radicalducati Chapter 220 Entering the Capital, Prince Yi
Chapter 220 Entering the Capital, Prince Yi
Chapter 220 Entering the Capital, Prince Yi
Everyone had their own thoughts and hurried on their horses.
Before long, the majestic city walls of the capital came into view.
The gray-black walls appeared exceptionally tall and imposing under the winter sun, exuding an aura of majesty and oppression accumulated over hundreds of years.
The closer he got to the city gate, the more excited Tan Sitong became, his face flushed and his eyes filled with anticipation.
He seemed to already see himself in the heart of this empire, realizing his ambitions, implementing new laws, and saving the country and its people.
He couldn't help but point to the towering city gate and ask, "What does this city gate look like to you all?"
Yuan Shikai eagerly answered, his tone excited: "In my opinion, it's like a milestone! It will surely record our great achievements in entering Beijing today, and in the future, as we establish ourselves here and bring glory to our families!"
Wang Wu looked up and said in a low voice, "To me, it looks like a giant tombstone. Who knows how many lives and dreams are buried beneath it? And it will be the same in the future."
These words were filled with desolation and pessimism, causing the atmosphere to pause slightly.
Tan Sitong turned his expectant gaze to Chen Wen: "What do you think, Brother Chen?"
Chen Wen reined in his horse, staring at the deep entrance of the city gate with its wide-open eyes, his gaze utterly cold: "To me, it looks like a tomb."
"Here lie the bones of heroes, and thieves stand triumphantly atop their graves!"
After he finished speaking, there was a deathly silence.
Tan Sitong's face turned pale instantly, and his heart pounded wildly.
This couldn't be clearer.
The capital was built by the Ming Dynasty, but now it has been occupied by the Qing Dynasty!
This is no longer a veiled criticism; it's a blatant declaration!
His last shred of hope was shattered. Chen Wen was probably not just a rebel; his radical stance far exceeded his imagination!
Yuan Shikai, however, was momentarily confused due to a lack of crucial information.
He only felt that the metaphor was strange and a bit taboo, but he didn't think too deeply about what it meant. He just smiled awkwardly and didn't know how to respond.
A glint flashed in Wang Wu's eyes. Far from being alarmed, he felt a surge of anticipation and excitement.
really!
Chen Wen came to the capital to do something earth-shattering!
Seeing that the atmosphere was becoming increasingly tense, and fearing that things would get out of hand if he continued talking, Tan Sitong quickly shut his mouth.
Chen Wen suddenly looked at him.
"Brother Tan, we've all spoken, what about you?"
"What does this city gate look like?"
Tan Sitong was slightly taken aback when Chen Wen called his name.
He gazed at the towering, majestic city gate, remained silent for a moment, and then a complex yet resolute light gradually appeared in his eyes. He slowly opened his mouth and said, "In my opinion, this city gate is like a monument to the beginning of a new era."
"We who enter through this gate do not seek to leave our names on the monument, nor fear being buried beneath it, but only seek to find a new path to save the country and its people. Even if the monument falls and we perish, it will be enough if we can pave a way for those who come after us."
After he finished speaking, the surroundings fell silent.
Whether it was Yuan Shikai's pragmatism, Wang Wu's tragic fate, or Chen Wen's sharp incisiveness.
In comparison.
Tan Sitong's words, with their pure ideals and tragic sentiments of knowing the impossibility yet still doing it, daring to be the first in the world, and not being afraid of sacrifice, are particularly touching.
Chen Wen was the one who felt it most deeply.
He came from the future and knew all too well the path the man before him was about to choose and his ultimate fate. He also knew that these words were almost a prophecy of Tan Sitong's destiny.
A complex mix of emotions welled up within him—admiration, regret—and he was just about to say something.
Suddenly, he frowned and his sharp gaze fell into the city gate.
"Someone's coming."
Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look.
A wisp of smoke rose from inside the city gate, and a troop of men in gleaming armor and fluttering banners galloped out. Leading them was a middle-aged nobleman dressed in a prince's robe and wearing a jeweled hat.
He reined in his horse, glanced at the group of people outside the city gate, and laughed loudly: "Hahaha! I wonder which one of you is Chen Wen, the Divine Physician Chen of Baozhilin? I have been ordered to come and welcome you!"
