Chapter 154 Not here? Then I'll wait here!
Chu Yan had regained his composure and disagreed with what he heard.
"Killing him is easy."
"But to act now would be too conspicuous. Father Emperor was just overjoyed because the Crown Prince was expected to recover. If we kill this divine doctor immediately, wouldn't that be telling everyone that someone doesn't want the Crown Prince to get better? That eunuch Shen Guangnian, and the whole Yongning Marquis's mansion, are probably waiting to find something to use against me."
Moreover, the Emperor may have already laid out defenses, just waiting for me to walk right into his trap.
Wu Tie lowered his head: "It was my oversight."
Just then, a guard came to report from outside the tent: "Your Highness, Minister Du and Scholar Shen are requesting an audience outside the tent."
Chu Yan raised an eyebrow, the gloomy look on his face quickly disappearing, replaced by a gentler expression.
"Announce."
Immediately afterwards, Minister Du and Shen Moyan entered one after the other and bowed respectfully; "Your subjects pay their respects to Your Highness Prince Jing."
Chu Yan raised his hand, his tone calm, "Minister Du, Minister Shen, you must be tired from your journey. I wonder how things are in the capital?"
This question was directed at Shen Moyan.
Shen Moyan cupped his hands and said, "Thanks to Your Highness's good fortune, everything in the capital is peaceful. Your Highness remained calm and composed in the face of danger, and your decisive command wiped out the rebel army of Prince Cheng in one fell swoop. Your meritorious service in protecting the emperor has become a popular story in the capital and is praised by the people."
"My minister and several like-minded colleagues have been actively promoting Your Highness's virtue among scholars. As a result, Your Highness's reputation among young officials and literati is rising day by day."
Chu Yan nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Shen Moyan, "Very good. With a young talent like Shen Qing assisting me, I am very pleased."
"Oh, by the way, I heard that Minister Shen and Minister Du's daughter are getting married soon? Miss Du is both beautiful and talented, and she and Minister Shen are a perfect match, a match made in heaven. I would like to offer my congratulations to the two of you."
"Both of you are the pillars and talents I have chosen. From now on, you will be family. As long as you work together to serve me, I will not treat you unfairly in the future. Wealth, power and status will all be shared with you."
Shen Moyan lowered his head, his hand, hidden in his sleeve, twitched almost imperceptibly. His expression, however, carried just the right amount of humility.
"Your Highness's kindness is deeply appreciated. Lord Du does not mind my humble origins and is willing to marry his precious daughter to me. I will never forget this kindness and virtue. I will do my best to assist Your Highness and repay Your Highness's kindness."
Minister Du was also very satisfied with his attitude, and stroked his beard, saying, "Lord Shen, you flatter me. It is your good fortune to be valued by the Prince, and it is also my daughter's good fortune."
He smiled and smoothed things over before returning to the main topic: "Your Highness, public opinion in the capital has been properly shaped, and Li Long, the commander of the Imperial Guards, has clearly stated his loyalty to Your Highness. I have also secretly contacted several key ministers in the court. Now, only the Marquis of Yongning and the Duke of Dingguo are not a threat. Everything is ready..."
It means that now is the time to rise up and start a rebellion.
"I wonder what Your Highness's plans are next? Is it... necessary to seize this 'east wind' before setting off back to the capital, to completely settle the overall situation, lest things get complicated?"
Chu Yan's smile gradually faded, and he gritted his teeth and said, "How could I not want this? But some unexpected complications have arisen. The Crown Prince's leg can be saved."
"What?" Minister Du and Shen Moyan's expressions changed simultaneously.
"Is Your Highness telling the truth? Even the head of the Imperial Hospital was helpless with the Crown Prince's leg injury, how could he suddenly be cured?"
Chu Yan said in a deep voice, "I just received a secret report that the Crane Physician from Medicine King Valley gave the Crown Prince acupuncture today, which actually restored some sensation to his legs."
Minister Du frowned: "Medicine King Valley has a long-standing reputation. It is said that the people in the valley never easily set foot in the court. Why would they suddenly serve the Crown Prince?"
