To think that even Sacred Healer Linghu Zheng had no solution, yet Sui Axi—this once obscure physician from the Imperial Hospital—actually had a method!
"It was thanks to the Princess's reminder that this humble one thought of using this method to treat damaged meridians," Sui Axi said with a smile.
"Me?" Shen Xihe was puzzled.
"The day before yesterday, the Princess mentioned that during the autumn hunt, you asked Worldly Son Bu to fetch wild honey for you," Sui Axi explained. "The Sui family's acupuncture techniques include a section on bee sting therapy."
The so-called bee sting therapy involved using the stingers from bees to stimulate acupuncture points. Previously, Shen Xihe had said that during the autumn hunt, she wanted Bu Shulin to do something for her—specifically, to raid a beehive, as she needed some high-quality wild honey to blend fragrances, which wasn't available on the market.
The reason she hadn't told Bu Shulin in advance wasn't because she was afraid of scaring her, but because she wasn't sure if there would be beehives at the hunting grounds.
Now it seemed that Shen Xihe not only needed wild honey but also wild bees. The question was whether Bu Shulin could handle the task.
"If you need wild honey, I can send people to gather it for you," Xiao Huayong said to Shen Xihe. "Coincidentally, I also need wild bees."
"Your Highness is willing to give it a try?" Sui Axi was somewhat surprised upon hearing this.
"You were brought here by the Princess, so I trust her," Xiao Huayong said, smiling at Shen Xihe before turning to Sui Axi with a neutral expression. "Moreover, if you dare to treat me, I dare to let you."
"This humble one will be extremely cautious," Sui Axi replied respectfully, adding, "Using live bees for the stings would be more effective, Your Highness."
"I will send someone to find a beekeeper," Xiao Huayong responded.
After listening, Shen Xihe finally spoke: "Your Highness need not trouble yourself. You may use the wild bees and honey as you wish. Zhaoning thanks you for the gift and will not decline. However, Zhaoning will also search for them herself, as different bees produce different honey, and Zhaoning requires a considerable amount."
Wild honey was a delicacy even for consumption, so the more, the better.
As long as Shen Xihe didn't refuse, Xiao Huayong was satisfied. They chatted only briefly before Shen Xihe took her leave with her attendants, as it was inappropriate to stay long in the palace.
Back at the Princess Manor, Shen Xihe questioned Sui Axi in detail about Xiao Huayong's poisoning.
"The poison in the Crown Prince's body is extremely unique. A Xi has truly never heard of anything like it," Sui Axi answered cautiously. "Moreover, the Crown Prince has been corroded by toxins for years, and his internal organs are weakened. These symptoms cannot be faked."
So, Xiao Huayong truly suffered from a unique poison and was in poor health.
"Will it affect his lifespan?" Shen Xihe asked.
"The five vital organs cannot endure prolonged damage. The Crown Prince's condition has already worsened significantly. If a detoxification method isn't found within three to five years, he may not live long," Sui Axi replied truthfully.
"Will it affect his ability to have children?" Shen Xihe pressed.
Caught off guard by such a direct question, Sui Axi blushed and stammered, "It does not affect fertility."
"I've heard that some toxins can be passed down to descendants," Shen Xihe still had concerns.
"Most are transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy," Sui Axi explained tactfully. "The poison in the Crown Prince's body has not fused with his bloodline..."
Shen Xihe was thoroughly satisfied after hearing this. Xiao Fuxing's appearance had made her realize that her previous suspicions might have been wrong—Xiao Huayong might not be the person she suspected. But she couldn't be entirely sure either. Speculating back and forth was too exhausting.
She decided to stop guessing and instead took Sui Axi to ascertain Xiao Huayong's physical condition firsthand. No matter how deep his schemes, how terrifying his cunning and influence, as long as he was short-lived, it would be fine.
At most, she would avoid confronting him directly for the next three to five years. During his limited remaining years, they could be honest and protect each other.After Shen Xihe left, Xiao Huayong found himself tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Restless, he summoned Tianyuan. "Tianyuan, do you think the Princess will despise me if she learns that without an antidote in three to five years, I'll be doomed?"
Tianyuan, who had been drowsy, immediately woke up. How should he answer this question?
After a moment's thought, Tianyuan cautiously replied, "Your Highness, the Princess is no ordinary woman. Her thoughts and considerations differ from others. She is resilient and wise. I believe she wouldn't distance herself from you over matters of lifespan. Besides, within three to five years, we will surely find a cure."
Tianyuan's words did little to soothe Xiao Huayong's heart. Lying on his bed, he stared blankly at the canopy for a long, long time.
Just as Tianyuan was about to doze off again, Xiao Huayong sighed softly, "Should I not have involved her?" In the past, he had never truly considered that he might only live three to five more years.
No, it was more that he had never cared about having only three to five years left. That time was enough for him to do as he pleased and accomplish what he wanted.
But now he was worried. He couldn't die young. Otherwise, in three to five years, she would not yet be twenty, still in the bloom of youth. For her to wither away alone at such a young age would be too cruel.
Moreover...
This dynasty encouraged widows to remarry. If he died early, and she was swayed by someone else...
Just the thought of this possibility made his eyes bloodshot, wishing he could slaughter every other man right then.
Tianyuan suddenly sensed a murderous aura and immediately shrank back like a quail, swallowing the words of comfort he had prepared for the Crown Prince.
"You're right. I will definitely find the antidote," Xiao Huayong said, the ferocity in his eyes fading, replaced by determination.
Two days later was the imperial hunt at Yuko Qingshan. This was the emperor's hunting ground. As the dynasty valued martial prowess, every autumn when game was plentiful, the emperor would bring nobles and ministers here to hunt.
The area also contained training grounds for soldiers, with large garrisons stationed there. Each year after the hunt, the emperor would return with plentiful game to reward these troops. Before heading up the mountain to hunt, he would also personally select some soldiers to accompany him.
Shen Xihe had come along this time to experience the capital's hunting traditions.
In the northwest during this season, Shen Yueshan would also lead his troops in group hunts—a grand spectacle. Today was no different.
"Sister, let's ride together," Xue Jinqiao said to Shen Xihe as soon as they set out. She had brought her cheetah, Diandian.
Diandian was originally a hunting leopard, trained to assist nobles in hunts.
Shen Xihe had brought Duanming along this time. When Duanming saw the massive Diandian, he showed no fear. Instead, he sharpened his claws and bared his teeth, ready to attack. Diandian didn't even glance his way.
Just as Duanming was about to leap at Diandian, Shen Xihe grabbed him by the scruff of his neck. "You don't know your limits."
"Sister, don't worry. Diandian is very well-behaved. He won't bully Duanming," Xue Jinqiao reassured her. She had visited the Princess Manor with Diandian before. Their first meeting hadn't gone smoothly, but they eventually became familiar, with Duanming even visiting Diandian at the academy.
"Meow!" Duanming protested indignantly at being restrained.
Suddenly, a powerful, high-pitched cry echoed from the sky—Haidongqing's call.
Both Shen Xihe and Xue Jinqiao looked up. Xue Jinqiao's eyes sparkled. "Sister, it's Haidongqing! What a magnificent eagle!"In the moment Shen Xihe glanced away, Duanming ran off. During this autumn hunt, every family had brought large beasts for prestige—for instance, Xue Jinqiao had brought Diandian. Worried, Shen Xihe urgently called out, "Duanming!"
The sound happened to reach the Crown Prince's blue-canopied carriage.
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