"Crack!"
Another vicious lash, this one delivered backhanded by the Emperor, stretching from right shoulder to left abdomen. The symmetrical pattern brought a satisfied smile to his face - Yue'er hadn't deceived him, his strength had indeed improved tremendously compared to before.
"Don't think that just because Yan Xi favors you, you're something special. Daydreaming! As long as I don't give my approval, you'll never become Yan Xi's wife. When I bestow another marriage upon Yan Xi, let's see how many years he'll remember you!"
"Crack!"
"Presuming to discuss imperial family matters - that's an additional offense!"
"Father Emperor, have mercy!" Little Six was so anxious tears streamed down his face. His master was already in poor health - how could he withstand such whipping!
The Emperor turned to look at him, smiling as he delivered another lash.
"Pleading for mercy? Hmm?"
Seeing the long whip raised high again, Little Six felt despair. He didn't dare speak anymore, afraid his loose tongue would only bring more suffering to his master.
But what fell faster than the whip was the Emperor's body.
Without any warning, the Emperor collapsed stiffly. Ironically, Little Six happened to be closest to him at that moment. Because he had been watching the whip, he was the first to notice something wrong with his father. Without thinking, he threw himself forward, using his own body as a cushion for the falling Emperor. The moment the weight crushed down, his face contorted in pain.
"Ah..." The screams of concubines and palace maids nearly pierced through the roof.
The Empress Dowager was the second to notice the Emperor's abnormality. Simultaneously with the screams, she issued commands, "Summon the imperial physicians!"
Palace attendants scrambled out in panic.
The Empress Dowager concealed her trembling hands in her sleeves, issuing orders methodically: "Everyone remain where you are. Fu Gang, secure the palace for me."
"This general obeys your command."
"Duke Dingguo."
The Duke, who had been kneeling outside for some time, bowed respectfully. "Your old servant is here."
"Not a single person outside is to leave."
"Yes."
"General Zhou of the Central Battalion should have arrived by now."
Zhou Jing, who had arrived just before Hua Zhi, stepped forward and knelt on one knee. "This general is present."
"In extraordinary times, we must take extraordinary measures. I shall overstep my authority - you are to guard the Forbidden City. Furthermore, order the four battalions to enter the city and protect the capital. Close the city gates and implement curfew restrictions. All imperial relatives are subject to these restrictions, including Ling Wang with no exceptions."
"This general receives the Empress Dowager's decree."
Hua Zhi endured the burning pain throughout her body and knelt again. "Empress Dowager, Miraculous Doctor Yu is at the Heir Apparent Residence."
The Empress Dowager's eyes lit up. Turning back, she instructed: "Yu Xiang, you go invite him. Be quick."
"Yes."
Looking at Hua Zhi's pale, disheveled appearance yet hearing no cries of pain, the Empress Dowager sighed and personally bent to help her up. Noting her trembling hands, she said, "Even to save Little Six, you were too impulsive."
Hua Zhi didn't know how to respond, only managing a strained smile.
Just then, movement came from behind. The Empress Dowager glanced back to see Haoyue approaching, kneeling tearfully by the Emperor's side despite her pregnant belly. Little Six had already been carefully extracted from beneath the Emperor, with a cloak spread on the ground.
Disgusted, she averted her gaze but couldn't continue speaking with Hua Zhi. Turning away, she walked over and, under the pretense of adjusting the Emperor's collar, checked his pulse. This deepened her suspicion - though unconscious, why was his pulse still so strong?
Haoyue wiped the corners of her eyes and looked up, voice choked: "Empress Dowager, the weather is still cold and the ground is chilly. Should we first return His Majesty to the dragon bed?"The Empress Dowager hesitated, about to nod when she heard a voice from behind, "This humble girl believes it's better not to move him. Shaoyao often discusses medical matters with me and has mentioned that when someone falls, it's best not to move them to avoid aggravating the injury."
