Chapter 319: Rumors Abound

Rumors Abound

Moxun sat on the chair, sorting through medicinal herbs in a small box, and said indifferently, "The Noble Consort insisted on coming for acupuncture—how could I refuse?"

The elderly imperial physician panicked, "Men and women must maintain propriety! Even if the Noble Consort forced you, you shouldn’t have agreed!"

Moxun pursed his lips and didn’t respond, continuing to fiddle with the herbs in his hands. From start to finish, Moxun remained utterly composed, not at all like a man facing death.

...

...

After leaving the Imperial Hospital, Shen Wei went to Cining Palace to visit the Empress Dowager.

On the way, Cai Lian handed her a letter. "My lady, this is a letter from Princess Zhaoyang."

Shen Wei read it as she walked, her eyes brightening slightly.

The late autumn air was chilly, and Cining Palace was quiet—the children had gone to the academy to study. Only the slightly older Li Wan'er was keeping the Empress Dowager company.

"Consort Chen," Li Wan'er curtsied to Shen Wei.

Shen Wei asked, "Has Her Majesty’s health improved?"

Li Wan'er shook her head, her delicate face unable to hide her worry. "Her Majesty is resting in her chambers. She refuses to take her medicine."

Shen Wei said softly, "Good child, you’ve worked hard. Go rest—I’ll stay with Her Majesty."

Li Wan'er nodded lightly and quietly left the Empress Dowager’s chambers. Shen Wei lifted the heavy drapery blocking the wind. The room was thick with the scent of medicine. The Empress Dowager lay on the divan, wearing an embroidered headband, her face gaunt with exhaustion.

Shen Wei called out, "Mother."

The Empress Dowager motioned for her to sit.

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Shen Wei settled beside the divan, carefully tucking the fox-fur blanket around the Empress Dowager, ensuring no gaps remained.

The room was warm, filled with the rich fragrance of sandalwood.

When Nanny Qian saw Shen Wei, it was as if she had spotted a savior. She hurriedly brought over the medicine the Empress Dowager had left unfinished.

Holding the bowl, Shen Wei said, "Moxun is a renowned physician from the jianghu, with exceptional skills. The medicine she prescribed for you—please don’t fear the bitterness, Mother. You must drink it all."

The Empress Dowager closed her eyes. "It’s not the bitterness I fear. I simply don’t wish to drink it."

Shen Wei replied, "Mother, I know you’re grieving over the Xie family’s misfortune. But you must also think of Zhaoyang and her child."

The Empress Dowager’s eyes snapped open.

With a smile, Shen Wei pulled a letter from her sleeve, unfolded it, and read it aloud to the Empress Dowager. Princess Zhaoyang, who had married the Emperor of Yue Kingdom, was now two months pregnant and had written specifically to inform Shen Wei.

Zhaoyang, aware of the Xie family’s tragedy, expressed her concern for the Empress Dowager in the letter.

After finishing the letter, Shen Wei placed it in the Empress Dowager’s hands. "Mother, one cannot remain trapped in the past. We must look forward. When Zhaoyang’s child grows up, they may even return to Yanjing City to pay their respects to you." Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

As the Empress Dowager flipped through the letter, her nose tinged red, and tears fell.

Shen Wei helped her drink the medicine, and in the end, the Empress Dowager endured the bitterness and finished every last drop.

Nanny Qian took the empty bowl away, her gaze filled with admiration for Shen Wei.

"As long as Zhaoyang is well, I can rest easy," the Empress Dowager said, reclining on the divan with a gentle expression. "I’ve heard you’ve been frequenting the Imperial Hospital lately, spending time with that physician Moxun. What mischief are you plotting now?"

The Empress Dowager knew Shen Wei was clever.

She would never make mistakes that were too obvious.

Shen Wei’s eyes curved into crescents. "Mother knows me best. I’m just fishing."

The Empress Dowager smiled dotingly. "Be careful not to get burned."

