Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 245 A Gathering of Heroes (It's been a while since I've added an extra chapter, so here's one!)
The changes in Bingzhou were not only reflected in the increased wealth of its people.

During Zhang Xian's three years in power in Bingzhou, a series of new policies he implemented quietly transformed the land like spring rain.

The effects of the Maternal and Child Health Protection Regulations and the Health Regulations were most directly demonstrated in Jinyang City, where a new round of population census was completed after the autumn harvest.

General's Mansion.

The documents compiled jointly by the Registrar of Households and the Physician of Medicine were delivered to Zhang Xian's desk.

Xun Yu reported to Zhang Xian in person, a hint of a smile appearing on his usually composed face.

"My lord, taking Jinyang City in Taiyuan Prefecture as an example, from last year to this autumn, Jinyang City had a registered population of 140,000, with 39,763 newborns registered!"

Xun Yu sighed, “The medical offices in each ward teach the methods of clean delivery, and the medical and pharmacy are responsible for registering, following up on, and caring for pregnant women. They also distribute clean cloths, umbilical cord powder, and infant care strategies to each household at an affordable price. It is thanks to all these measures that we have such a thriving newborn population today.”

Looking at the densely packed list of newborns on the document, Zhang Xian felt gratified.

However, life is not all joy.

At the end of the document, a set of weighty figures was recorded.

"During the same period, there were 4,122 infants registered as dying young in Jinyang City."

Although this is a huge improvement compared to the previous infant mortality rate of more than 50%, thanks to the improvement of health conditions and delivery techniques in Bingzhou, the more than four thousand little lives that withered before they even had a chance to see the world still feel like sharp thorns in the hearts of Zhang Xian and all the doctors.

South of the city.

Inside the small medicine hut, Xin Yi, with red eyes, carefully ground a dried herb into fine powder.

Her father, the old herbalist Xin, had just returned from a poor family, his face showing deep weariness and sorrow.

"Sigh... another one gone..." Old Man Xin sighed, taking down his medicine basket.

"She was just a month old yesterday, and she was fine. This morning she suddenly had a seizure and was foaming at the mouth... It was a seven-day convulsion... We couldn't prevent it... The man in that family works in the workshop, and the woman didn't have a proper postpartum period. Sigh, she's really unlucky."

As Xin Yi listened, tears streamed down her face and fell into the medicine grinder. She knew whose house her father had just visited, and she had even gone there herself with the pharmacy clerk to register the visit.

"Father...this is our medicine...can't it save them?"

"Medicine is inanimate, but people are alive."

Old Master Xin shook his head, his eyes filled with the helplessness of a doctor: "Seven-day wind, umbilical wind, smallpox... these are deadly symptoms. It's difficult to treat them with just a few herbs! The only fortunate thing is that smallpox is not common in Bingzhou now, but unfortunately the other diseases are still deadly."

Xiahou Lan sat silently to the side, looking at Xin Yi's sorrowful profile and listening to Old Man Xin's words, her heart heavy.

He recalled what his elder brother, Xian, had done to eradicate smallpox when they were still in Jizhou.

Inside the former general's mansion, Zhang Xian put down the heavy document, his expression solemn.

He got up and tapped on the table.

"Wenruo, summon the Chief Physician, the Director of the Pharmacy, and renowned physicians from various prefectures to a meeting at the manor tomorrow! Also, order Guyu to secretly instruct all spies outside Bingzhou to collect medical prescriptions and treatments for common serious infantile illnesses from all over the world, especially for conditions such as seven-day-old wind and infantile convulsions! Regardless of whether they are ancient or modern, and regardless of their origin, report them all!"

"Newborns in Bingzhou cannot survive by luck alone! The role of the medical officer cannot be limited to tracking and registering; as a physician, one must overcome difficulties!"

Xun Yu solemnly accepted the order: "I will carry it out immediately!"
-
On the banks of the Fen River.

As the people of Bingzhou were immersed in the joy of a bountiful harvest and the impending start of a medical reform, a long-awaited grand event on the banks of the Fen River finally revealed its massive outline.

West of Jinyang City, the once empty Fenhe River floodplain has long been transformed into a huge construction site.

Thousands of craftsmen and laborers, like diligent worker ants, were busily working under the unified command of the Ministry of Works.

The sounds of shouts, tamping earth, sawing wood, and hammering blended into a deafening roar.

One after another, sturdy arenas, built on huge logs and covered with iron sheets, and over ten feet high, sprang up like mushrooms after rain! The arenas were connected by wide passageways, leaving enough space for spectators.

The largest main arena is located in the center of the construction site. It is particularly magnificent in scale. The platform is made of concrete and is nearly two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) above the ground. The platform is wide and flat, enough for dozens of people to compete at the same time!

