Chapter 83 The Prodigal Brother (Twenty-Three): A Merchant's Son's Counterattack Against a King of a Different Surname...
Before long, Song Ce, led by Yang Yan, arrived at the main hall of the Eastern Palace. As soon as he saw Emperor Hongjing sitting on the throne, he was about to lift his robe to pay his respects.
Upon seeing this, Emperor Hongjing raised his hand and said, "No need for formalities, Physician Song, please step forward and examine the Crown Prince."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Song Ce replied respectfully.
Just then, a majestic female voice came from afar: "Your Majesty! Wait!"
Upon hearing the sound, everyone turned to look, and saw Prince Ding supporting the Empress, whose face was full of worry, as they walked steadily towards them. Seeing this, the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital immediately knelt down and respectfully bowed.
The Empress stepped forward, expressing her strong disapproval: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is of inestimable health. This so-called divine physician is merely a figurehead outside the palace. How can we so easily allow him to treat the Crown Prince? If he harbors treacherous intentions and plots to harm the Crown Prince, who will bear the responsibility for this crime for all eternity? I fear this person will be condemned to death!"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Hongjing waved his hand wearily and sighed, "These imperial physicians are all mediocre. They were helpless against my headaches before, and it was only thanks to Physician Song that I was cured. The Crown Prince is currently in critical condition. If we waste our breath arguing here, who knows how much more suffering the Crown Prince will endure! You need not say any more! Physician Song, quickly go and treat the Crown Prince!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will do my utmost," Song Ce said earnestly.
Prince Ding's lips trembled slightly, as if he had something to say... However, when Emperor Hongjing's slightly warning gaze swept over him, he immediately became speechless and swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
Song Ce walked to the Crown Prince's bedside, first carefully examining the prince's complexion, then reaching out and gently grasping the prince's wrist to take his pulse. For a moment, everyone in the hall held their breath, especially the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital, who watched Song Ce's movements intently.
After taking the Crown Prince's pulse, Song Ce quickly said to the eunuch beside him, "Please go and fetch my medicine box." The eunuch first glanced at Emperor Hongjing, and after the emperor nodded in agreement, he bowed and hurriedly ran out.
A moment later, Song Ce released the Crown Prince's wrist and began to untie the makeshift bandage on the prince's leg. The wound was stained with blood, and the outline of broken bone was faintly visible. Seeing this gruesome sight, the Empress hurriedly wiped her eyes with a handkerchief and turned her head away.
After he finished examining the wound, the young eunuch returned, panting, carrying his medicine chest.
Song Ce reached out and took the medicine box, took out a small porcelain bottle sealed with yellow wax, and opened it. Just as he was about to sprinkle the powder on the Crown Prince's wound, the Empress suddenly felt her sleeve being gently tugged. She turned her head slightly and saw that Prince Ding was looking worried and disapproving.
"Your Majesty, this powder must not be used by the Crown Prince! How can we know if there are any unknown substances mixed in with this medicine? In case... it would be best to have the imperial physicians examine it one by one," the Empress said.
Although Emperor Hongjing was displeased with the Empress's frequent interruptions, he couldn't show his anger since it concerned the Crown Prince's safety. He could only turn to Song Ce and say, "Doctor Song..."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Song Ce said, handing the powder to the nearest physician, Li.
Seeing this, Physician Li quickly took the medicine with both hands and poured some powder into his palm. He first brought it close to his nose to smell it, then rubbed a little with his fingers and put it in his mouth. Then, with a somewhat uncertain expression, he said, "Your Majesty, this old minister is incompetent and can only taste the flavors of Notopterygium incisum, Gastrodia elata, and Angelica dahurica."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce smiled and explained, "Physician Li, your medical skills are superb. This medicine does indeed contain these three herbs. In addition, it also contains other herbs such as raw arisaema and raw aconite. Applying this powder to His Highness's affected area will quickly stop the bleeding."
"This...this..." Imperial Physician Li was surprised that Song Ce revealed the formula for this secret medicine so readily. He quickly waved his hand and said, "Doctor Song, there's no need to go into details. You should administer the medicine to His Highness the Crown Prince as soon as possible! Your Majesty, this old minister can testify that there is nothing wrong with this medicine!"