Upon seeing this man, Yuan Shikai's expression changed drastically. He practically dismounted, trotted forward, knelt on one knee, and bowed, his voice filled with fear and extreme respect: "This humble servant Yuan Shikai pays his respects to Prince Yi! Your Highness—why have you come out of the city in person? You have flattered this humble servant!"
Prince Yi glanced at Yuan Shikai and casually waved his hand: "Oh, you're Yuan Shikai? Get up."
"The Emperor and Empress Dowager were overjoyed to hear that Physician Chen had come to the capital, and specially ordered me to come and greet him, to show the court's eagerness to seek out talented people."
His tone was calm, yet it revealed the arrogance of a nobleman.
Yuan Shikai quickly stood up, bowed even lower, and turned to lead Chen Wen: "Your Highness, this is Physician Chen Wen."
It then points to Tan Sitong.
"This is Tan Sitong."
Chen Wen sat upright on his horse, merely clasped his hands slightly, and said in a calm tone, "Chen Wen greets Your Highness."
Prince Yi's gaze fell on Chen Wen. Seeing that he had not dismounted, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes.
According to the rules, a mere commander of the Jing'an Camp should pay homage to a prince with great ceremony.
However, this person's identity is truly special.
A world-renowned miracle doctor, and also held the title of knight by a foreigner —
He suppressed his slight displeasure and put on a warm smile again: "Dr. Chen is indeed a young hero with extraordinary bearing! I have long admired your name, and it is my great honor to meet you today! His Majesty and the Empress Dowager have long admired you, Dr. Chen!"
Chen Wen remained calm and composed: "Your Highness flatters me."
Prince Yi narrowed his eyes, the feeling of being slighted resurfacing in his heart, but he couldn't show it.
He turned to Tan Sitong, who was standing respectfully to the side, and his expression softened: "Nephew Tan, there is no need for such formality. Your father is the Governor-General of Huguang, and he is an old acquaintance of mine. He has long heard of your outstanding talent and dedication to the country."
"Now that we have received Mr. Kang's recommendation and His Majesty's appreciation, it is the perfect time to realize our grand ambitions!"
Tan Sitong quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness is too kind. I am but a humble man, and I only wish to do my utmost to serve the court and the people, so as not to fail the Emperor's grace and the expectations of my teacher."
"Good! It's good that you have this intention!" Prince Yi clapped his hands and smiled, appearing very satisfied.
His gaze swept over Chen Wen, Tan Sitong, and Yuan Shikai, finally settling on Wang Wu for a brief pause before he announced in a loud voice, "It is truly a rare coincidence that the three of you have come to the capital together today! I have prepared a simple banquet to welcome you all!"
He glanced specifically at Chen Wen and added, emphasizing his words, "This is also the will of the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. We humbly request that Physician Chen grace us with his presence!"
Facing Prince Yi's gaze, which held both pressure and scrutiny, Chen Wen smiled slightly and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty and Empress Dowager are so kind, and Your Highness is so generous. How could I, Chen Wen, dare to refuse? Thank you very much."
Surrounded by Prince Yi's personal guards, the entourage entered the capital in a grand procession.
Soldiers were already stationed along the route to guard the streets and keep curious civilians on both sides of the road.
Even so, the windows and alleyways along the street were still crowded with people peeking out, pointing and gossiping.
"What a grand display! Even Prince Yi personally came out to greet us! Who are those people on horseback in the middle?"
"I heard he's a renowned healer from the south! Dr. Chen Wen from Po Chi Lam!"
"Dr. Chen?! That's the one—the one-penny doctor?!"
"Yes, yes, yes! That's him! My mother's rheumatism hadn't improved despite taking so much medicine. Last year, I asked someone to bring back some Baozhilin plasters from the south, and after using them for half a month, she was able to get out of bed! It only cost a few cents!"
"My God! He's a living Buddha! How did he end up in the capital?"
"The Emperor and Empress Dowager must have heard of the divine physician's abilities and specially invited him! This is wonderful; the people of the capital are truly blessed!"
"It's more than just a blessing! If Doctor Chen were to enter the Imperial Medical Academy, he would rise to great heights, be granted titles and high positions—"