"Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager is unwell!"
The young eunuch's cry upon seeing Yan Huai instantly silenced the lively hall.
Yan Huai's face turned ashen. "What happened to the Empress Dowager?"
Yan Chi frowned as well. "When I left, Her Majesty was preparing to retire. What occurred?"
The eunuch replied anxiously, "After you departed, the Empress Dowager did retire, but she woke shortly after, complaining of severe numbness in her legs. Mammy Chen immediately had two maids massage her legs, but during the massage, the Empress Dowager suddenly said she couldn't see. Chaos erupted in the Longevity and Health Palace. Mammy Chen sent for imperial physicians and went to fetch the Empress Dowager's usual medicine. But while retrieving the medicine, the Empress Dowager tried to get out of bed. The attending maid failed to notice in time, and Her Majesty fell from the bed, bleeding from her nose and mouth..."
"What?!" Yan Huai sprang to his feet. "Bleeding from nose and mouth?"
Other symptoms might have been manageable, but the appearance of blood signaled extreme severity.
The eunuch nodded fearfully. "Your Majesty, physicians have been summoned, but... tonight only the Chief Physician and one other are on duty at the Imperial Hospital. Neither normally attends to the Empress Dowager. When I left, both physicians looked deeply troubled. Mammy Chen feared for Her Majesty's condition and sent me to report to Your Majesty, requesting an oral decree to summon Physician He, who regularly treats the Empress Dowager."
It was New Year's Eve, when only skeleton staff remained at the Imperial Hospital by protocol.
Yan Huai immediately turned to Yuan Qing. "Send for him! Go now!"
Yuan Qing repeatedly acknowledged the order and instructed a nearby eunuch.
Yan Huai then addressed the Empress and Yan Che, "We must go to the Longevity and Health Palace. The banquet shall be presided over by the Empress and Crown Prince—"
Before he finished, Zhao Shuhua and Yan Che rose. Zhao Shuhua said, "Your Majesty, you must still appear at Zhenghua Gate to celebrate with the people. Allow me to handle matters concerning the Empress Dowager. I will personally oversee the physicians."
Yan Che added, "This son will accompany Mother to the Longevity and Health Palace."
Reminded of his duties, Yan Huai recognized the impropriety of his going. Meanwhile, Yan Chi also stood. "The Emperor and Empress celebrating New Year's Eve with the people is a longstanding tradition of Great Zhou. The Crown Prince should accompany you. It would be better for me to return to care for the Empress Dowager. Your Majesties may visit the Longevity and Health Palace after descending from Zhenghua Gate. Moreover, Your Majesty's presence there would be of little practical help now."
With the Emperor and Empress standing, no one dared remain seated. Though knowing he couldn't skip the appearance, Yan Huai remained uneasy about sending Yan Chi alone. His gaze shifted to his most trusted Yuan Qing. "You—go with Yan Chi to the Longevity and Health Palace. We will come immediately after showing ourselves on the tower. Report any news at once!"
Yuan Qing bowed. "Understood, old servant obeys."
Yan Huai then instructed Yan Che, "Order the preparation for our departure to Zhenghua Gate!"
As Yan Che acknowledged, Yan Chi said, "Then I take my leave."
With a turn, he strode toward the hall's entrance. Yuan Qing briefly issued orders and followed with the reporting eunuch. Soon, their figures vanished beyond the hall doors.The upheaval came too suddenly. Though Yan Chi had departed, a moment of silence still hung over the hall. Yan Huai was not only the Empress Dowager’s own son but also renowned as the most filial emperor in generations. Everyone knew that the Empress Dowager’s sudden illness was no trivial matter, and for a moment, a hushed tension fell over the crowd, extinguishing any lingering festive spirit from the New Year celebrations.
While the court officials and those present in the palace were aware of the Empress Dowager’s condition, the common folk in the capital remained oblivious.
Yan Huai pressed his lips together and commanded, “Prepare the procession for Zhenghua Gate—”
At his order, the maids and eunuchs waiting outside immediately swung the hall doors open. The imperial carriages for the Emperor, Empress, consorts, princes, and princesses were already stationed outside. Attendants draped capes over their masters and mistresses, waiting for the royals to board their carriages first before following behind. Over a hundred eunuchs and palace maids carried lanterns to light the way, with male courtiers leading and the women following at the rear. The procession of more than a hundred people advanced grandly toward Zhenghua Gate.
Though the Palace Road was crowded, almost no sound could be heard. Instead, the increasingly fierce wind and snow muffled even the softest whispers. Qin Guan felt her hands and feet growing bitterly cold and instinctively tightened the collar of her cape. Lifting her gaze, she saw an endless line of people stretching ahead.
