The disappearance of the enemy's trail means that other unpredictable scenarios are likely to arise. In this strange land, all accidents can happen, and they must not be taken lightly.

Fortunately, not long ago, another piece of good news came, which made Yuan Zhao feel a little relieved. The warships of the Han army, adrift at sea, had re-entered the mainland from the mouth of the Nanzhi Peninsula and sailed upriver along the largest river to the north.

As long as there is the support of this fleet, after getting in touch with the rear, all the transportation and supply of materials will not be a problem. And the main thing is that the Western Expeditionary Army was able to get some of the things that were needed most in a relatively short period of time.

As early as a few days ago, Yuan Zhao had already issued an order for the rear transport team to quickly prepare and collect all kinds of herbal supplies along the way from the Central Plains and the Western Regions, and do their best to transport them to the army in case of emergency.

The well-armed and sharply armed Han army was not afraid of any formidable enemy on the battlefield. But they don't know much about anything other than war. Looking at the optimistic attitude of some soldiers, as the commander of this army, Yuan Zhao could not be relaxed.

Yuan Zhao's worries are not exaggerated. When death began to appear among those who were wounded, his heart was gradually sinking.

If the people who died in the first place were infected with snake venom, there was no way for him to recover. But later, he was confident enough to ensure that these injured people were treated in time, and he could ensure that they would survive. However, just a few days later, things went in a bad direction. Something started to get out of hand.

Before Yuan Zhao left his Chinese army and went to the camp for the wounded soldiers, he received an update on what the scouts had discovered. Within a hundred miles of the Persian royal city and the location of the Han army's camp, there were traces of small groups of Persians and some indigenous people. Their actions are bizarre and their motives are unknown.

The scouts managed to capture a few Persians in an attempt to find out what they were doing. But unfortunately, even if the means are exhausted, nothing is achieved in the end.

"Closely monitor any unusual movements. Order the generals of all battalions to strengthen their vigilance, and no one is allowed to fight privately without a military order! ”

Yuan Zhao reissued the most severe orders. Although some of the generals who were eager to try did not understand in their hearts, no one dared to disobey. They had to re-sheath their swords, restrain their subordinates, and wait for orders in the camp.

The wounded barracks were not far from the Chinese army, on a well-ventilated area by the river near the royal city. The sun is abundant and the water source is convenient, which is conducive to the recovery of the injured.

After listening to the reports of the medical officers, Yuan Zhao walked to the place where the wounded were located and carefully observed. All the wounded were well cared for, and all sanitary and medicinal conditions were carried out in strict accordance with the military orders drawn up by him personally. These military medical officers are obviously very qualified executors, and they scrupulously enforce the rules set by the commander-in-chief.

Gongsun Rongnu, like the others, lay on a clean marching bed. There is no distinction between generals and soldiers, they are all warriors who have been wounded in battle for their country, and they are treated equally. Injuries are the most torturous, the majestic warriors of the past, but in the past few days, they have lost weight. And what surprised Yuan Zhao the most was that there was a faint layer of black gas on the face of the person in the coma, which looked very obvious. The others next to me had the same symptoms.

"This group of wounded people was in relatively stable condition a few days ago, and they were able to eat and drink, and there were no symptoms of poisoning...... But who knows, just in the past two days, the body has a sudden high fever, and the black gas is entangled, and the condition has deteriorated...... I'm so incompetent, I really don't understand what's going on! Please forgive the sins. ”

The medical officers had bloodshot eyes and deep guilt on their faces. There is no doubt that they have done their best, but they cannot avoid the reality that someone is gradually dying.

There was inexplicable sadness in Yuan Zhao's heart. If these heroic Han soldiers did not die on the battlefield, but died in this disease, even if they died, I am afraid they would not be able to die.

"You've all worked hard. Heaven is ruthless, and it's not your fault. ”

Yuan Zhao waved his hand. But the doctors hung their heads, not relieved by his tolerance. Yuan Zhao had already removed all the snake venom from these people's bodies, and just handed them over to take care of them. But now there is such a situation that no one can easily shirk responsibility.

"Has anything unusual happened in the past two days?"

Yuan Zhao bent down and carefully observed the situation of the unconscious. While casually asking the medical officer next to him. In fact, even he felt surprised and strange.

"It's business as usual in the wounded barracks. No other anomalies occurred. I don't know what Yuan Gong is talking about? ”

The doctors were a little puzzled. But I really couldn't think of what the anomaly was in Yuan Zhao's mouth. Yuan Zhao opened the eyelids of the unconscious and looked at it, and couldn't help but be secretly frightened. He straightened up, and when he turned around, the expression on his face was extremely solemn.