What's even more eye-catching is the riverbed!
Several specially made, wide and sturdy warships were fixed in the middle of the river, connected to each other by thick iron chains and sturdy wooden planks, forming a huge "water arena" floating on the water! The waves crashed against the gunwales, adding to the thrill and excitement.

Han Ji, the head of the Bureau of Works, would come to supervise the construction from time to time. He would point to the huge iron components that were being repeatedly forged by steam hammers, sparks flying everywhere, and shout loudly to the craftsmen around him.

"Everyone, pay attention! These bolts, winches, and guardrails connecting the water arena must be made of the finest iron! Make sure they're sturdy. The arena is for heroes from all over the world to compete, not for disgracing Bingzhou! If any of these arenas collapse during a competition, I'll throw you all into the Fen River to feed the fish!"

"Don't worry, Han Si! We've got it covered!" The craftsmen patted their chests and assured him, their faces beaming with pride.

It is an honor in itself to be able to contribute to this unprecedented global event.

The construction site has been fenced off with simple wooden fences, which will serve as the future viewing area, a vendor area, and a special viewing platform for representatives from various states and important figures.

The vast site, already taking shape, exudes a rugged and majestic aura under the autumn sun.

Heroes from all over could no longer contain themselves and flocked to the perimeter of the construction site, pointing and discussing the nascent arena, their eyes filled with excitement and eagerness.

"Wow! This arena is really impressive!"

"Look at that water fight! Fighting on a boat? That's exciting! If you fall in, you'll get soaked to the bone, haha!"

"Lord Zhang of Bingzhou, you've certainly got a grand gesture! I'm determined to claim the title of the best in the land!"

The deafening roar, mixed with the rumble of the construction site, echoed over the Fen River.
-
The Taihang Mountains are sheer cliffs, and the autumn wind howls through the valleys, carrying withered leaves.

On a narrow animal trail, a towering figure trudged silently.

Dian Wei of Chenliu.

He was over thirty years old, with a face like a ferocious beast, a bushy beard, and two heavy short halberds on his back.

The woodcutters and hunters they occasionally encountered along the way, upon seeing this menacing figure from afar, all avoided it in terror.

Months ago, he fought a fierce tiger alone in the mountains, his halberds stained with blood. Just as he was drinking with a wandering knight, the hero's invitation from Bingzhou came into his hands.

1,200 li? It's just the road beneath my feet!
At this moment, his mind was free of distractions, filled only with a burning fighting spirit and a desire for that supreme title.

He touched the cold, heavy double halberds on his back, his rough fingers tracing the blades.

He quickened his pace, his imposing figure soon disappearing into the vast autumn colors of the Taihang Mountains, like a tiger returning to the mountains, his target pointing directly to the city of Jinyang in the north, a city where fortunes were about to change.

Jizhou Ferry Crossing.

The waters of the Hutuo River surge with turbid waves.

Changshan, gradually recovering from the war, once again showed signs of activity as people came and went. At a ferry crossing, people shouted and horses neighed. Xu Chu, only seventeen years old, was already as robust as a man in his prime, and was disembarking from a cargo ship with several of his clan brothers.

The water conservancy project can only go this far; the only way forward is by land.

His large, bell-like eyes curiously surveyed the rushing river and the bustling crowd, his youthful excitement impossible to conceal.

Suddenly, a terrified scream and the neighing of horses rang out! A fully loaded oxcart was spooked for some unknown reason. The strong horse pulling the cart, its eyes bloodshot, broke free of its reins and, dragging the heavy shafts, charged madly toward the edge of the crowded ferry crossing!
The driver was thrown into the air, and a tragedy seemed imminent. The crowd panicked and scattered in all directions.

In a flash, a figure shot out like an arrow! It was Xu Chu! Without any hesitation, he rushed to the side of the frightened horse in a few steps, let out a low roar, and his fan-like giant hand suddenly reached out and grabbed the rope around the horse's neck!

"Give me - stop!"

Xu Chu's eyes were wide open, veins bulged on his forehead, and muscles all over his body bulged like coiled dragons! His feet were firmly planted on the ground, and the bluestone slabs under his feet made a "crackling" sound as they could not bear the weight!

The raging horse, with its immense momentum, was pulled so hard that its front hooves left the ground and it reared up! The horse neighed in pain and struggled, but could not move forward even half a step! The heavy oxcart slid forward a short distance due to inertia, and was finally brought to a complete stop.

The ferry crossing fell into a deathly silence in an instant.

Everyone stared in disbelief at the boy.

"Good! What a powerful force!"

"My God! Is this...is this even human?"

"Young hero!"

Exclamations of amazement and cheers rose like a tidal wave.

Xu Chu released his grip, and the runaway horse was firmly held back by the arriving coachman. He was panting heavily, wiping the sweat from his face, and bowed to those around him with a shy yet undisguised smile typical of young men.

He touched the invitation to the hero in his pocket, which was slightly damp with sweat, and felt a surge of excitement in his heart.

