The thirty-fifth year of Hongwu, the seventh day of the fourth month.

A piece of news exploded in the Ming Palace, causing the entire palace to boil.

His Majesty is critically ill.

In the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Ying was standing by the bed with a gloomy face. Beside him were the five most famous doctors in the Imperial Medical Bureau, who were taking turns to feel the old man's pulse.

At breakfast today, Zhu Ying also had breakfast with Zhu Yuanzhang. At that time, Zhu Yuanzhang had a ruddy complexion and was full of energy.

It happened that there was a small court meeting, so Zhu Ying did not go. He just stayed in Kunning Palace to read some memorials and reports from various places to understand the people's livelihood.

After lunch, I heard the news that the old man had fainted.

"Have you found out what the illness is?" Zhu Ying asked in a low voice after the imperial physician took his pulse.

The leading doctor, Chen, bowed.

"Replying to the Grand Master, Your Majesty's pulse is strong and your tongue is yellow and dry. This symptom belongs to the pathogenesis of what the "Inner Canon" calls 'Yang is strong but cannot be dense, so Yin Qi is exhausted.' Red tongue and strong pulse indicate strong Yang Qi, while restlessness and insomnia indicate Yin Qi deficiency. Yin deficiency cannot control Yang, causing Yang Qi to rise."

"I ask Eunuch Liu, your majesty has been restless and sleepless recently, and has not been able to sleep. The semen has not come out for several days. Yin deficiency will cause internal heat, so the tongue coating is yellow and the semen is blocked. Yin deficiency and Yang excess, fire burns the blood vessels, the blood is not moist, and the bones are scorched and the tendons are injured."

"In addition, your Majesty ate too much in the afternoon, liking to eat a lot of fish and meat, which caused the qi and blood to surge up, leading to fainting."

After Doctor Chen finished speaking, he retreated to another room at Zhu Ying's nod.

Then the other four imperial doctors came up and described the results of their pulse examinations one by one.

It's basically the same as what Doctor Chen said.

In order to avoid misdiagnosis when the royal family treated patients, several imperial doctors would usually take the patient's pulse and ask questions in turn, and then tell the emperor the symptoms they had found.

It is pure nonsense that in later film and television dramas, a royal physician can diagnose the disease as soon as he comes.

Or it is even more ridiculous to say that someone colluded with the imperial physician to poison the patient.

Even the most ordinary concubine would be examined by at least three imperial doctors, and all prescriptions had to be filed. If any problems arose, they would be held accountable.

Of course, if there are powerful ministers and treacherous prime ministers who control the government and the country, that would be a different story.

The imperial physician's words sounded a bit mysterious. After all, there were some terms mixed in. In fact, in later generations, it was called hypertension syndrome.

Hypertension syndrome refers to a clinical syndrome characterized by increased systemic arterial blood pressure, which may be accompanied by functional and organic damage to the heart, brain and kidneys. It is a chronic disease and the most important risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Zhu Yuanzhang loved meat and fish the most. It can be said that he could not enjoy a meal without meat. He also liked wine.

"Prescribe the medicine. I'll be here with you."

After Zhu Ying gave an order, the imperial doctors withdrew.

When Zhu Yuanzhang prescribed medicine, eunuchs would monitor him, and the entire process from picking the medicine to boiling it would be watched.

At this time, Jiang Li came forward and whispered, "Your Highness, should we impose martial law? Now that all the kings are in the capital, there may be chaos."

Jiang Li's worries are not without reason. Now that His Majesty is in a coma and critically ill, it is easy for some trouble to arise.

Since ancient times, there have been many cases of forcing abdications.

It doesn't mean that whoever has greater power or controls more troops will be able to secure the throne.

Sometimes, it might only take a few thousand soldiers to capture the palace and control the political center, which is equivalent to successfully seizing the throne.

Seizing the throne and rebelling are two different things. What matters is speed, accuracy and ruthlessness.

For example, now, if a vassal king were to seize the throne and force the emperor to abdicate, he would only need a few thousand troops to quickly enter the palace and kidnap Zhu Ying, and basically the matter would be done.

"No, if the emperor's uncle wants to come to visit, there is no need to stop him."

It’s not that Zhu Ying is arrogant, but almost most of the middle-level officers in the capital are from the Beijing Military Academy.

Even if some generals wanted to unite with the vassal kings, there would be no chaos.

Besides, the princes in the capital now would not have this opportunity as they have already been suppressed.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Jiang Li also bowed and stepped back.

The news of Zhu Yuanzhang's fainting spread quickly, which was also related to the fact that Zhu Ying did not deliberately block it.

Today, he just lacks the title of emperor, but his power is no different from that of the emperor.

Prince Yan's Palace.

"Your Majesty, should we go to the palace to visit His Majesty right now?" Xu Yihua asked.

