Chapter 725 Revealing His Background
In the study of the Zhonghe Hall, the emperor was reviewing a mountain of memorials.
The ruler was a tyrant and a madman, but he was not too lax in governing the country.
Zhang Dequan was not there; he had gone to the Imperial Preceptor's Hall. Serving beside him was Zhang Dequan's godson, who also had the surname Zhang. He was clever and mischievous, and the people in the palace called him Little Zhang.
Little Zhangzi imitated his godfather's usual way of serving the king, fanning him when necessary and adding tea when needed, never saying a word.
However, just as Xiao Zhangzi was halfway through fanning himself, the king suddenly spoke in a deep voice: "Step back!"
Xiao Zhang was so frightened that he trembled!
What's wrong with Your Majesty?
Did I not serve them well enough?
The king said coldly, "Summon Zhang Dequan here!"
"yes!"
"Wait!"
"His Majesty."
"never mind."
Which one is "forget it"?
Forget it, I won't say anything more. You go ahead, or do you mean you don't need to go?
Serving His Majesty is truly not a job that ordinary people can do. If his godfather were here, he would definitely understand His Majesty's meaning, but he doesn't!
The king has already had countless annoying eunuchs beaten to death; will he himself end up with no trace of his remains?
Oh dear, I should have known better than to fawn over my sugar daddy and not ask for this job!
"Your Majesty, Commandant Guan requests an audience," a young eunuch announced from outside the door.
"Come in," the king said, frowning as he glanced at Xiao Zhangzi. "Fan me."
Xiao Zhangzi breathed a sigh of relief, grabbed the fan, and continued to fan the king.
Commandant Wang Xu came to the palace to report the findings of his investigation to the king.
Wang Xu cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I went to the woods where they encountered the assassins, but I didn't find any useful clues. The people from the Commandant's Office originally wanted to arrest the medicine boy for questioning, but they were stopped by the people from the Imperial Preceptor's Hall."
The king sneered, "You've got some nerve going to the Grand Preceptor's Hall to arrest someone."
Wang Xu lowered his head: "Your subordinate knows his mistake."
Although the Commandant's Office is His Majesty's trusted confidant, its status in the court is still inferior to that of the Imperial Preceptor's Hall.
There was nothing wrong with arresting the medicine boy for interrogation; the mistake was that he wanted to arrest him from inside the Imperial Preceptor's Hall.
Where does this leave the Imperial Preceptor's face?
Actually, if it weren't for the former Crown Princess waiting for surgery, that kid named Xiao Liulang should have been summoned to the Commandant's Office to cooperate with the investigation as well.
"Continue the investigation," the king said.
"Yes!" Wang Xu cupped his hands in greeting. "Your subject takes his leave."
He came here to test His Majesty's opinion and see if he would be allowed to take people from the Imperial Preceptor's Hall.
It seems that the position of the Imperial Preceptor Hall in His Majesty's heart remains unshakable.
After Wang Xu left, the king continued to force himself to calm down and review the memorials.
Suddenly, a little kid was peeking out from outside the door.
They seemed to want to come in, but were also a little hesitant.
When the king looked over, she quickly withdrew her head.
The king said calmly, "I've seen you. Come in."
"Alright." The little princess climbed over the high threshold and jumped in.
Instead of frolicking around the desk to the king as usual, she stood politely (though insincerely) opposite the desk, as if she were a hundred thousand miles away, a distance from which the king could never reach her.
"No classes today?" the king asked.
"School's out," the young princess said.
"What is it?" the king asked.
“I…” The little princess fiddled with her little fingers, her eyes darting around, “I want to go for a walk outside the palace.”
The young princess was unaware of Shangguan Yan's affair. No one would discuss such matters with a child, and no one would dare to gossip in front of her.
Therefore, she was unaware that the king had something on his mind.
The king's face was as sour as ever, but even when he had nothing on his mind, he still looked so sour, and the little princess was used to it.
King: "Where do you wish to go?"
The young princess: "The Imperial Preceptor's Hall."
King: "What are we going to the Imperial Advisor's Hall for?"
The young princess said guiltily, "Just... just for a bit."
She lost His Majesty's thrush. Hearing that the Imperial Advisor was omnipotent, she wanted to ask him to help her conjure up an identical thrush so that she wouldn't have to lie and say that she lent the thrush to her classmate anymore.
The little princess said in a childish voice, "Your Majesty, please take me there."
The king picked up a memorial: "I am very busy."
The young princess cleverly said, "Let Eunuch Zhang take me there."
