Chapter 102 Longing Turns to Illness: No, it's the Real Person
After the Taoist priest Minzhen, who was confined in a side hall, committed suicide by poisoning himself, and was then confronted by the Prince of Wu, causing him to vomit blood and faint, Emperor Jianxing realized all too well that he had been deceived.
His son conspired with outsiders to deceive him, and in his anger, he ordered the King of Wu to commit suicide.
But no matter how many people died, it couldn't change Emperor Jianxing's stiff, uncontrollable body.
A few months ago, Emperor Jianxing took an elixir and felt much better, which made him think he would live a long and prosperous life. Now his dream has been shattered, and he wants to take his anger out on people, but he is finding it difficult to speak clearly and lift his pen to write imperial edicts.
An inexplicable panic enveloped him, as if something was slipping away from him, leaving Emperor Jianxing both angry and powerless.
At this time, however, his last son was by his side to take care of him, and he did his best to find good doctors for Emperor Jianxing, which made Emperor Jianxing feel much more at ease and he relied on him a lot.
Upon arriving at the gate of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Prince Xin turned around and said, "Wait here. I will go to pay my respects to my father and then summon you in."
After speaking, Prince Xin walked toward the gate of the Hall of Mental Cultivation as if no one else was there. A eunuch was already at the door and opened it for him. He simply lifted his robe and entered.
His back is much straighter now, and he no longer bows down to enter the house like before.
Even the guards protecting the emperor subtly leaned towards Prince Xin, their attitude becoming subtly respectful.
Xi Congshuang didn't need to look at the attitudes of the palace servants around her; just hearing that Prince Xin dared to say such things in front of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, she knew that Prince Xin had indeed been riding high these past few days.
Within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a palace servant came out to announce that Xi Congshuang should go to the side hall to wait.
As expected, meeting the emperor was not a simple matter, and Xi Congshuang left with the palace servants.
Before leaving, she caught a glimpse of someone wandering in the distance out of the corner of her eye. Turning her head, she saw it was Lady Yang with Zhong Shen.
The other person seemed to want to say something to her, but Xi Congshuang ignored him and left with the eunuch in front of her.
She should be an outsider to the palace, and therefore should know nothing about anything that happens inside the palace, and no one should be able to respond to her.
The figure in light blue quickly left, and Madam Yang, realizing her mistake, led Zhong Shen away.
"Mother, where are we going?"
"Go back first. It's not safe outside. Don't leave your room for the time being."
Zhong Shen had never eaten anything good since he was a child, and he was thin and small. During this period, he had to pretend to have his blood drawn for medicine. Lady Yang dared not let him eat much in the palace, for fear that his obvious growth would arouse suspicion.
Even at three years old, she was still a tiny little thing. When she looked up at Madam Yang, her chin was so small and pointed that it was heartbreaking.
Zhong Shen asked, "Aren't we going to find the person Mother is looking for?"
Too many people died during this period, and Zhong Shen and her daughter, whose blood was used in medicine, were forgotten by the emperor. After being moved out of the Changsheng Palace, they moved to a remote palace.
Today, I overheard that Prince Xin had brought people into the palace, including a female doctor who was skilled in medicine. This immediately reminded Lady Yang of the woman she had seen that night.
And then there's the white jade pendant she always kept in mind. She definitely saw it sometime before, but the first time she saw it wasn't on Xi Yan.
Madam Yang shook her head: "Let's not look anymore. Shen'er, remember, I didn't bring you out to look for anyone today. We just took a walk."
Zhong Shen was picked up and leaned on Yang Niangzi's shoulder to look back. The majestic Hall of Mental Cultivation under the morning sun came into her dark eyes. She nodded and said, "Okay."
Upon arriving at the side hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, a palace maid opened the door for Xi Congshuang.
"Miss Xi, please come in."
Meeting the gazes of the group of imperial physicians in the room, Xi Congshuang thought to herself, "Just as I expected."
As expected, the emperor had doubts and left Prince Xin in the palace, sending a group of imperial physicians to test her.
"Is this Miss Xi, recommended by His Highness Prince Xin?"
Xi Congshuang nodded: "Yes, that's me."
"..."
His nonchalant attitude aroused some dissatisfaction among the imperial physicians in the side hall. They wondered where this country doctor had come from, daring to boast that he could cure the disease, bypassing the imperial physicians.
As for the rumor that the Poison Doctor was her subordinate, he might just be a quack doctor with a name but no substance. Daring to swindle people in front of the emperor would be courting death.
