Chapter 13 (1/2)
Chapter 13: Schemes
With such a prominent event as a prince being poisoned, the royal hunt was naturally cancelled. The emperor took the second prince into the palace, and Jun Huang retreated back to the Prince Chen Manor, seeing that her work was done.
Midday, the palace.
“Tras.h.!.+ It’s been six hours, why is Chen’er still not awake!” Qi Qiang swept his arm across the table, sending the tea cup on the table cras.h.i.+ng to the floor.
“Mercy, Your Majesty! Prince Chen has fallen victim to an unknown poison, and we are all doing our best!” Various doctors kowtowed on the ground for mercy, their bodies unable to stop shaking.
“You cannot even save Our son! What use do We have for you?!” Qi Qiang simply burned with fury. A poisonous viper had suddenly appeared as they were hunting, and if it hadn’t been for Qi Chen desperately protecting the emperor, it would likely be Qi Qiang lying comatose on the bed right now.
“Your Majesty, the third prince is outside of the hall requesting an audience.” An eunuch had swiftly trotted in to make this quiet report, afraid of disturbing the emperor.
“And what is he here for when Chen’er lies in a coma?! I won’t see him!” The emperor immediately declined this request for an audience, given how irritated he was.
“Your Majesty, the third prince says he possesses medicine that can save Prince Chen.” Although the eunuch was afraid, he still delivered the message.
“What kind of medicine can he have?” Although the emperor spoke dismissive words, he still let Qi Yun in.
“Greetings to my royal father.” Qi Yun didn’t dally and immediately offered up the pill. “Royal father, your son has been plagued with illnesses for many years and so often keeps many medicines about me. I happened to have a pill that can cure numerous poisons, and have come to offer it when I heard of second royal brother being poisoned.”
“You have put forth much effort.” Qi Jiang nodded and gestured for the eunuch to accept the pill from Qi Yun. The eunuch fed it to Qi Chen with the aid of a gla.s.s of water. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Qi Chen, looking for any signs of his condition’s improvement. His pale complexion started to show hints of rosiness after less than fifteen minutes. It was apparent that the pill was having an effect. The eyes of the a.s.sembled lit up, and the emperor commanded sternly, “Imperial doctor!”
A doctor swiftly strode up to take Qi Chen’s pulse, and a hint of joy floated onto his face. “Your Majesty, the poison within Prince Chen’s body has been eliminated, and he will awaken within the hour!”
“Very good!” The emperor was immensely pleased. “Yun’er has rendered a service of great merit in saving your brother! I must reward you handsomely. Speak of anything you want!”
Qi Yun shook his head. “Royal father, it is but my duty to save my second royal brother. Your son asks for no favor. Since second royal brother is now out of danger, then I will take my leave.”
“It turns out that you’re the most mature of all!” The emperor indeed looked at Qi Yun with satisfied eyes when he heard his son’s reply. “However, the rewards shall not be stinted. Come, reward the third prince with a thousand taels of golden beads and a hundred bolts of silk!”
Qi Yun didn’t continue to turn the honors down and knelt down to express his thanks, “Many thanks to my royal father!”
The Prince Chen Manor.
Qi Chen returned in full glory when it was almost dusk. “Sir Feng possesses great schemes alright! My royal father has heavily rewarded this prince and various courtiers have all begun seeking my favor. This is all due to Sir Feng!” Qi Chen immediately laughed heartily after setting foot inside his doors.
Jun Huang rose to tender her felicitations. “Congratulations to Your Highness.”
“There’s no need to stand on so much ceremony, you will be an honored guest of the Prince Chen Manor from now on!” Qi Chen helped Jun Huang to her feet and spoke grandly.