Reborn as Murong Fu: This Time I'm the Protagonist

Chapter 479 Conversation
Murong Fu said with a smile, "If it were an opportunity for the Empress Dowager to recover her health, would Fanlou be available for sale?"

Wang Zhantu chuckled dryly: "Young Master Su is joking. The current Empress Dowager is in good health and enjoys a long and prosperous life. How could she possibly be recovering? For a subject to discuss the current Emperor's grandmother is not only against filial piety but also against the duty of a subject. Please refrain from saying such things in the future."

Seeing that the other party was deliberately feigning ignorance, Murong Fu didn't want to beat around the bush any longer and went straight to the point: "Oh? I've long heard that the Emperor's brother-in-law, the Imperial Son-in-Law Wang Jinqing, never interferes in court affairs, spending his days playing the zither and enjoying a life of refined elegance. I never imagined he was so carefree and unrestrained that he wouldn't even want to get involved in such a major matter as the Empress Dowager's illness. In that case, I originally had a good prescription that I hoped to offer to His Majesty to fulfill the Emperor's filial duty. Now it seems I was overthinking it. Farewell!"

Startled, Wang Zhanyuan hurriedly called out to Murong Fu, "Wait, young master, let's talk this out."

Murong Fu sneered inwardly and slowly turned around: "Oh? What instructions does Your Highness have?"

Wang Zhantu smiled helplessly: "I was just playing a little joke on you to test you. Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Please sit down and let me explain in detail."

After Murong Fu sat down again, Wang Zhantu poured him a cup of tea and said with a helpless smile, "My name is indeed Wang Zhantu, and Jinqing is my courtesy name. I am currently married to the Princess and hold the position of Imperial Son-in-Law, while also holding a sinecure at the Hanlin Academy. As the leader of the Xiaoyao Sect, Young Master Murong's intelligence network is truly remarkable. However, I would like to know that even within the Imperial Palace, few people know that the Empress Dowager is unwell. How did Young Master Murong obtain this information?"

Murong Fu laughed and said, "Your Highness is indeed well-informed. In fact, it's nothing new. I have a junior disciple in my sect whose medical skills are so-so. Some time ago, he was summoned to the capital to examine the Empress Dowager, which is how I learned about it."

Wang Zhantu immediately exclaimed in surprise, "The Divine Physician Xue is actually the junior disciple of Sect Leader Murong? I only found out today. It's strange that the Divine Physician Xue said that only your sect leader's uncle could possibly cure the Empress Dowager's illness, but I never expected that Young Master Murong is the junior disciple that the Divine Physician Xue mentioned."

Murong Fu said, “My good-for-nothing nephew’s medical skills were taught by my senior brother, the wise and eloquent Su Xinghe. He has only learned a little bit, and is respected by his friends in the martial arts world, who have given him the title of divine doctor. In reality, he has not even learned one or two tenths of the skills in his sect. This time, I heard him talk about the Empress Dowager’s illness, so I came to the capital hoping to do my part.”

Wang Zhantu was overjoyed: "If you, young master, are truly capable of curing the Empress Dowager's illness, it would be a great achievement for the people of our Great Song Dynasty. I will go to the palace tomorrow to petition the Emperor to summon you to the palace as soon as possible to treat the Empress Dowager."

"However, I wonder if you, sir, are well-versed in your school's medical techniques, and how your skills compare to those of Physician Xue?"

Wang Zhantu hesitated for a moment before finally speaking with some hesitation.

Murong Fu smiled slightly: "Although I am not a specialist in medicine, I am somewhat knowledgeable about the medical techniques of my sect. My skills are far superior to those of my good-for-nothing nephew. I am quite confident."

Seeing that Wang Zhantu's hesitation had eased slightly, Murong Fu said, "Judging from Captain Wang's complexion, he must have suffered a minor injury three years ago, probably in his waist. That's why he hasn't had any children since. I wonder if what I'm saying is correct?"

A fleeting look of surprise crossed Wang Zhantu's face, quickly replaced by embarrassment: Three years ago, while riding a horse, he had fallen and injured his back, rendering him unable to perform sexually. This secret was known only to him and his legal wife. Even his other concubines were completely unaware, only knowing that he had changed his ways and become averse to women, unaware of his unspeakable suffering. Now, with Murong Fu directly revealing this, how could he not be both surprised and embarrassed?

However, no man would readily admit to such a thing. Wang Zhantu's expression turned serious, and he said coldly, "Young master, stop talking nonsense. The princess and I treat each other with utmost respect, our relationship is harmonious and peaceful. Young master, don't listen to the idle gossip and trouble-making of those people in the streets and alleys. If you continue like this, I will have to ask you to leave!" Murong Fu found it amusing: Generally speaking, people won't waste so much breath refuting something that didn't happen. It's only to make a lie seem like the truth that it must be woven with a lot of logical chains, thus appearing reasonable but actually full of errors.

Murong Fu laughed and said, "Oh, since the Commandant says so, it must be just a rumor. It's a pity that something like this, which can usually be resolved with just a few acupuncture needles, has been repeatedly delayed by those quack doctors. If it's delayed for another year or two, I'm afraid the Commandant will never be able to enjoy family life."

Wang Zhantu laughed, but it sounded like a forced laugh. However, he silently kept Murong Fu's words in mind.

Half an hour later.

Zhang Dun had been waiting idly for a long time, and when he saw Murong Fu finally return, he hurriedly got up to greet him: "How did it go? How did your chat with the owner of Fanlou go?"

Murong Fu said, "Prime Minister Zhang used to serve as an official in Bianjing, rising to the position of prime minister. Wasn't he a regular customer of this Fanlou restaurant? Didn't he ever inquire about the identity of the owner of Fanlou?"

Zhang Dun coughed lightly: "I am an honest and upright official, and all expenses are covered by public funds. In the past, I would at most sit on this second floor. Where would I have the financial resources to squander and curry favor with the owner of this den of iniquity?"

Murong Fu smiled noncommittally and told Zhang Dun what he knew.

Zhang Dun asked in surprise, "It's actually this纨绔 (wán kù, a spoiled brat)?"

Murong Fu said, "Prime Minister Zhang, please be careful with your words. I don't think this Commandant Wang is one of those aristocratic sons kept in captivity. What I saw in his room earlier shows that he has great ambitions, but his status limits him from realizing them."

Zhang Dun said, "Let's put that aside for now. Whether he's a playboy or has real talent, it's irrelevant right now. I'll just ask you one question: do you really want to go to the palace to treat the Empress Dowager?"

The complex emotions in Zhang Dun's eyes were palpable.

For Wang Anshi's disciples, what the current Empress Dowager means is something no one is unaware of.

Therefore, the news of the Empress Dowager's critical illness was like a huge weight being lifted from the hearts of many members of the New Party, finally giving them hope that it would be removed.

But now, Murong Fu actually says he wants to leave this stone for a little longer.