I, the wanderer of the universe, love making friends

Chapter 210: One finger to observe yin and yang, one pulse to determine life and death
Shen Lang has been in Chang'an for more than a few months. It is winter now and it is snowing heavily.

This kind of weather is more suitable for treating Empress Zhang.

Use 7'er to stimulate her, and she will definitely get better.

After leaving the house, Shen Lang asked, "Are we going directly to the palace?"

Feng Deyi shook his head and said, "No, it's not that easy for me to enter the palace. It just so happens that the Emperor is at Todaiji Temple to make a wish for Consort Zhang, who is suffering from a strange illness. With the help of this official, Brother Shen can see the Emperor and then enter the palace to treat the Empress."

A few days ago, Li Yuan went out in disguise to have fun. Concubine Zhang must have been extremely lonely in the palace.

As a doctor with medical ethics, giving her warmth is within the scope of treatment.

Shen Lang nodded and said, "I see. Then I will follow Lord Feng's instructions."

Feng Deyi said, "I have never seen Brother Shen's medical skills, but I have heard from Master Hou Xibai that I highly respect your medical skills. I hope Brother Shen will not disappoint me. If you can cure Madam Zhang, I will definitely not forget Brother Shen."

Shen Lang smiled and said, "Lord Feng is so concerned about the Empress's condition. He doesn't know my medical skills, but he still dares to ask me to treat him. Naturally, I will not let Lord Feng down."

Feng Deyi nodded and said, "As the saying goes, if you doubt someone, don't employ him; if you employ someone, don't doubt him. Although I haven't seen Brother Shen's medical skills, I've heard of his name for a long time. Unfortunately, I was busy with work and haven't been able to treat him to a drink. Once this matter is settled, I will definitely have a few drinks with him."

Shen Lang agreed casually, already thinking about giving Concubine Zhang some warmth.

After the carriage drove into the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, Feng Deyi arranged for Shen Lang to wait in the reception hall behind the temple.

Before the arrival of Emperor Li Yuan of the Tang Dynasty, a large number of imperial guards had already taken all necessary security measures, making the entire temple heavily guarded and prohibiting entry.

Accompanying Shen Lang is Feng Deyi's family servant Guan Xiaoran.

After a brief greeting, Guan Xiaoran said, "It's rumored that Brother Shen is a master of martial arts. I've never had the chance to meet him before, but today is the day we finally get to meet. It's true that hearing about him is worse than seeing him in person. Brother Shen's calm demeanor, his every move, is so flawless and unforgettable.

Shen Lang laughed and said, "Most of these rumors are untrue. Besides, everyone in the world knows that the martial arts world of Chang'an is a place where hidden dragons and crouching tigers are everywhere. I'm afraid countless heroes have already come here."

Guan Xiaoran thought for a moment and said, "Although there are many heroes, if we talk about true masters, ten fingers wouldn't be enough to name them all. However, the most popular one is the young master from Dong Turkic named Kedazhi. This man's swordsmanship has reached a superb level. He has repeatedly defeated the masters of Qin Wang's Tiance Palace, greatly enhancing the prestige of the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace."

"I heard that during the competition at the palace banquet the night before last, even Zhangsun Wuji suffered a loss. Miss Shang Xiufang was present at the time. The King of Qin was utterly humiliated!"

Shen Lang knew that Shang Xiufang and Ji Qian were going to attend the palace's night banquet. Because their professions were like singers and artists, they had their own pursuits and hoped that the songs and dances they composed would be recognized by the public, so he did not restrict their freedom.

Although he had heard about the night duel, he didn't pay any attention to it.

After listening to it, forget about it.

At this time, someone came to report that Shen Lang was going to meet the Tang Emperor behind the temple.

Under the guidance of Guan Xiaoran, Shen Lang went to meet Li Yuan.

The VIP hall of Todai-ji Temple is filled with guards, all of whom are carefully selected. They are all tall and strong with broad backs and strong muscles.

The commanding general was Wang Mu, the chief guard. Guan Xiaoran was very familiar with him. After reporting Shen Lang's name, Shen Lang allowed him to check him according to the rules. After confirming that he had no weapons, he stepped over the threshold and entered the hall accompanied by Wang Mu.

In fact, the inspection process is just a formality for him and just a job for these people.

Everyone knows that a true master doesn't need any weapons to kill people, so there is no need to make things difficult for them.

