Chapter 43: This Man is Extraordinary

The elderly physician walked without haste and showed no trace of fear upon seeing the prime minister’s residence, truly displaying the grace of a master.

Yue Tao was quite impressed by his demeanor. When Lady Gu inquired, she answered with certainty, “The physician I invited is from the Xuanhu Hall.”

Gu Huairou nodded, laid a silk handkerchief over her wrist, and let the physician examine her.

“I have practiced medicine for decades, and I am most proficient in dealing with women’s intricate and complex ailments,” the old physician declared confidently. “Misdiagnoses are common among others, but I never make such mistakes.”

Upon hearing this, Lady Gu’s eyes lit up instantly. “Then, can you diagnose a pregnancy that has just passed a month?”

“That’s straightforward,” the elderly physician said. “Through observation, listening, inquiry, and palpation, as long as you cooperate, it won’t be difficult to detect a pregnancy of over a month. Simply inform me of your last menstrual period and recent physical condition, then allow me to take your pulse and observe—it will be clear.”

“Excellent!” Lady Gu hurriedly replied. “Yuetao can discuss the details with you in a moment, but for now, please begin with the pulse diagnosis.”

The physician nodded, attentively checking the pulse, then examined Lady Gu’s complexion and inquired about her recent diet and menstrual cycle before turning with a smile. “What’s there to doubt? You are certainly pregnant!”

“Truly?” Gu Huairou exclaimed with joy. “Are you certain?”

“Definitely,” the elderly physician said. “Huanhu Hall’s reputation isn’t about to be tarnished here!”

Wonderful! Gu Huairou was overjoyed, the sickly pallor on his face completely vanished, and he hurriedly said, “Yuetao, take the doctor to the accountant’s office to get the reward silver, then go inform Madam and the Prime Minister!”

“Yes!” Yuetao was also delighted and quickly led the doctor outside. The physician shook his head and said, “Today is a free consultation; no reward silver is needed. If Madam has any needs in the future, just come to Huanhu Hall to request me. I’ll take my leave first.”

What a fine physician! Yuetao repeatedly expressed her thanks, escorting him all the way out.

When Jiang Taohua returned to the prime minister’s residence after a sound sleep, the place was already bustling with excitement.

“What’s going on?” Qingtai ran over and grabbed a servant, asking curiously.

The servant beamed, his eyes disappearing into joyful wrinkles, and said, “Lady Gu is pregnant—it’s been confirmed as true. The Madam is overjoyed and has rewarded each of us with ten strings of coins. Now we’re just waiting for the master to return to hand out more rewards!”

Taohua was astonished and couldn’t help but ask, “But I thought it was too early in the pregnancy to be detected?”

“Returning to the lady, this humble servant does not know the details either,” the servant replied. “But the Wensheng Pavilion has already released word that there is a pregnancy, and the madam has already acknowledged it. As for the rest, there’s no need for us to ask further.”

At first, Gu Huairou had been extremely cautious, not letting Madam Liu spread any news indiscriminately. In the blink of an eye, how could she have lost her own composure? With some doubts stirring in her heart, despite still feeling unwell, Peach Blossom turned first to head toward Wensheng Pavilion.

Many people had already been coming and going in Wensheng Pavilion, and the entire face of Madam Gu was filled with joy. Having just seen off a few visitors and about to rest, she caught sight of Jiang Peach Blossom arriving.

A hint of her delight slightly receded. Sitting on the bed, Madam Gu swept a glance over Peach Blossom from head to toe, and with a faint smile, she said, “Has the lady returned?”

Peach Blossom pursed her lips, noticing there weren’t many people in the inner room, so she sat down directly and looked at her as she asked, “How can you be sure you’re pregnant?”

If she had said this earlier, Gu Huairou wouldn’t have thought much of it—just ordinary concern. But now, hearing it asked this way, she couldn’t help feeling a bit uncomfortable.

“Do you think I’m lying?”

“No.” Peach Blossom shook her head. “But pregnancies in the early stages are hard to diagnose. Why not wait a little longer?”

With a light chuckle, Gu Huairou said, “Today, a physician from Xuān Hú Hall came to visit. He specializes in women’s ailments, and detecting an early-stage pregnancy is hardly a difficult task for him.”

Is that so? Peach Blossom nodded, sensing some resistance from Madame Gu and not feeling inclined to stay longer. After offering a few words of concern, she left with Qingtai in tow.

“What’s going on?” Qingtai frowned. “Previously, Madam Gu was quite friendly toward you, even making a special visit to warn you, fearing you might get caught up in the conflicts. How did her attitude change so abruptly?”

Peach Blossom replied calmly, “Even the closest of sisters can fall out. What’s so surprising about a fragile alliance formed with a few words dissolving so easily? I suspect someone has been stirring up trouble behind the scenes, making Madame Gu lose trust in me.”

“But,” Qingtai said sincerely, “those who don’t believe you always seem to end up quite unfortunate in the end.”

This was the truth. Having stayed by her master’s side for so long, it was no wonder Qingtai grew increasingly loyal. Though her master was just a frail woman, she had a deeper insight into worldly affairs than anyone else. Following her lead would never bring one any harm.

Peach Blossom chuckled lightly. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” she said. “Let’s go back and rest.”

“Yes,” Qingtai nodded.

The Prime Minister’s residence was filled with joy, but Shen Zaiye remained completely unaware, still in the imperial study, quietly observing the emperor’s furious outburst.

“Those snakes were painstakingly raised by me—what is the meaning of this?” Emperor Mingde glared at Mu Wuxia, kneeling below. “How dare you slaughter so many of them? Do you have any respect for me at all?”

The Prince of Nan knelt straight, head bowed and eyes cast down, uttering only these words: “It was not your son who did this.”

