This is far more worthy of celebration than any military merit award I was about to receive! Money lost can always be earned again! But a person, once lost, isn't something you can just conjure up! Especially not the veterans! A border post might mean nothing sometimes, but manpower is always the most crucial asset.

Without formidable men and horses, what the hell are you? We struck it rich! We struck it rich this time! It wasn't just the officers who were stunned; Liu Pucheng and the disciples of the Qianjintang were equally dumbfounded.

They had participated in three prior rescue efforts on this journey, but this was the first time they’d heard of such results.

The previous times hadn't yielded anything close to this effect; the first attempt had even caused trouble.

But Madam Qi had told them to dismiss all worries, just keep doing as they were told, and keep running.

They… managed… to… achieve… this? How is this possible? Did they really accomplish this? “How did you do it?” Zhou Maochun boomed, grabbing the nearest Qianjintang disciple.

The disciple himself was still caught in a daze of shock.

“Yeah, how did you do it?” he mumbled blankly.

Zhou Maochun released him and seized the next one.

But no one answered, because everyone was asking the same question.

How did they do it? How was it done! The officers were also asking, but their questions differed from those of the insiders like Zhou Maochun.

“Did you people do this? Did you accomplish this?” They grabbed disciple after disciple, their eyes glittering like they’d spotted piles of gold and silver.

“It wasn’t us,” all the Qianjintang disciples replied.

They are being too modest! To possess such genuine skill and yet remain so humble—compare that to the military doctors they had been using all along.

Comparing people simply leads to disparity, comparing goods leads to the truth! This isn't fair; such excellent military doctors should be shared with them too.

“Someone, come here, come here,” the officers commanded decisively, especially as they saw the white-robed doctors running past on the street, carrying wooden buckets.

How could they let these treasures perform such menial tasks?! Their duty was to treat the wounded soldiers! The personal guards rushed off to deliver the orders: muster the laborers to carry stretchers, transport the wounded, sweep up, and ferry supplies.

“And another thing!” another officer shouted, having just thought of something.

“Assemble a contingent of men to guard these doctors closely! Do not let a single one of them get hurt!” The personal guards hurried away to make arrangements again.

Only then did the officers relax slightly.

They postponed the discussion of merit awards and statistics for the moment, focusing instead on discussing the allocation of the medical staff.

But they realized they couldn't find Chang Yuncheng anywhere.

“Where is the General?” they inquired.

“It seems he followed that woman who fainted earlier,” someone recalled and quickly reported.

Truly, a beauty causes trouble… The officers exchanged glances and shook their heads.

It seemed this woman held an extraordinary relationship with the General.

But no matter how extraordinary, at this juncture, she was purely causing a distraction! Causing a distraction? This was the second time these officers had uttered those words.

The Qianjintang disciples again displayed looks of displeasure.

Before they could speak, Qiao Minghua stepped forward.

“Causing a distraction?” he asked the officers, “Sirs, do you know who this woman is?” Who? The officers looked at him.

“She is the teacher of all these people,” Qiao Minghua stated, pointing to the white-robed disciples still running about busily.

“She is the one who saved these wounded soldiers,” he continued, gesturing toward the soldiers scattered on the street and the tents hanging with signs bearing different titles.

“This is what she brought…” He gestured around them.

She brought a scene where, even after a battle, order was maintained amidst the chaos.

She brought a scene where the wounded soldiers waited quietly for treatment, instead of panicking, wailing in despair, or cursing furiously.

She brought tents where any severe injury, once carried inside, offered a hope of survival.

She brought the unbelievable result: complete recovery for the lightly wounded, and a fifty percent survival rate for the severely wounded.

Tears streamed down Qiao Minghua’s face again.

The officers stared at him, dumbfounded.

Oh, so those marks on his face really were tears, not sweat stains… Everyone shook their heads vigorously.

“It was this woman?” they asked in astonishment.

Then she truly was not causing a distraction! Thinking back to their earlier remarks, the officers felt a flush of shame.

No wonder the disciples had given them such displeased looks.

These people must not be offended; rather, they must be won over.

Who was this woman, that she possessed such terrifying skill? Why had they never heard of such a military doctor before? Perhaps she wasn't a military doctor? “One more thing,” Qiao Minghua started to walk away, then paused, looking back at the officers.

“She is the General’s wife.” Thwack.

There sounded like a collective dropping of jaws.

The General’s wife… Were they joking?! Qi Yue awoke to the clamor outside.

“What happened?” she tried to sit up.

Chang Yuncheng reached out and pressed her down.

“Lie down!” he roared.

Only then did Qi Yue see him, and then she noticed she was in a makeshift small room, an IV bag hanging from her arm, and the lingering taste of medicine in her mouth.

She immediately understood what had happened.

Recalling the moment she collapsed, she remembered Liu Pucheng had taken the scalpel.

She let out a breath of relief.

“That was terrifying, why shout like that,” she smiled wryly, obediently lying back down.

“Who scared whom?” Chang Yuncheng glared and retorted.

Qi Yue smiled again, even pointing a finger at her own nose.

“Me, I scared you to death,” she stated sincerely.

Chang Yuncheng held his breath, sat down resentfully, and stared at the IV drip.

“I’m fine, I’m really fine, don’t worry,” Qi Yue quickly assured him, extending her other hand to pull him closer.

Chang Yuncheng resentfully dodged, preventing her from grasping him.

