Chapter 154:

Fu Jingyan accepted the task, but it was not an easy one. There were many people in the palace with higher ranks than hers. Yet the emperor insisted on doing so. Saying that he valued her was perhaps less accurate than saying this was a blatant slap in the face to Consort Hui.

Consort Hui had entered the palace three years earlier than Fu Jingyan, but clearly, those three years had not brought her even the slightest improvement—she remained as conceited and self-centered as ever.

Sighing softly, Fu Jingyan’s maid, seeing her mistress’s predicament, spoke up: “Your Highness, Consort Hui is still as domineering as when she was in her family’s mansion. What shall we do from now on?”

Thinking of her father’s instructions before entering the palace, Fu Jingyan felt a wave of helplessness.

Still, she replied: “We are both daughters of the Fu family—our fates rise and fall together. She may act arrogantly, but I cannot do the same. I must not betray Father’s expectations.”

The maid, who had followed Fu Jingyan since childhood, sighed: “It’s truly difficult for you, my lady.”

Fu Jingyan shook her head.

“Enough. Let’s leave Consort Hui aside for now. Our priority is to uncover the truth of this matter as soon as possible.”

The maid asked: “My lady, where should we begin? The emperor has ordered us to find out the truth quickly.”

Fu Jingyan was well aware of Emperor Jing’s urgency. Before entering the palace, she had often wondered what kind of person Shen Layue was, someone who had gained the emperor’s favor. Yet she never expected it to be like this.

“If the emperor wants an investigation, I must uncover the truth as soon as possible. Let’s start with the body first.”

“A mere palace maid’s death—why such an intense investigation?” the maid sighed.

Fu Jingyan smiled faintly and slowly replied: “Do you really think the emperor is doing this for justice for a lowly maid? Why did Dan’er die? Who was that suspicious figure and what were they trying to do? Those are the emperor’s real concerns. There’s much filth in the palace, but the fact that Dan’er followed someone and was then killed to silence her, only to be dumped at the back gate of Qing’an Palace to frame Consort Shen—this is what we must focus on.”

Such an investigation, whether successful or not, would inevitably offend someone. It all depended on who was offended. If the truth couldn’t be uncovered, the emperor would surely be displeased. If it was revealed, no one could predict whom they might anger.

But Fu Jingyan saw things clearly—Emperor Jing was the ruler of the realm, and all the women in the harem depended on him. Given that, the matter was simple enough.

While Fu Jingyan was troubled yet determined to investigate, the emperor and Layue were happily playing with the children in another room.

The child was already nine months old, cooing and babbling. The emperor held the baby in his arms, chatting with Layue.

“Although official duties are heavy, don’t worry too much. I’ve seen that you have capable attendants around you. If you treat them with respect, they will surely perform well. I will assign more people to assist you shortly.”

Layue nodded obediently. If he insisted on entrusting her with these responsibilities, then so be it.

She couldn’t help but wonder if he had other intentions.

Layue thought along those lines, unaware that the emperor was genuinely sincere, truly wishing her well.

After laying the child down, the emperor brought up a topic while observing Layue’s expression: “Minister Fu has already discussed with me. The wedding will be set for next spring, one month after our beloved child’s first birthday.”

Layue nodded without showing any particular emotion.

Fu Jingyu was an official outside the palace. Even though Yue Feng was her cousin, the elders would naturally take care of the arrangements.

Seeing her silent, the emperor raised his brow: “You don’t want to go?”

Layue smiled. “Why would Your Majesty think that?”

Her silence was answer enough. The emperor chuckled: “You, my girl, I know you well. I thought I’d ask since I’ve always shown care for your cousin.”

Layue shook her head.

“It’s not appropriate for me to attend.”

After all, several of the Fu family’s daughters were already in the palace, and she had already gained an advantage over them. If she attended the wedding, it would surely upset Minister Fu and Lady Fu. She could leave easily, but she couldn’t ignore the feelings of her cousin who was already married into the family.

The emperor naturally understood her concerns and nodded.

Still, he insisted: “If you wish to go, I shall take you with me.”

Layue glanced at him playfully. “Your Majesty already knows my thoughts yet still says this, trying to be the good one again.”

She then smiled sweetly.

As the emperor was about to speak, an anxious voice interrupted from outside.

“Your Majesty, I beg an audience.”

Lai Xi rarely disturbed him without cause.

“What is it?”

“Your Majesty, someone has come from the Empress Dowager’s palace. It seems Her Majesty has taken ill and has coughed up blood.”

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing immediately stood up.

Layue also quickly rose.

“I shall go to Huici Palace.” Without further words, he prepared to leave.

Although in a previous life, the Empress Dowager had been the one responsible for the Shen family’s downfall, in this life, she had always treated Layue kindly. Layue could not remain indifferent.

“Your Majesty, may I accompany you?”

