Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 67 Heartache
Princess Pingle was the most beloved daughter of Emperor Chongzhao. This accident was not a big deal, but half of the Imperial Hospital was almost moved here. Empress Xie's original plan to fill the Eastern Palace with supplies for the prince at the Spring Banquet was also disrupted by this sudden change and had to be put on hold.

She suspected Pingle was pretending to faint, but she had to send him to Huayi Palace quickly.

The queen who is the "mother of the country" must be the "mother" to her own concubine's daughter.

Emperor Chong Zhao rushed over in a hurry, looking at his unconscious daughter lying pale on the bed, his beloved Concubine Xiao crying, and the whole room in chaos...

Emperor Chongzhao's face turned black with rage, and he pointed at the imperial physician and scolded him angrily.

"Why hasn't the princess woken up yet? What do you eat?"

"Normally, you all talk about the art of medicine and boast about your medical skills. But at the critical moment, you can't even handle such a small matter! What use do I have for you?"

The imperial doctors were sweating all over and dared not even breathe. They could only kowtow and apologize.

"The princess may have been so angry that her heart was attacked. Her excessive emotions caused the lung qi to rise, causing the qi and blood in her body to become disordered, and her meridians to become blocked, obscuring her clear orifices and causing her mind to be disturbed... That's why she fell into a coma..."

Emperor Chongzhao turned his head and looked at Empress Xie.

The Spring Banquet was carefully planned by Empress Xie. He didn't need to say anything, just a stern glance and Empress Xie could already see the emperor's blame for her from his angry eyes.

It's not easy to be a queen.

It is even more difficult to be the queen of a biased emperor.

She smiled tiredly: "I was frightened just now, and I feel a little uncomfortable. I will go to the outer room to rest first, and then go to Changchun Pavilion to comfort the ladies, so as not to cause panic among the people and unrest inside and outside..."

After bowing to the emperor, Empress Xie turned and left the inner hall.

The atmosphere in Huayi Hall was extremely solemn.

Everyone held their breath, not daring to make a sound.

In Changchun Pavilion, the ladies had no mood to eat, drink or appreciate the flowers. They were all basking in the sun waiting for news from the princess, and were discussing the matter privately.

Xue Yuechen took Xue Sui's hand and sat down, whispering instructions.

"You and mother, stop running around. I'm going to Huayi Palace to check on the situation. If the princess is fine, that's good. If she is..."

She paused for a moment, pursed her lips, and looked at Xue Sui worriedly.

"I'll go and ask the prince what to do."

"Thank you, Princess." Xue Sui smiled faintly. "I didn't do anything wrong. I saved the life of the little princess. I think the princess is reasonable and will only thank me. Your Majesty is even more wise. How could he punish me?"

Xue Yuechen looked at her, wanting to say something but stopping himself.

Then he sighed slightly.

After all, he grew up in the countryside and had no idea how dangerous the palace was.

Your Majesty is a wise ruler, but the way he treated Princess Pingle was like that of a father who doted on his daughter excessively.

He can be unreasonable for the princess, and even the queen and the prince have to step aside. What is she, Xue Liu?
Xue Yuechen was afraid that something might happen to Xue Liu, and that the Xue family would be implicated by her, so she warned her again.

"If Huayi Palace questions you, you should be more submissive and wait for the prince to come and take care of things."

Xue Sui smiled and hummed, but didn't say anything.

Xue Yue'e sat next to Fu, and saw how her elder sister was taking good care of Xue Liu, while Xue Liu acted as if nothing had happened. She felt jealous and angry in her heart.

"Mother, why is it that whenever Sixth Sister is involved in something, someone will suffer?"

Fu looked at her, pursed her lips tightly and said nothing.

Xue Sui raised the corner of his lips and smiled sideways.

"Then Miss Nine should be careful..."

Xue Yue'e snorted, turned her head away, took Xue Yueman's hand, and muttered softly.

"She's so unlucky!"
-
At this time, a man who looked like a eunuch came over from a distance. He did not stop for the ladies when passing by, but walked straight to Fu and Xue Yuechen, bowed to Xue Yuechen, and greeted her, then his eyes looked at Xue Sui who was beside her.

"Miss Xue Liu."

Everyone was startled and looked over.

Xue Sui: "What do you want to see me about, eunuch?"

The eunuch had kind eyes and bowed with a smile on his face.

"Please, Miss Xue Liu, move to Huayi Palace. The Imperial Concubine has something to ask you."

Everyone looked strange and was sweating for her.

Xue Sui smiled, his expression unexpectedly calm.

"Yes. Thank you for leading the way, eunuch."

Xue Yuechen felt very uneasy and stood up, "I'll go with you."

