Today, Han Yan was determined not to let anyone off the hook. Since the waters were already muddy, why not stir up some waves while she had the chance?
Her subordinate had gone to summon Imperial Physician Wu. Though Zhuang Shi Yang’s people were furious at Han Yan’s actions, not one dared to stop her. Unknowingly, Han Yan had developed an indefinable air of authority among these people – a decisive, ruthless quality hidden beneath her calm exterior. Mu Yan, watching quietly from the side, suddenly realized that their Princess Consort was becoming increasingly similar to his master, bit by bit. Perhaps this was what they meant by husband and wife becoming of one mind.
After quite a wait, Imperial Physician Wu arrived under the servants’ guidance. By this time, Taoist Jing Xu had been restrained, while Elder Madam Zhou and Madam Zhou had collapsed to the ground – the situation had completely turned on its head. Although Zhuang Shi Yang strongly disapproved of Han Yan’s behavior, he couldn’t afford to offend Imperial Physician Wu. The physician was renowned for his medical skills and was highly regarded in the imperial palace.
Many officials and nobles had to curry favor with him, yet he was known for his eccentric personality, doing things solely according to his own will, unmoved by either threats or flattery. Seeing that Han Yan had managed to summon Imperial Physician Wu, everyone was secretly shocked and convinced that the rumors of Prince Xuan Qing’s doting on his yet-unwed young wife were indeed true, as even Imperial Physician Wu would give a face to the Princess Consort.
In truth, when Fu Yun Xi first suggested that Han Yan could freely request Imperial Physician Wu’s help, she was somewhat nervous, knowing he wasn’t an ordinary person and it might be inappropriate to trouble him casually. However, Fu Yun Xi had implied a close relationship with the physician and told her not to worry. Even so, Han Yan had been anxious until now, finally breathing a sigh of relief upon seeing Imperial Physician Wu’s actual arrival.
As soon as he entered, Zhuang Shi Yang hurriedly greeted him with a fawning expression: “Imperial Physician Wu.”
Imperial Physician Wu merely nodded, ignoring him to sweep his gaze across Prince Wei and the Seventh Prince in the crowd, chuckling: “How lively it is today. This old one came at the Princess Consort’s request, never expecting to encounter Prince Wei and the Seventh Prince here.” Though his words were polite, his tone was irreverent, showing no regard for either prince. Zhuang Shi Yang drew in a sharp breath, silently confirming that Imperial Physician Wu was indeed someone not to be crossed.
The Seventh Prince smiled slightly: “The Imperial Physician jests.” Surprisingly, he showed no anger.
Prince Wei also laughed it off perfunctorily, though his gaze toward Imperial Physician Wu carried a hint of malice. This old man was the Emperor’s favorite, and aside from Fu Yun Xi, he refused to associate with anyone else at court. His sarcastic manner and extreme personality made it unwise to offend him casually. Imperial Physician Wu’s presence now was to support Han Yan. Prince Wei’s eyes narrowed – it seemed Han Yan had outmaneuvered them today.
“Imperial Physician Wu,” Han Yan smiled, “If you had arrived a bit earlier, you could have seen Grand Tutor Zhang. However, he has already left.”
Imperial Physician Wu turned to face Han Yan: “Oh? So early, why did he leave?” His tone when speaking to her was completely different from his previous sarcastic manner, almost warm and friendly. Not only were the onlookers shocked, but even Han Yan herself felt somewhat uncomfortable.
“Well, you’ll have to ask others about that,” she replied with a gentle smile, a flash of cunningness crossing her eyes along with a trace of schadenfreude. This expression, caught by the experienced physician’s eye, gave him pause for thought. He began to seriously study the small-framed young woman before him with her smiling eyes.
This was Imperial Physician Wu’s second time seeing Han Yan, the first being when Fu Yun Xi had treated her spring poison. However, she had been unconscious then, so he hadn’t been able to gauge her character. Only Fu Yun Xi’s attitude toward her had been truly perplexing. In all the years he had known Fu Yun Xi, that cold, almost inhuman person had never lost composure over anyone, yet he had been distraught over this girl. Since then, Imperial Physician Wu has been curious about the legendary Princess Consort of Prince Xuan Qing.
When he heard Princess Consort’s request today, he had come immediately – firstly because Fu Yun Xi had asked him to look after the young Princess Consort, and secondly because he truly wanted to meet Han Yan and see what kind of person she was. Seeing only a girl not yet of age before him, he was somewhat surprised. Yet observing her bearing and manner, she was an undiscovered jade – concealing her brilliance within, radiating nobility without bounds.
Looking at those around her, their either gloomy or disheveled appearances, it was clear that while Han Yan had emerged unscathed from today’s confrontation, others had suffered. This realization startled him – for a young girl to outmaneuver someone of the Seventh Prince’s caliber was truly remarkable. However… Imperial Physician Wu’s brows furrowed. Why did this girl’s appearance seem increasingly familiar?
“Imperial Physician Wu,” Han Yan smiled gently, “Shall we check on Concubine Mei’s condition? We’re all very concerned.”
Imperial Physician Wu set aside his thoughts and gave Han Yan a meaningful look before carrying his medical box into the room. Zhuang Shi Yang hurriedly followed while everyone else gathered outside, watching every movement within.
As soon as Concubine Mei’s door opened, a heavy smell of blood wafted out. Imperial Physician Wu wrinkled his nose: “Who spilled so much chicken blood in this room?” He wiped his nose in disgust, “It stinks.”
Chicken blood? Everyone inside and outside the room was startled, especially Zhuang Shi Yang, whose face instantly darkened. If it became known that Concubine Mei had faked her miscarriage, he would be furious – not only was the miscarriage false, but it had exposed his affair with Elder Madam Zhou, an unexpected disaster.
Jiao Meng was attending to Concubine Mei by the window. Seeing people enter, she quickly retreated to one side, her face streaked with tears and expression panicked – indeed appearing as one distraught and pained after witnessing her mistress’s miscarriage. Yet upon closer inspection, one would notice her large eyes were devoid of emotion, her movements completely composed.
Imperial Physician Wu seemed displeased with this behavior. As Concubine Mei lay in bed mumbling something, Han Yan said cheerfully: “Concubine Mei, don’t worry too much. We’ve brought you the most famous physician from the palace… Imperial Physician Wu. Let him check your pulse, everything will be fine.”
At these words, the figure on the bed stiffened slightly, then suddenly screamed, shaking her head violently: “Go away, go away! You evil spirits! You’re trying to harm me! Go away!”
She appeared possessed, and someone timidly suggested: “Could she be possessed by evil spirits? Perhaps we should leave?”
Imperial Physician Wu gave a cold laugh: “Leave just because you say so? Are you making a fool of this old man?” His tone was sinister as if he might explode in anger at any moment. The little maid who had spoken was immediately frightened into silence. Zhuang Shi Yang quickly tried to smooth things over: “Please don’t be angry, Imperial Physician Wu. The servant doesn’t know any better. Someone take this thoughtless girl away and give her fifty lashes!”