"These injured people are supposed to be infected with the new virus...... Oh, that's what we usually call a plague. Their lives are already in extreme danger. ”

All the medical officers were taken aback. They looked at each other, their hearts in doubt. However, they believe that Yuan Zhao, who once created the miracle of resurrection, will not talk nonsense. Later, an experienced older medical officer asked again in an uncertain tone.

"Please forgive me for being ignorant, is the epidemic that Yuan Gong said ......?"

Out of reverence for something in heaven and earth, that terrible word, he did not utter. But everyone else knew what he was trying to ask.

Yuan Zhao was silent for a moment. He doesn't have any supernatural medical skills, and he can't reach the legendary level of supernatural ability. He was ahead of all the medical officers of his time, but he was ahead of his time and knew and heard a lot of experience. Now, he is extremely suspicious that after that rainstorm and flood, there will be endless legacies.

"I don't know if you've ever heard of the saying that there is a pandemic after a catastrophe? As far as I know, floods and other natural disasters often lead to unpredictable disease transmission after they have raged. Since General Gongsun Rongnu is not the cause of snake venom, I am afraid that it is the body that has been taken advantage of by the germs of the epidemic, which has led to the current serious situation. This is my speculation, but it is not conclusive. ”

With the glorious development of the Han Dynasty in recent years, the level of all aspects has been greatly improved. This of course also includes medical skills. Due to Yuan Zhao's strong support and help, some medical concepts and medical methods that had never been heard of before were widely popularized. Of course, these military medical officers have also benefited a lot. It was easy for them to understand what Yuan Zhao was saying.

"If what Yuan Gong said is correct. Doesn't that mean...... Is the entire Western Expeditionary Army facing this danger?! ”

Someone asked in surprise. Epidemic diseases are not comparable to ordinary diseases. If it is not well controlled, and it starts on a large scale, it will be a terrible plague!

"Yes. That's what I've been worrying about for a few days. ”

"That'...... Why is it that only General Gongsun and others have symptoms of the epidemic, while the others are not abnormal? ”

The great plague outbreaks recorded in the history books throughout the ages, the medical officers naturally knew the horror of them. The plague is merciless, and no one is spared wherever it passes. However, this is not the case today.

Yuan Zhao will not be lucky at all. He had been worried about this for a long time. And the fact that others show no signs of contracting the disease does not mean that they will be safe in the future. Gongsun Rongnu may only be injured because of their injuries, so their bodies are the first to be easily invaded.

Thinking of this, he was about to say something more. But suddenly I saw that the elderly medical officer just now seemed to have suddenly thought of something. His expression changed drastically, and he said urgently.

"Yuan Gong, in the past few days, on the riverbank near the wounded barracks, there have suddenly been many traces of rat activities. This...... Could it have something to do with it? ”

Yuan Zhao couldn't help but change color on his face. At this moment, some of the worries and troubles that had been in my mind before suddenly became clear. He knew what the danger he had been feeling all along.

"Let's go! Check it out. ”

Seeing Yuan Zhao take the lead and hurry away, the medical officers and attendants did not dare to slack off. They followed closely behind, all the way to the great river that flowed not far away.

After the floods, weeds grew everywhere. The wind blew, undulating, and even if you stood on a high place, you could faintly see that among the grass, there were large black rats. And there are so many of them, almost everywhere.

Everyone couldn't help but be a little shocked when they saw this scene. These rodents are different from those seen in the Central Plains. But I don't know why so many appeared at once. I didn't notice it some time ago.

"These things...... Could it be related to the disease that was discovered?"

Someone asked suspiciously. Although these ugly guys are disgusting. But to say that they cause disease is not credible after all. However, everyone immediately heard Yuan Zhao's affirmative answer.

"I was suspicious at first, but now it seems that it is almost certain! Those in the wounded barracks must be quarantined immediately...... Otherwise, disaster will befall the whole army! ”

The attendants who followed suddenly raised their heads, and they were shocked to see that Yuan Zhao, who had always been calm and omnipotent in their eyes, seemed to have found the most terrifying opponent, and their faces showed a look like they were facing a great enemy.

No one can understand Yuan Zhao's mood at this moment. In his distant memory, the most impressive thing about the major events that had happened in the history of this western continent, in addition to the turmoil of war, was the terrible plague!

He and his invincible army of soldiers can sweep away all the strongest enemies in the world. But when the invisible devil came with the curse of death, boundless fear rose in his heart for the first time.