The appearance of Xie Jinglan caused a stir among the imperial physicians at the Imperial Hospital. While many princes had been bestowed with marriage, it was unprecedented for one to personally escort his consort to the Imperial Hospital. Among the princes in the palace, all were raised in privilege. Even the Fourth Prince, despite lacking imperial favor, was still a prince. His actions towards his consort could not be described merely as condescending. Most importantly, the fact that he doted on her so much before they were even married suggested she would be utterly spoiled once they were.
Ji Zizhao already enjoyed considerable popularity at the Imperial Hospital. Now, upon entering the courtyard, she was immediately surrounded by a throng of imperial physicians. Zou Li, who happened to be exiting at that moment, found himself speechless. Why did he choose to leave at this particular time?
As Ji Zizhao's status soared, Zou Li, despite his inner reluctance, had no choice but to cast aside his pride and approach her. No matter how favored he was by Imperial Consort Xi, he was still a mere servant in the palace. The Fourth Prince, regardless of his lack of imperial favor, was still royalty, and Ji Zizhao, once married to him, would become a daughter-in-law of the imperial family. There was simply no comparison.
"The Fourth Prince's consort holds a noble status. I fear our Imperial Hospital may not be able to accommodate her in the future," Zou Li remarked sarcastically, unwilling to offer Ji Zizhao a smile.
Ji Zizhao, as if not noticing Zou Li's grim expression, smiled as usual and replied, "Master is traveling to Tonglin. Although the Emperor's decree cannot be defied, it is indeed taxing for you, Chief Imperial Physician Zou, to shoulder the burden of the Imperial Hospital alone. Once Master and I return, if Chief Imperial Physician Zou requires my assistance, I will wholeheartedly dedicate myself to it."
Zou Li's heart pounded with anger. Did she truly believe he couldn't discern the smugness in her words? First, she had Zhang Shuzhong looking out for her, and now, as the Fourth Prince's consort, she was offering to protect Zhang Shuzhong. What had he done to deserve such misfortune? Zhang Shuzhong alone was enough of a nuisance, and now he had to contend with Ji Zizhao as well! The worst part was that Ji Zizhao possessed a silver tongue. While her words clearly conveyed a sense of superiority, they were also flawlessly articulated, leaving Zou Li with no room to retort.
After exchanging pleasantries with the Imperial Hospital staff, Ji Zizhao proceeded inside to organize her belongings. Zhang Shuzhong approached Zou Li, "Care to chat?"
Zou Li replied with a scowl, "Chat about what?"
Zhang Shuzhong chuckled, "How about the wisdom of finding a good apprentice over having a son?"
Zou Li was dumbfounded. Was this a conversation, or an invitation to a fight?
As Zou Li departed with a thunderous expression, Zhang Shuzhong calmly stroked his white beard. Glancing back at Ji Zizhao's busy figure inside the room, he felt a genuine sense of pride. While many people ascended to prominence, few managed to remain neither arrogant nor overly humble, unfazed by both favor and disfavor.
During a lull in the farewell banquet, Ji Zizhao meticulously checked her personal belongings. She had already instructed Wang Can to deliver the other medicinal herbs to the city gates so they could be transported by carriage, which would not take much time. After completing her inspection, two hours had passed. Ji Zizhao looked up at the sunlight in the courtyard. The sun was beginning to set, yet no one had yet come to announce their departure. Given the Emperor's regard for the Seventh Prince, the departure should not have been delayed for so long.
Suddenly, a group of palace attendants hurried past the entrance of the Imperial Hospital. They were moving so quickly that some, unable to keep up, were forced to run. Ji Zizhao's eyelids twitched. In the palace, rules and decorum were paramount. Unless... something had happened! A sudden unease gripped Ji Zizhao's heart, a feeling identical to the one she experienced when the Ji family faced disaster. It felt as though a piece of her chest was missing, her heart struggling to find its place, causing her entire chest to ache. Unable to bear it any longer, she stepped out of the building.
Coincidentally, Zhang Shuzhong had also sensed something amiss and emerged from a nearby room. Master and disciple exchanged glances. Before they could speak, a palace attendant rushed towards them. "Something has happened at Taihe Hall. Her Majesty the Empress has decreed that all on-duty imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital are to proceed to Longxian Hall!"
Taihe Hall... That was the very hall where the farewell banquet was being held today! Ji Zizhao's suspicions were confirmed, and Zhang Shuzhong had realized the same. Zou Li, upon hearing the summons, did not dare to delay and immediately instructed his men to fetch the medicine boxes. All the on-duty imperial physicians followed behind Zhang Shuzhong and Zou Li. Even the least perceptive individuals could sense the palpable tension in the air. Even Zou Hansheng, who usually clashed with Ji Zizhao, was uncharacteristically silent on their way.
The group, led by the attendant who delivered the message, arrived at Longxian Hall with great haste. The courtyard was already filled with people, a sea of figures, each with a look of apprehension. The consorts of the harem were accustomed to such scenes. The ministers attending the banquet, having long adapted to the unpredictable atmosphere of the palace, maintained stern expressions but remained composed. In contrast, the recently betrothed imperial consorts were utterly terrified. Nurtured in the delicate environment of their boudoirs, they had never experienced such turmoil. They were visibly shaken, their faces pale.
Upon hearing footsteps, everyone turned their gaze towards the entrance. Feng Gu, guarding the door, personally came forward. "Imperial Physician Zhang, Imperial Physician Zou, Fourth Prince's Consort, you have finally arrived. His Majesty has been lying inside for quite some time. Fortunately, Princess Wenhui arrived early and is currently attending to His Majesty."
Ji Zizhao already had a good reputation among the palace attendants, and with the Empress's favor, coupled with her recent engagement as the Fourth Prince's consort, even Feng Gu felt obliged to mention her. Ji Zizhao nodded to Zou Li and Zhang Shuzhong, and together with the other imperial physicians behind her, they entered the main hall.
The imperial consorts, whose faces had turned pale with fear in the courtyard, watched this scene with wide eyes. Earlier, during the banquet, they had mocked Ji Zizhao for serving as a palace attendant despite being an imperial consort. Now, not a single one of them could muster a mocking remark. All the imperial consorts were lined up outside, yet only the Fourth Prince's consort was permitted to enter the hall alongside a group of men. This was in front of the Emperor, in his residence! And considering Feng Gu's respectful attitude towards Ji Zizhao just moments ago... Who could possibly feel like laughing? They were consumed by envy!
Ji Zizhao paid no mind to the envious glances from the courtyard. As soon as she entered the inner chamber, she was met with a strong smell of blood. Upon closer inspection, she saw a group of princes surrounding Xie Jinglan. Amidst the crowd, his once handsome face was now covered in crimson blood! Ji Zizhao felt her breath catch in her throat, nearly dropping the medicine box in her hand.