Isolated town in northern border region

We didn't walk fast down the mountain.

Xiao Lie carried the iron-rimmed bow on his back, flipping through the "Archery Manual" as he walked.

The content of "The Archery Classic" is extensive. In addition to various military formations and battle examples, the main focus is on methods for training eyesight, strength, and bow control.

It is well-organized, as if it has been revised repeatedly over many years.

First is the method of eye training, also known as "eye training," and in archery, it is said that "the eye is the king of the arrow."

If your eyes are unsteady, the arrow will surely miss; if your eyesight is poor, you will not be able to see the distant target.

Eye training does not rely on equipment, but rather on deliberate practice in everyday life to hone vision and distance perception.

Specifically, it is divided into four major methods: telescope, microscopic observation, light focusing, and distance measurement.

Then comes the method of training strength, which is the most demanding part of archery and horsemanship.

Drawing a bow relies not on arm strength, but on "back strength" and "waist strength." True bow strength is achieved by the entire back and waist working together.

The final technique of controlling the bowstring is the most subtle part of archery, and it is far more complex than simply "drawing the bow and releasing the string".

The ancients said, "Archery is about proper form and upright mind." Controlling the bow is not just about actions, but also about mental discipline!

Xiao Lie was engrossed in reading when a piece of brocade fell out.

Xiao Lie picked it up and saw a prescription written on it. The handwriting was different from the main text, and the ink was also slightly lighter, as if it had been added later.

Xiao Lie folded the prescription and put it in his pocket before continuing down the path.

By the time we returned to Liushugou, it was already getting dark.

Xu De was squatting outside the camp washing medicine jars when he saw him return and quickly came to greet him.

His expression was somewhat solemn, and he was holding a roll of toilet paper in his hand, as if he had been waiting for quite some time.

"Your Highness, I have carefully examined the corpses of those burly men in leather armor."

He lowered his voice, a hint of excitement in it.

"They have drug residue in their bodies, which are traces left by long-term use."

"I have attempted to reproduce a prescription. These three herbs are all specialties of Bingzhou. Long-term use will reduce pain, but it will affect mental state!"

He handed the scrap paper to Xiao Lie.

Xiao Lie took it, glanced at it, and quickly asked.

"Long-term medication?"

"Can you tell when the last time you took the medication was?"

Xu De rolled his eyes and made a rough calculation.

"It was probably only two or three days ago!"

Xiao Lie said "Oh," and then took out the prescription that was tucked into the "Archery Manual" from his pocket and handed it over.

"Take a look at this while you're at it."

Xu De took it, and his eyes lit up more and more as he looked at it.

"Your Highness! Where did you obtain this prescription?"

"This prescription... is simply a stroke of genius!"

"So this medicine can be prepared in this way! The person who wrote this formula is truly a genius!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lie raised his eyebrows again.

Does Tie Gong also know medicine?

Or is he a prodigy?

This prescription probably didn't come from Tie Gong's hand!

Could it be the deputy commander?

Xiao Lie thought for a while but couldn't come up with an answer, so he reached out and patted Xu De, who was engrossed in watching.

"Then tell me, what's the use of this recipe?"

"This is for medicinal baths!"

"Taking a bath according to this recipe will not only strengthen your body, but also stimulate your blood circulation and increase your strength!"

"In the eyes of martial arts practitioners, this is an invaluable treasure!"

He looked up at Xiao Lie, his eyes like a starving ghost eyeing meat.

"Your Highness, who wrote this prescription?"

"Could you introduce me?"

Xiao Lie shrugged.

"I had a sudden inspiration today, and this is what I obtained while seeking immortality on the mountain!"

"As for the origin of this prescription, it has quite a prestigious background!"

Xu De grabbed Xiao Lie's arm.

"Your Highness, take me there quickly! Take me there quickly!"

Xiao Lie curled the corners of his lips into a smile.

"Alas! Such a predestined encounter with the immortals is not something that ordinary mortals can obtain!"

As he spoke, Xiao Lie rubbed his body and managed to rub out a pill that looked just like Ji Gong's (a famous Chinese monk known for his exaggerated leg-stretching and eye-glaring movements)!

