Chapter 2730: Differing Opinions

Bai Shan walked to Manbao’s side, putting his hands behind his back, watching her treat the soldier’s wounds.

Manbao took a moment to glance up at him. Bai Shan smiled at her gently and said, “Carry on, I’ll wait here for you.”

Manbao then lowered her head and continued her work.

Behind them, Daji hesitated as he looked at his master, who was clutching a handkerchief, and frowned slightly.

Bai Shan shook his head at him, standing aside and watching her.

Manbao unceremoniously commanded him, “Hand me the scissors.”

Bai Shan hid the handkerchief in his narrow sleeve and then dug into her medicine box, handing the scissors to her.

Manbao took the scissors and snipped open the injured soldier’s clothes at the wound site, then began to clean the wound and apply medication.

After bandaging the soldier’s wounds, Manbao turned her head to Bai Shan, “What’s wrong with your right hand?”

Bai Shan: … How did she notice?

Manbao reached out to him, Bai Shan hesitated briefly, then put his right hand on hers.

Just one look, and Manbao could tell that his palm was bruised by force. She couldn’t help but ask, “The opponent so strong? Aren’t you a swordsman? Why resort to force?”

Bai Shan sat cross-legged on the ground, saying, “It tore when blocking State Duke Zhao.”

He carefully described the scene at that time, highlighting his skill and quick reaction, “It was very impressive and subconscious. I believe what I’ve learned from Master Jiechen was truly useful.”

Previously, he definitely wouldn’t have reacted in time. Even if he did, he might not have blocked State Duke Zhao.

Their strength was so substantial.

It’s just a pity that his sword was broken, alas, his grandmother spent a lot of money to buy it for him.

As Manbao treated his wound, she asked, “That soldier is okay, right?”

“He’s fine, just scared and should be in the prisoner camp now.”

Manbao nodded slightly and bandaged him, then asked, “Is State Duke Zhao angry?”

Bai Shan tilted his head thoughtfully, saying, “A bit, but State Duke Zhao isn’t petty. Although I wasn’t wrong in this matter, I did embarrass him publicly, so I should apologize to him.”

Manbao replied, “I’ll accompany you.”

She said, “I’ll prepare some nourishing broth for him. Poor thing, during this period of warfare, State Duke Zhao has lost a lot of weight.”

Bai Shanxin felt increasingly uneasy, somewhat worried for State Duke Zhao.

With a snip, Manbao cut the gauze away and released his hand, saying, “Alright, avoid heavy use and water for now. I’ll reapply the medication tomorrow.”

Bai Shan nodded, about to speak when he heard a commotion, prompting him to turn towards the west.

They then saw the arrival of the Imperial carriage.

The injured soldiers outside the city, who were able, knelt on the ground.

Manbao and Bai Shan exchanged a glance and stood up properly.

State Duke Zhao and General Ashina led a group to welcome the Emperor out of the city, then knelt on one knee as the Emperor approached.

Manbao and Bai Shan also knelt in salute.

The Emperor dismounted quickly, stepped forward briskly, holding on to Ashina with one hand and State Duke Zhao with the other, helping them up, and then glanced at the wounded soldiers kneeling all around, sighing, “I am fortunate to have you; the hardships of the soldiers are not unnoticed by me, and I accept this kneel feeling guilty indeed.”

General Ashina: “Devotion to Your Majesty is what we wish for!”

He said movingly, “As long as it’s for the good of His Majesty and the Great Jin, I would not shirk in the face of certain death.”

With an expression of profound sentiment, the Emperor grasped his hand, seeing him fatigued, and inadvertently glanced toward Zhou Man, “Lord Zhou, come quickly to check on General Ashina.”

Manbao: “…The General is exhausted and just needs rest.”

After a pause, she added, “Otherwise, should I do some acupuncture later for the General?”

General Ashina immediately replied, “Much obliged, Lord Zhou.”

The Emperor allowed the soldiers to rise, not rushing into the city, instead looking around at the wounded soldiers lying outside the city gate and lamenting, “This won’t do, my frontier heroes can’t be sleeping in the dirt.”

He said, “Aren’t there several streets occupied inside? Clear out the houses inside and let the wounded move in.”

State Duke Zhao acknowledged with a “Yes” and turned to arrange for people to vacate the houses, but Bai Shan immediately interjected, “Your Majesty, this is inadvisable.”

General Ashina also quickly added, “Your Majesty, this move is unwise.”

Both spoke simultaneously, paused briefly, and exchanged a subtle glance, where Bai Shan glanced down to let him speak.

General Ashina gritted his teeth, quietly calling Bai Shan a sly fox, before addressing the Emperor, “Your Majesty, we only occupy the West City Gate now, and there are at least ninety thousand enemy troops within Anshi City. They are not formidable in essence, but what if the entirety of Anshi City stands against us?”

“Last night, one reason we held the West City Gate was because the citizens were tightly closed off and did not involve themselves in the military conflict. If we disturb the residents now, we might provoke resentment from Anshi City’s populace.”

State Duke Zhao knew he was correct, but still couldn’t help snorting coldly, “Is the Jin army afraid of a bunch of defenseless fools?”

General Ashina, not skilled in debate, could only respond, “Better fewer issues than more.”

State Duke Zhao retorted, “But we can’t let down our Great Jin soldiers.”

General Ashina was left speechless.

Bai Shan then smiled, “Your Majesty, the city is not yet stable. The wounded have limited mobility, and moving them into the city now isn’t safer than staying outside.”

He continued, “Your Majesty should set up medical tents and arrange for tents to gather the wounded outside the city.”

He added, “The Imperial carriage should not enter the city; the camp should be set up outside the city, and the main tent should be outside. Thus, you can advance when needed and retreat when needed.”

General Ashina immediately agreed, “Exactly, Your Majesty. There are still enemy troops inside the city, who knows if they won’t attempt assassinations? Please establish a camp outside the city.”

The Emperor: … How did he become involved in this matter?

The other accompanying ministers and generals quickly persuaded the Emperor to remain outside the city; even State Duke Zhao would not risk the Emperor’s safety.

The city now indeed was not secure; who knows where assassins might be lurking inside?

What if suddenly an arrow pierced through?

Thus, the issue of having the wounded move into the city was left unresolved, and the soldiers started camping outside the city, constructing tents for the wounded to settle in first.

At the Emperor’s insistence, General Ashina and State Duke Zhao eventually agreed to let him venture into the city for a brief tour.

The primary purpose was to reassure Anshi City’s citizens, allowing them to stay quietly in their homes, as the Jin army would not harm them.

Manbao and Bai Shan exchanged a glance, then followed inside.

They were close aides to the Emperor, one being a physician, both undeniably best positioned to stand by the Emperor’s side at this time.

As the Emperor entered the city, there were resounding cheers, and thus, half of the city came to know that the emperor of the Great Jin had arrived.

A high-ranking emperor, none among Anshi City’s people might have had the chance to see him in their lifetime, possibly only this once ever. Hence, some secretly opened windows, peering out over the walls quietly towards the direction of the West City Gate.

Unfortunately, the view was obstructed by layers of buildings, rendering them unable to see anything.

But at least they could hear the sounds.