Chapter 283: Treatment

After Bai Jianing brought them food, Wang Qian handed one ginseng root to her. She knew it was best not to reveal all the good things at once. Just this one root was already surprising; presenting two might raise suspicions.

“Auntie Bai, please make a soup with this ginseng for my uncle. If he can’t drink it, we’ll find a way to administer it to him. It’s challenging to recover solely on nutrients. I appreciate your help with this,” Wang Qian requested.

The ginseng root in Wang Qian’s hand immediately caught Bai Jianing’s attention. Zhang Weiguo had given her a portion before, fearing that it could be a lifesaver in case of an emergency. Little did he know it would ultimately save his own life.

Seeing the complete ginseng root, Bai Jianing, a knowledgeable person, couldn’t help but be drawn to its allure. She pondered about the Zhang family’s occupation. How could they be so generous with such a precious item? Their attire didn’t suggest wealth, yet they were so open-handed. It left her puzzled.

“Sister, Brother-in-law, I’ll go make soup for Weiguo. Don’t hesitate to have a bite. If it’s not enough, just let me know. The higher-ups instructed us to treat you well,” Bai Jianing said as she left with the ginseng root, treating it like a treasure.

Observing her departure, Wang Zhenhe commented, “This girl is quite something. Let’s eat quickly. Tonight, we’ll start trying to help Weiguo. If illnesses can be cured, there’s no reason his injuries can’t be.”

Wang Zhenhe’s words were reassuring. Seeing her brother still breathing, Zhang Lan felt a sense of relief. As long as he was alive, there was hope. Without him, even if they could save Zhang Weiguo, it wouldn’t mean much.

So, obediently picking up her bowl, Zhang Lan began eating. She needed to nourish herself to take care of her brother properly; otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to face her mother in the future.

If something happened to Weiguo, she doubted whether her parents could persevere. Their older siblings were unreliable, leaving only this younger brother as the apple of their parents’ eyes. She couldn’t bear to think of the worst-case scenario. Without a doubt, this time, she would do whatever it took to pull her brother back from the brink of death.

“Wife, don’t just eat rice. Try some of the dishes; they taste great,” Wang Zhenhe reminded her.

Lost in thought, Zhang Lan had forgotten to serve herself some vegetables. Wang Zhenhe also found the food quite enjoyable. Little did they know they were dining on authentic hospital food specially prepared for them and the wounded – genuine patient meals.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Bai Jianing was simmering the ginseng soup. She kept it simple, slicing a few thin pieces and adding them to the pot. Soon, a rich aroma filled the kitchen, even more fragrant than her previous attempt.

A cook, drawn by the delightful scent, approached Bai Jianing curiously. “Nurse Bai, what are you stewing that smells so delicious?”

Inhaling deeply, the cook relished the herbal fragrance lingering in the air. “Good stuff! Nurse Bai, how about I taste it for you?”

As they were all military personnel, Bai Jianing responded straightforwardly, “No, this is the life-saving medicine for our hero, Zhang Weiguo. If you have it, he won’t. There’s a limited amount. This is precious ginseng that his sister brought.”

Upon learning that the ginseng soup was for Zhang Weiguo, the cook quickly shook his head. “Nurse Bai, I dare not drink it. Zhang Weiguo is a respected figure in our hospital. Is he still not awake?”

Upon being asked about Zhang Weiguo’s condition, Bai Jianing’s expression dimmed. “He hasn’t woken up yet, but he will definitely wake up.”

As the ginseng soup was brought into the ward, Zhang Lan was about to take it, but Wang Qian stopped her. “Mom, let Auntie Bai handle this.”

Understanding the situation, Zhang Lan realized that Zhang Weiguo had been cared for by Bai Jianing. Observing the care and concern she showed for her brother, even with their relationship aside, it was clear their bond was special. It seemed best to let Bai Jianing continue for now, and they could discuss taking over later in the evening.

Since Zhang Weiguo couldn’t swallow, Bai Jianing administered the soup through a nasal tube, not wasting a drop.

“Weiguo, can you hear my voice? Your sister and the others are here to see you. Try to open your eyes and look. Your beloved niece, as pretty as you always mentioned, is here too. Hurry and get better. I miss the honey from your home,” Bai Jianing softly murmured to the still unconscious Zhang Weiguo. Zhang Lan and Wang Zhenhe exchanged a glance, each reading a shared understanding in the other’s eyes.

Outside the room, Wu Changyong arrived with security personnel to check on Zhang Weiguo. Seeing the venerable Wu, Zhang Lan couldn’t hold back her tears.

“Uncle Wu…”

Wu Changyong, seeing Zhang Lan’s distressed expression, felt a deep sense of guilt. “Niece, I truly apologize. I didn’t protect Weiguo properly.”

Shaking her head vigorously, Zhang Lan replied, “Uncle, you can’t blame yourself. Bullets have no eyes on the battlefield. It’s unpredictable who they’ll hit. We’re all in the same boat. Getting hit by a bullet is never good; it’s just Weiguo’s fate.”

