CHAPTER 1638: CHAPTER 1613: POWER STRUGGLE

Manbao learned about Old Lady Wang’s stroke only when she went to Chongwen Pavilion to edit books the next day; Director Xiao was the one who informed her.

The previous day, a servant from Lord Wang’s household rushed to the Imperial Hospital with a note to fetch Imperial Doctor Chen. Shortly after Chen arrived, someone came to fetch me, and only then did I learn Old Lady Wang had suffered a stroke.

Manbao asked with concern, "How is the old lady?"

Not only Manbao, but also the editors from Chongwen Pavilion at the neighboring table perked up their ears.

"The issue is neither minor nor major. The old lady may have some difficulty walking in the future, and her mouth has become slightly crooked. Fortunately, it’s relatively mild; with careful recovery and avoiding agitation, there’s a chance of recovery within a few years."

Curiously, Manbao lowered her voice and asked, "Why did the old lady have a stroke?"

Director Xiao gave her a meaningful look before saying, "It’s said she accidentally had a fall."

However, whether it was due to the fall or anger, the imperial doctors aren’t foolish; a pulse examination gives them a fair understanding.

Nevertheless, since this is a family matter, as imperial doctors, we’re not civil censors, so we can’t gossip publicly.

Manbao pondered for a moment, realized something, and propped her chin, "Lord Wang is in quite a precarious situation."

Seeing her gloating expression, Director Xiao lightly tapped her head, "Quickly finish editing your book. Finish checking your ’Acupuncture Studies’ and send it to the publishing house for engraving. His Highness has already sent documents to various places, choosing to officially recruit the first batch of students for the Imperial Hospital right after this year’s major exams."

Encouraged, Manbao immediately said, "I’ll be quick; don’t worry. I can check it thoroughly within three days."

Director Xiao wasn’t overly reassured, "You should check several times. We’re imperial doctors; palace matters don’t concern us much. Stop always trying to listen in on others’ stories."

Manbao replied, "Understood."

The matter with the Wang family was shelved for now; even on the court, there were fewer indictments against the Crown Prince and Chongwen Pavilion.

Truth be told, Wang Ji paid a rather hefty price for this; not only did he have to split up the family, but his elderly mother also fell ill.

Keep in mind Wang Ji is currently at the peak of his career. If anything happens to his mother, he’d have to go into mourning.

Whether he could resume his duties afterward is uncertain.

If he had the carefree nature of Patriarch Wang, he’d naturally enjoy taking it easy away from officialdom, but he isn’t like that.

Therefore, he dare not hover around the old lady now, and he certainly wouldn’t ask her to stay and live with him.

After much consideration, Mrs. Wang decided to take Old Lady Wang back to Taiyuan once Wang Rong and the old lady recover from their illnesses.

Brothers Wang Rong and Wang Da moved out of Wang Residence, finding another place to live and study in the capital. Though not formally announced, privately, everyone knew the brothers had sided with the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince managed to muster an imperial doctor without much effort, while also gaining allegiance from two members of the Wang clan.

Although Wang Rong and Wang Da may not achieve great success, they are still part of the Wang clan. Even running errands or passing information about aristocratic families would be enough for the Crown Prince to reap benefits.

Not just that; even if Wang Rong and Wang Da do nothing, the reputation the Crown Prince garners from this would suffice.

The Crown Prince, who once had a hot temper, now willingly sends imperial doctors to treat the cousin of a civil censor who’s been impeaching him.

Although the incident put the civil censor in an awkward position, historically, with the Crown Prince’s temperament, he wouldn’t have sent an imperial doctor; he would have stood by coldly, waiting for someone to die, exploiting the deceased in sparring with Wang Ji.

Despite many people realizing the Crown Prince’s lack of good intentions in this incident, they must admit the Crown Prince has become more benevolent.

For a ruler, being benevolent is a significant factor for gaining recognition from ministers. Even Patriarch Wang, who seldom participates in political disputes, began to seriously ponder the future of Great Jin.

He wondered whether Wang clan should make some strategic investments in this power struggle.

Quite a few people believe Wang Ji and aristocratic families lost out significantly this time. Marquis Yang thought so too; at dinner, he couldn’t resist discussing with his son, "Wang Ji got severely criticized this time; matters like beating someone should be done superficially. Attempting to use this to eliminate the first house’s legitimate son shows a rather vicious intent."

Yang Heshu paused with his chopsticks, furrowing his brows, "Father also agrees with their impeachment against Chongwen Pavilion?"

"Why would I agree? It’s mere triviality. We’re loyal to His Majesty, not involved in factionalism," Marquis Yang glanced at him, "Besides, you’re currently at the Eastern Palace, why would I target Chongwen Pavilion?"

Though not fond of the Crown Prince, Marquis Yang was satisfied with his son; he certainly wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize his son’s career.

Yang Heshu felt reassured hearing this; however, their Yang clan is also an aristocratic family, and lately, tensions between His Majesty, the Crown Prince, and the families have been mounting, prompting him to privately remind his father, "Father, our family differs from others. If they venture into such matters, they might take their families unscathed, but our Yang clan cannot."

This was due to a Consort Yang from their Yang clan residing in the palace, along with the Fifth Prince belonging to them.

Marquis Yang clearly understood this point, nodding, "I’m not foolish; I naturally understand."

Something occurred to Marquis Yang, and he lowered his voice, "This side of Yang clan has no issues, but Ms. Cui’s side..."

He stared at Yang Heshu, "Has your wife been closely associating with her natal family lately?"

Yang Heshu replied, "Father, Ms. Cui is a well-read, reasonable person; she wouldn’t do anything detrimental to me."

Seeing his son’s expression, Marquis Yang slowly nodded, indicating he understood.

Yang Heshu’s expression stiffened slightly; he hadn’t meant that. However, attempting to correct it now was impossible.

He shook his head, paid respects to his father, and took his leave.

Ms. Cui was supporting her waist, walking around the room to exercise and help with digestion; upon seeing her husband return, she smiled and greeted him, "Would my husband like some tea?"

Yang Heshu smiled, held her hand, "No rush, how’s your condition?"

"Increasingly cumbersome. The midwife calculated the dates; in about a month’s time, I’ll be ready to give birth." Being a first-time mother, Ms. Cui couldn’t help but feel some fear. Her hand being held encouraged her to bring up something she’s been considering for a while, "I was thinking of inviting Manbao to our residence then for assistance. She’s quite skilled in childbirth."

Yang Heshu pondered, "But she’s currently serving in the palace; leaving may be difficult..."

Seeing his wife’s slight frown, Yang Heshu added, "Leave this matter to me. I’ll mention it to His Highness, requesting her leave from the palace."

Ms. Cui finally breathed a sigh of relief, nodding repeatedly.

Since he needed to request her presence, Yang Heshu naturally had to consult Manbao beforehand. Thus, upon entering the palace the following day, he asked her about it. Without a second thought, Manbao replied, "Of course! I’ve missed Madam Yang; the last time I checked her fetal position, everything was normal. There shouldn’t be much issue with the delivery."