CHAPTER 633: CHAPTER 633 CHRONIC POISONING

Who knows, we might even fish up a big fish. Otherwise, as a mere Honored Lady, she wouldn’t possibly get involved in such a life-threatening matter.

"Yes!"

Sister Ji went on her way to carry out the order.

The Empress put down her fan and reclined on the soft couch under a thin blanket, closing her eyes to rest her mind. In the inner chamber, ice blocks were placed around, spreading a cool breeze that slowly dispelled the heat, leaving the room filled with refreshing coolness.

「Consort Hui Pin’s Zhaoxiang Pavilion.」

The Imperial Physician had arrived and was taking her pulse. Sister Ji also arrived, bringing with her several little eunuchs. They said they wanted to see if there was anything improper in Honored Lady Du’s quarters, which could have caused her to ’lose her reason!’

Does that mean they were going to conduct a search?

The Imperial Physician paid no attention, and Consort Hui Pin certainly wouldn’t interfere. Honored Lady Du, unconscious, was unable to resist. So, Sister Ji led people to search Honored Lady Du’s bedchamber.

The result was as expected: nothing was found.

Sister Ji was very dissatisfied, but there was nothing she could do. After a search that uncovered nothing, what was there to say?! So she left with her people, visibly annoyed.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Physician, taking the pulse, frowned deeper and deeper. "Honored Lady Du’s pulse, it’s not right!"

The Imperial Physician’s words hung in the air without a response. Turning around, he found that there wasn’t a soul beside him?

The Imperial Physician felt a surge of apprehension: Weren’t there, just now, a Little Palace Maid around? How could she disappear in the blink of an eye?

The Imperial Physician had seen his fair share of the world within the palace. There was nothing strange about it. For someone in Honored Lady Du’s position, her future was basically ruined. Her Palace Maids naturally sought other avenues for their future. After thinking it over, he didn’t bother to search and didn’t even write a prescription. He packed up his things and pulled the curtains closed behind him as he left.

「Jiaofang Hall.」

The Imperial Physician reported his diagnosis, and the Empress frowned upon hearing it. "Not lucid, her consciousness is vague? As if she had taken some medicine?" she questioned. "What medicine would cause someone to not be lucid and have blurred consciousness?"

After thinking for a while, the Imperial Physician listed several possible drugs. The Empress then sent people to search. Unexpectedly, Sister Ji came back to report, "Empress, not to mention drugs, there wasn’t even a spare item to be found in Honored Lady Du’s chambers!"

The Empress was stunned for a moment before responding with an "Oh."

"Indeed," she mused, "since she wasn’t favored, naturally she would not have many belongings!" After pondering for a moment, she gave another order. "Since there’s nothing in her chambers, go check her small tea room! If drugs were involved, there couldn’t possibly be no trace of it in the tea room. Let the Imperial Physician also take a look!"

"Yes!"

Both Sister Ji and the Imperial Physician affirmed.

Unfortunately, after the two of them, along with the Palace Attendants, made another round of inspection, they still didn’t find any clues. In the small tea room, the only useful item was a stove for boiling water. The boiled water in the kettle and the tea leaves inside gave off no strange smell when sniffed. Not to mention drugs, there wasn’t even any good tea leaves. It appeared to be just the life of an unfavored Honored Lady. Without rewards, her allowance was barely sufficient. She didn’t have many belongings, and the tea was ordinary, nothing fine. Honored Lady Du’s residence, no matter where they searched, yielded not a single abnormality.

Thus, the second trip also ended with empty hands. After hearing the report, the Empress fell silent. After a long while, she inquired, "Imperial Physician, is it possible that she’s ill on her own? Or perhaps, is it that her inner demons have taken control?" Life for an Honored Lady might not be bad, but those without favor didn’t have it good, either. Some people can be oppressed into illness.

Thinking it over, the Imperial Physician spoke out. "There is that possibility!"

