______
Hello, lovely readers! ^^
Sorry for the interruption, but we'd like you to help with a tiny request. It'd mean a lot to us if you're willing to spare 3 minutes to help with this poll on Ko-fi telling us what series brings you/which you read mostly on this site. Here's the link - https://ko-fi.com/polls/What-series-do-you-enjoy-the-most-on-our-site-Or-A0A71UA533 Thanks in advance! Bless you all. đź’—
Cui Piao followed up with a smile, "And why not? Since the Noble Consort has granted her favor, you just go to the Imperial Pharmacy and request it."
Yi Xing gave an "Ai" of acknowledgment and thanked the Noble Consort, twisting her shoulders and back slightly under her spacious spring robe as she spoke.
She too had been victimized last night; that single strike from the Jingqi nanny’s rod had been so painful she nearly lost her breath. Of course, her own minor aches were nothing compared to Yin Zhu's. Over there, Han zhen was already helping Yin Zhu change her clothes. After last night's brutal beating, Yin Zhu's backside had truly "blossomed", the flesh was torn and oozing blood, some of which had even stained Yi Xing’s own clothes.
Lusu stood to the side, sighing faintly, and whispered, "Consort Gong was far too cruel. Without a judgment from the Department of Punishment, she ordered the beating first. Look at what a state she’s left this poor girl in."
Cui Piao snorted. "How long can a person stay in high spirits? Today you beat others, tomorrow you get beaten. Just watch; her retribution will come in this life." After a few more comforting words, she led the Jingqi nannies back to the Palace of Eternal Harmony to report.
In the other room, Han zhen was cleaning Yin Zhu’s wounds. Yin Zhu cried out in pain, making Han zhen flinch.l
"Bear with it; it’s swollen like this, of course it hurts." Han zhen carefully wrung out a handkerchief to wipe away the tainted blood, saying, "By the time I returned last night, you had already been taken away. I was terrified all night, fearing this matter wouldn't be easily settled. I thought to myself that today would surely bring more interrogation and that they wouldn't let me off either. I never expected things to be cleared up so quickly and for you to be released. This has never happened in previous years. Not to mention such a taboo matter—last year, a little maid tried to send two cents of her monthly silver out of the palace, and they used her as an example, beating her half to death. Amitabha, you two have great luck to return with your lives. The Buddha must have been watching over you because of your work cleaning the Baohua Hall."
This was the truth. In the palace, they would rather kill by mistake than let a mistake slip. Last night, huddled in the perimeter room where they were detained, Yix Xing and Yin Zhu truly believed they might not see the morning sun.
Humans tormenting humans is the cruelest thing in the world; because they know your weaknesses, they won't stop until your soul is scattered, just to prove their power.
Yi Xing had been prepared for days of questioning; she thought it would take at least three to five days, by which time Yin Zhu’s wounds would have rotted and festered. Even if the truth came out then, Yin Zhu would have lost a layer of skin if she survived at all.
Yet, surprisingly, the Noble Consort hadn't delayed and had fished them out so quickly. Thinking back, Yi Xing felt she shouldn't have doubted the Noble Consort's intentions at the start. Perhaps the Consort truly was helping her without reservation for the sake of the late Empress.
As for the Noble Consort, she naturally didn't let the opportunity to discipline Consort Gong and Consort Yi go to waste.
The whole incident had been sparked by Consort Yi’s head maid. Noble Consort Yu seized that maid, punished her with twenty strokes of the rod, and demoted her to the menial labor of the North Five Yards. Consort Yi was cited for failing to discipline her servants, and Consort Gong for acting on rumors. The Jingqi nannies were ordered to reprimand them. Consort Gong and Consort Yi refused to submit and tried to argue, but finally, Noble Consort Yu requested instructions from the Empress Dowager. They were sentenced to half a month of solitary reflection, forbidden from stepping foot outside their bedchambers.
"The sun has risen from the west! For the sake of a little palace maid, even the Mistresses have been punished."
"A starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Don't you see who else this matter involved?"
Yi Xing went out to find the physician. Walking from the Changkang Right Gate onto the West First Long Street, the palace servants passing through the alley didn't necessarily recognize her, but their whispered gossip, carried on the wind, entered her ears.
Becoming the talk of the palace servants wasn't a good thing for Yi Xing. Consort Gong and Consort Yi were merely reflecting behind closed doors; they would return to their powerful selves once the ban was lifted. Furthermore, the other minor Mistresses would now take notice of them because of this incident, making the road ahead even more difficult.
The Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) used to love showing off, but now she had learned to live with her tail between her legs. Her only thought now was to hurry to the Imperial Pharmacy to find Physician Xia and ask him to check Yin Zhu’s injuries. Previously, it was said that palace maids weren't qualified to be treated by the duty physicians, but this time she had the Noble Consort's order. Physician Xia wouldn't have to appear under the cover of darkness anymore; he could practice medicine and save lives openly.
The alley of West First Long Street was long and straight. Following it forward led to the Yuehua Gate. The Imperial Pharmacy was located in the wing rooms on the southeast side of the Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing Gong). Palace servants could not easily enter or exit the Yuehua Gate, nor could they pass in front of the Southern Study. One had to pass through the "Tiger Hole" beneath the Gate of Heavenly Purity to reach the Imperial Pharmacy.
This was Yi Xing's first time here, and she didn't know the way. In the Tiger Hole, she encountered a eunuch wearing green cloth "Grasping Tiger" boots. She curtsied to him and said, "Anda (Uncle), blessings to you. I need to go to the Imperial Pharmacy. May I ask how to get there?"
The eunuch stared at her, stunned for a long moment. "You want to go to the Imperial Pharmacy? What for?"
Yi Xing found his question strange but didn't want to be rude. She patiently replied, "I’m going to the Imperial Pharmacy to find a physician for treatment."
The eunuch looked even more dazed. "Treatment? You? Don't you know the duty physicians don't treat palace servants?"
Yi Xing said she knew. "I have the Noble Consort's oral command. Her Ladyship has shown mercy and specifically permitted me to find a physician from the Imperial Pharmacy."
"Ah..." The eunuch gave a sheepish smile. "The Noble Consort truly has the heart of a Bodhisattva. Well then, which physician are you looking for, or will any do? I’m familiar with the Imperial Pharmacy; give me a name so I can point you in the right direction."
Seeing how helpful the eunuch was, Yi Xing saw no reason to hide anything. She performed a blessing and said, "Thank you. I am looking for the duty Physician Xia—the one who often stays on shift after the gates are locked."
At this, a "just as I thought" expression appeared on the eunuch's face. He murmured, "Physician Xia... You certainly know your stuff. He is the best duty physician, with exquisite skills and noble character. But he is busy... yes, so busy his feet hardly touch the ground. If you’re looking for him, you might not see him right away."
Only then did Yi Xing breathe a sigh of relief. Previously, she had doubted whether that Physician Xia was a legitimate duty physician, since inquiries elsewhere always turned up nothing. Now, it was finally confirmed that such a person existed. She no longer had to worry that the palace was "unclean" or that she had encountered a ghost in the middle of the night.
"It doesn't matter. I'll go to the Imperial Pharmacy to check. If I don't see him, it's no harm to ask for another physician," Yi Xing said with a smile, grateful for his kindness. "May I ask how to address you, Anda? In case I can't find him, I’d like to leave a message using your name."
The eunuch rubbed the back of his neck, agreeing while his mind raced with calculations. "My name is Manfu, I serve in the Imperial Presence. If you’re looking for Physician Xia... here’s the thing. Physician Xia is the most favored physician before His Majesty. He’s the one who performs the monthly health checks for the Emperor. I just heard that Physician Xia was summoned by His Majesty to the Hall of Mental Cultivation... How about you wait a moment? I happen to be heading back to the Hall of Mental Cultivation; I can pass a word for you."
Yi Xing thanked him profusely. Having been in the palace so long, other than Chunshou from the training quarters, this high-ranking eunuch was the most human person she had met. However, wasn't Physician Xia supposedly a specialist in women's medicine? Why was he performing health checks for the Emperor? It must be that Physician Xia’s medical knowledge was so profound that he could care for both the ladies of the harem and the Emperor's health!
Seeing she had no objections, Manfu bowed and said, "Then please wait here, Miss. I’ll be right back." After walking a few steps, he realized something was still wrong. He feared she might head to the Imperial Pharmacy anyway. If she spoke to others about Physician Xia and they revealed there was no such person in the pharmacy, wouldn't the secret be out?
He turned back, rubbing his hands. "Miss, just wait right here. The Palace of Heavenly Purity is not like other places; this is where His Majesty handles government affairs. Nearby are the Southern Study and the Imperial Study. If you’re not careful, you might bump into a Grand Minister. It’s safest to stay here."
Yi Xing complied. "Thank you, Anda. I won't go anywhere; I’ll wait right here for your news."
