Chapter 592: The Strange Physician Diagnoses the Strange Poison

Love Shenjing, Tuishi Court official residence, main hall.

Eunuch Yuan Jing entered the Tuishi Court official residence for the second time, delivering Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao's second imperial decree. Zhou Jun heard the content and was filled with astonishment, his thoughts churning.

He had not expected that news of Huang Huang Hongcang's mishap had reached the palace, and within less than two hours, Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao had already appointed a replacement chief examiner.

The palace's response was undeniably swift, yet today was already the sixteenth—the very day the chief and associate examiners were to enter seclusion. Such a hasty remedy was understandable.

But this newly appointed chief examiner was a complete surprise to Zhou Jun. He rapidly recalled all he knew, searching for any useful insight.

Yuan Jing said: "Minister Huang of the Ministry of Rites suffered an unexpected incident before entering seclusion. His Majesty fears that malevolent forces intend to sabotage the Spring Examination."

His Majesty has ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to deploy personnel to strengthen protection for the chief examiner of the Spring Examination.

Huang's sudden mysterious illness remains unconfirmed. His Majesty has explicitly instructed that the new chief examiner's identity must not be disclosed before entering the examination compound, lest another incident occur.

His Majesty deeply values Minister Huang as a senior minister of great virtue and talent, revered throughout court and realm, and originally appointed him as chief examiner to select outstanding talent for the state.

Yet he has met with such a mysterious misfortune. His Majesty laments this deeply and has specially dispatched the new chief examiner, accompanied by Chief Physician Li Mingcheng of the Taiyi Academy, to visit and treat Minister Huang at his residence, to express His Majesty's concern and mercy.

Embroidered Uniform Guard personnel in plain clothes will accompany them, but His Majesty, seeking utmost caution, has ordered you, Master Zhou, to accompany them the entire way. After leaving the Huang residence, you will escort the new chief examiner into the examination compound to prepare the questions.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jun's spirit lifted slightly; his mind became as clear as a mirror, and he quickly grasped the emperor's intent.

The chief examiner's sudden mishap the night before entering the examination compound had planted deep suspicion in this calculating, solemn monarch.

But in haste, the truth could not be uncovered. Thus, after appointing the substitute, he deliberately concealed the new chief examiner's identity to prevent exploitation and further mishaps.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard has already intervened to provide protection, and the Tuishi Court is to accompany them the entire way.

With the Spring Examination imminent, the emperor, fearing the unforeseen, trusts no one. The Embroidered Uniform Guard and Tuishi Court jointly participate to check and monitor each other.

After Yuan Jing departed, Zhou Jun ordered his subordinates to prepare carriages and horses to await at the Huang residence for the arrival of the new chief examiner, escorted by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

He himself hurried back to the office. The imperial decree delivered by Yuan Jing had stirred him deeply—he needed to verify his suspicions immediately.

The long corridor of the office suddenly felt endless. Zhou Jun nearly ran into the office, retrieving a thick stack of documents from a wooden shelf behind his desk.

Since the blue-covered booklet appeared on the market, triggering a wave of candidates paying homage to Spring Examination officials.

Zhou Jun sensed something unusual and ordered the chief clerk of the Tuishi Court to dispatch spies to gather all information regarding candidates visiting officials.

These documents also included fifty-seven privately drafted questions compiled by Zheng Zheng Yingquan, each annotated with the drafter's name and official title.

The information in these documents came from Tuishi Court spies—rumors gathered from streets and markets, or secrets bought with money—each source differing.

Thus, many entries were incomplete, fragmented, and chaotic; extracting coherent clues required considerable effort.

Though Zhou Jun was ruthless and outcome-driven, always employing any means necessary, he was also an extremely meticulous and patient man.

He had thoroughly scrutinized every scrap of these complex, numerous documents, adding detailed annotations to each.

Thus, he did not spend much time before locating two specific documents—exactly what he sought.

He carefully reviewed his findings, his eyes gleaming with strange, frenzied light. The despair brought by Huang Huang Hongcang's mishap vanished instantly!

