Is this cheat code from Bika? Just do it!

At the front desk, Jesse, Quinzan, and the others paid for four or five days' worth of wheat for food and drink, as well as coal, cleaning the solitary confinement cell, and washing their prison clothes. The front desk staff member, holding an abacus, rattled off the calculations, and with each item calculated, Jesse and the others' hearts sank a little deeper. They never imagined that being locked in the solitary confinement cell for a few days would cost so much.

Only then could they leave the Guard Command. As they walked out of the Guard Command's gates, watching the flow of people, many noblemen burst into tears. Their cries contained a yearning for freedom, fear of the past few days, and uncertainty about the future. This was the taste of freedom and light; they had finally escaped that terrible "hell."

"Damn it!" Jesse looked up at the sky, trying to hold back his tears. He was a viscount, once a figure of great prestige in the capital. When had he ever suffered such humiliation? This was a great disgrace in his life, and he secretly vowed to make those who had humiliated him pay the price.

"I will avenge this humiliation." Kunzhan's fingernails dug into his palms, blood seeping from between his fingers. His eyes were filled with resentment and madness. When had he ever slept with his own excrement? This was a blatant trampling of his dignity, and he would make those people pay for their crimes in blood.

"I'm going back to the capital to inform the Fourth Prince and the Duke of Miss Lydia's death," Jesse said coldly, his voice low and filled with hatred. When the two lords came to attack Winterfell, he would be the first to charge forward and wreak havoc on the city.

A cold glint flashed in Kunzhan's eyes as he said in a chilling voice, "Aren't you going to capture Sophia and bring her back to the capital? What if she escapes?" He knew that Sophia was a key figure, and if she escaped, their plans could be greatly affected.

"..." Jesse glanced at Kunzhan, secretly on guard. They were trying to use him as a pawn; he wasn't stupid. But he also knew he couldn't ignore Sophia's situation, otherwise he wouldn't be able to explain himself to the Fourth Prince and the Duke when he returned.

“If you don’t give me an explanation, people will die when we get back,” Kunzhan sneered, his smile full of threat. He knew Jesse was a smart man and knew what to do. “And you have to take Miss Lydia’s body back too, otherwise who will believe you?” he continued, trying to use Miss Lydia’s corpse to force Jesse to comply.

Jesse remained silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons in his mind. He knew that this trip back was fraught with unknown dangers, but he had no other choice. He gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, I will capture Sophia and bring back Miss Lydia's body." With that, he turned and walked towards where Sophia might be hiding, silently praying for everything to go smoothly. Meanwhile, Kunzhan stood still, a complex light flickering in his eyes, lost in thought. This turmoil, sparked by the nobles' disturbance, seemed far from over...

224. Planning

Jesse stood frozen in place, as if under a spell, his face filled with astonishment and panic. His eyes were wide open, his mouth slightly agape, but no sound came out, as if an invisible force had gripped his throat.

"This... what should I do?" he murmured to himself, his voice trembling with despair.

Suddenly, as if struck by lightning, he realized a grave problem. That's right, they hadn't taken Lydia's body back at all! In this conflict filled with intrigue and suspicion, without a body as evidence, who would believe their words? Those high-ranking nobles would only think they were fabricating lies to evade responsibility. They might even be considered treacherous and executed on the spot, truly dying without a burial place, without even a place to seek justice.

Thinking of this, Jesse couldn't help but shiver, a chill running from his feet to his head. His legs began to tremble uncontrollably, as if he might collapse to the ground at any moment.

Kunzhan stood to the side, a ruthless glint in his eyes, his gaze like a sharp dagger, radiating a chilling aura. He slapped Jesse's shoulder forcefully, as if he wanted to shatter Jesse's bones, and sneered, "Hmph, stop standing here worrying like an idiot. We'll go directly to that Winter City Lord and demand Miss Lydia's body, then set off for the capital tomorrow. Once we bring the body back, we'll have the confidence. Then, who will dare to question us so easily?"

"And that Sophia, we need to arrange for someone to bring her back to the capital," Kunzhan continued, a calculating glint in his eyes, as if he were plotting a carefully conceived conspiracy. "Otherwise, no one will take the blame for us, and we'll have to shoulder all the trouble ourselves. We can't let ourselves be the scapegoat."

