Chapter Six: Jealousy

“You!” Military Doctor Wang was momentarily speechless. The person before him, who claimed to be speaking on his behalf, was in fact mocking him—far more cutting than the crude words of those unruly soldiers.

“I understand, Sergeant,” the soldier replied. He hadn’t fully grasped his superior’s meaning, but naturally, he dared not contradict his commanding officer.

Those who understood wore barely concealed smiles, struggling to restrain their laughter. The sergeant’s words were both sweet and stinging.

“Then let Dr. Jiang Bai handle the rest,” Military Doctor Wang said, staring at the man before him. Without a word of protest, he abandoned the wounded awaiting treatment and stormed off with his apprentice.

After leaving, Wang turned toward another area he had carefully chosen, confident that those patients would not be as coarse as the common soldiers.

“Military Doctor Wang, have you heard? Yesterday, Jiang Bai saved a severely wounded soldier who was on the brink of death. After only a few stitches, he miraculously pulled through!” a soldier said excitedly, eyes filled with admiration.

“Yes, Doctor Wang, Jiang Bai’s skill is truly miraculous. We veterans all worship him,” another chimed in.

Wang snorted coldly, growing increasingly displeased. Forcing down his anger, he managed a faint smile. “Jiang Bai does have some skill, but medicine depends on experience and accumulation.”

“You’re right, Doctor Wang. Still, Jiang Bai is quite talented,” a soldier nodded in agreement.

Wang’s expression nearly betrayed him. Standing there, he not only had to endure their praise but had to feign a gentle demeanor while listening to them heap compliments on Jiang Bai’s medical prowess. This young, newly arrived military doctor had quickly earned the soldiers’ trust and respect. Why did that blond-haired girl win hearts more easily than he ever could?

Wang made a few more comments to maintain appearances, then carefully examined their wounds. After performing simple treatment, he led his group away.

Even after Wang left the tent, the soldiers’ praises of Jiang Bai were audible within. He could imagine them huddled together, singing the young doctor’s praises. These men were not illiterate like others in nearby tents, yet they so readily embraced Jiang Bai with such high regard—it was an insult to their status.

Apprentice Asheng noticed his mentor’s furrowed brow and darkening face and dared not speak, trying to shrink his presence.

At that moment, someone approached Wang and whispered, “Military Doctor Wang, don’t be angry. Jiang Bai’s success is just luck. You’re the army’s seasoned doctor; how could a newcomer outshine you?”

Wang cast a cold glance at the speaker. “Vice General Li, what do you mean? Jiang Bai healed the general himself.”

Li Chong, the deputy commander, smiled slyly. “Doctor Wang, don’t misunderstand. I just think our army needs experienced doctors like you. Jiang Bai is just a young girl—how can she compare to you?”

Wang’s heart stirred, but his tone remained cool. “Vice General Li, don’t speak carelessly. Jiang Bai is part of our army; we should unite.”

Seeing Wang’s restraint, Li’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Doctor Wang, don’t blame me for speaking out. Some here fail to see the truth, especially after the general’s wound was healed by that girl. If you don’t act soon, the army’s medical authority might fall into her hands.”

Wang was shaken. Since he and Military Doctor Chen were expelled from the general’s tent, they had not seen the general or known the state of his recovery. After a moment’s silence, Wang finally said, “Vice General Li, your words are a reminder. But we must act carefully, lest we give others a chance to accuse us.”

Li saw Wang’s slight softening and rejoiced. “Doctor Wang, rest assured, I’m on your side. Just say the word, and I’ll make sure Jiang Bai doesn’t get away with this!”

Wang smiled coldly, already plotting. He patted Li’s shoulder and whispered, “Vice General Li, don’t worry. I have a plan. But keep this quiet—we must proceed slowly.”

Li nodded eagerly, eyes shining with triumph. “Doctor Wang, your secret is safe with me.”

Turning away, Wang muttered under his breath, “Jiang Bai, don’t get too proud. We shall see who triumphs in the end.”

Back in his tent, Wang sat at his desk, gripping a brush but hesitating to write.

Asheng, grinding ink beside him, casually remarked, “I wonder how the general’s injury is now.”

Wang’s mind churned. With Yang Bin and Duan Jing openly praising Jiang Bai and lavishing her with compliments, his own skills—though respectable—were nowhere near deserving such arrogance. If she saved two more patients thought beyond help, his position would be jeopardized.

The soldiers’ praise, Vice General Li’s instigation, and Asheng’s words echoed relentlessly, hardening Wang’s resolve to undermine Jiang Bai.

“Jiang Bai, don’t think a little skill lets you run wild in the army!” Wang muttered through clenched teeth. “I, Wang Da, have served here many years—you’re just a greenhorn, no match for me.”

He took a deep breath, then began writing seemingly ordinary words that concealed a hidden meaning. With a cold sneer, he thought, “Jiang Bai, let’s see how long your pride lasts.”

Folding the paper carefully, Wang stored it in his chest pocket. That night, he summoned a youth disguised as a soldier, whispered instructions, and handed over the note. The youth nodded, glanced around, then hurried away.

The next day, Asheng brought two sheets of paper to Wang, who read them with a cold smile. Rising, he left the tent, but as he neared Jiang Bai’s quarters, he suddenly stopped and turned away.

“Is Brother Chen in the tent?” Wang intercepted a returning medicine boy, an apprentice of Military Doctor Chen Jie.

“He’s inside,” replied Alián.

Wang entered Chen Jie’s tent to find Chen deeply engrossed in an ancient medical text, brows furrowed as if wrestling with a difficult problem. Clearing his throat, Wang caught Chen’s attention, who looked up in surprise upon seeing him.