Qin Guan walked alongside Qin Chaoyu and Hu Shi. Hu Shi remarked, “Later, when the Emperor and the other officials ascend the tower, we’ll wait below. Once the Emperor descends, we can leave the palace and return home.”
Qin Chaoyu nodded and whispered, “Will Her Majesty the Empress Dowager be alright?”
Hu Shi shook her head. “The Empress Dowager’s illness has persisted for some time. It’s uncertain how things will unfold this time.”
Qin Chaoyu frowned slightly. “If the Empress Dowager…”
If something were to happen to the Empress Dowager, the planned selection of the Crown Princess after the New Year would likely be postponed.
Qin Chaoyu naturally dared not voice this thought aloud, but Hu Shi understood her concerns and shook her head again. “Let’s get through tonight first. As for the rest, we’ll leave it to fate.”
Hearing this, Qin Chaoyu fell silent. Meanwhile, Qin Guan was pondering the earlier report from the young eunuch.
Qin Guan had never met the Empress Dowager and did not know the exact nature of her illness. Yet, based on the eunuch’s description, she had begun to form a hypothesis. Symptoms like stiffened limbs, dizziness, and darkening vision strongly suggested Wind Disorder, though she couldn’t be sure of the specific type. The mention of bleeding from the nose and mouth after a fall raised concerns about possible internal organ damage.
If internal organs were injured, the situation would be grave indeed.
This line of thought arose from Qin Guan’s instinct as a healer, with no consideration of how the Empress Dowager’s condition might relate to her personally.
The Empress Dowager was the mother of the Son of Heaven, and the palace was staffed with numerous imperial physicians. There was no conceivable scenario in which Qin Guan’s intervention would be required. Moreover, the Empress Dowager’s condition appeared critical—even if she were to step in, what chance of success would she truly have?
Shaking her head slightly as she walked, Qin Guan was pulled from her thoughts by a conversation ahead.
“Mother, is Prince Rui’s heir not leaving this time?”
“Perhaps not. It seems the Emperor intends for him to stay.”
“But the heir belongs on the battlefield. What purpose would serving as an official in the capital hold?”
“Fighting protects our home and nation, and governance benefits the people. How can one speak of purpose in such terms?”
“Hmph. The heir is different from those in the court. Forcing him into an official post would be a waste of his talents.”Qin Guan blinked, watching the Gu mother-daughter pair walking ahead of them. Peng Huajing clearly admired Yan Chi greatly, her tone carrying a subtle girlish infatuation. Yet, like her mother, she spoke with refreshing candor, lending her words a spirited charm. Listening to this, Qin Guan's brow furrowed slightly.
Ahead of the Gu mother-daughter pair walked the Yu mother-daughter pair. Feng Chenbi leaned close to Yu Shi and whispered, "Mother, will Her Majesty the Empress Dowager be alright this time?"
Yu Shi shook her head. "It's hard to say. Her Majesty has been critically ill several times this past year, but each time she barely recovered through careful treatment. I heard from Her Majesty that the Empress Dowager no longer recognizes anyone now. In such bitterly cold weather, it's especially difficult for the elderly."
Feng Chenbi's eyes shifted thoughtfully. "What if the imperial physicians can't cure the Empress Dowager?"
Yu Shi sighed. "The Empress Dowager's body is precious. If they can't cure her... someone will surely be punished."
Feng Chenbi nodded, gazing at the distant Zhenghua Gate without another word.
When they had entered the palace, the sky was still light, but now night had fallen completely. Because it was New Year's Eve, successive lanterns had been lit on the gate towers of Zhengyang Gate and Zhenghua Gate. In the darkness, the tall gate towers stood majestic and imposing, beautiful and illusory like jade palaces. After passing through Zhengyang Gate, the imperial carriage of the Emperor and Empress had already reached Zhenghua Gate. Once the masters' carriages stopped, everyone behind gradually came to a halt as well. Then, the Emperor and Empress ascended the gate tower first. Immediately, fireworks and the cheers of the common people erupted outside Zhenghua Gate. The festive atmosphere was so vibrant that Qin Guan could feel it even from behind the gate.
Qin Guan looked up and saw fireworks from outside the city soaring high over Zhenghua Gate before exploding into brilliant, colorful displays. Amid the continuous crackling, the entire sky lit up as bright as day, clearly illuminating every face around Qin Guan. Tilting her head back slightly, she felt the only flaw was that she was trapped inside these walls.
