Chapter 86 (None)

The fight between Xiao Yunrui and Xiao Yunjue caused an eerie silence in the harem, but strange turmoil brewed in the imperial court.

Zheng Ze retired due to old age, and Wu Shishan was promoted to Chief Physician of the Imperial Medical Academy. He was still in charge of the diagnosis and treatment of the concubines in the harem.

On this day, Wu Shishan came to Fanying Pavilion to inquire about the pulse. The weather was unusually fine, and since Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang had been confined indoors for too long, Jiang Ling allowed them to come out and play.

Wu Shishan came to ask for a pulse diagnosis. Wen Juan led him to the warm pavilion, first examining Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang, and then taking Jiang Ling's pulse.

After a moment, Wu Shishan withdrew his hand and said, "Your Majesty is well. The Third Prince is just like Your Majesty. Although the Fourth Prince is a bit thin, Your Majesty has taken good care of him. This winter has been exceptionally cold and dry. Not to mention the children, even the adults feel uncomfortable, with nosebleeds from dryness. The First and Second Princes' skin is so dry that it's peeling, and they often feel itchy and cough incessantly. I haven't seen the Third and Fourth Princes like this."

All incense burners and tea censers were removed from Fan Ying Pavilion, and burning of such items was strictly prohibited indoors. Incense burners were also kept as smoke-free as possible; hot water bottles were used instead of incense burners at night, and windows and doors were opened frequently for ventilation. Basins of water were placed in the room to humidify the air. After bathing, Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang would always apply scented lotion. Jiang Ling tirelessly followed behind them, making sure they drank plenty of water.

Every winter, he coughs, mostly due to respiratory illnesses caused by air pollution, in addition to the stimulation of cold air. Jiang Ling noticed that Wu Shishan had lost a lot of weight and must be very worried about it, so he generously told him about the handling of the situation at Fanying Pavilion.

If you accidentally inhale the smoke, it will cause you to cough. Adding water to moisten dryness is a simple and easy-to-understand principle. Wu Shishan listened attentively, feeling annoyed and guilty, wondering why he hadn't thought of these things.

"Your Majesty, will this cure my cough?" Wu Shishan asked expectantly.

Chronic bronchitis and the high incidence of respiratory viral infections in winter are incurable problems in Dayin. Jiang Ling shook his head and said regretfully, "We can only take precautions. For example, sick people or people with weak constitutions should avoid crowded places to prevent their illness from spreading."

Thinking of those suffering from illness, Wu Shishan sighed, "Though the ladies of the harem are well-protected from the cold and have no worries about food and clothing, they often fall ill in winter. Who would have thought that fortune and misfortune are intertwined, such is the way of the world..."

He sensed something was wrong, quickly stopped talking, and looked at Jiang Ling with a rather uneasy expression.

Jiang Ling sensed the unspoken meaning in Wu Shishan's words. Her thoughts shifted slightly, and she smiled as she said, "This world is unjust, but it also has its justice. However, the injustice of the world does not lie with the ladies of the harem. The ladies of the harem have no say in their own affairs; they cannot even leave the palace gates. They are not in control of their own lives."

Wu Shishan was stunned, and a look of shame gradually appeared on his face. He said, "Your Majesty is right. My thoughts and ideas were rather narrow and shallow."

Jiang Ling said from the bottom of his heart, "Doctor Wu is not only a doctor with a benevolent heart, but also truly kind and generous. It is truly admirable that he can think of these things."

Wu Shishan felt a surge of emotion, and his throat tightened involuntarily. His life had been filled with the ups and downs of practicing medicine, especially after joining the Imperial Medical Academy, which had nearly brought ruin to his family. His lifelong aspiration to heal the sick and save lives, nurtured during his medical studies, had long been shelved, becoming a mere lament shared with friends over drinks.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Ling held him in such high regard. Both he and Zheng Ze owed her a debt of gratitude for saving their lives, and she spared no effort in guiding them on matters related to medicine, never holding back her knowledge.

Wu Shishan felt deeply ashamed. He made up his mind and looked around. Wen Juan was tending a small stove outside the warm pavilion, brewing tea, while Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang were playing with tops in the corridor.