Shen Wei leaned against her, her dark, luminous eyes sincere. "With you here, Mother, I fear nothing, even if the heavens collapse. Please don’t fall ill again—I worry so much."

The Empress Dowager stroked Shen Wei’s soft hair but said nothing more.

Shen Wei stayed in Cining Palace all afternoon, keeping the Empress Dowager company. As dusk approached, the children returned in a noisy swarm from the academy.

Le You, especially concerned for the Empress Dowager, dashed into the room with a sweet, childish voice. "Grandmother, did you take your medicine this afternoon? I brought two pieces of brown sugar—you can have them after drinking your medicine!"

Upon entering, Le You spotted Shen Wei.

Shen Wei was seated at the desk, flipping through account books sent by the imperial household department. Le You beamed. "Mother, you’re here too! Would you like some candy?"

Shen Wei set the books aside. "Give it to your grandmother. She dislikes bitter medicine."

Le You sidled up to the divan, his large, watery eyes studying the Empress Dowager. "Grandmother, you look better. You must take your medicine tonight too!"

The Empress Dowager nodded cheerfully.

The room grew lively as the children gathered around the Empress Dowager, the sweet scent of candy filling the air.

...

Changxin Palace.

Lu Xuan, learning that Shen Wei had gone to Cining Palace and had yet to return, asked Little Qin, "What’s happening in Cining Palace?"

Little Qin shook her head. "Cining Palace is sealed tight—no news gets out. I suspect Noble Consort Chen may be seeking the Empress Dowager’s help."

Lu Xuan sneered. "Caught in an affair with an outsider—not even the Empress Dowager can shield her from this."

Li Yuanjing had been delayed at the Ministry of War, discussing military affairs. Lu Xuan planned to wait for his return before personally accusing Noble Consort Chen of her scandalous behavior.

Night had nearly fallen by the time Li Yuanjing returned from the ministry. Upon arriving, he first went to Chang'an Palace to review memorials from the border, lost in thought as he penned his responses.

Chang'an Palace was silent, the gilded incense burner dispersing sandalwood fragrance. The imperial guards at the entrance stood rigid in their armor, the cold moonlight casting a frost-like glow over the eaves.

The dinner brought by the imperial kitchens had nearly gone cold.

But Li Yuanjing remained absorbed in his work, showing no intention of eating. After a while, Eunuch Deshun brought him a cup of hot tea, hesitating before speaking. "Your Majesty, Noble Consort Chen sent word."

Li Yuanjing continued writing. "What did she say?"

Eunuch Deshun bowed deeply, his voice trembling. "Noble Consort Chen said... she said she’s starving. If Your Majesty doesn’t eat, she won’t take a single bite either—she’ll starve with you."

Li Yuanjing’s brush paused, only then noticing the darkened sky outside. Liangzhou City had been restless lately, with barbarian tribes repeatedly raiding the borders. Li Yuanjing had been discussing strategies with the Emperor of Yue Kingdom to jointly suppress the tribes beyond Liangzhou.

Lost in his thoughts, he had forgotten the passage of time.

His stomach growled in protest.

With a resigned sigh, Li Yuanjing set down his brush and rubbed his temples. "Prepare the palanquin. I’m going to Yongning Palace."

Knowing Shen Wei’s temperament, if he didn’t eat, neither would she.

His Weiwei—always so attentive to him.

Under the frost-like moonlight, lanterns illuminated the long palace path. Seated in the palanquin, Li Yuanjing was still pondering border affairs when, at a turn, he overheard two eunuchs whispering.

"Is it true? Noble Consort Chen and Physician Moxun are involved?"

"Absolutely! Little Qin saw it with her own eyes—no doubt about it."

"Hush, keep your voice down. Is this something to boast about?"

In the silence of the night, their voices were piercingly clear.

Li Yuanjing’s eyes snapped open, his handsome brow creasing with irritation.

He ordered Eunuch Deshun, "Drag those two fools away and execute them."