Chapter 837 - 758: No Way

Chapter 837: Chapter 758: No Way

Although Consort Li, in her urgency, was somewhat improper, one must know that the boundaries between men and women in Nanxia are still in place.

Even if the Imperial Physician is the one examining and taking the pulse of the Eleventh Princess, they cannot directly contact the princess’s body, but must do so through gauze, and even when taking the pulse, it is done through light fabric.

Luo Jia did not dare let Consort Li touch, hastily stepping back and said, "Madam, do not worry. The princess is blessed by the heavens and will surely turn danger into safety!"

Meng Zhang was quite displeased, giving Luo Jia a glance; this was boosting others’ morale while dampening his own prestige.

If they were to compare with the Undying Poison Doctor, he had no words, but is the disciple of the Undying Poison Doctor really that formidable?

Meng Zhang then said, "The princess’s current condition is not optimistic, and even if the disciple of the Undying Poison Doctor could be found, it would take time. This timing cannot be delayed."

Consort Li heard this, found it reasonable, and quickly said, "Then please have Doctor Meng stabilize Ying’er’s condition first!"

The Emperor’s heart was unhappy; losing control over an originally manageable matter was certainly not a good feeling. With a voice of authority, he said, "The disciple of the Undying Poison Doctor? How old are they? Where did they last appear?"

Luo Jia quickly replied, "I saw that Miss Xia at Wangshan Town in the Northern County, appearing sixteen or seventeen years old, with a healer’s benevolent heart. Most importantly, her medical skills are excellent, and her thoughts agile!"

Meng Zhang had heard Luo Jia mention this Miss Xia more than once, feeling disdainful, but dared not say more in front of the Emperor.

The Emperor ordered sternly, "Have someone investigate the whereabouts of the disciple of the Undying Poison Doctor!"

Someone responded from afar, but the person wasn’t visible, and the voice faded, presumably following orders.

Consort Li said gratefully, "Many thanks to the Emperor for looking after Ying’er, just hoping Ying’er is blessed by the heavens!"

The Emperor glanced at Meng Zhang and Luo Jia, "You both keep a close watch on the Seventeenth Princess’s illness; even if you can’t find the disciple of the Undying Poison Doctor, you must keep the condition under control for me."

Though Meng Luo did not have confidence, they dare not say more at this time.

The Emperor comforted Consort Li a few words and then left Liqing Palace.

When he returned to Longyu Hall, it had been an hour.

From afar, the Emperor could see someone waiting outside the hall. Looking more closely, that person was distinguished with an elegant demeanor, as radiant as jade, with a straight back, noble aura, and composed breath, yet young in years. Was this not Huangfu Jingchen?

Huangfu Jingchen also saw him and offered a warm smile, saluting, "Grandson greets Grandfather!"

The Emperor acknowledged, "Rise!" without stopping, heading towards the hall, and instructed, "Follow me!"

From the Emperor’s tone, there seemed to be some displeasure; his mood was evidently poor. Huangfu Jingchen obediently responded, following him into Longyu Hall.

The Emperor indeed wasn’t in a good mood at this moment. Once back at his desk, as he turned to look at Huangfu Jingchen standing with hands respectfully, he felt somewhat complex.

He originally disapproved of Old Fifth’s suggestion of asking Seventeenth’s opinion on whether she wanted to perform the marriage alliance herself, finding it quite absurd. He had decided to reply to the East Tang Envoy the next day, agreeing to send the Seventeenth Princess for marriage alliance.

If not for hearing Old Fifth’s words and his genuine fondness for Consort Li, he wouldn’t have visited Liqing Palace.

However, he was somewhat thankful now for visiting, for Seventeenth’s face was marred with unsightly things, her appearance destroyed. Had he indeed agreed to the marriage alliance, when Seventeenth married afar, it surely wouldn’t foster friendly diplomatic relations but likely worsen the relations between the two nations.

After all, sending an ugly princess with a pockmarked face is an insult, isn’t it?

If it were him, he couldn’t endure it either.

Then a war with East Tang might be unavoidable.

From this perspective, Old Fifth inadvertently defused a potential military conflict.

Moreover, Old Fifth’s Princely Heir was rather pleasing to the eye.

Though he was taught by Old Fifth and his wife to be without guile and somewhat too naive, he learned quickly, and handled affairs fairly steadily.

In the reports returned by the Hidden Guards sent to observe the several heirs, Old Fifth’s son was still the most outstanding one.

Huangfu Yuxuan, growing up in the Capital City, took over ten years to gain renown as one of the three gentlemen of the Capital City, but Huangfu Jingchen hasn’t been in the Capital City long, yet has kept his conduct proper, avoiding interactions with courtiers and connections with nobility, even seldom attending social events in the Capital City.

But even with such restraint, there are many who admire him, quietly revising the name of the Capital City’s three gentlemen, including him this time.