Xiao Zhang was taken aback.
The king said, "Zhang Dequan is not here."
The young princess is very talkative.
The king immediately cut off her escape route: "No one else will do."
The young princess shut her mouth.
The king thought the little girl would unleash her invincible crying attack, but to his surprise, she didn't.
The little princess walked away with her head drooping and her arms hanging down, heartbroken.
monarch:"……"
Aren't you going to struggle a little?
...
The Hall of the Imperial Preceptor.
Zhang Dequan paced back and forth in the corridor countless times, feeling as if the soles of his shoes were worn through.
He stared anxiously at the iron gate guarded by two assassins, saying, "It's been over an hour, why hasn't she come out yet? Could it be that the treatment isn't going well?"
He slapped his palm with the back of his hand, "What should I do? What should I do?"
Inside the operating room, the surgery was nearing its end. The pedicle screws had been inserted into the spine, and the next step was to use metal connecting rods to fix these screws in place.
Traditional surgery involves a large incision that fully exposes the wound, allowing the connecting rod to be directly inserted into the slot of the pedicle screw.
However, Gu Jiao underwent percutaneous minimally invasive surgery, so a special rod inserter had to be used to insert the rod through the tail of the pedicle screw and then pass through the slot of each screw.
This is a subcutaneous puncture. The incision is only so big, and Gu Jiao's hand cannot tremble at all, otherwise it will not be able to go in.
The Imperial Advisor stared intently at Gu Jiao.
Fortunately, Gu Jiao's hand was extremely steady.
"Sealing the cap," Gu Jiao said.
The Imperial Advisor handed the cap to Gu Jiao.
Gu Jiao first tightened the cap on the side without the rod holder, then took out the rod holder on the other side and lifted the cap on the other side as well.
Finally, the tail boom was removed and the wound was stitched up.
Gu Jiao took out the protein thread and performed intradermal sutures on Shangguan Yan. This way, there was no need to remove the sutures, and the appearance would be more aesthetically pleasing after recovery. The only downside was that it was more difficult than external sutures.
“You care about her very much,” the Grand Preceptor said.
"It's alright," Gu Jiao said.
As the Imperial Advisor helped Gu Jiao pack up the medical supplies, he asked, "How is your brother recovering?"
Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow and said, "Not bad."
When Gu Jiao introduced Gu Yan to the Imperial Advisor, she said that Gu Yan was her friend. However, Gu Yan had already called her "sister" during the surgery, so Gu Jiao decided not to hide it anymore.
Anyway, he knows too much, so this little bit of information won't make a difference.
After the surgery, the Grand Preceptor summoned an experienced disciple, who used a stretcher specially provided by the Grand Preceptor's Hall to transport the person to a side room.
Gu Jiao: "Hmm, I can also make stretcher carts."
The Imperial Advisor is quite good.
Seeing Shangguan Yan being pushed out, Zhang Dequan rushed forward and asked, "Is the former Crown Princess alright?"
The Imperial Advisor glanced at Gu Jiao and said, "Thanks to Doctor Xiao, the surgery was a great success."
"Ah." Zhang Dequan looked at Gu Jiao in astonishment. He really did not expect this young man to be so skilled in medicine. He did not understand the difficulty of the surgery. Xiao Liulang was probably the first person to be called "doctor" by the Imperial Advisor.
"Thank you for your help, Doctor Xiao." Zhang Dequan also changed his words, "I will report your merits to the King."
Gu Jiao handed him a form directly.
Zhang Dequan was taken aback: "This is—"
Gu Jiao: "The consultation fee and medicine cost should be paid by your king. No credit is allowed."
Zhang Dequan: "..."
The Grand Preceptor still had official business to attend to in the palace, so he left first, sending someone to summon Yu He before he left.
Gu Jiao carried the small medicine box into the house.
The other two disciples settled Shangguan Yan on the bed and then withdrew.
Gu Jiao's surgery lasted from noon until the afternoon. The weather was a bit hot, but fortunately the room was well-ventilated, with a gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of bamboo from the yard, which made it less irritating.
Shangguan Yan underwent general anesthesia for her surgery, and she was still fast asleep because the effects of the anesthesia hadn't worn off.
Her little basket was on the table, but Xiao Heng was not there.
"Huh? Where's my husband?" Gu Jiao placed the small medicine box on the table as well.
As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Heng walked in carrying a medicine basket.
His expression was somewhat complicated.
