My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

The replacement of a prefectural governor is no small matter.

Liu Yan needed to hand over all the political and military affairs of Youzhou before he could set off to return to Luoyang.

Once he arrives in the capital, reports on his duties, and the court issues a formal document to confirm his appointment, the newly appointed governor Liu Yu will set off from Luoyang or his post, spending time on the road, and arrive in Youzhou to take up his post, familiarize himself with the situation, and appease the local people... This whole process would take at least a year and a half to complete.

This is the limitation of the times; even the emperor's decree must take a long time to be delivered by slow post horses and boats.

Zhen Yan brought Zhen Mi back to Wuji County a month ago.

As she was about to leave, Zhen Mi remained quiet and reserved. Before boarding the carriage, she glanced back at the porch of the prefect's mansion. Her gaze was calm, yet seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words. In the end, she gave a slight bow and turned to leave.

Ji Xuanyuan didn't have much time to lament the parting.

He knew that this "window of opportunity" before Liu Yu truly took control of Youzhou, especially the military affairs of the border regions, was the key window for him to plan his actions.

Military readiness has never been relaxed.

New saddles, stirrups, and horseshoes are being produced at an accelerated pace and have been prioritized for use by the elite 800 cavalrymen.

These cavalrymen were personally selected and trained by Xiang Yu, Ran Min, and Lü Bu. They were all fierce soldiers who had survived the Yellow Turban Rebellion. They were experienced and resilient. Now, equipped with advanced riding gear and excellent swords and bows, they had been completely transformed.

The selection of those to go to the frontier for "training" was finally decided after repeated deliberations with Lu Zhi, Guo Jia, Tian Feng, and others.

Xiang Yu, Lü Bu, Ran Min, and Yang Zaixing.

These four men were all unparalleled warriors, each with their own distinct personality traits.

Xiang Yu possessed a calm demeanor that concealed a fierce and domineering nature, capable of managing the overall situation. Moreover, Xiang Yu's talent for leadership was absolutely undeniable. Many people overlooked his leadership abilities because of his personal bravery. Someone who could come up with the idea of ​​"breaking the cauldrons and sinking the boats" was definitely not a reckless brute who would only charge blindly.

Xiang Yu was a true military genius!

Lu Bu was brave and valiant, unparalleled in horsemanship and archery, and suitable to be the vanguard. Ran Min was the most determined to fight against the Hu, and decisive in killing. Yang Zaixing was young and quick-witted, skilled in horsemanship and archery, and good at adapting to changing circumstances.

The four players work together, combining strength and flexibility, and excelling in both offense and defense.

The imperial decree regarding "allowing local troops to assist in border defense and to suppress and pacify as appropriate" was also officially issued to Zhuojun.

Ji Xuanyuan immediately submitted a memorial to the court and notified the prefectures on the grounds that "the Wuhuan are unstable and may disturb the border people." He ordered Xiang Yu and three others to lead eight hundred elite cavalry and two thousand two hundred infantrymen, totaling three thousand troops, to march immediately to the northern border of Youzhou.

Stationed at a strategic point at the border of Dai County and Shanggu County, ostensibly for "defense," their true purpose was to prepare for potential changes and accumulate combat experience.

"This journey to the frontier is not for military show, but to hone our skills and protect the people." On the eve of the expedition, in the governor's mansion, Ji Xuanyuan solemnly instructed his four younger brothers who were fully prepared for departure.

"The situation of the Wuhuan is complicated. Qiuliju is not an easy opponent. We must also be wary of any Han officials who may have ulterior motives and collude with him. You must remember to be cautious and not arrogant. Plan carefully before you act. If small groups harass the border, you can attack them. If a large group makes a move, you should defend the strategic locations and report to me quickly. Do not engage in reckless battles."

He looked at Xiang Yu and said, "Brother Yu, as the elder brother, you are in charge of this force. You must restrain your brothers and consider the overall situation."

He also said to Lü Bu and Ran Min: "Fengxian is brave and sharp, Yongzeng is resolute and decisive, both are like sharp blades. However, blades must be sheathed, for when they are drawn, they will surely draw blood. They should not be exposed lightly."

Finally, he said to Yang Zaixing: "Zongxing, you are sharp-eyed and meticulous. Keep an eye on the enemy's situation and assist your elder brother."

All four men solemnly agreed.

Lu Bu and Ran Min's eyes burned with fighting spirit, Xiang Yu's double pupils were deep and profound, and Yang Zaixing nodded vigorously.

"Don't worry, brother," Xiang Yu said in a deep voice.

"We know the importance of this matter. We will proceed with caution, uphold the prestige of our Jingnan Army, protect the peace of the border people, and live up to the trust placed in us by our elder brother."

"I have ordered that the military equipment and provisions be prepared and transported later." Ji Xuanyuan coughed a few times, his face appearing even paler in the candlelight.

"The border region is harsh and cold, conditions are difficult, you all... please take good care of yourselves."

"Big brother!" Li Cunxiao watched from the side, feeling both envious and worried.

"Brother! You must take care of yourself. Once we've rendered meritorious service on the frontier, we'll bring you back fine horses and furs from the Hu people!" Lü Bu said.

Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and others also offered their words of advice, their brotherly affection evident in their words.

The following day, three thousand soldiers swore an oath and set off, their hooves thundering and banners waving, carrying the hopes of Zhuojun and the plans of Ji Xuanyuan, heading north.

