Chapter 70 (None)
The medical records of the emperor, empresses, concubines, princes, and princesses, as well as their usual medications and prescriptions, were all kept sealed in the Imperial Medical Academy and were considered royal secrets.
Wu Shishan froze on the spot. Seeing this, Jiang Ling told Wen Juan to lead the Third Prince to play aside and said, "Imperial Physician Wu, the matter I asked you has truly put you in a difficult position. However, I am not asking you this for myself, but because it concerns Consort Zhuang."
Although the Great Yin Dynasty had no laws regarding patient privacy, Wu Shishan revealed that if Shen Jieyu's death were discovered, she would be in danger of being beheaded.
Jiang Ling frankly described Zhuang Meiren's condition, "People don't only experience physical discomfort, but also here." She pointed to her head and chest, "For example, hysteria, inner demons. Zhuang Meiren is quite ill now and can't withstand any stimulation. Especially pregnant women and postpartum women are most susceptible to illness."
She sighed. There were no psychiatric medications available, no professional treatment, and with the added stimulation from Consort Han and Consort Wang, it seemed Lady Zhuang wouldn't last long; she'd likely go insane sooner or later.
If Consort Zhuang loses her mind, the Fourth Prince will definitely be raised by someone else.
Among the concubines in the harem who were qualified to raise the fourth prince, all four concubines had their own children. Consort Zhao, who was of higher rank, had a second princess, while the other concubines, including the Jieyu and Meiren, mainly practiced vegetarianism and Buddhist chanting.
After all, they were princes, and none of them were favored or had any experience in raising children, so they certainly wouldn't be allowed to raise them.
Although Emperor Yuanming was cold-hearted and shameless, he had long been adept at being an emperor and was quite skilled at maintaining balance.
The most likely candidates to raise the fourth prince are Consort Liu and Consort Zhao, who only have princesses as children. Consort Liu is of higher rank than Consort Zhao, and is dignified, gentle, virtuous, and unassuming. Her family is also low-key and has a good reputation among officials.
It's highly likely that she will gain custody of the fourth prince.
Jiang Ling always felt that Zhuang Meiren's "madness" was being orchestrated by someone behind the scenes.
"Your Majesty, I don't mean to hide it from you, but I also feel that something is amiss."
Wu Shishan's expression was solemn as he recalled the situation of Consort Shen back then: "At that time, I had been in the Imperial Medical Academy for less than half a year, and was still a ninth-rank Hanlin physician. I was not allowed to conduct independent consultations and could only assist the chief physicians. Consort Shen's symptoms at that time were insomnia, frequent palpitations, and loss of appetite. The Imperial Medical Academy thought that Consort Shen was overthinking because she had seen Consort Lin and others give birth to princes while she had given birth to a princess. The Imperial Medical Academy prescribed a calming soup and a tonic. After taking it, Consort Shen did not improve. Gradually, Consort Shen's condition worsened. One day, she claimed that her personal maid was trying to harm her and stabbed the maid with scissors. Not only that, she indiscriminately stabbed anyone who served her in the palace or even the physicians of the Imperial Medical Academy with scissors. Later, it was the patrolling guards who arrived and subdued her."
Jiang Ling stammered, "Did Consort Shen not die at that time, but go mad?"
Wu Shishan said, "Judging from Consort Shen's behavior, it is indeed like hysteria. This matter concerns the face of the royal family, so the Emperor ordered that no one should make a fuss about it. He claimed to the outside world that Consort Shen had died of a sudden illness, but in reality, he imprisoned her. Less than half a month later, Consort Shen really died. At that time, Consort Liu's son died young, and she was depressed. The eldest princess was then raised by Consort Liu."
Jiang Ling's heart skipped a beat, and she asked softly, "Did Consort Liu's prince die first, or did Consort Shen fall ill first?"
Wu Shishan paused, glanced quickly at Jiang Ling, a flash of shock crossing his eyes, and said, "Some time after Consort Liu's prince died, Consort Shen fell ill. Consort Shen also lived in Huaqing Pavilion back then. After she passed away, some of the people who served her in the palace died of illness, and some were released from the palace. Consort Shen's medical records are all sealed in the Imperial Hospital. The imperial physician from back then retired and passed away a few years ago. Another imperial physician, Zhang, also passed away at the beginning of last year."
Jiang Ling frowned. It seemed that everything was now impossible to verify.
"To be frank, I have studied medicine since childhood and treated countless patients before being summoned to the Imperial Hospital. I believe that Consort Shen's illness was not without reason; her insomnia and palpitations seemed more like a result of fright. She claimed to have seen ghosts and heard strange noises that kept her awake at night. However, the palace maids on night duty never heard anything. Later, His Majesty sent people to listen for her and thoroughly search her bedroom, but the night was quiet, and nothing was found. At the time, I always felt something was amiss but dared not make any rash statements. Now, thinking back carefully, insomnia and poor appetite can indeed easily drive a person mad. I believe that the palace maid whom Consort Shen stabbed was highly suspicious. Unfortunately, that maid suffered a heart and lung injury and died."