Chu Yan was unaware of this matter.
"Your Highness, if this problem is not eliminated, a major upheaval may occur! If the Crown Prince can truly stand up, even if he can only walk with difficulty, his position as heir apparent will be hard to shake. At that time, those fence-sitters in the court will probably turn to the Eastern Palace again."
Shen Moyan echoed, "Lord Du is absolutely right. When I was in the capital, I heard that although the people of Medicine King Valley have superb medical skills, they have many eccentricities. We can first investigate this Divine Physician Crane's preferences and weaknesses, and then prescribe the right medicine for him."
If he's greedy for money, bribe him with a large sum; if he values fame, promise him high office and a generous salary; if neither works… then think of another way!
A ruthless glint flashed in Chu Yan's eyes, and he slowly nodded: "Alright! We'll do as you two suggest. Shen Qing, immediately send someone to investigate Doctor He's background."
"Du Qing, secretly contact the physicians of the Eastern Palace. You must devise a way to stop Crown Prince Kangfu within three days! I cannot wait, nor can I wait for the throne!"
"Yes." The two accepted the order in unison.
-
Meanwhile, after learning that the Crown Prince had regained some feeling in his leg, Xiao Lingxi could no longer resist the urge to visit him.
She knew that Chu Yu's current situation was delicate, but the more delicate it was, the more she missed Chu Yu, the one who had treated her to candy and helped her out of a predicament at the poetry gathering, with her gentle smile.
That afternoon, the sky was somewhat overcast. Xiao Lingxi changed into a simple yet elegant dress, and carrying Zisu and two exquisite food boxes, she arrived at the East Palace tent.
Just like before, this time, he was stopped by the guards.
"Miss Xiao, please return. His Highness the Crown Prince has said that during your recovery period, you will not receive any outside guests."
But Xiao Lingxi was determined to see Chu Yu this time.
She shoved the food box into Zisu's hands, stepped forward, her eyes resolute; "You won't see me? Then I'll wait here! Until Your Highness is willing to see me!"
"Miss Xiao, please don't make things difficult for us." The guard looked troubled.
Xiao Lingxi raised an eyebrow: "When did I make things difficult for you? Did I get in your way while I was standing guard?"
The guard shook his head.
"That's settled then. You guys stand where you want, I'll wait for mine. There's nothing wrong with that, is there?"
"This..." The two guards exchanged a glance, and finally could only shake their heads helplessly, tacitly acknowledging that Xiao Lingxi was waiting there.
Finally, Xiao Lingxi found a clean rock outside the camp and sat down, adopting a posture of fighting a protracted battle.
Zisu stood by, holding an umbrella, looking anxious and helpless.
Before long, the sky darkened, a strong wind whipped up dark clouds overhead, and several streaks of lightning flashed across the sky in the distance.
A storm is brewing.
The guards looked at each other, wondering whether they should go in and report again.
If word got out that the young lady of the Yongning Marquis's mansion was standing in the rain outside the Crown Prince's tent, they couldn't bear the consequences.
Just as the stalemate was at hand, the tent curtain was lifted, and Eunuch Deng came out. He glanced at the sky, then at Xiao Lingxi, who was stubbornly sitting on the rock, sighed, and stepped forward:
"Miss Xiao, why are you doing this? His Highness needs to rest."
Xiao Lingxi's eyes were slightly red. "Eunuch Deng, I just wanted to see His Highness for a moment and deliver these snacks. I know the rules and will never disturb His Highness's rest. I'll just say one sentence, put the snacks down, and leave, is that alright?"
After hesitating for a moment, Deng finally softened his heart, fearing that something might happen if it really rained heavily.
"Then... Miss Xiao, please come in with me. Remember, do not linger and do not say anything."
Xiao Lingxi nodded repeatedly; "Yes, thank you, Eunuch Deng."
However, when Xiao Lingxi entered the tent and saw the scene before her, she felt a sudden pause in her heart!
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