BMN : Chapter 42

After the crisis at Longshuo Pass, the fortress was fortified once more, thanks to the arrival of reinforcements. The Xixia forces made several more significant attacks, suffering heavy losses, but still failing to capture the fortress. Instead, they were pushed back several kilometers by Jin Yi’s forces. However, they did not completely give up, continuing small-scale raids while seemingly waiting for an opportunity or reinforcements.

Both sides were at a stalemate; the enemy couldn’t break through Longshuo Pass, and Jin Yi’s forces couldn’t decisively defeat the enemy. The situation remained deadlocked.

By now, it was late autumn. Liangzhou experienced little rain, with alternating cold and warm days. The cold could be as biting as mid-winter, while the warmth could feel like summer heat. This erratic weather lasted for nearly a month. The soldiers who had recently arrived with Jin Yi were not yet accustomed to these conditions, and many fell ill and weakened.

The military doctors were overwhelmed, so someone suggested bringing in local doctors from nearby towns to help. After Jin Yi approved the suggestion, Jiang Yisun dispatched some soldiers familiar with the area to find help.

One day, Fang Fan had just finished his clinic duties and was preparing herbal pills when several soldiers entered the courtyard, their faces familiar.

“Doctor Fang, are you busy today?” one of the soldiers asked respectfully after entering.

Fang Fan smiled and replied, “Not too busy. What brings you here? If you’re not in a rush, come in for a cup of tea. The weather is dry, and tea will soothe the throat.”

“We brought water flasks, so we won’t trouble you, Doctor Fang. If you’re available, could you come with us to the camp? Some brothers from the south aren’t acclimatizing well and have fallen ill. The military doctors are overwhelmed, so General Jiang sent us to fetch some doctors for assistance.”

Fang Fan nodded, “Of course. You all defend the country, and if there’s anything we can do to help, it’s our duty. However…”

“We understand Doctor Fang’s rules—no meeting with the generals. Don’t worry; we’ll take you to the soldiers’ barracks to treat the men and bring you back without meeting the officers.”

Fang Fan smiled, “Very well. Let’s go.” He put on a cloak hanging on a wooden rack in the hall, covering most of his face with the hood.

Tied to the trees outside were several horses. The group mounted up and rode back to the camp at a moderate pace, mindful of Fang Fan.

“Doctor Fang, still not used to the Liangzhou sun? Always covering up when you go out on sunny days.”

“An old illness left me sensitive. The sun can make my whole body ache, so I find it more comfortable to cover up.”

“Doesn’t it get hot?”

“Not too bad; my body runs cool, so I prefer warmth.”

“Just be careful; this place gets cold fast. In a few days, the wind might bring snow. It rarely rains here, but we get one or two snowfalls each year. Even if it doesn’t snow, it’ll get freezing. Take care of yourself!”

“Thanks for the reminder. I’ll be careful.”

“You’re always so polite, Doctor Fang…”

They continued chatting as they rode. An hour later, they arrived at the camp. Fang Fan was taken to the barracks to treat the more seriously ill soldiers.

After visiting several tents, Fang Fan said to the officer accompanying him, “Nothing serious, but we must be cautious. These men need to be in good shape for battle; weakness can be costly.”

“You’re right. What treatment do you suggest?”

“I’ll prepare a prescription. Boil the herbs in water and distribute the brew. I’ll also bring herbal pills from town tomorrow; each person should take two pills, morning and evening. That should restore them and prevent recurrence.”

“Thank you, Doctor Fang. If it’s not too much trouble, we’ll send someone to town tomorrow to fetch the medicine and settle the payment.”

“Not at all. I’ll write the prescription now.”

“Please do. It’s getting dark; you should stay here tonight. Tomorrow morning, we’ll escort you back.”

“I’ll accept your hospitality.” Fang Fan had been to the camp before and enjoyed the camaraderie with the soldiers. He agreed without hesitation.

After sunset, the temperature dropped sharply. Soldiers lit campfires with camel thorn, poplar branches, and reeds. Fang Fan sat by a fire, surrounded by familiar soldiers, as they chatted and laughed, sharing stories of their hometowns. Though these stories were often repeated, they never tired of them. Fang Fan listened intently, picturing the small bridges and flowing streams, the red sleeves by the railings, the old mother sewing, and the child learning to speak… Across the country, countless people waited and were waited for, thought of and missed, under the same night sky, feeling both lonely and warm. As they talked, the conversation shifted to the current war, the brothers who had earned honors, and those who hadn’t returned from the battlefield. Some wondered aloud if the comrades sharing the fire tonight would all be present in the future… The discussion then turned to their new commander, General Jin, praising his wisdom and courage and how he had humbled the Xixia forces. The mood eventually grew quiet, with no one speaking for a long time.

The silence was broken by a request: “Doctor Fang, could you play us a few tunes?”

Someone pulled out their xun, cleaned it, and handed it to Fang Fan.

Fang Fan took the instrument and asked, “What would you like to hear?”

“Anything you play will be good.”

After a moment’s thought, Fang Fan raised the xun to his lips and began to play.

He had learned to play the xun after arriving in Liangzhou, but he had quickly become proficient. Some soldiers had heard him play before and eagerly anticipated each visit, always requesting a few tunes.

The xun has an autumnal sound, and the first piece Fang Fan learned was “Autumn Wind Song.” He began with this piece:

The autumn wind is clear; the autumn moon is bright. Fallen leaves gather and then scatter, cold crows roost and are startled. When can we meet again? This night is full of emotion…

The mournful, yearning notes of the xun blended with the long wind from the desolate land, echoing in the cool, watery night sky. It was unclear whether the music was echoing someone’s longing or expressing Fang Fan’s own deep-seated yearning.