A faint, dark smile curled his lips as he muttered triumphantly: "The net of heaven is wide, yet its mesh is not coarse."

After a moment's thought, he picked up his brush and wrote a letter, sealed it with wax, and murmured: "We still have one and a half days—there's still time…"

He summoned a trusted subordinate: "Deliver this letter to my residence. Give it to my wife or my son. Go quickly and return swiftly—no mistakes."

"Also, select two capable, reliable men and bring them here immediately. They are to go to the western city for a task…"

…

Love Shenjing, Qingliu Alley, Huang residence.

Zhou Jun's carriage arrived at the Huang residence. Not long after, two more carriages arrived in succession.

One carriage was particularly grand, accompanied by four sturdy young servants.

The Huang household had received prior notice and opened its gates, long closed for half a day, awaiting the new chief examiner's visit.

But what concerned Madame Huang and Miss Huang most was not the new chief examiner, but the accompanying Taiyi Academy chief physician, Li Mingcheng.

Since Huang Huang Hongcang's mysterious collapse last night, the Huang family had summoned two renowned physicians of Love Shenjing, yet neither could determine his illness.

But even if their reputations were exaggerated, their medical skill was undeniable—they had stabilized Huang Huang Hongcang's heart, keeping him alive though unconscious.

When the two carriages entered the Huang residence, one carried not only Physician Li Mingcheng but several other Taiyi Academy physicians, their presence imposing.

Though the Huang family was no Jia clan, a hereditary noble house, they still observed propriety: unmarried daughters typically did not appear publicly.

But Huang Huang Hongcang had no sons, only one beloved daughter. The Huang family had no relatives in Love Shenjing to assist. Madame Huang, over forty, had been thrown into chaos by her husband's uncertain fate.

Now, His Majesty himself had dispatched officials to visit and treat him—this was immense imperial favor. The Huang family must send someone to receive them. Miss Huang had no choice but to set aside her modesty and represent her father.

From the other carriage stepped a middle-aged man, around forty, dressed in a dark blue robe and long tunic, his features upright, short beard, bearing refined and lofty air.

Yet his expression was heavy and strange, as if interwoven with excitement and tension, revealing an oddness…

He saw Zhou Jun and immediately became expressionless, yet still observed court etiquette, clasping his fists: "Master Zhou, greetings."

Zhou Jun knew these lofty scholar-officials held deep disdain for him and never showed him a good face—he paid it no mind.

He replied with a cold, insincere smile: "Your Excellency is too courteous. Let us proceed to visit Minister Huang."

Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao had ordered Yuan Jing to convey the verbal decree: to prevent further incidents, the new chief examiner's identity must not be disclosed before entering the examination compound.

Thus, Zhou Jun did not reveal his name or title to Huang Huang Hongcang's family.

…

The two entered Huang Huang Hongcang's bedroom. He lay on the bed, face pale and bluish, body rigid as if dead, only a faint rise and fall of his chest indicating he still lived.

Chief Physician Li Mingcheng was already diagnosing him, assisted by several other physicians.

The middle-aged man, seeing the physicians had no results, turned to Miss Huang: "Minister Huang is deeply learned and upright in office, renowned throughout court and realm.

Originally appointed chief examiner of the Spring Examination, he would surely have selected outstanding talent through his exceptional scholarship. Yet he has suffered this calamity—truly heartbreaking.

I have come under imperial decree to visit Minister Huang and assume his role as chief examiner. I hear he has been on leave these past days, likely secluded to refine and draft the examination questions.

I wish to see any draft questions he left behind, to study his thoughts and intent, to aid in composing new questions, and to honor his dedication to selecting talent."

The man had unexpectedly assumed the chief examiner's role. To draft new Spring Examination questions within a single day was extremely rushed.

But he had once been a prodigy of the imperial examinations, gifted and learned, no less than Huang Huang Hongcang. What overwhelmed others, he could still manage.

His words to Miss Huang were merely courtly formalities, required by imperial orders.

Moreover, assuming this position under such circumstances was hardly honorable, and the time allotted for drafting questions was far too tight.

If Huang Huang Hongcang had left draft questions, it would be fortunate. If not, he would simply exert more mental effort.

