Chapter 54: Hope, a method for treatment (2/2)

“Can you treat him immediately?”

“Whatever medicines you need, just tell us.”

……

“The prescription is a bit complex, so I need to do thorough research before I’m certain,” Han Yunxi said seriously.

At this moment, Han Congan had to make a request. “Qin Wangfei, this untalented one is old and behind the times, but I’m still well-versed in pharmacology. I’ll be willing to assist you.”

If Han Yunxi couldn’t cure the illness, the Han Family wouldn’t escape the consequences either. But if she succeeded, then he could get some glory from being her assistant. More than anything else, he wanted to see how this blasted girl had such guts, and her treatment method!

Yet Han Yunxi acted as if she didn’t hear his words. “Your majesty, I’d like to request Imperial Physician Gu Beiyue as my assistant.”

Compared to Han Congan, Emperor Tianhui naturally trusted Gu Beiyue more and agreed immediately. “Someone, summon Gu Beiyue here!”

But Han Yunxi stopped him. “Your majesty, this is no small matter. I’ll go to the imperial physicians’ courtyard and talk details with Imperial Physician Gu there. The prescription will be ready before sunset.”

There were lots of people here, after all. Emperor Tianhui nodded his head and had someone lead Han Yunxi away. Han Congan watched them helplessly before the empress dowager spoke in a frigid tone. “Divine Doctor Han, I think you should go back to wait for your daughter’s good news.”

“Esteemed empress dowager, this commoner has served the crown prince for seven years and thoroughly understands his situation. Perhaps this commoner should be allowed to stay, in case…”

Han Congan didn’t get to finish before the empress grew angry. “Pehpehpeh[4], Han Congan, what unlucky words are you saying? A useless thing has enough face to poke about here. Let me tell you, you’re the one who found the pregnancy pulse. When the crown prince recovers, I’ll make sure to settle things with you!”

Han Congan was too frightened to say any more and quickly paid his respects before fleeing. Seeing his retreating back, the empress’s eyes were filled with a dark haze. She thought, if Han Yunxi can cure Tianmo this time, then I’ll hold off on settling Changping’s accounts. Her meritorious deed can offset her crimes.

But if Han Yunxi couldn’t cure him, she’ll make sure to tear up the Han Family by its roots and erase their existence from Cloud Realm Continent! And she’d brand Han Yunxi as the criminal who exterminated her clan. Neither the empress dowager nor empress left, but stayed by Long Tianmo’s bedside. Emperor Tianhui didn’t want to leave either, but wore a dignified and imposing expression.

Admittedly, they were all nervous. This was the crown prince’s last chance. If Han Yunxi couldn’t save him, then Emperor Tianhui would have to bear the pain of giving up his heir. She held the conclusion in her own hands, but none of them could predict the outcome.

Long Feiye seemed to be the least affected one as he rose to leave. “Imperial brother, let’s go. Chendi[5] will accompany you to sample some tea.”

Only then did Emperor Tianhui recover enough to nod his head and follow Long Feiye out.

“It’s simple to reign over a country, but difficult to reign over family,” Emperor Tianhui sighed with emotion.

“Heaven helps the worthy like the crown prince. Imperial brother should be relieved,” Long Feiye said mildly.

It wasn’t the first time Emperor Tianhui had tried to sound Long Feiye out, but he could never figure out the latter’s position. Each time, he had to give up trying. As Long Feiye grew, neither Long Tianmo or any of the other imperial sons could compete with him. Actually, if the empress dowager hadn’t ruthlessly plotted against Grand Concubine Yi in the past, Emperor Tianhui would never have gained the imperial throne.

Northern Li was Tianning’s enemy nation, but inEmperor Tianhui’s eyes, this little brother of his, around the same age as his own son, was more terrifying than the cruel soldiers of Northern Li!

“Regarding the matter of the Northern Li spy, how are your investigations?” Emperor Tianhui asked.

“There’s still a large fish in hiding, but chendi has already cast out a net,” Long Feiye replied frankly.

“You should know that these spies wouldn’t cause such a big splash unless we had a traitor within our ranks,” Emperor Tianhui reminded him icily.

“Chendi understands. Imperial brother may be at ease,” Long Feiye was calm and tranquil to the point that he seemed cold. The two of them chatted as they entered the gardens, while Han Yunxi by this time had reached the imperial physicians’ courtyard.

Gu Beiyue was the Head Imperial Physician, so this place was naturally under his control. As soon as he heard that Han Yunxi had arrived for the crown prince’s matter, he immediately stored all the medicines in his study and stood on guard outside the door, forbidding anyone from coming close. Han Yunxi hadn’t spoke a word before he did all this, but she couldn’t help but silently approve. Thought Gu Beiyue looked gentle and frail, he was formidable in his own right.

If one could call Long Feiye an icy fox, then this guy would have to be a warm one.

After closing the door, he calmly walked over with a smile. “Qin Wangfei, have you come to a diagnosis?”

This was such a big matter that anyone else would be anxious. But Gu Beiyue was eternally tranquil. Han Yunxi especially liked his gentle smile, the kind that could calm her down in an instant. Yet every time it was her that disturbed the peace in his eyes.

“It’s not a pregnancy pulse,” she said with a smile.

-o-

[1] hot potato issue (????) – tangshou shanyu, literally ‘hand-burning potato,’ a troublesome problem, hot topic.

[2] oil-saving lamp (????) – sheng you de deng, literally a lamp that saves oil, or ‘someone who is easy to deal with.’

[3] four liang shifting a thousand jin (?????) – siliang bo qianjin, small things move bigger ones. Liang and jin are both Chinese units of weight.

[4] Pehpehpeh (???) – an exclamation of disdain, annoyance, or stern disapproval: pah, bah, pooh.

[5] chenqi (??)? a humble form of self-address for a younger brother equivalent to ‘your subject’ or ‘your servant.’