socalfunplaces Chapter 214: How much merit and demerit is there?
Chapter 214: How much merit and demerit is there?
Chapter 214: How much merit and demerit is there?
Yuan Shikai was completely baffled and couldn't understand it at all.
Could it really be a misunderstanding?
Just because he drove away disaster victims and used ordinary people as human shields?
Is Chen Wen going to kill me?
But isn't it normal to use some extraordinary measures when fighting bandits?
No, it's definitely not a simple misunderstanding!
He felt that icy killing intent clearly just now!
This Dr. Chen really wanted to kill him!
correct!
Legend has it that this Dr. Chen was a great philanthropist who opened a clinic to save people without seeking money or fame, and even set a rule of only charging one coin. It is possible that the other party was angered by his disregard for the lives of ordinary people, and even had murderous intent!
Thinking about this...
Yuan Shikai broke out in a cold sweat again.
His mind raced, but his face quickly contorted with regret, guilt, and heartache.
Turning to the groaning refugees and the corpses of the dead, he said in a somber tone, "Alas! It was my fault—my oversight! Suppressing these rebels, the Blue Lanterns, was of utmost importance, but it has caused so many innocent people to suffer. It is truly—truly heartbreaking!"
He immediately instructed Deputy Commander Tao An: "Tao An! Quickly! Lead men to treat the wounded! tally the casualties, provide appropriate compensation and benefits to those who deserve it, and ensure everything is handled properly! We must not let the people lose heart!"
Seeing this, Tan Sitong's face showed relief and emotion. He cupped his hands and said, "Lord Yuan's compassion for the people's suffering and his timely remedy are truly a blessing for the people! On behalf of these suffering fellow villagers, we thank you, Lord Yuan!"
Yuan Shikai waved his hands repeatedly, looking ashamed: "Mr. Zhuangfei, you flatter me! As an official who receives a salary from the court, it is my duty to protect the territory and its people and cherish them."
.
"Just now, too—it was also because we were too eager to eliminate the bandits that we used excessive methods."
"My only wish is to quell all the rebels and bandits as soon as possible, restore peace to the land, and allow the people to live and work in peace!"
He spoke with heartfelt sincerity, appearing patriotic, concerned for the people, and righteous.
Chen Wen stood to the side the whole time, watching Yuan Shikai's performance with a half-smile.
Only then did he chuckle softly, his voice low but clear enough to reach everyone's ears: "Lord Yuan is right!"
"Whoever harms the people, Chen will kill them!"
"It was indeed a misunderstanding just now. Lord Yuan is a magnanimous man and surely won't take offense."
Yuan Shikai's heart skipped a beat.
This guy admitted it! He was trying to kill me!
Even so, he dared not show the slightest expression on his face. Instead, he smiled even more ingratiatingly and waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "Dr. Chen, you flatter me! What do you mean by 'adult'? Although I am a few years older, my skills are meager. How could I dare to presume before you?"
"If the divine physician doesn't mind, how about we—how about we address each other as brothers? And Mr. Zhuangfei, the three of us have become acquainted today through a fight—"
His words were well-chosen; they both humbled himself and brought Tan Sitong into the conversation, making it seem natural.
Tan Sitong's mind was still in a complete mess at that moment.
Chen Wen's true identity, his uncertain future after entering Beijing, and his goodwill towards Yuan Shikai's earlier remarks about caring for the people—all these thoughts intertwined.
He instinctively followed Yuan Shikai's words and said to Chen Wen, "Brother Chen, what do you think—?"
Chen Wen chuckled lightly, this time with less of the previous sharpness and more casualness: "It is my honor to be addressed as 'brother' by Brother Tan."
He turned his gaze to Yuan Shikai, who was looking on expectantly, paused, and uttered two words: "Brother Yuan."
Yuan Shikai was overjoyed, and his smile almost overflowed!
That's great! Although the process was dangerous, the result was unexpectedly good!
The title "Chen Wen" is incredibly valuable!
This is a legendary doctor and knight-errant whom even the emperor and empress dowager want to see, and whom foreigners regard as an honored guest!
As long as you can establish some connection with him, the benefits in the future will be endless!
Even if he just casually mentions his name in the palace, or gives the foreigners a little help, it would be enough for him to enjoy endlessly!
Tan Sitong's side was no less impressive!
He was personally recommended by Mr. Kang and is about to be given an important position in Beijing. His future is limitless!
Making friends now is a sure-fire way to make money!
For a moment, Yuan Shikai even felt that the beating and the shock he had just suffered were all worth it!
He quickly clasped his hands in greeting, his tone even more enthusiastic: "Brother Chen! Brother Tan! What a—what a coincidence!"
Chen Wen did not continue to target Yuan Shikai.
His feelings about Yuan Shikai were actually quite complex.
On the one hand, he knew that this guy would do a lot of terrible things that were perverse and harmful to the country and its people in the future.
On the other hand, historically speaking, this guy did indeed become the final straw that broke the Qing Dynasty's back.
In a way, it can be considered a merit.
If I had acted decisively just now, I would have killed him.
Since he hadn't killed him, he didn't plan to pursue the matter any further for the time being.
The course of history cannot be completely changed by killing one or two people, especially since this person is still useful at present.
He said no more, turned around and waved to Liang Kuan.
"Liang Kuan, help save them!"
"Yes, sir!"
Liang Kuan understood and immediately led the Blood Flag Army soldiers disguised as ordinary followers forward to begin treating the injured disaster victims and civilians on the street.
They moved quickly and had a clear division of labor, with some checking the injuries.
Someone quickly opened the first-aid kit they were carrying.
Take out clean gauze, medicine bottles, and even shiny surgical instruments and sutures.
What happened next left both Yuan Shikai and Tan Sitong speechless.
These people's medical techniques were extremely skillful.
For skin injuries, they clean, apply medicine, and bandage in one go.
For fractures, they skillfully set the bones and immobilize them with makeshift splints.
They even cleaned and stitched up the wounds of several seriously injured civilians who were bleeding profusely and were on the verge of death!
His skill in sewing and stitching, and his precision and composure in suturing, are in no way inferior to any renowned surgeon!
Even more surprising are the drugs they used.
Applying some powder or ointment quickly stopped the bleeding and significantly reduced the injured person's painful groans.
In just a short while.
Several critically injured people who were originally on the verge of death and thought to be beyond saving by others actually recovered and their lives were temporarily saved!
"This...this medical skill!"
Tan Sitong couldn't help but marvel.
"I've long heard of Brother Chen's extraordinary medical skills, but I never imagined—even his followers possess such abilities! It's truly unbelievable!"
Yuan Shikai nodded repeatedly, his face full of admiration: "Amazing! Absolutely amazing!"
"I had long heard that Brother Chen impressed foreign doctors at the International Medical Conference and was hailed as the Hua Tuo of our time."
"Having seen you today, I can see your reputation is truly well-deserved. Even your subordinates are so capable! I am utterly impressed and deeply admire you!"
Their praise was sincere.
In this era, such efficient, professional, and especially adept medical techniques for treating trauma and surgery are truly rare.
Just as the two were in shock.
Liang Kuan suddenly looked up and anxiously shouted to Chen Wen, "Sir! This person is too badly injured! We're not confident!"
"Come and take a look!"