Chapter 36: Yuming

Wen Qi was somewhat surprised and hurried over to ask, "What is the matter? Why is Father so angry? Has the Third Brother done something?"

Wen Zehan was still siding with her in the Marquis's estate; he was a very useful pawn that she could not afford to see punished. If he were to be grounded, it would be of no benefit and only harm to her. With Wen Qiao still in the palace, there would be many times when she would need Wen Zehan once Wen Qiao returned. Besides, there was a chance that Wen Zehan still possessed the treasures Wen Qiao had intended for her. She had to show concern, lest Wen Zehan think her cold-hearted and become unwilling to share any treasures he might hold.

"You ask that? If not for you asking your Sixth Sister for items, why would things have escalated to this point? You dared to lay your hands on imperial gifts! Are you truly tired of the comfortable life we lead at the Marquis of Yongning's estate? If this were to reach the palace, or worse, the Emperor's ears, do you think we would have any peace left?"

Wen Qi had just returned only to be met with a fierce scolding from Wen Congqing. She was stunned, and even Wen Zehan, kneeling on the ground, lifted his head to speak in Wen Qiao's defense: "Father, why blame my sister? It is all because I saw how beautiful that vase in the Sixth Sister's room was and wanted to give it to the Seventh Sister. The Seventh Sister is innocent; please stop scolding her. If you must blame someone, blame me alone!"

The "imperial gifts" referred to the items the Emperor had bestowed upon Wen Qiao when she returned from the palace laden with gifts—specifically those she had chosen herself from the Emperor's private treasury. Wen Zehan remembered that he had gone to Wen Qiao’s courtyard to stir up trouble and had snatched a vase. He hadn't realized at the time that it was an imperial gift. Now, hearing Wen Congqing’s words, he realized the gravity of the situation. Even though he had stolen it for his own use, he feared punishment and claimed he only wanted to give it to Wen Qi, hoping she wouldn't be implicated and providing himself an excuse so that Wen Congqing wouldn't accuse him of bullying Wen Qiao to snatch her belongings.

Claiming it was for Wen Qi was better than appearing to be bullying Wen Qiao. As expected, upon hearing this, Wen Congqing's expression softened slightly, though it remained stern.

"You are a grown man. It is one thing to be reckless with your words, but to do something like this? Are you truly not afraid that the Emperor will bring ruin upon our house? If something happens, what am I to do? What is your mother to do? Send that vase back to your Sixth Sister immediately! Even if she is not in the estate, place it back exactly where it belongs. Do not give anyone a handle against us. If you ever try to snatch things from her again and it reaches the Emperor, even I will not be able to protect you!"

As he spoke, he did not notice the resentment in Wen Zehan's eyes. Yet, Wen Zehan had no choice; since Wen Congqing had spoken, he couldn't keep the items. Still, he felt deep dissatisfaction.

Listening from behind, Wen Qi finally understood what was happening; it was the same matter Wen Qiao had mentioned earlier. It was fortunate that Wen Zehan had not yet passed the item to her, or she might be kneeling there facing punishment alongside him.

Li Yanlan, who had been kneeling, saw Wen Congqing wave his sleeve to leave and quickly stood up. She helped Wen Zehan up and glared at Wen Qi with a cold snort. If not for Wen Qi, Wen Zehan would not have suffered like this, kneeling and being scolded for so long.

"Alright, son, get up. Since your father has spoken, just send those things back to that wretched girl. We are not lacking in such things. If you want to give Wen Qi something, just take her out to buy it. Do not go to Wen Qiao’s courtyard to snatch things again; if your father finds out, it won't end well. Furthermore, imperial gifts are not to be trifled with. What the Emperor bestows is his to give; if you insist on taking them, you will gain nothing if it reaches his ears. We are not short on money; just go buy something next time."

Li Yanlan had deep grievances against Wen Qi, though she kept them to herself. She had protected Wen Qi for many years and did not want to alienate her over such trivial matters, hoping that one day Wen Qi would marry into a prominent family and be able to help Wen Zehan.

***

Rather than dwell on it, it was better to let it go. Wen Zehan had already taken his punishment, and saying anything more was useless.

"It is all my fault for causing the Third Brother to be punished for no reason. If I had known, I would have warned him beforehand and never let him suffer such an unjust scolding," Wen Qi said.

