"A poisoned needle? That's impossible! If Hongli were pricked with a poisoned needle, he would definitely react. Why doesn't Hongli feel any discomfort at all?" Lanqin couldn't believe that a small poisoned needle could kill Hongli.
The Fourth Prince asked Physician Yang, "Since Physician Yang knows that Hongli was poisoned by the needle, is there any way to detoxify him?"
The imperial physician quickly ordered someone to bring fine needles and had Hongli's clothes pulled open, while everyone else made way.
Physician Yang carefully administered acupuncture to Hongli, and sure enough, Hongli's breathing became much stronger and his heartbeat was no longer as faint as before.
Lanqin was overjoyed and took Hongli's hand, only to find that Hongli's hands were icy cold.
"Why are Hongli's hands so cold? Is it not warm enough?" Lanqin hurriedly asked someone to prepare a brazier and bring over cotton wool.
Physician Yang couldn't bear to interrupt Lanqin, so he frowned and lowered his head. The Fourth Prince stepped forward, examined Hongli's condition, and asked, "Physician Yang is the most famous physician in the palace. Everyone says you are a reincarnation of Hua Tuo. Now that Hongli knows he was poisoned by a needle, and Physician Yang's acupuncture has been effective, does that mean Hongli will be safe and sound?"
Physician Yang bowed and shook his head: "Your Majesty, I am ashamed of my shallow knowledge! I truly do not know about the poison that the prince was poisoned with. I have seen hundreds of poisons, but this is the first time I have ever seen this poison. When this poison is first ingested, it stays and spreads in the body for a period of time without the body being aware of it. Once it spreads to the vital parts, it is precisely because of this that the prince suddenly fell into a coma."
Lanqin was stunned and asked, "How many more days can Hongli hold on like this?"
Physician Yang lowered his head and said helplessly, "If it had been discovered earlier, we might have been able to hold on for a few more days. In the current situation, all I can do is use acupuncture to control the spread of the toxin. Acupuncture only temporarily suppresses the toxicity; it cannot completely eradicate it. Unless we find the source of the poison immediately, I can still give it a shot..."
Disheartened and suppressing her immense fear, Lanqin struggled to her feet and asked the imperial physician, "If the source of the poison cannot be found, how much longer can Hongli hold on?"
Everyone held their breath, not wanting to hear the answer they feared most.
Physician Yang glanced at the Fourth Prince, sighed, and said, "If the source of the poison cannot be found in time, the Prince may not survive more than ten days..."
Lanqin's legs went weak, and she fainted. Everyone rushed to help her, and the Fourth Prince held her tightly, roaring furiously, "Qin'er, wake up! Imperial Physician, Imperial Physician..."
Physician Yang immediately gave Lanqin acupuncture. After a long while, Lanqin finally came to her senses and slowly opened her eyes.
"Qin'er, don't scare me. You must not be hurt. You must not leave me..." The Fourth Prince held Lanqin like a child, looking at her helplessly.
Lanqin glanced weakly at the Fourth Prince, raised her finger to point at Hongli on the bed, and opened her mouth but could not speak.
"I understand. I will search the entire palace to find the person who poisoned Hongli... Don't worry! I will never let him off easily... No matter the cost, I will protect you and your son..." The Fourth Prince hurriedly promised Lanqin, afraid that Lanqin might do something rash again.
Lanqin nodded in relief, stroked the stubble on Fourth Master's chin, and cried with heartache.
The Fourth Prince buried his head in Lanqin's shoulder, holding her tightly and whispering in her ear, "You can't be hurt, you promised me! No matter what happens, you can be strong and hold on... Do you hear me?"
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