However, he felt in his heart that it seemed like the effects of consuming something like Wushi Powder. Wushi Powder, also known as Cold-Food Powder, taken over time, could cause hallucinations, uncontrollable emotions, and in severe cases, symptoms of behavior disorder. Considering yesterday’s events, the symptoms of Honored Lady Du were quite similar. Furthermore, from the pulse, it appeared not to be an illness but more likely, chronic poisoning! However, the Imperial Physician dared not say too much. The affairs of the Royal Family were too complex. He wouldn’t dare reveal a single word unless he was absolutely certain.

「Zhaochen Palace.」

Emperor Zhao Junyao finished court proceedings and then discussed affairs with the Ministers. It seemed as though something had happened in the court, with waves of ministers coming and going from the Imperial Study Room. By the time the Little Eunuchs had seen off the last few ministers, it was already afternoon. The Emperor was so busy that he hadn’t even found time for his midday meal.

Seeing the Emperor had finished his work, Eunuch Li hurriedly ordered a meal to be brought in. Emperor Zhao Junyao, however, stood up.

"Enough! Set forth to Qingya Residence!"

Completely exhausted, he wanted only to relax at this moment.

「Qingya Residence.」

Xia Ruqing was slumped on the couch, almost asleep. There was nothing to be done; it was the height of summer, the hottest part of the year. People felt lethargic and lazy.

When she heard the Little Eunuchs outside announcing ’the Emperor has arrived,’ it took Xia Ruqing a long while to come to her senses in her daze.

"The...Emperor?"

Only when Emperor Zhao Junyao appeared before her did she dare to believe. Instantly alert, she quickly went forward to pay her respects.

Emperor Zhao Junyao looked weary and waved her off as he made his way to the soft couch, where he promptly lay down. The couch was covered with a layer of woven bamboo mats; lying down on it felt cool and refreshing. Close by, there was a basin filled with ice, slowly emitting a soothing chill. Drowsiness swept over Emperor Zhao Junyao in an instant.

Xia Ruqing helped him remove his boots, then assisted in taking off his outer robe. Using well water brought by Zi Yue, she wrung out a towel to wipe his hands and face. By the time she had finished these tasks, Emperor Zhao Junyao had already fallen into a deep slumber.

"Sigh..." The life of an Emperor is quite pitiable. Although his position is supreme, and he has a bevy of beautiful consorts at his disposal, he is genuinely exhausted! All year round, there is barely any leisure time; any moment of rest is stolen amidst busyness. During busy times, he’s like a spinning top that never stops turning!

Just thinking about it is tiring.

"You can all leave, the Emperor is tired!" Xia Ruqing instructed Li Shengan and the others.

Li Shengan seemed hesitant as if he wanted to say something, but he still led the Little Eunuchs out first.

Xia Ruqing felt he had something to say. She signaled Zi Yue with her eyes, and without attracting attention, Zi Yue left as well. After a while, Zi Yue entered quietly, whispering in her ear, "Your Highness, Eunuch Li mentioned that the Emperor hasn’t had his midday meal yet!"

"Ah?"

Looking at the Emperor with a hint of stubble on his face, Xia Ruqing felt an additional bit of sympathy in her heart.

Emperor, you truly are working hard! Without your hard work, there wouldn’t be the current era of peace and prosperity. Without peace and prosperity, there wouldn’t be me, feeling content and taking it easy in the palace. And there also wouldn’t be the countless common people living happily and at ease.

As the Emperor, Zhao Junyao is indeed most deserving of his position. Pride welled up inside Xia Ruqing.

Look, this is her Emperor, her husband, the most impressive man in the whole wide world!

After a while, she thought, Ah, if only she could transport her husband, the Emperor, back to the modern era like they do in TV shows! They would be a legitimate couple, marry, and have children. Little Bun would still be Little Bun, wouldn’t that be wonderful?!

As she pondered, she smiled foolishly to herself.

Emperor Zhao Junyao had no idea when he had woken up, but upon opening his eyes, he saw a face grinning foolishly in a daydream.