Palace Fighting: Naive Concubines' Ascent to Power-Chapter 423: XOR in the Brain

Upon leaving Canglan Court, the Emperor’s smile vanished, replaced by his usual demeanor as he strode purposefully toward the Star Palace.

Zhang Qing followed closely, walking briskly as he looked down and replied, "Your Majesty, two Imperial Physicians are already waiting at the Star Palace."

"Mm," the Emperor responded indifferently, not breaking his stride.

He had given the order for Chu Yuanzheng and Huang Zude to wait in the Star Palace after completing the examination, and Zhang Qing was simply following the arrangement.

The abnormalities in Lian Hua’s condition were not appropriate to discuss within Canglan Court – neither Lian Hua herself nor Nanny Qi should be privy to this knowledge.

That was also the reason why he hadn’t stayed in Canglan Court for lunch. The matter weighed heavily on his mind, and he could not be at ease until it was clarified.

Before long, the entourage reached the Star Palace.

Chu Yuanzheng and Huang Zude had been waiting for a while in the Star Palace, and they had not been idle. Based on their pulse diagnosis, both men had expressed their views to each other.

When the Emperor arrived, they were deep in discussion. Seeing the Emperor, they hurriedly paid their respects.

The Emperor gestured with his hand, "You may rise."

He took his seat on the throne and got straight to the point, "Well, how is it?"

Both knew exactly what the Emperor was asking.

Chu Yuanzheng was the first to speak: "Your Majesty, in my observation, Master Lian appears as healthy as usual, even more so than other Concubines in the palace. Her voice, too, is no different from that of a normal person. When taking her pulse, Master Lian’s pulse was strong and spiraling, smooth as beads, quick yet unobstructed, like beads rolling on a jade plate—typifying the normal pulse of pregnancy. Had Your Majesty not provided prior notice, I might not have detected any sign of abnormality."

He felt ashamed to admit that, although his medical skills could not match the miraculous healing prowess of the Thousand Gold Miracle Healer of yesteryear, he was nevertheless considered a master of The Art of Qihuang. Yet, had it not been for Your Majesty’s prior words, he would have thought Master Lian to be as hale and healthy as anyone could be.

The Emperor’s heart tightened, "Are you suggesting there is some irregularity?"

Chu Yuanzheng heaved a sigh, bowing to the Emperor, "My skills are lacking. I only sensed something off upon a thorough examination of several of Master Lian’s major acupuncture points. When Master Lian’s qi and blood circulated to the upper regions near the Dangyang acupoint, there was an extremely slight obstruction—so light it could hardly be felt without concentrated tranquility. Even having noticed this subtle difference, I cannot determine the cause."

The Emperor had an inkling and reassured him, "Chu Yuanzheng, do not undervalue yourself. If you lack skill, then who in this world can claim proficiency in The Art of Qihuang?"

Chu Yuanzheng repeatedly expressed his shame, "I am unworthy, unworthy."

The Thousand Gold Miracle Healer from two or three decades ago was the true epitome of The Art of Qihuang’s mastery, brilliantly exceptional. Unfortunately, that individual had retired and disappeared, nowhere to be found.

The Emperor looked toward Huang Zude, "Doctor Huang, what is your opinion? Is there a serious problem?"

Huang Zude stepped forward and bowed, "Like Chu Yuanzheng, I observed little difference between Master Lian and any ordinary person. However, when taking her pulse, I occasionally felt a weaker beat within one respiration—not every time, but only occasionally. Even when detecting a normal Pulse of Peace before, if there were any irregularities, they would be during just one or two beats, easily overlooked."

Chu Yuanzheng, standing to the side, nodded slightly, admiring the talent of younger generations. This was a detail he had not detected himself. Despite his relative youth, Doctor Huang had exquisite medical skills, a wealth of experience, and a meticulous mind. In the practice of healing, sometimes it is such minor distinctions that can indicate vastly different ailments.