Jesse remained silent for a few seconds, his mind racing like a high-speed machine, weighing the pros and cons. Every thought collided fiercely in his mind, weighing the various possible consequences. After a moment, he slowly nodded, his expression gradually hardening, and said, "Okay, as long as we can get the body and capture Sophia, we'll return to the capital immediately. This is the only way out right now."

“This time, let’s be polite and negotiate with them courteously,” Kunzhan said coldly, with a hint of expectation in his tone, as if he could already see the wonderful scene after a successful negotiation. “That way, they won’t be able to use those lame excuses to detain us anymore, right? We can’t let the lesson we learned last time go to waste.”

The experience of being imprisoned last time still left them resentful. They didn't know what absurd reason the guards used, accusing them of causing trouble by storming the city lord's mansion, and thus detaining them for five whole days. During those five days, they were confined to that small, dark, damp cell, suffering endless humiliation. The cell reeked, rats scurried freely in the corners, and their dignity was ruthlessly trampled. How could they possibly swallow this insult? Revenge was inevitable; the timing just hadn't been right yet. In their view, returning to the capital would be the perfect time for revenge. Then they would make those people pay the price and taste the bitterness of being treated humiliated.

"Hmph." Jesse snorted coldly, tacitly agreeing with Kunzhan's words. That small, dark room could be said to be the most unforgettable dark experience of their lives. The cramped room, so small it was difficult to stand upright, felt like an invisible cage, tightly binding them. The walls were covered in moss, emitting a pungent, putrid stench that made them want to vomit. Even more eerie was the terrifying silence; time seemed to have frozen, and only their own heavy breathing and heartbeats could be heard. Inside, they had to relieve themselves in their pants; the humiliation and pain were indescribable. Every time Jesse recalled that experience, he couldn't help but grit his teeth, his heart filled with hatred.

The group was unarmed, as their weapons had been confiscated by the guards, including their armor. The guards reasoned, "If we give you armor and weapons, what if you cause trouble at the city lord's mansion again? We can't afford that responsibility." Without their weapons, they were like tigers without claws, filled with helplessness and anger.

Jesse and Quinzan arrived at the castle. Jesse took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He walked forward with heavy steps and called out to the knights guarding the gate, "I am Viscount Jesse. Please announce my arrival; I wish to see your lord." Although he tried to appear calm, his stiff tone betrayed his inner nervousness. His hands clenched unconsciously, his knuckles turning white from the effort, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

"Our city lord is very busy right now, entertaining important guests. Please come again tomorrow," the soldier at the gate said coldly, a hint of disdain in his eyes. He also recognized Jesse and the others, remembering Miss Jin Meiting's instructions from yesterday: if these people came looking for him, find a reason to refuse them. A mocking smile appeared on his lips, as if he were looking at a group of clowns.

"You didn't even go in to announce my arrival, how did you know you wouldn't see me?" Jesse shouted, barely containing his anger. His rage was like a volcano about to erupt, ready to explode at any moment. He thought to himself, "When did a baron's gatekeeper become so arrogant? How dare he so disrespect me, a viscount?" In his mind, a viscount's status was far superior to a baron's; this gatekeeper was utterly ignorant of his place.

"No need, our city lord is too busy to meet with troublemakers," the soldier said coldly, his tone full of contempt. His eyes revealed a superiority complex, as if Jesse and the others were nothing more than ants in his eyes.

"What? A troublemaker?" Jesse was furious at the mention of the term. His eyes widened, bloodshot, and he roared, "When did I become a troublemaker? Am I a refugee? You're making baseless accusations! I demand a reasonable explanation, or I won't let this go!" His voice echoed in front of the castle, attracting the attention of many passersby.

"Ta Tata..."

Just as Jesse was about to argue with the gatekeeper, he suddenly heard footsteps coming from inside the castle. The footsteps grew closer, like the tolling of a bell of destiny. Then, a cheerful voice rang out: "Sophia, hurry up, we need to go back and decorate our new home!" The voice was as clear as a silver bell, full of joy.

"Okay, okay," Sophia said lazily, her voice languid, as if she had just woken up from a dream.

Jesse, Quinzan, and their group stared blankly as Lydia, Sophia, and Kim Mei-ting emerged from the castle. Behind them followed seven or eight maids, carrying blankets and other items, as if they had just been carrying things from somewhere. The maids' faces beamed with happiness, a stark contrast to the disheveled state of Jesse and his companions.

