Chapter 214: Talisman Troubles and City Schemes
by xennovel“Leader, do you know any of the key officials from the Su Province Road Association?!”
Xu Hao quickly blurted out the favor he needed Dong Liping to help with.
Dong Liping’s relationship with him had long transcended that of superior and subordinate; they were more like seasoned juniors who could occasionally ask each other for favors without a second thought.
“In fact, sometimes not asking makes things awkward! So, the Road Association? What do you need with them?”
Dong Liping replied, clearly taken aback, after a pause.
He truly hadn’t expected Xu Hao to bring this up.
“Leader, I need some talismans. Look…”
Xu Hao subconsciously glanced toward the direction of Blood Lake.
At that moment, a construction scaffold towering dozens of meters high was already rising next to Blood Lake.
“Talismans?!!!”
“Yes!”
“Alright, I’ll make some inquiries for you. The Su Province Road Association is right on Binhe Road in Lanshi, not very far from our office.”
After a brief moment, Dong Liping responded.
He didn’t bother asking what Xu Hao intended to do with the talismans; he was committed to helping out. Even if he couldn’t get in touch with someone in Su Province, he’d check in other provinces.
“Thank you so much!”
“No need for thanks—it’s nothing major. When do you need them?”
“In the next few days!”
“Alright! I’ll call you once everything’s set. It shouldn’t be a problem; Lao Feng might know someone.”
Dong Liping continued.
Meanwhile,
Just as Dong Liping was about to look for talismans for Xu Hao, Zhu Qiang sat in his office studying the miniature layout of Mingsha City, his brows furrowed as he pondered seriously. Next to him, another Zhu Qiang did likewise, and several managers were standing around the sand table.
To ensure comprehensive planning, not only Xu Hao’s office but also the offices of Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng had identical layout models made.
“General Zhu, what do you think about Oasis 4?”
After a long moment of thought, Luo Peng pointed at a section of the layout.
Online speculations aside, while some murmured about Mingsha City being disgruntled for having only five performance projects, the place was far more competitive than anyone imagined.
Ever since Xu Hao briefed Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng about traditional medicine, the two gathered at every free moment to discuss ideas, even roping in their subordinates to help ease Xu Hao’s workload.
After all, if everything depended solely on Xu Hao, what use were the employees?
Initially, everyone was relatively cautious, but as discussions grew more imaginative, especially under Luo Peng’s lead, everyone began to let loose.
Eventually, they even devised a plan: to set up the legendary Grand Hospital right in Mingsha City!
According to the historical text Zhouli Zhengyao Kaoyi, it is said, “Recruit the world’s famous doctors to form the Grand Hospital.” Additionally, the Book of Zhou mentions that during King Cheng of Zhou’s time a clinic was established beside the assembly hall for the nobles suffering from ailments.
In other words, a Grand Hospital had already existed in the early Spring and Autumn period of the Long Kingdom.
If Mingsha City could recreate the Grand Hospital described in Zhouli, it would not only validate the history of the Long Kingdom’s traditional medicine but also double as a medical service center. Ignoring tourists, the thousands of daily workers in Mingsha City really needed a proper hospital!
Using this traditional cultural performance as an opportunity to build a Grand Hospital was truly a win-win.
As for how to build it, Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng were untroubled. They were in charge of ideas and innovation anyway, and handling ancient architecture was something their bosses had no issues with.
“Oasis 4 is a possibility, but typically oases are used to develop film and TV IPs. What if we reserve this area for the Grand Hospital?”
Zhu Qiang hesitated for a moment.
“Besides, our goal isn’t merely a traditional medicine showcase. If it’s too far away, getting medical care won’t be convenient for people.”
“Then where would be an ideal spot?”
Luo Peng rubbed his chin.
“I think the area in Shadou, north of Tengwang Pavilion, would work. The place is already green and well-maintained, with trees planted in the grass lattice by tourists. Such an environment is perfect for treatment!”
“Plus, once the river connects with the small lake of Oasis 1, access to the hospital will be even easier.”
After a moment’s thought, Zhu Qiang shared his own idea.
“Shadou, north of Tengwang Pavilion?”
Luo Peng glanced at the layout.
“Leader, I think this location is perfect. To protect Tengwang Pavilion, no major construction was allowed nearby. The lawns and trees have thrived since they were planted early on. In a few years, this area could become the first lush grove in Mingsha City.”
At that moment, Manager Wang Xuan, who oversaw Qixia Town, also voiced her opinion.
“What do you all think?”
Zhu Qiang nodded and then looked to the other managers.
“General Zhu, I think this spot works. Soon the river project will take place here, and we can build the hospital at the same time.”