The words I spoke to my father that day still echoed in my ears: "I will strive to be the best in the world! I will become a great general!"

Another great river.

The Fen River flows southward, but a fleet of boats is sailing upstream, breaking through the waves and standing out conspicuously.

A speedboat, with a long hull, had eight long oars striking the water in unison, and its speed was no less than that of a boat going downstream.

At the bow of the ship, a large brocade banner embroidered with strange and ferocious beasts fluttered in the wind.

Standing proudly at the bow of the ship was none other than Gan Ning, a twenty-year-old wandering knight from Ba County.

He wore bright red rooster feathers in his hair, a copper bell and a long sword at his waist, and his brocade robes rustled in the autumn wind. His young face was full of arrogance and unruliness.

Behind him, a dozen or so men were wielding the boat with practiced ease and skill.

"Ding-a-ling—!" Gan Ning shook a string of exquisite copper bells in his hand rhythmically, the crisp sound of the bells penetrating the sounds of water and wind.

"Strength on the port side! Get the wind!" At his command, the rhythm of the bell changed.

The oarsmen on the left shouted in unison, the oars plunged deeper into the water, the bow turned slightly, and they cleverly used the crosswind to accelerate, increasing the boat's speed even further.

"Three to starboard! Avoid shallows!" The bell rang again.

The oarsmen moved at the command, skillfully avoiding an underwater reef.

The sound of Gan Ning's copper bells was the command for this fleet.

With this command, the fleet navigated the upstream current with ease, maintaining strict discipline and uniformity, attracting the attention and comments of pedestrians and merchants on both banks.

"Boss, we're in Bingzhou territory just ahead!" one of his men exclaimed excitedly, pointing to the faint outline of a city in the distance.

Gan Ning's lips curled into a wild smile. He crumpled the invitation to join the heroes, which read "Regardless of background, only talent matters," on his lap into a ball, and then carefully stuffed it back into his bosom.

"Number one in the world? Hehe, I, Gan Xingba, am determined to join in this excitement! If I win, I'll become an official; if I lose... I'll plunder all the way to Luoyang along the Fen River!"

He looked toward Jinyang, his eyes gleaming with ambition and excitement.

On another official road leading from Jizhou to Bingzhou.

An unassuming group of merchants is queuing up to cross the border.

Two men in the convoy stood out.

A tall, dark-skinned, and taciturn man, leading a packhorse laden with cloth, calmly surveyed his surroundings—this was Zhou Cang.

The other one was shorter and stockier, with an impatient temperament, and kept peeking out from time to time; this was Pei Yuanshao.

"Brother Zhou, this checkpoint is too strict! The corrupt official's eyes are so sharp, it's making me uneasy!" Pei Yuanshao said in a low voice, his tone anxious.

"How about... we take the back road instead?"

"Shut up!"

Zhou Cang gave a low shout and gave him a sharp look.

"Keep calm! The more you rush, the more likely you are to give yourself away! We are legitimate cloth merchants now, with all the invoices and permits in place, what are we afraid of? Remember, you are the clerk 'Pei San,' and I am the manager 'Zhou Da'! Observe more and say less!"

Pei Yuanshao shrank back when he was glared at, suppressing his unease and trying to appear honest and unassuming, just like Zhou Cang.

When it was their turn to inspect, Zhou Cang stepped forward, a simple smile plastered on his face, and skillfully handed over the travel permit and goods list: "Sir, you've worked hard. It's just a small business, selling some coarse cloth to make a living in Bingzhou."

The soldiers guarding the pass carefully inspected the travel permit and examined several bolts of cloth, their gazes shifting between Zhou Cang's composed face and Pei Yuanshao's feigned calm.

Zhou Cang then slipped a small string of copper coins to the soldiers, saying, "This is just a small token of my appreciation. Please have a drink with these gentlemen."

The soldier weighed the copper coins in his hand, then looked at the invoice, finding nothing amiss. He waved his hand and said, "Let's go! Bingzhou is bustling lately, go make your money!"

The convoy slowly passed through the checkpoint.

After walking a long way, Pei Yuanshao finally breathed a long sigh of relief and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead: "That scared the hell out of me! Brother Zhou, you're so reliable!"

Zhou Cang remained vigilant, glancing back at the receding checkpoint and whispering, "Don't be careless. Bingzhou is Zhang Hou's territory, and I've heard the rules are even stricter. We're only going there to fight for a place in the martial arts tournament. Our past identities... must never be mentioned again!"

He subconsciously touched the invitation to the hero, carefully wrapped in oilcloth, in his pocket. The words "no questions asked, no questions asked" on it were the only hope for people like them who bore the old name of the Yellow Turbans.

The two exchanged a glance, said nothing more, urged their packhorses on, and quickened their pace toward Jinyang, their figures blending into the northward flow of merchants and travelers.

(End of this chapter)