Chapter 734

Shi Kuan appeared much calmer than Hu Xiaotian, he said in a low voice: "From Master Liu's perspective, will the Princess be in danger?"

Liu Changsheng said: "It's hard to say, because the nature of the poison inside her is unknown, so I can only use some conventional treatments. The prescription I just wrote is for a medicinal bath, requiring a high-level internal energy practitioner to use internal energy to help the Princess expel the toxins from her body." He looked at Shi Kuan, his gaze falling on Hu Xiaotian: "Sir Hu, would you be willing?" Hu Xiaotian, being a eunuch, to detoxify the Princess requires immersing the patient in a tub filled with medicinal decoction, then using internal energy to inject into the other's body, circulating through the meridians to expel the toxins that have entered her body. Although this method cannot completely clear the toxins from her body, it can at least remove part of them, alleviating the symptoms of poisoning.

Huo Shengnan also entered the room, looking worried and anxious: "I have already fed the Princess the three Nine-turn Blood Cleansing Pills, but her condition still shows no improvement."

Liu Changsheng said: "Please, General Huo, prepare hot water immediately."

After asking, Huo Shengnan then learned what Liu Changsheng needed the hot water for. She thought it over and voluntarily offered to use her internal energy to heal Princess Anping. In Liu Changsheng's view, Huo Shengnan doing this would be more appropriate than Hu Xiaotian, because when detoxifying it's best to remove one's clothing. Although Hu Xiaotian is a eunuch, he was originally a man.

Hu Xiaotian originally thought he could take this opportunity to feast his eyes, but then he immediately realized that Xi Yan was just pretending; if he took advantage of the situation, that girl would surely look down on him, and moreover she is fickle, so she might even take out her anger on him and turn against him, so he decided to be magnanimous.

The reason Huo Shengnan voluntarily offered to use her internal energy to detoxify Princess Anping is that one very important factor is that she clearly neglected her duties tonight; it was her oversight that caused the major mistake. Huo Shengnan has an extremely competitive character; although she hasn't publicly apologized, she is already making up for her mistake through concrete actions.

While they were actively preparing for detoxification, the imperial physician summoned from the Imperial Palace also arrived. It was Xu Bai chuan, the head of the Da Yong Imperial Medical Institute, the undisputed flagship of the institute. Xu Bai chuan could come to Qixing Palace because the Emperor granted permission; Princess Anping's assassination and poisoning, with her life hanging by a thread, is no trivial matter. Even Shi Kuan would not dare to decide on his own; he had someone report this to the Emperor.

The Da Yong Emperor Xue Shengkang's permission for Xu Bai chuan to come also shows his importance attached to this matter.

Xu Bai chuan and Liu Changsheng are hailed as the pillars of the medical forest in Yongdu, almost representing the pinnacle of Da Yong's medical community. Having heard that Liu Changsheng has arrived, Xu Bai chuan has been even more cautious in diagnosing the condition. One serves the imperial court, the other mingles among the common folk; between them there is no grudge, and their friendship can be described as that of gentlemen, as pure as water.

Accompanied by Huo Shengnan, Xu Bai chuan went to Xi Yan's bedside to carefully observe her poisoning condition; only after a long time did he come out. Since Liu Changsheng had already diagnosed her before him, Xu Bai chuan was very cautious, first asking for Liu Changsheng's opinion. This also shows Xu Bai chuan's slickness. He is not only an imperial physician but also an official; before doing anything, he first considers leaving himself a way out.

Fortunately, his and Liu Changsheng's diagnoses are roughly the same. Xu Bai chuan also expressed agreement with Liu Changsheng's treatment plan, saying in a low voice: "The biggest hassle now is that the nature of the poison is unknown; only by finding out exactly what poison caused the injury can we eradicate the toxins inside the Princess's body."

Liu Changsheng explained his detoxification prescription.

Xu Bai chuan nodded and said: "If we can combine it with the Black Ice Clam, that would be perfect."

Liu Changsheng gave a wry smile: "The Black Ice Clam isn't that easy to find."

Xu Bai chuan said: "According to what I know, there is one hidden inside Prince Yan's Manor, but..." After saying that, he himself felt it was pointless, thinking it unlikely that Prince Yan would simply hand over the treasure.

Liu Changsheng said: "The wonder of the Black Ice Clam lies in its ability to be used repeatedly."

Xu Bai chuan said: "I think we should still report this to His Majesty as soon as possible; as soon as His Majesty speaks, Prince Yan should agree to lend the Black Ice Clam." He then added: "But it's so late now; His Majesty has already retired for the night, we can't disturb him, so we can only wait until morning to speak."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Nothing is more important than the Princess's life; I'll go to Prince Yan's Manor right now." Although Hu Xiaotian knew that Xi Yan's poisoning was just a facade to deceive everyone, since we're putting on an act we must do it thoroughly, and cannot reveal any flaw in front of these people.

Only then did everyone recall that Hu Xiaotian and Prince Yan Xue Shengjing had just become sworn brothers not long ago; if he spoke up, Prince Yan would surely not refuse.

When Hu Xiaotian arrived at Prince Yan's Manor, it was already the fifth watch; the manor was still shrouded in night, and dawn would come soon. The guards on duty, seeing Hu Xiaotian come, rushed in to report; the news of Hu Xiaotian and Prince Yan's sworn brotherhood was known throughout the manor, from top to bottom.

