Chapter 53: Xi Zhicai's Illness
That evening, Luo Ang hosted a banquet at his residence to entertain Li Su. The guests departed in high spirits after a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
After Li Su left, Luo Ang felt an urge to stroll through the city. Changing into casual attire, he took Cheng Lian and a few others and left the mansion to wander the bustling streets of Luoyang.
By then, it was well into the late hours—around ten o’clock by modern reckoning. Yet the main streets of Luoyang remained brightly lit, alive with music and dance, radiating an exuberant vibrancy.
Luo Ang, accompanied by Guan Yu and the others, wandered the streets, but the more they roamed, the duller it felt. Something seemed to be missing within his heart.
Just then, Zhao Yun, dressed casually, appeared in Luo Ang’s line of sight.
Luo Ang intended to call out to him but saw instead that Zhao Yun had entered a lavishly illuminated brothel ahead. Several women, heavily made up, were luring patrons at the entrance.
Suppressing his words, Luo Ang’s face filled with astonishment and disbelief. The establishment was the famed Jade Immortal Courtesan House, one of Luoyang’s most notorious pleasure houses.
Luo Ang chuckled quietly, tapping his forehead and murmuring, “I was completely mistaken! He is him, not her. Ha! After all, the legendary Zhao Zilong could never be a woman!”
Cheng Lian, standing beside him, was puzzled by Luo Ang’s remark.
Dispirited, Luo Ang decided against further wandering. “Let’s head back,” he said, leading Guan Yu and the others away.
Two days later, Guan Yu strode in briskly, clasping his fists respectfully. “My lord, the spy has returned.”
Luo Ang’s eyes brightened instantly. Rising, he said, “Bring him in at once!”
Dian Wei acknowledged and quickly went to fetch the man.
Soon, he returned with a weary, noticeably thinner spy.
The spy bowed deeply upon seeing Luo Ang. “My lord!”
Luo Ang hurried over, helping him up and anxiously asking, “Thank you for your efforts. What news from Jizhou?”
The spy reported, “Yuan Shao is currently recruiting soldiers and horses, preparing for a decisive battle against you.”
Luo Ang inquired, “What route will Yuan Shao take?”
“First to seize Youzhou, then Bingzhou,” the spy answered.
Guan Yu growled, “That villain Yuan Shao is detestable! My lord, we must order an immediate attack on Jizhou!”
Cheng Lian echoed, “Indeed, my lord. Yuan Shao’s arrogance must be crushed!”
Luo Ang shook his head. “No.”
Guan Yu and Cheng Lian looked at him in confusion. “Why not?”
“Because the northern barbarians have only been temporarily defeated. If we attack Yuan Shao now, the northern tribes will launch a massive assault on the Central Plains. The region will once again plunge into chaos, and we would be remembered as villains of history. Instead, let Yuan Shao recruit his forces while we do the same—train our soldiers well, provide them with better conditions than his men enjoy. We will boost morale and attract soldiers from other provinces and the armies of rival lords to join us.
“Our immediate priority is not only to defend Bingzhou and Youzhou against the northern barbarians but also to guard against Yuan Shao’s southern advances. Zhongde, write to Gong Tai and Ju Shou, instructing them to reinforce defenses against both threats.”
“Understood,” Cheng Yu acknowledged and departed.
Luo Ang asked, “Any other news?”
The spy continued, “Yuan Shao has returned to Jizhou and swiftly seized the entire province from Han Fu. Many surrounding counties have pledged allegiance to him. Now, not only Jizhou but several counties in Qingzhou have also submitted.”
“Have any counties in Bingzhou defected to Yuan Shao?” Luo Ang queried.
The spy shook his head. “None. Bingzhou’s economy is much stronger than before, and its governors harbor no rebellious intentions, let alone submit to Yuan Shao. The province is relatively free of bandits and stronger than Jizhou.”
Luo Ang nodded with satisfaction. “I have decided to travel to Jizhou myself to investigate Yuan Shao’s situation.”
The spy was startled and quickly clasped his fists. “My lord, please reconsider! All the eastern lords now see you as a great threat, especially Yuan Shao. Should they discover you, the consequences would be unimaginable! Your safety is paramount—you protect countless people.”
Luo Ang waved his hand. “Do not worry. I will return safely.”
The spy dared not argue further and withdrew.
Turning to Zhang He, Luo Ang said, “Order the troops to prepare. We leave for Jizhou within a few days.”
“Yes, my lord,” Zhang He replied and departed.
Guan Yu asked, “My lord, are you truly going undercover into Jizhou?”
