Chapter 67: Heart’s Blood
Princess Ping Le was Emperor Chong Zhao’s most beloved daughter. The moment something happened to her, it wasn’t a small matter; half the Imperial Hospital was almost moved over. The original plan by Empress Xie to enrich the Eastern Palace for the Crown Prince during the Spring Banquet was also disrupted by this sudden turn of events and had to be shelved in frustration.
She suspected Ping Le was faking her faint, but had to quickly send her to Hua Yi Palace.
The Empress, who was “Mother of the World,” could not fail to be a “mother” to her concubine’s daughter.
Emperor Chong Zhao rushed over with even greater speed, his heart burning with anxiety. He looked at his unconscious daughter lying pale on the bed, his beloved Consort Xiao weeping softly, and the entire room in chaos…
Emperor Chong Zhao’s face turned black with anger, and he pointed at the Imperial Physicians, scolding them furiously.
“Why has the Princess not yet woken up? What have you been eating?”
“Normally, you all talk about the art of healing and boast of your excellent medical skills. At a crucial moment like this, you can’t even handle such a small matter! What use are you to me?”
The Imperial Physicians were covered in cold sweat, not daring to breathe heavily, and could only kowtow and beg for forgiveness.
“The Princess may have been overcome with anger, her emotions too intense causing her lung qi to surge upwards, leading to chaotic qi and blood within her body, obstructing the meridians, and clouding her senses, thus disturbing her mind… This is why she has fallen unconscious…”
Emperor Chong Zhao turned his face and looked at Empress Xie.
The Spring Banquet was meticulously planned by Empress Xie. He didn’t need to speak; a single stern glance was enough. Empress Xie already understood the Emperor’s blame from those eyes filled with rage.
Being an Empress was not easy.
Being the Empress of a biased Emperor was even harder.
She smiled wearily, “Your concubine was startled just now and is feeling a bit unwell. I will go to the outer hall to rest for a while before going to Chang Chun Pavilion to comfort the young ladies and madams, to avoid causing widespread panic and unease…”
After bowing slightly to the Emperor, Empress Xie turned and withdrew from the inner hall.
The atmosphere in Hua Yi Palace was exceptionally heavy.
Everyone held their breath, not daring to make a sound.
In Chang Chun Pavilion, the noble ladies had no appetite for food or drink, nor the mood to admire flowers. They were all basking in the sun, waiting for news of the Princess, and discussing the matter amongst themselves.
Xue Yuechen took Xue Sui’s hand and sat down, instructing her in a low voice.
“You stay with Mother and don’t run around. I’ll go to Hua Yi Palace to check the situation. If the Princess is alright, that’s good. If something happens…”
She paused for a moment, pursed her lips, and looked at Xue Sui with concern.
“I will go and beg the Prince to see what can be done.”
“Thank you, Princess Consort,” Xue Sui’s smile was faint. “I haven’t done anything wrong, and I even saved the Little Princess’s life. I believe Consort Xiao is reasonable and will only thank me. His Majesty is also a wise ruler, so why would he punish me?”
Xue Yuechen looked at her, wanting to speak but hesitating.
Then she sighed softly.
After all, she grew up in the countryside and shabby alleys, unaware of the dangers of the palace.
His Majesty is a wise ruler, but when it comes to Princess Ping Le, he is merely a father who dotes on his daughter excessively.
He could be unreasonable for the sake of his daughter, to the point where even the Empress and the Crown Prince would have to step aside. What was she, Xue Liu, in comparison?
Xue Yuechen feared that Xue Liu would get into trouble and that the Xue family would be implicated by her. She warned her again.
“If Hua Yi Palace questions you, be respectful. Wait for the Prince to resolve it.”
Xue Sui smiled and hummed in agreement, not responding further.
Xue Yue E sat beside Fu Shi, watching her eldest sister dote on Xue Liu, while Xue Liu acted as if nothing were wrong. She felt both jealous and angry in her heart.
“Mother, why is it that whenever something involves Sixth Sister, someone has to suffer misfortune?”
