We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

Chapter 1006 Xu Jiezi and the Beef

Yang Zhongsi added, "I have heard His Majesty mention this person and his sect from time to time, and he seems quite interested in recruiting them."

"Now that he has come to us of his own accord, if we turn him away, wouldn't we be betraying His Majesty's trust?"

"Let him come. We'll see what he's made of once we take him out for a spin."

"If they are truly capable, they will be a blessing to the people and soldiers of Qiongzhou; if they are merely empty names, they will not be able to make any waves in this epidemic-stricken military region."

Seeing that Yang Zhongsi had made up his mind, Hua Chang'an and Wang Sanchun said no more.

"In that case, we will follow the commander's instructions."

“Alright, then reply to He Conglong and grant permission for Xu Jiezi to land on the island.” Yang Zhongsi made the decision. “Order the dock guards to treat him with courtesy upon his arrival and lead him directly to the central command tent.”

The Qing army was very efficient; Yang Zhongsi received the urgent letter that He Conglong sent that afternoon in Qiongzhou that evening.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, Xu Jiezi was arranged to board a fast ship and sail across the Qiongzhou Strait.

As the ship sailed on the sea, Xu Jiezi stood at the bow, the sea breeze ruffling his snow-white beard and white robes, giving him a somewhat otherworldly air.

As he gazed at the gradually clearer outline of Qiongzhou in the distance, Xu Jiezi felt a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.

"Alas." Xu Jiezi sighed softly, his voice blending into the sea breeze, "The knowledge that my master passed down back then, including strategy, tactics, astrology, divination, mechanics and numerology... was all astonishing and enough to overturn the learning of an entire generation."

"The only thing I disliked studying when I was young was the knowledge of healing injuries and illnesses, because I always felt that its scope was too narrow."

"Studying medicine to save lives is merely about preserving human life; how can it possibly save the world from its current state?"

He shook his head, his smile full of self-deprecation: "I never thought that after wasting so many years, I would have to use the most insignificant skills that I used to look down on the most."

"Old Master, you are indeed farsighted. Your disciple was ultimately too narrow-minded."

Just as he was lost in his memories, a loud "moo" came from behind him.

Xu Jiezi couldn't help but turn around and look at the cabin.

He wasn't the only distinguished guest in the cabin; there were also four or five robust calves crammed in, currently restlessly squeezing into the cabin.

Xu Jiezi frowned slightly, a hint of doubt passing through his mind: "Since the Qing army treats me with such courtesy, why did they arrange for me to cross the sea on a ship carrying cattle? Could it be that they couldn't find enough ships in such a hurry?"

However, Xu Jiezi lived for nearly two cycles of sixty years and had extremely profound skills in cultivating his inner energy.

The secret to longevity is to have a broad mind, not to meddle in other people's business, and not to be petty.

This little incident only lingered in his mind for a moment before dissipating like ripples on water.

The ship cut through the waves and sailed forward, with the Qiongzhou Wharf already in sight in the distance.

Xu Jiezi looked around and couldn't help but be slightly surprised.

The scale of the dock far exceeded his expectations, with extended piers and orderly berths.

Although it appears rough, its frame is enormous, unlike the typical port in a remote and barren place.

He was naturally unaware that before the Qing army landed, the Qiongzhou wharf was far smaller than Leizhou's, barely able to accommodate large fishing boats, let alone warships.

Since the Qing army was blocked on the coastline due to the epidemic, tens of thousands of troops could not go deep inland. Yang Zhongsi felt that since he was idle anyway, he simply used local materials to expand the wharf to facilitate the subsequent transportation of supplies.

Don't underestimate the Qing army's infrastructure capabilities. Even field troops can move bricks and pile stones, and before they knew it, they had reached their current scale.

As the ship slowly entered the harbor, Xu Jiezi saw banners waving and soldiers in bright armor standing on the dock, ready to greet him.

A forest of spears and halberds, an impeccably disciplined military formation—what an impressive sight!

"Hmm?" Even Xu Jiezi, with his calm demeanor, was slightly disturbed by this scene. "They actually put on such a grand display to welcome this old man?"

"It seems that the pandemic has indeed driven them to the brink of despair, and they have high hopes for me."

Even as a reclusive master, one cannot help but feel a surge of enthusiasm upon receiving such a grand welcome.

No one can resist its rich emotional value.

Xu Jiezi slowly rose and, for the first time ever, tidied his robes and beard so that he could disembark with an elegant and otherworldly demeanor.

However, just as he got into position, a shout came from beside him: "Hey old man, excuse me, the ox is getting off the boat!"

Xu Jiezi paused slightly and turned to look.

Several porters responsible for escorting the calves were seen with small whips, driving them past him to get off the boat first.

Upon seeing this, Xu Jiezi frowned slightly.

It's not that I feel offended because I feel like my path has been taken away.

Instead, he worried that the soldiers waiting for him at the dock would feel it was impolite to see the laborers and cattle disembarking before him, and would then take their anger out on the innocent laborers.

Adhering to the principle of goodwill, he spoke gently: "Please be patient, gentlemen. Could you wait a moment while I proceed..."

Unfortunately, the cows couldn't understand each other's language.

Driven by the whip, they eagerly stepped onto the gangplank and slowly, swaying, walked towards the dock.

The laborer turned around and asked honestly, "Old man, what did you just say?"

Xu Jiezi looked at the cow's rump that had already stepped onto the springboard and waved his hand helplessly: "It's nothing."

Just then, a burst of enthusiastic cheers suddenly erupted from the shore!

"They're here! The cows are here!"

"Great! That's good, at least we've solved our immediate problem."

"Be careful when you catch it, don't hurt the precious baby!"

Xu Jiezi looked on in surprise and saw that the soldiers who had been standing solemnly on the dock were now rushing forward.

It wasn't aimed at himself, but at those calves that had just disembarked.

Everyone's face was filled with joy, and they all carefully reached out to stroke the calf's head, their eyes full of love.

Virtual Messenger: ? ? ?

What's happening here?

When did cattle become so popular in military camps?

Is it possible that the food shortage in Qiongzhou has reached the point where cattle are revered?

Something's not right. These soldiers look full of energy; they don't seem hungry.

The laborer beside him seemed to notice his confusion and explained with a smile, "Don't be afraid, old man. The soldiers here... oh, we're not allowed to call them soldiers now, but that's how they always are. They're always very happy when the cattle are delivered."

Xu Jiezi became even more curious: "You've already delivered cattle many times?"

The porter nodded and said matter-of-factly, "Yes, this must be the fourth or fifth time today, right? Every time we dock, it's the same scene, very lively!"

Looking at the lively scene of laughter and chatter on the shore, even with his detached state of mind, Xu Jiezi was completely baffled.

At this moment, the porter kindly reminded him, "Old man, aren't you getting off the boat? We've delivered the cattle and unloaded the cargo, and we're about to turn back to Leizhou."

Xu Jiezi then realized what was happening.

Yes, the ship is leaving!

He quickly looked towards the shore and saw that the soldiers and civilians were crowding around several cows and were already happily walking back.

No one looked up at him, let alone greeted him.

Xu Jiezi: ...