He would dare say that many physicians in the Imperial Medical Bureau did not possess Doctor Huang’s medical expertise, which was why he had seen potential in him, discussing the matter before exceptionally recommending his appointment.

He had a premonition that Doctor Huang was destined to surpass him and perhaps even to go much further, possibly reaching the heights of the legendary Thousand Gold Miracle Healer from decades ago.

Huang Zude paused, then looked to Chu Yuanzheng, who nodded at him.

Encouraged by this, Huang Zude continued, "Inspired by Chu Yuanzheng’s insights, upon discussing with him, we speculate that Master Lian’s anomaly might originate in her brain."

This was a point both agreed upon.

Chu Yuanzheng echoed, "Exactly, Your Majesty. With your permission, may I ask if Master Lian had ever suffered a serious illness years ago?"

The Emperor tapped his hand on the imperial case, listening intently. At that moment, his hand paused, and he looked down to see Huang Zude with a serious expression, full of deep contemplation, and Chu Yuanzheng looked much the same, his face expressing a desire for understanding.

Both were somewhat obsessed with the medical arts, and in this regard, they were trustworthy.

However, this issue involved his Little Concubine, and he was afraid of others probing. He didn’t wish to slip up and let Nannan know, as it would be improper. Perhaps it was better to say nothing and see how things developed.

He concealed his thoughts and countered, "Why do you ask this, Chu Yuanzheng?"

Chu Yuanzheng couldn’t quite understand it himself, "Logically speaking, Master Lian’s body is very healthy and does not appear as though it had been weakened by a long illness. Everything seems normal; such strangeness does not resemble a hidden ailment—"

He said, looking towards Huang Zude.

Huang Zude looked back, nodding in agreement, "It’s not a hidden ailment."

Chu Yuanzheng continued, "Therefore, I speculate that perhaps Master Lian had once been ill and a hint of that has remained in the brain? Like a scar on a human body, even when faded and healed, leaves a trace that does no harm to the person. Just like when touched, the texture feels slightly different."

On this point, Huang Zude held a differing opinion and thought deeply about it.

The Emperor asked, "Does this mean there is no possibility of relapse?"

This was his greatest concern.

"This..." Chu Yuanzheng showed a troubled expression. He had not conclusively determined the true cause, but it seemed that there was no significant harm at present. Still, as an Imperial Physician, he dared not give such an absolute assurance.

Huang Zude had made up his mind, raised his head, and reported earnestly, "Reporting to Your Majesty. In my opinion, Master Lian’s issue is not a sickness; it seems more like something is blocked. Yet it is blocked not a fraction more, nor a fraction less; this is why the blood flow remains smooth, everything else is as per usual. I believe this does not affect Master Lian’s health."

The Emperor nodded silently. What Chu Yuanzheng and Huang Zude had said both made sense. His Little Concubine indeed had fallen ill years ago and was saved in time by a passing healer, which prevented her from becoming seriously debilitated. However, those painful memories were also blocked.

His Little Concubine, had forgotten the memories of that most despairing year...

She had spoken of many things from her childhood, yet she had never mentioned anything about the year she was ten years old, not even in passing.

Having heard Huang Zude’s words, Chu Yuanzheng thought it over and also felt it to be possible, "That explanation could indeed make sense, but it’s still impossible to determine where the blockage is and whether it occurred naturally or was caused by external forces."

He sighed deeply, lamenting to himself, "If only the Thousand Gold Miracle Healer were here, the truth would surely be discovered."

His own medical skills were still lacking. Alas.

Huang Zude, who caught on to the key point, asked with curiosity, "Thousand Gold Miracle Healer?"

He had never heard of such a person in Apricot Forest.

Chu Yuanzheng turned and explained, "You are still young and may have not heard of him. Many years ago, the Thousand Gold Miracle Healer was known to everyone in Apricot Forest, possessing divine medical skills. It’s just that he has disappeared without a trace for many years, and it is unknown how he fares now."

There was a note of admiration in his tone as he spoke.