There is a row of windows on the north side of the hall, and outside is a garden with rain and snow falling.

There was a row of more than ten armchairs placed by the window, separated by coffee tables. Sitting in the middle was Li Yuan, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty and the supreme leader of the Li family.

She was wearing a plain white suit, had skin as white as snow, and a pretty face. She looked to be only about thirty years old.

Li Yuan looked a little tired, but his eyes were still bright and clear under his thick eyebrows, and revealed an indescribable look, as if he had a special longing and pursuit for some beautiful things.

Even when sitting on a chair, his back remained straight and firm, making his majestic figure even more imposing.

The hands holding the teacup and sipping tea are slender and steady, and the whole person exudes extraordinary charm.

The leader of a clan is indeed an extraordinary person.

Among the four ministers accompanying him, in addition to Feng Deyi, Shen Lang also knew Pei Ji, whom he had knocked unconscious in the past.

Pei Ji glanced at him and said nothing, his expression very calm.

Shen Lang did not perform the court ceremony. He just bowed according to the rules of the martial arts world and said, "Shen Lang greets the emperor."

After all, he was going to sleep with someone else's wife. Moreover, from Li Xiuning's point of view, Li Yuan was still his father-in-law, so he had to show some courtesy.

Li Yuan put down his teacup with a graceful demeanor and said calmly, "Today, I finally got to see the world-renowned Shen Lang. He is indeed an extraordinary person. General Wang, please withdraw first."

Wang Mu and the two imperial guards left the hall as ordered.

Shen Lang found a seat and sat down without his invitation.

Li Yuan's eyes fell on him with extraordinary spirit, and he let out a long laugh, looking up to the sky. He said, "You are indeed a master of the martial arts world. You are so calm and at ease in front of me. No wonder Shimin has always praised you so highly, and even Xiuning seems to have some interest in you."

"To be honest, I actually like Princess Xiuning." Shen Lang looked into his eyes and said, "I was thinking of proposing to you, but I didn't know how to start the conversation."

Li Yuan was stunned for a moment. "You, like Xiuning? And you're proposing?"

The people nearby also widened their eyes, looking incredulous.

Shen Lang said, "Yes, and we are actually husband and wife. I just didn't have time to congratulate you. But we should talk about these things later. Isn't Madam Zhang ill? It's important to treat her quickly. This illness can't be delayed any longer."

Li Yuan was confused by his jumping around the subject, and since Concubine Zhang was indeed seriously ill, he said, "Yes, this is a matter of great importance. I've heard that you are an excellent doctor. Go and treat the Empress first. I will definitely reward you handsomely."

After saying this, he made another handwritten note and asked Wang Mu to send him out.

After he had gone far away, Li Yuan asked, "Pei Jian, what do you think of this man?"

"If we talk about martial arts, perhaps he can fight against the three great masters as people say." Pei Ji said with a wry smile, "He was the one who broke my Wangxing Fan back then. I had no idea how profound his martial arts skills were. Moreover, after snatching the Heshi Bi, he still flaunted himself in public. Of course, he has some extraordinary qualities."

Li Yuan asked again: "This person has the Heshi Bi. Can we get it?"

Pei Ji shook his head. "The Heshi Bi has greater symbolic significance. It will only count if it is handed over by the heir of Cihang Jingzhai. Otherwise, he would already be the common ruler of the world."

Li Yuan was silent for a moment, then asked, "Hou Xibai said he was an exceptional doctor. What does Pei Jian think?"

"Your Majesty, if he didn't have the ability, he wouldn't have come." Pei Ji replied.

Li Yuan nodded, "I hope he can cure the queen's illness."

As if thinking of something, he asked, "What did he say just now? He and Xiuning are actually husband and wife? When did this happen? How come I didn't know anything about it?"

……

Shen Lang left Todaiji Temple and went to the palace accompanied by the eunuchs arranged by Li Yuan.

The Tang Dynasty's imperial palace consisted of two parts: the imperial city and the palace city.

The former is where all offices of the central government of the Tang Dynasty are located; the latter is where the royal family conducts business and lives.

It is separated from the east by a large square-like street more than a thousand steps wide. All the changes of reign titles, amnesties, New Year's Day, winter solstice court meetings, military parades, and prisoner receptions were held here, so it was called the "outer court".