Zhu Di was a little hesitant.

"Father doesn't know the situation now. If I go there rashly, I'm afraid it will easily arouse the Crown Prince's suspicion."

"Let's wait and find out what the other princes are doing. Let's see what the second and third princes will do."

"If they go, I will go later."

Xu Yihua said: "I think we should go, but once we enter the palace, it will be inconvenient for us to come out. We have to stay with His Majesty."

"We are here with His Majesty, and the Crown Prince can rest assured. At least the prince will not be known as an unfilial son."

Xu Yihua obviously thought more. Since ancient times, such things have always been complicated. Even if you do it without any intention, it may lead to misunderstanding.

The key point is that the princes are all in the capital. If they were not there, there would not be so many troubles.

"I think what the princess said makes sense. The Crown Prince is now in charge of the government and the military power of the entire capital is under his control. The title of vassal king does have some influence in the eyes of others, but the Crown Prince probably doesn't care about it."

"So Your Majesty, don't think too much. Just go into the palace and ask to stay overnight. This will save others from talking too much."

Yao Guangxiao obviously supports Xu Yihua's statement.

After hearing what the two said, Zhu Di didn't think any more and rushed directly to the palace.

It is quite lively in front of the Qianqing Palace now.

Almost all the princes who were in the capital came.

This included many concubines, led by Concubine Ning, who also came. There were dozens of people, and it was indeed lively.

They were just waiting in front of the Qianqing Palace.

Not long after, Liu He came out.

"Your Highnesses, Madam, the Crown Prince has sent a message. Do not wait outside the palace. It is windy outside and you may catch a cold. It is better to come inside."

"His Majesty has not yet woken up. If so many people go there at once, I'm afraid it will disturb His Majesty. I beg Your Highnesses and Your Majesty to forgive me."

Liu He was the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department, so naturally his words were believed.

After entering the hall, Liu He immediately asked the eunuchs to serve tea and wait in the main hall of the Qianqing Palace.

Not long after, Zhu Ying came out.

"Meet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

In terms of seniority, Zhu Ying is the younger one, but as the crown prince, it is naturally different. Even Concubine Ning has to perform the ceremony, especially at this time.

"Grandpa is now unconscious in bed. The imperial physician has told him to rest. Having so many people here could easily disturb him."

"Then let Concubine Ning and Second Uncle go in and take a look."

Zhu Ying had no intention of stopping him and just called out his name.

Although Concubine Ning was not the queen, she was actually the master of the harem, so she was naturally able to enter.

Zhu Chong is the leader among all the kings and can also be promoted.

The two of them are almost there.

There is no need to stop Zhu Ying. As long as he is here, there will be no chaos in the Ming Dynasty.

Naturally, no one else had any objection to Zhu Ying's arrangement.

Zhu Chong and Concubine Ning followed Zhu Ying into the back hall, but for fear of disturbing them, they did not go into the inner room and just took a look from a distance.

"Grandson, when will father wake up? Did the imperial physician tell you?"

"He was fine yesterday, why did he suddenly faint today?"

Zhu Chong couldn't help but ask in a low voice.

Zhu Ying then told the imperial physician what he had said.

There is actually no good treatment for this chronic disease nowadays, and the only thing it can be treated is nursing.

However, although it was a fainting, it was not very dangerous, but it would have a significant impact on the old man's body.

At night, after taking the medicine, Zhu Yuanzhang's physical condition improved a little, and the imperial physician began acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture should not be used casually, especially for someone as old as Zhu Yuanzhang.

Acupuncture treatment relies on the normal operation of Qi and blood throughout the body, or at least a "barely working" state. However, if the Qi and blood are too weak, the treatment effect will be very poor, and the treatment may even cause loss of Yang Qi, Qi stagnation and blood stasis.

After acupuncture, although Zhu Yuanzhang was still unconscious, his complexion had improved a lot. He no longer looked like he was unconscious, but more like he was asleep.

"Is Father feeling better?"

Zhu Chong, who was watching outside, had sweat in his palms.

No matter how unruly, arrogant and domineering he was, his fatherly love for Zhu Yuanzhang never diminished, and the worry in his heart was written on his face.

When the imperial physician gave Zhu Yuanzhang acupuncture, every time the needle was inserted, his eyelids would twitch.

However, he couldn't see clearly what was going on in the inner room from the outer room, so he waited for Zhu Ying to come out and ask.

"Grandpa is much better. There seems to be some blood on his face. He should be fine."

Zhu Ying was also nervous. After all, the old man was over seventy years old and was completely different from young people. His physical functions had declined significantly.

Every time he fell ill, it would deplete his vitality, making recovery extremely difficult.

"Grandson, can I stay here and guard it?" Zhu Chong hesitated for a moment, but still asked.