"You, how could you still be alive?" Jesse's eyes widened as he pointed at Lydia, shouting incredulously. His body involuntarily took a step back, as if he had seen a ghost. "You weren't dead? No, you're fake, fake. Someone must be playing tricks on us, trying to deceive us. It must be that old fox, Lord Winterfell, coming up with this scheme to evade responsibility." His voice, sharp with emotion, echoed through the air.

"It's definitely fake!" Doctor Zhu exclaimed in alarm, his voice sharp with tension, like a startled wild animal. "Someone is impersonating us, trying to pass off a fake as real. We can't be fooled. We have to expose this conspiracy and not let their tricks succeed." He waved his hands wildly in the air, as if trying to grab some evidence.

"We'll know once we catch them." Kunzhan's pupils trembled, a surge of impulse rising within him. He strode towards Lydia and Sophia, each step filled with determination and resolve. His eyes revealed a madness, as if he wanted to destroy everything in his path.

“Yes, let us check it out.” Jesse strode towards the two of them, his eyes filled with suspicion and wariness. His hands were clenched into fists, ready to deal with any unexpected situation.

There were quite a few people traveling with the two, including the sorcerer Zhu and several noblemen. In their understanding, a disease like Lydia's should, by all accounts, be fatal. Therefore, they were convinced that the Lydia before them was an imposter, a figure created by the Lord of Winterfell to evade responsibility and later shift the blame onto them. They felt the Lord of Winterfell was treating them like fools, and their hearts were filled with anger and resentment.

"What?" Lydia and Sophia stared blankly at Jesse, Kunzhan, and Doctor Zhu as they approached, their faces filled with confusion and bewilderment. They couldn't understand why these people were suddenly acting this way, and why they insisted that they were fake. Lydia's golden eyes flickered with confusion as she frowned, trying to recall if she had ever offended these people.

"How dare you! What do you think you're doing?" The soldiers quickly blocked Lydia and Sophia's path, shouting sternly, "Get back! This isn't a place for you to run wild. If you dare take another step forward, don't blame us for being impolite!" They held long spears in their hands, the tips gleaming coldly in the sunlight, as if warning Jesse and the others not to act rashly.

"Get out of the way." Jesse, who had been locked in a dark room for days, finally exploded with pent-up anger. He roared, "Let me expose that bitch! I want to see who she really is and why she's impersonating Miss Lydia. Today I'm going to get to the bottom of this and clear my name!" His voice was hoarse with rage, like that of a raging beast.

"What? I'm a slut?" Lydia's golden eyes widened, her face filled with shock and anger. It was the first time she'd ever heard someone insult her like that to her face, and it humiliated her immensely. Her body trembled slightly, her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. "How dare you insult me ​​like that! I'll make you pay!" Her voice trembled with a hint of a sob, clearly enraged.

“Yes, I’m insulting you! How dare you impersonate Miss Lydia! That’s the greatest disrespect you can show her.” Jesse waved his arms, wearing an expression that said, “I’ve seen through everything,” as if he already knew the whole truth. A maniacal smile appeared on his face, as if he were lost in his own fantasy. “You think you can fool us with your flawless disguise? You’re delusional!”

“Viscount Jesse, I didn’t expect you to be so bold as to even insult Lydia.” Sophia frowned. Something about these people seemed off; they were too impetuous, as if they had lost their usual rationality and composure. A look of doubt flickered in her blue eyes as she carefully observed Jesse and the others, trying to find the answer in their expressions.

This is actually one of the aftereffects of being locked in a dark room for too long. Spending so much time in such a dark, damp, cramped, and eerily quiet environment can severely stress a person, making them restless and agitated. Add to that the fact that Quinzan and Jesse had believed Lydia was dead, and now her sudden reappearance was a huge contrast that they found difficult to accept. Their thinking became chaotic, making them unable to think rationally and leading them to act on impulse.

They considered Lydia's death an undeniable fact, so the Lydia before them was either a ghost or a person in disguise. They preferred to believe the latter rather than accept that Lydia was still alive. Because in their hearts, they had already found various reasons for Lydia's death and could not accept this sudden change of fact.