Seeing the emperor nod, she called Jin Xin and a few others to come in and take care of the child.

They hurried over and, as expected, found the Empress Dowager in a poor condition.

Layue never believed that past-life events would necessarily repeat themselves in this life. Otherwise, how could Bai Xiaodie and Chen Yulan have died? Thus, upon hearing of the Empress Dowager’s illness, she was genuinely worried.

When they arrived, several senior imperial physicians, including Grand Physician Wan, were already present.

“What happened!” the emperor’s expression darkened.

Madam Gui, visibly anxious, reported: “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager suddenly coughed up blood and then fainted. The physicians are still diagnosing her and have not come out yet.”

Without acknowledging anyone else, the emperor entered the inner chamber directly. As the physicians hurried to kneel and greet him, he waved them off.

“How is she?”

Grand Physician Wan spoke up: “Your Majesty, Her Majesty’s body is extremely weak. In recent years, she has always been frail, without any major illness, but now she is nearing the end of her life…”

Grand Physician Wan did not continue. The next words would be disrespectful.

The emperor closed his eyes painfully. He naturally knew the Empress Dowager’s condition had been poor. Over the years, he had always instructed the Imperial Medical Bureau to monitor her health closely. He never expected her condition to suddenly worsen.

“Is there any way to treat her?”

Grand Physician Wan was cautious. Over the years, he had devoted himself to caring for the Empress Dowager. Many methods had been tried, but her excessive worries had taken a toll on her health.

“Your Majesty, I have already administered acupuncture. She should regain consciousness shortly. However, long-term recovery will take time. As I mentioned before, Her Majesty’s body was severely weakened in her youth. As she ages, she must be more careful. If she can ease her mind, her condition may improve. However, based on the past two years, Her Majesty’s mental burdens have only deepened. I will continue with regular acupuncture and appropriate tonics, but how long they can sustain her is uncertain.”

The emperor naturally understood the Empress Dowager’s concerns—mainly about his and his brother’s conflicts. Perhaps, there was also someone else…

In addition, the heavy palace duties were likely a contributing factor.

In that moment, Emperor Jing felt a deep sense of filial failure.

All these years, he and Yan Lie had been in constant rivalry, yet they had ultimately neglected their mother’s feelings.

“Are there any other opinions? Any better suggestions?”

The other physicians, none as skilled as Grand Physician Wan, shook their heads helplessly.

The emperor grew furious, kicking a chair, which landed with a loud thud.

Despite this, the Empress Dowager remained unconscious.

The physicians hurriedly knelt, filled with fear.

Layue, in the outer chamber, heard the noise and stood up. After a moment’s thought, she bit her lip and remained outside, anxiously gazing into the room.

Inside, the emperor roared: “What use are you all to me? The Empress Dowager is in this state, and you say you have no solutions? No solutions? How did you even get into the Imperial Medical Bureau? With such skills, how dare you call yourselves imperial physicians? Do you not fear ridicule from the entire empire?”

Since the Empress Dowager remained unconscious for the moment, the emperor allowed his temper to flare.

It seemed he desperately needed an outlet for his frustration.

No one dared to speak. At a time like this, unless there was a concrete solution, any additional words would not solve the problem.

“Are you all mute now?” The emperor’s anger grew as he saw no progress.

“Y-Your Majesty…”

Grand Physician Wan finally spoke up, trembling.

“Do you have a solution?”

Mustering his courage, Wan replied: “Your Majesty, I humbly request that my wife be allowed to come to the palace and attempt to treat Her Majesty.”

The emperor was momentarily stunned, scrutinizing Wan’s expression for any sign of falsehood.

“My wife?”

Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Wan continued: “My master was my father-in-law, and my wife grew up learning medicine under him. Her skills are no less than mine. Two heads are better than one. I dare not claim that my wife will definitely cure Her Majesty, but at this stage, trying can do no harm.”

Wan spoke with great trepidation.

However, as a physician, saving lives was his duty. At his age, he could no longer be bound by conventional norms.

No one else spoke. Grand Physician Wan was the head of the Imperial Medical Bureau, known for his exceptional skills and integrity. If he said his wife was equally skilled, then she must indeed be capable.

Medical practitioners were different from court officials who schemed for power. Though they might have their own considerations, saving lives always came first.

Even if it wasn’t for the Empress Dowager, any additional hope was worth trying.

Physician Zhang spoke up: “Your Majesty, Grand Physician Wan is the most skilled among us. If his wife is equally capable, then it would be best to have her examine Her Majesty. More hands mean more help.”

The emperor naturally understood this reasoning.

“Then send someone to fetch Grand Physician Wan’s wife to the palace.”

The emperor’s voice was calm and expressionless.

“You may all rise now. Take good care of the Empress Dowager.”

Layue, in the outer chamber, exhaled in relief upon hearing the discussion.

So, they were going to invite her master into the palace…