All those unqualified to ascend the gate tower remained in the small square between Zhengyang Gate and Zhenghua Gate. The high palace walls on both sides felt like cages, blocking everyone's view. The oppressive weight wasn't alleviated by the dazzling fireworks.
Qin Guan let out a soft sigh of relief. Fortunately, she hadn't truly become the princess consort of Prince Yong.
Luckily, Yan Huai was anxious about the Empress Dowager's condition and didn't linger long on the gate tower. Just as the cheers of "Long live the Emperor" from outside Zhenghua Gate faded once more, Qin Guan saw the imperial procession begin descending from the gate tower. Those remaining below immediately parted to the sides, clearing a central Path. Soon, the imperial procession descended the gate tower steps. But at that moment, another young eunuch came running hurriedly from inside Zhengyang Gate. Yan Huai and Zhao Shuhua were about to re-enter their carriage but paused when they saw this.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty—this humble servant serves Chief Steward Yuan. Chief Steward Yuan sent me to report that the people dispatched haven't returned for a long time. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager... Her Majesty is failing..."
Despite the freezing weather, the young eunuch was drenched in sweat from running. He knelt on the Path they had originally come from, his voice already choked with tears. Yan Huai staggered. "What do you mean failing?! Aren't there people guarding the Empress Dowager?"
The young eunuch continued, "Chief Physician and Physician Liu have been attending to her constantly, but Her Majesty the Empress Dowager seems unable to hold on. The medicine was prepared, but Her Majesty can't swallow it. It appears she won't make it..."Upon hearing this, Yan Huai's eyebrows shot up in anger as he boarded the Imperial Carriage. "The Chief Physician of the Imperial Hospital can't even save the Empress Dowager?! This is utterly..."
Yan Huai was seething with rage. "If the men sent out haven't returned, send more! Yan Che!"
He roared the Crown Prince's name, and Yan Che immediately stepped forward from behind. "Your Majesty, rest assured. I understand. I will dispatch more men from the palace at once to find Physician He—"
"Be quick!" Yan Huai snapped sharply, clenching his fists with an anxious expression.
Just as he was about to order the departure to the Longevity and Health Palace, unexpectedly, a voice spoke up from the crowd not far away.
"Isn't there a Medicine Immortal right here among us? Her Majesty the Empress Dowager's condition is critical. Why not let her try?"
The voice was soft and delicate. Yan Huai frowned upon hearing it. "Who spoke?!"
His sharp question instantly silenced the crowd. Many turned to look in the direction of the voice and saw Feng Chenbi, her face slightly pale, stepping forward. "Your Majesty, it was I who spoke," she said hurriedly. "I merely heard that Her Majesty the Empress Dowager's condition is dire and thought... since we have a Medicine Immortal here, and Your Majesty just praised her medical skills, why not let her try now?"
Feng Chenbi's tone was gentle and persuasive. Even in his fury, Yan Huai found it difficult to rebuke her for speaking out of turn. Moreover, her words reminded him: while there were imperial physicians in the palace, and even those who regularly attended to the Empress Dowager, no one had thought of Qin Guan, a young girl. Yan Huai had never witnessed her treating anyone firsthand; though he had praised her, he lacked concrete confidence in her abilities. But now, the situation was different—Physician He was nowhere to be found, and the Chief Physician of the Imperial Hospital couldn't save the Empress Dowager... Should they just stand by and watch her pass away?!
Yan Huai's expression turned stern. "Where is the Qin family's Ninth Girl?"
Seated high in the Imperial Carriage, his commanding roar left Qin Guan no choice but to step forward.
Qin Guan emerged from behind Feng Chenbi. The moment Yan Huai saw her, he demanded, "Ninth Girl, do you dare to treat the Empress Dowager?"
As soon as he spoke, countless eyes fixed on Qin Guan. She stood with her head slightly bowed, her heart pounding.
She knew Feng Chenbi's suggestion was far from well-intentioned. Pushing her into the spotlight was merely a way to hand her a hot potato—one that was not only tricky but potentially deadly, as it concerned the life of the Empress Dowager!
Qin Guan pressed her lips together without answering. Meanwhile, Qin Shu, who was standing very close to Yan Huai, stepped forward with a cupped-hand salute. "Your Majesty, I beg your forgiveness. Qin Guan is still young and lacks the experience compared to the imperial physicians in the Imperial Hospital. If even they have no solution, she certainly..."
Qin Shu's meaning was clear. After he finished speaking, low murmurs of agreement arose from the surroundings.
"Indeed, this Ninth Miss looks so young. Not to mention Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, even an ordinary commoner wouldn't feel at ease letting her treat them..."
