Chapter 5: The Crown Prince Is Truly Ill
Imperial Physician Lin arrived at the Phoenix Yi Palace and, upon seeing the Empress’s pale complexion, felt a deep unease.
The Empress ordered Nurse Zhang to close the door and demanded, “You have cared for the Crown Prince’s health since he was young, and I have trusted you. Yet recently, someone has informed me that the Crown Prince has been unwell. What is going on?”
Startled, Imperial Physician Lin trembled and hurriedly replied, “That is not true. His Highness the Crown Prince has always been healthy. This very morning, I even checked his pulse for peace of mind—there was nothing amiss.”
The Empress sneered coldly, “If you do not tell me, I will take the Crown Prince beyond the palace to see a doctor myself. But you should think carefully—if you lie, I will execute your entire clan.”
Sweat poured from Imperial Physician Lin’s brow as he anxiously said, “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. That must never happen. The Emperor would blame me if he knew…”
The Empress’s heart skipped—could it be the Emperor already knew?
With a stern voice, she said, “I only care for the Crown Prince’s health. How could the Emperor possibly blame me?”
“Lin, I have trusted you all these years to care for the Crown Prince, hoping to give you a chance. Yet you have shown no gratitude.”
“In that case, you have no reason to live.”
Overcome with fear, Imperial Physician Lin slumped and blurted, “Your Majesty, I will tell everything. The Crown Prince’s illness has been lingering for a long time. It is subtle and cannot be detected by an ordinary healer. If… if this matter were to be exposed, it would harm the Crown Prince’s health even more.”
The Empress closed her eyes, her heart unbearably heavy, almost suffocating.
As a mother, she had been ignorant that her son was always ill, yet she pressed him to improve himself, to practice martial arts, to study history. Even when he wished to leave the palace for a walk, she forbade it.
Tears streamed down her face as she asked hoarsely, “Is it incurable?”
Imperial Physician Lin hung his head in despair. “I am incompetent. I have sought remedies for twenty years, but none have proven effective.”
At that moment, the Empress understood everything.
Lin Yue had not lied; her accumulation of virtue was an attempt to save her son’s life. Lin Yue herself was extraordinary—otherwise, Master Zhang would never have chosen her to perform the ritual to revive Prince Ding, which had indeed saved him.
Yes, Lin Yue had a method, and she wished to save the Crown Prince as well.
The Empress quickly steadied her composure and said to Imperial Physician Lin, “I will keep this secret. You must never mention entering the Phoenix Yi Palace. I have found a way to save the Crown Prince. You must maintain his condition and prevent any sudden attacks. Do you understand?”
Imperial Physician Lin kowtowed repeatedly. “The medicine to suppress the Crown Prince’s illness has always been prepared in multiple doses—one in the Eastern Palace, one in the Emperor’s diligent study, and one I carry with me.”
The Empress said, “Leave the dose you have on you with me, but make sure you replenish it yourself.”
Hastily, Imperial Physician Lin took a small box from his robe and handed it to the Empress.
She opened it, seeing pills thicker than a thumb. How was one to swallow such a thing?
Imperial Physician Lin quickly explained, “The real medicine is inside. The outer pill is a digestive aid to deceive others.”
Relieved, the Empress said, “You have done well. When the Crown Prince recovers, I will reward you handsomely.”
Imperial Physician Lin dared not claim credit, and the Empress said no more, sending him back to the Imperial Medical Institute.
After he left, the Empress emerged from the side chamber, her forehead slick with sweat.
Nurse Zhang, distressed, asked, “If Your Majesty is unwell, shall we inform the Empress Dowager? She would surely understand.”
The Empress smiled with relief. “What do you know? Go quickly and make arrangements. Lin Yue saved Prince Ding’s life back then. Even if she were not my sister-in-law, I would still treat her well.”
Nurse Zhang was speechless. “But Your Majesty said this morning that Lin Yue was peculiar and unrefined, unworthy to be Prince Ding’s consort.”
“By the way, Zhou Dahai has sent word that the Emperor will come for dinner soon.”
The Empress said, “Let him come. It is time for him to meet his sister-in-law.”
Nurse Zhang was at a loss. The Empress’s behavior was strange today. She usually detested young, beautiful women entering her palace. Yet today, with the arrival of the Princess Consort, who was the Emperor’s sister-in-law and still so young…and beautiful…
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In the inner hall, the Empress Dowager asked Lin Yue, “Do you believe in Buddhism?”
Lin Yue, still worrying about how to distribute alms outside the palace, quickly replied, “Yes, I believe in the law of cause and effect, karma and reincarnation. I wish to do more good deeds to accumulate blessings for myself and future generations.”
The Empress Dowager smiled warmly. “That is good. I believe in Buddhism too. When you go outside, remember to add some incense money to the temple for me. If you are willing, you can also perform acts of charity regularly.”
“When you leave the palace, I will give you some money. Use it wisely—don’t risk your own savings.”
Lin Yue felt a warmth in her heart and said gratefully, “Thank you, Mother Empress. I will devote myself to doing good deeds.”
[Sniff, sniff, my mother-in-law is so kind—she even gives me money to do charity and accumulate merit.]
[System, I’m suddenly so touched.]
System: [When you do good deeds, many blessings will silently draw near to you, even changing your fortune.]
Lin Yue: [Will my fortune improve?]
System: [If you stay positive and strive to accumulate virtue, your fortune will surely grow.]
Lin Yue, satisfied: [That’s wonderful. System, rest assured, I will diligently accumulate merit.]
The Empress Dowager lowered her gaze, sipping tea, a faint smile curling at the corner of her lips.
Her young daughter-in-law was truly adorable!