"Good, good..." Manfu forced a smile, stepped back while pressing down on his summer hat, and then bolted out of the Tiger Hole like a shot.n na
The situation was urgent. No one expected that Noble Consort Yu, to appease them, would agree to let a duty physician treat that little maid Yin Zhu. Normally, a flesh wound would be nothing, but the Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) specifically trusted Physician Xia. Now she was charging straight for him. If she found out he didn't exist in the Imperial Pharmacy, wouldn't the Master's little interactions with her come to an end?
Manfu swirled into the Hall of Mental Cultivation like a gust of wind. Because he was in such a rush, he collided head-on with Huai En.
Huai En cried out, "Are you rushing to the executioner's block? What’s the hurry!"
Manfu hurriedly steadied him, gasping, "The Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) has come looking for Physician Xia! Master, hurry and inform His Majesty. Let Him decide."
Huai En was also shocked and quickly turned into the Eastern Warm Pavilion.
The Emperor had just finished meeting with officials and handling government affairs. He had picked out two books to study when Huai En entered, calling out "Your Majesty" in a low voice.
The Emperor didn't answer, settling comfortably onto the southern kang bed and opening a book amidst the curling incense smoke.
Huai En stepped forward and cautiously reported the news. "Your Majesty, the Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) has come to the Palace of Heavenly Purity looking for Physician Xia."
The Emperor’s hand, in the middle of turning a page, froze. He looked up in alarm. "What?"
Huai En beckoned Manfu to report. Manfu bowed low and said, "I ran into the Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) in the Tiger Hole. She said the Noble Consort granted her favor to find a duty physician for Yin Zhu's injuries, and she immediately thought of Physician Xia. I feared she’d enter the pharmacy and the secret would be out, so I lied and said Physician Xia was in the Hall of Mental Cultivation checking Your Majesty's pulse. Right now, the Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) is still waiting in the Tiger Hole. Should we send her away or what? I beg for Your Majesty's instruction."
Now even the Emperor felt a bit flustered. Truly, once a lie is told, countless more are needed to maintain it.
He straightened up and asked, "She’s asking Physician Xia to treat that little maid's injuries?"
Manfu and Huai En lowered their eyes, their faces filled with awkwardness. Manfu said, "That little maid was beaten with the rod. The injury is on her... buttocks."
This meant that the grand Emperor of the Qing Dynasty had to dress up in disguise to go look at a palace maid’s backside? This was a monumental joke!
The Emperor gave an angry laugh. "Truly, she never thinks of me for anything good, but for something like this, she finds her way to the Imperial Pharmacy."
Seeing the Emperor's displeasure, Huai En said hesitantly, "The Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) trusts Physician Xia, which is why he’s the first person she thought of when trouble struck. Master, perhaps I should go meet her and say Physician Xia is busy, then send another physician back with her? That would cover things up. What do you think?"
Although a doctor shouldn't pick his patients and there is no high or low in where an injury is, being asked to treat a maid’s backside truly made the Emperor feel dissatisfied.
"Do as you say." The Emperor frowned and shifted his gaze away.
Huai En acknowledged, but as he moved toward the door, he muttered, "During the execution last night, to protect Yin Zhu, the Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) took a hit from the rod herself..."
"Come back." The Emperor changed his mind. "I’ve thought about it. You can hide the truth for now, but you can't hide it forever."
Huai En said, "Then does Your Majesty intend to have a frank talk with the Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ )? To explain the matter of Physician Xia?"
The Emperor’s gaze swept over them. As Huai En and Manfu broke into a sweat, he opened his lips and said, "Bring me my official robe."
The eighth-rank official robe with the quail patch? So he was going to keep up the charade?
To be honest, that His Majesty would make such a concession was utterly beyond Huai En's expectations. To help the Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) return to the Bureau of Ceremonies, he had lowered his dignity to treat Hanzhen's ailment. Now, to put her mind at ease, he was going to look at Yin Zhu's bloody injuries. Why was His Majesty doing this? He was wearing himself out just to "raise this poisonous insect." Was his obsession so strong that he was starting to pay any price?
However, His Majesty had his own ideas, and no one could question them.
Minghai brought the eighth-rank patch robe, folded as neatly as a piece of dried tofu. The Emperor slowly climbed down from the southern kang. Huai En stepped forward, carefully helping him change into the official robe, fastening the buttons, and placing the summer hat with its sparse red tassels on his head. The Emperor studied himself in the bronze mirror for a moment, then tied on a face mask and walked out through the Zunyi Gate.
The young eunuchs on duty at the gate were a bit confused. They hadn't seen a physician enter; how did a living person suddenly walk out?