"The Empress Dowager's illness didn't develop overnight. Since she's never been involved before, at such a critical moment, she probably wouldn't even know where to start. We must be cautious..."The murmurs, rising and falling, reached Yan Huai's ears. He did not blame them for such thoughts, as he himself harbored similar doubts. With this in mind, he gazed intently at Qin Guan, only to find her still standing with downcast eyes, seemingly unmoved by the discussions. Yan Huai narrowed his phoenix eyes, his gaze carrying a hint of pressure.
Qin Guan knew Yan Huai was watching her, waiting for her answer.
"Your Majesty, this commoner has not practiced the medical Path for long and indeed lacks experience."
Qin Guan finally spoke, yet her answer was as expected. Yan Huai's frown deepened upon hearing it. These people were right—Qin Guan was merely a half-grown child. For such a young girl, others' expectations were naturally low; curing minor ailments would earn her praise. More importantly, even she lacked confidence. How could he dare entrust the Empress Dowager's life to her?
Yan Huai's eyes darkened slightly, but he had no intention of pressing Qin Guan further.
"However—"
Just as Yan Huai was about to order the departure, Qin Guan unexpectedly hadn't finished speaking. His eyebrows lifted as he looked at her.
Qin Guan raised her eyes and met Yan Huai's gaze directly—the first time that evening she had looked squarely into the Emperor's eyes. "However, if Her Majesty the Empress Dowager truly reaches a critical juncture between life and death, Qin Guan is willing to try with all her ability."
Her words caused not only the others to change expressions drastically, but even Qin Shu looked at her with strong disapproval. Unfortunately, he was too far from Qin Guan to stop her in time.
Yan Huai narrowed his eyes. "Try? Do you realize this concerns the Empress Dowager's life?!"
Qin Guan nodded. "This commoner knows. In my eyes, the Empress Dowager is first a patient, then the Empress Dowager. From what I heard the palace servants say, Her Majesty's condition seems critical, yet I cannot gauge its severity from descriptions alone. Moreover, I cannot guarantee I will cure the Empress Dowager. So, whether to let me try or not rests with Your Majesty's decision."
A faint glimmer sparked in Yan Huai's eyes. What a bold girl! She had shifted the decision to him. If the treatment failed, would she claim he had allowed her to try?
Yan Huai would never treat the Empress Dowager's life as a jest. Yet, looking at Qin Guan standing solemnly with lowered eyes again, he felt a flicker of admiration. His lips tightening, Yan Huai spoke coldly, "Board the carriage!"
These resolute words left everyone, including Qin Guan herself, momentarily stunned. Seeing her earlier sharpness replaced by bewilderment, Yan Huai grew impatient. "Hurry! The Empress Dowager's life hangs by a thread. If you delay and miss the chance to save her, I will hold you accountable!"
Qin Guan immediately understood Yan Huai's intent. Lifting the hem of her skirt slightly, she hurried toward him, yet remained uncertain about the meaning of "board the carriage"—after all, this was the Imperial Carriage!
As Qin Guan reached the side of Yan Huai's carriage, Qin Shu and Qin Yan grew so anxious they nearly stepped forward to pull her back. But by now, how could they possibly intervene?
Just as Qin Guan hesitated about which carriage to board, a young eunuch rushed out from inside Zhengyang Gate. At the sight of the newcomer, Yan Huai's expression shifted instantly, and the others' hearts skipped a beat—had something already happened to the Empress Dowager?
The young eunuch hurried to the Imperial Carriage. Yan Huai urgently asked, "Are you from the Longevity and Health Palace? The Empress Dowager, she..."The young eunuch knelt with a sweep of his robe. "Your Majesty, this servant conveys Prince Rui's heir's message. The heir said to invite Qin Manor's Ninth Miss to enter Longevity and Health Palace to diagnose Empress Dowager's condition. The heir also said that currently only Ninth Miss can save Empress Dowager."
As these words fell, Yan Huai not only let out a long exhale, but when he looked at Qin Guan again, there was additional trust in his eyes.
If Yan Chi specifically sent someone to deliver this message, it certainly wasn't false words.
Yan Huai shifted his body to one side and patted the seat beside him. "Why aren't you hurrying?!"
Qin Guan only felt countless sharp gazes falling upon her back. These gazes contained surprise and envy, as well as the contempt of those watching for entertainment. Only Qin Shu and Qin Yan opposite her wore expressions of wanting to speak but hesitating, their eyes full of worry and helplessness.
Qin Guan glanced at Qin Shu, then stepped onto the short stool to board the carriage.
Almost as soon as she was seated inside the Imperial Carriage, Yan Huai gave the order, "To Longevity and Health Palace, quickly!"
