However, wishes and reality are always at odds with each other.
Not long after, Madam Jiang's nanny Xi came in with an imperial physician.
This imperial physician was an old acquaintance of the Yongding Marquis' Mansion. Not long ago, he frequently treated Xu's headaches. He was the famous old imperial physician with superb medical skills in the palace - Imperial Physician Gao.
As the imperial physician, Doctor Gao was well-informed. Although he did not know much about the current situation in the Yongding Marquis's Mansion, he knew that the Emperor and the Yongding Marquis had a close relationship in the palace and were inseparable. There was harmony between the monarch and his subject, and no rifts between them.
As long as Jiang Dinglian's position is stable, the Yongding Marquisate will not be easily overthrown.
Therefore, at this moment, his attitude towards the Yongding Marquis Mansion was still amiable: "Old Madam invited me to come here, I wonder what brings you here? Could it be that you have been feeling uneasy recently and need me to check your pulse?"
Mrs. Zhang was leisurely sipping her tea. When she saw Doctor Gao walk into the room, she couldn't help but put down the teacup in her hand, and a look of surprise appeared on her face.
The Yongding Marquis' Mansion was actually able to hire an imperial physician at this sensitive moment!
Moreover, the imperial physician's attitude was so calm and polite that it was unbelievable.
Even the usually composed Zhang Dingqian's expression suddenly changed. Seeing the imperial physician, he almost wanted to flee the scene immediately. However, he glanced at the servant standing nearby and had to be patient, sitting down anxiously in his seat to avoid revealing any flaws.
Madam Jiang said kindly, "Thank you, Doctor Gao. Please examine my granddaughter first."
“It’s my job.”
Hao Qingzhi sat quietly on the chair. Her tears had dried up and her eyes were swollen like red peaches, making her look pitiful.
She gently rolled up her sleeves, revealing a wrist as white as jade, and a hint of uneasiness appeared in her eyes.
Doctor Gao took out a handkerchief as white as snow, gently placed it on her wrist, and began to carefully feel her pulse: "Miss Hao is in good health and has no serious illness."
Hao Qingzhi asked, "So, there are no serious illnesses left?"
She thought to herself that the medicine that had been used by her grandmother to prolong her life might have left her with some incurable disease, which was why Hao Rencai evaluated her like that.
Doctor Gao smiled and replied, "A serious illness? Little girl, you're in good health! Don't be so suspicious!"
Madam Zhang was also surprised when she heard this, but she still pressed on, "So, what about offspring?"
Imperial Physician Gao knew the Zhang family and the Yongding Marquisate were about to marry, but he was unaware that the two families were currently embroiled in a storm of broken engagement. He couldn't help but jokingly remark, "Madam Zhang, are you so anxious to have a grandchild? Don't worry, Miss Hao has a strong constitution and is a typical fertile woman. Even if she has two children in three years, it's no problem for her."
Mrs. Zhang's face became as gloomy as the sky covered with dark clouds.
How could she tolerate anyone mentioning the fact that Hao Qingzhi had given birth to two children in just three years? She longed for Hao Qingzhi to be seriously ill, so that the cancellation of the marriage would appear legitimate!
With this "fig leaf" as a shield, they will not be criticized by others and will not be pointed at behind their backs.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Shu's mood instantly brightened, as if the haze had dissipated and the sun was shining. She raised her brows proudly and said confidently, "Did you hear that? My daughter doesn't have any serious illness. You, the Zhang family, broke your promise and broke off the engagement without my permission. You even dared to spread rumors and cause trouble. This behavior is truly despicable!"
When Imperial Physician Gao heard this, it was as if the clouds had cleared and the sun came out. A glimmer of understanding flashed in his eyes, and the look he gave the Zhang mother and son became meaningful.
It's really puzzling.
At the suggestion of Mrs. Jiang, Imperial Physician Gao diagnosed the two sisters Hao Qinghe and Hao Qingmo and found that their pulses were very normal.
Next, Madam Jiang turned her gaze to the restless Zhang Dingqian. "Doctor Gao, could you please diagnose Master Zhang and see how he is doing?"
Zhang Dingqian suddenly felt a surge of panic and subconsciously withdrew his hand: "No need."
Mrs. Zhang naturally believed that her son was in good health and had no problems. Hearing Mrs. Jiang's words, she felt a little dissatisfied, as if Mrs. Jiang was questioning her son's health. So she simply said, "My son is strong and healthy, whether it's riding or archery, he can do everything. Dingqian, let Doctor Gao help you diagnose you, so that they won't suspect you of a guilty conscience."
Jiang Songyi could hardly hold back her laughter, with a smile lingering on the corners of her mouth, as if it would burst out at any moment.
[Hahaha, this is truly her biological mother. You can't even tell from Zhang Dingqian's guilty conscience!]
Doctor Gao felt a slight pang of displeasure upon witnessing Zhang Dingqian's refusal, secretly wondering how he could be so ungrateful. After all, anyone who could afford to employ such imperial physicians as theirs was no ordinary figure. If it weren't for the prestige of the Yongding Marquisate, Zhang Dingqian probably wouldn't even have had the opportunity to personally diagnose him.
He originally thought that since the other party was unwilling to see the doctor, he could save himself the trouble.
However, after carefully looking at Zhang Dingqian's pale complexion and slightly strange sitting posture, Doctor Gao's interest was suddenly aroused.
"Ah, as expected, every time I set foot in the Yongding Marquis's Mansion, I always encounter some interesting scenes."
Doctor Gao stepped forward without hesitation, grabbed Zhang Dingqian's arm forcefully, rolled up his sleeve roughly, and began to take his pulse.
Zhang Dingqian had no power to resist and could only close his eyes helplessly, as if silently accepting the arrangement of fate.
Madam Zhang didn't seem to notice her son's desperate expression. Instead, she leisurely asked Imperial Physician Gao, "How is my son's health?"
"Extremely weak!"
Doctor Gao sighed dramatically, as if expressing his disappointment and helplessness.
Mrs. Zhang's smile froze instantly, and she became nervous: "What on earth happened?"
The muscles on Zhang Dingqian's face were tense and sweat was oozing out like mushrooms after rain.
Doctor Gao continued to sigh, "Master Zhang has been indulging in desires and has overconsumed his body. He's truly wasting his energy."
Mrs. Zhang's brows furrowed in displeasure. How could the illnesses of those dandy young men, who were obsessed with sensual pleasures, have infected their elegant and noble son? She demanded sternly, "What nonsense are you talking about? My son is a man of strict self-discipline and abiding by etiquette. He doesn't even have a personal maid in his room, and he avoids prostitutes. How could he possibly indulge in lust and harm his body?"
Imperial Physician Gao smiled slyly, "Although Master Zhang hasn't taken in a maid, he does have quite a few servants around him, right?"
Mrs. Zhang only felt a loud noise in her head, as if struck by lightning, and was stunned on the spot.
She stared at her son in disbelief, "Dingqian, you..."
Zhang Dingqian turned his eyes away silently.
Mrs. Zhang's heart instantly sank into an icy cave.
Her son has never been interested in women. She always thought that his detached attitude was a good thing, as it would allow him to devote more energy to the imperial examinations.
However, now, Doctor Gao revealed the fact that her son is addicted to male beauty!
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