Free Web NovelChapter 1281: Chapter 1270: Illegitimate Son
"Doctor Liu, how is this medicine?" After returning to Yangxin Hall, the Emperor immediately summoned the Imperial Hospital’s director and asked with a concerned expression.
Dean Liu examined the pill’s components with a serious look on his face. Hearing the Emperor’s question, he temporarily set it aside and replied, "Your Majesty, if I’m not mistaken, this is an elixir for strengthening the body. Moreover, compared to the formulas I’m aware of, this elixir is more mysterious and effective. There are two medicinal ingredients I haven’t identified yet, but it’s evident that it’s harmless to the body."
"So, you are saying I can consume this elixir?" The Emperor asked, his eyes gleaming.
"Technically, yes, but I suggest having someone test it first to be safer."
"There’s no need for that; the Empress has been consuming it for a month now. Tomorrow, make sure to check the Empress’s pulse."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Dean Liu struggled internally for a moment before he couldn’t help but ask, "Your Majesty, may I ask who crafted this elixir? If I’m not mistaken, not only are the final two ingredients mysterious, but the production process differs greatly from usual methods. I would like to learn from this person."
"Speaking of which, you know this person — it’s Doctor Du. However, according to the Empress, it’s a formula and method handed down from his family, so it’s unlikely he’ll easily reveal it to others."
"I can’t believe it’s Doctor Du; despite working with him for so long, I’ve never noticed. Truly a moment of feeling ashamed."
"You don’t need to blame yourself; Doctor Du has always been responsible for the Empress’s consultations, so your interactions are understandably limited." Having received accurate information about the elixir today, the Emperor was in a very good mood and had the patience to console people.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for understanding. If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave."
"Hmm, you may go."
Both ministers and concubines could feel the Emperor’s especially good mood lately; not only that, he frequently visited Fengyang Palace.
"After so many years, the Empress has regained favor. Isn’t the Queen Mother jealous?" Prince An came to the palace today to pay respects to his mother, Princess Rou, and casually brought up the Emperor’s recent changes with a hint of deeper meaning.
Opposite him was a woman of serene and elegant temperament, not only of fine character but exceedingly beautiful, otherwise she wouldn’t have birthed such a renowned handsome man as Prince An, famous all over the capital.
"Why would I be jealous? Isn’t it normal for His Majesty to love his wife? I’m just a concubine; what right do I have to be jealous?" Her tone was calm, seemingly indifferent to everything.
"But Father Emperor usually visits Mother often when he has nothing to do."
"With Prince Kang soon departing for Nanyue, it’s proper for your Father to spend more time with the Empress to reassure Prince Kang."
Prince An smiled knowingly, "If Mother can think it through, it puts a son’s mind at ease."
"There’s nothing I can’t understand." Princess Rou smiled softly. "I’ve never been worried about your Father; what I worry most about is you. Although Prince Kang is practically out of contention for the throne, Prince Min remains your greatest rival. Even though I’ve been favored by your Father Emperor for many years, Noble Princess Consort Zhu’s influence never waned, and Prince Min’s power in the court has always surpassed ours. You must be cautious."
Prince An’s eyes were intense. "Rest assured, Mother, I will not be careless. From the moment I decided to walk this path, I never intended to retreat. Second Brother has our consort’s family’s power, while I have Father’s love, isn’t that right?"
"Just be careful in everything. If Zhu Noble Consort and the Second Prince seize your weakness, even if your Father wants to protect you, he might be powerless due to the courtiers’ petitions."
Elsewhere, Prince Min, who also entered the palace to pay his respects to the Queen Mother, discussed the Emperor’s recent renewed favor for the Empress with Noble Consort Zhu. Like Princess Rou and Prince An, he didn’t seem to weigh heavily on it.
Unbeknownst to them, Prince Kang and Ye Qiu had laid their most crucial move on the board, and future developments would depend on them. Even if they remain calm, Ye Qiu has ways to stir things up.
Ruyi Building, the largest restaurant in the capital, sees Ye Qiu and Prince Kang gathering without any attempts at discretion today, showing no fear of being discovered.
Indeed, what does it matter if they are found out? Isn’t it human nature? Prince Kang is about to depart for Nanyue, and his wives and concubines are naturally going along. This trip might take years before he returns.
Prince Kang recently promoted Ye Qiu’s sister, Ye Jing, to concubine, establishing a relationship akin to a brother-in-law with Ye Qiu. Their advice to each other before parting is entirely normal; no one would suspect them of forming factions or conducting private dealings. After all, the common belief is that Prince Kang will have no ties to the throne, so what faction would there be? What private dealings?
If every minister in the capital had to consider whether they might be suspected or implicated before meeting, the court would surely be chaotic, and the country would be on the brink of ruin.
Although the struggle between Prince An and Prince Min is intense, it’s far from reaching that stage.
"Your Highness!" Ye Qiu greeted formally.
"Please rise, Mr. Ye." Thinking of his Father’s recent pleasant demeanor and of his Mother Empress’s current contentment, Prince Kang was very admiring of the man who came up with the idea, Ye Qiu. Since he became aware, over twenty years, it’s the first time he clearly felt his Father’s warmth, still feeling a bit taken aback.
Though aware these gentleness stem from his Father’s belief in his concessions, it was enough to delight him.
According to Ye Qiu, this is just the beginning. In the future, while nurturing strength in silence, he’ll make his Father increasingly recognize his merits. As the saying goes, ’Distant fragrance, close stench,’ someday he wants his Father to personally summon him back to the capital.
By then, the throne will be his to claim; although the goal seems distant, according to Ye Qiu, as long as he remains patient and willing to learn, everything will succeed.
"Your Highness will depart in five days; is everything prepared?" Ye Qiu asked with concern.
Prince Kang replied steadily, "Everything has been prepared."
"I entrust my younger sister to you now. Though she is a concubine daughter, she has never suffered hardships. I hope Your Highness will cherish her."
"Lady Jing has always been respectful and well-mannered, and I am very fond of her. Please rest assured, Mr. Ye."
"That’s good, I’m relieved." Ye Qiu seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and then asked the waiter to refill his tea.
Prince Kang idly stirred the dishes on the table, seemingly not fitting his taste, put down his chopsticks and sighed. "It’s a pity I can’t attend Mr. Ye’s wedding feast; however, before leaving, I will prepare a generous gift."
"Your Highness is too kind."
Seeing the two are exchanging ordinary words, the waiter loitering around finally withdrew, and the two exchanged a glance, revealing a meaningful look simultaneously.