Xue Sui looked at her and smiled.

The father-in-law naturally would not stop Princess Duan from visiting her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, and he bowed beside her with a smile on his face.

"please!"
-
The two of them walked away together, getting further and further away.

Changchun Pavilion was quiet for a moment, and then whispers began again.

Fu frowned, an indescribable worry on her face.

What happened today was really strange. She had a lot of doubts in her heart, and vague answers also came to her mind.

After several rounds of fighting with Xue Liu in Xue's house, she had long since determined that Xue Liu was not as kind and incompetent as she appeared.

This matter is most likely related to Xue Liu.

But she didn't understand what role Crown Prince Li Zhao played in this?
Xue Yue'e saw that the mistress was unhappy and took the opportunity to stir up trouble:
"Mother, has the eldest sister been bewitched by the sixth sister? The eldest sister protects her everywhere, as if she is afraid that she will not be in trouble enough..."

"Shut up!" Fu scolded in a low voice, disliking her for talking nonsense without considering the occasion.

"Your elder sister is kind-hearted..."

Seeing Su Wanxiu and Zhao Duanyi looking at her with a half-smile, she rubbed her forehead with a headache, glared at Xue Yueman again, relaxed her frown, and said calmly:

"Both of you should behave yourself and stop causing trouble."

Xue Yue'e bowed her head in response, "My daughter understands."

Xue Yue pursed her lips slightly, "Yes."

Palace maids would come to Changchun Pavilion from time to time to add tea and water and serve the banquet.

But everyone was feeling very nervous and uneasy, so how could they feel at ease?

It took about a cup of tea for Empress Xie to come over from Huayi Palace.

"Today, the weather is fine and pleasant, and all the flowers are blooming in all their splendor. It should be a happy occasion, but something unexpected happened in the palace, and Princess Pingle is ill, so it can't be perfect. You don't have to worry, the princess has her own doctor to take care of her, you can continue to have fun, enjoy the flowers and plants, and don't waste this beautiful spring time."

The queen spoke with a smile and was generous and gentle.

Everyone smiled and thanked him.
-
When Xue Sui arrived at Yihua Palace, Princess Pingle had not yet woken up.

Concubine Xiao sat in the outer hall with red eyes, waiting for her.

Xue Yuechen was the first to kneel down and greet, followed closely by Xue Sui, who bowed, lowered his head, and stared at the polished blue brick and stone floor.

"I am Xue Sui, your humble servant. Greetings to the Imperial Concubine."

Concubine Xiao subconsciously took a look at her clothes, and took the tea bowl handed to her by the maid with her slender fingers dyed with red nail polish. She slowly blew away the cool air, took a sip, and then put it down, sighing heavily.

"Sit down and talk."

Then a palace maid came over and showed her to a seat.

Xue Yuechen looked at her deeply, sat below the imperial concubine, and waited for Xue Sui to sit down properly before she asked with concern.

"Mother, has Princess Pingle recovered?"

Concubine Xiao shook her head, her eyes slightly red, as if she was about to cry at any time.

"He hasn't woken up yet, and the doctors are helpless. Your father is extremely worried and angry. He almost wanted to kill Doctor Hu..."

Compared to Empress Xie's gentleness and dignity, Concubine Xiao usually appears harmless and charming in front of the emperor, but in front of other people, she is on par with Pingle.

It's just that she is older, more experienced and profound in her actions, more reserved and measured, not as outwardly expressive as Pingle.

Xue Yuechen had been her daughter-in-law for ten years and had suffered a lot of bullying, both overt and covert. She knew her character very well. Even though her words were kind and seemingly harmless, she did not dare to take it lightly and weighed every word carefully.

She first comforted Concubine Xiao, and then changed the subject.

"I don't know what bad luck has happened today, or whether the Queen didn't look at the calendar well. First the Crown Prince got drunk and caused trouble, then the little princess almost fell into the water, and then Pingle got sick from worry..."

The words were spoken obscurely, but Concubine Xiao understood the multiple meanings.

She smiled and glanced at Xue Yuechen, then glanced at Xue Sui.

"I heard that it was Miss Xue Liu who saved the little princess? Such a great favor, when Pingle wakes up, I will definitely ask her to prepare a generous gift and come to thank her in person..."

Xue Sui smiled, "It's just a small favor. Your Majesty, you are so polite. I am really embarrassed by your kindness."

Seeing her respectful expression, Concubine Xiao glanced at Xue Yuechen and spoke in a softer tone.

"Your elder sister always says that you are well-behaved, sensible, and considerate. Your life story is pitiful, so I feel especially sorry for you. Before you even enter the palace, I have given you the title of concubine. You are also a member of the palace, and you only need to wait for the time to consummate your marriage with Huan'er..."