Fu Shi glanced at her, her lips tightly pursed, and said nothing.
Xue Sui’s lips, however, curved upwards, and she glanced sideways with a smile.
“Then Ninth Miss should be careful…”
Xue Yue E snorted, turned her head away, linked arms with Xue Yue Man, and muttered softly.
“She’s such bad luck!”
–
At this moment, a eunuch-like figure approached from nearby. He passed by the assembled madams without stopping, heading directly towards Fu Shi and Xue Yuechen. He bowed to Xue Yuechen and paid his respects, then his gaze fell upon Xue Sui beside her.
“Sixth Miss Xue.”
Everyone was slightly taken aback and looked over.
Xue Sui: “What does the eunuch want with me?”
The eunuch had kind eyes and a smiling face as he bowed.
“Please, Sixth Miss Xue, would you accompany me to Hua Yi Palace? Consort Xiao wishes to see you.”
Everyone’s expressions were strange, and they all held their breath for her.
Xue Sui smiled, her expression unexpectedly calm.
“Yes. Please lead the way, Eunuch.”
Xue Yuechen felt uneasy and stood up, “I’ll accompany you.”
Xue Sui exchanged a look with her and smiled.
The eunuch naturally wouldn’t prevent the Princess Consort from seeing her mother-in-law and sister-in-law. He bowed with a smile at their side.
“Please!”
–
The two left hand in hand, walking further and further away.
Chang Chun Pavilion fell silent for a moment before whispers resumed.
Fu Shi frowned, a layer of indescribable worry spreading across her face.
The events of today were truly strange, and she had many doubts, with faint answers beginning to surface in her mind.
After several encounters with Xue Liu in the Xue Mansion, she had long concluded that she was not as kind and incompetent as she appeared.
It was highly likely that Xue Liu was involved in this matter.
But she couldn’t understand what role Crown Prince Li Zhao was playing in all of this.
Xue Yue E, seeing her mistress’s displeased expression, took the opportunity to instigate:
“Mother, has Eldest Sister been bewitched by Sixth Sister with some sorcery? Eldest Sister protects her so much, as if she’s afraid there isn’t enough trouble…”
“Be quiet!” Fu Shi reprimanded her softly, annoyed that she was talking nonsense without regard for the occasion.
“Your Eldest Sister is kind-hearted…”
Seeing Su Wanxiu and Zhao Duanyi looking at her with smiles that were neither here nor there, she rubbed her forehead with a headache, glared at Xue Yue Man, relaxed her furrowed brow, and said with a composed expression:
“Both of you, behave yourselves and cause less trouble.”
Xue Yue E responded with a lowered head, “Daughter understands.”
Xue Yue Man’s lips pursed slightly, “Yes.”
Palace servants occasionally came to Chang Chun Pavilion to refill tea and water, serving the banquet.
However, everyone’s hearts were in their throats, filled with unease, and they could not relax.
After about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, Empress Xie arrived from Hua Yi Palace.
“Today, the heavens have favored us with clear and pleasant weather, and all the flowers are vying for beauty, blooming in abundance. It was originally a joyous occasion, but alas, a sudden incident has occurred in the palace, and Princess Ping Le is unwell. The celebration cannot be perfectly fulfilled. There is no need for you all to worry; the Princess is being attended to by Imperial Physicians. You may continue to enjoy yourselves, admire flowers, and play games, so as not to waste this beautiful spring day.”
The Empress spoke with a smile, magnanimous and gentle.
Everyone smiled and thanked her.
–
When Xue Sui arrived at Hua Yi Palace, Princess Ping Le had not yet woken up.
Consort Xiao, with red eyes, sat in the outer hall, waiting for her.
Xue Yuechen was the first to curtsy and pay her respects. Xue Sui followed closely, bowed, and kept her head down, staring at the polished bluestone floor.
“Your humble subject Xue Sui pays her respects to Consort Xiao.”
Consort Xiao subconsciously glanced at Xue Sui’s attire. Her slender fingers, adorned with red nail polish, traced the rim of the teacup handed to her by a maid. She slowly blew on the steam, took a sip, and then put it down with a heavy sigh.