"Don't be ridiculous, she's Miss Lydia?" Jesse sneered. "You killed Miss Lydia, and you think you can frame us with a fake? Do you think you can escape responsibility like this? You're delusional. We won't let your conspiracy succeed; we'll expose your true colors." His voice was filled with hatred and determination, as if he had made up his mind to fight to the end.

"..." Sophia blinked her blue eyes, muttering to herself, "What kind of bizarre thought process is this? How could these people come up with such outrageous ideas?" Her brows furrowed slightly, a look of bewilderment on her face. She simply couldn't understand their logic; she thought they were a bunch of lunatics.

"Get out of the way." Jesse glared at the soldier before him, his eyes filled with provocation and anger, as if he wanted to devour him alive. He leaned forward slightly, poised to charge. "You lackeys, don't think you can stop us. Today I will see Miss Lydia and expose this deception."

"You think you can stop a viscount?" Kunzhan reached out and shoved the soldier, his movements brutal and utterly disregarding him. An arrogant expression shone on his face, as if he were an invincible hero. "You little minions dare to block our path? You're utterly overestimating yourselves."

“How dare they offend Miss Lydia! Take them to work in the mines for a few days to clear their heads,” Jin Meiting said calmly, frowning. Her voice, though not loud, was full of authority, like that of a high and mighty queen. Her eyes held an unquestionable gaze, making it impossible for anyone to disobey her orders.

She recalled some of Lord Link's words: they wouldn't be released until at least the day Sophia's fleet set sail. Therefore, she wasn't worried about getting into trouble by dealing with these people. She thought they were just a bunch of clowns, not worth her attention at all.

"Yes, sir!" The soldiers nodded and rushed forward with lightning speed. Like a pack of ferocious cheetahs, they quickly subdued Jesse, Quinzan, and the others, then drove them towards the mining area. These pampered noblemen, accustomed to a life of luxury, had never experienced such treatment before. They were all terrified and struggled desperately. Fear etched on their faces as they cried out for mercy.

"What? We're nobles! You can't treat us like this!" Jesse cried out in panic, his voice trembling with fear. He never imagined he'd end up like this, forced to work in the mines. His legs went weak, and he almost collapsed to the ground. "There must be some mistake. We're here to get an explanation, not to be punished."

"Damn it! I'm going to report you to the capital, you murderers!" Kunzhan roared, his face filled with anger and resentment. He felt deeply insulted and was determined to make these people pay. "You wait, I will come back for revenge and show you what happens when you offend us."

They had barely left the small, dark room when they were sent to the mining area to experience mining firsthand. For them, this was undoubtedly falling from one hell into another. Their hearts were filled with despair and regret, regretting why they had ever gotten involved in this conflict.

“Really…are they insane?” Lydia stammered, completely bewildered by their behavior. They believed she was dead and insisted the person before them was an imposter. A dazed look flickered in her golden eyes, as if she were in a dream world.

“Ignore them.” Sophia shook her head, secretly relieved. She thought to herself that if it weren’t for Lord Link’s treatment, Lydia would have really died. At that time, these people would probably have gotten what they wanted, but now that Lydia is alive and well, their conspiracy has been completely foiled. “They are just a bunch of madmen blinded by hatred, not worth our attention.”

“Let’s go, they won’t bother you for now,” Jin Meiting said softly, her voice like a spring breeze, warming and reassuring. A gentle smile graced her face, like that of a kind angel. “Just go about your business in peace, I’ll protect you.”

“Alright,” Lydia and Sophia nodded in unison. Then, accompanied by their maids, they turned and left the castle, leaving Jesse and Quinzan behind, angrily shouting and cursing. But they were quickly taken away by the soldiers, their voices growing fainter and fainter until they disappeared into the distance. Their angry shouts seemed like their last struggle, gradually dissipating into the air.

225. Method

"Cough cough cough..."

A series of hoarse, violent coughs echoed in the somewhat empty room, as if trying to cough up the deep-seated pain within him. Buff sat in a worn wooden chair, his body trembling slightly with each cough. He subconsciously shook his dizzy head, as if to clear his muddled thoughts. Then, with his wrinkled and somewhat rough hands, he pulled a tissue from the table and slowly wiped away the snot that kept flowing from his nose.