The driving guard cracked his whip, and the four snow-white horses before the carriage immediately raised their hooves. Soon, the carriage was galloping within the palace walls. Qin Guan looked back and saw all the officials and female family members in the square left behind. Empress Zhao Shuhua gave some instructions and also boarded a carriage to follow. Everyone forgot to perform proper courtesies, only watching this sixteen-year-old Qin girl riding the Imperial Carriage rushing to Longevity and Health Palace. And everyone was speculating about Empress Dowager's fate tonight, naturally also guessing about Qin Guan's fate.
Among the crowd, Qin Chaoyu turned around fiercely, glaring at Feng Chenbi.
Feng Chenbi brushed the dark hair on her shoulder. "Why is Chao Yu looking at me like this? Everyone knows your younger sister is the Little Medicine Immortal. I merely suddenly remembered. You should thank me - if I hadn't suggested it, His Majesty probably wouldn't have remembered himself. When your younger sister saves Empress Dowager today, your Qin family will truly soar to great heights."
Qin Chaoyu gritted her teeth, but Feng Chenbi seemed to remember something and smiled, "Ah, but I forgot another possibility... what if... what if she fails to save her?"
......
......
"Aren't you afraid?" Yan Huai suddenly asked from the speeding Imperial Carriage. He turned to look at Qin Guan, seeing that her still somewhat youthful and immature features were completely serious, her small face tightly drawn.
Qin Guan returned to awareness and shook her head. "This common girl was only thinking about Empress Dowager's illness condition."
Speaking, Qin Guan looked at Yan Huai. "Dare I ask Your Majesty, does Empress Dowager suffer from Wind Disorder?"
Yan Huai remained expressionless. "What makes you say that?"
Qin Guan then said, "Just now the palace servant mentioned that Empress Dowager's legs and feet are stiff and numb, with dizziness and darkening vision before her eyes. Such symptoms are highly likely signs of stroke. Moreover, the palace servant also said Empress Dowager fell from her bed with bleeding from mouth and nose. Elderly people with Wind Disorder often fall, and more severe cases may experience nosebleeds. Since the palace servant wasn't clear earlier, this common girl doesn't know if the bleeding resulted from the fall or occurs naturally due to the illness. Therefore, I'm asking Your Majesty."
Qin Guan's face showed complete seriousness. Because she was too serious and focused, she instead lost the fearful expression one normally shows toward the emperor. Although Yan Huai was accustomed to enjoying his subordinates' trepidation, facing such a Qin Guan now, he found it quite agreeable.
"You were thinking about Empress Dowager's illness when you heard those words earlier?"Yan Huai did not deny Qin Guan's speculation, and Qin Guan already knew she had guessed correctly. Having understood the situation, she replied, "Yes, as a healer, one instinctively thinks this way upon hearing such words."
"Then why didn't you step forward yourself?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Guan lowered her gaze. "This humble woman is of lowly status. Unless absolutely necessary, it is natural to follow the established rules."
A glimmer of comprehension dawned in Yan Huai's eyes. "Still afraid of causing trouble, aren't you?"
Qin Guan lowered her gaze further. "Her Highness the Empress Dowager's condition is of grave importance. This humble woman truly dares not act presumptuously."
"And now? Are you afraid now?"
Yan Huai seemed intent on pressuring Qin Guan, yet upon hearing this, she shook her head. "At this moment, I am only contemplating Her Highness's illness. How can I begin to fear before even starting treatment?"
As she spoke, Qin Guan's brows furrowed again, that solemn focus resurfacing on her face.
Seeing this, Yan Huai said no more, though the corner of his mouth relaxed slightly.
After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the Imperial Carriage gradually came to a halt before the gates of Longevity and Health Palace.
The night was ink-black, with fierce winds and sudden snowfall. Within Longevity and Health Palace, lanterns blazed brightly while all palace servants were in a state of panic. Messengers had long been dispatched, so Yuan Qing was already waiting at the palace entrance. Spotting the imperial procession, he immediately stepped forward and lifted the carriage curtain, only to discover another person inside besides Yan Huai. Looking closer, it was actually Qin Guan!
"How is the Empress Dowager?!"
Yan Huai alighted from the carriage briskly, offering no explanation. Qin Guan gathered her skirts and followed closely behind him with rapid steps, requiring no further instruction. Yuan Qing led the way inside as he reported, "Not well. We can't get her to take medicine anymore. She became drowsy half an hour ago - from what this old servant observes, her breathing grows fainter."
