Volume One, Chapter Sixteen: The Imperial Medical Bureau's Probe

The shadow guard could not help but feel a trace of pity for Li Tianqing in his heart, though he dared not show it.

“I recall that the Prince of Jing was never in good health…” the Emperor of Zhou mused.

“Your Majesty, you are correct. His Highness the Prince of Jing was indeed frail and sickly in the past, but it seems he has improved considerably of late,” the shadow guard replied truthfully.

The Emperor gave a cold, derisive chuckle. “Hmph, what do I care whether he is well or not? His life and death are of no consequence to me.”

“Send an imperial physician to examine him thoroughly. I want to know whether his former weakness was merely an act, or…” The Emperor left the sentence unfinished, but the shadow guard understood his meaning perfectly.

He accepted the command and melted away into the darkness of night.

The Emperor leaned back on his dragon throne, closing his eyes to rest. The Hall of Mental Cultivation was utterly silent, broken only by the faint crackling of burning candle wicks.

“Your Majesty… it is time to take your elixir,” a eunuch announced softly. “This is a new medicine, freshly prepared by the Taoist masters.”

The Emperor opened his eyes and gazed at the pills on the tray, his expression unreadable. He swallowed the medicine in one gulp, then rose to his feet. “Prepare the carriage. I am going to the consort’s chambers.”

Surrounded by a retinue of eunuchs, the Emperor swept out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation in grand procession, heading toward the favored consort’s residence.

…

The night passed dreamlessly. At dawn, Li Tianqing awoke, his whole body aching, especially his arms and legs.

He gritted his teeth and forced himself upright, drawing a sharp breath as pain shot through his arms. Enduring it with difficulty, he slowly managed to sit up.

At this moment, he felt utterly drained, his legs as heavy as if filled with lead. Every movement was an ordeal of agony.

With no alternative, he instructed the servants to bring his breakfast. As he ate, Li Tianqing pondered his next steps.

Strength was essential to survive in Northern Yan, but it was far from enough on its own.

For now, he was not lacking in silver; the Emperor had been generous enough.

Yet though he had been granted the title Prince of Jing, everyone in the capital knew that it was little more than an empty honor.

Li Tianqing was well aware that if he did not wish to be at the mercy of others, he would have to proceed with utmost caution, planning every step with care.

All the servants in his residence had been bestowed by the Emperor, and many harbored divided loyalties.

Who could say what secret orders the hundred imperial guards and yulin guards assigned to him might be carrying?

Li Tianqing was not so naïve as to believe the Emperor would trust him without reservation.

Fortunately, he still had a handful of loyal followers by his side.

Otherwise, arriving in Northern Yan, he might not even know how he had died.

—

Li Tianqing rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

At that moment, there was a knock at the door.

He forced his thoughts aside. “Come in.”

The door opened and Steward Lin entered.

“Your Highness, someone from the palace has arrived.”

Li Tianqing was taken aback. Someone from the palace? Who could it be?

“I understand. I’ll be there straight away.”

He dressed and washed before heading to the main hall.

Steward Lin entered with an imperial physician in tow and explained, “Your Highness, this is Physician Zhang from the Imperial Medical Academy, here by imperial decree to examine you.”

Li Tianqing cast a discreet glance at Physician Zhang, quietly speculating on the Emperor’s intentions.

The Emperor knew his every move; the Prince of Jing’s residence was full of the Emperor’s spies.

Li Tianqing understood: this was a test.

He had expected as much and kept his expression composed.

He sat down calmly, and Physician Zhang approached, bowing respectfully.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

Li Tianqing looked at him. He appeared to be in his fifties or sixties, with white hair and a youthful face, brimming with energy, and a kindly demeanor.

Though turbulent thoughts raged within, Li Tianqing’s face remained serene. He offered a faint smile.

“No need for formalities. I’ll trouble you, Physician Zhang.”

He extended his wrist, signaling the physician to begin.

Physician Zhang pressed his fingers to Li Tianqing’s pulse, closing his eyes in concentration. After a while, he opened them.

“Well, Physician Zhang, how is my health?” Li Tianqing asked with a smile.

Physician Zhang stroked his beard, looking troubled. “To speak frankly, Your Highness, your health is considerably weaker than that of other men your age.”

“Hah, quite true,” Li Tianqing replied with self-mocking laughter.

Physician Zhang sighed. “Do not lose heart, Your Highness. I will prescribe you some medicines. If you take them regularly and nurture your health, you will gradually recover.”

Indeed, the original owner’s body had always been frail—no pretense in that!

But perhaps this was for the best. No matter how closely the Emperor’s men pried, they would find nothing amiss. After all, none could imagine that this body’s soul had long since changed.

—

Li Tianqing considered all this, though his face betrayed nothing. “Thank you for your trouble, Physician Zhang.”

The physician stroked his beard and continued, “Your Highness is still young, in the prime years for growth. You must not overtax yourself, lest you harm your foundation.”

“I understand. Thank you for your concern.” Li Tianqing smiled in reply.

Physician Zhang wrote out several prescriptions, instructing him carefully on their use.

“There’s no need for such courtesy, Your Highness.” He took out paper and brush from his medicine case and listed the required herbs. “Here is your prescription. Have your servants fetch the medicines and take them as directed.”

Li Tianqing took the prescription, glanced at it, and handed it to Steward Lin. “Steward Lin, I’ll trouble you to handle this.”

Steward Lin accepted it. “Rest assured, Your Highness. I’ll see to it at once.” With that, he departed.

Physician Zhang gave a few more instructions before preparing to take his leave.

Li Tianqing maintained his genial smile. “Thank you for your trouble, Physician.”

He took a lustrous, translucent jade pendant from his sleeve and handed it to Physician Zhang.

“A small token of appreciation.”

Physician Zhang was taken aback and stood up hastily. “Your Highness, I couldn’t possibly… How could I accept such a reward…”

“Take it, Physician Zhang. I have been frail since childhood and will be relying on your care.” Li Tianqing smiled, eyes crinkling.

At this, Physician Zhang offered no further protest. “Then I shall accept with gratitude. Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness!”

He left, effusive in his thanks.

“Take care, Physician Zhang.” Li Tianqing rose to see him out.

As the physician departed, the smile slowly faded from Li Tianqing’s face.

He had passed this trial for now.

But he knew well that this was only the beginning. The Emperor’s suspicions would not be dispelled by a single physician’s visit.

The surveillance over the Prince of Jing’s residence was far more extensive than he had imagined. He would have to be even more cautious in all things.

Li Tianqing glanced toward the doorway, where Steward Lin was approaching, his eyes narrowing slightly.