When she said this, she frowned and sighed solemnly.

"Well, then I won't be so formal with you. I asked you to come here now because I want to borrow something from you..."

Xue Sui said: "Your Majesty, please tell me. I will grant you everything you want."

Concubine Xiao seemed to be unable to speak and winked at the maid beside her.

Soon the maid went out, and when she came back in, she was followed by a man who looked like an imperial physician.

Concubine Xiao said, "This is Doctor Hu from the Imperial Hospital." Then she added, "Doctor Hu, you speak."

Doctor Hu bowed tremblingly, his tone slightly hesitant.

"I think the princess is suffering from a soul-leaving disease. Because of the great grief, her mind is hurt, her internal organs are affected by evil, and her qi and blood are blocked. It is difficult for her to wake up. We must find a medicine to induce..."

Xue Yuechen asked: "What is the medicine?"

Doctor Hu glanced at Xue Sui and cupped his hands.

"According to the records in the Lingshu Yishu, the heart blood of a girl born on a Yin year, Yin month, Yin day and Yin hour is very spiritual and contains the most Yin energy between heaven and earth. If there is a dose of Yin girl's heart blood, it may be able to repair the spiritual orifice and make the Qi and blood flow smoothly, and the princess can wake up as before..."

Xue Yuechen was horrified when he heard this.

"How can that be possible? Can a person still live after taking the blood from his heart?"

Doctor Hu stammered, "This... taking the blood from the heart is not that scary. There is no need to penetrate deep into the internal organs. All you need to do is pierce the Danzhong acupoint with a special golden needle to allow the blood from the heart to seep out slowly. Once enough blood is taken, the bleeding will stop immediately. The wound is shallow and easy to heal. It's just a minor injury. It will heal well after a few more days of rest..."

Xue Yuechen also believed in those mysterious and mysterious techniques.

But at this moment, it sounded like such a coincidence that it seemed directed at Xue Liu.

Because Xue Liu had to be carried into the palace, Concubine Xiao knew Xue Liu's birth date and horoscope clearly.

Was Doctor Hu's remarks at this time a premeditated plan?
There are folk rumors about the saying of heart blood, but it can actually be used to treat diseases, but I have only heard of it in storybooks...

Xue Yuechen frowned slightly and said tactfully: "Mother, I have never heard of such a ridiculous medical skill. This prescription seems to be inappropriate..."

Concubine Xiao glanced at her lightly with a cold smile on her lips.

"The princess thinks that what Doctor Hu said is inappropriate, but is there any other way to save the princess?"

Xue Yuechen opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

Xue Sui suddenly spoke up: "Princess, Xue Liu is the girl of the Four Pillars of Pure Yin. I am willing to take my heart's blood to cure the princess's illness."

She agreed very readily, and not only Xue Yuechen and Doctor Hu, but also Concubine Xiao were a little surprised.

"Miss Xue Liu, aren't you afraid?"

Xue Sui smiled and said, "It is Xue Liu's blessing to be able to save the princess. How can I refuse?"

Concubine Xiao narrowed her eyes slightly, with a hint of approval in her eyes.

"You are a good child who understands the big picture. Don't worry. When the princess recovers, I will definitely not treat you unfairly."

Xue Sui immediately stood up, nodded with a smile, and under Xue Yuechen's frightened gaze, he turned to Doctor Hu and said:
"Please ask the imperial physician to fetch the golden needles. I will do it myself."

The imperial physician is a man, so it is certainly not convenient for him to personally draw the blood from a girl's heart.

Perhaps to prevent Xue Liu from cheating, he called a female doctor from the palace, took a golden needle and a blood vessel, and took Xue Liu to the inner room of Huayi Palace.

Xue Yuechen's heart was shaken, "Sixth sister, I'll accompany you..."

"No need." Xue Sui looked at her with a smile, "It's just a small matter, Princess, don't worry."

Xue Yuechen looked at her straight back and felt heavy in his heart.

I don't know why, but the scene of her being hung in Lixiangyuan and being beaten and bullied as a child kept appearing in my mind...

Compared to what Xue Liu experienced as a child, the blood-drawing with golden needles that the imperial physician mentioned was not really a serious injury.

But why was she so calm? So calm that she couldn't bear to watch.

The female doctor watched Xue Sui draw blood with her own eyes.

She took off her outer robe, gently pulled up her inner garment, and inserted the golden needle into her Tanzhong acupoint...

The doctor opened her eyes wide, terrified.

Not only because she was so calm without even frowning.

And because of those tiny scars on her body...

She saw it.