In fact, as a vassal king, it is taboo for Zhu Chong to stay here. Normally, except Zhu Ying, no one is allowed to be in the house.

But Zhu Ying did not refuse.

"Okay, Second Uncle, Concubine Ning, please go outside and tell everyone that Grandpa has improved, so that everyone won't suffer together. If you want to rest, you can go back first."

Concubine Ning nodded and went to the main hall outside.

In fact, no matter whether it was Zhu Ying or Concubine Ning, they all knew that no one would leave. Leaving at this time would be suspected of being unfilial. Therefore, even if they had said it, the princes and grandchildren outside and the concubines in the harem would still stay.

Zhu Ying was sitting in the inner room, beside Zhu Yuanzhang's bed.

In the middle of the night, a soft hum was heard.

Zhu Ying, who was pretending to sleep with his eyes closed, suddenly opened his eyes.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyelids twitched slightly, and his fingers bent unintentionally, as if he was holding something in his hand. This was a sign that he was about to wake up.

Zhu Ying put his hand on the old man's hand, and seemed to feel the palm of his hand. Zhu Yuanzhang held it tightly, and his breathing became more stable.

After a while, Zhu Yuanzhang opened his eyes as if he had just woken up.

"My dear grandson, why are you here with us? Can't you sleep?"

Zhu Yuanzhang did not realize that he was fainting and thought it was just a normal sleep.

"Yes, my grandson couldn't sleep, so I wanted to come and accompany grandpa." Zhu Ying did not mention the fainting, but continued the old man's words.

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and tried to get up from the bed, but found himself completely limp.

"What's wrong with me? I don't even have the energy to get out of bed. I'm getting old."

Zhu Ying helped the old man to lie half-lying down.

"It's still reassuring to have my grandson by my side. I didn't get a good night's sleep in the past few days. I couldn't fall asleep even when I lay down. Today I finally got a good night's sleep. I feel much better."

"What time is it now? Why is it still dark even though I slept for so long this time?"

"Liu He, bring me a glass of water. My mouth tastes bitter, like I drank medicine."

Zhu Yuanzhang kept talking on and on. Although he was in good spirits, he could feel that he was having some difficulty speaking.

Upon hearing the sound, Liu He hurriedly went to fetch some water and handed it to the crown prince.

"Grandpa, it's not long since the Yin hour. There's still an hour or two before dawn. Why don't you take a rest for a while?"

As Zhu Ying spoke, he brought the water to Zhu Yuanzhang's mouth.

After drinking the water, Zhu Yuanzhang felt much better.

"No, I can't sleep now. But you, my great grandson, should go and rest. How can you still stay here with us?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile, and at the same time wanted to get up and walk around.

Zhu Ying didn't stop him. A little exercise at this time would be good for the body's qi and blood and other aspects.

Liu He hurried over with clothes and helped His Majesty dress.

"Hey, Second Brother, Concubine Ning, why are you both here with us?"

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, saw the scene in the outer room and saw Zhu Chong and Concubine Ning looking at this side eagerly.

"Father, you are finally well. I was so worried about you."

Zhu Chong blurted out in a hurry.

Zhu Yuanzhang paused and scolded, "What nonsense are you talking about? Are you hoping that I will get sick? I am just taking a nap, how can I sleep with you?"

After hearing this, Zhu Chong quickly shut up, realizing that he seemed to have said something wrong.

As for Zhu Yuanzhang, he seemed to have thought of something after he finished speaking.

After a brief recollection, he remembered what happened before and murmured, "I was sick. I just finished my meal and my eyes went dark."

Zhu Yuanzhang remembered everything and understood the current situation at once.

It turned out that he had fainted, so the eldest grandson, the second son, and Concubine Ning all came to accompany him.

Concubine Ning glared at Zhu Chong fiercely, and Zhu Chong quickly lowered his head like a child who had done something wrong.

"You are the only one who came, second brother. Where are the others? We are all sick. Could it be that the third and fourth brothers are waiting for us in the mansion?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked immediately.

Zhu Chong could only bite the bullet and reply, "Father, the Third and Fourth Brothers, and everyone else in the capital are here. Father was asleep earlier, so we were waiting in the hall outside to avoid disturbing him."

Zhu Yuanzhang cursed: "Why are there so many people here? I'm not dead yet, but they act like they are keeping vigil for me."

"Go, chase them away, and tell them that if I get sick in the future, you are not allowed to stay by my side like this. You are not an imperial physician, so do you think you can cure my illness by staying by my side?"

After hearing this, Zhu Chong had no choice but to go out and pass on the message.

Zhu Yuanzhang held Zhu Ying's hand and said, "Grandson, I know you have a kind heart, but if anything happens to us in the future, you can't do this again."