General Guo was getting ready for the next expedition. Upon hearing that Zhou Man sought an audience, his first instinct was to refuse.
But thinking she had just returned from outside and might have actually found the cowpox formula, which was indeed quite important, being the Protectorate of Anxi, he truly needed to be informed. So after stifling his irritation, he said, "Please let her in."
Manbao came only with Mr. Zhuang and Bai Shan; the others were not keen on seeing General Guo's stern face.
General Guo took up his tea and drank half a cup, then raised his eyebrows upon hearing Zhou Man's purpose, asking, "Lord Zhou, have you found the formula?"
Manbao replied, "There is no specific formula. After all, the legendary far-west country is still unknown how far away, and the region of Kucha is unstable, making it difficult for us to pass through. But we have learned some steps, so we want to give it a try."
