Chapter 194: Investigation

Is the chance of a remedy low?

Although Wangfu already has many heirs, who wouldn't wish for more children and blessings?

Prince Qi hasn't even reached his fortieth year, yet already can't have children…

This!!!

Princess Consort of Qi was truly shocked.

If before she could keep steady, now she clearly can't control her emotions.

It was Liu Dafu's repeated urging that finally calmed her down.

After calming down, Princess Consort of Qi directly had Aunt Qiu summon Sui Si.

Sui Si is Prince Qi's close attendant, serving his daily routine.

If, in the secondary residence, besides Car Maid, anyone else as close to the Prince and most aware of his condition, it must be Sui Si.

When Sui Si was called over, he felt a bit uneasy.

He thought that the Princess Consort usually doesn't meddle in the Prince's affairs with the rear‑courtyard women, so this summons probably isn't about Car Maid, right?

But what could it be?

Some matters, should he speak up, or stay silent?

When Sui Si entered, he saw the Princess Consort's face grim and felt an ominous premonition.

Princess Consort of Qi didn't beat around the bush; as soon as he entered, she asked straight away: "Has the Prince used any restorative medicine or other drugs in the secondary residence?"

Liu Dafu said that for the situation to become so severe so quickly, it's most likely related to medication.

Even if not medication, it's mostly linked to something ingested.

Princess Consort of Qi's question startled Sui Si. He thought carefully, then honestly replied: "During the two cloudy days after going to the secondary residence, the Prince's leg was a bit sore. Car Maid applied a black plaster, claiming it was the senior doctor's secret formula. The Prince used it for several days, saying his leg felt much warmer. When the weather improved, the leg stopped hurting, and because the plaster's scent was strong, it was discontinued."

Sui Si remembered the plaster matter clearly.

Moreover, when the Prince returned, a close sniff could still detect that herbal scent on his body.

Sui Si thought, if he doesn't speak, the Princess Consort will ask the Prince, and the Prince would also tell.

It's not something frightening; there's nothing that can't be said.

After listening, Princess Consort of Qi tightened her grip on the handkerchief, glanced at Liu Dafu, whose expression also darkened.

Princess Consort of Qi immediately understood that it was likely related, and after a moment asked: "Is there any leftover plaster?"

Sui Si shook his head after hearing: "I'm not sure about that. Everything was handled solely by Car Maid; she prepared the plaster and applied it to the Prince. The used waste medicine was also tidied up by her maid, Qiao Zhi."

No leftover residue?

But even if they processed it, it probably wouldn't be completely clean, right?

Perhaps sending someone to the secondary residence now could still find some residue.

Considering this, Princess Consort of Qi had an idea but still asked further: "Besides that, has the Prince used any other medicines? Has he ever drunk any medicinal soups or the like?"

Earlier the Prince avoided answering; Princess Consort of Qi maintained his dignity and didn't press further.

Now facing Sui Si, Princess Consort of Qi had fewer reservations.

Regarding restorative medicine, Sui Si thought and said: "There is some, but most of it was brewed by Qiao Zhi for Car Maid, supposedly also the senior doctor's secret formula…"

He hesitated, then whispered: "They said it was a 'Bao Sheng' woman, so they brewed it especially, but the medicinal soup tasted unpleasant, the Prince didn't like it, and only drank about half a bowl each time."

When that was said, Princess Consort of Qi and Liu Dafu both felt a chill.

Applied the plaster, and also drank the restorative soup.

Whether the diet is problematic remains unknown.

But…

Princess Consort of Qi thought, this logic doesn't add up!

Car Maid wants to secure favor and elevate her status in Wangfu, so bearing a child would be a good thing for her.

Logically, she shouldn't drug the Prince, right?

Moreover, the drug she gave was so harsh.

Directly cutting off the Prince's heirs?

She is convinced she's pregnant, and this pregnancy is fine, so she wants to block others' chances afterward?

Thinking that way, the logic does fit.

But if such a matter is uncovered, the entire Car family can't escape.

She…

Would she take such a huge risk?

Princess Consort of Qi couldn't figure it out; after Sui Si finished his report, she felt rather uneasy.

Although the Prince isn't particularly scheming, Sui Si isn't foolish, and having followed the Prince and seen much, he now clearly senses that the atmosphere is off.

He thought over and over, recounting everything that had happened at the secondary residence in recent days.

Actually there was nothing abnormal; the Prince, though eager for a daughter, didn't stay on the bed constantly. He only indulged a little at night, and not often.

Sui Si counted quietly himself; at most twice, most of the time just once.

This…

Doesn't count as indulgence, right?

Given the current situation, whether the plaster and the restorative soup are problematic still needs further investigation.

Before the matter is clarified, Princess Consort of Qi doesn't want to wrongfully accuse anyone.

However, the Prince's condition must be reported to the Empress Dowager soon.

If the imperial medical office has someone skilled in this technique, perhaps they could still save him?

Trust Liu Dafu's medical skill, but since it concerns the Prince's heir issue, the approaches can be broadened and more attempts made.

Thinking of this, Princess Consort of Qi first dismissed Sui Si, then met with Liu Dafu, mainly because Liu Dafu had previously worked at the imperial medical institute and knew which imperial doctors were skilled in this matter.

Princess Consort of Qi also didn't want Liu Dafu to harbor any resentment, so she asked him openly.

Liu Dafu wasn't petty; he actually recommended a few people.

Princess Consort of Qi nodded after listening.

She first sent someone to the side courtyard to look for leftover medicine, also searching for the medicinal residue from the restorative soup that Car Maid had drunk.

Even if Car Maid and the others had truly disposed of it, they couldn't just burn it outright, could they?

Such an unusual situation would inevitably raise questions from others.

Therefore, those residues were probably buried.

Holding that thought, when dispatching people, Princess Consort of Qi specifically instructed them that if they couldn't find anything on the surface, they should dig a bit more nearby.

After sending someone to the side courtyard, Princess Consort of Qi also sent a messenger to deliver a note to the palace, preparing to see the Empress Dowager tomorrow, to discuss this matter and, under another pretext, summon the Prince into the palace so the imperial physician could examine again.

The busy, hectic time passed especially quickly.

When she finished her tasks, Sui Sui had already awakened.

Sui Sui noticed that Mother Consort had been busy, so she obediently didn't disturb her and kept playing with Xiang Gugu.

Xiang Gugu has recently been sewing nightclothes for Sui Sui.

After the pattern was drawn, she let the Princess Consort and Sui Sui see it; once the two were satisfied, she went ahead and did it.

Now she set aside what she was holding, and with Sui Sui looked at the Flower and then at the Fish.

When the Princess Consort finished, darkness had already fallen.

The young masters of Wangfu were also about to return.

Sui Sui hadn't seen her brother for two days and had been thinking about it.

Upon hearing that the princes' carriage had arrived at the gate of the residence, Sui Sui let out a small cheer and rushed toward the front courtyard.

Princess Consort of Qi spent the afternoon feeling gloomy, with no smile on her face.

Seeing her little daughter's lively demeanor now, she finally managed a faint smile.

Second watch at 19:00.