The soldiers listened in silence, some with tears in their eyes, others seeing the campfire as a reflection of the home fires. For a moment, they felt transported from the border camp to their faraway homes, seeking out the loved ones they had longed for.

Jin Yi was making his rounds in the camp, a nightly routine. From a distance, he heard a deep, rich melody. The music, persistent and lingering, drew him closer. He stopped at a discreet distance—not wanting to intrude on the soldiers’ gathering.

In the firelight, he could barely make out the person playing the xun. The figure was cloaked, with a hood covering most of his face. Clearly not a soldier, he must be a doctor.

Though he couldn’t see the face, the slender figure made Jin Yi pause, his steps faltering. He stared intently, listening until the player lowered the xun, said something, and walked toward a tent. Only then did Jin Yi snap out of his reverie and turn away.

A few days later, the temperature dropped suddenly. Overnight, the flags froze, unmoved by the fierce wind. The cold penetrated armor, even through layers of padding.

That night, the Xixia forces launched a surprise attack during a heavy snowfall, hoping to catch the defenders off guard. But Jin Yi had anticipated such a move. The ambush was repelled, with the Xixia forces suffering heavy losses. Jin Yi then led a group of elite cavalry in a counterattack, striking the Xixia main camp. With well-placed ambushes, they decimated the enemy forces, driving them back nearly a hundred miles and capturing a natural fortress known as Little Longshuo.

The tide had turned. With Xixia’s morale shaken and a strong defensive position, holding Longshuo Pass was much more secure. Some subordinates suggested sending a victory report to the emperor, requesting permission to return to the capital. But Jin Yi believed the time wasn’t right; Xixia hadn’t fully retreated and could still mount another offensive. For now, with Jiang Yisun in charge, Longshuo Pass was impregnable.

Jiang Yisun suggested Jin Yi visit the nearby town of Xianquan to experience the local culture. Jin Yi hadn’t planned on sightseeing but remembered the xun player from that night and asked Jiang Yisun if he knew of an out-of-towner who played the xun and where he lived.

Jiang Yisun didn’t know, but one of his men did. “That’s Doctor Fang. He lives in Xianquan Town, not far from here. He’s a skilled doctor, and his father is considered a godly physician by the locals, not just for his medical skills but also for his deep understanding of Buddhist teachings. If you’re interested, General, tomorrow is the day Doctor Fang’s father gives a lecture. It’s very popular; the place is always packed!”

Years ago, Jin Yi wouldn’t have been interested. But after everything he’d been through and the people he’d lost, he felt a slight stir of interest.

The next day, after handling routine military matters, Jin Yi set out for Xianquan Town with three mid-ranking officers.

The snow from a few days ago had long since melted, leaving the desert dry and barren. After crossing a stretch of desert, they came across a stream flowing from the north.

“This is Xianquan. Not much compared to the great rivers, but it’s a rare sight in Liangzhou. That’s why they built a small town here—Xianquan Town.”

They followed the stream, stopping briefly to let their horses drink. The water of Xianquan was crystal clear but bitterly cold, the chill seeping into their bones. They didn’t linger by the water and soon continued on their way, reaching Xianquan Town not long after.

The town wasn’t large but was bustling with activity, with merchants and travelers passing through. The market was lively, blending local and exotic elements. On the outskirts, grape and date farmers added to the town’s character.

Doctor Fang’s lecture was scheduled for the afternoon. Jin Yi and his men wandered through the market, buying some unique items as souvenirs for their families back home. They then had lunch at a noodle shop, trying the local specialty: donkey meat noodles. It was hearty and flavorful, not Jin Yi’s usual taste, but he found it palatable. Afterward, they headed to the clinic. Along the way, they joined a growing crowd, a mix of locals and people with foreign features, all heading to the same place. It seemed Doctor Fang’s lectures were indeed popular.

To avoid drawing attention, they found seats in a discreet corner, partially obscured by a low bush. Shortly after, Doctor Fang appeared, followed by two assistants carrying a bucket of tea. Some attendees helped distribute the tea, and Jin Yi and his men each received a bowl.

After Doctor Fang was seated, his son came out carrying a zither.

From Jin Yi’s vantage point, he could clearly see the young man. He wasn’t wearing a cloak or hood this time, revealing a fresh, elegant face.

Jin Yi held his breath, eyes widening in disbelief. He clenched his fists, anchoring himself to the mat, fighting to maintain composure and not rise.

Doctor Fang’s lecture was undoubtedly fascinating, captivating the audience. But Jin Yi heard none of it, his gaze locked on the man before him, as if trying to see through him.

At some point, the lecture ended. As the crowd dispersed, Jin Yi stood, not intending to leave. He told his officers to wait outside, saying he had some questions for Doctor Fang. They complied without question and left.

Once the crowd had gone, Jin Yi approached. Fang Fan was about to tidy up the courtyard when he noticed someone approaching, each step deliberate and heavy.

Jin Yi drew closer, his emotions a turbulent storm. Blood pounded in his veins, his body trembling with restrained emotion. He wanted to speak, but his tongue felt leaden. Summoning every ounce of strength, he steadied himself.

Just as Jin Yi reached him and was about to speak, Fang Fan smiled slightly and said, “Sir, do you have any remaining doubts, or are you here to see a doctor?” He gestured toward the clinic, “Please, come in.”

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