The main gates of the imperial city and palace are three gates located on the north-south central axis. Directly south of the imperial city is the Zhuque Gate, which is opposite the main gate of the south city, Mingde Gate. It is connected to Zhuque Street, the first street in Chang'an.

The main gate in the south of the palace is Chengtian Gate, and the street connecting Chengtian Gate and Zhuque Gate is called Tianjie.

Xuanwu Gate is the north gate of the palace, and outside the gate is the palace's backyard, the 'Western Inner Courtyard'.

The three gates of Zhuque, Chengtian and Xuanwu form the main axis of the imperial palace, with strong fortifications and strict guards.

Xuanwu Gate is also the headquarters of the imperial guards, which has a strong military force. Whoever can control Xuanwu Gate is equivalent to controlling the imperial palace and even the entire capital.

The palace city consists of three parts: the Taiji Palace in the middle, the Ye Ting Palace in the west, and the East Palace in the east.

Taiji Palace was where Emperor Li Yuan of Tang lived and worked, the East Palace was the residence of Crown Prince Li Jiancheng, the western Yeting Palace was the residence of Li Shimin, and Li Yuanji's Wude Hall was located in the western inner courtyard to the north of the East Palace.

There are sixteen main halls in Taiji Palace, the four most important halls are Taiji Hall, Liangyi Hall, Ganlu Hall and Yanjia Hall, all built on the central axis from Chengtian Gate to Xuanwu Gate.

Taiji Hall, also known as "Zhongchao", is the main building in the Tang Palace. On the first and fifteenth days of each month, Li Yuan would meet with his ministers here to handle government affairs.

To the north of Taiji Hall is Liangyi Hall, which serves as the "Inner Court". Only a few trusted ministers who are qualified to make decisions can enter and participate. Important state affairs are often discussed and decided here first, and then the candidates and methods of implementation are proposed and discussed in the "Inner Court".

Shen Lang, a divine doctor, followed Li Yuan's men into the imperial city from Anshang Gate, on the south-eastern side. On either side stood a multitude of government offices: on the left stood the Taichang Temple, the Dafu Temple, and the Shangshu Province; on the right stood the Taimiao, the Shaofu Supervisor, the Dushui Supervisor, the Donggong Pu Temple, and so on. Entering the square and cross street that separated the imperial city from the palace, Shen Lang was awestruck by the grandeur of this long street-like square, dividing the city from north to south and running east to west.

In particular, there is a multi-story tower built on the Chengtian Gate. As long as one imagines that there was a celebration held in the outer court of the Tang Dynasty and the emperor ascended the Chengtian Gate Tower to preside over it, one would think of replacing it.

But it's just a thought, because it's not illegal to think about it.

Get off the car at Chongming Gate outside the Eastern Palace and enter the Eastern Palace; the "gate team" composed of Eastern Palace guards are lined up on both sides, with a solemn atmosphere.

After passing Chongming Gate, you will reach Xiande Gate. Inside the gate is Xiande Hall, the main hall of the Eastern Palace, followed by Chongjiao, Lizheng, Guangtian and Cheng'en palaces. On both sides are Yichun Courtyard, Chongwen Hall, Jixian Hall and some other halls and pavilions.

Xiande Hall is where Crown Prince Li Jiancheng meets with civil and military officials and the regent to discuss government affairs. Moreover, before Shen Lang goes to treat Concubine Zhang, he has to meet Li Jiancheng.

Because Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji both served the concubines wholeheartedly, using flattery, bribes, and gifts to win Li Yuan's favor.

Since there is a miracle doctor who wants to treat Concubine Zhang, he naturally wants to make a profit from it.

Li Jiancheng chose Yichun Courtyard to meet Shen Lang. Although Shen Lang was famous, he was not a foreign political figure, so Yichun Courtyard built in the East Palace garden was more appropriate.

Amidst the falling rain and snow, Shen Lang walked into the Yichun Courtyard as the doorman shouted "Mr. Shen is here" and nodded loudly.

Crown Prince Li Jiancheng stood up from his seat and went to greet Shen Lang who came in from Yichun Courtyard, and the others followed hurriedly.

Shen Lang found several old acquaintances among his entourage, namely Dugu Feng, Dugu Ce and Dugu Feng from the Dugu clan.

Looking back to the past, he was on the ship of the Jukun Gang, allowing the Dongming Sect to obtain benefits from the Dugu clan, and later he got along with Dugu Feng. It can be said that it was fate.

