Chapter 106: Imperial Physician Zhu

“Second Master is too polite,” Wang Wei dismounted and personally steadied Li Shimin, then turned to the others. “Please rise, all of you. Such a grand gesture—we cannot accept it.”

Li Shimin replied humbly, “The two esteemed officials have come on behalf of His Majesty. How could we not show proper respect?” He continued, “You have traveled a long distance and must be weary. Please come inside to rest.”

“Very well, let us enter together.” As Wang Wei finished speaking, Gao Junya interjected coldly, “Wait. Where are Governor Li and the Eldest Master?”

Wang Wei quickly responded, “You know very well that Governor Li was severely injured in the assassin’s attack and is currently recuperating in the residence—how could he possibly come out? As for the Eldest Master…” He furrowed his brows, puzzled. “Is the Eldest Master not here?”

Li Shimin sighed. “Esteemed officials, you are unaware. Just a few days ago, someone poisoned my eldest brother’s medicine while he was being treated for his leg ailment. As a result, he is still unable to walk.”

Wang Wei exclaimed in surprise, “Such a thing! Could it be… the work of that same assassin?”

Li Shimin nodded. “Yes, my eldest brother was poisoned with the same toxin as my father. Fortunately, timely treatment saved his life.”

Gao Junya narrowed his sharp, triangular eyes. “So you mean to say—you have yet to capture the assassin?”

Li Shimin admitted ruefully, “It is embarrassing to admit, but despite searching every corner of the governor’s residence and repeatedly dispatching soldiers to scour Honghua Prefecture, we have failed to find any trace of the assassin.”

“It must have been difficult for Second Master,” Wang Wei remarked. Gesturing behind him, he signaled for an elder man in his fifties to step forward. “This is Imperial Physician Zhu. When His Majesty learned of Governor Li’s grave injuries from the assassination attempt, he immediately ordered us to bring Physician Zhu to treat him. Physician Zhu is renowned as one of the finest physicians in the land. With his expertise, both the governor and the eldest master will surely recover.”

A flicker of unease crossed Li Shimin’s face. Things have become complicated, he thought. I hadn’t expected Emperor Yang to send an imperial physician. Once Physician Zhu examines Father’s pulse, he’ll discover that his condition has already improved. If that happens, Emperor Yang will have grounds to accuse Father of deception.

Wang Wei smiled slyly. “Why does Second Master remain silent? Surely you aren’t displeased by the arrival of Physician Zhu?”

Li Shimin knew better than to reveal even a hint of suspicion before this cunning official. Suppressing his anxiety, he expressed gratitude effusively. “Master Wang jests! I am simply overwhelmed that His Majesty would send Physician Zhu to treat my father. His Majesty’s benevolence leaves us deeply indebted—we do not know how to repay such kindness.”

Wang Wei chuckled. “His Majesty always treats loyal subjects with utmost generosity. Alas, there are some who, despite basking in imperial favor, commit treacherous acts—like Yang Xuangan. But such traitors are doomed to fail. As you can see, Yang Xuangan was defeated and took his own life just days ago.” Changing the subject, he added, “Enough of that. Let us hurry to see the governor so that Physician Zhu may begin treatment.”

Li Shimin dared not allow Physician Zhu to examine his father so soon. Quickly, he interjected, “Aside from some lingering weakness, my father’s condition has largely stabilized. Esteemed officials, you must be exhausted from your journey. Please rest first—I have already arranged tea and refreshments.”

Gao Junya responded indifferently, “Seeing the governor takes precedence.” Without waiting for consent, he strode ahead into the residence. Unable to refuse, Li Shimin, along with Li Xuanba and Lady Wan, escorted them toward Songtao Pavilion, while the others dispersed.

As they made their way to Songtao Pavilion, Li Shimin’s mind raced for a solution. Passing Yuehua Pond, he suddenly halted. Turning to Lady Wan, he asked, “Has everything been prepared at the Music Pavilion? Now that Ji Rong is absent, will tonight’s performances be affected?”

