I can’t lose you

While Chi Ying was preoccupied with court affairs, Cui Yi on his march faced his own challenges. Clearing remnants of Cui Jie's forces had long been planned but delayed due to various reasons, primarily logistical issues. However, Bai Lianzan prepared meticulously, focusing on intelligence gathering around Liangzhou. Based on reports from spies deployed over six months, Cui Yi gained comprehensive insights into Liangzhou's situation. After reaching Liangzhou, Cui Jie bypassed it and entered the territory of the Humongtore people, marrying a princess there and using them as leverage to connect with other kingdoms like Bazhou and Chacha, establishing a foothold in the northwest. Reports in June mentioned Humongtore cavalry harassing Liangzhou civilians, avoiding direct conflict with Liangzhou troops. Some speculated this was Cui Jie testing the waters, suggesting a strong response. However, due to internal strife and external threats, the national treasury was nearly empty. Coupled with reduced grain yields, Cui Yi postponed the expedition until after the autumn harvest. News of the capital's activities reached Western Regions. Guo Mao, acting on Cui Jie's orders, twisted facts before the Humongtore kings, blaming Han Zhui for past grievances and framing Cui Yi for the Maquan Pass incident. With Huerhana dead, Guo Mao fabricated stories, convincing these countries to ally with Cui Jie against the central plains. Both sides prepared for war, ready to destroy each other. At the border town of Yucheng between Fengzhou and Liangzhou, Bai Lianzan briefed accompanying generals on Liangzhou and Western Region situations, exhausting himself. Meanwhile, Cui Yi sat idly, playing with a brocade pouch, lost in thought. "...thus, I believe this is currently the most effective strategy," Bai Lianzan concluded. Generals nodded or asked questions, agreeing on a plan, awaiting their commander's approval. Cui Yi seemed distracted. Bai Lianzan coughed loudly, snapping Cui Yi back to reality. Seeing him, Bai Lianzan grimaced, "Your Majesty, I'm done speaking." Cui Yi nodded, "Oh." Generals sweat-dropped. Realizing his lapse, Cui Yi asked, "What did you say just now?" Bai Lianzan repeated his earlier words. Cui Yi agreed, adding some adjustments to troop deployments. Bai Lianzan conceded, "In terms of military strategy, Your Majesty surpasses me." "I'm only good at warfare," Cui Yi said woodenly, "let me feel proud for a moment." Bai Lianzan chuckled, others joining in. Then Cui Yi added, "Mr. Bai, your voice sounds hoarse. The northwest is dry and cold. Unlike the generals, take care of yourself to avoid illness." Bai Lianzan's veins bulged, thinking his sore throat was from repeating himself. After strategic discussions, generals departed. Seeing Cui Yi still engrossed with the pouch, Bai Lianzan smiled, "Did Her Highness make this for you?" Cui Yi's lips curled, "Yes." "The embroidery is unique, neither dragons nor phoenixes, nor mandarin ducks," Bai Lianzan examined it, "Are those lotuses? Or perhaps intertwined branches?" Cui Yi proudly declared, "It's angelica!" Bai Lianzan stammered, "Does Your Majesty know... what angelica is used for?" Cui Yi firmly stated, "Chi Ying said angelica means 'should return,' praying for my early triumph." Bai Lianzan was speechless, deciding not to reveal its medicinal use. "Chi Ying also placed something valuable inside, saying if you encounter an unsolvable situation, open it!" Cui Yi's eyes sparkled. Bai Lianzan exclaimed, "Her Highness is mighty!" Cui Yi inspected the pouch repeatedly, resisting the urge to open it per Chi Ying's instructions. "Why hasn't anything happened yet?" Bai Lianzan gave up, leaving to avoid becoming as distracted as the emperor. Leaving Yucheng, the army entered Liangzhou. Soon, the Humongtore Sand Demon Cavalry attacked Yangming Pass. Since Han Zhui's death, Liangzhou lacked leadership, with two commanders fighting for power, weakening defenses. Humongtore allied with Bazhou and Chacha, forming a coalition of sixty thousand troops to support Cui Jie. Cui Yi assembled a hundred thousand soldiers, aiming to crush the rebellion. But before engaging, a sudden plague struck. Plagues weren't uncommon during wars, especially in summer. Corpses attracted scavengers spreading disease. Despite precautions taken by Cui Yi, the plague broke out. Cao Qian survived the previous epidemic, escaping infection this time, but Bai Lianzan wasn't so lucky. Initially weak and sore-throated, he soon developed a high fever, immune to treatments. Nearly twenty percent of the camp fell ill, causing fear and unrest. "Your Majesty! Don't go in!" Guards failed to stop Cui Yi from entering. Doctors and Xu Cheng rose to block him. Cui Yi waved them off, "I've had the plague before, I'm immune. How's Mr. Bai?" The doctor lamented, "Still burning, nothing works." Cui Yi approached the bed. Bai Lianzan looked gaunt, barely conscious. Cui Yi tried calling him, seeing his eyelids flutter. Recognizing him, Bai Lianzan tried speaking. Xu Cheng leaned closer but couldn't understand. Cui Yi pushed him aside, listening intently. Xu Cheng guessed, "He seems to be calling for his mother?" The doctor sighed, "Perhaps ancestors are calling him." "Rubbish!" Cui Yi snapped, silencing them. Finally understanding, Cui Yi remembered Chi Ying's advice. He fetched the brocade pouch, pulling out a note filled with text—a prescription. Handing it to the doctor, "Is this for the plague?" The doctor beamed, "It seems so! I'll prepare it immediately!" Hearing this, Bai Lianzan relaxed, closing his eyes. Cui Yi slapped his forehead, "I should have remembered sooner." Xu Cheng comforted, "Not too late." Cui Yi sighed deeply, feeding Bai Lianzan water. "Xu Ke, leave in case you get infected," Cui Yi ordered. Xu Cheng confidently refused, "I'm strong, never sick. This minor plague won't harm me." Relieved, Cui Yi instructed, "Help prepare the medicine. If effective, distribute it quickly." Xu Cheng agreed, leaving. Cui Yi stayed, murmuring, "Hold on, Mr. Bai. I've already lost one strategist; I can't lose you."