"Next time such a thing happens, you must step in and protect him. How could you let him be scolded by the Marquis like that?" Li Yanlan’s logic was peculiar, though it was natural for her to link the matter to Wen Qi, as she and Wen Zehan were mother and son.

Several days passed. Wen Qiao did not attend the study, while Wen Qi’s studies proceeded smoothly. The Fourth Prince no longer acted inappropriately toward her, likely because rumors of his behavior had reached the Emperor, who had reprimanded him.

During this time, Wen Qiao was busy preparing medicine and treating the Empress Dowager. After days of medication and acupuncture, the Empress Dowager’s condition had improved; she seemed more spirited, and her forgetfulness had lessened. Perhaps the change in prescriptions was beginning to affect the gu-poison in her body.

Just as Wen Qiao confirmed the presence of the poison, she received good news from Imperial Physician Zhao.

"Sixth Miss, when you told me about the possibility of gu-poison, I contacted a poison master I met during my travels. He happened to be near the capital and replied that he could enter the palace tomorrow. If you wish, I can bring him to examine the Empress Dowager."

Gu-poison masters were rare, and the art was complex. Even with her medical knowledge, it was difficult for Wen Qiao to master it. If this master was skilled, it would be beneficial; if not, she could learn what little he knew from books.

"Truly? Thank you, Physician Zhao. That would be excellent. Bring him to the palace tomorrow. We must confirm if the poison exists, or our efforts will be misdirected and waste precious time."

Whether or not the master could find a cure, confirming the diagnosis was essential. She believed even a mediocre master could identify gu-poison.

Over the next two days, the Emperor visited the Empress Dowager several times, discussing her progress with Wen Qiao. Hearing that she was improving, the Emperor’s anxiety began to ease.

Because of the urgency, Physician Zhao brought his friend, Yu Ming, to the palace the very next day.

"Sixth Miss, this is the master I mentioned, Yu Ming. This is the Sixth Miss of the Marquis of Yongning's estate. She requested your presence to examine the Empress Dowager," Zhao said.

Wen Qiao bowed, and Yu Ming returned a salute. Since he was a man, entering the inner palace was inconvenient, but with the Emperor’s permission, it was possible. Wen Qiao had initially been reluctant to tell the Emperor the truth, fearing he might purge the generals who had once campaigned in the Miao territory, leading to unnecessary consequences. However, keeping it a secret would only expose her to accusations of allowing unauthorized men into the inner court. It was better to be honest to avoid further trouble.

"Time is of the essence. Please, follow me to examine the Empress Dowager. If you can resolve this, I will see to it that you are rewarded, even if my uncle does not," Wen Qiao said.

Though anxious, she kept her composure. If she appeared desperate, the master might take advantage of her.

"Rest assured, Sixth Miss. I will do my utmost to keep the Empress Dowager safe," Yu Ming replied.

They entered the inner chamber. The Empress Dowager was resting, sleeping deeply due to the medicine. Wen Qiao had her hand carefully moved from behind the curtain. She watched Yu Ming, holding her breath, fearing to miss his reaction.

After a long while, Yu Ming retracted his hand, his expression grave.

"To be honest, Sixth Miss, the Empress Dowager is indeed afflicted by a 'Thousand Breath Gu.' It is a vicious poison from the Miao territory that slowly consumes the mind, causing the victim to lose their memories until they pass away in a blank state. Furthermore, she has underlying health issues that exacerbate the damage. This is not a good sign. I can attempt to suppress the Gu, but it cannot be completely eradicated. To cure it, we need a Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus to draw the parasite out. The lotus is extremely rare, protected by beasts in the frozen peaks of the Heavenly Mountains. It is nearly impossible to obtain. If you wish, I will prepare to suppress it while we discuss further."

Hearing there was a solution, Wen Qiao felt a wave of relief. Even if it was difficult, it was not impossible. She was in the imperial household; if the Emperor wanted something, he would surely find a way to get it.

However, she hesitated over the suppression. Medicine carried its own risks, and the Empress Dowager was not in pain, only suffering from memory loss. She did not want to subject the Empress Dowager to unnecessary suffering.

Yu Ming seemed to read her hesitation. "The Thousand Breath Gu has only just begun to take hold. In a short time, she will suffer from constant headaches and memory loss. If we do not suppress it now, the process will become far more agonizing later."