Yan Huai's heart sank, as did Qin Guan's. From walking too hurriedly, her feet felt warm while her hands and body were chilled by the cold wind. She followed so closely behind Yan Huai that although they had traversed the entire path from the palace gates, by the time they reached the main entrance she couldn't recall any scenery along the way, her mind wholly occupied with the Empress Dowager's condition and how to treat it!
Just as they reached the doorway, Yan Chi's figure came into view, his face also etched with anxiety. Seeing Yan Huai, Yan Chi immediately stepped forward to pay respects, and when he noticed Qin Guan following, his eyes brightened!
Without ceremony, Yan Huai strode directly toward the Empress Dowager's bedchamber. "What do the imperial physicians say?"
Yan Chi followed at Yan Huai's left rear, first giving Qin Guan a reassuring glance before responding, "Both physicians are at their wits' end. For now they've only administered life-preserving ginseng pills to Her Highness and applied medicinal plasters to stimulate her meridians. They say we must wait for Physician He to enter the palace, but seeing Her Highness's poor condition, I thought to have Ninth Miss examine the Empress Dowager..."
As they spoke, the party entered the inner chamber where the Empress Dowager rested.
The inner chamber was exquisitely appointed, with painted ceilings overhead and luxurious carpets underfoot, drapes hanging on all sides and sandalwood incense curling upward. Palace lanterns in several corners cast brilliant candlelight. Two elderly physicians in imperial medical robes stood before the Empress Dowager's bed, flanked by two senior mommas and four palace maids, all with red-rimmed eyes, each holding medicinal ointments and other supplies.
Hearing the commotion, everyone turned. Recognizing Yan Huai, the two physicians knelt immediately.
"Your Majesty, please forgive our failure - though the Empress Dowager's condition is critical, your humble servants have no means to save her..."
As their voices faded, the mommas and maids also knelt throughout the room. Yan Huai, angered by the two elderly physicians, stepped forward and kicked the nearest one aside before approaching the bedside to check on the Empress Dowager. Waving his hand, he said, "Rise, all of you rise." Then he looked back at Qin Guan following behind. "Girl, come take a look!"Yan Huai stepped aside as he spoke, and Qin Guan moved forward while unfastening her cape. Yan Chi, being the closest, hurriedly stepped forward to take it. Qin Guan handed it to him naturally, only realizing the impropriety after it was in his hands. Yet, given the circumstances, there was no time to dwell on such matters. She walked to the bedside as if nothing were amiss.
The room was brightly lit. Qin Guan focused her gaze and saw the silver-haired Empress Dowager lying supine on the bed, neatly dressed in a brown under-robe with only her trousers rolled up to her knees. The air was thick with the scent of medicine and ointment. Qin Guan observed traces of ointment on the Empress Dowager’s lower legs.
Without a word, Qin Guan first took a shallow breath and began checking the Empress Dowager’s pulse. Seeing her do so, Yan Huai grew anxious but knew better than to rush her. Meanwhile, the two imperial physicians rose and stood aside, exchanging puzzled glances. When they looked at Qin Guan again, their expressions were a mix of confusion and astonishment, as if wondering where Yan Huai had found this young girl to cause such a stir.
Several Mommas and palace maids also watched Qin Guan curiously, but since neither Yan Huai nor Yan Chi spoke, they dared not utter a word.
Qin Guan checked the right wrist, then the left. Yan Huai grew so anxious that a light sweat broke out on his forehead. After what felt like an eternity, Qin Guan finally released the Empress Dowager’s wrist. Yan Huai immediately asked, “Well? Can Her Majesty the Empress Dowager still be saved?!”
Qin Guan narrowed her eyes, her brow furrowed tightly, her voice cold and stern. “Her Majesty’s pulse is faint, deep, and uneven. Her breath is shallow, with little intake and no outflow—a dire sign.” She leaned in to examine the Empress Dowager’s mouth, nose, and eyes, then proceeded to palpate her chest and abdomen. Next, she pressed along the Empress Dowager’s thighs, working her way downward.
Though Qin Guan’s assessment was grim, her hands never stilled. Yan Huai took another step back, leaving the entire bedside to her, and asked again, “Is there still hope?”
Qin Guan did not answer immediately. After a pause, she said, “This commoner will do everything in her power!”
The response did not satisfy Yan Huai, but compared to the two physicians, at least Qin Guan had not halted helplessly to wait for another doctor to arrive. Yan Huai took a shallow breath and retreated another step. Suddenly, footsteps echoed from outside.
Yan Huai and Yan Chi turned to see Empress Zhao Shuhua and Feng Lingsu arriving together. Yan Huai had no time to entertain them and merely waved a hand. “Wait outside. We are tending to an illness here—too many people will disrupt the process.”