“Sit and talk.”
A palace maid came over to guide her to a seat.
Xue Yuechen looked deeply at her and sat down below Consort Xiao. After Xue Sui had properly sat down, she asked with concern.
“Mother Consort, has Princess Ping Le recovered?”
Consort Xiao shook her head, her eyes red, as if she might burst into tears at any moment.
“She has not yet woken up. The Imperial Physicians are at a loss. Your Imperial Father is extremely anxious and almost had Imperial Physician Hu’s head…”
Compared to Empress Xie’s gentle and dignified demeanor, Consort Xiao usually appeared harmless and charmingly delicate before the Emperor. However, in front of others, she was not much different from Ping Le.
It was just that she was older, her actions more seasoned and profound, and more restrained, unlike Ping Le who was more outwardly expressive.
Xue Yuechen had been her daughter-in-law for ten years and had endured much subtle and overt hardship. She knew her character and disposition well. Even if every word was kind and seemingly harmless, she dared not be careless, and had to carefully consider every sentence she spoke.
She first comforted Consort Xiao, then changed the subject.
“I don’t know what ill omen has befallen us today, or if the Empress failed to consult the almanac properly. First, the Crown Prince caused trouble due to a hangover, then the Little Princess almost fell into the water, and now Ping Le has become ill from distress…”
The words were veiled, but Consort Xiao understood the multiple implications.
She smiled and glanced at Xue Yuechen, then looked askance at Xue Sui.
“I heard that Sixth Miss Xue saved the Little Princess? Such a great kindness. When Ping Le wakes up, I will definitely have her prepare a generous gift and personally visit to express my gratitude…”
Xue Sui smiled, “It was just a small effort. Your Ladyship is too kind, you flatter me too much.”
Consort Xiao saw her deference, glanced at Xue Yuechen, and her tone became even softer.
“Your Eldest Sister always says you are well-behaved, sensible, and understanding. Your background is also pitiable, which is why I particularly pity you. Before you even entered the mansion, I granted you the rank of Ru Ren. You are also a member of the Prince’s household, awaiting the time to consummate your marriage with Huan’er…”
She paused here, frowned, and sighed with a solemn expression.
“Alas, then I shall not be formal with you. I asked you to come here today because I wish to borrow something from you…”
Xue Sui said, “Please speak, Your Ladyship. I will not refuse anything I possess.”
Consort Xiao seemed hesitant to speak and signaled to a maid beside her.
Soon, the maid went out and returned, followed by a man who looked like an Imperial Physician.
Consort Xiao said, “This is Imperial Physician Hu from the Imperial Hospital.”
She then added, “Imperial Physician Hu, you explain.”
Imperial Physician Hu trembled as he bowed and saluted, his tone slightly hesitant.
“Your humble servant believes that the Princess’s ailment appears to be Soul Separation Syndrome. Due to extreme grief and emotional distress, her mind has been injured, her internal organs afflicted, and her qi and blood are unable to flow smoothly, causing her to be unable to wake up. It is necessary to find a medicinal ingredient…”
Xue Yuechen asked, “What is the medicinal ingredient?”
Imperial Physician Hu glanced at Xue Sui and cupped his hands.
“According to the records in the 《 ‘Ling Shu Yi Shu’ 》, a woman born in a yin year, yin month, yin day, and yin hour possesses a unique spiritual essence in her heart’s blood, containing the utmost yin energy of heaven and earth. If a dose of the heart’s blood from such a yin woman can be obtained, it may repair the spiritual orifices and allow qi and blood to flow smoothly, enabling the Princess to awaken as before…”
Xue Yuechen’s heart pounded.
“How can that be done? If her heart’s blood is taken, can she still live?”
Imperial Physician Hu stammered, “This… taking heart’s blood is not as terrifying as it sounds. It does not require going deep into the internal organs. It only requires piercing the Tanzhong acupoint with a specially made golden needle, allowing the heart’s blood to seep out slowly. Once enough is collected, bleeding will stop immediately. The wound will be shallow and easy to heal, just a minor injury that will recover with some rest…”
Xue Yuechen did not believe in such mysterious and unpredictable mystical arts.