If he were a true disciple of Medicine Valley, that would be fine, but he's an outcast. Perhaps he was expelled from the sect because he wasn't skilled enough.
Many speculations fell on Xi Congshuang, but she seemed oblivious to the meaning behind these glances, only looking at the imperial physician who was approaching her.
The head physician was white-haired, and a palace attendant introduced him at the opportune moment: "This is the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, the head of the Martial Academy."
He had been deeply worried about the emperor's illness for many days. When someone said that it could be cured, as the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, he certainly had to inquire about it.
But he didn't pay much attention to the visitor's identity, because the most important thing at the moment was...
The head of the martial arts academy said, "His Majesty said that all medicines from outside the palace must be inspected by the Imperial Medical Academy before they can be sent to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Miss Xi, please give us the medicines you wish to present. After they have been inspected, they will be presented to His Majesty. You will be richly rewarded afterwards."
This request would be excessive for anyone else, but since it's for treating the emperor in the palace, they have to accept it no matter how unhappy they are.
The imperial physicians were already used to it, and they had no idea how much skill this itinerant doctor possessed, or whether he would falter in front of the head of the martial arts academy.
Without a second thought, Xi Congshuang nodded and said, "Okay."
It would be wonderful if someone could perform the acupuncture on my behalf.
Xi Congshuang doesn't mind if someone takes the credit for her work; in fact, she's quite happy about it.
The imperial physicians, who expected Xi Congshuang to feel offended and become angry, were speechless.
What did she say?
good?
Can something that's been kept hidden away be considered good?
The emperor agreed so readily that the imperial physicians were unsure how to react.
Seeing everyone's silence, Xi Congshuang asked again, "The golden silk gu I brought needs to be guided by golden needles. Which imperial physician knows how? If not, I can teach you now. Who will?"
Seeing the imperial physicians' wide-eyed expressions, Xi Congshuang said, "Just to be on the safe side, you should all learn?"
"...?"
Her tone was too casual, as if the Golden Silk Gu that could mend broken tendons and bones was some kind of street-side miracle drug that could be easily made by kneading a paste of Isatis root.
No, the Golden Silk Gu worm is a living creature, but it is also an extremely precious thing. How can it be treated so casually?
There's also a matching gold needle acupuncture technique, which any imperial physician could learn at will.
Shouldn't it be something kept at the bottom of the box, along with the Golden Silk Gu?
"Golden...Golden Silk Gu? Miss Xi is talking about the Golden Silk Gu?"
"I have only seen records of this object in ancient books, and I have never seen it in person. Is this really true?"
"If you're worried about whether it's real or fake, just see for yourself." Xi Congshuang took out a wooden box about an inch long from her sleeve. "The item is inside, hold it tight."
To be honest, the young apprentice who stepped forward to take the wooden box actually trembled a little. Immediately, the head of the martial arts academy took the box and surrounded the young apprentice to examine it.
With just a few simple words, the imperial physicians' attitude towards Xi Congshuang became much more respectful, especially after seeing the legendary Golden Silk Gu worm itself; their gazes towards Xi Congshuang were completely different.
This is a truly skilled person, not just an ordinary itinerant doctor.
Seeing the Golden Silk Gu and controlling it are two different things. The golden needles used to guide it cannot be used casually; one must have profound skills.
There are only three physicians in the entire Imperial Medical Academy who can handle this task. After discussion, it was decided that it would be best for the head physician of the Martial Academy to personally administer the acupuncture, with the other two physicians assisting him.
The emperor approved this method, and the acupuncture treatment began the following day.
Xi Congshuang was isolated behind the screen, waiting for the head of the Imperial Medical Academy to come out and administer acupuncture, completely out of place with the tense atmosphere around her.
She was calm and composed, confident that her things would be useful, which made the palace staff of Yangxin Hall and the imperial physicians of the Imperial Hospital treat her with much more respect.
The previously tense Prince Xin felt somewhat relieved, and no one knew what Xi Congshuang, who was staring at the ground, was thinking.
As time passed, the imperial physicians performing acupuncture in the inner room were covered in sweat. Amidst the strong smell of medicine, they began to remove the gold needles, which were thicker than silver needles. The medicine on the needle tips had long since become food for the Golden Silk Gu.
As the last golden needle was removed, the chief eunuch softly called out, "Your Majesty?"
The address of "Your Majesty" startled Prince Xin, who was waiting outside the screen. He moved slightly but did not dare to intrude.
He only dared to stand still, craning his neck to show his loyalty: "Father? How is Father?"
