The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 500: Chapter 500: Suspicion in the Heart

”Second Miss Ye.”

Chu Qiyuan was the first to step forward, the worry in his eyes unconcealable.

”His Majesty suddenly fell unconscious. We’ve tried many methods, but he still hasn’t woken up. Please, come quickly and see what can be done.”

Ye Chutang nodded lightly. ”Please don’t worry. Allow me to take His Majesty’s pulse first.”

With that, she lifted her foot to step forward.

Suddenly, a sarcastic, grating voice came from the side.

”Chu Hospital Director, you seem to hold Second Miss Ye in such high regard. Are you perhaps clutching at her like a drowning man clutches a straw?”

Ye Chutang’s steps faltered.

Chu Qiyuan had already turned his head to look, his tone cold. ”Doctor Zhou, if you could have woken His Majesty by now, I would naturally hold you in the same high esteem.”

”You—”

Zhou Kangxue choked on his words. With so many people watching, he couldn’t afford to openly cause a scene, so he could only manage a sneer.

”I would have loved to, but you never gave me the chance, did you?”

After Emperor Muwu fell unconscious, Chu Qiyuan had immediately entered the palace.

Following him, the numerous Imperial Physicians of the Imperial Hospital all gathered here.

Chu Qiyuan had used ginseng slices to sustain Emperor Muwu’s life, but he couldn’t wake him. Zhou Kangxue had volunteered to try, but Chu Qiyuan had refused him without hesitation.

He was the Hospital Director. Although Zhou Kangxue was resentful, he had to endure it.

But he never expected that after waiting all this time, the one to arrive would be Ye Chutang!

’What does that make the rest of us from the Imperial Hospital!?’

Chu Qiyuan’s expression was calm. ”The last time His Majesty had a sudden bout of illness with a persistent high fever, I heard it was only brought under control after Second Miss Ye arrived. She has also been the one responsible for His Majesty’s consultations and for decocting his medicine this entire time. Is there anyone present who understands His Majesty’s condition better than she does?”

A breath caught in Zhou Kangxue’s chest. His face flushed red, but in the end, he could only grit his teeth and bear it.

’Who could argue when Chu Qiyuan was speaking the absolute truth!’

When it came to treating Emperor Muwu, no one indeed knew his condition better than Ye Chutang.

So, at this moment, it was only natural that she should be the one to handle it.

Chu Qiyuan retracted his gaze and raised a hand. ”Second Miss Ye, if you please.”

Ye Chutang thanked him in a gentle voice, then slowly stepped forward to take Emperor Muwu’s pulse.

The surroundings fell silent, and it was as if everyone was even breathing more softly.

Ye Chutang’s brow furrowed slightly.

”Why did His Majesty fall unconscious?”

As soon as she said this, the atmosphere in the room instantly became delicate.

Chu Qiyuan’s expression was hesitant, as if he were contemplating how to phrase his answer.

Wang Songshi, who was waiting by the side, couldn’t help but say, ”His Majesty was personally interrogating a case and became enraged. That’s when—”

’Interrogating a case?’

At a time like this, the only case that would require Emperor Muwu’s personal interrogation would naturally be that of Xiao Chengxuan.

Ye Chutang’s gaze shifted slightly, lingering for a moment on Xiao Chenglin, who was standing in a secluded corner. She already had a good idea of the situation.

Wang Songshi sighed. ”His Majesty’s health is poor; he shouldn’t have been so taxed. But it all happened so suddenly, and we never expected it would turn out like this.”

Ye Chutang nodded.

’For Emperor Muwu to get this angry, they must have truly uncovered something during the interrogation.’

The ministers of the Cabinet were here, and so was everyone from the Imperial Hospital, but Xiao Chengxuan was conspicuously absent.

Furthermore, Consort Ru wasn’t here either.

Ye Chutang had already guessed most of the story, so she didn’t press further. She simply rose and took out her needle pouch.

”I must ask everyone to please wait outside the hall for now.”

Zhou Kangxue refused to move, his expression hostile. ”If you’re going to perform acupuncture, then just do it! Our presence here won’t hinder you in any way! His Majesty’s safety is of the utmost importance! How can there be no one by his side!?”

Chu Qiyuan frowned in rebuttal. ”The medical arts are subtle and intricate. It has always been normal to guard against them being leaked.”

He was convinced that Ye Chutang had learned her skills from a reclusive master, so it was only human nature for her to not want others to watch and secretly steal her techniques.

Zhou Kangxue scoffed. ”What is more important: His Majesty’s safety, or keeping her medical skills a secret!?”

’To be concerned with such things at a time like this... When His Majesty finds out later, he’ll surely be displeased with Ye Chutang!’

”You—”

Chu Qiyuan wanted to argue further but was stopped by Ye Chutang.

”Everyone, you’ve misunderstood. I’m not asking you to leave because I’m worried about my techniques being stolen.”

Ye Chutang calmly took out a silver needle.

”If one could learn this just by watching, then it wouldn’t be my turn to treat His Majesty today.”

Zhou Kangxue’s face instantly turned the color of pig’s liver from both anger and vexation. ”What are you trying to say with that!? Are you calling us stupid!?”

This Ye Chutang was simply arrogant to the extreme!

Ye Chutang finally spared him a glance. The corners of her lips curved slightly, but there wasn’t a trace of a smile in her dark eyes.

”I am simply worried that some people might become agitated. If a disturbance were to break out in here and affect His Majesty, that would be unfortunate.”

Zhou Kangxue nearly coughed up a mouthful of old blood. He pointed a trembling finger at Ye Chutang but couldn’t utter a single word for a long moment.

This was no longer an indirect jab; this was a blatant, naked humiliation!

And yet!

He couldn’t even refute it!

’Wouldn’t that just prove Ye Chutang’s point!?’

The frustration that had been stifling Chu Qiyuan’s chest finally dissipated—he knew she wasn’t the type to suffer a loss!

He shot a glance at Zhou Kangxue. ”Doctor Zhou, what are you still waiting for? If you cause a delay in His Majesty’s treatment, can you bear the responsibility!?”

Zhou Kangxue furiously flicked his sleeves and left.

Wang Songshi and the others exchanged glances before they too retreated out of the hall.

Ye Chutang didn’t stop them.

Soon, only a few people remained inside the grand hall.

Ye Chutang located the Hegu and Neiguan acupoints on both sides and inserted the needles with the grace of flowing water.

Chu Qiyuan held his breath, unable to keep from feeling nervous as well.

Emperor Muwu didn’t move, but some color gradually returned to his face, making him look less ghastly than before.

Suddenly, Ye Chutang asked:

”You didn’t let them treat His Majesty earlier. Is it because you already had your suspicions?”