"Uh... Old me... old me... can I take Miss Han as my master?"
"Huh?"
Han Lei was so shocked her jaw nearly hit the ground. Just as she didn't know how to react, a burst of hearty laughter came from outside the tent.
"Hahaha..." It was Zhao Zun who had come in. "Finally, I get to see you groveling. Hahaha..."
Zhao Zun was followed by Ping Chuan, Ma Cheng, and that young leader from yesterday, all looking at Mr. He playfully.
Mr. He was embarrassed, and clasped his fists towards Han Lei, "Marshal, don't make fun of this old man, I'm sincerely seeking apprenticeship."
"Yes, yes, old Mr. He is humble and eager to learn, truly admirable! Hahaha..." Ma Cheng joked along.
"Tsk! Of course. If you don't understand, humbly ask." Mr. He gave him a side-eye.
Zhao Zun smiled lightly, looked at Han Lei, and said, "Did you hear that? You got the cocky Mr. He to bow down and seek apprenticeship, that's something!"
Han Lei blushed slightly. How could she have the virtue or ability to dare accept an apprentice?
Mr. He also blushed as he was spoken of.
"Doctor Han, don't mock me. To be honest, when I first saw you yesterday, I was indeed dismissive. I thought how capable could a young girl possibly be, maybe just read a few medical books."
"Haha." Mr. He laughed at himself, "But when I saw Miss Han's sewing skill, I realized I was hit in the face. Your technique is skillful, each stitch precise and flawless. This old man was stunned, secretly amazed. And then your talk of surgical knives and methods for disinfection and anti-infection, it truly opened my eyes and made me feel deeply ashamed!"
Mr. He took a deep breath and lamented, "Ah! I've mingled in the military camp for a lifetime, treated countless wounded soldiers, and they secretly call me an old hand. It wasn't until today that I truly understood. There are always greater mountains beyond a mountain, stronger people outside of people!"
Han Lei gave a shy smile: "Mr. He, you over-praise, it's just that we studied in different directions. Surgical stitching techniques combined the latest medical concepts and practical experience with general medical skills. When it comes to accepting a master, I wouldn't dare; if Mr. He is interested, we can discuss it together and progress together."
"Good! Good!"
Mr. He's eyes shone, nodding like pounding garlic.
"Old Mr. He, you must learn well, don't let the master use a ruler on your palms! Hahaha..."
The young leader laughed heartily. He stayed behind to help yesterday and witnessed Han Lei treating the injured.
Seeing the brothers who were almost sent to their deaths by him and his men come back to life, he genuinely hoped Mr. He would succeed in becoming an apprentice.
So, in future battles, more brothers could survive.
"Hahaha..."
Everyone laughed heartily, and Han Lei couldn't help but laugh as well, her laughter sweet and ethereal.
Zhao Zun turned to take a deep look at Han Lei. Her humble attitude just now made people feel very comfortable. She neither flaunted her talent arrogantly, nor did she degrade Mr. He because of her superior medical skills. She conducted herself with poise and grace.
She was really different from those young ladies and noble maidens.
She was like a burst of beautiful light, but this light wasn't dazzling, only making people feel warm and want to get closer, also making his heart tremble uncontrollably.
Suddenly, a 'ding' sounded in Han Lei's mind. She kept a smile on her face while her divine sense looked at the system panel.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully treating many wounded soldiers, reward: five hundred taels of gold and a portable space!"
"Wow, getting rich, five hundred taels of gold! There's even a space?" Han Lei cheered in her heart.
Items in the system must be taken out once purchased; it's inconvenient if someone is nearby. With space, items from the system can be put in the space first, and carried anywhere at all times.
No matter how many items, they can be transferred at once with a thought, like moving a large batch to a warehouse, much more convenient this way.
The space is a small and exquisite watch, worn on the hand, it can tell time and also store items.
Han Lei closed the system panel, then returned to her senses.
"Mr. He. Please, take them to other tents for further inspection. If anything is amiss, come and find me. Ping Chuan, you too, I have something to discuss with the Prince."
"Okay!"
With the master's order, Mr. He happily accepted and left.
After sending everyone off, Han Lei thought for a moment, then pushed Zhao Zun in a wheelchair outside the tent, asking earnestly.
"How much of the ten thousand catties of grain you gave me the day before yesterday is left?"
"Enough to last until tomorrow at most." A trace of worry appeared on Zhao Zun's face, and that's with just having porridge every meal.
"And how much longer until the Ministry of War's provision of grain and fodder arrives?" Han Lei asked again.
"Usually before the fifth of each month. With the roads slippery from snow, it's uncertain if it will arrive on time."
Han Lei frowned, calculating: "It's only the end of the month now. Even if it arrives on time, we will still have to wait five or six days."
The grain will last only until tomorrow, and for the remaining five or six days, we can't possibly chew on grass roots and bark again, right?
She just got a reward of five hundred taels of gold, thinking she could make a little fortune, but there are so many wounded soldiers needing medicine, and the army needs to eat. She couldn't just watch the soldiers run out of food, could she?
"Ah..." Han Lei grabbed her head and wailed, "Oh heavens! You brought me here, you're not expecting me to do poverty alleviation, are you?"
Zhao Zun was startled, "You... you're okay?"
Looking at Zhao Zun disheartedly, Han Lei decided to serve the masses after all.
"I can get some more grain and medicine. But..."
"But what?"
Zhao Zun's eyes sparkled. This girl always manages to surprise him in his darkest hours.
"But it can only last five or six days. Also, you can't tell anyone that I got the grain."
"Why?"
"If you want grain, don't ask why. I said before, once this period is over, I'll tell you."
"Fine, I won't ask, and I won't let anyone know." Zhao Zun raised his hand as if making a vow.
As long as there's grain, he'd do anything.
Besides, the night before last, Han Lei took ten thousand catties of grain and so much medicine out of an emergency vehicle that wasn't that large to begin with, which he already found very strange.
He knows this girl has many secrets. But since Han Lei doesn't want to reveal them now, it's best not to ask.
After all, since Han Lei said she'd tell him once this period was over, what's the hurry to know right now!
Seeing Zhao Zun seriously about to swear, Han Lei waved her hand. "Forget it, no need to swear. Remember, this is a secret only you and I know. Take me to where the grain is stored."
Only a secret between the two of them?
Zhao Zun was overjoyed.
Does this mean Han Lei sees him as the person she trusts the most?
Zhao Zun pointed in a direction, and Han Lei quickly pushed the wheelchair to a row of wooden houses beside the kitchen.
"This is the warehouse where the grain is stored," Zhao Zun said, pushing open one of the doors.
Han Lei followed him in and saw it was dark and empty inside.
Perhaps to prevent dampness, the ground was haphazardly laid with round wood and planks, with some used burlap sacks thrown on top.
"Prince, what you are about to see might be a bit mind-blowing. But remember, don't let it slip out." Han Lei turned to Zhao Zun, her expression particularly serious.
"Mm!"
Zhao Zun nodded solemnly.