Traveling back to the Northern Song Dynasty: Picking up a princess as my wife

Zhang Cheng, the prefect of Anyang, has been in the eye of a storm these past few days. His busy schedule is a stark contrast to the tranquility of Tangyin City in the past. Not only does he have to oversee the overall situation and meticulously weave a tight network of epidemic prevention and control to ensure that Anyang City is spared from the ravages of the plague, but he also has to force a smile every day to receive the Jin generals who have returned from the front lines, weary from their journeys, their hearts perhaps still filled with the smoke of war.

Initially, the Jin generals seemed to disregard the sudden epidemic, continuing their own ways, ignoring the proclamations to pacify the people, and persisting in their harassment and exploitation. However, fate often teaches lessons unexpectedly. When the shadow of the plague quietly spread to the military camps within Anyang City, all their indifference turned into a heavy price.

Witnessing this scene, Zhang Cheng felt a mix of emotions. He knew that every minute and second was crucial at this moment. He had to quickly contain the spread of the epidemic in the military camp and protect the lives of the Jin soldiers, while also properly handling relations with the Jin generals to ensure that both sides could maintain basic peace and cooperation during this difficult time.

The medicines sent by Li Zhen had long been divided up by those officials and wealthy families who valued their lives. Ordinary people who were infected were forcibly detained in one place. The apprentices sent by Doctor Guo used traditional Chinese medicine to treat them, but unfortunately, the effect was minimal. Every day, countless corpses were sent to the mass graves outside the city.

In recent days, the temples in the ancient city of Anyang seem to be gently awakened by the first wisp of chanting in the morning light, and a busy yet solemn scene quietly unfolds. The thresholds of the temples are gently trodden by a continuous stream of pilgrims and believers, who are devout and hurry along, all for that wisp of incense that can reach the clouds and touch the hearts of Buddhas.

In recent days, incense has become the most sought-after treasure in the city. Believers are willing to pay exorbitant prices to purchase it, passing exquisitely crafted bundles of incense through their hands, as if conveying their hopes for the future and their yearning for peace. The flames dance in every corner of the temple, illuminating the devout faces of the believers, their eyes shining with boundless reverence and trust in Buddha.

The air was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood and prayer, each wisp of smoke seemingly telling a story of redemption and hope. The temple bells rang out intermittently, their deep, resonant tones like the whispers of Buddha, soothing every weary or lost soul.

In this land gently illuminated by the light of faith, people believe that as long as they are sincere, Buddha will hear their cries and grant them strength and protection. Thus, the temples in Anyang City have become the most popular places.

"My lord, my lord, urgent report! A convoy has arrived from outside the city, covered in dust. Their banners prominently display the words 'Tangyin.' They claim to be carrying urgently needed medicines and request permission to enter the city."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Cheng's eyes flashed with barely concealed excitement. As if parched land had received timely rain, his entire being instantly revitalized. He abruptly stood up, his voice trembling slightly with excitement: "Open the city gates immediately! I want to personally greet them! This timely rain is truly a blessing for our city and a boon for our people!"

Having said that, he strode forward, his cloak fluttering in the wind, each step revealing an undeniable determination and urgency, as if he were leading the hopes of the entire city toward the convoy that would soon bring light and comfort.

On the vast, snow-covered land, Wang Changdao, clad in armor and shouldering a heavy responsibility, led his three hundred elite soldiers on a race against time. Their goal was to safely deliver these invaluable medicines to Anyang Prefecture, a region far larger than the small town of Tangyin.

Wang Changdao's eyes shone brightly. He knew that what was being transported was not merely cold medicine, but also Lord Li Zhen's deep concern for the safety of Anyang City and his solid support for Prefect Zhang's consolidation of power. In this chaotic world, every act of aid was like rain in the desert, precious and urgently needed.

The thunderous sound of hooves and the billowing dust propelled the three hundred soldiers like an iron torrent, traversing mountains and forests, crossing streams, undeterred by wind or rain, and undaunted by any obstacle. Along the way, they encountered several groups of refugees, but fortunately, seeing such a well-equipped army, the refugees dared not cause trouble.

"Hahaha... So it was Brother Wang himself who escorted us here! I am truly sorry for not welcoming you sooner! Brother Wang and all the brothers must have had a long and arduous journey. I, Zhang, would like to express my sincere gratitude for your tireless efforts in protecting our territory. To show my respect and gratitude, I have prepared a simple meal and drinks at the most renowned restaurant in the city, hoping to share this meal with you heroes and wash away the dust of your journey, as a small token of my hospitality. Please, follow me, and let us enjoy this well-deserved pleasure and relaxation!"

Prefect Zhang's words maintained his authority as a local official while also conveying his deep concern and sincere gratitude for his subordinates.

Wang Changdao clasped his hands in a fist salute to Zhang Cheng: "You're too kind, Prefect. Now that the medicine has been delivered, we must hurry back to Tangyin. Lord Li instructed me to tell you to take care of your health before we left."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Cheng was deeply moved, and tears welled up in his eyes. However, under the watchful eyes of everyone, he forced himself to suppress his emotions and not let them show.

He took a deep breath, his tone revealing both determination and warmth, and said to Wang Changdao beside him, "Brother Wang, please convey my deepest respect to Magistrate Li on my way back. Ask him to take good care of this land of Tangyin. When the storm has passed and the clouds have parted and the moon is bright, I, Zhang Cheng, will personally lead my troops to Tangyin to express my gratitude."

These words not only acknowledged and trusted Magistrate Li's dedication to his post, but also revealed Zhang Cheng's deep love for this land and his expectations for the future. Every word showed his sincerity.

As the figure of Wang Changdao and his men gradually blended into the boundless snow curtain, they finally disappeared into the vast天地 (heaven and earth).

Zhang Cheng sighed softly, then turned his gaze to the boxes of medicine that carried hope.

He knew that these were not merely piles of herbs, but rather the warmth and redemption that countless lives yearned for.

Therefore, he resolutely entrusted this important task to Doctor Guo's group of devout and skillful disciples.

Zhang Cheng had his own calculations. He knew that true compassion needed to penetrate layers of barriers and reach the most hidden corners of the people. Therefore, he deliberately avoided those in official robes, those constantly in the shadow of power, unwilling to let this life-saving grace be worn away by the tedium and greed of the bureaucratic system.

He understood that once the government intervened, these precious medicines might only become unattainable illusions, leaving the common people unable to even catch a whiff of their fragrance, and forcing them to continue struggling in pain and despair.

Thus, under Zhang Cheng's meticulous planning, a silent yet resolute action quietly unfolded. Guo the Divine Doctor's disciples, like a spring breeze in winter, traversed the city's alleys, personally delivering packages and bottles of medicine to those who needed them most. Their faces beamed with warm smiles, their eyes gleaming with unwavering determination and hope, as if igniting an inextinguishable flame in the hearts of the people during this harsh winter, and giving them a way to survive.