But at this moment, it sounded like a coincidence, as if it were targeted at Xue Liu.
Because Xue Liu was to be brought into the Prince’s household, Consort Xiao knew Xue Liu’s birth date and time perfectly.
Was this statement by Imperial Physician Hu a pre-arranged plan?
The notion of heart’s blood was a rumor among the common folk, but its actual use in treating illness was only heard of in storybooks…
Xue Yuechen frowned slightly and said tactfully, “Mother Consort, this kind of absurd medical practice has never been heard of. This prescription seems inappropriate…”
Consort Xiao glanced at her lightly, a cold, thin smile on her lips.
“Princess Consort believes Imperial Physician Hu’s words are inappropriate, but do you have any other way to save the Princess?”
Xue Yuechen opened her mouth but made no sound.
Xue Sui suddenly spoke, “Princess Consort, Xue Liu is a woman with pure yin in her four pillars. I am willing to offer my heart’s blood to cure the Princess.”
She agreed so readily that not only Xue Yuechen and Imperial Physician Hu, but even Consort Xiao were somewhat surprised.
“Sixth Miss Xue, aren’t you afraid?”
Xue Sui smiled, “It is Xue Liu’s fortune to be able to save the Princess. Why would I refuse?”
Consort Xiao narrowed her eyes slightly, a hint of approval in them.
“You are indeed a sensible and righteous child. Rest assured, once the Princess recovers, I will not treat you unfairly.”
Xue Sui immediately stood up, smiled, and nodded. Under Xue Yuechen’s fearful gaze, she turned to Imperial Physician Hu and said:
“Please trouble the Imperial Physician to bring the golden needle. I will take it myself.”
The Imperial Physician was a man, and it was naturally inconvenient for him to personally take a young lady’s heart’s blood.
Perhaps to prevent Xue Liu from playing any tricks, he summoned a female physician from the palace. He took the golden needle and a vessel for collecting blood, and accompanied Xue Liu to the inner chamber of Hua Yi Palace.
Xue Yuechen’s heart trembled, “Sixth Sister, I’ll go with you…”
“No need,” Xue Sui smiled at her. “It’s a small matter, Princess Consort need not worry.”
Xue Yuechen looked at her straight back, her heart feeling heavy.
For some reason, images of her childhood, being hung up in Li Xiang Courtyard and beaten and bullied, repeatedly flashed in her mind…
Compared to Xue Liu’s childhood experiences, the golden needle blood extraction mentioned by the Imperial Physician was indeed not a major injury.
But why was she so calm, so calm that Xue Yuechen couldn’t bear to watch?
The female physician watched Xue Sui draw blood with her own eyes.
She removed her outer robe, slightly pulled open her undergarment, and inserted the golden needle into her Tanzhong acupoint…
The female physician’s eyes widened; she was terrified.
Not only because of her composure, without even a frown.
But also because of the faint scars on her body…
She saw them.
Fresh blood slowly dripped from her fingertips into the fine glazed white porcelain bowl. Sixth Miss Xue, with a smile on her lips, watched the blood flow into the bowl without blinking, her eyes seeming to be dyed crimson…
After an unknown amount of time.
The female physician was in a state of complete daze.
Xue Sui, however, was very calm and asked indifferently.
“Is this blood enough?”
“Enough, enough,” the female physician came back to her senses, not daring to look into her eyes. She quickly took gauze from the medicine box and handed it over, her fingers trembling.
“Sixth Miss Xue, press on the wound and sit here for a while longer. I will go out to report to Consort Xiao…”
She packed her things and left as quickly as if she were fleeing for her life.
As soon as the female physician left, Xiao Zhao and Ru Yi rushed forward.
They supported her, one on each side.
“Miss, Miss, are you alright? Does it hurt?”
