Volume 1 Chapter 2 A Momentary Blank

The next moment, the sight of Empress Ma caused him to freeze in place.

Not for any other reason, but because there was also a line of text hovering above Empress Ma’s head.

[Empress Ma, first wife of Zhu Yuanzhang, diagnosed with lung cancer.]

Zhu Xiongying stared blankly at the small words hovering above Empress Ma’s head, his mind momentarily blank.

If he remembered correctly, historically, Empress Ma did indeed die of illness.

Zhu Yuanzhang had searched far and wide for imperial physicians on her behalf, but Empress Ma chose to abandon treatment.

Rumors said her condition was too severe; she knew she was terminally ill. If the court doctors failed to cure her, Zhu Yuanzhang would surely punish them.

In that case, it was better not to cost even more lives.

Thinking of this, a bitter feeling welled up in Zhu Xiongying’s heart.

It was known only that Empress Ma suffered from a serious illness, but the exact nature of the disease remained a mystery in history.

He never imagined it was an incurable disease like lung cancer...

Empress Ma had accompanied Zhu Yuanzhang from humble beginnings to where they stood now. She was virtuous, kind-hearted, and magnanimous, unparalleled in her support of Zhu Yuanzhang and care for the people. Calling her a virtuous empress was no exaggeration.

Seeing the affection in Empress Ma’s eyes directed at him, a trace of reluctance flickered across Zhu Xiongying’s expression.

Both publicly and privately, he did not want Empress Ma to walk the same historical path.

But... this was lung cancer.

Given the medical conditions of the Ming dynasty, treating it was undoubtedly as difficult as reaching the heavens...

Just as Zhu Xiongying was troubled, the small text above Empress Ma’s head suddenly changed.

[Treatment plan: 9 grams of fritillaria, 12 grams of pinellia, 15 grams of hedyotis diffusa, 9 grams of notoginseng, 15 grams of salvia miltiorrhiza, 12 grams of ophiopogon, 6 grams of licorice...]

Staring at the suddenly appearing prescription, Zhu Xiongying was initially stunned, then a glimmer of joy appeared in his eyes.

It seemed the system’s current function not only detected the cause and specifics of the illness but could also provide a detailed treatment plan!

Then why didn’t the system alert him when he saw Zhu Biao?

Zhu Xiongying pondered for a moment and realized that his system could currently only detect illnesses in people around him.

Since Zhu Biao was in good health, naturally, nothing appeared.

But this was only because his system was at a low level now; after upgrading, he would surely see even more information. This made him even more eager to see what surprises the upgrade would bring.

“Xiongying, come here quickly. Let grandmother take a good look.”

“These past days, you’ve starved your grandmother’s grandson thin. Is there anything you want to eat? Grandmother will have someone prepare it for you.”

Seeing Zhu Xiongying arrive, Empress Ma’s face lit up with joy as she smiled and called out.

“Grandson’s health is much better now; there’s no need for grandmother to trouble herself.”

“During those days you were unconscious, your grandson missed you terribly and often dreamed of you. As soon as he woke today, he came here.”

“There aren’t many lessons these days anyway. May your grandson move here to live with grandmother?”

Zhu Xiongying lowered his head and gently adjusted his sleeves, now fully embodying the appearance of a nine-year-old boy, throwing himself into Empress Ma’s arms and acting spoiled.

Watching the two share such a scene of familial joy, Zhu Biao and Lady Lü trailing behind were completely ignored.

“Of course, no problem.”

“I’ll have someone tidy up your chamber right away. You can stay in my Kunning Palace as long as you wish.”

Empress Ma smiled, patting Zhu Xiongying’s head, but a trace of concern flickered in her heart.

No one knew her grandson better than she did. Usually clever and sensible, he must have had a reason to come and ask to move out of the Eastern Palace.

What was he hiding that he found difficult to speak about?

Could it be... that Lady Lü had been unkind to him?

With this thought, Empress Ma’s gaze subtly swept over Zhu Biao and Lady Lü behind her.

Zhu Biao maintained his usual calm demeanor, showing no signs of trouble.

But Lady Lü’s smile was particularly stiff, her eyes carrying a hint of unease.

Just one glance was enough for Empress Ma to detect the abnormality.

Though she already suspected much, she chose not to say anything.

“His Majesty has arrived—”

A sharp voice from a eunuch sounded outside the hall, startling everyone present.

Zhu Yuanzhang strode into the palace, and upon seeing Zhu Xiongying, his expression unexpectedly brightened.

He made it a habit to stroll by Empress Ma’s side daily and had not expected to see Zhu Xiongying there.

“You little brat, you’ve had your grandmother worried sick these days.”

“If you hadn’t woken up, we would have beheaded the imperial physicians.”

Zhu Yuanzhang said half-jokingly as he patted Zhu Xiongying’s shoulder.

Though his tone was filled with unhidden joy, Zhu Xiongying’s mouth twitched slightly.

With thoughts like yours, no wonder Empress Ma chose to drive away the physicians rather than accept treatment in her later days.

She was kind and benevolent and could not bear such a needless calamity, yet you, with your authoritative status, would speak so bluntly.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s “use the sword and spear” attitude clearly never considered the consequences.

“Threatening to behead people at every turn, I think you’re just asking to be cursed by the people.”

“Since Xiongying has recovered, he’ll stay in my palace for a few days. It’s convenient for the physicians to check on him.”

“Although you usually take care of the child, Lady Lü, you have no objections, right?”

Empress Ma shot Zhu Yuanzhang a reproachful glance, then shifted her eyes toward Zhu Biao and Lady Lü.

Though complaining on the surface, she knew Zhu Yuanzhang was only impatient and straightforward by nature, leading to his careless words.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s arrival was timely; even if Lady Lü harbored grievances, she dared not voice them in front of everyone.

“Of course not.”

“It’s wonderful that Xiongying can stay in Kunning Palace to pay filial respect.”

Suddenly being addressed, Lady Lü could only force a bitter smile and grit her teeth to reply.

No matter how resentful she felt, with Empress Ma’s consent, any objections were futile.

Finding a protector, Zhu Xiongying breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

As long as he stayed near Empress Ma, Lady Lü wouldn’t dare lay a finger on him.

Leaving the Eastern Palace meant he was beyond Lady Lü’s reach.

Most importantly... with Empress Ma’s doting love for her grandchildren, he could enjoy a period of being indulged.

The urgent matter now was to gather herbs to treat Empress Ma’s lung cancer and investigate whether Lady Lü was behind his own suffering.

Since Lady Chang’s death, Lady Lü had been in charge of the Eastern Palace’s affairs.

Even if he remained there, all his actions would be closely monitored, making it impossible to move freely or gather evidence.

“In that case, Xiongying will stay here today.”