Upon seeing Gu Jiao, he was taken aback for a moment, then looked at Shangguan Yan on the bed: "How are you...?"
It's not about what Shangguan Yan is like, but what you are like.
It's not just about caring about the one who's more seriously injured.
Gu Jiao said calmly, "I'm fine, she's fine too, the surgery was a success."
"Will everything be fine after the stitches are removed in a few days?" In Xiao Heng's memory, all surgeries required the removal of stitches, and usually, the body would be fully healed after the stitches were removed.
“No need to remove the stitches.” Gu Jiao shook her head. “But the pins will need to be removed in six months to a year, depending on her recovery.”
"A nail?" Xiao Heng's pupils contracted.
Gu Jiao said, "She has eight screws in her spine."
Xiao Heng's eyes turned cold, and his large hands clenched into fists.
Images flashed through his mind: her back as she diligently dug out the watermelon, the way she held the watermelon and handed it to him, afraid of being rejected, and the hurt and loneliness in her eyes when he didn't reach out to take it.
He didn't know she would turn out like this, he didn't know...
Gu Jiao gently took Xiao Heng's cold fingers: "She will get better."
Xiao Heng grasped Gu Jiao's hand, as if grasping the last ray of light and reason in the darkness.
His emotions gradually calmed down.
"Yes, she'll be alright."
He placed the medicine basket on the table.
Their hands remained together as they looked at each other and simultaneously said, "Your foot—"
One sprained his ankle, and the other got a cut. At first, it wasn't too obvious, but after standing for a long time, both of their feet swelled up so much that they almost burst their shoes.
"Let me see."
"Let me see."
The two spoke in unison once again.
Gu Jiao smiled and said, "It's alright, I've applied the medicine."
“I’ve already wiped it,” Xiao Heng said.
Even so, the two still insisted on examining each other's affected areas.
Although Gu Jiao's foot was frighteningly swollen, it wasn't actually serious. Xiao Heng's wound was deeper, so Gu Jiao reapplied the medicine and re-bandaged it.
Gu Jiao carefully placed the gauze and scissors.
Watching her busy little figure, Xiao Heng asked, "How did you get rid of Han Ye?"
Gu Jiao recounted Gu Changqing's appearance: "...Unfortunately, Qi Xuan suddenly appeared and rescued Han Ye."
Otherwise, he would have surely died by Gu Changqing's sword.
Of course, Han Ye shouldn't be too happy yet. Gu Changqing severed two of his Achilles tendons with a single sword strike, so even if he didn't die, he would be half a cripple.
"By the way, what's this?" Gu Jiao sat down on the stool next to Xiao Heng and pointed to the medicine basket on the table.
Xiao Heng said, "Ye Qing, the eldest disciple of the Imperial Preceptor Hall, just came by and said that the Imperial Preceptor prepared medicine for you."
"Hmm? I didn't ask him for any herbs." Gu Jiao put the medicine basket on her lap and casually flipped through it. "These aren't herbs that I really need, so I won't use them."
It seems that Ye Qing's real purpose in delivering the medicine was to pass on a message to him, not to deliver the medicine.
Was it his own idea, or was it instructed by the Grand Preceptor?
If it was at the behest of the Imperial Advisor, why would he do it?
They even showed him a portrait of the eldest grandson of the emperor.
If he were truly just an ordinary medicine boy, the Imperial Preceptor wouldn't have done this.
But I had clearly disguised myself, so how did the Imperial Advisor recognize me?
Could it be true, as the folk legends say, that this Grand Preceptor of the Great Yan Kingdom was knowledgeable in astronomy and geography, capable of divination and predicting destiny?
Knock knock knock.
There was a knock on the door.
"I am Yu He, a disciple of the Imperial Preceptor's Hall. Is Young Master Xiao here? I had the kitchen prepare some food and brought it to you."
Gu Jiao yawned: "Come in."
Yu He stepped inside and placed the food box on the table: "I'm right next door. If you need anything, Young Master Xiao, please call me anytime."
"Okay," Gu Jiao said.
Yu He looked at the two big men holding hands tightly, opened her mouth but said nothing, and turned to walk out.
Although they are both men, they are... strangely well-matched.
Xiao Heng had no appetite.
But then he remembered that Gu Jiao hadn't eaten all day, so he asked, "Are you hungry?"
Gu Jiao yawned again: "Hmm...not bad."
Xiao Heng asked softly, "Are you tired?"
Gu Jiao sat up straight, her eyes wide as saucers: "I'm not tired!"
Xiao Heng said, "Then eat something before you sleep."
