Chapter 186: Headache

Sir Jiang, His Majesty specially arranged for us to clean the courtyard spotless.

Inside, various daily necessities and food have been stocked; Sir Jiang and your younger sister can move in at any time.

The head eunuch respectfully bowed to Jiang Xiaomu.

Jiang Xiaomu took out a silver ingot and stuffed it into the little eunuch's hand.

Thank you for your trouble; this is just a small token, not meant as a sign of respect.

That eunuch smiled even more happily.

Sir Jiang, you're being too polite; this is all what we should do.

Then we won't disturb you any further, Sir Jiang; farewell.

After the eunuch left, Jiang Xiaoyu excitedly grabbed Shen Kuo's sleeve and exclaimed:

Brother, we finally have our own home!

Yes! We have a home now!

Since crossing over to this era, Jiang Xiaomu and his sister have been living a life of constant displacement.

Now we finally have a place to settle down, which can be considered a great fortune amidst misfortune.

Jiang Xiaomu watched his sister's lively figure, and the corners of his mouth also slightly rose.

Sir Jiang, Sir Jiang!

The little eunuch's sharp, thin voice sounded from outside the door.

Jiang Xiaomu heard the summons and came out.

Sir Jiang, His Majesty summons you to enter the palace for an audience.

The little eunuch said, bowing.

Jiang Xiaomu's heart skipped a beat; he had just moved into the new residence, why was he summoned again? Could it be that the Empress regrets her decision?

He suppressed his unease and said to Jiang Xiaoyu:

Xiao Yu, play by yourself for now; Brother will go and return shortly.

Jiang Xiaoyu obediently nodded.

Jiang Xiaomu followed the little eunuch to the Imperial Palace, encountering no obstacles along the way, and directly arrived at the Imperial Study.

Your subject Jiang Xiaomu pays his respects to Your Majesty!

Jiang Xiaomu said while performing the salute.

The Empress lowered the memorial in her hand, lifted her gaze to look at Jiang Xiaomu, and gave a slight smile.

Beloved Minister Jiang, are you still accustomed to living in the new residence?

Your Majesty, I and my younger sister are very satisfied; thank you for your great grace.

Jiang Xiaomu answered respectfully.

That's good. The Empress rubbed her temples.

My headache ailment has flared up again today; the imperial physicians are at a loss, Beloved Minister Jiang, do you have any solution?

Jiang Xiaomu's heart stirred; this might be an opportunity.

Your Majesty, I have some knowledge of medicine; may I examine and treat you?

A glimmer of hope flashed in the Empress's eyes.

Then I will trouble Beloved Minister Jiang.

Jiang Xiaomu stepped forward, took the Empress's pulse, and his brows gradually furrowed.

Your Majesty's headache is not an ordinary wind-induced headache, but rather...

Jiang Xiaomu wanted to speak but hesitated.

Then what is it?

The Empress pressed for an answer.

It is due to poisoning.

Jiang Xiaomu said in a deep voice.

Poisoning? The Empress's face changed.

Who is so bold as to dare plot against me!

Jiang Xiaomu shook his head.

I dare not hastily conclude; further investigation is needed.

Beloved Minister Jiang, please investigate; if you uncover the true culprit, I will reward you handsomely!

The Empress said through gritted teeth.

Having received the order, Jiang Xiaomu hurried straight to the Imperial Kitchen.

He suspected that someone had poisoned the Empress's food and drink, and the Imperial Kitchen was the most likely place.

Inside the Imperial Kitchen, several palace maids were busily preparing lunch.

Jiang Xiaomu flashed the gold plaque bestowed by the Empress and demanded in a stern voice:

Where are today's ingredients and medicinal herbs for the Emperor's meals?

The palace maids dared not delay; they quickly led Jiang Xiaomu to the storeroom where ingredients and medicinal herbs were kept.

Jiang Xiaomu carefully examined each medicinal herb and each ingredient, missing no trace.

Suddenly, his gaze fixed on a packet of seemingly ordinary medicinal herbs.

