Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Someone Comes Looking for Him
Zhao Feng took charge of removing arrows, while Chen Fuzi handled the suturing and application of medicine. With their teamwork, the speed of treatment significantly increased.
"Commander, are you here to see Zhao Feng? Shall I notify him for you?" the military officer asked as he looked at Wang Yan.
"Do not interrupt their efforts to treat the wounded," Wang Yan replied with a wave of her hand. She glanced at Zhao Feng curiously before turning and walking away.
"Understood," the officer promptly acknowledged and carried out her order.
Time passed quickly, and soon, evening arrived.
The efforts in the infirmary showed no signs of stopping, with campfires lit throughout the area.
"Teacher," a military physician approached Chen Fuzi and reported, "Over two hundred severely injured soldiers have been treated, though a dozen or so succumbed to their wounds. The rest have had their lives saved."
Hearing the numbers, Chen Fuzi's face lit up with a smile. He turned to Zhao Feng and said, "Brother Zhao, I've been serving as a military physician for five or six years, treating countless injured soldiers. Yet, achieving such a survival rate has always been near impossible."
"Normally, we'd be fortunate if twenty out of two hundred severely injured soldiers survived. But now, this figure has reversed, all thanks to your suturing method."
"If the fire tempering and alcohol sterilization prove effective, and these soldiers avoid the infection known as the 'Seven-Day Poison,' they'll be entirely out of danger."
"You've done a great service to Qin. Countless soldiers will owe their lives to your suturing method. This contribution outweighs the merit of slaying a hundred enemies."
"I will personally report this to General Wang Jian and request recognition for your achievement."
Zhao Feng smiled, neither modest nor overly humble. "Then I'll leave it in your capable hands."
He wasn't the type to shy away from credit. Moreover, he fully understood the revolutionary impact this suturing method would have on the era.
"With the severely wounded now stabilized, we can take our time treating the lightly injured. Brother Zhao, you've been injured yourself. Though your constitution is exceptional, you should still rest," Chen Fuzi advised warmly.
"Alright," Zhao Feng nodded in agreement.
After treating so many injured soldiers, he was indeed a little fatigued, even though it wasn't as dangerous as combat.
"Here, take this flask of wine as a token of my gratitude," Chen Fuzi said, offering a gourd of wine from his waist.
"Haha, you're too kind, Doctor Chen," Zhao Feng chuckled, accepting the wine without hesitation.
As he turned to head back to his bed, Chen Fuzi watched him leave and thought to himself:
"This young man, though youthful, embodies the compassion and resilience of a true healer. His talents are wasted in logistics. He belongs in the military medical corps."
"If my mentor learns of his invention, which can save countless lives, he'll surely take him on as a disciple."
Back at his resting area, Zhao Feng uncorked the wine flask and took a sip.
"As expected from a military doctor this wine is leagues better than the standard rationed stuff. Still, it doesn't compare to the fine spirits from my previous life. When I retire and return home, I must craft my wine that surpasses anything in this era."
He savored another sip, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
Turning his attention to his panel, Zhao Feng checked his accrued merits. Over the course of the day, he had treated dozens of soldiers, some surviving and some not.
"Not bad. This was worth the effort," Zhao Feng thought as he looked at his total.
"53 merit points. That translates to 265 attribute points if I convert them. But using merit points for attributes feels wasteful. Attribute points can be collected in battle or by slaying enemies, but merit points are harder to come by they require saving lives."
He decided to save his merit points for their other use: upgrading skills. Ten merit points could be exchanged for a skill point, which could enhance any skill.
"This could be invaluable when I come across high-level, difficult-to-master techniques," Zhao Feng mused.
At that moment, the infirmary officer approached him briskly.
"Brother Zhao," the officer greeted him respectfully.
Zhao Feng's name was now well-known in the infirmary. Word of his prowess killing nearly three hundred enemies, including the Korean general Bao Yuan had spread like wildfire.
Though he was still officially a mere squad leader, it was clear to everyone that his battlefield achievements would soon bring him a significant promotion. Naturally, the officer treated him with great courtesy.
"Commander," Zhao Feng returned the gesture with a polite bow.
"How's your injury?" the officer asked.
"Just minor wounds. I'll recover with a bit of rest," Zhao Feng replied with a smile. He planned to stay in the infirmary for as long as possible, hoping to earn more merit by working alongside Chen Fuzi.
"Brother Zhao, your feats in battle are extraordinary slaying nearly three hundred enemies, infiltrating the enemy ranks, and taking down General Bao Yuan. Truly remarkable!" The officer's tone was filled with admiration.
"Perhaps the heavens were watching over me," Zhao Feng said with a light laugh.
"Indeed," the officer nodded.
"By the way, Commander, is there something you need?" Zhao Feng asked, sensing there was more to the visit.
"Commander Wang Yan from the First Main Camp has been waiting for you outside the infirmary all day," the officer explained with a grin.
"Wang Yan?" Zhao Feng was taken aback. "Who's that? And why is he looking for me?"
"I'm not sure, but he's the commander of the main camp a much higher rank than anyone in our logistics unit. Best not to offend him," the officer advised earnestly.
"Understood. Thank you for letting me know," Zhao Feng nodded and stood up, preparing to head outside.
"Wait," the officer suddenly called out.
"What is it?" Zhao Feng turned back, puzzled.
"Brother Zhao, you've changed clothes, but your face and hair are still covered in blood. I suggest you clean up a bit first," the officer advised with a chuckle.
If there had been a mirror nearby, Zhao Feng would have seen himself covered in dried blood and grime a rather terrifying sight. While this was commonplace in the infirmary, it wasn't ideal for meeting someone of high rank.
"Thank you for the reminder," Zhao Feng replied sincerely, heading off to clean up before meeting Commander Wang Yan.
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