Wang Chengen, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, hurriedly went to the Imperial Hospital, a fact that caught the attention of many.
Immediately, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy and several imperial physicians rushed towards the Wuying Hall, which was noticed by some observant people.
This situation became somewhat unusual, causing some people to feel nervous and a little worried. Could it be that His Majesty the Emperor is truly unwell?!
The thought of this answer sent a chill down many people's spines; it was definitely not a trivial matter, but a major issue that had to be taken seriously.
Zhu Yunying seemed somewhat helpless and said, "I just haven't had a good rest. There's nothing wrong. Even the old eunuch has come."
At this moment, Zhu Yunying's helplessness seemed to be of no use. Apart from the old imperial physician, the other two imperial physicians were also taking pulses with serious expressions, concentrating on their work and not daring to delay in the slightest.
However, His Majesty's pulse was steady, neither floating nor deep, but smooth and strong, which was not a sign of illness at all. But the imperial physicians dared not delay, or rather, they did not think it was making a fuss over nothing.
Even if His Majesty is just feeling unwell, then His Majesty must really be unwell, and the imperial physicians should do their job.
After exchanging glances, the old imperial physician said tremblingly, "Your Majesty, your pulse is normal. However, Your Majesty has been overworked. I believe Your Majesty should rest for a few days and drink some calming and nourishing medicine."
Zhu Yunying nodded slightly, looking approving, and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you with the offering."
Zhu Yunying had no doubt about the skill level of the imperial physicians; their medical expertise was arguably the highest in the Ming Dynasty.
Zhu Yunying understood, however, that these imperial physicians, when facing the emperor, mostly sought to avoid trouble rather than seek merit. The medicine they prescribed for him this time would likely be the kind that was neither very effective nor harmful if not taken.
Moreover, Zhu Yunying was aware of his own health condition and was not actually ill. Therefore, there was no real need for him to take the medicine. However, since the act was to be performed, he might as well continue. Worried that the precious medicinal herbs would be wasted, he gave them to the eunuchs around him as restorative tonics; these people could take them.
Of course, one could choose not to take it, since all medicines have side effects, and Zhu Yunying had no need to have the people around him test the medicine.
After the imperial physician examined his pulse, Wang Chengen personally escorted the group from the Imperial Medical Academy away. “You all should know that His Majesty’s health is precious. You should all be aware of what you should and shouldn’t say.”
The chief minister quickly replied, "Don't worry, Eunuch Wang, we understand the implications."
Wang Chengen was naturally satisfied with this answer. Even if His Majesty were truly unwell, it would only be speculation among the officials, not news circulating from the Imperial Hospital.
After all, the fate of the nation rests on Your Majesty's shoulders, and Your Majesty's health is naturally a court secret that cannot be easily revealed.
As for how to address Wang Chengen, Zhu Yunying could use the term "Da Ban" (大伴) to show closeness. However, officials outside the capital could only address him as "Taijian" (太监), which was not a derogatory term. Only the Grand Eunuch could be called "Taijian," and below him were Junior Eunuchs, Middle Eunuchs, and so on.
Wang Chengen, a eunuch, was the head of all eunuchs, holding a rank and receiving a salary. The title "Inner Minister" was simply not applicable; anyone who dared to address him that way would face Wang Chengen's wrath—it wasn't flattery, it was a threat of death!
After seeing the Imperial Medical Academy delegation off, Wang Chengen immediately returned to the Wuying Hall to report. "Your Majesty, I have given them instructions, and I believe they are aware of what is going on, so naturally they dare not say anything more."
Zhu Yunying nodded slightly and then said, "Go and ask if the royal family's dividends have been paid out. Yu Xin may be in prison, but the Ministry of Revenue can't rest. They still need to do their jobs properly."
Wang Chengen didn't normally need to go there personally, but to show His Majesty's respect for the imperial family, he naturally had to make the trip himself.
Even though many people might consider such actions unnecessary or merely symbolic, these symbolic gestures can actually be quite effective in certain situations, as the emperor needs to demonstrate his stance on these matters.
Although Wang Chengen had to go to the Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Clan Court, it didn't mean that Zhu Yunying lacked servants. Wang Chengen was naturally Zhu Yunying's personal eunuch, but there were many eunuchs serving Zhu Yunying, and it could even be said that Wang Chengen was not indispensable.
Zhu Yunying continued reviewing the memorials. After some time, Zhu Yunying slightly raised his head, and a burly eunuch with a light beard immediately served him a cup of tea.
Zhu Yunying was not surprised. In the past, Zhu Yunying thought that all eunuchs were white-faced and beardless, and spoke in a high-pitched voice. But over the years, Zhu Yunying also found that many eunuchs looked like normal men at first glance, with beards and normal speech.
Looking at the burly eunuch, Zhu Yunying asked, "I think I've seen you before. When did you enter the palace to serve me?"
The burly eunuch immediately knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I am Ma Sanbao, from Kunyang Prefecture, Yunnan. I was sent to the former Liang Prince's Mansion when I was young. Fortunately, the Duke of Liang and the Duke of Ying pacified the palace, and I was fortunate enough to enter the palace to serve."
Zhu Yunying understood. This Ma Sanbao was from Yunnan and had served in the royal court of Liang Wang Bazalawar during the Yuan Dynasty. However, after Fu Youde, Lan Yu, and others pacified Yunnan, Ma Sanbao was escorted back to Yingtian Prefecture and changed his identity to serve the Ming Dynasty's imperial family.
Ma Sanbao continued respectfully, "In my early years, the Duke of Liang and the Duke of Ying were transferred to guard Beiping Prefecture, and I accompanied them. Your Majesty is now overseeing the construction of Beiping Prefecture, and I am fortunate to serve Your Majesty."
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