Emperor Hongjing nodded after hearing this, looked at the Empress and Prince Ding who were no longer speaking, gave a light hum, and then said, "Doctor Song, just administer the medicine. No one is allowed to disturb you from now on."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Song Ce first took out a small bottle of colorless liquid and said to the still conscious Crown Prince, "Your Highness, please bear with it." The Crown Prince nodded with difficulty.
The moment the liquid touched the wound, the Crown Prince couldn't help but cry out in pain. He gritted his teeth, his face pale, and looked at Song Ce, saying softly, "Doctor Song, thank you for your help. But I wonder about my leg injury..."
"Your Highness, please rest assured, this humble subject will certainly do his utmost," Song Ce said gently, reassuringly.
After disinfecting the wound, Song Ce took out the specially made hemostatic medicine and applied it to the prince's injury. After a short while, the wound, which had been gushing blood, slowly began to congeal.
"What... what a miraculous medicine this is!" Emperor Hongjing exclaimed inwardly. Almost instantly, he realized that if this medicine were used in the army, wouldn't the imperial army be like a tiger with wings, unstoppable? He could hardly contain himself and wanted to immediately ask Doctor Song to hand over the prescription. However, the Crown Prince's leg injury still required the doctor's help, so he had to suppress his impulse and remind himself not to rush.
At the same time, everyone who witnessed this scene was greatly shocked, especially Prince Ding, who stared in disbelief at what was happening before him. He took a deep breath and looked up in the direction of Emperor Hongjing. Sure enough, a strange light was flashing in Emperor Hongjing's eyes.
As a son, Prince Ding was all too familiar with Emperor Hongjing's gaze.
After the bleeding stopped, Song Ce took out a small box of light green ointment and used a flat jade spatula to evenly apply it to the Crown Prince's wound. Then, he took out a light brown pill from the bottom of the medicine box and instructed the Crown Prince, "Your Highness, this medicine must be taken with wine or water, any kind of wine, even fruit wine."
Seeing this, Emperor Hongjing had no doubt about Song Ce's medical skills. He immediately ordered a eunuch waiting nearby to bring wine and water so that the Crown Prince could take the pills. Afterward, Song Ce brought over the things he had instructed the palace servants to prepare earlier, and used soft cotton ropes to bind the Crown Prince's injured legs, using a suspension method to fix and suspend the Crown Prince's legs. By the time he finished all this, nearly two hours had passed.
Seeing that the Crown Prince had fallen into a deep sleep, Song Ce stood up and bowed to Emperor Hongjing, saying, "Your Majesty, I have properly treated His Highness's leg injury. To be on the safe side, I humbly request that Your Majesty arrange for me to stay in the Eastern Palace for the next two weeks. His Highness's leg still needs regular dressing changes and supplementary herbal medicine. I am worried that living too far away will prevent me from coming to treat His Highness in time."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Hongjing nodded slightly, "Then I will trouble you, Doctor Song. If you can cure the Crown Prince, I will reward you handsomely."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
That afternoon, Emperor Hongjing ordered the palace servants to tidy up the side hall of the East Palace and arranged for Song Ce to stay there.
For the next seven days, Song Ce rose before dawn each day to meticulously prepare the medicine for the Crown Prince in the small kitchen, and to prepare for any necessary changes in his dressings. Before long, the palace staff throughout the Eastern Palace held this divine physician in even higher esteem.
Meanwhile, Gu Tingxuan also heard about this at the Prince Ding's residence. He smiled at Guan Mao, who was grinding ink for him, and said, "Well? Has this boy caught your eye?"
Upon hearing this, Guan Mao smiled wryly and said, "Master, please don't make fun of your subordinate."
"It seems I've won this bet." With that, Gu Tingxuan waved his hand twice in front of Guan Mao: "As agreed, five taels of silver."
"I am willing to accept defeat," Guan Mao replied readily, taking five taels of silver from his sleeve and placing it in Gu Tingxuan's hand.
In contrast to the harmonious atmosphere in Qifeng Courtyard, Prince Ding was restless in the main hall. He knew all too well that Emperor Hongjing coveted the miraculous hemostatic medicine, and he also understood that Song Ce's reputation as a divine physician was not undeserved.