There was no other way; Xiao Lie had been either leading people to search the mountains or taking care of patients day and night for the past few days. He hadn't even had time to take a bath, and his face was covered in mud!

Xiao Lie, with a sly grin, handed the "secret medicine" to Xu De.

"Here! This is an elixir bestowed by an immortal. I reward you for your meritorious service in saving the people!"

Xu De took the "elixir" with a bewildered look on his face, while Xiao Lie ran away without even turning his head!

"Xiao...!"

"You...you...you're supposed to be a prince!"

"This is utterly disgraceful!"

Xu De came to his senses and stomped his feet in anger, but after cursing a few times, he burst out laughing.

"Phew! At least I didn't get stuck on a rut."

"From now on, the world will be quite lively!"

Xiao Lie ran several dozen steps, then turned back to look at Xu De, who was jumping up and down in anger, his eyes darting around rapidly.

"snort!"

"A prescription can be reproduced with just a corpse, and its essence can be understood with just a glance at the prescription."

"Old Xu, if you were just an ordinary doctor, I'd gouge your eyes out!"

Xiao Lie muttered as he walked towards the old locust tree at the entrance of the village.

She was sitting on a stone under the old locust tree, flipping through a scroll of documents.

Xiao Lie was just about to go find her, so he spoke up directly.

"Who are the businesses dealing in medicinal herbs in Qingzhou?"

"It would be best if they also maintained relations with Bingzhou!"

Jiang Min put down the document and pondered for a moment.

"The Mu family!"

"A branch of the Mu family of Bingzhou has been engaged in the medicinal herb business for generations and has amassed considerable wealth."

"It's just that the clansmen haven't had a smooth career in government; the highest-ranking official they've ever held is a county magistrate."

She paused.

"What's wrong, Your Highness? Did you find something of value during your trip to the mountains today?"

Xiao Lie smiled and playfully raised his eyebrows.

"you guess?"

Without offering any further explanation, he turned and left.

Jiang Min was somewhat bewildered by Xiao Lie's sudden mischief.

"So... you've figured it out?"

"Or has he gone mad?"

"His behavior is frivolous; where is the slightest trace of a ruler's demeanor?"

The night breeze blew in from the Cangshan Mountains, carrying the scent of grass and trees, crisp and clean.

Xiao Lie walked along the dirt road in Liushugou, feeling exceptionally relaxed.

Not only did he unexpectedly gain access to the "Archery Manual," a military training method, during his trip up the mountain, but he also acquired a precious medicine recipe!

Moreover, and most importantly, Xiao Lie's mind was completely clear.

The reason for giving the Panlong Guards three days was because of the loyalty of Tie Gong and the others;

The reason for this explanation is for the sake of the countless innocent people in Qingzhou who suffered.

Three days later, if the Panlong Guards come down the mountain and are brought to justice, Xiao Lie will treat their families well, allowing these loyal and righteous men to live openly in the sunlight, without having to hide anymore.

If Tie Gong and the others still insist on going their own way, then that bit of friendship will naturally be severed.

Are the Panlong Guards capable of fighting?

Even the Trapped Camp isn't afraid!

When the time comes, we'll use our weapons to settle things fairly, and that will be just as satisfying!

Xiao Lie felt a sense of peace and unconsciously began to hum a little tune. Upon hearing the sound, Bi Su, who was inside the room, darted out like a little squirrel.

"Your Highness! You're back!"

"Perfect timing! I've just made some soup in the pot, drink it while it's hot!"

Xiao Lie pinched Bi Su's little nose.

"For critically ill patients..."

Before Xiao Lie could finish speaking, Bi Su grabbed him and ran away.

"Drink it! Drink it!"

"This pheasant was specially hunted by Brother Ledo; I cooked it for a long time!"

Xiao Lie smiled and shook his head, letting Bi Su pull him away, while still teasing her.

"Oh?"

"Did Bisu sneak some soup while she was making it?"

Laughter filled the courtyard, and there was no longer any bitterness or stifling feeling.