Gu Jiao: "Okay."
The next second, Xiao Heng's shoulder slumped as Gu Jiao's little head rested down, fast asleep.
Xiao Heng felt a pang of heartache and sorrow.
He put down the lid of the food box, supported Gu Jiao's head with his hand, slowly stood up, wrapped his arms around her back and knees, and gently carried her to the small bed for caregivers.
Her energy was just as abundant as Xiao Jingkong's; she rarely got this tired. She brushed it off casually, but her fight with Han Ye was definitely not that simple.
Xiao Heng gently rolled up her sleeve and indeed saw the hideous wound.
One, two, three.
She stood on the operating table with swollen feet and raised the scalpel with her scarred arms.
Xiao Heng's eyes felt slightly hot, and his chest felt swollen.
It was probably only at times like these that he dared to reveal his undisguised emotions in his eyes.
He no longer wanted to stand behind and watch as those around him were hurt one after another.
Since we can't stay out of this mess, let's drag the Han family, the Crown Prince... and everyone who wants to trample on them... into it all!
"How old is the eldest grandson of the emperor?"
"nineteen."
Do you know her exact birth date?
"It seems to be the twelfth lunar month."
"What a coincidence, my birthday is also in the twelfth lunar month, which is New Year's Eve."
Xiao Heng sat quietly at the table, looking at the portrait he had brought from the library.
Then, he ground the ink, silently picked up the brush beside him, and dipped it in a drop of ink.
...
"His Majesty!"
A carriage stopped at the entrance of the Imperial Preceptor's Hall, and the disciples of the Imperial Preceptor's Hall hurriedly stepped forward to pay their respects.
The king led the four-year-old princess down from the carriage.
Zhang Dequan stood by his side.
The king pointed to the towering gate in front of him and said, "This is the Imperial Preceptor's Hall you came to."
Little Princess: "Wow!"
The king scoffed, "What's with the 'wow'? It's not even as big as the royal palace."
"I still want to drink it!"
She is a child who values rituals.
After the king alighted from the carriage, he released the little princess's hand and let the little boy walk on his own.
He took bigger strides than usual, and the little boy had some trouble keeping up.
The king went straight to the Qilin Palace.
Just as they arrived at the entrance, they encountered the Crown Prince and his entourage.
The group consisted of the Crown Prince, guards from the Crown Prince's residence, and several servants carrying brocade boxes.
Prince Ming did not come because he was confined to his quarters by the king.
Upon seeing the king, the crown prince quickly and respectfully bowed, saying, "Father!"
The young princess greeted him politely, "Cousin, the Crown Prince."
The Crown Prince smiled kindly and said, "Xiaoxue is here too."
The young princess nodded: "Yes, I've come to play!"
"What brings you here?" the king asked the crown prince.
The Crown Prince replied, "Father, I have come to visit my third sister."
The king's face darkened, and he said to the crown prince, "Who told you she was still your sister?"
The Crown Prince quickly bowed and said, "Father, please calm your anger! I misspoke and hope that you will forgive me."
"Hmph." The king coldly entered the main hall of the Qilin Palace and walked towards the corridor on the right.
The crown prince followed respectfully beside the king, slightly behind him. As they walked, he casually remarked, "Your subject just received news that Han Ye... has encountered trouble."
The king said calmly, "What could possibly happen to him? He was still in the palace this morning."
The Crown Prince said calmly, "It happened after he left the palace. On his way back to his residence, he was ambushed and seriously injured in both legs. The assassin's whereabouts are still unknown—"
Before he could finish speaking, the king pushed open the door to the room where Shangguan Yan was recuperating.
The group saw a handsome, tall figure sitting by the bed.
She wore a plain white long robe, her hair was as black as ink, and she held one finger in place with a white hairband at the back of her head.
A gentle breeze blew by, lifting his hair ribbon and black hair, slowly exuding a scholarly air like an ink painting, yet subtly revealing a touch of royal nobility.
"Who are you?" the prince asked, frowning.
The other person stood up and turned around slowly.
A sense of foreboding suddenly welled up in the Crown Prince's heart.
Don't let him turn around! No!
No--
Unfortunately, it was too late.
He not only turned around, but also revealed a face that was almost identical to the boy in the portrait.
Phoenix eyes, teardrop-shaped mole.
His handsome nineteen-year-old face had a clean, youthful air about it.
The crown prince's expression changed drastically!
The king stared blankly at Xiao Heng and walked towards him step by step.
(End of this chapter)
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