Blood slowly flowed from her fingertips and dripped into the finely glazed white porcelain bowl. Miss Xue Liu smiled and watched the blood flow into the bowl without blinking. Her eyes seemed to be dyed bright red...

I do not know how long it has been.

The female doctor was in a complete daze.

Xue Sui, however, was very calm and asked indifferently.

"Is this blood enough?"

"Enough, enough." The female doctor came to her senses, not daring to look her in the eyes. She quickly took out gauze from the medicine box and handed it to her, her fingers trembling.

"Miss Xue Liu, please hold the wound in place and sit here for a while. I will go out and report to the Queen..."

She packed up her things and left quickly as if she was running for her life.

As soon as the female doctor left the room, Xiao Zhao and Ruyi rushed forward.

One on each side supported her.

"Girl, girl, are you okay? Are you in pain?"

Ruyi's eyes turned red with anxiety, and she bit her lower lip to prevent tears from falling.

This time, Xiao Zhao did not ask "kill her?". She helped Xue Sui tidy up her clothes, took out a small medicine bottle from her arms, poured out a black and gray pill from it, stuffed it into Xue Sui's mouth, and got her some water.

"What a vicious thing! It must not die a good death."

Xue Sui patted the back of her hand soothingly, sat down slowly, and pressed hard on her Dan Zhong point, looking calm and composed, as if the humiliation he had just experienced was just a trivial episode.

“Right now, I don’t know how he will respond.”

Xiao Zhao and Ruyi looked at each other, not knowing who the girl was talking about.

Until a shrill voice was heard outside.

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"

The sun was setting, and the afterglow of the sun fell on the palace road, a golden red.

Li Zhao strode into the Yihua Palace with his head held high and a stern expression. As his sleeves fluttered, a sense of oppression came over him.

"I wonder how your sister is doing? I came to visit you."

Concubine Xiao knew that he was not so kind, but it was not in a position to stop him.

What's more, the emperor was guarding the princess' bed at that time, so even if the prince wanted to do something bad, he had no chance.

"Please worry about me, Prince. Pingle has not yet woken up. The imperial physician said that he has a soul-leaving syndrome..."

Li Zhao glanced at the female doctor holding the white porcelain bowl, and when he saw that she was about to leave with the things, he said in a low voice.

"Wait!"

The female doctor's hands trembled and she was so scared that she almost knelt down.

Li Zhao pointed at the bowl in her hand, "What's going on?"

The female doctor glanced at Concubine Xiao, told her the whole story tremblingly, then bowed her head, her whole body tense.

Li Zhao suddenly smiled, "What a fresh recipe."

He walked over slowly, looked at Doctor Hu and raised his eyebrows, "Such a unique medicine, I am very curious about its efficacy."

In the surprised gazes of the crowd, he had a bit of teasing and playfulness in his expression, and that smile was like that of a bloodthirsty wolf, full of malice.

"Today I will watch my sister drink it up mouthful by mouthful."

Concubine Xiao frowned and said nothing.

The prince has always been like this, doing what he wants, and it is not considered abnormal.

Doctor Hu's expression changed slightly, and he lowered his head and bowed.

"Then I will go down and prepare the prescription."

Li Zhao glanced at Lai Fu and said, "You go with Doctor Hu."

Doctor Hu was slightly shocked.

The saying about bleeding from the heart is, of course, false.

Princess Pingle has countless ways of dealing with people. This time, in order to humiliate Xue Liu and give the Eastern Palace a warning, she has spent a lot of money.

Seeing that her plan had failed and that the Prince and Xue Liu had not been trapped in the Bamboo Grove Pavilion, she actually took a drug to induce sleep on her own and let him play the "bad guy" in the double act, keeping His Majesty and the Royal Concubine in the dark.

Over the years, Doctor Hu, the director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, has been living under Pingle's control. He has made a lot of money by buying houses and becoming extremely wealthy. He has also helped Pingle do many dirty things.

But today, the Eastern Palace was implicated and Empress Xie's Spring Banquet was ruined. He felt uneasy and treading on thin ice.

Especially this bowl of "medicine lead".

Of course Pingle didn't want to drink it.

Who likes to drink human blood? Wouldn't that be disgusting?
But the prince said so and sent people to follow...

Princess Pingle had to drink it whether she wanted to or not.

This chapter is also very long...

Erjin has tried his best. If there is a day when I update less, please don’t blame me (Humble Jin begging for mercy)
Love you guys, hope you guys support the genuine version by subscribing and voting, love you~

Li Zhao: I got stuck as soon as I appeared? Author, check your conscience...

Xue Sui: My heart is all given to my fellow readers, there is no place for you.