Not long after, Steward Tie Zheng came out to meet him. Although Tie Zheng had never thought much of Hu Xiaotian, since Hu Xiaotian and Prince Yan became sworn brothers his attitude has become much more courteous, and he clasped his hands in salute: "Sir Hu, what urgent matter brings you here at this late hour?"

Hu Xiaotian returned the salute with clasped hands: "Steward Tie, I dare to come and indeed have an urgent matter; could you trouble Steward Tie to inform my elder brother, saying I have an urgent matter to see him?"

Tie Zheng showed a difficult expression and said softly: "Sir Hu, it's not that I'm unwilling, but Prince Yan has issued an order beforehand that no one may disturb his rest at will; it's already the Yin hour, so please Sir Hu, move to the flower hall and wait patiently for another half hour."

Hu Xiaotian said: "I have come this time for a matter of life and death; I hope Steward Tie can make an exception."

Seeing his anxiety, Tie Zheng knew there must be a major incident; otherwise Hu Xiaotian wouldn't come at this hour. He nodded and said: "Alright, then I'll risk being scolded by the Prince."

Hu Xiaotian patiently waited in the flower hall for half an hour, then finally saw Xue Shengjing arrive late. Hu Xiaotian silently cursed, having said it was a matter of life and death, this guy still delayed so long; it seems he never valued this sworn brother of his in his heart. He thought the surgery had already been done, so he wouldn't need to beg his father anymore!

Xue Shengjing entered the flower hall yawning; at this moment the distant sky already showed a bluish-gray hue, dawn had arrived, and Xue Shengjing said: "Brother, what is so urgent that you've made me unable to sleep well?" Behind him, Tie Zheng wore a bitter smile, clearly having been scolded by Xue Shengjing.

Hu Xiaotian rose to greet Xue Shengjing: "Elder brother, it's really embarrassing to disturb you at this hour."

Xue Shengjing patted his shoulder and said: "Sit down and talk, sit down and talk!"

Hu Xiaotian explained the whole situation to him; after listening, Xue Shengjing frowned tightly.

Seeing his expression, Hu Xiaotian felt something was off; could Xue Shengjing be reluctant to lend a single Black Ice Clam?

Xue Shengjing let out a long sigh: "Brother, between us, whether it's lending or giving, it's no problem; it's just that the Black Ice Clam is not in my possession."

Hu Xiaotian exclaimed in shock: "Not there?"

Xue Shengjing nodded: "Not there; a month ago, thieves broke into the storehouse of my manor and stole many things, among them this Black Ice Clam. Since many of the items were gifts from my imperial elder brother, I feared his blame and kept it quiet, secretly sending people to investigate and search, but to this day there has been no trace."

While Xue Shengjing was speaking, Hu Xiaotian subtly observed Tie Zheng's expression, only to see Tie Zheng reveal a look of astonishment; although fleeting, Hu Xiaotian noted it in his mind. Given the major theft at the manor, the steward Tie Zheng could not possibly be unaware; from the subtle change in Tie Zheng's expression just now, one can infer that he actually knows nothing about this. Hu Xiaotian silently sneered, "Xue Shengjing, Xue Shengjing, just to borrow a thing, you're so stingy; even though I have also done you favors, this behavior is truly chilling."

Hu Xiaotian showed no displeasure, rose and said: "If that's the case, there's nothing to be done; elder brother, I'll take my leave first."

Xue Shengjing said: "Brother, don't rush off." He told Tie Zheng: "Go find Ma Qingyun and have him bring a bottle of Hundred Grass Return Spring Pill."

Tie Zheng, after receiving the order, turned and left. Not long after, he returned with a bottle of Hundred Herbs Reviving Spring Pills. Xue Shengjing personally handed that bottle to Hu Xiaotian and said: 'This bottle of Hundred Herbs Reviving Spring Pills is something I obtained at great expense; although it is not some miraculous elixir, it is very effective against snake venom. Brother, take it back and try it.'

Hu Xiaotian knew Xue Shengjing was just putting on a show; he took the bottle and said to Xue Shengjing: 'Elder brother, I must go now. A great kindness needs no thanks; we'll talk later.'

Xue Shengjing said with feigned sincerity: 'What need is there to say such things between us? Tie Zheng, help me see my brother off.'

After Hu Xiaotian left, a man in a blue robe entered the room, approached Xue Shengjing, and respectfully bowed—it was Xue Shengjing's martial uncle, Ma Qingyun.

Xue Shengjing said: 'Go find out what exactly happened at the Qichen Palace; who has the audacity to dare assassinate Princess Anping?'

Ma Qingyun said: 'Your Highness, could it be someone summoned by Consort Shu?'

Xue Shengjing slowly shook his head and said: 'Consort Shu's dissatisfaction with this marriage is common knowledge; therefore, if Princess Anping meets with misfortune, everyone, like you, would first suspect her and her son. Consort Shu is no fool, and the Seventh Prince is exceptionally clever; it is impossible for them to make such an all-or-nothing move before the wedding.'

Ma Qingyun whispered: 'Your Highness, do you think someone else is behind this? Is someone trying to redirect this blame onto the Seventh Prince, using the opportunity to sabotage the relations between Dakang and Da Yong?'

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