Buff felt as if shrouded in an invisible gloom, all his strength seemingly drained away, making every movement incredibly difficult. This morning, when he tried to get out of bed as usual, he realized he was ill. The feeling of utter weakness was as if his body was bound by countless tiny threads, making it impossible for him to move freely. Moreover, his head was dizzy, as if filled with heavy lead, and even the slightest movement sent shivers of pain through him.

He was a strong-willed person, thinking that this minor illness would pass if he just endured it. After all, he had weathered countless storms over the years, and his health had always been relatively robust. In previous winters, even when it was snowing heavily outside and the cold wind was cutting like knives on his face, he had never fallen ill. But this time, he clearly felt that the illness was coming on fiercely, and it was not something he could easily overcome.

However, how could such a subtle change escape the notice of his wife, with whom he had lived for many years? His wife was like a warm, comforting daughter, intimately aware of his every move. If she noticed anything slightly different—for example, eating half a bowl less than usual at meals, or walking a little slower than before—she would immediately sense it. And so, she kept urging Luma to take him to the hospital for treatment. Luma was Buff's son, and although he was usually busy with work, he was extremely filial to his parents. Hearing his mother's words, he immediately rushed over to prepare to take his father to the hospital.

"Cough, cough, cough..." Buff coughed violently again, covering his mouth. The sound seemed to be squeezed from deep within his chest, carrying an indescribable pain. When the coughing finally stopped, he sighed helplessly, his face full of desolation, and slowly said, "It seems I really am getting old. I've actually fallen ill. I never used to get sick even when it snowed in winter." His tone contained both a sense of regret for his declining health and a longing for his healthy past.

"Father, what are you saying? You're still going strong for your age," Luma said, rolling his eyes. He'd heard from his mother that his father's illness was entirely due to his restless sleep. He didn't know what he was dreaming about, but he'd kicked the blanket off the bed. He'd been freezing all night, only groggily discovering it under the bed just before dawn. Luma found it both amusing and exasperating; such a grown man, sleeping like a child.

"Hahaha...cough cough cough...you're just trying to make me happy." Buff laughed heartily, the laughter echoing in the room, but after only a few laughs, he couldn't help but cough, his words becoming somewhat hoarse. Although he had a smile on his face, a trace of fatigue and helplessness was hidden in that smile.

"Father, please don't speak so loudly." Seeing this, Luma quickly reached out and gently patted Buff's back, his gesture full of concern. He was truly afraid that his father's agitation would worsen his condition.

"It's alright, I won't die." Buff waved his hand, his rough, calloused hand tracing an arc in the air. A resolute look filled his eyes as he earnestly said, "Our good life is just beginning. I don't want to die. I want to work for the city lord for a few more years." In Buff's heart, the city lord was their pillar of strength, leading them to a better life. He was proud to serve the city lord and hoped to continue contributing to this large family.

“Then you should take even better care of your health. Only when you're fully recovered can you help the city lord,” Lu Ma said, echoing his father’s words. He knew his father all too well; he was prone to stubbornness and a tendency to argue. Just like this time when he was sick, if his mother hadn’t insisted on bringing him to the hospital, his father would definitely have pushed himself through it again.

"Okay, okay, I know." Buff waved his hand again, a helpless expression on his face, and said with a wry smile, "Now it's your turn to lecture me." His tone contained both acceptance of his son's concern and the awkwardness of being "educated" by a junior as an elder.

"..." Lu Ma rolled his eyes, thinking to himself that his father's quirks were just different from others. In other families, it was the elders lecturing the younger generation, but in their family, it was often the younger generation reminding the elders to be careful about this and that. However, he also knew that this was just his father's personality; he had always been so strong-willed.

"Tap tap tap..." The two walked into the hospital with somewhat heavy steps. The hospital entrance was spacious and bright, sunlight streaming through the glass and casting dappled patterns on the floor. Upon entering, they saw a counter, behind which a girl was intently writing. Her hair fell smoothly over her shoulders, her face focused, and her pen scratched softly on the paper. Hearing the sound, she looked up at the two, a gentle smile immediately spreading across her face—a smile as warm as the spring sunshine.

"Mr. Buff, Mr. Luma, are you here for a medical consultation?" the girl asked softly, her voice clear and melodious, like a silver bell.

"It's Xiao Dan! You work here?" Buff said in surprise. He recognized the girl. Xiao Dan was a girl from the neighboring village, usually well-behaved and sensible. He never expected to run into her here.

