Volume 1 Chapter 3 Affection
“Rarely do we get to meet, but we can still enjoy a few days talking about grandchildren,” Zhu Yuanzhang declared decisively, his eyes twinkling with affection as he looked at Zhu Xiongying.
As the eldest legitimate grandson, Zhu Xiongying had always held a special place in his grandfather’s heart.
Seeing that Zhu Xiongying appeared in good spirits, Zhu Yuanzhang finally felt at ease.
With Zhu Yuanzhang’s assurance, Lady Lü, who had been about to speak again, gave up entirely, forcing a dry smile as she bowed alongside Zhu Biao and took her leave.
Watching Lady Lü’s retreating figure, Zhu Xiongying couldn’t help but grin, the wheels turning rapidly in his mind.
Perhaps freed from Lady Lü’s grasp, Zhu Xiongying slept exceptionally well that night.
Early the next morning, he did not forget his duties and went straight to pay his respects to Empress Ma.
“Grandmother, your grandson has come to greet you,” he said.
Before entering the palace, he heard Empress Ma coughing, and his heart tightened.
Though her illness had not yet become severe, he knew the truth well enough to feel anxious at the sound.
“Why are you up so early?” Empress Ma asked with a smile, having paused her coughing.
“Have you already eaten breakfast?” she inquired.
Despite feeling unwell these days, she would not allow her grandchildren to worry.
“Yes, I have,” Zhu Xiongying replied.
“Grandmother, during my illness, I have suffered much. If only I could learn some medicine,” he said with a smile, “Could you help me find some medical books and herbs? Even just to nourish my constitution would be good.”
His request was reasonable, but Empress Ma subtly frowned.
“Learning medicine is beneficial, but not everyone can master it. If you wish to study, have some imperial physicians teach you. Your health still needs tending; don’t let this distract you.”
She spoke with a gentle admonition.
After all, as the eldest legitimate grandson, Zhu Xiongying was expected to inherit the throne. With the heavy affairs of state, he could not waste time on trivial matters.
“Grandmother, rest assured. My heart is set on learning. Studying medicine is merely to strengthen my health,” he said earnestly. “If I gain a skill, I can better ease your burdens.”
Hearing this, Empress Ma’s heart softened. Seeing his sincerity, she sighed deeply.
“In that case, I will have the imperial physicians instruct you properly.”
“Someone, summon Imperial Physician Sun.”
No sooner had she spoken than a palace attendant hurried off to arrange it.
Moments later, Imperial Physician Sun arrived hastily, carrying his medicine box.
“I pay respects to Your Majesty and Your Highness,” he greeted, wiping the cold sweat from his brow.
He had heard the crown prince’s grandson wished to learn medicine... if anything went wrong, would his own head be safe?
“Rise, no need for formalities,” Empress Ma said kindly.
“I have been studying medical texts these past days and prepared a prescription. It will trouble Imperial Physician Sun to prepare some medicines,” Zhu Xiongying said, producing the carefully prepared prescription from his robe.
Imperial Physician Sun was momentarily stunned before taking it.
Pinellia, Notoginseng, Licorice—common herbs enough—but then Pearlbark Fritillary, Oldenlandia, Salvia miltiorrhiza... these were scarce even in the imperial stores.
“Your Highness, rest assured. I will do my utmost,” Imperial Physician Sun said, though his mind was busy pondering the prescription.
He had never seen this formula before; it clearly was not copied from any medical text.
Could it be that Zhu Xiongying himself had composed it?
If so, it suggested a certain innate talent.
With the prescription entrusted to him, Zhu Xiongying smiled and took his leave.
Unbeknownst to him, no sooner had he left than Imperial Physician Sun handed the prescription to Empress Ma.
Not for any other reason, but because all the herbs requested matched perfectly with those used to treat Empress Ma’s condition.
“These herbs may alleviate Her Majesty’s illness,” Imperial Physician Sun said confidently. “Some combinations are quite ingenious. The young prince truly shows medical aptitude.”
He felt a touch of admiration. Many physicians had examined Empress Ma recently, yet all had been cautious with medicine. Unexpectedly, here was a fitting prescription.
“Is this... the medicine young Xiongying requested?” Empress Ma asked, a complex expression crossing her face.
“Indeed,” Imperial Physician Sun confirmed. “I will consult my colleagues about this formula. If viable, we might try it.”
Empress Ma was silent for a moment, then nodded. “Proceed as Xiongying suggests.”
...
Back in his own chambers, Zhu Xiongying wasted no time and summoned his personal attendant.
As crown prince’s grandson, he naturally had several attendants.
Though now residing in the Palace of Kunning, he was still served by senior attendants.
“Xiaocui, come here,” he called.
“Do you recall if anyone entered my chamber recently? Was anything unusual delivered—food or clothing?”
He asked cautiously.
“All food brought to you has been inspected by specialists; there should be no problem,” Xiaocui answered earnestly. “Regarding clothing, there was one garment handwoven by Lady Lü. But since you contracted the contagious smallpox, all clothes were burned to prevent spread.”
Though puzzled by the question, Xiaocui answered frankly.
Hearing this, Zhu Xiongying felt some disappointment. With no leads, he waved Xiaocui away.
Though it was a pity the clothes were destroyed, even finding them would have little use.
Without microscopes or any technology to detect pathogens, mere speculation was futile.
But his inquiry had never been about finding concrete evidence.
He knew that, now living in the Palace of Kunning, though not as thoroughly watched as in the Eastern Palace, Empress Ma’s vigilance was keen.
And Zhu Xiongying understood that relying on his own strength alone, uncovering proof of Lady Lü’s poisoning was nearly impossible.
The only way was to let Empress Ma become aware of it as well—he believed that was the key.