“Father, you said that although this divine physician’s medical skills are superb, he has become famous in the capital in less than a year. Moreover, I have noticed that he has a close relationship with my elder brother, and I always feel that there is something strange about this matter.” Gu Tingxun sat at the lower seat and said with a solemn expression.
These words struck a chord with Prince Ding. He had always harbored doubts about the origins of this so-called divine physician, feeling that something was hidden behind him.
Prince Ding pressed his temples and had his servants summon his advisors. He carefully discussed the matter, saying, "Send more capable people to thoroughly investigate this Doctor Song's background, especially his past interactions with the eldest son. We must find out everything."
Gu Tingxun continued, "Father, there is one more thing. My elder brother went to Wenyuan County last July or August, and his stuttering was inexplicably cured shortly after he returned. In my opinion, it is very likely that my elder brother met that miracle doctor in Wenyuan County."
Prince Ding nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "I will listen to the Second Young Master and focus on investigating Wenyuan County."
"Yes, Your Highness." The advisor acknowledged the order and hurriedly left.
Before long, a very short servant came to the side gate of Qifeng Courtyard and quietly revealed to Gu Tingxuan that Prince Ding was going to Wenyuan County to investigate the divine doctor.
Gu Tingxuan's expression remained unchanged after hearing the news. He waved his hand, signaling Guan Mao to reward the servant who was sweeping with twenty taels of silver.
Guan Mao nodded, handed the silver to the servant who was sweeping, and said in a low voice, "You did a good job on this matter. If you have similar news in the future, you can come to Qifeng Courtyard to find me directly. In the future... Prince Yeling will definitely remember your merits."
The servant accepted the money with profuse thanks, said several more nice words, and then hurriedly left.
"Guan Mao, it seems that Father's suspicion of Song Ce is growing stronger." Gu Tingxuan stroked the jade tablet bestowed upon him by His Majesty and said solemnly.
"Master, what should we do? Or perhaps, your subordinate..." As he spoke, Guan Mao subtly pointed in the direction of the palace.
Gu Tingxuan's gaze sharpened, and he said in a deep voice, "No! If we send a message now, we'll be easily exposed. Right now, Song Ce is treating the Crown Prince's leg injury at the Eastern Palace. As long as the Crown Prince trusts him, we're safe for the time being. The only concern is that they might find out about the conflict between Song Ce and his father and use it to attack him. Quickly send a few capable men to keep a close eye on their movements. If they take any action, just act accordingly."
"Yes, young master!"
At this time, Song Ce was completely unaware that Prince Ding was planning to send someone to Wenyuan County to investigate him. In addition to changing the Crown Prince's dressings and massaging him every day, he also had to take time to exchange his medical and pharmaceutical experiences with the imperial physicians of the Imperial Hospital.
The head physician, Li, looked at the amiable Song Ce before him, and a hint of unease crept onto his face. He thought of the tasks His Majesty had entrusted to him the previous night, and inwardly groaned.
As a physician, he knew the rules of medicine all too well. Although their profession was based on helping people and saving lives, each family had its own secret techniques. If they were to forcibly demand these techniques as His Majesty had instructed, it might incite rebellion among the physicians. If they encountered someone of upright character who would rather die than hand over their medical secrets… then not only would His Majesty's plan fail, but they would also be branded as coercing good doctors.
Thinking of this, Physician Li became increasingly uneasy, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He couldn't help but secretly glance at his companion beside him, only to see that the other also looked solemn, clearly troubled by this difficult task.
But now that he has received His Majesty's decree, he still has to give it a try.
Looking at the young man before him, Physician Li hesitated inwardly. After a moment, he mustered his courage and stepped forward, saying, "Young sir, could you please tell us in detail about the medicine you used when you treated His Highness the Crown Prince that day?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Physician Li felt his face burning. His words had almost completely lost the composure and dignity that a physician should have... But he could not disobey the imperial decree, and despite his utter helplessness, he had no choice but to comply.
The imperial physicians standing nearby were stunned by Physician Li's words. Some of them secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that at least they had the first person who dared to step forward. Even if the matter failed, they believed that His Majesty would not vent all his anger on them.
