The hall grew even quieter as Emperor Xiaochang's words fell. Countless eyes were fixed on Ji Zizhao, all waiting to witness her downfall. Xue Yinuo’s palms grew sweaty with anxiety, yet as a daughter of a military family, she was helpless in such a situation. Xu Meiqing was equally worried, but could do nothing more than sit on her seat, her heart filled with apprehension.
The banquet today was attended by all the officials, and the imperial city teemed with numerous young ladies. If the elder Master Tong had not held irrefutable evidence, he would never have dared to speak out in front of the Emperor. In truth, it no longer mattered whether Zhang Shuzhong spoke or not; perhaps even the Emperor was fully aware of the situation. This meant… Ji Zizhao was certainly doomed in this game!
Xie Jingzhou secretly observed Ji Zizhao, a rare flicker of reluctance in his eyes. Although Ji Zizhao was difficult to control, she was undeniably a rare gem of intelligence and composure. Having such a person by his side would undoubtedly be the icing on the cake for him. Xie Jingzhou understood this principle before, and now he was naturally unwilling to see Ji Zizhao perish like this. Xie Jingzhou narrowed his eyes slightly, concealing the sharpness within them. If Ji Zizhao were willing to pledge her allegiance to him, he would not mind saving her once. Thinking of the possibility of seeing Ji Zizhao kneeling and begging for mercy soon, Xie Jingzhou’s heart could not help but race with excitement.
Ji Zizhao knew that Xie Jingzhou’s gaze was constantly fixed on her, but she had no time to ponder his hidden intentions at the moment. Seeing that Zhang Shuzhong had already straightened up and was looking in their direction, she calmly adjusted her clothes, preparing to rise. Although she knew Zhang Shuzhong would not refuse her, she still wanted to speak before he did. However, just as Ji Zizhao was about to get up, Zhang Shuzhong suddenly turned his head and bowed again to Emperor Xiaochang, who sat high above. He declared with full certainty, "Replying to Your Majesty, Princess Ronghe is indeed my final disciple."
Elder Master Tong: “…”
Xie Jingzhou: “…”
Ji Zizhao: “…”
What the hell?!
This declaration stunned the entire hall. Even Xie Jinglan, seated among the princes, looked curiously towards the hall's entrance, seeing Zhang Shuzhong’s resolute expression and utter lack of hesitation. Had Tang Dai acted too ruthlessly, driving Imperial Physician Zhang mad? Otherwise, how could a person known throughout the court for his stubbornness now be so agreeable?
Tang Dai: “…”
He felt so wronged. He had indeed acupunctured Feng Gu to temporarily erase his memory. But just as he was about to have a detailed conversation with Imperial Physician Zhang, and after he had explained the cause of the matter, Imperial Physician Zhang had turned and hurried back towards the hall, his speed so astonishing that Tang Dai himself marveled at it. Tang Dai dared not cause too much commotion, so he could only release Feng Gu from the acupoint. He had intended to find an opportunity to act discreetly within the hall, but… Imperial Physician Zhang had cooperated perfectly. It left Tang Dai with no chance to intervene.
If there was anyone calm in the entire hall, it was Xie Jingqi. He remembered how Ji Zizhao had dedicated herself to Luoyi in the past. It was only right that Zhang Shuzhong would take her as a disciple now. Or, even if Zhang Shuzhong did not accept her, it wouldn't matter; he could always force Zhang Shuzhong to accept her.
Seated high above, Emperor Xiaochang frowned slightly, "Imperial Physician Zhang, are you certain?" Zhang Shuzhong quickly bowed, "Replying to Your Majesty, taking a disciple is a major matter, and I dare not deceive Your Majesty. Princess Ronghe is intelligent and possesses a natural talent for medicine. When I retire, my little disciple can diligently care for Your Majesty's health by your side, which would be a fitting repayment for Your Majesty’s favor to me over these decades."