Wu Shishan hesitated for a moment, then said, "Does Your Majesty think that Consort Zhuang and Consort Shen suffer from the same illness because they were both frightened and therefore worried too much?"
“They have similarities, but they are not entirely the same,” Jiang Ling said.
If someone truly orchestrated this, the methods used are indeed incredibly sophisticated. If Consort Zhuang exhibits the same symptoms as Consort Shen, both claiming to have been frightened at night, Emperor Yuanming will certainly become suspicious. Then, the matter concerning Consort Shen from years ago will be brought up again.
Regardless of whether there is evidence or not, emperors are prone to suspicion, and when it comes to princes and princesses, members of the imperial family, bloodshed is inevitable.
Although Lady Zhuang did not hear any noise at night, she and Consort Shen had something in common.
The two women don't need to die; if they go insane, they won't be able to save their children.
Jiang Ling gave a bitter smile. "Consort Zhuang is physically weak and has a delicate mind, making her prone to melancholy. Even a half-sentence or a single word can cause her to ponder for a long time. A mother's love makes her strong, and she knows this is not good, so she desperately tries to change. Unfortunately, a person's temperament is not formed overnight, and changing it is easier said than done. Consort Zhuang is also always concerned about the Fourth Prince. The Fourth Prince is her lifeline; he can give her life, but he can also drive her mad or kill her. When Consort Zhuang was giving birth, the words that Consort Han and Consort Wang said in front of her must have been heard by Imperial Physician Wu. Killing doesn't require gleaming swords and arrows; the pen in a scholar's hand and the mouth that stirs up trouble are both deadly weapons."
"What Consort Han and Consort Wang said at the time sounded like they were advising and comforting Consort Zhuang. At the time, I was concerned about Consort Zhuang and the Fourth Prince's health and didn't think much of it."
Wu Shishan recalled the situation with Consort Zhuang at the time and said blankly, "I remember now, the midwife had already seen that it was a prince and told Consort Zhuang to push harder. Consort Han and Consort Wang then mentioned that the child was being pulled out and that the bleeding wouldn't stop. Could it be that the two of them said these things specifically because of the Fourth Prince?"
Jiang Ling's expression changed, and he said, "I don't know. Only the two of them know the reason. However, there is something that prevents them from going to Consort Zhuang's main room. Unfortunately, unless the Emperor issues a decree, it is only right for them to pay their respects to Consort Zhuang, and no one can stop them. I have displeased the Emperor, and Consort Han has been summoned to serve him in bed and is currently enjoying his favor."
Unable to hide his worry, Wu Shishan asked, "Is Your Majesty alright?"
"I'm fine." Jiang Ling didn't want to say more; the thought of Emperor Yuanming made her feel nauseous.
Regarding the matter of Consort Shen and Lady Zhuang, Jiang Ling felt as if a flash of inspiration had struck, with countless points emerging. She wanted to connect these points into a coherent line, but lacked crucial evidence.
Previously, when Consort Lin came to Jiang Ling to talk about Fang Sideng and the others, she analyzed who was the mastermind behind it all.
Just like now, Consort Lin had no evidence. Because to accomplish all this, she needed manpower. And this person had to be capable and utterly loyal.
Jiang Ling put aside his chaotic thoughts and focused on Consort Zhuang's matter, saying, "Every day you must go and check on Consort Zhuang and the Fourth Prince's health. You may also tell the Emperor that Consort Zhuang and the Fourth Prince are both in poor health and need to rest and recuperate, and that no one should go to the main house to disturb them."
Wu Shishan agreed and rose to take his leave: "This is easy, Your Majesty. The matter cannot be delayed. I will go to Huaqing Pavilion now."
Upon arriving at Huaqing Pavilion, Yun Hui, looking haggard, came out to greet her, saying, "Imperial Physician Wu has arrived. The beauty had just finished resting; could you please wait a moment, Imperial Physician Wu?"
Looking at the sky, Wu Shishan was secretly startled and asked, "Has Consort Zhuang had lunch? Why is she resting at this time?"
"The beauty didn't eat and fell asleep due to exhaustion," Yun Hui hesitated for a moment before stammering.
"After giving birth, did the beauty get out of bed and walk around?" Wu Shishan asked.
Yun Hui shook her head, bit her lip, and said, "The beauty's body is already weak, and she is deficient in both qi and blood, so she can't get out of bed for a while."
Wu Shishan frowned and said, "After the beauty wakes up, we must make sure she has some food first and gets out of bed to walk around as soon as possible."
Yun Hui agreed and led Wu Shishan to wait in a side room. Zhuang Meiren woke up after resting for less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Yunxia brought food into the room, and Zhuang Meiren drank a few sips of jujube soup before losing her appetite.