"Shen Lang greets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince." Shen Lang bowed.

Li Jiancheng rushed forward quickly, stepped forward and grasped his hand, chuckling, "Brother Shen, there's no need to be so polite. I've heard of your great name a long time ago. God bless me, Li Jiancheng. You've arrived at the perfect time. With your great name, you're already my, Li Jiancheng's, guest of honor. All court etiquette is exempted."

"That's perfect. I've been wandering around the world for many years and don't know a thing about these customs." Shen Lang said.

Li Jiancheng took his arm and said cheerfully, "Brother Shen, please sit down and talk! Please sit down and talk!"

After he sat down next to Li Jiancheng, Li Jiancheng introduced everyone in the hall to him one by one. In addition to Dugu Feng, Dugu Ce and Dugu Feng, whom he knew, there were also Chang He, Wei Zheng, Wang Gui and Xie Shufang.

Wang Gua and Xie Shufang were originally close confidants of Li Jiancheng, and Wei Zheng was originally Li Mi's chief counselor. It is unknown whether it was because of Li Mi's close relationship with Li Jiancheng that he joined the Prince's party camp.

Shen Lang doesn't care at all who his confidants are.

Whether it was Li Shimin or Li Jiancheng, once their power became too great, whether they could become emperor was no longer a personal matter.

Rather, it is a matter of life and death that concerns their respective staff and confidants: whether they will rise to prominence and leave their names in history; or be beheaded and infamous forever.

Dugu Feng secretly gave Shen Lang a look, as if she wanted to say something, but now was not the right time.

After a brief greeting, Li Jiancheng continued, "I heard from Brother Hou that Brother Shen is an excellent doctor and a learned man. I wonder if you have ever heard of a strange disease where the patient suffers from fever and restlessness, numbness of the skin, tinnitus, fatigue, upward flow of qi below the navel, and cold feet..."

After Li Jiancheng finished his description, Shen Lang paused for a moment before saying, "This disease does sound strange, but since I'm here, I naturally have a solution. Your Highness can rest assured."

Upon hearing this, Li Jiancheng was overjoyed and said, "In that case, please ask Brother Shen to give the patient acupuncture treatment immediately. If Brother Shen can bring the patient back to health, I will be very grateful."

Afterwards, Li Jiancheng brought Chang He and Feng Liben, and led Shen Lang along the gravel path in the garden beside the pond, heading towards Ningbi Pavilion where Zhang Jiehao lived in the garden north of Dongyu Pond.

Outside the wall separating the East Garden from the main hall complex, the roof of the Taiji Hall stands tall above the snow-white trees in the distance, looking magnificent.

After walking a few steps, Li Jiancheng whispered, "Empress Zhang's illness came on very suddenly. Half a month ago, she collapsed while playing ball in the palace. Since then, she's been suffering from this strange illness, which has been fluctuating. Even Wei Zhengxing, the living Hua Tuo who was highly regarded by the King of Qin, was helpless."

Shen Lang asked casually, "Doctor Wei, maybe he just hasn't found a solution yet."

Li Jiancheng snorted coldly and said, "I don't know if he's just bragging or what, but he keeps talking about the same old stuff about cold, dryness, deficiency and excess. Only the King of Qin insists on saying he's a great doctor. In my opinion, he's just a name, and he just happens to be good at treating a few illnesses. So when it comes to the truly difficult and complicated diseases, he's helpless."

No wonder Li Jiancheng was so respectful to others. It turned out that Wei Zhengxing was Li Shimin's man. Once he cured Concubine Zhang, Li Jiancheng's status in Li Yuan's heart would be improved.

Moreover, it was arranged by Li Yuan. Whether he could be cured or not, it had nothing to do with him, Li Jiancheng.

As they were talking, they passed through the path winding through the bamboo forest, and suddenly the view in front of them opened up. To the north of the East Imperial Pond, various flowers and plants were planted. Under the reflection of the emerald green water, Ningbi Pavilion was located in the middle, and the platforms, halls, pavilions and pavilions blended seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Li Jiancheng led Shen Lang and the others up the stairs. A forty-year-old eunuch led two younger eunuchs to greet them at the gate. Li Jiancheng introduced them, "Eunuch Zheng, this is the Divine Doctor Shen that the Emperor invited. He's come here specifically to treat the Empress."