It was common for imperial physicians to take disciples, so Zhang Shuzhong's explanation was reasonable. However, Ji Zizhao knew that Zhang Shuzhong was merely helping her smooth things over. It seemed that the plague in Luoyi was still fresh in Zhang Shuzhong's mind, and he was repaying her favor today. Ji Zizhao had not intended to seek apprenticeship, but Zhang Shuzhong's medical skills were renowned throughout Yulin. Moreover, she would need support when she entered the Imperial Academy. If Zhang Shuzhong did not mind her gender, what else could she hesitate about?
With this thought, Ji Zizhao rose and bowed to Zhang Shuzhong, "Master." Hearing this address, Zhang Shuzhong was so moved that he almost shed tears of joy. Both in terms of medical skill and ethics, Princess Ronghe commanded his high regard. Although his words were to help Princess Ronghe out of a predicament, she was willing to repay his favor in this way. Her conduct, her every word and deed, was truly comforting. "I dare not presume in front of Your Majesty. Rise, and do not disappoint your master in the future." "Your disciple will certainly bear Master's words in mind." Ji Zizhao smiled faintly as she rose, her eyes meeting Zhang Shuzhong's, a silent understanding passing between them.
While they had achieved a tacit understanding, others were far from calm. Emperor Xiaochang, in silence, cast a glance towards Elder Master Tong. Naturally, Xie Jingzhou's gaze also fell precisely on Elder Master Tong. The words were yours, the situation was initiated by you; if you don't speak now, who will? Elder Master Tong, completely taken aback by the surprise, was forced to regain his senses under the dual gaze of Emperor Xiaochang and the Fifth Prince. Recalling the reply letter in his hand, he indignantly questioned, "Since Imperial Physician Zhang has taken Princess Ronghe as his disciple, why did he deceive me in his letter? What is his intention?"
Zhang Shuzhong frowned as he looked at Elder Master Tong, "I can take whomever I wish as my disciple, and say whatever I wish. Moreover, what business is it of Lord Tong's who I take as a disciple? Lord Tong wrote from afar to inquire, and now he intentionally brings this up before the Emperor. What is his intention?" Elder Master Tong: “…” A pot of dung had been dumped directly onto his head.
At this crucial moment, Han Jingyu stepped forward, cupped his fists, and said, "When we received Lord Tong's letter, we were preparing to depart for the imperial city. Imperial Physician Zhang was too busy to read the letter, so I replied on his behalf. However, I was unaware at the time that Imperial Physician Zhang was taking a disciple, nor did I know that Lord Tong would use this matter to cause trouble before the Emperor today." Elder Master Tong: “…” Just as one pot of dung was not cleared, another was dumped on him.
"If Lord Tong wishes to say that he did not want the Emperor to be deceived, and moreover, it is a good thing that Imperial Physician Zhang can take a disciple, today is the Duanwu Festival. Your Majesty should not be angered by such happy news." Noble Consort Xi, with a radiant smile, raised her wine goblet again, her eyes full of charm and allure. Emperor Xiaochang looked at Noble Consort Xi and frowned, "Matters of the court are not to be casually discussed." Though he said this, there was no force to his words; rather, it sounded like a gentle chiding. Empress Zhong also spoke, "Noble Consort Xi is concerned about Your Majesty's health, and Imperial Physician Zhang is also considering Your Majesty's health, which demonstrates his loyalty and care for Your Majesty." Hearing this, Emperor Xiaochang smiled and nodded at the Empress, "The Empress speaks wisely. Everyone, please be seated. Today is the Duanwu Festival; let us not allow these trivialities to disrupt the peace and harmony." With these words, he motioned for Feng Gu beside him to pour him a cup of wine and shared a toast with Noble Consort Xi, who held up her goblet. Empress Zhong watched the Emperor exchanging affectionate glances with Noble Consort Xi and let out a cold snort in her heart. He was clearly showing extreme favoritism, yet still pretended to be solemn and waited for her to provide an excuse. Heh heh… Men.