"Halt! Which department—"
The young eunuch came forward to question, but before he could finish, he saw Manfu making a frantic "stop" gesture. Although the young eunuch didn't understand what was happening, he immediately stepped aside.
The Emperor strode out of the Inner Right Gate and headed straight for the Gate of Heavenly Purity’s Tiger Hole. He was a monarch; there were places he shouldn't go. The last time he had passed through the Tiger Hole was when he was seven or eight, playing hide-and-seek with the eunuchs. As he grew older and understood the weight on his shoulders—be it as Prince or Emperor—he had to maintain a regal bearing, thus severing his childish, playful nature. He never expected that years later, after firmly securing his throne, he would have another chance to crawl through the Tiger Hole. In his childhood, that passage was filled with his whimsical thoughts; as an adult, it was just a corridor for servants. Yet here he was again, for the sake of the girl he had feuded with as a child. Truly, the wheels of fate turn; the existence of some people is simply to constantly victimize you.
But there was a certain charm to it. Walking through that long corridor of dappled light and shadow, with every step, time seemed to reverse. He saw the girl from a distance, her long braid hanging down, standing by the path like a piece of wood. For some reason, while others saw her as honest and rule-abiding, in his eyes, she was deeply ingrained as a troublemaker. He was a man who held grudges, still bothered by that childhood unpleasantness. To be honest, he felt that entering the palace as a consort or empress without the Emperor's favor was a miserable job, so he wanted to take his revenge, to keep her in this deep palace where she had to face him every day and say "I was wrong, I’m sorry" a hundred times.
To see that day, he first had to set the bait and help her rise. Thus, his current impersonation of a physician was quite meaningful.
Physician Xia walked over and called out "Miss" from ten feet away. "I heard you were looking for me?"
Yi Xing saw him and immediately beamed like a flower. "Physician Xia! I’ve finally seen you in broad daylight! I heard you’re even the Emperor's physician! My goodness, that's incredible. I truly have the greatest respect for you."
Physician Xia was used to her hollow flattery, but compared to when they were children, this tone held a hint of sincerity. He knew why she had come, but to seem too omniscient would be unnatural, so he said, "You’re looking for me in the middle of the day, I suppose there’s something urgent? Have the wounds on your hands healed?"
Yi Xing said they were all better and showed him the back of her hands. "Not a single scar left. Thank you. However, I’ve come to ask a favor today... that is..." She twisted her fingers. "My sister was wrongly beaten yesterday and is now seriously injured. Didn't you say you were a specialist in women's medicine? I want to ask you to come and see her, to prescribe some medicine so she suffers a bit less."
Physician Xia took a moment to recover from her "specialist in women's medicine" comment. After a while, he said, "Do you really take me for a specialist in women's medicine?"
Yi Xing was stunned. "Aren't you?" She reconsidered; there was no need to argue over details. "If not women's medicine, general medicine is fine too. She’s too badly hurt to get out of bed; she just lies there moaning. You are kind-hearted; please help her. I don't know anyone else in this palace but you."
These words were acceptable, making Physician Xia feel slightly appreciated. However, he really didn't want to look at such an injury. After a moment's thought, he said, "I’m busy right now. As for bruises and sprains, they’re all the same; just apply some ointment."
Yi Xing insisted, "That won't do. Yin Zhu’s face is pale, and her eyes are bloodshot. I looked at her injury—her backside is like a thawed pear; the skin is still there, but there’s water pooling underneath. I fear there's infection!"
What a description! Physician Xia felt he could almost smell it. "It’s just swelling. If she lies down for two days, it will subside."
Seeing his refusal, Yi Xing didn't want to push too hard and sighed in disappointment. Likely because the strike on her back was involved, she couldn't help but cough twice.
Physician Xia softened. "Coughing at this time of year—do you have an old ailment?"
Yi Xing twisted her arm to touch her shoulder. "No. I took a hit yesterday. It doesn't hurt much anymore."
Perhaps because their several interactions had built some friendship, Physician Xia finally changed his mind. "Internal bruising that isn't dispersed can leave lasting damage. My duties for the morning are finished. Let’s go; I’ll examine your injury."
Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/
Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/
We hope you enjoyed this chapter! You can vote for this novel translation and drop a review on Novel Updates!
Show support by clicking on the Support Us button below!❤️
We hope you enjoyed this chapter! You can vote for this novel translation and drop a review on Novel Updates!
Show support by clicking on the Support Us button below!❤️
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments
What's on your mind...