Xi Congshuang also reacted, her gaze falling on the screen embroidered with the vast landscape, from which came Emperor Jianxing's clear voice: "Bring the medicine."
The final step in using the Golden Silk Gu is to drink a special medicinal soup to enhance its effects. The soup had been prepared long ago and was simmering on the stove, just waiting for the emperor to speak.
Upon hearing the familiar and clear voice, Prince Xin's face lit up with joy, and he was somewhat excited.
Having cared for Emperor Jianxing for several days, Prince Xin knew all too well what his condition was: his speech was slurred, he couldn't hold a pen, and what he said was incomprehensible.
A palace maid carrying medicine passed by him, went behind the screen, and knelt down near the bed.
"Your Majesty, please take the medicine."
Just as the chief eunuch was about to pick up the bowl to feed the emperor, he was waved away. A right hand reached out from the bedside, steadily took the medicine bowl, and forced the emperor to drink it all down despite the bitterness.
"Good." Emperor Jianxing got up to change his clothes. He stood firmly on his feet and did not need the help of palace servants. "Summon Prince Xin to come in and serve me."
The imperial physicians in the inner chamber tactfully withdrew, and Xi Congshuang followed suit, knowing that the emperor would summon her soon.
Prince Xin entered the inner chamber: "Your subject greets Your Majesty, and congratulations on Your Majesty's recovery."
Emperor Jianxing said, "Is this doctor just a guest in your household?"
Prince Xin bowed his head deeply: "Your Majesty, this man is indeed a loyal retainer of the household..."
"Now you're so loyal, but what about the future?"
“She will always be loyal; she ate the Zhuohua that I gave her.” Prince Xin’s voice steadied. “She dares not be disloyal.”
"I dare not be disloyal, very good." Emperor Jianxing changed his clothes. "It would be wonderful if someone with such cunning methods could be of service to you, but if not... you should think carefully."
"Your subject understands."
"I want to see her and have my opinion on her."
Before she had gone far, Xi Congshuang was stopped by a palace servant who said that His Majesty had summoned her.
The imperial physicians, who hadn't been able to exchange more than a few words with her, felt a pang of regret but still let her go, perhaps because His Majesty intended to reward her.
Upon returning to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Prince Xin was still there, standing to one side. The aloof Emperor Jianxing exuded an immense sense of oppression.
Xi Congshuang remained expressionless from beginning to end, quite unlike the first time she met with Daoist Minzhen, showing no eagerness to receive an award.
Emperor Jianxing felt that she was deep in thought, but the figure coming from behind the light had a vague sense of familiarity, making him feel as if he had seen her somewhere before.
The newcomer was tall and slender, dressed in a flowing blue robe. His slow steps caused the jade pendant at his waist to sway slightly, and the pale blue tassel hanging from the fishtail to flutter.
Emperor Jianxing's heart skipped a beat, and he abruptly stood up.
"This humble subject, Xi Yan, greets Your Majesty. Your Majesty, may Your Majesty grant you peace
"Bang!" The loud thud of a heavy object hitting the ground interrupted Xi Congshuang's next words. Her face showed panic, and her retreating steps made the jade fish pendant hanging from her waist even more clearly visible.
"Father?" Prince Xin looked over nervously, puzzled, wondering what was so special about this wandering swordsman that made his father so excited.
"Don't move! Don't move! Tell me your name, Xi Yan?" Emperor Jianxing hurriedly stopped her, his tone stern. "Where did you get the jade pendant at your waist? Take it off and let me see it."
"This was left by my mother. Does Your Majesty also know about this?" Xi Congshuang looked strange and puzzled as she took off the white jade and placed it on the tray brought by the eunuch.
Then, as the eunuch turned around, she looked at Prince Xin.
Seeing that she didn't know what had happened either, Prince Xin, who had been somewhat suspicious, immediately dismissed his doubts. But then again, it was only Xi Yan's first time meeting the Emperor, so how could she know what would happen today?
When the white jade was presented to the emperor, Emperor Jianxing did not take it. Instead, he ordered a eunuch to fetch something from the inner chamber.
That piece of white jade was extremely precious. It was carved from a single piece of jade and was given to Emperor Jianxing by the Holy Ancestor as a full-moon gift. He wore it from a young age, and no one knew every detail of the jade better than him.
When they made their vows of eternal love, he broke off half of it and gave it to a woman, promising to take her back to the palace.
That woman left a deep impression on Emperor Jianxing, not because of her beauty that he still couldn't forget her, nor because of his deep love for her that made her a more cherished memory than anyone else.
Because she actively fled from him, or rather, she left a letter before escaping.
