Volume 1, Chapter 18: Discharged from the Hospital

Zhu Biao reached out and gently patted Zhu Xiongying’s shoulder, his eyes filled with profound expectation. "Xiongying, I am deeply gratified to see you possess such a heart."

"You are the Imperial Grandson of the Great Ming; the weight of responsibility on your shoulders is greater than anyone else's."

"I only hope that in the days to come, you will walk with steady steps, living up to the high hopes your grandfather and grandmother have for you, as well as my own expectations."

"I understand, Father," Zhu Xiongying replied earnestly, a flicker of depth crossing his gaze.

Zhu Biao looked at him, the smile on his lips deepening. "The Imperial Physicians tell me you have recovered well over these past few days. Seeing you as you are today, I can finally set my mind at ease."

Zhu Xiongying smiled faintly, yet silently recited in his heart, "System, scan Father’s health."

[Ding—Target: Zhu Biao.]
[Physical Condition: Healthy, no apparent abnormalities.]

As the system notification surfaced in his mind, Zhu Xiongying let out a sigh of relief. In history, his father passed away early due to a brain ailment, but it appeared that his health currently showed no signs of trouble, which temporarily eased his inner anxiety.

*It seems Father has no underlying health issues,* Zhu Xiongying mused privately. *But if any unforeseen changes occur in the future, I must act early to share his burdens and solidify the foundations of the Eastern Palace.*

Seeing Zhu Xiongying lost in thought, Zhu Biao assumed he was still shaken by the hunting incident. He smiled and changed the subject: "Your Imperial Grandmother has been feeling better these days as well."

"Yesterday, she specifically asked after you, saying that if you have recovered well, you should spend more time keeping her company to help lift her spirits."

"Imperial Grandmother’s health has improved?" Zhu Xiongying’s eyes brightened slightly. His tone carried a touch of relief. "That is good news. Once I have recovered a bit more, I will go to keep her company every day."

Zhu Biao nodded, his tone softening. "Your grandmother dotes on you most; it is only right that you go to spend time with her."

"As for other matters, I will handle them. You need not worry too much."

Zhu Xiongying looked up at Zhu Biao, his eyes filled with complexity, yet he secretly resolved: *Although Father is physically sound, he bears far too much. If the foundation of the Eastern Palace is shaken, it will only be to his further detriment.*

*For now, I must proceed with utmost caution to ensure those who harbor ill intent toward the Eastern Palace have no opening.*

Zhu Biao remained in the Imperial Hospital with Zhu Xiongying for a long time, only leaving reluctantly when palace attendants arrived to report on court affairs. Once his father had departed, Zhu Xiongying leaned back against the bed, gazing at the faint sunlight outside the window, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

*Father has such high expectations of me, and he struggles so exhaustively to maintain the balance between the court and Grandfather; it is truly taxing.*

*But the hunting incident has made me realize that the interior of the Eastern Palace is unstable. If I continue to let this be, it will only become Father’s Achilles' heel.*

After Zhu Biao left, Zhu Xiongying leaned against his couch, his fingertips idly turning the pages of a book, though his expression remained nonchalant. He appeared to be reading, yet his mind seemed to wander. His gaze drifted toward the sunlight outside the window, distracted.

"Your Highness, the medicine has gone cold again."

Xiao Cui lowered her head and whispered a reminder as she picked up the bowl. "This servant will go and have it heated again."

"No need," Zhu Xiongying replied, snapping back to reality with a faint smile.

"It is better cool; otherwise, it is too hot to drink." He took the bowl and sipped it slowly.

Xiao Cui waited on him quietly, occasionally stealing glances at the prince’s expression, feeling puzzled. Zhu Xiongying had recovered well these past few days, but his thoughts seemed to have grown increasingly inscrutable. Even his daily speech left no hint of his true emotions.

Setting the bowl down, Zhu Xiongying suddenly asked in a soft voice, "Xiao Cui, has anything happened in the palace recently?"

Xiao Cui was momentarily stunned, then quickly replied, "The palace has been quiet. The Crown Princess visited you a few days ago, and the Crown Prince often sends people over with gifts. As for anything else, this servant has heard of nothing unusual."

Zhu Xiongying nodded, asking no further questions, and turned his gaze back to the window, lost in thought.

The system interface suddenly shimmered in his mind, and an electronic voice chimed in at an inopportune moment:

[Prompt: The system can scan the psychological state of ordinary characters for free; important characters still require the expenditure of points. Would you like to use the "Advanced Character Information Scanning Function" to analyze those around you?]

Zhu Xiongying’s fingertips paused. A flicker of interest crossed his eyes, and he silently commanded, "Use the function, scan the people around me."

The interface immediately shifted, and Xiao Cui’s name and basic information appeared clearly:

[Target: Xiao Cui]
[Current Psychological State: Loyal (dedicated to serving the Highness, but worried about performing her duties inadequately).]
[Underlying Motivation: Hopes to serve the Imperial Grandson wholeheartedly to earn her master’s trust and establish a firm footing within the palace.]

Seeing this, the wariness in Zhu Xiongying’s eyes dissipated, replaced by a faint smile. *It seems Xiao Cui is trustworthy.*

He then silently commanded: "Scan the Imperial Physician who has been responsible for my treatment."

[Target: Imperial Physician Li]
[Current Psychological State: Cautious (under great pressure while caring for the Imperial Grandson, fearful of offending the Emperor or the Crown Prince through any negligence).]
[Underlying Motivation: To preserve his career by avoiding mistakes, while keeping a watchful eye on the movements of other physicians in the palace.]

Zhu Xiongying lowered his eyes, his fingers tapping gently on the armrest.

*Physician Li holds no hostility toward me; in fact, he is extremely cautious. His motives are beyond reproach; he is simply terrified that a mistake might anger Grandfather or Father.*

His gaze swept over the attendants and the palace staff from the Imperial Hospital, and he silently commanded: "Continue scanning those nearby."

As the interface scrolled through, information on one attendant and medical official after another appeared in his mind. As he reviewed these details, his inner anxieties gradually faded. These people were either loyal servants or diligent, cautious officials. They might have their own petty thoughts, but they harbored no intentions detrimental to him.

*The environment is safe for now.* Zhu Xiongying’s expression calmed, and the smile on his lips relaxed.

Within the palace, the winter season was a time of hustle and harmony. With the end of the year approaching, the palace grounds were gradually adorned with festive decorations. Red lanterns hung high along the long corridors, and vibrant silks fluttered in the breeze. The entire Forbidden City was renewed by the bustling atmosphere, filled with celebration at every turn.

By this time, Zhu Xiongying’s own quarters had been put in order. After a month of recuperation, the Imperial Grandson finally moved back from the Imperial Hospital to his own palace.

"Your Highness, it is much warmer here than in the hospital; the floor heating is just right," Xiao Cui said with a smile as she meticulously arranged his bed. "You have finally returned. This servant feared that if we stayed in the Imperial Hospital any longer, we might lose sight of the sky altogether."