A Shocking Dream

"When was the disease discovered and who was the first patient?" Wu Nian asked again, her eyes fixed on the leader of the officers and soldiers, eagerly waiting for the answer.

The leader frowned slightly, trying to recall the relevant information. "About two weeks ago, a villager reported that someone in the village had suddenly fallen ill with strange symptoms. As for who the first patient was, we're still unsure. By the time we sent people to investigate, many people had already fallen ill, making it difficult to pinpoint the original individual."

Wu Nian fell into deep thought. She knew that finding the first patient was crucial; perhaps from him she could find clues to the source and spread of the disease. Her eyes became deep and focused, as if she was constructing various possible scenarios in her mind.

The surrounding noise gradually faded away, and in her mindless world, only thoughts about her illness remained. She recalled her conversations with the people, and those fragmented pieces of information were like pieces of a puzzle, waiting for her to piece together the complete picture.

If they could find the first patient, perhaps they could learn about their whereabouts before they became ill, and the people or things they came into contact with. This could be the key to unlocking the mystery of the disease. A strong determination surged in Wu Nian's heart; she had to find this person.

She stood up and paced slowly, her mind racing. She began to imagine various methods and approaches for investigation, from interviewing more people to tracing possible transmission routes.

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" An angry roar broke Wu Nian's reverie. A man in elegant attire approached with a menacing air, his face brimming with arrogance and authority. When his gaze fell on Wu Nian and Kan Kan, he was filled with amazement.

Wu Nian frowned slightly as she looked at the man who had suddenly appeared. She could sense the arrogance emanating from him, but she didn't flinch. "I'm treating these sick people," Wu Nian replied calmly.

The man in the finery looked Wu Nian up and down, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. "Just you? What kind of abilities can a woman have?" he said with disdain.

Wu Nian was not moved by his contempt, "Medical skills are not gender-specific. I just want to do my best to help these people."

Ancient times were full of prejudice. What's wrong with women? Can't women heal illnesses and save lives? Wu Nian couldn't help but complain in her heart. A trace of anger flashed in her eyes. Facing the contempt of the man in fancy clothes, she felt helpless and unwilling.

Wu Nian bit her lip tightly, trying to control her emotions. She knew that now was not the time to argue with this person, as there were many more people who needed her help. But this prejudice against women was like a thorn, deeply piercing her heart.

"Hmph, what do you think you can change? Women should stay in their boudoirs, take care of their husbands and children, instead of showing up here." The man in fancy clothes continued to taunt.

Wu Nian glared at him, "You are wrong. Women also have their own value and abilities. I will use my medical skills to prove that women can also contribute to this world."

With that, Wu Nian ignored the man in the finery and turned back to treating the people. Her movements grew more resolute, her conviction growing stronger. In this ancient society steeped in prejudice, Wu Nian wanted to use her actions to redress the reputation of women and bring hope to those suffering people.

"Sir, I just saw that this young lady has superb medical skills and has cured several civilians with her expert techniques." The leading officer stepped forward and said, his tone full of respect and admiration.

The man in the finery was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise on his face. He turned to look at Wu Nian, his eyes scrutinizing him.

Wu Nian did not feel proud at all because of the praise from the officers and soldiers. She continued to concentrate on checking the condition of the people in front of her.

The man in the finery was silent for a moment, then he coughed lightly. "Even so, it's against the rules for a woman to practice medicine."

"Your Excellency is mistaken," the leader of the officers and soldiers spoke again. "The people are suffering now, and those who are able should lend a hand. This young woman is compassionate and has superb medical skills, and she is a blessing to the people. If we stop her because of old rules, won't we only cause more people to suffer?"

The visitor was none other than Zeng Mu, the governor of Linzhou.

Zeng Mu frowned, lost in thought. He had to admit that the leader's words made sense. In the face of such a disaster, perhaps traditional rules couldn't be adhered to.

"Who is she? Have you found out her identity?" Zeng Mu, the man in the fancy clothes, asked. His eyes were fixed on Wu Nian, his heart filled with doubt.

The leading officer bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "Your Excellency, we have not yet ascertained the identity of this young lady. We only know that she suddenly appeared and began treating the people."

Zeng Mu frowned, pacing back and forth. He watched Wu Nian's focused figure, his suspicions growing. Why was this woman here? What was her motive? Was she simply compassionate, or did she have a hidden agenda? Amidst this chaotic situation, a strange woman suddenly appeared, so enthusiastically treating the people. It truly made one suspicious.

Zeng Mu thought of the recent events in the city, the undercurrents of various forces. Perhaps this woman was sent by one of them. Perhaps she was ostensibly treating the people, but in reality, she was secretly gathering intelligence, or had some other ulterior motive.

"Keep investigating and make sure to find out where she came from." Zeng Mu ordered.

"Yes, sir." The leader of the officers and soldiers responded, and then arranged for his men to investigate Wu Nian's identity.

Zeng Mu observed Wu Nian for a moment longer, trying to discern some clue from her demeanor. He noticed that Wu Nian's white hair stood out in the sunlight. Was it natural, or had she gone through something to become that way? Where had she learned her medical skills? The more he thought about it, the more questions Zeng Mu had.

"Sir." The leading officer lowered his voice, seemingly having learned of his identity. He looked slightly nervous, as if aware of the unusual weight of this news.

"What's wrong?" Zeng Mu looked at the officers and soldiers in confusion, feeling a little uneasy.

"They are His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's men, and she has His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's token on her." The officer said softly, his tone full of awe.

"What?" Zeng Mu panicked, his eyes widening instantly, his face filled with disbelief. "Are you sure you didn't see it wrong?" He confirmed again, his voice trembling slightly.

The leading officer shook his head firmly, "I can see clearly, it is indeed the token of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Zeng Mu's mind was in a state of chaos, a flood of thoughts. If this woman truly belonged to the Crown Prince, then why was she here? Was he deliberately arranging her to rescue these people to demonstrate his benevolence? Or was there some deeper motive? Zeng Mu knew that in this complex power struggle, every action could have a deeper meaning.