"Your Majesty, the Zheng family invited me to their residence two days ago to treat the illness of Zheng's grandson, Zheng Xiaolang. Zheng has few children, being the only son in three generations, and is cherished like the apple of his eye. Zheng Xiaolang has been in poor health since childhood, and since winter began, he has been coughing incessantly at night, making it difficult for him to sleep, and his body has become increasingly thin."

Prime Minister Zheng was the head of the Chancellors of the Council of State Affairs. Jiang Ling had heard Emperor Yuanming mention him many times, and judging from his tone, Prime Minister Zheng was highly regarded and trusted by him.

"Zheng Xiaolang is like this every year. He's thirteen this year, the perfect age for playing. After being kept at home for a few days, he couldn't resist sneaking out to the entertainment district with his servants. Zheng Xiaolang is most fond of cockfighting and is quite famous in the sport. Zheng Xiaolang ran into the Second Prince at the entertainment district, and the two argued over who would win. After all, he was the Second Prince, so Zheng Xiaolang only made a few shouts, and the Second Prince, seeing that he had admitted defeat, didn't pursue the matter further. Zhao Shun, the Second Prince's cousin, who had previously suffered at Zheng Xiaolang's hands, harbored resentment and wanted revenge. He instigated the Second Prince to prevent Zheng Xiaolang from leaving. Consort De added more people to serve the Second Prince, and one of them, seeing the situation was turning against him, quickly stopped Zhao Shun and reminded the Second Prince, thus defusing the fight. After Consort De learned of this, she ordered Vice Minister Zhao to escort Zhao Shun to Zheng's residence to apologize."

Jiang Ling was taken aback. Although Wu Shishan was of low rank, he was well-informed in the capital because of his medical skills and reputation, and he often visited the residences of nobles.

"How's the situation at court regarding the fight between the eldest and second princes?"

Wu Shishan said, "Each side has its own version of events. The teacher at the time was Wang Hanlin, who was the top scholar in the seventh year of the Qinghe era. In the seventh year of the Qinghe era, Prime Minister Zheng was the Minister of Rites and was Wang Hanlin's tutor. Prime Minister Zheng's wife, Madam Xin, had a cousin who married into the Wang family of Mingzhou. Wang Hanlin happened to be from Mingzhou, and through this connection, he established himself as a member of the Wang family and often visited Prime Minister Zheng's residence. Wang Hanlin was filial and had some reservations about the Second Prince beating the First Prince. Prime Minister Chen and Prime Minister Wen of the Council of State Affairs did not speak up, but Grand Secretary Wei thought that the First Prince's disruption of the school was a disgrace to scholars."

Grand Secretary Wei was known for his rigidity, and Emperor Yuanming had long disliked him. However, Grand Secretary Wei was extremely knowledgeable and did not form cliques, so Emperor Yuanming could only grit his teeth and tolerate him.

Jiang Ling lowered his eyes and asked, "Is it related to the selection of an heir?"

Wu Shishan said, "After Vice Minister Zhao brought Zhao Shun to the door, Prime Minister Zheng invited me to have tea. While chatting with me, he jokingly said, 'Vice Minister Zhao is seeing enemies everywhere. The boy is just being playful. He used to get into fights when he was young. He might be fighting fiercely today, but he'll be playing around with others again tomorrow. Why should Vice Minister Zhao take it so seriously and come to apologize? I am foolish and know very little. I guess it is related to the succession, but I dare not be sure.'"

Intelligent people speak in roundabout ways, which gave Jiang Ling a headache. He tried hard to figure out the meaning behind Zheng Xiang's words.

The fight between Xiao Yunrui and Xiao Yunjue shattered the harmony within the royal family. Even if Emperor Yuanming was unwilling, he had to begin considering the matter of establishing an heir.

The crown prince's virtue is the least important factor; the most crucial element is the support of the court officials. Losing the support of the officials will lead to instability and turmoil in the court.

Court officials did not value virtue; virtue was merely an adornment for aristocratic scholars. Even capable ministers who left their mark on history could not be examined closely.

