An ordinary person, startled like this, would surely be completely flustered. But Lu Ming knew this was merely an appetizer.
Most people wouldn't admit to having a health problem, let alone a nobleman of such high status.
However, some things cannot be denied. "Your Majesty, there's no need for this. I've only heard from Madam Zhang that Lord Zhao is a pillar of the nation, and I cannot bear to see him suffer such a fate."
Lord Zhao didn't speak, but closed his eyes and extended his hand.
His family's physicians couldn't solve his problems, especially his recent persistent cough, which, when severe, felt like his lungs were about to burst, causing him great discomfort.
"In that case, please take a look, Your Excellency."
The situation took a dramatic turn, leaving Zhang Wen somewhat bewildered. He looked at Lu Ming with newfound respect for his audacity; this young talent had probably set his sights on climbing the social ladder from the very beginning.
Although somewhat annoyed by the other party's underhanded tactics, why not forge a good relationship if the other party achieves success in the future?
Human relationships, human relationships, a society built on connections—it all comes down to a word, a helping hand.
Without connections, you can't move an inch; ability is useless.
The old saying goes, "Gold will always shine," but that's just a lie to fool the common people.
Reality is like a tattered rag covering gold; the gold will never shine!
That's reality!
"My lord, I have good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear?" Lu Ming put down his hand, picked up the teacup beside him, took a sip of tea, and then slowly gave his choice.
"Why are you like this? Your medical skills are indeed superb. Speak plainly; what exactly is wrong with my brother?" Madam Zhang seemed to be scolding him, but she was actually giving her brother a hint: this doctor is very capable.
"Let's talk about the bad first, then the good." Zhao Hou was also a little apprehensive. In fact, the family doctor had already diagnosed him with tuberculosis!
In this era, tuberculosis was a death sentence!
His health had been poor for several years. Being both unwell and obese was definitely a serious problem.
Simply being obese or thin wasn't a big deal, but illness could easily trigger two extremes.
At this moment, Lu Ming felt a surge of satisfaction. Even the most powerful person fears death.
He didn't need to use this to threaten; he only needed to use it for exchange.
The exchange was gentle and easily accepted.
This wasn't a one-time deal, but a long-term benefit.
He didn't care if his actions disrupted the existing order.
He only wanted to improve his status as much as possible, ideally acquiring land and a base to develop his military, army, and territory's economy, securing a place for himself in the future struggle for power among the warlords.
Without money, one cannot recruit soldiers; without food, one cannot support the army and the people.
The people are fundamental; the more people there are, the higher the productive capacity can be mobilized.
Abundant resources allow for the development of technology, enabling the production of sophisticated weapons and equipment.
Military strategy?
What military strategy? He understood nothing. Since tactics were ineffective against the existing order, then firepower would suffice!
"The news is that Your Majesty has tuberculosis!" Lu Ming said, enunciating each word clearly. "Afternoon low-grade fever, night sweats, fatigue, poor appetite. Cough, phlegm, hemoptysis, chest pain, varying degrees of chest tightness or difficulty breathing. These are all symptoms of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is difficult to treat, even incurable!"
Tuberculosis!
In ancient times, it was almost an incurable disease because traditional Chinese medicine could not cure it—not because of a lack of medical skill, but because the medicine could not kill the tuberculosis bacteria. In modern times, it's simply a matter of taking medicine, but in ancient times it was a terminal illness!
"What!"
Upon hearing this, Madam Zhang immediately sat up in surprise, forgetting even the recurrence of her semen. "What did you say! How is this possible!"
The Marquis Zhao, however, calmly waved his hand, gesturing for his sister to sit down, and stroked his beard. "I already know all this. Since you say you have good news, then speak of it."
Yes, if there's bad news, then naturally there must be good news.
Seeing Lu Ming's confident expression, showing no sign of nervousness, Madam Zhang couldn't help but speak up, "Anmin, tell me, do you have a solution?"
Madam Zhang had always relied on her brother's power. Without her brother Marquis Zhao's influence, Zhang Wen alone would only be a second-rate figure.
Zhang Wen's abilities and connections weren't particularly extensive; otherwise, he wouldn't have been eliminated when Dong Zhuo entered the capital.
All of this seemed to fit the trajectory of history perfectly; without Lu Ming...
Then Marquis Zhao would certainly die, within a year or two.
With Zhao Hou's death, Zhang Wen lost his most powerful brother-in-law.
When Dong Zhuo entered the capital, he easily seized control of Luoyang with tens of thousands of Xiliang troops, gaining absolute power. Even the attempt to crush Zhang Wen failed.
The fact that a Grand Commandant was beaten to death was a disgrace to the Three Dukes.
Moreover, Dong Zhuo was indeed ruthless and decisive, killing without hesitation, showing no intention of future domination.
Killing was simple, but brutal slaughter only drove away talent and was not very effective.
"I have no other choice now, but I found some records and treatment methods in a fragment of an ancient book. However, time is of the essence, and I cannot decipher it. Moreover, the fragment is incomplete, so I need to study it carefully." Lu Ming didn't give a definitive answer, leaving himself some room for maneuver.
Tuberculosis is difficult to cure because there are no effective drugs. Streptomycin, aminosalicylic acid, isoniazid, and other drugs all require unique methods of preparation.
Just like penicillin requires pickled vegetables to mold for production, who in their right mind would think of that?
Molded vegetables are inedible and will make people sick—that's common sense.
Therefore, technological development requires sufficient time, sufficient resources, and sufficient personnel.
If you don't know it, you can't make it; even if you do know it, it's very difficult to make.
Conditions, restrictive environments, materials, purification methods and processes, and equipment are all limiting factors.
"As long as we alleviate the symptoms first, three to five years shouldn't be a problem. If a cure is found by then, a complete cure won't be difficult either." Lu Ming's tone was quite proud. He could utilize this advantage—the advantage of unlocking blueprints and using materials to create items.
As long as there are enough materials and all the tools are available, the next step is the loading screen; during the loading screen, the item will be ready.