The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 488: Chapter 488: Burning the Bridges

”Prince Lie’s condition is already so critical. Ye Chutang is undeniably to blame!”

Chu Qiyuan glanced at him. ”You say that as if you have conclusive proof that Ye Chutang caused all of this.”

”I—”

Of course, Zhou Kangxue had no evidence, so he couldn’t speak in absolutes. But he refused to let the matter go.

”This humble subject’s abilities are limited, so I dare not say for certain. But the facts are plain to see. If it weren’t for the medicinal catalyst Ye Chutang suggested, how could Prince Lie have fallen into a coma?”

Chu Qiyuan said flatly, ”Without her, I’m afraid Prince Lie would never have even made it out of the Royal Hunting Ground.”

”This...”

Zhou Kangxue was speechless, unable to think of a rebuttal.

Back at the Royal Hunting Ground, when Xiao Chengqi was grievously poisoned, it was indeed Ye Chutang who stepped forward and saved his life.

”If Second Miss Ye truly intended to harm him, she could have simply done nothing back then. Wouldn’t that have been much easier?”

The retort left Zhou Kangxue speechless, and in the end, he could only resort to sophistry. ”Even if she didn’t mean to, His Highness’s condition worsened because of the catalyst she proposed, so she must—”

Emperor Muwu interrupted him. ”Who is taking care of Cheng Qi now?”

Chu Qiyuan replied, ”Second Miss Ye went to Prince Lie’s Mansion first thing this morning to relieve Doctor Zhao and watch over His Highness Prince Lie.”

Zhou Kangxue wanted to say more, but he caught a glimpse of Emperor Muwu’s expression out of the corner of his eye. His lips trembled, but he swallowed his words.

Emperor Muwu clearly hadn’t fully believed his words, but as long as the seed of doubt was planted, it would eventually sprout.

If Xiao Chengqi never woke up, Emperor Muwu would definitely grow anxious.

When that time came, someone would have to be thrown out to bear his wrath—and perhaps that someone would be Ye Chutang.

Chu Qiyuan continued, ”Yesterday, this humble subject administered medicine to His Highness, but it is still unknown when he will awaken.”

Emperor Muwu pondered for a moment before asking, ”You administered the medicine? What about Ye Chutang? Did she not say anything?”

”No, nothing.”

Chu Qiyuan shook his head.

”Both Zhao Xuanping and Second Miss Ye reviewed the prescription. It was used only after they raised no objections. Originally, I also considered asking Second Miss Ye to perform a treatment, which might have awakened His Highness. However, she said that with the residual poison settled in his body and his qi and blood both depleted, it is not the right time for acupuncture. His body must recuperate before needles can be used.”

Emperor Muwu did not understand these matters well, but he trusted Chu Qiyuan the most. Seeing how Chu Qiyuan’s words were quite protective of Ye Chutang, and considering that Ye Chutang had also cured his own illness, he was more inclined to believe she was not at fault.

However, as long as Xiao Chengqi remained unconscious, he could not be completely at ease.

”Since you all have a plan, let it be. Later, go and take Consort Rong’s pulse. She is worried sick and will likely fall ill again.”

”This humble subject obeys.”

Emperor Muwu then looked at Zhou Kangxue and the others.

”Alright, all of you can stop kneeling. Go back to your duties for now.”

Zhou Kangxue was stunned. ”Your Majesty, then... then Ye—”

”Nothing has been concluded yet. It will not be too late to discuss this after Cheng Qi wakes up!”

Emperor Muwu’s tone was unquestionable. A shiver ran down Zhou Kangxue’s spine, and a cold sweat instantly broke out on his back. He quickly bowed his head in salute.

”Yes!”

...

After leaving the Imperial Study Room, Chu Qiyuan started walking straight toward Consort Rong’s residence but was stopped by Zhou Kangxue.

”Chief Doctor Chu, please wait.”

Chu Qiyuan’s face was expressionless. ”What is it?”

Zhou Kangxue smiled. ”Nothing much. I’m just a little curious. Chief Doctor Chu and that Ye Chutang don’t seem to be acquainted, so why do you speak up for her like this?”

Chu Qiyuan narrowed his eyes. ”I only spoke the truth. His Majesty hasn’t even convicted her. What, have you already decided it’s all her fault?”

A chill went through Zhou Kangxue. ”That’s not what I meant at all!”

’We’re still in the palace! If someone overheard such insubordinate words, would I even be allowed to live?!’

Chu Qiyuan had no desire to deal with him any further and strode away.

”Hey—”

Being treated so coldly by him, Zhou Kangxue was naturally humiliated.

Seeing that Chu Qiyuan had left, a few other Imperial Physicians came forward to console him. ”Mr. Zhou, Chief Doctor Chu was probably up all night. That’s why he’s like this. Don’t mind him...”

Zhou Kangxue snorted coldly.

”He’s the Hospital Director! How would I dare have an opinion about him!?”

The men looked at each other, not daring to say anything more.

Zhou Kangxue was from an apricot family and had long been eyeing the position of Hospital Director. Unfortunately, Chu Qiyuan was deeply trusted by His Majesty and had remained unshakable in his post for many years.

Zhou Kangxue had long since found him disagreeable.

”Do you really think I don’t know? A few days ago, that Ye Chutang personally came to his door! She said it was to treat her little mute sister, but who knows if there’s some kind of transaction between them!”

The other physicians were desperate to go over and cover his mouth. ”Mr. Zhou! You can’t make such wild accusations without proof!”

The moment the words left his mouth, Zhou Kangxue realized his slip of the tongue. He glanced around and saw that the palace servants were at a distance and hadn’t followed them, then flicked his sleeves in frustration.

”I’d like to see if they can actually save Prince Lie!”

...

Ye Chutang was unaware of the debate raging in the palace, but even if she had known, she wouldn’t have cared.

—She was simply too busy lately.

Emperor Muwu had just started to improve, and now it was Xiao Chengqi’s turn.

Only after repeated assurances did she manage to persuade Yan to return to the Imperial College. Then, Ye Chutang rushed to Prince Lie’s Mansion to watch over him without a moment’s rest.

Xiao Chengqi still showed no sign of waking.

But Ye Chutang wasn’t worried—if His Highness Prince Lie was willing to burn his boats, then she was happy to play along.

Besides, there were people far more anxious than she was.

...

「Ministry of Justice Prison.」

Xiao Chengxuan had been waiting bitterly for a long time. Not only had he not been released, but he had instead received news of Jiang Zhao Yuan’s downfall.

”There’s no one left to protect you now, so I advise you to confess honestly.”

Su Wei was personally interrogating him again, his presence overwhelmingly oppressive.

”Did you or did you not collude with the enemy and commit treason!?”