Lady Wan, equally concerned about the possibility of Physician Zhu discovering that Li Yuan had fully recovered, immediately understood his implication. She replied hastily, “I did instruct Head Nurse Yang yesterday, but I’m not sure if she has made the necessary arrangements. Perhaps I should go and check.”

“Thank you, Second Mother.” In Li Shimin’s tone, Lady Wan curtsied to Wang Wei and Gao Junya before departing with Zhaixing.

To buy Lady Wan enough time, Li Shimin deliberately led them on a longer route, taking twice as long as usual to reach Songtao Pavilion. The servants stationed outside hurriedly greeted them with bows. Li Shimin instructed, “Go inform my father that the esteemed officials have arrived to visit him.”

Before the servant could respond, Wang Wei interrupted, “There’s no need for such formalities. We shall enter directly.”

Unable to object, Li Shimin reluctantly complied and accompanied them inside. In the inner chamber, Li Yuan was seated halfway on the bed. Upon seeing Wang Wei and Gao Junya enter, he appeared moved and attempted to rise with the help of a maid. Wang Wei quickly stepped forward and pressed his shoulders down. “Governor, your injuries have yet to heal. There’s no need for formalities—please remain resting.”

Li Yuan feigned weakness and replied, “It troubles me greatly to impose upon you both after traveling such a great distance. Is His Majesty well?”

“Rest assured, Governor—the Emperor’s health is excellent!” Wang Wei smiled. “Upon learning of your situation, His Majesty immediately dispatched us to Honghua Prefecture. Judging by your complexion, it seems your condition has yet to fully improve?”

Li Yuan exhaled weakly. “It has improved significantly, but… I still feel utterly drained, unable to muster any strength. I do not know when I will fully recover.”

Wang Wei snorted. “Those assassins are audacious indeed—to dare attack a governor! Once captured, they will be torn apart by five horses!” Softening his tone, he added, “His Majesty has specially sent Physician Zhu to assist you. With his unparalleled skill, I am confident you will recover swiftly.”

Li Yuan bowed slightly toward the south. “His Majesty’s grace is boundless. Even if I were to sacrifice my life, I could never repay such kindness.”

Wang Wei smiled faintly and turned to Physician Zhu. “Time is of the essence. Please proceed with the examination, Physician Zhu.”

“As you command.” Physician Zhu stepped forward and placed his fingers on Li Yuan’s wrist to take his pulse. Watching this, Li Shimin’s heart tightened. He wondered whether Lady Wan had understood his earlier hint and whether Ji Rong had devised a plan.

After a brief pause, Physician Zhu had yet to withdraw his hand. Growing impatient, Gao Junya demanded, “Physician Zhu, what is the diagnosis?”

Wang Wei placated him. “Patience, Brother Gao. Allow Physician Zhu to complete his examination.”

Reluctantly, Gao Junya waited. After another moment, Physician Zhu finally withdrew his fingers and reported, bowing respectfully, “Esteemed officials, Governor Li’s pulse is slow and feeble, indicating a significant depletion of yang energy within his body, impairing the circulation of qi and blood. This explains his current state of extreme weakness. Careful recuperation will be required for a full recovery.”

Hearing this, Li Shimin finally exhaled in relief, his heart settling back into place.

Exchanging glances, Wang Wei and Gao Junya asked, “According to Physician Zhu, approximately how long will it take for Governor Li to recover under your care?”

Stroking his long beard, Physician Zhu pondered briefly before replying, “At least one month, perhaps two.”

Gao Junya frowned. “Even with your skill, it will take that long?”

“Diseases strike like an avalanche but fade away like unraveling silk—it cannot be rushed.” Before Gao Junya could press further, Wang Wei interjected, “Time is of the essence. Please prepare a prescription for Governor Li’s treatment without delay. Only when he recovers can we fulfill our duty to the Emperor.”