Zhao Shuhua glanced toward the bed, curtseyed, and left.
Qin Guan completed her thorough examination of the Empress Dowager and said softly, “Her Majesty’s complexion is ashen, her lips purplish-blue, and the skin beneath her eyes dark. Her limbs are stiff and unresponsive, yet her organs show signs of distension. This is likely due to pathogenic wind invading the liver and spleen, accumulating over time until it erupted. Moreover, given Her Majesty’s advanced age, aside from these two organs being particularly affected by the pathogenic wind, the pores and tissues of her limbs have also been invaded by cold pathogens. Thus, she often feels numbness and chill in her legs and feet, making it difficult to sleep. There is blood in Her Majesty’s nasal passages but none in her mouth—a sign of pathogenic wind entering the brain and compressing the blood vessels.”
As she spoke, Qin Guan looked toward the Mommas. “Did Her Majesty feel not only numbness in her legs tonight but also a stabbing pain as if pierced by needles? Did she vomit during the day? Also, after her fall earlier, has she been unable to speak?”With this question, before the several mammas could speak, Yan Huai first warned, "Mammy Chen, do not conceal anything."
The addressed Mammy Chen immediately nodded and said, "The young lady is correct. After Her Majesty rested, she did feel numbness and pain in both legs. After the midday meal today, Her Majesty indeed vomited, so she ate very little in the afternoon. We originally intended to summon the imperial physician, but the previously prescribed medicine was still available, and today being New Year's Eve, Her Majesty did not allow us to notify them. Just now... just after Her Majesty fell and saw blood, she not only became unable to speak but also somewhat lost consciousness."
Qin Guan had thoroughly applied the four diagnostic methods of observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking in medicine. Seeing that all her inferences were confirmed, the imperial physicians, mammas, and palace maids in the room showed surprise in their eyes, while Yan Chi beside her also brightened as he looked at Qin Guan.
Qin Guan studied medicine and also possessed coroner skills. Judging by her words just now, how could these two fields not share many similarities? From symptoms to pathology, it was like moving from the wounds of the deceased to the method of murder—Qin Guan could always see the root of the problem through these manifestations. Because of this, she could treat the illnesses of the living and redress the grievances of the dead.
After listening to Mammy Chen, Qin Guan nodded and said, "I will prescribe the formula; you write it down."
Mammy Chen was taken aback—was she going to change the Empress Dowager's prescription? The Empress Dowager's prescription was not to be altered lightly. Mammy Chen quickly looked at Yan Huai, who frowned and said, "What are you waiting for?! Go write it down!"
Only then did Mammy Chen understand Yan Huai's trust in Qin Guan and hurried to fetch paper and brush.
Qin Guan leaned over by the bedside, massaging the Empress Dowager's heart acupoint with one hand while saying, "Ephedra and Sichuan xiong, three qian each; dried ginger, gypsum, ginseng, Chinese angelica, and cinnamon heart, two qian each; fifty apricot kernels. Boil with three bowls of water until reduced to one bowl. Prepare it now."
Mammy Chen quickly finished writing and immediately ordered someone to fetch the herbs and decoct the medicine.
Yan Huai watched and couldn't help asking, "What is this for?"
Qin Guan replied with a grave expression, "This is the Great Life-Prolonging Decoction."
Yan Huai frowned; just hearing the name made further questions unnecessary.
After prescribing the medicine, Qin Guan quickly massaged from the Empress Dowager's temples down to the bubbling spring point on her soles. She worked alone, and for convenience, she knelt on one knee by the bed. Even so, continuously bending over while exerting force was very strenuous. Before long, large beads of sweat rolled down Qin Guan's face. Yan Chi watched from the side, his eyes filled with heartache, but in this situation, he could do nothing except hold the cape that carried Qin Guan's warmth a little tighter.
Yan Huai also watched Qin Guan with a sigh of admiration. In just this short time, her skill was evident. She hadn't asked in great detail but had discerned everything herself, and every symptom she guessed was confirmed upon inquiry. She showed no panic, proceeding methodically from the moment she arrived. Although Yan Huai couldn't tell exactly what she was doing, he knew she must have devised a treatment plan.
"Might the two imperial physicians have brought silver needles?"
Suddenly, Qin Guan asked another question. She usually carried her needle kit out of habit, but today's palace attire was too cumbersome, and thinking she wouldn't need it, she had left it behind.
