CHAPTER 91: CHAPTER 91: THE MASTERMIND BEHIND THE SCENES

But what?

"But, Your Majesty, I have detected an abnormal pulse in the Second Prince, it seems to be... poisoned."

"Poisoned?"

Upon hearing this, the Emperor’s anger burst forth.

Just a few days ago, Lin Wanyi was poisoned, resulting in extreme difficulty in her pregnancy.

Now the Second Prince is poisoned too, how many more people in the harem must be harmed before the mastermind stops!

Yet, as the ruler of the nation and the father of the Second Prince,

worry and anger are useless; detoxifying is the urgent matter right now.

"What kind of poison? What will happen?"

"The poison was administered very carefully, with each dose being small, making it hard to detect during routine check-ups. Today the Second Prince suddenly fainted, which triggered some of the toxins hidden in his body, allowing me to detect it."

Doctor Dou spoke while meticulously examining the Second Prince’s arm.

His arm was thin and weak, showing some paleness.

But in the sunlight, a faint trace of blue could be seen.

"Your Majesty, it appears that the poison came from what the Second Prince consumed. Judging by the situation, it has been no less than two years; however, I cannot ascertain what specific poison it is for the moment."

"Is there a chance for recovery?"

This was the Emperor’s main concern.

Although it was known that the Second Prince might not live to adulthood,

being naturally frail and frequently ill is different from dying young due to poisoning.

He had already lost his legitimate first son; he didn’t want to lose his second son as well!

"I can only do my best, Your Majesty. I must first identify the poison to offer a thorough response."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor’s heart grew cold.

Looking at the still unconscious Second Prince, his heart was filled with guilt.

Poisoned for so long without his knowledge as the father,

he truly felt he had let the child down.

"Whatever is needed, just tell me. I want the entire Imperial Hospital to focus earnestly on curing the Second Prince, understand?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will follow your orders!"

In fact, Doctor Dou understood even without the Emperor’s command.

Regardless of whether the two unborn children are boys or girls,

even if they are princes, there’s no guarantee they can withstand the palace’s turmoil and grow up safely.

So, saving one is better than none; otherwise, the world may change again.

In the side hall, Doctor Cheng was taking Princess Consort Lan’s pulse.

Though she was holding her belly and groaning continuously, there was nothing serious.

But the physician wouldn’t rashly reveal the truth.

"Your Ladyship probably got a bit of heatstroke on the way and then was frightened, leading to some disturbance in the womb, but fortunately, everything is fine due to good regular care."

Looking at Doctor Cheng, Lady Lan’s gaze was somewhat threatening.

"Physician, is my imperial child really safe?"

Though her tone was questioning, Doctor Cheng wasn’t a fool.

The bloody scene earlier was fresh in his memory; even a fool would know what to say at this moment.

Thus, Doctor Cheng changed his tune and said,

"However, as Your Ladyship is farther along in pregnancy, additional caution is required. Any further incidents could endanger both Your Ladyship and the child; I will prescribe some fetal-protection medicine. Remember, don’t be startled or angered again."

Upon hearing this, Zhuai Yun, beside Princess Consort Lan, glanced at Doctor Cheng with a faint smile.

"We’ll trouble you, Doctor Cheng."

"It’s my duty, it’s my duty."

Zhuimeng led Doctor Cheng elsewhere to write the prescription, leaving only Princess Consort Lan and Zhuai Yun in the side hall.

Only now did Princess Consort Lan touch her face, revealing a look of gritted teeth.

"Hm, Chai Baoping, that useless slave, even speaking in ways that imply things as she died; does she intend for the Emperor to suspect me?"

Zhuai Yun patted Princess Consort Lan’s back, soothing her while speaking.

"Don’t worry, Your Ladyship, since Nanny Chai ended her own life, there’s no evidence against us. Even if the Emperor has suspicions, he won’t act for now."

"But if the Emperor suspects me, won’t it bode ill for the future? This child isn’t even born yet, and it’s already not favored by the Emperor. Wouldn’t that be my fault as the mother?"

Due to her pregnancy, Lady Lan’s mind was full of thoughts.

Zhuai Yun quickly comforted her.

"Your Ladyship, let’s not speak nonsense. You’ve longed for this child since entering the palace. How could the Emperor not like the child? A mere sickly Second Prince won’t cause the Emperor to offend our Lan Family."

Mentioning the Lan Family, Princess Consort Lan’s mood calmed significantly.

Indeed, even if she were tripped by Nanny Chai, all would be well as long as her father and family remained influential in court and among the people.

With this in mind, she relaxed her thoughts.

"You’re right, I mustn’t lose my composure. The most important thing now is to give birth to a son. The rest can be dealt with later."

"Your Ladyship is wise."

"As for the Second Prince, let Nanny Duan tend to him well. Since he didn’t like Nanny Chai’s service, we’ll find someone more affectionate for him."

As she said this, a hint of malice flashed in her eyes.

Though she had practically raised the child, why did Princess Consort Lan always show resentment and unwillingness when mentioning the Second Prince?

Others might not know, but Zhuai Yun clearly understood the reasons.

The two were busy with arrangements in the side hall while the person being arranged, the Second Prince, was just waking up.

Looking up at the grandeur around him, he recognized it as the Emperor’s bedroom.

"You’re awake?"

A deep voice came from the side; the Second Prince focused his eyes, realizing it was the Emperor.

Seeing the darkening sky outside made his head ache terribly.

"Father, what happened to me?"

The Emperor feared the young prince couldn’t handle the truth, so he concealed the poisoning.

He only replied softly,

"You were frightened and fainted; it’s nothing serious, just take care of yourself in the future."

Being pampered was something he’d heard of since he began understanding language.

He heard it over many years, yet after so many years, what good has come of it?

Nothing really.

The Second Prince softly responded, "Mm,"

and then fell silent.

"Are you hungry? Would you like to eat something? The Imperial Kitchen sent some lean meat and yam porridge, do you want some?"

The Second Prince shook his head.

He’d consumed so much porridge over the years that he was sick of it.

If it had been before, he might have pinched his nose and forced it down.

But after tasting Chunqi’s cooking, how could he bring himself to drink that plain porridge again?

"Then what do you want to eat?"

The Second Prince looked at the Emperor with surprise.

This amiable attitude left him feeling a bit overwhelmed.

In his memory, Father had always been stern, barely showing joy even in the presence of Lady Lan.

What’s with behavior today?

Suddenly acting so... attentive?