Prince Zhou narrowed his eyes. “The Six Offices have so many books, Court Lady Fu, your memory is pretty good.”
Fu Rou lowered her eyes. “I have been assigned my responsibilities and do not dare to be negligent. I just think that if Official Situ really had bad intentions towards Concubine Yan, this method depends too highly on luck. How would he know if amongst the 407 recipes, Her Highness would choose his? Her Highness is the one that chooses the recipe, not Official Situ. Moreover, I only remember the total number of recipes. As for the contents of the recipes, peppercorn, pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, orange peel -- I don’t remember them exactly. When I head back, I will look through them carefully and see if Official Situ was the only one that used licorice root. If there are a few more that coincidentally gave their recipes and coincidentally use licorice root as well, would you interrogate all of them, Prince Zhou? If we use this logic and deduction, then should we also interrogate everyone that has submitted a recipe that contains any ingredient that people with phlegm should abstain from. Will this harm His Majesty’s reputation?” If they had to eradicate any official that did not share the same opinions, then would reason still exist?
The Emperor was ultimately a wise ruler. “As a court official, Official Situ Zhen should be reprimanded for not focusing on his duty and trying to flatter by giving recipes. But when it comes to saying that he intentionally wants to hurt Concubine Yan, Prince Zhou, you are too suspicious. You have just begun to learn how to handle official court matters. Distinguishing clearly between right and wrong is the first thing. I know that you care deeply for your mother but you can’t just vent your anger like this.”
“Imperial Father, you are right. I understand my mistake. I will stay here to take care of my mother. As long as she does not wake up, I will not leave.” Prince Zhou glanced at Fu Rou. “ I heard that when someone is unconscious, they are still aware of what is going on around them. If someone speaks to her often, perhaps she will wake up faster. Mother has always admired Court Lady Fu and Court Lady Fu’s words are pleasant to listen to. I would like for Court Lady Fu to stay behind and serve Mother along with me. Please allow this, Imperial Father.”
The Emperor nodded, giving his permission.
Chapter 83.1: Karma
It was late at night. Fu Rou was beside Concubine Yan’s bed. Prince Zhou sat by the side, holding a book in his hands. However, he could not focus a single word, his attention was completely on Fu Rou.
“I heard…”
“Don’t mention him.” She already knew what he wanted to say.
“Him?” He pretended not to understand. “Who is he?”
Fu Rou did not reply as she helped Concubine Yan tuck the blanket properly.
“I heard that someone went against you in the Internal Attendant Department.” He watched her expression carefully. “I heard that some general even drew his sword out and pointed it at you. He did not even care about your past relationship.”
“It is because he was heartbroken over his elder sister and younger brother. The anger overcame him and he acted rashly.” In the end, they were still going to talk about Sheng Chumu?
“I was also heartbroken because of my mother, that's why I wanted to interrogate Situ Zhen.” He brought up Sheng Chumu just to find a scapegoat for himself.
“People who act quickly often do not consider their actions. Sometimes when we act in the heat of a moment, we have to pay the price. I thought Your Highness knows the palace rules well. It is not like you to act rashly.” She is forced to be prejudiced. She was afraid power had eroded everyone here.
“Is that why you did not give me face? It was for my own good?” On the contrary, he could somewhat understand why Sheng Chumu raised his sword at her.
“To him, or anyone else. I have never meant them harm. If every word and action is born from kindness, it will naturally get good results.” She only wanted to do what was right.
“It is easy to say but things don’t often go as one desires. What if you don’t get a good result eighty to ninety percent of the time?” He was not as benevolent as her.
“Die with no regrets. At least you will have a clear conscience.”
Even if she had to go alone and the people around her started to disappear, at least she knew the road in front of her was bright.
Prince Zhou suddenly grabbed onto Fu Rou’s hand and stared deeply into her eyes. “Don’t die. A person like you must live well.”
Fu Rou asked, “A person like me? What kind of person am I?”
“A kind, loyal, upright...fool.” He can't do it, so all he could do is to slowly let go of her hand.
Another day passed, Concubine Yan remained unconscious. Because of Yu He’s insinuations, the Emperor specially invited various famous physicians into the palace. As long as they could cure Concubine Yan, they would be rewarded with money and could enter the Imperial Physician Department.
Several famous physicians came. However, they were unable to do anything. There was only one physician left. The imperial physician outside spoke to him first. He thought that since the man was young and hot-blooded, he might speak frivolously and wanted to chase him away.
However, the Emperor called him in.
When Prince Zhou saw who it was, he was shocked. He never thought that Fu Shui would use this method to openly enter the palace once again.
Fu Shui was self-assured and confident. “Long live Your Majesty. As long as Your Majesty allows me to give Her Highness acupuncture, I will be able to wake Her Highness.”
The imperial physician still objected. “This person wants to use acupuncture on Her Highness’ three points, the Baihui, Yintang and Fengchi points but does not know how deep to go? This kind of incompetent student are only out for the money. Please consider carefully, Your Majesty.”
Fu Shui replied, “I have learned from my father since I was young and have cured several people. I am not incompetent. I don’t know how deep the needle should go in because Her Highness’ illness is uncommon. According to what my father said, when treating uncommon diseases, one has to be able to change according to the situation. You cannot just stick to old ways of acupuncture. You always have to check the patient’s reaction and how the needle feels and make amendments. Your Majesty, please give me a chance. I believe that I will be able to wake Her Highness up with my acupuncture.”
Prince Zhou received several looks from Yu He and understood. This was a plan that his mother, Yu He and Fu Shui had set up a long time ago.
Prince Zhou chuckled bitterly and muttered, “Imperial Father, so many physicians have come to assess Mother’s condition but they were all helpless. Only he dares to speak up. Let him try it.” He was born as a son but was merely a chess piece. How pathetic.
Fu Rou could see the instability in Prince Zhou’s expression but did not know the reason why. She took an objective and partial stance. “Her Highness’ body is precious. It is already out of the ordinary to let outsider physicians treat her. Moreover, this treatment method is special. It is too risky. Perhaps we should properly assess his medical abilities before making a decision?”
Yu He spoke, “Your Majesty, all the invited physicians have been assessed by the Imperial Physician Department. They are all proficient in medicine.”
Prince Zhou kneeled and requested, “We cannot afford to delay Mother’s treatment any longer. Please make a decision as soon as possible, Imperial Father.”
The Emperor finally nodded and spoke to Fu Shui, “If anything happens to Concubine Yan, do you know what the consequences are?”
“I will put my life on the line. I will definitely cure Her Highness!” Fu Shui talked big.