The Great Yin Dynasty had enjoyed peace for a long time, and what it needed as its heir was a ruler who could maintain the status quo, someone as mediocre as Emperor Yuanming would suffice.

The Lin family is a powerful ally to Xiao Yunrui, but conversely, it is also an obstacle. If Xiao Yunrui ascends the throne, the Lin family will rise in status, while other court officials will have less to gain.

The Zhao family was in a sorry state, their relatives were arrogant, and although the gentry looked down on them, they were powerless to do anything about it. For Xiao Yuqiu, the Zhao family was both an advantage and a disadvantage.

Zheng Xiaolang is the lifeblood of the Zheng family. If Zheng Xiaolang were to lose even a single hair because of Zhao Shun, Prime Minister Zheng would be heartbroken. It is not as simple as he claims, that it is just a boy being petty.

When Vice Minister Zhao came to apologize, Prime Minister Zheng's dissatisfaction dissipated, and he could then discuss it casually with Wu Shishan.

There is an order of seniority and hierarchy. Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang are too young, and neither of them is wise or virtuous.

Given Grand Secretary Wei's criticisms of Xiao Yunrui, the choice of heir apparent is already obvious!

Jiang Ling pondered for a moment and asked, "How much do you know about Zhao Shun and Zheng Xiaolang's affair?"

Wu Shishan said, "Not many people know that Vice Minister Zhao came to apologize. The sons and grandsons of the various families in the capital love excitement and often go to the entertainment venues. Nobles stay in private rooms, and ordinary people are not allowed to get close. It is impossible to keep it a secret."

Since it can't be kept secret, Consort Lin and the people lurking behind her are very likely to have found out.

Wu Shishan said, "Your Majesty, I still need to go to the Zheng residence to treat Young Master Zheng. Your Majesty, would you please mention to Prime Minister Zheng that the prescriptions were all written by Your Majesty and are all thanks to Your Majesty?"

The current situation is too complicated for Jiang Ling to see clearly. If she gets involved now, she has a good chance of winning.

After careful consideration, Jiang Ling said, "Thank you, but don't mention me. My methods aren't immediately effective or universally applicable. Don't make any guarantees, or someone might come after you."

Since it concerned the matter of the crown prince, Wu Shishan dared not offer any advice or suggestions, and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I will keep my mouth shut. I will take Your Majesty's advice to heart and will never dare to act recklessly."

After Wu Shishan took his leave, Jiang Ling pondered for a moment and then sent Wen Juan to the Jiang residence in person: "The pears that were sent over a few days ago are something Mother likes to eat. Take two baskets to the Jiang residence and tell Father, Mother, and Elder Brother that the New Year is approaching, and the winter is cold and it's easy to get sick. Try not to go out, and decline any banquets or visits you can. Stay at home and take good care of your health. You should also tell these things to Master Hu and Master Xie."

Wenjuan took Li to the Jiang residence to deliver a message: Master Hu and Master Xie were clever enough to keep Jiang Wenxiu and the others in check. Jiang Ling, meanwhile, kept an eye on Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang, forbidding them from leaving the Fanying Pavilion.

The New Year begins after the Winter Solstice, and it is not until the Lantern Festival that the New Year celebrations are truly over.

The New Year celebrations were incredibly lively, with banquets galore. Jiang Ling, being of high rank, had a seat at the palace banquet, and couldn't afford to shirk his duties for even a moment.

When everything was peaceful and the Lantern Festival arrived, Jiang Ling was exhausted and had lost weight. He held his breath and prepared to accompany Emperor Yuanming to the Xuande Gate Tower to enjoy the lantern festival at Aoshan on the night of the Lantern Festival.

In previous years, only concubines of the rank of Pin or above were eligible to attend the lantern festival, but this year, concubines of the rank of Jieyu or above will accompany the emperor. Jiang Ling guessed that Emperor Yuanming had changed the rules for the sake of Consort Wu.

After the New Year, there was a light snowfall. Although there was no snow accumulation, my feet got numb from standing outside for a short while, and it was especially cold at night.

