“About Alin…” Shen Xihe grew more worried.
“Her situation is fine for now, don’t worry…”
As Xiao Huayong was comforting Shen Xihe, Hongyu’s voice came from outside: “Your Highness, Lord Cui requests an audience.”
“Zhenzhu, you and Axi, come with me,” Shen Xihe decided to visit the Cui residence personally.
“You may go,” Xiao Huayong nodded.
It was natural for the Crown Prince to show concern for court officials. Given his poor health, having the Crown Princess act on his behalf was also reasonable. Moreover, both physicians were her people, so her presence would help handle unexpected situations, and others wouldn’t be suspicious.
When Shen Xihe arrived at the Cui residence, she hadn’t expected Bu Shulin to be there too. Upon seeing Shen Xihe, she immediately came forward, but due to the crowd, had to contain herself, first paying respects, not daring to casually approach Shen Xihe.
Everyone waited in the courtyard outside Cui Jinbai’s chamber for a full hour. After this time, the doors finally opened, and Zhenzhu and Axi emerged with several imperial physicians, hurrying to report to Shen Xihe: “Your Highness, Young Official Cui has multiple sword wounds, deep to the bone, though none fatal. However, his shoulder was hit by a poisoned dart. Fortunately, Young Official Cui carried some antidote pills and took them in time, saving his life.
However, this poison is peculiar. Though the antidote pills can temporarily suppress it, they cannot eliminate it. Axi has used acupuncture to protect Young Official Cui’s heart meridians and temporarily contain the poison’s spread, but we must find the cure quickly, otherwise…”
The rest needn’t be said – without an antidote, nothing could be done.
“How long can we delay?” Shen Xihe asked.
Zhenzhu looked at Axi, who replied: “Your Highness, my acupuncture can be delayed for five to seven days.”
Axi couldn’t determine the exact number of days, so could only give a range.
“What poison is it? What antidote is needed? Do you know?” Shen Xihe asked further.
At this, not only the imperial physicians but also Axi and Zhenzhu fell silent, their silence indicating they didn’t know.
“Can you determine it?” Shen Xihe looked at Zhenzhu.
Zhenzhu dared not give a definite answer. Earlier, she had discussed with Axi and several experienced imperial physicians, but none could identify the poison quickly.
Bu Shulin’s vision darkened, nearly falling, but the dizziness passed instantly. She stumbled one step but quickly steadied herself, turning with a forced smile to tell everyone: “I haven’t eaten all day, I’m a bit hungry.”
“We’ve been negligent,” Cui Zheng, the family head, hurriedly ordered, “Prepare food.”
“No need, no need…” Bu Shulin waved repeatedly, “I was just concerned about Cui Shi… Young Official Cui’s injuries. Now that I know the outcome, I shouldn’t stay long…”
“Have some food, I’ll eat too,” Shen Xihe interrupted Bu Shulin.
With Xiao Changmin watching Bu Shulin, if she left the Cui residence, Shen Xihe couldn’t openly follow her to the Bu residence. She had things to tell Bu Shulin.
Understanding Shen Xihe’s meaning, Bu Shulin could only give Cui Zheng an embarrassed smile.
Shen Xihe left Zhenzhu and Axi behind to discuss further plans – they couldn’t do anything and wait for Cui Jinbai to die from poison; they needed a strategy.
She and Bu Shulin went to the Cui residence’s main hall. When all the household masters came to accompany them, Shen Xihe said to Cui Zheng: “Lord Cui, I have some private words for Heir Bu, please excuse us.”
Cui Zheng naturally agreed, dismissing everyone and leaving himself, clearing the room.
The main hall was spacious, without a single servant inside. The doors were wide open, with Shen Xihe’s people standing outside. Shen Xihe looked worriedly at the distracted Bu Shulin: “Alin, there’s still room for change. Beichen knows the medical sage Master Linghu Zheng, and I will also seek medical help for you.”
She would also send word to Xie Yunhuai, asking him to return and see if Cui Jinbai still had hope.
Bu Shulin knew Shen Xihe cared for her and forced a difficult smile: “I… I know…”
Her hand unconsciously touched her abdomen. Originally, she had waited for Cui Jinbai’s return to explain everything and tell him her inevitable decision. Whether he could understand or not, her mind was made up.
Who knew such a change would occur? Now she didn’t know how to handle the child in her womb. If something truly happened to Cui Jinbai, this would be his only flesh and blood – how could she harden her heart to remove it? But if not removed, how could she safely birth it and keep it hidden? She couldn’t risk her father and the Bu household.
Shen Xihe could imagine Bu Shulin’s pain: “It’s just waiting a few more days. You must control yourself, don’t show any signs during these days.”
This was an extremely irrational suggestion, but Shen Xihe was still human after all. She couldn’t possibly discuss the pros and cons with Bu Shulin at this time, much less persuade her to quickly remove the flesh in her womb that could bring death at any moment, especially with Cui Jinbai in this condition.
Bu Shulin steadied herself, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, then began stuffing food into her mouth like venting anger, chewing large mouthfuls numbly.
Shen Xihe didn’t try to stop her. She needed to vent. She just watched, offering tea when Bu Shulin choked.
After accompanying Bu Shulin for a meal at the Cui residence and leaving Zhenzhu and Axi behind, Shen Xihe departed with Bu Shulin, though they separated at the residence gates.
Returning to the Eastern Palace, Shen Xihe immediately wrote a letter to Xie Yunhuai, while Xiao Huayong urgently sent word to Linghu Zheng.
Unexpectedly, while waiting for the two to arrive, Shen Xihe first received a message from Noble Consort Su.
“Prince Zhao asked Noble Consort Su for help, causing His Majesty to doubt Alin’s identity.” Shen Xihe raised her eyebrows after reading Noble Consort Su’s message.
“Noble Consort Su is indeed a good choice,” Xiao Huayong wasn’t surprised.
Xiao Changmin didn’t want to step forward himself, but His Majesty wasn’t one to act lightly. Rumors wouldn’t affect His Majesty; someone He trusted was needed. The court naturally had many whom His Majesty trusted, but court officials had too many connections and might not keep Xiao Changmin’s secret.
Noble Consort Su was isolated both inside and outside the palace. Most importantly, under Shen Xihe’s design, Noble Consort Su was her enemy, making her seemingly the only one who wouldn’t leak information to Shen Xihe.
Naturally, Xiao Changmin didn’t know that Noble Consort Su was the most likely to leak information to Shen Xihe.
“Prince Zhao promised Noble Consort Su benefits, and she’s somewhat tempted, so she asked my opinion,” Shen Xihe handed the letter to Xiao Huayong.
Noble Consort Su was her cooperator, not subordinate. Her meaning was clear – she could refuse to help, but then Shen Xihe would have to compensate for her losses with Xiao Changmin.
“Let her help. Rather than refuse and have Second Brother persist in finding others, it better to settle it once and for all,” Xiao Huayong’s eyes darkened slightly.