Seated in the ward, Wu Changyong discussed the war and Zhang Weiguo’s injury with the couple. “Ah, the frontline soldiers have it tough. Many soldiers get injured or even die while fetching water for their comrades. It’s heartbreaking to think about. Our supplies couldn’t reach them. Some got halfway only for enemy bullets to pierce their water barrels. By the time they reached the front lines, there was hardly any water left.”

Listening nearby, Wang Qian felt a pang in her heart. In a past life, she had heard similar stories. She recalled how a schoolchild had improved the water-carrying buckets later on, enabling soldiers to have water. Perhaps she could propose this idea early on. It seemed straightforward; it just hadn’t been considered before.

She decided to discuss this matter with Grandpa Wu the next day. “Grandpa Wu, why do I see you looking thinner? You haven’t gained weight like  when you were at our place. Is everything okay?”

Seeing the mischievous look on the girl’s face, Wu Changyong couldn’t help but chuckle. “Girl, how can I sleep soundly when our soldiers are sacrificing and bleeding? I’m anxious too. I wish I could send these troublemakers back to their grandmas’ houses. By the way, girl, did you bring honey this time? I’ve run out. Without that, I can’t sleep properly.”

Bai Jianing entered with a plate of fruit from outside. “Commander, have some fruit.”

Seeing Bai Jianing’s eyes reddened from crying, Wu Changyong spoke tenderly, “Girl, Weiguo will recover. But if he wakes up and sees you like this, he won’t know how to bear it.”

Blushing at Wu Changyong’s teasing, Bai Jianing replied, “Uncle Wu, why are you teasing me like this? I’ll ignore you now. I’ll leave first.”

Observing the familiarity between Bai Jianing and Wu Changyong, Zhang Lan and Wang Zhenhe noted that in the military, addressing superiors with respect was common. However, Bai Jianing calling him “uncle” suggested a closer relationship.

“Uncle Wu, are you and Nurse Bai acquainted for a long time?” Zhang Lan inquired.

Wu Changyong nodded with a smile. “Yes, she’s the daughter of an old comrade of mine. I’ve known her since she was young. She’s like a niece to me. Niece, I’ve arranged accommodations for you tonight in the family quarters, so you can rest.”

Shaking her head, Zhang Lan responded, “Uncle Wu, I’m not going anywhere. The three of us will stay by Weiguo’s side. I need to see him with my own eyes to feel at ease. We’ll take turns caring for him, sleeping on the nearby bed. If Weiguo senses us, he will wake up.”

Understanding their resolve, Wu Changyong didn’t push them. With uncertainty about Zhang Weiguo’s condition the next day, keeping a constant vigil seemed appropriate. Even the doctors were uncertain, so he respected Zhang Lan’s decision.

“Nephew, I can’t stay here any longer. The frontline battle continues. I need to return to headquarters. I’ll come to see you all again when I have the chance,” Wu Changyong stated before departing.

After bidding farewell to the now commander Wu, Wang Zhenhe and the others remained by Zhang Weiguo’s side. Perhaps due to the ginseng soup, Weiguo’s breathing had stabilized somewhat. However, this improvement was far from enough, and Wang Qian didn’t expect the ginseng to work miracles instantly.

Zhang Lan brought hot water and carefully cleaned the areas on Weiguo that were relatively unharmed. “Weiguo, if it hurts, just let me know.”

Witnessing this scene, Wang Zhenhe and Wang Qian felt a pang of sorrow. Weiguo’s current state was heart-wrenching. He had always been a bright and warm person; they had never seen him lie so still.

When the doctor made rounds, everyone sighed upon seeing Weiguo’s condition. A hero had fallen silently, and they couldn’t guarantee if he would see the next day’s sunrise. It was all left to fate.

As the night grew quiet, Wang Zhenhe stood guard at the door while Zhang Lan and Wang Qian moved Weiguo, along with the bed and medical equipment, into the space.

Unsure of the treatment approach, Zhang Lan assumed lying in bed would suffice. However, Wang Qian had some knowledge on the matter. She retrieved a jewelry box from the ground, surprising Zhang Lan, who couldn’t help but smile at the items her daughter held – likely taken from Wang Zhenhe’s possessions.

“What are you doing, Qian Qian?” Zhang Lan inquired.

Without looking up, Wang Qian searched the jewelry box for a jade pendant. “Mom, I’m looking for the jade pendant. We need to include it for Weiguo’s treatment, and not just any jade – it has to be high-quality. You and Grandma used to wear them, and your health improved. To help cure Uncle Weiguo, we have to do this. Ah, there’s only one good jade pendant left.”

Wang Qian placed the high-quality mutton-fat jade from the jewelry box onto Zhang Weiguo, believing that wearing it was essential for his healing.

Closing her eyes, Wang Qian silently prayed, hoping that the space could cure Weiguo’s injuries and illnesses.

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