Chapter 550 Your Majesty, the Predicament Can Be Resolved
Lord Wang Yong was just in time to see what was going on with the court officials. News of the recent defeats at the border had arrived again. Many people impeached Zhao Yu, the current commander stationed at the border, for incompetence and petitioned for a replacement.
Xiao Yuanshan is pressing the issue even more relentlessly. If Xiao Yuanshan's men were to gain control of most of the military power in the court, what would become of them?
Lord Wang was so worried about this matter that his hair turned white.
Upon hearing the guard's reply, he was momentarily stunned by his own ears, having forgotten all about etiquette after several busy days. Looking at the exit, he asked, "Are you sure it's Physician Jiang? Li Rong didn't show up, only this young woman came out of Xiao Yuanshan's residence with everyone??"
The guard nodded solemnly: "Your Majesty, I am certain that I am absolutely not mistaken! I personally witnessed it with Grand Tutor Fang and Commander Liu! Moreover, none of the brothers who accompanied us today were injured or killed. Now that Grand Tutor Fang and Commander Liu have been invited to Physician Jiang's residence to check on General Li's condition, they sent me back first to report to Your Majesty, so as not to worry Your Majesty."
Lord Wang shuddered, accidentally scattering the thick stack of historical documents and battle reports all over the floor. He was startled and exclaimed, "Your Majesty, this old minister is guilty!"
The Emperor glanced at the dazed Lord Wang, waved his hand dismissively, and ordered someone to pick it up.
Lord Wang mechanically picked up the items, completely oblivious to the previously troubling memorials. His aged face was filled with bewilderment; he had considered countless possible outcomes, but this was entirely unexpected.
"Your Majesty, what kind of monster is this Physician Jiang? Or has she poisoned Xiao Yuanshan, corrupting his mind? Otherwise, how could Xiao Yuanshan be in this state?"
As he spoke, he realized he had said something incoherent and stopped himself abruptly: "This old minister has misspoke."
The Emperor lowered his eyes and raised an eyebrow: "What you say doesn't make any sense either."
The guard replied, "Your Majesty, that's unlikely. When we went to protect Physician Jiang, she was accompanied by two great protectors from the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion. Moreover, it was Xiao Yuanshan who poisoned her, but she managed to evade it."
Upon hearing this, Lord Wang, still unwilling to give up, asked, "Is it possible that Grand Tutor Fang and the two great protectors are both present, which is why he dares not act rashly?"
“When we arrived, one of the protectors appeared to have already fought with Xiao Yuanshan.”
After hearing their conversation, the Emperor chuckled to himself, "What is there for Xiao Yuanshan to be afraid of? I think he really does need someone's help this time."
As he spoke, the Emperor's smile deepened: "I was truly foolish; I underestimated her."
Unexpectedly, with only such a small amount of leverage, she was able to turn the tide and break the deadlock. It seems that none of those around Li Rong are ordinary people!
Lord Wang nodded to himself, "This woman is indeed extraordinary."
The Emperor merely fixed his gaze on the guard kneeling below him. "You mean to say that she has already obtained Xiao Yuanshan's blood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Emperor closed his eyes and pondered for a while, his eyes flashing. "Now it seems that A-Rong's illness is nothing to worry about."
Lord Wang breathed a slight sigh of relief upon hearing this, and looked at the thick stack of memorials: "Now the vassal kings are still somewhat restless, Yelü Qi is also eyeing us covetously, and we have suffered a defeat at the border. It is a time when the emperor's heart is in turmoil. It is really good that General Li is alright. If he raises his arm and calls, what can Xiao Yuanshan do no matter how scheming he is?"
"Your Majesty, our predicament is now resolved."
The Emperor's tone was ambiguous, and he simply said lightly, "Yes. After all these years, it is still him who raises his arm and calls out, and tens of thousands of people travel thousands of miles to come to him."
He paused for a moment, then laughed: "Just like Grand Tutor Fang just now, he has always been unwilling to engage in disputes. I have spoken to him about Xiao Yuanshan's matter several times, but he has always pretended to be deaf and dumb, making all sorts of excuses. Now that it concerns Li Ronglai, he is willing to go."
Upon hearing this, Minister Wang's expression hardened. In Minister Wang's view, the Emperor's words were unreasonable. Previous discussions about Xiao Yuanshan were merely tests. Today, however, a direct order was issued to Grand Tutor Fang to go; how could they be compared?
He and Grand Tutor Fang were childhood friends, but at this moment he dared not say a word on his behalf.
Fortunately, the Emperor did not say much, but added, "However, it is ultimately a good thing."
His voice carried a hint of melancholy: "Of course I hope... that Arong will live to be a hundred years old."
As he said this, he picked up a handkerchief, coughed lightly twice, and when he opened the handkerchief again, he saw that it was stained with black blood.
Lord Wang's pupils constricted sharply: "Your Majesty! You must take care of your health!"
The Emperor waved his hand, as if it were a habit, tossed the handkerchief aside, picked up a new one, and wiped the corner of his mouth.
"What do you think we should do now?"
Upon hearing this, Lord Wang lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment: "Your Majesty, it seems that this is actually very beneficial to us. It will be good to have Physician Jiang keep an eye on Xiao Yuanshan. If Xiao Yuanshan makes any unusual moves, we will be prepared."
The Emperor simply nodded: "Hmm... Do you think this woman is trustworthy?" "Well... I can't say for sure. This woman's medical skills are superb, and her silver tongue is not to be underestimated. When she treated Your Majesty before, she even used poison, and she doesn't have a very good temper and seems difficult to get along with... Now that she has the support of the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion, I really can't guess what she's thinking. We must be wary."
The Emperor lowered his eyes, his fingers unconsciously stroking the silk handkerchief, and after a while he said, "Sixth Prince is a bit lonely now, so we should choose two more companions. I think Arong's second son is quite good."
Upon hearing this, Lord Wang naturally understood the Emperor's meaning. After pondering for a moment, he added, "Your Majesty, I have heard that General Li's second son is exceptionally talented in medicine, having mastered excellent skills at a young age. Moreover, he is a student of the Imperial Preceptor... If these people come to the palace to contact the Sixth Prince, I fear it will be difficult to guard against them..."
The Emperor's eyes flickered, but he laughed the next second: "Isn't that perfect? Xiao Liu should have someone like that by his side... I think they have a very close relationship."
After thinking for a moment, he asked again, "By the way, where is the child brought back from the Great Wilderness settled?"
Eunuch Li, who had been listening attentively, stepped forward upon hearing this and said softly, "Your Majesty, the young noble lady has been staying in Yanxi Palace next to the Imperial Concubine since she arrived in the capital. She has been being taught by the Imperial Concubine's nannies and is eagerly awaiting your arrival. Yesterday, the Imperial Concubine even sent someone to ask Your Majesty if you wish to meet her."
The Emperor nodded: "No need to see her. Issue my decree to immediately bestow the title of Princess Shude upon this girl, and instruct the Imperial Concubine to find her a proper palace and a quiet place, and to promptly procure anything she may lack; also, tell the Imperial Concubine to begin the process of finding a study companion for the princess."
Upon hearing this, Eunuch Li was taken aback for a moment, then instantly understood: "Yes, this servant will take care of it right away."
My wound got a bit infected yesterday, so they removed the stitches and had it drained. The doctor won't let me touch it anymore. Seriously, it feels like the whole world is blocking my career. I've only been posting for two days...
That's all for today. I'll try my best to make up for the missed update tomorrow.
(End of this chapter)
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