The Jiangu people were welcomed into Taicheng with open arms.
Countless citizens lined the streets to greet them. Despite their exhaustion, the Jiangu people had their hands full as Taicang citizens handed them steamed buns, pastries, and homemade rice wine.
Some of the elderly Jiangu were even carried on the backs of Taicang's strong young men as they made their way to the banks of the Haixiu River.
There, rows of old but meticulously cleaned tents were already set up. Behind each tent was a small chimney emitting white smoke.
Surrounded by a group of Jiangu clan leaders, Grandfather Jiu stood quietly, listening to a meticulously groomed official who appeared to be in his forties.
The official pointed to the tents and said, "These are military tents from previous campaigns. There are only 1,000, so each tent will need to accommodate about ten people. With the approaching winter, stoves have been prepared inside each tent for warmth.
"Houses are being built for you nearby and should be completed within twenty days if progress is smooth."
Grandfather Jiu was taken aback. "Our houses… aren't we supposed to build them ourselves?"
The official explained, "The king feared you wouldn't survive the harsh winter, so he issued a decree. The Taicheng Administration, the Craftsmen's Guild, the Cang Defense Force, and even the youth of Taicang have been mobilized to construct your homes."
"However, this doesn't mean you can simply sit back. You've just arrived today, so rest for now. Tomorrow morning, all able-bodied men among you must report to assist in the construction."
Grandfather Jiu and the clan leaders exchanged looks of disbelief. This was far beyond their expectations. Before arriving, their greatest hope was for Taicang to provide basic materials and lighting so they could begin construction.
Now, the process had already been organized for them—they only needed to help.
"This is an incredible blessing!"
Grandfather Jiu hesitated, then asked, "May I ask, who are you?"
The official replied, "I am Rong Lou, Prefect of Taicheng. I came personally to oversee your settlement."
Prefect of Taicheng? That was essentially the equivalent of the city lord.
Grandfather Jiu and the clan leaders hastily bowed, but Rong Lou stopped them.
"Please, Prefect, this is too much trouble for you."
Rong Lou shook his head. "You may have some misconceptions about Taicang. Here, officials are deeply committed to their responsibilities. Now that you have joined us, you are considered citizens of Taicang and will be governed under its laws."
His gaze swept across the crowd, his tone turning stern. "Let me warn you: within my jurisdiction, any violation of Taicang's laws will be punished, regardless of your newcomer status."
The group nodded hastily.
Grandfather Jiu inquired about food rations. Rong Lou explained, "Each individual will receive a daily fixed allotment. Once you're settled in the tents, officials will conduct a household census to distribute supplies accordingly."
One clan leader hesitated before asking, "Will our allotments be the same as Taicang citizens?"
Rong Lou cast a sharp glance at him. "Aren't you Taicang citizens now?"
The clan leader froze, then broke into a smile. "Thank you, Prefect."
"Don't thank me. This is all the king's decree. If you must thank someone, thank him."
With that, Rong Lou departed.
Grandfather Jiu turned to the clan leaders, who were brimming with joy, and said gravely, "Make sure to keep your mischievous youths in line. Taicang treats us as its own, and we must repay their kindness.
"With our spiritual furnaces destroyed, we are of little value now. We cannot afford to cause trouble for Taicang or the king."
The leaders bowed and hurriedly began distributing the tents.
As Grandfather Jiu watched his people settling in and the Taicang citizens assisting them, he sighed with relief. Yet, his thoughts turned to Gu Xuan, who had been taken away by General Shatu.
In his heart, he worried whether the young king could truly heal Gu Xuan.
Taicang Royal Palace
Ji Xia stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the unconscious Gu Xuan lying on a stretcher.
Beside him were several apothecaries, including Fang Lu, the head of the Apothecary Guild.
"So, you're saying this boy's injuries are too severe for conventional treatment?" Ji Xia asked casually.
Fang Lu smiled bitterly. "If treated immediately after the injury, we might have had a chance. But now, too much time has passed..."
Ji Xia nodded, then turned to Fang Lu. "As the head of the Apothecary Guild, tell me—what is the current standard of medical expertise in Taicang?"
Fang Lu replied promptly, "Your Majesty, Taicang currently has 786 registered physicians and 83 apothecaries. I have a basic understanding of alchemy and recently inherited my family's spiritual flame. However, I lack the necessary alchemical recipes..."
Before he could finish, Ji Xia produced a stack of golden papers and handed them to Fang Lu. "Are these what you're looking for?"
Fang Lu opened them and gasped. "Your Majesty, these are indeed alchemical recipes! And not just ordinary ones—they include detailed techniques and high-grade formulas!"
"Can you now make the medicine to heal Gu Xuan?"
Fang Lu hesitated, then admitted, "The recipe for the Tiger Bone Jade Healing Balm is here, but we lack critical ingredients, such as Huaisang leaves—brown leaves with intricate vein patterns. They're extremely rare…"
"Are these the ones?" Ji Xia interrupted, holding several Huaisang leaves in his hand.
Stunned, Fang Lu took the leaves and continued listing ingredients, each of which Ji Xia produced without fail.
"Your Majesty, you're like a walking treasure trove! How do you have everything?"
Ji Xia remained silent, thinking to himself, The crates are labeled—I'd have to be blind to miss them.
Fang Lu, both awed and humbled, promised, "With these materials, I'll have the medicine ready within ten days. But…"
He hesitated. "I'm not skilled enough to create a perfect batch. It may not fully heal Gu Xuan."
Ji Xia shook his head and, with a wave of his hand, produced a pristine pill from a jade bottle.
"You focus on refining your skills. Gu Xuan's life isn't in your hands."
Recognizing the pill as the exact remedy described in the recipe, Fang Lu's determination hardened. He realized: If I don't improve, the king won't need me at all.