She said she didn't like the palace at all, it was too boring, and she wouldn't let anyone look for her, nor would she let the child come back.
From then on, Consort Liang disappeared without a trace.
She was the most disobedient concubine Emperor Jianxing had ever had. Unlike the concubines in the palace who would deliberately act childishly to get his attention, Consort Liang would leave without looking back.
"Your Majesty, the things have been brought to you." The eunuch's voice brought Emperor Jianxing back to his senses.
He glanced again at the figure standing in the hall. The hazy memories seemed to become more and more vivid at this moment, gradually overlapping with the person he had seen when he was young, as if Consort Liang was standing right in front of him again.
The woman who had disappeared and never returned reappeared when he was seriously ill, and even cured him...
Could it be the will of Heaven?
Emperor Jianxing opened the wooden box and took out something. Prince Xin secretly peeked out of the corner of his eye and saw the emperor put the two items together perfectly, as if they were a perfect match.
It's not surprising that the jade was separated, nor is it surprising that it was hanging on Xi Congshuang's body, but it is quite surprising that it could be combined with the one in the emperor's hand.
Where did this jade come from? And what's the story behind Father Emperor's jade?
Prince Xin glared and looked at the figure in blue robes in the center of the hall. The figure kept his head down and did not respond.
For some reason, Prince Xin felt a vague sense of unease, as if something had completely slipped out of his control at this moment.
In the unsettling silence, Emperor Jianxing asked urgently, "You said this was given to you by your mother. Who is your mother, and where is she?"
The unresolved issue settled heavily. Although Prince Xin did not understand the connection between them, he could not possibly understand, since Consort Liang was the late emperor's consort and a secret that Emperor Jianxing had kept hidden for a long time. He would have Xi Congshuang appear before Emperor Jianxing today.
And this regret will only intensify over time.
*
The Dali Temple prison remained largely ignored. The Vice Minister of the Dali Temple, who had hoped to make a name for himself and achieve first-class merit before the emperor, also fell silent.
Since the emperor fell ill, no one would bring up the Marquis of Pingding in prison at this critical juncture to upset him.
It was as if everyone had forgotten about this person.
Some courtiers who were on good terms with her finally learned of what had happened and wanted to plead for her, but the emperor was ill, and no one paid attention to the memorials, so he was unable to attend court.
Want to meet the Emperor?
That won't do either. Even if the prime minister comes, he won't be able to see the emperor, let alone the other court officials.
The Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review was no exception; his superiors also abandoned the matter and told him to take a break.
But today, a special guest arrived at the Dali Temple. A grand and distinguished carriage stopped in front of the temple, and the distinguished guest alighted from the carriage and was greeted by officials.
"Your humble servant pays respects to Princess Rui."
The jailer, standing behind the official who was bowing, heard the clear, slightly cold voice say, "Rise." His feelings became even more complicated.
The last time I saw her, she was still a commoner and needed a letter from the Minister of Revenue to enter within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.
However, now, the other party is standing openly at the door, receiving bows from officials.
As a princess of a country, how could one not have mixed feelings?
"Thank you, Princess."
The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review asked, "I wonder what brings Your Highness to the Court of Judicial Review? May I share your concerns?"
"Yes," said the elegant woman surrounded by people. "I've come to cause trouble for Marquis Pingding. I've asked His Majesty for permission, and His Majesty has granted it."
Everyone: "..."
It's been a long time since I've seen such a refreshingly unconventional, unabashedly trouble-making approach.
I never expected that these words came from a princess. You could say she truly deserves to be called a princess who grew up among commoners.
They can even openly say that they're bullying someone.
But when did Princess Rui become enemies with Marquis Pingding?
No one could answer this question. Following the jailer's directions, Xi Congshuang condescended and entered the dark and damp prison.
Xun Suihuang, who was about to be in trouble, was completely unaware of what was happening outside. She held her bowl and stared blankly at the food on the table.
Several days passed, and she still couldn't see Xi Congshuang again.
These past few days haven't been long; she's just been eating, drinking, and sleeping here, unaware of what's happening outside.
She was a little worried about Xi Congshuang's safety; she was all alone in this vast Yongdu and in poor health.
Will the recent rain have any effect on her...?
Just then, Xun Suihuang seemed to hear Xi Congshuang's voice in her mind: "Why are you staring blankly at the food?"
Xun Suihuang felt that she must be lovesick, because she actually heard Xi Congshuang speaking.
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Snowflake achievement [+1], obtained the Yongchao Computer achievement [Fireworks]
Because they are very good at calculating ( )
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