“If not you, then who else could it be? Someone even delivered your name token to me!” the emperor thundered. “Who else could have stolen your name token?”

Seizing the opportunity, Shen Zaiye calmly stated, “I also believe that something as valuable as Mingpei would not easily be stolen from the Prince of Nan.”

Emperor Mingde turned his head to look at Shen Zaiye and said, “Minister Shen makes a valid point.”

“But, Your Majesty, have you considered,” Shen Zaiye smiled, “if others couldn’t steal it, how could the Southern Prince go to the Serpent Hall to slay the serpent and intentionally leave his token behind? Isn’t that courting death?”

The emperor was taken aback, furrowing his brow in thought. It did seem to make sense. Though the Southern Prince was annoying, he was not the type to rebel. Why would he suddenly go to the Serpent Hall to kill a serpent and leave his token there?

“Who else went to Yingxian Mountain yesterday?” the emperor asked the eunuch beside him.

The eunuch bowed his head and replied, “Your Majesty, I have investigated, and among the imperial relatives who went up the mountain that day, only Prince Nan and Prince Jing were present.”

Wu Yin? The emperor fell silent.

He had recently developed a rift with Wu Yin, and the young man was evidently panicked, desperately seeking help in his illness and rallying many in the court. He was not unaware of this. But why would he then target Wu Xia?

Could it be that he perceived Wu Xia as a threat and sought to eliminate him as quickly as possible?

Gazing down at Mu Wuxia below, the emperor pondered carefully. It must be said that because his mother had once been a hostage in the Kingdom of Wu, he had never held much favor for this mother and son. Now that Consort Ning was gone, Wuxia had surprisingly shown ambition, studying under Master Qian and earning quite a reputation for himself.

Looking at it this way, he did indeed pose some threat to Wu Yin.

“Your Majesty,” Shen Zaiye said with a bow, “yesterday was the Spring Festival, and many people went to Mount Yingxian. Although this matter cannot be blamed on the Southern Prince, there is also no evidence to suggest it was the work of someone else.”

The implication was that Prince Jing was also innocent?

The emperor frowned, a little puzzled. His sons were engaged in secret rivalries and open strife, their schemes more numerous and twisted than the rivers of Great Wei. If he didn’t handle this matter properly, it would be all too easy for one of them to use him as a pawn.

Still, among his four sons, Wuxia and Wuhen were the least contentious, while Prince Jing and Prince Yu fought fiercely with each other. Thinking it over, Wuxia really could have been framed.

His head aching a bit, Emperor Mingde pondered for a long time before letting out a sigh. “Let it be,” he said. “It’s nothing more than a few snakes.”

Prince Nan was kneeling on the floor, his mind tense, when these words unexpectedly reached his ears. Startled, he lifted his head.

“Could it be that Father Emperor actually said ‘let it be’?” Wasn’t he always someone who regarded the lives of serpents as more important than human life? How could he…

He frowned, unable to understand, but still bowed his head and kowtowed. “Thank you, Father Emperor.”

“You, child, ought to learn some sense too.” The emperor said unhappily, “I shall not hold this against you this time. Next time, you must be more careful! Dismissed!”

“…Yes.” Mu Wuxia replied, respectfully withdrawing.

The grand hall fell silent. The matter of the snake had evidently dampened the Emperor’s mood, his face betraying a hint of weariness.

“Minister Shen,” he began, “which of my royal sons do you deem most capable?”

Shen Zaiye lowered his head and chuckled softly, “Your Majesty, asking such a question is practically putting me in a no-win situation, isn’t it?”

“It’s fine. Only you and I know. Who would dare speak a word of it? Anyone who does, I’ll take their head.” The emperor raised his gaze, looking at him with a smile, “I trust you the most.”

“Since that’s the case, then I’ll speak frankly.” Shen Zaiye nodded and said, “Among Your Majesty’s princes, Prince Jing is wise and resourceful, mature and steady. Prince Yu is young and vigorous, full of vitality. Prince Heng stays low-key, hidden from the limelight, quiet and composed. Prince Nan is righteous through and through, innocent and pure-hearted.”

“Hahaha.” The emperor laughed heartily, looking at him, “You cunning fox. With such an answer, who is the best after all?”

“Who is the best shall be judged by His Majesty.” Shen Zaiji respectfully smiled and said, “Whomever Your Majesty deems worthy, I, your subject, shall pledge my utmost loyalty to in the future.”

“Excellent!” The emperor was greatly pleased and, before leaving, had the eunuch beside him fetch some items to reward the prime minister.

Chancellor’s Manor.

Jiang Taohua looked at the pile of things before her—agate bracelets, jade bangles, hairpins, and more—and found it utterly perplexing.

“So you’re saying, not only did you twist things to make the Emperor believe the Prince of Jing’s bid for the throne harmed the innocent, but you also managed to bring back this heap of rewards from the Emperor?”

“The idea was yours, so the reward is split evenly with you.” Shen Zaijie reclined on the soft couch, in a rather good mood. “This matter has been resolved quite beautifully.”

Previously, he had someone subtly bring up the recent conflicts among the princes vying for the throne in the emperor’s presence, and the emperor already had some thoughts on the matter. Now that it was mentioned again today, it logically cleared the Southern Prince of suspicion without violating his intention to frame Prince Jing. After all, the emperor was merely suspicious and hadn’t actually charged anyone with a crime.

Pity for those snakes.

Peach Blossom was astonished. The idea was indeed hers, but the fact that Shen Zaiye could carry it out so smoothly showed that he held deep trust and significant influence with the emperor.

This man is truly something else.

“Master!” came Yue Tao’s voice from outside, both joyful and angry, sounding rather peculiar:

“Madam Gu has been confirmed to be pregnant, so why are you still here in the Spring Contending Pavilion?”