Manager Liu Cheng, who oversaw Tengwang Pavilion, also shared his view.
“Alright then, let’s draw up a plan and submit it to Brother Hao for final approval!”
Glancing around at the group, Zhu Qiang then turned to Luo Peng.
“Deal!”
Luo Peng nodded.
“Now that the site is decided, our next task is to invite renowned traditional doctors to serve at the hospital. According to our previous plan, the Grand Hospital will be subdivided into six traditional medicine schools—
namely Dragon Medical Hall, Mongolian Medical Hall, Tibetan Medical Hall, Miao Medical Hall, Zhuang Medical Hall, and Wei Medical Hall. These six factions cover nearly all major traditional medicine branches in the Long Kingdom.
We’ll also reserve two additional halls for any minor schools.”
After marking his notebook, Zhu Qiang continued, “So now everyone must use every connection you have to invite top doctors from each school to come and practice here.”
“General Zhu, I have a small concern!”
At that moment, the manager responsible for the Langya Pavilion area hesitated and spoke up.
“Yes?”
“General Zhu, traditional medicine has come under some scrutiny. While finding top doctors from each school isn’t hard given the many experts out there, what if all our expenses amount to nothing if the treatments don’t work well for the public?”
The manager expressed his worries.
“You needn’t worry about that. I consulted an experienced doctor who said the issue isn’t with the old prescriptions—it’s the quality of the ingredients!
Nowadays, most medicinal ingredients are artificially cultivated. Whether it’s due to insufficient aging or pesticide and fertilizer residues, if we source only wild herbs from the mountains for the hospital, we won’t have any trouble!”
Hearing this, Luo Peng waved his hand dismissively.
He added, “In the neighboring village, there’s an old Dragon Doctor whose hands tremble as he walks, yet he diagnoses perfectly without even using a scale!”
Not to be outdone.
“Oh!”
“Alright, it’s settled then! Everyone, start moving tomorrow. Remember, we must not let Mingsha City lose face at the Long Kingdom Traditional Culture Expo!”
“Don’t worry, General Zhu!”
As days passed,
Before long, it was already early May!
The outside world remained unaware of what Mingsha City was busy with, and online complaints about the traditional expo gradually faded away.
But that didn’t dampen Mingsha City’s momentum—tourists from all over flocked in daily. The Qingming Scroll and the Protectorate of West Liang had become the hottest photo spots.
No worries there.
After all that time, rehashing old issues was no longer important—everyone had silently agreed that Mingsha City was holding back its frustration.
Meanwhile,
At the Haofang Culture office, after reviewing documents, Fang Hou leaned back in his chair and muttered, “The food program in collaboration with Yan City TV is already out on location. It should be fine. But what about the xianxia drama? I still have no idea when Haozi plans to start shooting!”
He murmured to himself.
Fang Hou rubbed his temples.
According to the plan, Legend of Swords and Heroes should debut on Yan City TV by the end of May. The channel had even reserved the time slot.
The actors were all set! Yet, even now, filming hadn’t officially begun. Every time he called Xu Hao for an update, Xu Hao would say, ‘Wait a couple more days—let the actors rehearse their lines for now.’
Yet, days turned into weeks with no official start.
“A whole month and post-production still looms. Even if they start shooting tomorrow, it’d still beat the pace of the old Wulin Wai Chuan!”
A few minutes later, Fang Hou looked at the clock.
It was already 6:00 PM—another day with no progress!
Knock, knock, knock! Just then, someone started pounding on Fang Hou’s office door.
“Come in!” he called absentmindedly.
“Mr. Fang, the higher-ups just sent word that several key areas and iconic structures are complete. We can officially start filming tomorrow. They want you to lead your team to Oasis 23 and check the site!”
The moment a staff member pushed open the door and peeked in,
“Hmm? Filming can finally begin?”
In an instant, Fang Hou was visibly excited.
“Xiao Wang, notify the photography and props teams immediately—we’re heading to Oasis 23!”
Coming to his senses, Fang Hou promptly arranged,
“Alright, Mr. Fang!”
A film crew’s equipment is never light, and with tourists around the site, vehicles are a hassle! When Team Luo, laden with gear, finally arrived at Oasis 23, it was already 8:00 PM.
On an early May evening at 8:00, dusk was settling. At that very moment, the construction site at Oasis 23 was lit up.
After a winding journey,
Led by staff, Fang Hou finally reached where Xu Hao was waiting at the filming location for the next day. He was utterly stunned and muttered under his breath,
“Haozi, you… you’ve really outdone yourself this time!”
And that wasn’t all!
Not only Fang Hou, but even the crew members were dumbfounded. Some of the female staff even stepped back several paces, eventually hiding behind male colleagues.