On the night of the Lantern Festival, the capital city remained awake all night. Lanterns and riddles hung in front of shops, and street performers, peddlers, tourists, and carriages thronged the streets, creating a sea of ​​people.

“Mother, I want to go too.” Xiao Yunzan, carrying his eagle lantern, blinked his eyes and pitifully begged Jiang Ling, “Mother, please take me with you. I’m healthy, but A-Lang is weak. Let him stay in the palace.”

Xiao Yunlang, carrying a carp lantern, looked at Jiang Ling expectantly, wanting to go play with him too. Hearing this, Xiao Yunlang pouted, poked the eagle's wing with his finger, and said discontentedly, "Third brother, you're not loyal."

"It's too cold outside, and there are too many people. You are too young to go together."

Jiang Ling wished she could stay in the warm and quiet house, but they all insisted on going, truly a case of some being happy while others were sad.

For safety's sake, Jiang Ling would definitely not take them along, and said with a smile, "The Lantern Festival comes every year. When you're a little older, you'll be able to watch it every year. By then, you won't be able to avoid it even if you want to."

Seeing Jiang Ling's resolute attitude, and knowing that she always meant what she said, Xiao Yunzan could only reluctantly carry the lantern and say, "A-Lang, let's go out and play."

Xiao Yunlang followed her out. Jiang Ling rubbed her temples. Wen Juan and A Ruo were helping her with her makeup, taking out fresh plum blossom petals and placing them on her forehead.

Jiang Ling looked at himself in the bronze mirror, touched the beaded crown on his head, and laughed, "Look at this head, it's so full of stuff, like a peddler's stall, it's making my neck ache."

Wenjuan laughed and said, "Your Majesty, please bear with it. After tonight, Your Majesty will be able to rest for a while."

It was getting late, so Jiang Ling got up, instructed Wen Juan, who was staying in the palace, to keep an eye on the two of them, sighed deeply, and got into his sedan chair and left the palace.

The city gate was heavily guarded, with Yuan Changsheng leading his guards. Emperor Yuanming ascended the tower first, followed by Xiao Yunrui and Xiao Yunjue, with Consort Lin, Jiang Ling, and others following in succession.

Below the city gate, a towering structure made of bamboo and wood, reaching a height of eight zhang (approximately 33 meters), resembles a small mountain. Tens of thousands of lanterns of various shapes are hung on it, adorned with colorful silk and paper flowers, birds, and other decorations. The dazzling lights create a scene reminiscent of a fairyland.

The lantern sheds for the nobles of the capital to view the lanterns stretched all the way to the end of the Imperial Street, along Aoshan Mountain.

Emperor Yuanming appeared on the city wall to celebrate with the people. The court officials and commoners cheered, and the sounds of music and distant firecrackers and fireworks filled the air, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

The wind was strong upstairs, and the blows felt like being whipped by thin branches on his face. Jiang Ling pulled his hood tighter to keep warm and covered his ears to block out the noise.

Emperor Yuanming admired the scenery for a while, then turned his head and saw Jiang Ling, who was wrapped up tightly. He couldn't help but laugh and said, "Is it this cold?"

Jiang Ling didn't hear Emperor Yuanming's words clearly, so she simply pretended not to know and looked up at the distant sky.

The daytime weather was overcast, and the moon weaved through the gray clouds, appearing and disappearing intermittently.

When Emperor Yuanming saw that Jiang Ling did not respond, he wanted to ask again why Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang were nowhere to be seen. However, it was too noisy around, and she probably hadn't heard him, so he gave up and followed her gaze.

"She's different from others. While others are enjoying the lanterns on the Lantern Festival, she's here to admire the moon." Emperor Yuanming said with a smile, then summoned Consort Wu to his side and told her about the origin of Mount Ao.

It was too cold on the city wall. After about half an hour, Emperor Yuanming set off to return to the palace, escorted by guards as he descended the city wall.

Suddenly, Xiao Yunjue slipped and fell headfirst into the air.

Xiao Yunjue was quite fat, and the guards tried to pull him away, but they couldn't.

He rolled straight towards Emperor Yuanming in front of him like a firecracker.