At her question, one of the imperial physicians quickly responded, "Are you going to perform needle therapy on Her Majesty?"After this brief moment, the two imperial physicians no longer dared to underestimate Qin Guan. However, upon hearing she intended to perform needle therapy, their expressions changed again. Qin Guan nodded, "Indeed. May I borrow your needles?"
Silver needles were essential tools for physicians, and Qin Guan was certain these two would have them.
Yet the physician hesitated for a moment before saying, "Young lady, are you aware that Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is extremely frail? We also considered needle therapy earlier but feared the Empress Dowager wouldn't be able to withstand it. Once the needles are applied, I'm afraid Her Majesty..."
Hearing this, Yan Huai's eyes immediately showed tension. No wonder these two could do nothing—if that were the case, they indeed wouldn't dare to apply needles recklessly. Just as he was thinking this, Qin Guan spoke, "Please rest assured, gentlemen. Just lend me the needles. I believe my needle technique differs from yours."
Refuted by Qin Guan's words, the physician had no choice but to fetch the needle kit. They had already given their warning—if any mishap occurred due to the needle therapy, they couldn't be blamed for not reminding her.
Soon, the needle kit was in Qin Guan's hands. She glanced at Yan Huai, "Your Majesty, this common girl needs to change the Empress Dowager's clothes. Please wait outside with the two physicians and the Crown Prince."
Yan Huai had wanted to stay and accompany them, but hearing this, he had no choice but to leave. Quickly, only Qin Guan, Mammy Chen, and the palace maids remained in the room. Qin Guan took a step back, "Please undo the Empress Dowager's clothing."
Mammy Chen didn't dare delay and promptly complied. When the Empress Dowager's chest and abdomen were exposed, Qin Guan finally opened the needle kit.
Meanwhile, as Yan Huai stepped out of the inner chamber, he already felt quite exhausted. If he, merely worried and tense, felt this way, one could imagine how Qin Guan—who had been continuously providing treatment—must feel. Just as this thought crossed his mind, he reached the outer room and saw it filled with people.
Not only were Zhao Shuhua and Feng Lingsu present, but Yan Che, Yan Qi, and Yan Zhen had also arrived, along with other consorts, crowding the room. As soon as Yan Huai emerged, Zhao Shuhua hurried forward, "Your Majesty, how is she?"
Yan Huai shook his head, "She's undergoing needle therapy. The outcome is still unknown."
Zhao Shuhua's eyes dimmed slightly, and she quickly said, "Your Majesty, please sit down. You don't look well."
Yan Huai waved his hand, uninterested in resting, and walked to the window instead. He pushed it open, revealing the night snow falling like swirling willow catkins outside. The cold wind swept snowflakes in a flurry, and Yan Huai felt a pang of sorrow. Seeing this, Feng Lingsu hurried over, "Your Majesty is already distressed about the Empress Dowager. Please don't catch a chill now."
Yan Chi sighed, "I wonder if Mother can pull through this time."
After he spoke, Feng Lingsu didn't know how to respond. If she said she definitely would, what if bad news came shortly after? Feng Lingsu was at a loss for words, as were the others. For a moment, everyone fell silent.
Waiting was always agonizing. Even though Yan Huai knew Qin Guan was confident, he hadn't expected it to take so long. As three incense sticks' worth of time passed, there was still no sound from inside. Instead, the medicine Qin Guan had prescribed was brewed and brought in.
Feng Lingsu was the first to grow impatient, "What's going on? Why is there still no movement?"
Zhao Shuhua, however, remained calm, "No movement is good news. Don't fret, sister."
"Empress Dowager—Empress Dowager—"As soon as the words fell, everyone heard Mammy Chen's loud cry from the inner chamber. Yan Huai, who had been standing by the window, abruptly turned around—how could he wait any longer? He immediately strode toward the inner chamber. Seeing this, Zhao Shuhua followed suit. Yan Chi frowned, also worried that something might have happened inside, and naturally hurried in as well.
The group rushed anxiously into the inner chamber. Upon entering, they saw Mammy Chen standing by the window with red-rimmed eyes, shouting.
Meanwhile, Qin Guan stood at the foot of the bed, her face deathly pale as she stared at the Empress Dowager.
Yan Huai's brow furrowed deeply, a wave of grief surging in his heart. He urgently demanded, "What happened to the Empress Dowager?!"
Mammy Chen turned around with reddened eyes, her voice hoarse as she said, "The Empress Dowager, she—"
Seeing Mammy Chen like this, everyone's hearts sank instantly. Zhao Shuhua and Feng Lingsu immediately shot sharp, accusing glances at Qin Guan. Yet, at that very moment, the Empress Dowager—who had long been at death's door—suddenly let out a light cough and opened her eyes.
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