The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

In the Imperial Palace, Emperor Chu, having just concluded the morning court, was listening to Chief Physician Lu reporting on the poisonous insect poison affecting Princess Consort Ji and her son.

”...Your Majesty, this time the poison is more dangerous than last month. During this period, Prince Min fainted twice, with unstoppable subcutaneous bleeding.” Chief Physician Lu reported shakily, biting his molars, ”Your Majesty, I fear Prince Min’s body cannot withstand the erosion of this poison. I suggest posting an Imperial List to invite renowned doctors and Poison Masters from across the land, especially Gu Masters from the Xiangxi South Border, to treat the Dowager and the Commandery Prince.”

”If the poison can’t be resolved, is he destined to die?”

Chief Physician Lu knelt down again and said, ”If the poison isn’t resolved and there’s no alleviating medicine, I’m afraid the Commandery Prince’s body cannot bear the suffering of the poison.”

Emperor Chu squinted his eyes and remained silent for a while, then said, ”Rise, you have worked hard.”

”Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace.” Chief Physician Lu rose from the ground, having stayed up all night, knelt, and bowed, nearly losing his balance.

Song Zhiyuan, who was beside him, quickly supported him, and Chief Physician Lu hurriedly expressed his thanks.

Seeing his old age and fatigue, Emperor Chu asked, ”How old are you this year, Chief Physician Lu?”

Chief Physician Lu answered with hands folded, ”In response to Your Majesty, this old servant is seventy-four this year.” After a pause, he smiled bitterly and said, ”This old servant is getting on in years, my eyes aren’t very good; even the prescriptions I write need to be read several times by my young apprentices to ensure accuracy. Who knows how much longer I can serve Your Majesty.”

Emperor Chu did not respond, knowing that if he did, this old physician would likely seize the chance to request retirement.

”You may go for now; discuss with the Imperial Physicians from the Imperial Hospital to modify a prescription that ensures the Commandery Prince and the Dowager aren’t too uncomfortable.”

Chief Physician Lu’s eyes darkened, but he dared not say more. He bowed and announced his departure before retreating from the hall with a hunched figure.

”What do you think about the matter of the seventh?” Emperor Chu asked, looking at Song Zhiyuan.

Song Zhiyuan said, ”Regardless, Your Majesty, you should do something publicly.”

Indeed, doing something visible to the populace is a way to build reputation.

Emperor Chu did not respond immediately.

Song Zhiyuan said, ”The body of Prince Min is already riddled with afflictions, even if the poison is resolved, I’m afraid...”

Emperor Chu’s heart was stirred, grasping the implication of his words. That frail body can barely handle the domineering poisonous insect poison, let alone the process of resolving it?

With Chu Ze’s frail body, it’s uncertain whether he can survive even if he withstands it, how many more years could he live?

Emperor Chu said, ”In that case, let’s see if he has the fate to survive.” He looked at Eunuch Zhou and said, ”Announce my decree, post the Imperial List, and whoever can resolve the poison for the Dowager and Prince Min will be rewarded with ten thousand taels of gold and bestowed the title of ’Divine Doctor’ by imperial grace.”

Eunuch Zhou acknowledged.

Emperor Chu then began discussing Chief Physician Lu with Song Zhiyuan: ”He has submitted two memorials seeking retirement, should it be approved?”

”Chief Physician Lu, serving as an Imperial Physician through two dynasties, has diligently served the emperors and the harem, contributing greatly. Now, Deputy Director Cheng is very capable. If he were to take over, there should be no issue. As for Chief Physician Lu, as he said, he’s old, with dim vision and unsteady hands when administering needles; if an acupuncture point is missed, it would not be good.”

Emperor Chu snorted softly, ”Who knows how many benefits you’ve secretly received from him, speaking for him in such a roundabout way.”

Song Zhiyuan smiled faintly, ”It’s just speaking the truth. When I grow old, I will also request retirement like this. Please, don’t hold it against me then. I do not covet power; when it’s time to retire, I’ll retire cleanly.”

Emperor Chu scoffed lightly, and his fingers began to caress again.