"Doctor Meng?" The eldest prince looked at the unfamiliar woman in front of him with a puzzled expression, his mind filled with questions.
He had never heard of such a highly skilled female doctor in the palace.
However, the emperor seemed to trust Meng Zhelan quite a bit. He nodded slightly and said, "Since it was Doctor Meng who said so, then she should have a way to treat the Fifth Princess's injuries."
After he finished speaking, he gave Meng Zhelan an encouraging look.
Despite the stares of the crowd, Meng Zhelan remained calm and composed.
After all, she was well aware of her medical skills, and her decision to treat the Fifth Princess this time was out of a doctor's instinct and responsibility.
Therefore, she took a step forward without fear and stood in front of everyone.
"Your Majesty, earlier, the Empress Dowager came to my home with the injured Fifth Princess in a great hurry. After a careful examination, I found that the Fifth Princess did indeed have a head injury..." Meng Zhelan calmly recounted the situation.
"I see. Doctor Meng is my sister's savior. Just ask for whatever you want, and I will grant it to you." The eldest prince patted his chest with a hearty expression and responded loudly.
"No need, Your Highness. Healing the sick and saving lives is a doctor's duty and also my principle. The Fifth Princess is blessed with good fortune and will naturally be favored and protected by Heaven. I believe it won't be long before she regains her lost memories."
Meng Zhelan's expression remained calm, but her tone was firm and confident, and she answered neither humbly nor arrogantly.
Upon hearing this, the eldest prince was momentarily speechless, unsure of how to respond.
He turned around, intending to rebuke Mengyun, who was standing to the side: "You servant, why didn't you report to me sooner that you had found the princess? Do you know how serious your crime is? You've made me live in constant fear and anxiety!"
I only just saw her by chance, and that's how I learned the princess was here... This servant truly knows very little, please forgive me, Your Highness!
After saying that, Mengyun kept kowtowing until her forehead was red.
"Alas! I suppose it's because I'm old and senile, and my eyesight is failing, that I failed to recognize the Fifth Princess at a glance. If this little girl hadn't told me that the person before me was indeed your Fifth Princess, I'm afraid I would have made a huge fool of myself today. It truly proves the old saying—'The flood washed away the Dragon King's temple,' and family members don't recognize each other!" The Empress Dowager shook her head gently as she sighed deeply.
A hint of self-reproach and regret flickered in her eyes, as if she felt quite guilty for not recognizing the Fifth Princess in time.
These words created an awkward atmosphere, startling the eldest prince who repeatedly apologized, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. If it weren't for you, my fifth sister would probably be..."
The eldest prince quickly gestured for Mengyun to stand up, "Get up, this is not your fault. From now on, stay close to the princess and never leave her side."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Mengyun replied, her voice filled with trepidation.
"Fifth Princess, come with us. We will be returning to Xiyue in a few days. Go back and get to know us better." The eldest princess gestured for Mo Lian to sit down.
To her surprise, she was terrified and retreated as if avoiding a snake or scorpion, her face contorted with pain.
"I...I...want to follow the Empress Dowager." Before she could finish speaking, she slipped behind the Empress Dowager.
"You..." The princess's face darkened and she was displeased when she saw her like this.
The Empress Dowager waved her hand gently and said softly, "Enough, enough. Let her stay by this old woman's side. I have a deep connection with her, and provoking her like this now might be detrimental to her."
Now that things have come to this point, who would dare to contradict the Empress Dowager?
"In that case, we'll have to trouble Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."
The eldest prince had no choice but to agree.
"Alright, let the banquet continue. I've heard that the daughters of all the esteemed officials have prepared some performances; let's feast our eyes on them today!" As soon as the emperor finished speaking, the previously noisy banquet hall instantly fell silent.
Everyone turned their attention to the speaker, who had a smile on his face and a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
The dignitaries present exchanged glances, understanding the true purpose of today's chrysanthemum appreciation banquet.
The ministers' minds began to race.
Speaking of their own daughter, she is truly a precious gem who has been pampered and spoiled since childhood!
He received a rigorous and comprehensive education from a young age.
Whether it's cultivating talents in refined art fields like playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, or accumulating knowledge in literary cultivation such as poetry and prose...
A short while later, a group of young women dressed in gorgeous costumes slowly walked onto the stage.
They were graceful and beautiful.
The girl at the head of the group was particularly eye-catching; she possessed an elegant demeanor and was as beautiful as a fairy, as if she had stepped out of a painting.
As the music began, the girls started to dance gracefully. Their movements were light and beautiful, perfectly coordinated, like a flock of butterflies frolicking among flowers. The audience watched, mesmerized, bursting into applause and cheers from time to time.
Immediately afterwards, another melodious song filled the air. The voice was clear and pleasant, like celestial music, captivating the listener. And after the singing, a unique poetry recitation followed…
Princesses and noble ladies from other countries were not to be outdone, each displaying their unique skills like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, drawing cheers from the audience that resounded throughout the heavens.
"Good, good, reward me." Emperor Wenyuan waved his hand and gave away many good things.
Li Xi was initially interested in watching the spectacle unfold, but then Qin Xiaolin suddenly gave her a wink and nodded slightly, seemingly indicating that she should come out with him.
She was a little confused, but she nodded anyway and followed Qin Xiaolin out of the room.
Outside the banquet hall, Qin Xiaolin stopped, turned to look at Li Xi, and said solemnly, "Something happened to Li Yi..."
These words struck Li Xi like a thunderclap, causing her to tremble.
She stared wide-eyed at Qin Xiaolin in disbelief, trying to glean more information from his expression and tone.
However, Qin Xiaolin simply watched her silently, offering no further explanation. A sense of foreboding washed over Li Xi, and she felt her heart pounding faster and faster.
"I...I must leave the palace. Please convey my message to the Empress Dowager." Before she could finish speaking, she rushed towards the palace gate.
However, Qin Xiaolin quickly caught up and grabbed her wrist tightly, saying, "Let's go this way. We'll be faster on horseback. He's at Baichuan Academy right now!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com