"Yes, I'll be doing some registration work here," Xiao Dan said softly, her eyes filled with sincerity and enthusiasm. She stood up, walked to the counter, and smiled at the two of them.

"What should I do if my father needs to see a doctor?" Luma asked with concern as he helped Buff to the counter. He looked at his father's weak appearance and was filled with worry.

"Just registering your ID is enough," Xiao Dan said, taking a notebook from the drawer. This notebook, made by the research department, is now popular throughout Winterfell. Its paper is of high quality, making writing very smooth. Anyone with a little money will buy one to record the little things in life. The notebooks used by departments like the hospital and the security detail are specially provided by the castle, with designs different from those sold in the market—they're custom-made for special departments. These notebooks are not only beautifully designed but also have more comprehensive functions, making it convenient for staff to record various information.

“Okay.” Buff nodded, carefully taking a piece of animal hide from his pocket. The hide had been carefully treated, making it both soft and sturdy. He slowly unwrapped it and took out his ID card. He valued this ID card highly, even more than money. In his mind, this ID card was not just a card proving his identity, but also his guarantee of life in this city, a symbol of his status as a member of Winterhold.

"Please wait a moment." Xiao Dan took the ID card and gently placed it on the counter. Then, she opened a drawer, took out a sheet of carbon paper, and carefully placed it into her notebook. Her movements were very skillful, her fingers nimbly moving between the sheets of paper. Next, she picked up a pen and began to write quickly, the pen tip gliding across the paper, leaving neat lines of writing.

"Grandpa Buff, what's wrong?" Xiao Dan asked as she wrote, her eyes full of concern. "Are you dizzy? Dry mouth? Sore throat?" These were the most common symptoms she encountered from patients lately. The weather had been changing drastically recently, and many people had fallen ill because they hadn't taken care to keep warm.

"Yes, it's what you said, and also the feeling of weakness all over my body." Buff nodded hurriedly, his brows furrowed, his face full of pain. Every word he spoke seemed to have exhausted all his strength.

“You probably have a cold,” Xiao Dan said, tearing off the second sheet of paper that had been copied and handing it to Buff along with his ID card. She said softly, “Just follow the signs on the wall and go into the room that says ‘clinic’.” She pointed to the prominent sign on the wall, with an arrow pointing in the direction of the clinic.

"Okay! Thank you." Buff nodded and, supported by Luma, slowly walked towards the direction marked with an arrow at the corner of the wall. His steps were unsteady, each one seemingly laborious. Luma held his father tightly, afraid he might fall.

Soon, the two saw a room marked 'Clinic Room'. The door was ajar, and coughing could be heard coming from inside. A long wooden chair stood outside the door, with two or three people sitting on it, all coughing incessantly, clearly suffering from a cold like Buff. Each person wore a weary and pained expression, frequently covering their mouths with their hands as they coughed.

Luma helped Buff sit down. They had barely sat down when a young man wearing a mask emerged from the room. He was dressed in a clean white coat, his eyes radiating professionalism and confidence. He handed Buff a mask, saying softly, "Sir, you must wear this mask, otherwise you might transmit the disease to the gentleman next to you." These requirements were set by the city lord. The city lord was well aware of the contagiousness of diseases and, for everyone's health, specifically established these regulations. When he became a doctor, he would also teach his apprentices according to this procedure, ensuring that more people understood and followed these regulations.

"Huh?" Buff paused for a moment, then immediately reached for the mask and put it on. He looked at Luma and said worriedly, "Did Luma really get infected by me?" His eyes were full of guilt and self-blame. He felt that being sick was already troublesome enough, and it would be too much of a mistake to pass the disease on to his son.

"Don't worry, it won't happen for now," the young man said with a smile. He was an apprentice, and although he hadn't officially become a doctor yet, he had a strong interest in medicine and studied very hard. He patiently explained, "As long as you wear a mask and take other protective measures, the chances of infection will be greatly reduced."

"That's good." Buff breathed a sigh of relief. He was really afraid of passing the disease on to Luma. Luma was his pride, and he didn't want his son to get sick because of him.

"Sir, did the receptionist give you a slip of paper? Please give it to me," the apprentice said softly, his voice gentle and kind. The doctor would be calling patients in according to the slips of paper to ensure the orderly conduct of the consultations.