Yet Zhou Jun, hearing this, was inwardly delighted—if the new questions followed Huang's original line of thought, it would greatly aid him…

Miss Huang paused slightly, then said: "Yesterday, when I brought tea to his study, Father, after days of studying classics, finally gained inspiration and had drafted the Spring Examination questions."

Zhou Jun's heart leapt. The middle-aged man's eyes brightened.

Miss Huang continued: "But Father said the Spring Examination is watched by all. Those seeking fame and fortune will resort to all manner of underhanded schemes.

He said he had the questions firmly memorized; after entering the examination compound today, he would simply recite them from memory for the emperor's review. There was no need to leave written drafts at home, lest unforeseen dangers arise.

So, before my eyes, he burned the final draft, all preliminary drafts, and his notes in the fire basin."

The middle-aged man sighed deeply: "Minister Huang is upright and pure, his thoughts meticulous. His solemn dedication to selecting talent for the Spring Examination is truly admirable."

Zhou Jun, hearing Miss Huang's words, grew grim. His disappointment was sharp. Coldly, he asked: "Is what you say true? Did Minister Huang truly burn all draft questions?"

…

Zhou Jun's cold tone seemed to frighten Miss Huang. She said: "What do you mean, Master? I saw it with my own eyes. Father is always cautious."

Zhou Jun said sternly: "Miss Huang, as head of the Tuishi Court, I must investigate Minister Huang's sudden misfortune. There is surely a hidden cause—likely tied to his Spring Examination questions.

Therefore, I must examine this thoroughly. Please accompany me to his study. I need to search for any trace of what caused his calamity."

The middle-aged man, hearing Zhou Jun's arrogant, sinister tone—his entire demeanor that of a brutal official—frowned in displeasure.

But he had just left the palace and knew His Majesty had ordered the Tuishi Court to investigate Huang Huang Hongcang's case. Zhou Jun used this as justification to pressure Miss Huang—he could not openly obstruct him.

Miss Huang's expression showed reluctance, but under Zhou Jun's intimidating presence, she reluctantly allowed Madame Huang to accompany them to Huang Huang Hongcang's study.

As Zhou Jun and the middle-aged man entered the study, they saw a bronze basin beside the desk, filled with black ashes.

Miss Huang said: "Yesterday, Father burned the final draft and all related notes in this basin."

Zhou Jun knelt before the basin, raking through the ashes. He could see the paper had been burned thoroughly. He rose and wandered the study, meticulously examining bookshelves and documents, occasionally pulling out scrolls to inspect.

Seeing Zhou Jun's conduct, Miss Huang's face turned pale with fury.

She knew exactly who Zhou Jun was—an infamous Tuishi Court torturer. Her father stood in stark opposition to such men. He could never be a guest in the Huang household.

Her father had suffered a sudden misfortune—not a criminal. He was a high-ranking third-rank official. Yet Zhou Jun dared to ransack his study. Utterly disrespectful.

Though her lips tightened and her face darkened, she remained silent—she was not afraid he would find anything…

The middle-aged man, a fellow orthodox scholar-official like Huang Huang Hongcang, shared his indignation. Seeing Zhou Jun's insolence, he could no longer contain himself. He snorted coldly and swept out of the study.

Zhou Jun had searched every corner of the study and found nothing unusual. He said grimly: "Minister Huang's thoughts are meticulous. Truly admirable."

Whether this was his genuine thought or meant for Miss Huang, he then calmly left Huang Huang Hongcang's study.

As for Miss Huang's anger or the middle-aged man's contempt—he seemed utterly unconcerned…

After Zhou Jun left the study, Madame Huang's expression turned strange.

!

She asked, worried: "Xiu'e, your father's documents were burned by you this morning—why did you say it was your father who burned them?"

Miss Huang's expression was calm. The fear and timidity she had shown before Zhou Jun vanished.

She whispered: "Mother, Father was to enter the examination compound tonight. Yet he fell ill precisely now—don't you find that strange?

Now that Father cannot serve as chief examiner, those draft questions are a curse. Better to burn them clean.