He handed over another object, "This is the emperor's order."

When Eunuch Zheng heard that it was someone invited by Li Yuan, he hurriedly said, "Your Highness, please come in!"

Afterwards, Li Jiancheng and the others were left in the lobby, while Shen Lang, led by Eunuch Zheng, passed through the corridor and arrived at the boudoir of Zhang Jie, Li Yuan's favorite concubine.

Eunuch Zheng asked Shen Lang to wait by the side first, and he went over and knocked on the door gently, looking as if he was afraid of disturbing Zhang Jieyu.

The palace gate opened, and a palace maid asked, "Hello, Lord Zheng, what's going on?"

Eunuch Zheng whispered, "The emperor has invited a miracle doctor for the queen, and he has also sent a written order from the emperor."

Upon hearing this, the palace maid said, "Since it is arranged by His Majesty, please come in, eunuch."

Eunuch Zheng nodded and said to Shen Lang, "Divine Doctor Shen, please come in."

Entering the beautifully decorated inner hall, after passing through the hall, you will reach the boudoir.

A delicate beauty was sitting on a couch, wrapped in a quilt, surrounded by two eunuchs and several palace maids. She looked weak and sick, and I felt pity for her.

Shen Lang clasped his fists and bowed: "Shen Lang greets the queen."

Zhang Jieyu said softly, "Doctor Shen, there's no need to be so polite. As long as you can cure my stubborn illness, I will definitely reward you handsomely."

Just as he finished speaking, a pretty palace maid beside him interrupted, "Our noble lady's intention is that doctors must pay attention to observation, smelling, questioning, and palpation. If they are bound by the etiquette of status and inferiority, they will be too cautious and hinder Doctor Shen's diagnosis. Therefore, Doctor Shen can be exempted from these court etiquette."

"In that case, let's get started." Shen Lang said, "If you can cure her soon, your Majesty will also recover soon."

"Thank you, Doctor Shen." Concubine Zhang said softly.

Eunuch Zheng hurriedly instructed the eunuch to bring a chair and asked Shen Lang to sit in front of Concubine Zhang.

Just as Shen Lang extended two fingers to place them on Zhang Jieyu's smooth wrist, Zhang Jieyu suddenly asked, "Doctor Shen, I suddenly have something unclear."

"I wonder what's the matter, Madam?"

"Why do other doctors use three fingers to take my pulse, but you only use two?" Concubine Zhang asked in confusion.

The people around him immediately turned their eyes to him, as if they were ready to pounce on him at any moment.

Shen Lang smiled slightly. "Strictly speaking, taking a pulse does require three fingers, and each finger has its own function. But I have my own method. I have a nickname, 'Two Lingxi Fingers'. One finger can tell yin and yang, and one pulse can tell life and death."

"So that's how it is. Then please let Doctor Shen use his magical powers." Concubine Zhang had no doubts.

Shen Lang injected a little true energy into her meridians.

The qi, blood and meridians throughout Concubine Zhang's body appeared in her mind like a comprehensive scroll.

He soon discovered that the meridians in Concubine Zhang's body were about to break, so he immediately withdrew his hand.

Zhang Jieyu asked softly, "Doctor Shen, how is my condition?"

Shen Lang pondered for a moment and said, "Frankly speaking, your condition is very serious. It's probably because the emperor has injected you with Qi so many times that your meridians are almost broken. If you inject more Qi, even a Daluo immortal will be powerless to save you."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone present suddenly changed.

Concubine Zhang said in a trembling voice, "Is it true?"

Eunuch Zhang, also an expert in martial arts, said suspiciously, "It sounds like your meridians are damaged from practicing martial arts, but Your Majesty doesn't understand martial arts, so how could your meridians be damaged like this?"

"It's because the Empress was poisoned by the Scripture-Burning Powder, a rare poison in the world. That's why Doctor Wei was helpless." Shen Lang said, "Luckily, you met me. Otherwise, if the Emperor had injected her with a few more Qi, the Empress would have died."

Hearing this, Zhang Jieyu's eyes lit up with hope as she asked, "Is it possible that I was poisoned? Is Doctor Shen sure?"

"Believe it or not, I won't treat you if you don't." Shen Lang frowned. "You came here to get treatment in such cold weather, and yet you still question this and that? I don't owe you anything."

What noble person?
I'll make her kneel down soon.

(End of this chapter)