“Here.” Buff took the note Dan had given him from his pocket and handed it to the apprentice. The note was a little wrinkled, but the writing on it was still clearly visible.

"Then please wait a moment, there are still a few patients ahead of us to see," the apprentice said softly, taking the slip of paper. With winter approaching, the number of sick people ranged from a few to a dozen each day, so it wasn't too busy. However, the hospital still maintained strict procedures to ensure that every patient received timely treatment.

“Okay,” Luma replied, looking at his father’s weak appearance and silently praying that it would be their turn soon. Time ticked by, and the atmosphere outside the examination room was somewhat oppressive. Everyone sat quietly, with only occasional coughs breaking the silence, as if telling of their suffering.

Half an hour later, a voice was heard from the examination room: "Next patient, Mr. Buff." The voice was clear and loud, echoing in the quiet corridor.

"Huh?" Buff was stunned for a moment, not quite understanding. Luma reacted first, quickly helping Buff up and saying softly, "Father, it's your turn to see the doctor." His voice was filled with excitement and anticipation; it was finally their turn.

“Okay.” With Luma’s help, Buff slowly walked into the examination room. The room was brightly lit and had two tables. Two people were sitting inside, one of whom was the apprentice from before. The other was an older doctor who wore glasses and had a wise and composed look in his eyes.

"It really is Mr. Buff," the doctor exclaimed in surprise. He stood up and greeted Buff with a smile. He remembered Buff; he had come to the hospital for treatment before and was a simple and kind old man.

"Alas, when you get old, these illnesses come," Buff sighed, his face full of helplessness. He looked at the doctor as if he saw a glimmer of hope, hoping the doctor could cure his illness quickly.

"It's nothing, you probably just have a minor cold," the doctor said softly, trying not to put too much pressure on Buff. He knew that people Buff's age often became anxious when they were sick, so he spoke with unusual gentleness. He carefully took out a wooden box from the drawer. The box was intricately carved with patterns and looked very antique. He took out a thermometer and shook it as the city lord had taught him. His movements were very practiced, as if he had done it countless times.

"Here, please put this end of the thermometer under your armpit." The doctor stood up and, to Buff and Luma's bewilderment, tucked the thermometer under Buff's armpit, instructing, "Please hold it tight, don't let it fall out." His tone was serious and earnest, making Buff and Luma dare not slack off in the slightest.

This thermometer was a miraculous gift from the city lord; it could measure a person's temperature to determine if they were sick, and there were only four in the entire hospital. When the city lord first brought it to the hospital, everyone was amazed. This small thermometer, capable of accurately measuring body temperature, gave everyone a new understanding of medicine. With this miraculous thermometer and the medicine provided by the city lord, the doctors have already saved many lives. Every time they see the smiles of recovered patients, the doctors feel that everything they've done has been worthwhile.

226. Method 2

Inside the hospital in Winterfell, a faint herbal scent filled the air, a gentle yet slightly bitter aroma that contrasted sharply with the howling wind outside. The wind whistled through the air like blades, but the herbal fragrance created an atmosphere of tranquility and peace within the room.

Buff, the elderly man usually known for his shrewd and capable handling of government affairs, sat on the examination chair like a child just entering the world, looking completely bewildered. His hands trembled slightly, tightly gripping a crystal-clear glass rod—a thermometer. This thermometer seemed so unfamiliar and novel to him, as if it were a mysterious object from another world.

"Doctor, what's this for?" Buff's voice was tinged with a mixture of blankness and curiosity, his eyes revealing a bewilderment at the unknown. This was his first time stepping into a hospital, and the first time he had ever heard of having to wear such a strange object under his armpit during a medical appointment. In his mind, seeing a doctor was simply a matter of the doctor taking his pulse, asking about his symptoms, and prescribing some medicine; he had never imagined there would be such a complicated instrument.

The doctor was a middle-aged man with a kind face and eyes that revealed his reverence and love for his profession. His hair was neatly combed back, revealing a smooth forehead, and his gentle smile seemed to dispel the gloom in patients' hearts. He smiled gently and patiently explained, "Mr. Buff, this is a thermometer, used to measure your temperature. Through it, we can determine if you have a fever and thus understand your physical condition. You see, there are some markings here. In a moment, wherever the mercury rises, that indicates your temperature."