In truth, even before his mishap, Father had been wary. He had already burned the original draft. I merely helped tidy up…"

…

As Zhou Jun stepped out of the study, Zheng Zheng Yingquan approached: "Master, I have inspected the entire Huang residence and questioned all servants. I found nothing amiss.

Yesterday, Huang Huang Hongcang acted as usual—no visitors came. His meals were normal. After dinner, he remained in his study for nearly two hours, then suddenly collapsed into unconsciousness."

Zhou Jun frowned: "According to you, he was not poisoned. No visitors means no suspects. It truly seems his illness was internal?"

Hmph, if this were truly the cause, the sudden outbreak is far too conveniently timed!

Zheng Zheng Yingquan said: "Since Huang Huang Hongcang has not died, only fallen into unconsciousness, we absolutely cannot allow a coroner to examine the body. But Li Li Chengming, the head of the Taiyi Academy, is a master physician—perhaps he can determine the cause."

Zhou Jun nodded slightly. If Huang Huang Hongcang had died unexpectedly this time, they could follow legal procedure and have the coroner perform an autopsy—finding the cause would be far simpler.

But now Huang Huang Hongcang was merely unconscious. If Zhou Jun dared to demand a coroner's examination, he would be publicly humiliating a third-rank official—and instantly become the mortal enemy of the court's civil officials.

At that point, with public outrage boiling over, even Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao might not be able to protect him…

…

When Zhou Jun and Zheng Zheng Yingquan returned to Huang Huang Hongcang's bedroom, the room remained lifeless.

Soon after, Miss Huang accompanied Lady Huang into the room. With Huang Huang Hongcang's life hanging in the balance, they, as family, naturally cared deeply about the imperial physician's diagnosis.

Li Li Chengming had just unbuttoned Huang Huang Hongcang's clothing and pressed his chest and abdomen, repeatedly feeling his pulse and listening with a stethoscope.

Finally, as if struck by a thought, he gently pried open Huang Huang Hongcang's lips, inspecting something within.

Zhou Jun felt a strange unease and asked: "Lord Li, can you determine the cause of Lord Huang's condition?"

Li Li Chengming closed Huang Huang Hongcang's lips again. His expression turned peculiar, even revealing a trace of fear.

He said: "I can roughly conclude that Lord Huang's unconsciousness was caused by deliberate poisoning."

Upon hearing Li Li Chengming's words, Lady Huang, Miss Huang, and the middle-aged man all paled in shock.

Zhou Jun's eyes flashed with sharp interest. "Lord Li, what poison did Lord Huang ingest? And how was it administered?"

Li Li Chengming said: "Lord Huang's pulse is weak and slow, irregular and confused. His limbs, hands, feet, complexion, and breath all show no signs of poisoning."

When I undressed him just now, I noticed faint reddish discoloration on his chest and ribs, which raised my suspicions."

Later, I observed slight chapping on his lips. Upon closer inspection, I found his gums were blackish-blue—this confirms he was poisoned by Shu Shu Mangcao."

Shu Shu Mangcao is exceedingly rare, growing only in remote southern mountain forests. It has never been seen in the north, and few physicians recognize its appearance."

Anyone poisoned by it shows no external symptoms, but their gums turn black. Once the poison enters the five viscera, the skin over the ribs turns faintly red."

Ordinary examination methods rarely detect such anomalies."

Thus, it is no surprise that the two renowned physicians from the capital failed to diagnose Lord Huang's condition."

I am also from the north. I recognize Shu Shu Mangcao because over twenty years ago, a prince in the palace suffered from gout from birth. Every remedy failed to cure him."

Later, a famous southern physician traveled to the capital and offered a peculiar prescription: using Shu Shu Mangcao as a medicinal catalyst, combined with other herbs, he ultimately cured the prince's strange illness."

I was then a student at the Taiyi Academy, serving my master daily, and had the privilege of witnessing the event—thus I recognize this substance.

…

Miss Huang, her expression agitated, asked: "Lord Li, since you recognize this poison, you must have an antidote. Please, use your divine skill to save my father's life—Huang family will forever be grateful."