He picked up the herbs, brought them close to his nose, and a faint strange fragrance assailed his nostrils.

What kind of medicinal herb is this?

Jiang Xiaomu asked the palace maid beside him.

"Replying, sir, this is calming incense; His Majesty takes it every night to aid sleep," the palace maid replied.

"Take me to see the medicine-preparing utensils."

Jiang Xiaomu ordered.

The palace maids, trembling, brought Jiang Xiaomu to the medicine-preparing room.

Jiang Xiaomu carefully inspected the medicine pots, bowls, and spoons, when suddenly he noticed a trace of black powder on a spoon that was hard to detect.

He dabbed some powder with his finger, smelled it at the tip of his nose, and a pungent odor made him instantly dizzy.

"This stuff is not right!"

He put the spoon away, preparing to take it back to the mansion for careful study.

Just then, a cold voice came from outside the door.

"Officer Jiang, what are you doing?"

Jiang Xiaomu turned his head and saw a middle-aged man in a python robe standing at the doorway, his face grim as he stared at him.

This man was none other than the current Chancellor, also the Empress's maternal uncle—Wang Shouren.

Jiang Xiaomu slightly bowed, performing a courteous salute that was neither servile nor arrogant.

"Chancellor, I, your humble servant, have come by imperial order to investigate the cause of His Majesty's headache."

Wang Shouren snorted coldly, his bulky body nearly blocking the entire doorway.

"Officer Jiang, this Imperial Kitchen is specially for preparing His Majesty's meals."

"All food and medicinal ingredients must pass multiple checks before being served; how can you just rummage through them at will?"

His thick chin lifted slightly, his eyes filled with contempt.

"What the Chancellor says is quite right," Jiang Xiaomu replied, his expression unchanged.

"But His Majesty's health is paramount; any suspicious detail cannot be overlooked."

"I, your humble servant, also act out of concern for His Majesty's safety; I hope the Chancellor will understand."

Wang Shouren narrowed his eyes, his gaze sliding over Jiang Xiaomu like a poisonous snake.

"Officer Jiang, your loyal dedication is naturally admirable to me."

"However, the Imperial Kitchen is an important place; if you find nothing, wouldn't you be needlessly disturbing the imperial cooks' tranquility?"

Jiang Xiaomu gave a faint smile.

"I, your humble servant, will naturally act cautiously, disturbing no one."

"But some things must be taken back to the mansion for careful study to be certain."

He lifted the spoon in his hand, the black powder glinting with an eerie light in the candlelight.

Wang Shouren's gaze fell upon the object in Jiang Xiaomu's hand, his pupils slightly contracting.

He gave a dry cough, then said:

"In that case, Officer Jiang, please ascertain the truth as soon as possible, so His Majesty may rest easy."

"I, your humble servant, obey."

Jiang Xiaomu bowed again, turned and left without delay.

Wang Shouren watched Jiang Xiaomu's retreating back, a flash of malice crossing his eyes.

He turned and whispered a few instructions to the chief eunuch beside him; the eunuch hurried away.

Jiang Xiaomu visited several pharmacies and clinics, but none could provide information about the black powder on the spoon.

Returning to his mansion late at night, Jiang Xiaomu immediately began studying the spoon.

Suddenly a faint rustle came from outside the window; he alertly looked up, seeing a black shadow flash by.

Jiang Xiaomu immediately rose, drew his waist sword, and gave chase.

The black shadow darted through the courtyard, agile and evidently a well-trained expert.

Jiang Xiaomu pursued relentlessly, and the two engaged in a fierce chase through the mansion.

The shadow several times tried to shake off Jiang Xiaomu's pursuit, but each attempt was thwarted by him.

Finally, Jiang Xiaomu caught up with the shadow behind a rockery.

He thrust his sword forward; the shadow sidestepped to avoid it and struck back with a palm aimed at Jiang Xiaomu's chest.

Jiang Xiaomu hastily raised his sword to block; hearing a clang, he saw that the shadow also held a sharp blade!

Looking closely, the blade the shadow wielded was actually a Japanese samurai sword.

"A ninja?!"