“How could you promise me that?” he said, his face dark.

“Yes, yes, I was wrong, I shouldn’t have neglected rest,” Qi Yue chuckled, reaching out again to pull him.

Because he saw her trying to sit up, Chang Yuncheng ultimately worried she couldn't reach something if she needed it, so this time he didn't evade.

Qi Yue took hold of his hand.

“You’ve been exhausted too; go rest early,” she said, re-emphasizing, “I am fine, just a little dehydrated; I’ll be okay soon.” “You will lie right here for the next half-day,” Chang Yuncheng saw through her intentions and stated flatly.

“Don’t even think about going outside!” “Will you stay with me?” Qi Yue asked with a smile.

“I will,” Chang Yuncheng answered without hesitation.

Qi Yue smiled.

“You haven't rested well in so many days.

Here, it’s rare for me to rest,” she said, patting the empty space beside her.

“Come, sleep here with me.” Chang Yuncheng couldn't help but laugh out loud.

He glanced at the narrow space beside her.

“Come on,” Qi Yue coaxed, shaking his hand and even giving him a playful wink.

Chang Yuncheng laughed heartily again, stood up, and walked to that side, undoing his cloak.

Qi Yue happily scooted over, but Chang Yuncheng quickly stopped her.

He lay down, his large frame making the small bed seem even smaller.

He carefully positioned the woman’s arm to avoid disturbing the needle, then raised a hand to stroke Qi Yue’s head, letting her rest it on his arm.

Turning sideways, he could carefully cradle Qi Yue against his chest.

Qi Yue smiled and let him adjust her.

Once he settled, she nestled into his chest and closed her eyes.

Chang Yuncheng kissed the top of her hair.

It seemed he had many things he wanted to say, yet felt there was nothing to say at all.

“…You haven’t eaten either, have you?” he finally asked.

Qi Yue hummed in response.

“…What do you want to eat when you wake up?” Chang Yuncheng inquired.

“…Chicken, duck, fish, noodles, buns…” Qi Yue listed.

Chang Yuncheng let out a muffled laugh.

“Alright,” he agreed.

“What do you want to eat?” Qi Yue asked back.

“…Radish and tofu soup, braised ribs, boiled fish…” Chang Yuncheng replied.

These were all dishes Qi Yue usually cooked for him.

Qi Yue smiled.

This was their first close contact like this in half a month.

First, there was Zhou Maochun’s watchful guarding, followed immediately by urgent wartime matters.

Managing a single conversation was difficult; let alone lying head-to-head like this.

And unexpectedly, while lying head-to-head, all they discussed was food.

It was quite amusing.

Qi Yue smiled.

She hadn't felt she missed him when he was gone, perhaps because she knew he was nearby.

Now that they were together, she didn't feel an intense longing either—maybe this was what it felt like to be an old married couple.

Qi Yue rested her head against his chest, listening to the strong beat of his heart.

“…The cooks here are actually quite good.

Tell him what you want, and maybe he can make it…” Chang Yuncheng said.

As he spoke, he lowered his head to kiss Qi Yue, only then realizing the woman had actually fallen asleep.

She was sleeping soundly, pressed tightly against his chest.

Chang Yuncheng couldn't help but smile slightly.

This woman… She must be utterly exhausted… He lowered his head and stroked her hair, holding her securely in his arms, and slowly closed his eyes as well.

Aru was in charge of assisting in the surgeries, while Ah Hao took over her nursing duties.

Of course, the most important task Aru assigned her was to take good care of Qi Yue.

Ah Hao knocked lightly on the door while holding the medicine bottle.

She knew the Young Lord was inside accompanying her, but there was no reply.

So, Ah Hao pushed the door open and stepped in, only to let out a startled cry and quickly turn around upon seeing the two figures embracing on the bed.

That sound woke Chang Yuncheng.

He realized he had also fallen asleep.

“Be quiet, she’s asleep,” he said with slight dissatisfaction, quickly lowering his head to check on Qi Yue in his arms.

Qi Yue’s eyes remained closed, and she emitted soft snores.

Ah Hao then turned back around.

“The saline solution is finished; I’ll remove the needle,” she said, keeping her head down.

Chang Yuncheng hummed an acknowledgment and remained silent.

Ah Hao quickly approached, observing how soundly Qi Yue slept leaning against Chang Yuncheng, who was gently stroking her hair.

“The mistress sleeps most soundly when she’s with the Young Lord,” Ah Hao couldn't help but giggle softly.

This girl was different from Aru; she was somewhat shameless and dared to say anything.

But these words sounded rather nice… Chang Yuncheng tried to maintain a stern expression but couldn't stop a smile from spreading across his face.

She only feels secure when she’s with him? She only sleeps this peacefully when she is near him? Ah Hao suppressed a smile as she pulled out the needle and quietly retreated with the supplies.

Chang Yuncheng let out a sigh of relief and looked down at the woman sleeping peacefully in his embrace.

None of those movements had woken her; it showed just how tired she was… He sighed and pulled her closer against him.

On the small, hastily assembled bed, two figures clung tightly together.

Thank you all for the rewards and votes! There are so many! I am truly overwhelmed with humility! Thank you, thank you! Today is Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day), so this bonus chapter is quite fitting~ May all lovers in the world finally find their way to each other~ And while I’m at it, please vote for me, hehe RS