Upon hearing this, Song Ce couldn't help but smile and replied gently, "Of course."
Upon hearing this, Physician Li and the other physicians were overjoyed. One of them, fearing that Song Ce might not have understood, emphasized, "Young sir, we are referring to the bottle of hemostatic powder you took out that day."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce immediately said, "Why are you all so reserved? My master taught me from a young age that one should never hoard one's knowledge and keep it to oneself, but should open the door to exchange ideas to benefit everyone." As he spoke, he picked up the brush beside him and wrote down the secret formula for stopping bleeding in detail on a piece of paper. After the ink had dried, he handed it to Physician Li.
"Young sir, you are of noble character and integrity. Please accept our bow!" the imperial physicians said in unison, and then bowed.
Seeing this, Song Ce quickly stepped aside and said earnestly, "You are all senior practitioners of medicine, highly respected and virtuous. I am but a junior, how dare I accept such a great courtesy? You are all doing this for the common people, and I am already deeply grateful to you! Furthermore, what I have learned is based on the work of my predecessors. I am merely sharing what I have learned. You are all too kind to me."
Upon hearing this, all the imperial physicians looked ashamed, especially Physician Li, whose eyes even reddened.
His voice was slightly choked as he said, “Young sir, your generosity is truly ashamed of us. In all my years of medical practice, I have never seen a doctor as selfless as you. If you ever need anything from us in the future, please feel free to ask.”
Song Ce smiled and waved his hand, "You flatter me. Medical skills should be used for the benefit of all people. I was just doing my duty."
Upon hearing this, everyone's goodwill towards the person before them increased even further. Just then, a palace servant rushed in to report that the Crown Prince had awakened and wanted to summon Doctor Song immediately.
After listening, Song Ce nodded slightly, bowed to the imperial physicians, and took his leave.
On the other side, after obtaining the secret formula, Physician Li dared not delay and immediately went to the Imperial Study to see Emperor Hongjing.
Inside the imperial study, Emperor Hongjing sat upright on his dragon throne, a hint of excitement in his expression. Seeing Imperial Physician Li strode in, he slightly raised his hand, gesturing for Li to rise and speak.
"How is the matter I entrusted to you progressing?" Emperor Hongjing asked.
Upon hearing this, Imperial Physician Li immediately bowed and respectfully reported, "Your Majesty is wise. This young gentleman truly lives up to his reputation as a divine physician. I only mentioned it briefly, and he wrote down the secret formula without hesitation and handed it to me." At this point, Imperial Physician Li paused, and then continued, "This man also said that Your Majesty is a wise ruler of our time, who cares deeply for the common people, and he wishes to use Your Majesty's help to benefit the people of our dynasty."
Emperor Hongjing was delighted upon hearing this and smiled with satisfaction. "It's good that he has this intention. But besides that, has he said anything else?"
After pondering for a moment, Imperial Physician Li replied, "Your Majesty, there is nothing else besides these."
Emperor Hongjing was a man of extremely conflicted character. Whenever someone made a contribution but remained humble and did not seek credit, he would be overjoyed and generously reward them. However, if that person accepted the reward without hesitation, he would feel uneasy, as if that person was short-sighted, only concerned with immediate gains, and lacking any foresight or vision.
Hearing that Song Ce had not mentioned any reward from beginning to end, Emperor Hongjing's eyes were full of admiration. He smiled and said, "This divine physician Song first cured my headache, and then he offered up his family's secret recipe without reservation. I have never seen such a sincere and pure person before."
Upon hearing this, Physician Li felt relieved. It seemed that this young gentleman had caught His Majesty's eye. He couldn't help but flatter him, saying, "In my humble opinion, everything the young gentleman has done is simply because he has a pure and kind heart."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Hongjing admired Song Ce even more. He waved his hand and gestured to Yang Yan, saying, "Go and convey my decree immediately. Tomorrow morning at court, summon Song Ce to the palace. I want to commend him in front of all the civil and military officials."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
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Author's Note: (Shyly snuggling) My little angels~ Have a wonderful weekend~ [droopy-eared bunny head]
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