Haoyue felt her dislike for Hua Zhi must have accumulated over lifetimes—no, perhaps over countless lifetimes. Otherwise, why would she feel displeased just hearing her name, and upon seeing her, wish to drive a white blade in and a red blade out?
She couldn't stand the sight of Hua Zhi living for even a moment!
In front of her, Haoyue couldn't even bother to pretend. She immediately wiped her tears and sneered, "As someone with the status of a criminal, what right do you have to speak so arrogantly here?"
Hua Zhi lowered her gaze and ignored her. How could they let the Emperor leave everyone's sight?
How could they give Haoyue a chance to turn the tables!
The Empress Dowager glanced at Haoyue as if unintentionally and said calmly, "I've heard that Consort Yue is also skilled in medicine. Why don't you take a look and see what's wrong with the Emperor?"
"This..."
The Empress Dowager watched her, waiting for her next words.
Haoyue bit her lip, lowered her head, and began crying again. With her goal achieved, Hua Zhi stepped farther away.
Looking at her unconscious eldest son, the Empress Dowager felt a deep sorrow. Anyone with eyes could see that Haoyue was no pure, innocent lotus. Yet, the Emperor seemed blinded, wholeheartedly protecting her. If Haoyue hadn't had a hand in the recent events and the Emperor's condition, she'd gladly let Haoyue take her place as Empress Dowager!
Little Six slowly and inconspicuously moved to Hua Zhi's side, heartbroken to see his master in such a state.
Hua Zhi comforted him gently, "The clothing is thick, and the Emperor's strength was limited. It only hurts a bit around the neck—it's not serious."
Little Six wished he could fetch a mirror to show his master her current complexion. Even someone as enduring as her looked like this—he couldn't imagine how much pain she was in.
But he had to pretend to believe her, forcing a relieved smile as he said, "That's good. I'll ask Grandmother later to have the physician prescribe some pain relief for you."
"Alright." Hua Zhi, as if feeling no pain, raised her arm to straighten his clothes and whispered, "Behave well. Let the ministers see what a prince of Daqing should be like."
Your master is paving a broad, smooth road for you to walk. I hope you can delay encountering the dark and filthy aspects of life—wait until you've grown a little more, until your mind has matured further, until you've absorbed enough kindness, righteousness, resilience, and courage as nourishment, until your heart is filled with warmth. Only then will you be able to handle these evils with ease and remain unaffected.
"Stride forward boldly, without hesitation, and don't look back." Hua Zhi patted Little Six's head one last time. Even with her forehead damp with sweat, her smile remained warm and beautiful. "I'll be behind you."
Little Six's eyes reddened as he nodded firmly. He believed his master's words—it was because he trusted her that he had come this far step by step.
He knew his master would always protect him, just as she had today and on so many previous occasions.
The Empress Dowager glanced in their direction but had no time to dwell on her thoughts before the Head of the Imperial Hospital arrived hurriedly with several others. After a thorough examination, he broke into a cold sweat, unsure how to report his findings.
This empress wants to hear the truth."
The Head Physician looked at the crowded room and felt his head was already hanging by a thread.
The Empress Dowager swept a glance around, dismissed the others, and motioned for the Head Physician to step forward. "Speak."The chief physician pleaded forgiveness and stepped to a distance one pace away from the Empress Dowager, lowering his voice to say, "His Majesty... I fear his condition is dire."
The Empress Dowager showed no surprise, her expression remaining utterly unchanged. "Is there any way to rouse the Emperor?"
The chief physician hesitated briefly. "Until the final moment arrives, I would not recommend such measures."
"What exactly can you all accomplish?"
The chief physician prostrated himself on the floor, and the assembled imperial physicians promptly followed suit, kneeling in unison.
The Empress Dowager's phoenix eyes narrowed sharply as she struck the table in furious exasperation. "What use are any of you!"
PS: Don't worry, Hua Zhi's injuries won't be in vain—she certainly has her reasons for this course of action.
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