dust, and then lunged at them. Lin Wunian dodged the attack, dodging it and swinging his sword at the tiger's back. The tiger reacted with remarkable speed, twisting mid-air to avoid the blade, then spun around upon landing, pouncing on Lin Wunian once more.

After several rounds, Lin Wunian gradually figured out the tiger's attack pattern. She seized the opportunity, deliberately showing a flaw. When the tiger pounced, she crouched down, raised the tip of her sword, and slashed the tiger's abdomen. The tiger roared in pain, and attacked even more fiercely.