Ru Yi’s eyes were red with anxiety, and she bit her lower lip to keep from crying.
Xiao Zhao did not mention “kill them” this time. She helped Xue Sui adjust her clothes, took out a small medicine bottle from her embrace, poured out a blackish-gray pill, and put it into Xue Sui’s mouth, then brought her water.
“What a vicious thing! May she die a terrible death.”
Xue Sui patted her hand reassuringly, slowly sat down, pressed firmly on her Tanzhong acupoint, her expression calm and composed, as if the humiliation she had just experienced was merely a trivial interlude.
“Now, I wonder how he will respond.”
Xiao Zhao and Ru Yi exchanged glances, not knowing who the young lady was referring to.
Until a sharp, high-pitched voice was heard from outside.
“Crown Prince has arrived!”
The sun was setting in the west, its afterglow casting a golden-red hue on the palace road.
Li Zhao strode into Hua Yi Palace, his head held high, his expression stern. The movement of his robes exuded an oppressive aura.
“I wonder how my Imperial Sister is? I have come to visit.”
Consort Xiao knew he wasn’t that kind-hearted, but she couldn’t stop him.
Moreover, the Emperor was currently by the Princess’s bedside, so the Crown Prince wouldn’t have the opportunity to do anything malicious.
“Thank you for your concern, Crown Prince. Ping Le has not yet woken up. The Imperial Physicians say it is Soul Separation Syndrome…”
Li Zhao scanned the female physician holding the white porcelain bowl. Seeing her about to leave with the item, he called out in a low voice.
“Wait!”
The female physician’s hand trembled, and she almost knelt down in fright.
Li Zhao pointed at the bowl in her hand, “What is this?”
The female physician glanced at Consort Xiao and tremblingly explained the situation, then bowed her head, her entire body tense.
Li Zhao suddenly laughed, “What a novel prescription.”
He walked over slowly, raised an eyebrow at Imperial Physician Hu, “I am very curious about the efficacy of such a unique medicinal ingredient.”
Under everyone’s astonished gaze, he, with a hint of mockery and playfulness, his smile like that of a bloodthirsty wolf, filled with malice.
“Today, I will watch my Imperial Sister drink it, sip by sip.”
Consort Xiao frowned but said nothing.
The Crown Prince had always been like this, doing as he pleased, so it was not an unusual behavior.
Imperial Physician Hu’s expression changed slightly, and he lowered his head, bowing in salutation.
“Then I shall go down and prepare the prescription.”
Li Zhao glanced at Lai Fu, “You accompany Imperial Physician Hu.”
Imperial Physician Hu’s heart trembled slightly.
The notion of heart’s blood was, of course, false.
Princess Ping Le had countless ways to deal with people. This time, to humiliate Xue Liu and give the Eastern Palace a show of strength, she had spared no expense.
Seeing that one plan had failed, and the Bamboo Forest Elegant Pavilion had not trapped the Crown Prince and Xue Liu, she had actually taken sleeping and disorienting drugs herself, and then had him play the role of the “black face” in a duet, deceiving His Majesty and Consort Xiao.
Over the years, Imperial Physician Hu, as the Dean of the Imperial Hospital, had survived under Ping Le’s control, profited greatly, bought houses and estates, amassed a fortune, and had also helped Ping Le do many unsavory things.
But today, involving the Eastern Palace and ruining Empress Xie’s Spring Banquet, he felt uneasy and walked on thin ice.
Especially this bowl of “medicinal ingredient.”
Ping Le certainly did not want to drink it.
Who would want to drink human blood? Wouldn’t it be disgusting?
But since the Crown Prince said so, and even sent someone to follow…
Princess Ping Le would have to drink it, whether she wanted to or not.
This chapter is also very long…
Er Jin did her best. If the update is short one day, please don’t scold me （ begging for mercy, humble Jin ）
Love you all, hope for your continued support through genuine subscriptions and votes. Sending hearts~~
Li Zhao: I appear and the chapter ends abruptly? Author, have some conscience…
Xue Sui: My heart is given to the readers, there’s none left for you.