"Oh, oh." Buff nodded, somewhat bewildered. Although he still didn't quite understand the specific connection between body temperature and illness, he chose to accept the explanation out of trust in the doctor. His eyes still held a hint of doubt, but even more so, trust in the doctor.

Just then, a series of rapid and powerful footsteps broke the silence of the room. The footsteps, steady yet carrying an undeniable authority, seemed to strike at the heartstrings with each step, causing all four people present to turn and look towards the doorway. Their eyes were filled with anticipation and curiosity, wondering who the newcomer was.

"Lord City Lord, what brings you here?" Buff asked in surprise, quickly standing up with a mixture of fear and respect in his voice. He leaned forward slightly, his hands unconsciously rubbing together, revealing his nervousness.

The door was gently pushed open, and Lord Link stepped in, followed by his personal guard Fiora and a cat-eared girl carrying a wooden box. Link raised an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over Buff and Luma (Buff's son), and after a moment's thought, he understood what had happened. His eyes were sharp and deep, as if they could see through everything. "Eh? Buff, what are you doing here? And Luma?" he asked softly, his tone tinged with concern. His voice was deep and magnetic, reassuring.

"It's me, this useless old man, Lord City Lord. Please give your orders. It's just a minor illness; it won't affect my work." Upon seeing this, Buff quickly straightened his back. Although his body trembled slightly from the pain, his eyes revealed an unwavering determination. A hint of stubbornness lingered on his face; he was unwilling to let his illness interfere with the affairs of the city.

Luma stood to the side, hesitant to speak, but was ultimately silenced by a stern glare from Buff. He felt a surge of worry; his father had been walking unsteadily that morning, yet he was still putting on a brave face. His brow furrowed, his eyes filled with concern and helplessness for his father.

Seeing this, Link smiled gently and waved his hand, gesturing for Buff to sit down. "Alright, Buff, there's nothing for you to do for now, so just focus on getting better. Health is the foundation of everything; without it, nothing else matters. You're a valuable asset to Winter City, so don't overwork yourself."

Upon hearing this, Baff sat down awkwardly. Though unwilling, his physical discomfort forced him to admit that he was indeed powerless. He had only stood for a short while when he felt dizzy, as if the whole world was spinning. His face was pale, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

“Well, alright then,” Buff conceded, his tone tinged with helplessness and resentment. A hint of disappointment flickered in his eyes, as if he felt he had let the city lord down.

At this moment, the doctor asked in a low voice, "Lord City Lord, is there something important you need?" In his memory, every time the City Lord visited the hospital, he would bring about some changes. For example, the addition of receptionists and the use of carbon paper had greatly improved the hospital's operational efficiency. His eyes were filled with anticipation, eager to know what new measures the City Lord would bring this time.

Link smiled slightly upon hearing this, his gaze lingering on the doctor for a moment before turning to the wooden box in Fiora's arms. "Take care of the patient first," he said casually, but his tone carried an undeniable seriousness. Buff was one of his capable subordinates, handling the affairs of Winterfell; he couldn't afford to let him fall ill. His eyes revealed his concern and care for Buff.

The doctor nodded respectfully, then stood up and carefully removed the thermometer from under Buff's arm. His movements were gentle and practiced, as if afraid of hurting Buff. He examined Buff carefully for a moment, then let out a soft sigh of relief, a relieved smile appearing on his face. "Mr. Buff, you only have a slight fever, nothing serious. I'll prescribe some medicine for you to take home and brew. Take care and rest, you'll be fine soon."

“Okay.” Buff nodded. Hearing that it wasn’t a serious illness, a huge weight was lifted from his heart, and he seemed much more relaxed. A long-lost smile appeared on his face, as if he had seen hope for recovery.

Lu Ma, standing to the side, also breathed a sigh of relief. He had specifically taken the day off from school to accompany his father to the doctor's appointment. Seeing that his father was alright, his worries vanished. His eyes were filled with joy and relief, as if a weight had been lifted from his heart.

The doctor stood up, walked to the counter where the medicine was kept, and skillfully grabbed the medicine according to the fever prescription Link had given him. His movements were quick and precise, and in no time, three small packets of medicine wrapped in paper and tied with hemp rope were presented to everyone. The medicine emitted a faint fragrance that made people feel at ease.