Her Power and Favor Span the World

Chapter 122

Yuwen Hao went forward to support Prince Huai. Consort Ji hurriedly said, "Fifth brother, if you are afraid of infection, let the attendant come instead."

That was going too far.

Yuan Qingling could stand it no longer. Hanging the stethoscope over her ear, she turned and coldly said to Consort Ji, "Consort Ji, other than fomenting trouble here, you are of no help. Why don't you go out for tea and gossip, and do what you do best?"

Consort Ji did not expect Yuan Qingling to say this. She was stunned for a moment, then looked at Concubine Lu guiltily. "Concubine Mother Lu, I really am sorry. I truly haven't been of any help."

Concubine Lu disliked Yuan Qingling's sharp tone. She said coldly, "What gives you the right to order her out? If it wasn't for Consort Ji stabilizing the princes' manor these past few days, it would have fallen into chaos long ago. You don't even know your own capabilities yet dare to be so disrespectful?"

Yuan Qingling was extremely angry. "Concubine Mother Lu, it's your son lying there between life and death. I was summoned by decree to save him, not harm him. I've already explained about the masks to you. Prince Huai's illness is infectious. Wearing masks is to prevent infection. If you think it's distasteful, think what you will, but you and Consort Ji cannot interfere with my treatment. I don't know what she is plotting, but she certainly doesn't care for your son as much as you do. Right now, I'm the physician. I should stand united with the patient and his family. If you were reasonable, you would listen to me too. After all, even His Majesty listens to me regarding Prince Huai's treatment."

"Chu Wangfei, I really don't understand what you mean about me having ulterior motives. What could I possibly gain?" Before Concubine Lu could respond, Consort Ji jumped in to defend herself.

"Consort Ji, I won't bicker with you. Either stand there quietly and observe, or leave." Yuan Qingling said directly.

Concubine Lu was about to speak when Yuan Qingling's gaze swept over. "Concubine Mother Lu, think carefully before you speak!"

Concubine Lu pondered for a moment, then turned to Consort Ji. "Forget it, let's not argue with her."

Consort Ji sighed. "Alright, I'll keep silent then."

Yuwen Hao could not conceal his admiring gaze. It was inappropriate for him to intervene in women's conversation. He had thought Yuan Qingling would blow up at Consort Ji this time, but with just a few words she had turned it around, clearly pointing out Consort Ji's ulterior motives and leaving her unable to bite back.

Concubine Lu was no fool. She had just been anxious and distrustful of Yuan Qingling, leading to all her suspicions.

But Yuan Qingling's words made her see things more clearly. Harming Huai'er would bring her no benefit at all. On the contrary, saving Huai'er would make the Emperor appreciate her and Yuwen Hao. No matter how she looked at it, she had no reason to harm Huai'er.

It was Consort Ji who kept harping on about the masks, and when she thought about it carefully, it did seem she was deliberately stirring up trouble. Also, Yuan Qingling had already spoken so bluntly, yet she still insisted on staying to observe.

These past days, the princes had been frequently visiting Prince Huai's manor. How could she not know the reason?

Huai'er had been ill for three years. The only regular visitor was Yuwen Hao. The sudden influx of princes recently, with Prince Ji even moving in to stay, was clearly to gain reputation as a virtuous elder brother.

Thinking this, Concubine Lu's mind cleared up. She deliberately blocked Consort Ji's line of sight by standing in front of her.

Of course, Yuan Qingling was unaware of Concubine Lu's thought process. She listened to the lungs and heart with her stethoscope. Without diagnostic instruments, she lacked clinical experience in treating tuberculosis.

Putting away the stethoscope, Yuan Qingling pressed on the liver area and asked Prince Huai if it was painful there or in the stomach. Prince Huai said his stomach had hurt for a period some time ago, but there had been no major discomfort recently.

Prince Huai asked, "Is this stomach pain related to my illness?"

Yuan Qingling said, "I need to eliminate the possibility of the tuberculosis bacteria infecting your gastrointestinal tract or elsewhere. The first half month is critical for treatment. Your Highness must follow my instructions. I require absolute cooperation. You absolutely cannot stop taking the medicine. If you stop, I will be powerless to save you."

"Then now..." Prince Huai's eyes darkened slightly. "Do you have the ability to save me?"

"There are no absolutes in medicine. Your illness has progressed for quite some time. I'll do my best." Yuan Qingling said.

"The imperial physician said I wouldn't make it past ten days. Counting the days, only three remain now." Prince Huai said quietly.

Yuan Qingling shook her head, indirectly denying the imperial physician's words. "Your heart and lung function have not been completely damaged. The hemoptysis will be controlled to a certain extent after a week, seven days. Even your night coughing will see corresponding improvement tonight. This will be a long treatment process. As long as Your Highness does not give up, I will not give up."

Listening to this, Yuwen Hao felt a warmth in his heart. He gazed steadily at Yuan Qingling. This woman had been rather dazzling lately.

"Thank you, sister-in-law." Prince Huai said softly.

"Sleep now." Yuan Qingling turned to Concubine Lu. "Concubine Mother Lu, you should all leave and let His Highness rest."

Concubine Lu nodded. After peeking worriedly at her son, she reluctantly left.

Hope was slowly growing in her heart, but this hope did not come from the imperial physicians. It came from Yuan Qingling, so she was not at ease.

Yuan Qingling also left. Yuwen Hao wanted to stay and chat with his younger brother, but Yuan Qingling pulled him out. "Family members, out. Do not disturb the patient's rest."

"Is this proper etiquette?" Yuwen Hao followed her unwillingly, complaining internally. She was putting on airs after getting the Imperial Cane.

Outside, many people were gathered, including Prince Qi and Chu Mingcui who had not come earlier.

Seeing Yuwen Hao, Prince Qi pulled him aside.

Yuwen Hao was speechless. Why was everyone so fond of pulling sleeves lately?

Prince Qi and his wife had already been here a while, listening to Yuan Qingling treating the illness inside, so they were waiting with the others.

But he had not forgotten about Chu Mingcui falling into the water.

He pulled Yuwen Hao aside and asked, "Fifth brother, it's been days since the incident. Shouldn't Mingcui get an explanation about falling into the water?"

Yuwen Hao looked at him and really wanted to slap him.

"Seventh brother, what explanation do you want?"

Prince Qi glared. "Naturally, make her apologize to Mingcui. Otherwise, I'll report this to Father."

Yuwen Hao laughed. "Father already knows about it."

"He knows?" Prince Qi considered all the people present that day, word must have reached Father. "What did Father say?"

"Father ordered her to come treat Sixth Brother. If she cures him, she will be pardoned."

Prince Qi murmured, "So Father didn't ask her to apologize to Mingcui? Fifth brother, tell her to go make amends."

Yuwen Hao waved him off. "I wouldn't dare."

Prince Qi was shocked. Wouldn't dare? Did he mishear? Since when was Fifth Brother afraid of Yuan Qingling?

Yuwen Hao explained, "Grandfather Emperor rewarded her with an Imperial Cane, decreeing she may use it to beat anyone who vexes her."

Prince Qi's eyeballs nearly popped out. "No way?" Why would Grandfather do something so disgraceful?

"Want to try it yourself to find out? This king was beaten all night." Thinking back to last night, Yuwen Hao sighed heavily, looking thoroughly humiliated and resentful but not daring to vent.

Seeing his haggard complexion, Prince Qi believed Fifth Brother had indeed suffered tremendous indignity. Alas, Fifth Brother was also pitiful.