Wu Shishan followed Yun Hui into the room and saw Zhuang Meiren, pale-faced and weak, leaning against the headboard. His heart sank.
After taking her pulse, Wu Shishan earnestly advised, "Consort Zhuang has exhausted her energy and strength during childbirth, and is too weak to take any supplements. All medicines have some toxicity. I think Consort Zhuang should eat more food."
Lady Zhuang half-closed her eyes and gave a barely audible "hmm." Seeing this, Wu Shishan could only shake his head helplessly, and glanced at the Fourth Prince, who was rocking in a cradle by the bedside.
The fourth prince was fast asleep after nursing, lying in his swaddling clothes, a tiny, thin bundle. Wu Shishan wasn't too worried; the fourth prince weighed about the same as the third prince at birth, and now the third prince was lively and robust.
If the fourth prince is raised properly, he can still grow up safely.
Wu Shishan glanced at Zhuang Meiren, sighed inwardly, and took his leave.
After lunch, Wu Shishan took the pulse diagnosis and prescription to the Imperial Study in the Chuigong Hall to see Emperor Yuanming.
"Why is it you on duty and Huang Daban isn't here?" Wu Shishan greeted Zhang Shanzai with a smile when he saw him.
Zhang Shan's lips twitched, but he didn't answer. He said, "His Majesty just got up from his morning rest. I'll go in and inform him."
Generally speaking, the eunuchs on duty in front of the emperor would curry favor with the officials they knew unless there was something urgent.
For example, it is specifically mentioned that Emperor Yuanming would be displeased if he rose from his midday rest, and one must be extremely careful when meeting with the emperor.
Wu Shishan's expression immediately tightened, but he nodded calmly, indicating that he understood.
As expected, Wu Shishan entered the imperial study and respectfully greeted the emperor. Emperor Yuanming merely snorted, "What is it?"
Upon hearing Emperor Yuanming's deep, cold voice, Wu Shishan felt a chill run down his spine and hurriedly presented the medical record. "I went to Huaqing Pavilion to take her pulse. Consort Zhuang's pulse was weak and feeble. I was very worried and dared not conceal anything. I have come to report to Your Majesty. Consort Zhuang must rest well and no one is allowed to disturb her."
"Who disturbed her at Huaqing Pavilion this time?" Emperor Yuanming lifted his eyelids, picked up the medical record on his desk, and casually flipped through it: "Treating the sick and saving lives is the job of your Imperial Hospital. Since Consort Zhuang's pulse is unstable, you should come up with a prescription..."
At this point, Emperor Yuanming paused, his hand stopped moving, and he looked up at Wu Shishan: "Is Consort Jiang of Fanying Pavilion ill?"
Thinking of Jiang Ling's previous claim that she had angered Emperor Yuanming, Wu Shishan carefully said, "Your Majesty, Consort Shu is fine, but she feels a little unwell and has difficulty eating and sleeping."
Emperor Yuanming chuckled to himself, thinking this must be retribution for her daring to defy the emperor! The pent-up anger from his argument with Jiang Ling vanished instantly. After quickly reviewing the medical records, he asked, "Why isn't a prescription written?"
Wu Shishan dared not look at Emperor Yuanming, and lied with his head down: "Your Majesty has always disliked the bitter taste of medicine, so I dared not prescribe it. Tomorrow, I will go and take your pulse again to see if Your Majesty's condition has improved, and then I will decide on a prescription accordingly."
Emperor Yuanming knew that Jiang Ling disliked taking medicine, but she had always been in excellent health. He must have seen him get angry, and she finally became afraid and regretted it.
"Hmph." Emperor Yuanming hummed almost imperceptibly, thinking to himself, "I must teach her a lesson she won't forget, and let her know that I am the Emperor, and that I am her heaven!"
"You may leave. You are discussing Consort Zhuang's prescription with Imperial Physician Zheng. I will send someone to convey the decree that Consort Zhuang and the Fourth Prince's rest must not be disturbed."
Wu Shishan breathed a sigh of relief, bowed respectfully, and withdrew. Emperor Yuanming instructed Zhang Shan to go to Huaqing Pavilion to relay the order and begin reviewing memorials.
After a while, the ink on the vermilion brush was almost dry, but Emperor Yuanming still hadn't written a single word.
What if she gets very sick?
"With her bad temper, she would probably become even more arrogant if she saw me."
"I am the supreme ruler, and the entire harem belongs to me. Wherever I go, she, as a concubine, wouldn't dare utter a sound even if she had ten times the courage!"
"I have always been kind and benevolent, and I do not hold grudges against women."
"The Third Prince is my own flesh and blood, and I am worried about him!"
Emperor Yuanming was in a daze, and the more he thought about it, the more restless he became. He threw down his pen, got up, strode out of the imperial study, and hurriedly ran towards Fanying Pavilion.
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