Luo Ang nodded. “Yes, and I will go personally.”
Cheng Lian hurriedly protested, “My lord, you must not! Please do not go yourself!”
Guan Yu joined the plea. “Indeed, my lord, General Cheng is right.”
Luo Ang dismissed their concerns. “No matter. When King Zhao Wuling personally entered Qin, he returned safely. I shall follow his example. No more persuasion.”
Knowing Luo Ang’s temperament, Guan Yu and Cheng Lian relented.
A few days later, Xi Zhicai and Pan Zhang arrived in Luoyang, escorting funds. Chen Gong had received a letter from Ju Shou and dispatched Pan Zhang to transport the money.
Luo Ang said, “You two have worked hard; go rest first.”
Xi Zhicai replied, “My lord, we are not tired.”
Pan Zhang added, “Yes, my lord. Please allow me to join the battlefield!”
Luo Ang patted Pan Zhang’s shoulder. “Rest now; after your journey, I will send you into battle.”
“Understood, my lord,” Pan Zhang said.
That night, Luo Ang summoned Xi Zhicai to discuss plans for entering Jizhou.
Xi Zhicai advised, “To infiltrate Jizhou, you must disguise yourselves as a merchant caravan to gather intelligence on Yuan Shao.”
Luo Ang agreed, “Your suggestion aligns perfectly with my thoughts. You will accompany us.”
Xi Zhicai bowed, “As my lord commands.”
Suddenly, Xi Zhicai began coughing, spitting blood.
Luo Ang immediately stood and knelt beside him, urgently asking, “Zhicai, what’s wrong?”
Xi Zhicai waved him off. “It’s nothing, just a cold.”
He coughed again.
Luo Ang doubted it was a mere cold. “Send for the physician!”
Xi Zhicai interrupted weakly, “No need, my lord. I will recover in a few days.”
Luo Ang was resolute. “No. I must save you. You must not suffer misfortune.”
Grateful, Xi Zhicai felt that Xun Yu was unappreciative of such a benevolent lord.
Luo Ang continued, “You should stay behind in Luoyang to recuperate. Your condition demands it.”
Xi Zhicai coughed several times. “Thank you for your concern, my lord.”
Soon the physician arrived, taking Xi Zhicai’s pulse, frowning deeply after a long examination.
The doctor said, “Lord Yan, this illness is not easy to treat.”
Anxious, Luo Ang asked, “What is it, doctor?”
The physician answered, “This gentleman suffers from pulmonary disease. Years of drinking and untreated cold have damaged his lungs. He coughs frequently, sometimes with blood. It will be difficult to cure.”
Luo Ang declared, “No expense spared—do your best to save him. I cannot bear to lose Xi Zhicai.”
The doctor admitted, “Lord Yan, to be frank, though difficult, the disease is treatable. But with my skills, I cannot cure him.”
Fuming, Luo Ang thought to strike the physician. “You are the finest doctor in Luoyang. If you cannot cure him, who can?”
“Do not worry, Lord Yan. Though I cannot cure him, I know someone who can. His medical skill far surpasses mine; no illness resists his healing. If he intervenes, recovery is certain.”
“Do you mean Zhang Zhongjing?” Luo Ang answered without hesitation.
“How do you know of him?” The doctor stared in astonishment. “He is exactly the one I meant.”
In the previous life, Zhang Ji, known as the Sage of Medicine, was the era’s most outstanding physician. It was impossible for Luo Ang not to know of him.
Luo Ang asked, “Do you know where Zhang Zhongjing is now?”
The doctor replied, “He is currently in Julu County, Jizhou.”
Luo Ang bowed. “Thank you, doctor.”
After seeing the physician out, Luo Ang prepared to journey to Jizhou to find Zhang Zhongjing and gather intelligence on Yuan Shao.
Weakly, Xi Zhicai said, “My lord, I am sorry for causing you such trouble.”
Luo Ang replied, “No need to apologize. I have arranged for you to stay near my residence. I have also assigned twenty attendants to care for you. If you feel unwell, send someone to inform Zhongde.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Xi Zhicai said gratefully.
“Tonight, you will stay at my residence since it is late and considering your condition,” Luo Ang said.
Xi Zhicai was deeply moved by Luo Ang’s kindness. “Thank you, my lord.”
“Rest easy. I will prepare the troops for tomorrow’s departure to Jizhou. Cheng Lian, Pan Zhang, and Guan Yu will remain here as a precaution.”
“Understood,” Xi Zhicai replied.
Luo Ang then left, leaving Xi Zhicai to rest alone.