Li Li Chengming said: "Bound by the Emperor's decree to treat Lord Huang, I will spare no effort. Miss Huang, rest assured."

Shu Shu Mangcao is violently potent. When preparing the prince's medicine, the Taiyi Academy and the palace both stored some of it."

A palace eunuch accidentally ingested the poison and died within less than twenty minutes—its toxicity is extreme."

But Lord Huang was poisoned hours ago and has not yet died; he still clings to a breath."

This indicates the dose was light. Someone must have mixed Shu Shu Mangcao with another hallucinogenic drug, causing Lord Huang to be subdued and rendered unconscious."

Once I return to the Taiyi Academy, I will immediately analyze the pharmacology and prepare an antidote as soon as possible."

…

Lady Huang and Miss Huang, hearing Li Li Chengming's explanation, barely registered the story of the prince's illness. Knowing there was hope to save Huang Huang Hongcang, they were filled with joy.

Zhou Jun, however, cared nothing for whether Huang Huang Hongcang lived or died. He asked: "Lord Li, how could this poison be administered?"

Li Li Chengming replied firmly: "Naturally, through food or drink."

Lady Huang, puzzled, said: "The Master eats the same meals as we do. If the poison was in the food, why has no one else in the household fallen ill?"

Suddenly, Miss Huang realized something. "Mother, Father eats with us at the same table—but there is one thing he alone consumes, and no one else ever touches."

Zhou Jun snapped: "What is it?!"

Miss Huang said: "Father has long suffered from throat ailments. Since the spring imperial examinations require ten days of seclusion, he feared his old condition would flare up and ruin the exams."

For this period, he has been consuming stewed alligator meat as medicinal therapy. Two hours before his collapse last night, he ate a bowl of it."

Zhou Jun's eyes gleamed. "Where did you buy this alligator meat? Is any left?"

Lady Huang replied: "The Master's alligator meat was ordered from Hongxing Southern Goods Store on Yongcun Street. Yesterday, they delivered two catties. Half remains in the kitchen."

But our cook is a distant relative of our family, having served us for over a decade—she would never poison the Master. Lord Zhou, do not wrongfully accuse her."

Zhou Jun seemed to ignore Lady Huang's words entirely. Coldly, he said: "Zheng Zhushi!"

Zheng Zheng Yingquan understood at once. He left the room, then returned moments later, carrying a wrapped object in thick cloth.

He said: "My lord, all entrances and exits are secured. Everyone is accounted for."

Zhou Jun said sternly: "Send men immediately to Hongxing Southern Goods Store. Arrest all relevant personnel and bring them to the Tuishishi Court for interrogation!"

At these words, an icy chill filled the room, sending shivers down every spine…

The Tuishishi Court was infamous in the streets. Those taken there for questioning might not all die—but none escaped without suffering terribly.

Li Li Chengming took the wrapped cloth from Zheng Zheng Yingquan and carefully unwrapped it. Inside was a gray-black, scaly, salted piece of meat.

He lifted it to his nose and sniffed lightly. His brow furrowed. "Shu Shu Mangcao must be dried before use, and emits a strong, pungent aroma."

If applied to meat, it enhances flavor, somewhat like Sichuan pepper—but this alligator meat carries no such scent. It does not appear poisoned."

Zhou Jun's face darkened with menace. "Only this meat could have poisoned Lord Huang! How could it be harmless?!"

Li Li Chengming paid no heed to Zhou Jun's accusation. As head of the Taiyi Academy and a nationally renowned physician, he was deeply favored by Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao.

Even if Zhou Jun were a rabid dog, he would never dare bite him. Who doesn't fall ill? When life hangs in the balance, a physician like Li Li Chengming is worth a life.

Li Li Chengming spoke calmly: "To determine whether this meat is poisoned is not difficult. It will take little time to know for certain."

Lord Zhou, send someone to find a stray dog. Heat the alligator meat until oil drips out. If it contains Shu Shu Mangcao, the poison will volatilize and intensify."

Feed it to the dog. Within half an hour, the dog will show signs of poisoning. If the dog remains unharmed, the meat is clean." (End of chapter)