Almost simultaneously, another imperial decree arrived in Youzhou.

Due to the persistent border troubles in Liangzhou, the imperial court decided to dispatch 3,000 "Youzhou Cavalry" to quell the rebellion and temporarily granted Gongsun Zan, the Chief Administrator of Liaodong, the "Commander-in-Chief's Biography," ordering him to lead this cavalry westward.

This incident caused quite a stir in the Youzhou army.

The Youzhou cavalry was renowned throughout the land, and the detachment of 3,000 men inevitably impacted border defenses.

Gongsun Zan was born into a noble family, but his mother's clan was of humble origin. He rose through the ranks based on his military achievements and was known for his skill in battle, especially in commanding cavalry, and for his tough stance against the Hu people.

This time, the imperial court granted him the temporary command of three thousand elite cavalry, which was undoubtedly a key step in his rise to power and the accumulation of capital.

The people of Zhuojun also discussed this matter.

Guo Jia scoffed, "Gongsun Bogui? He is indeed a fierce general, especially hating the Hu people. If he can achieve merit on his way to Liangzhou, he may become a powerful force in the future, but..."

He looked at Ji Xuanyuan: "Right now, there is no conflict of interest between him and my senior brother, so let him go and cause trouble in the west."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded.

At this time, Gongsun Zan was far away in Liaodong and was about to go west, so he indeed had no interaction with him for the time being.

His current focus is on two things: the northern frontier and... his own increasingly serious illness.

After a year and a half of tireless effort, including planning the development of his power, balancing internal and external affairs, dealing with the backstabbing from powerful families, and teaching his brothers, coupled with congenital deficiencies and the lingering illnesses from his turbulent childhood, his body was like a candle flickering in the wind, swaying more and more violently.

The cough worsened, the frequency of hemoptysis increased, and he often had difficulty sleeping at night due to chest pain and shortness of breath. His energy also declined during the day.

"We can't delay any longer." Ji Xuanyuan looked at his pale, thin face in the mirror, except for his still clear eyes, and alarm bells rang in his heart.

If things continue like this, let alone conquering the world, I'm afraid even seeing the day when my younger brothers truly grow up will become a distant dream.

He absolutely refused to accept this!

After traversing a journey, gathering heroes, and establishing a foundation, how could one end up "dying before achieving one's goal"?

That would not only betray the efforts of myself and my brothers, but also be a disgrace to time travelers!

The will to survive burned so intensely for the first time.

He closed his eyes and pondered, recalling the figures from the late Han Dynasty that he knew from his previous life.

Finally, a name clearly emerged: Zhang Ji, Zhang Zhongjing.

Based on the timeline, Zhang Zhongjing should have resigned from his post as governor of Changsha and returned to his hometown of Nanyang to devote himself to the study of medicine.

During the late Eastern Han Dynasty, plagues broke out frequently, especially typhoid fever, which claimed countless lives.

Feeling deeply saddened by the decline of his family and the suffering of the people, Zhang Zhongjing resolved to explore methods for diagnosing and treating typhoid fever. His immortal masterpiece, "Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases," began to be conceived and written during this period.

"Although the Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases was not yet completed at this time, and Zhang Ji had not yet obtained the title of 'Medical Sage,' his medical skills were already deeply rooted, his clinical experience was rich, and he was also benevolent and dedicated to helping the world, aiming to conquer typhoid fever and epidemic diseases..." Ji Xuanyuan pondered.

"My cough has lasted for many years, damaging my lungs and causing deficiency of both qi and blood. Although the symptoms are different from those of typical typhoid fever, the pathogenesis may be similar. Moreover, I am familiar with some medical concepts from later generations, which may provide me with different perspectives."

This may be the last hope.

Rather than sitting idly by in despair and waiting for your life to end, it's better to actively seek medical help.

He immediately summoned his trusted confidants and solemnly instructed them: "Select a capable and reliable person, take this personal letter and a large sum of money, and immediately head south to Nieyang County, Nanyang Prefecture, to seek out the renowned physician Zhang Ji (Zhang Zhongjing). Be sure to be respectful and earnest, explain my illness to him, and invite him to come north to Zhuojun. If he is temporarily unavailable, you must at least consult him for his diagnosis and treatment advice, or ask him to recommend his disciples or prescribe medicine."

The messenger received the order and secretly set off that very day.

After arranging this matter, Ji Xuanyuan leaned back on the couch, gazing at the lush greenery of early summer outside the window, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He recalled his childhood when he led Lü Bu, Ran Min, and the others on a life of wandering and begging, sharing the half-eaten bread he had begged with his younger brothers while he himself was hungry; he recalled how, in the cold winter, in a dilapidated temple, he wrapped the only piece of tattered hemp cloth that kept him warm around the shivering Li Cunxiao; he recalled the reliance, trust, and fervent gazes of his brothers over the years…

"You must get cured."

He clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white: "I still want to see Yu Di and Feng Xian achieve great things, see Feng Xiao and Yuan Hao realize their ambitions, see the people of Zhuojun live in peace and prosperity, and see... whether this chaotic world can be torn open by a new light."

"The Sage of Medicine... Zhang Zhongjing..." he murmured the name, as if grasping a lifeline, his eyes rekindling a tenacious will to live and a sense of unfulfilled responsibility.