Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Imperial Physician Ren had once been the physician in my household. Because his medical skills were superb and he had watched over me since childhood, I had begged my father to send him into the palace after I entered it.
Thanks to his care those years, I managed to live on for a few more years. He was also the only one who dared say plainly that it was childbearing that had hollowed me out.
He arrived very quickly. Before he even entered, I could hear him muttering, “Are you sure Her Majesty was clutching her chest and saying she felt unwell? Chest pain is an emergency. You should have stayed by Her Majesty’s side and sent a fast runner to the imperial clinic.”
“Cuixia, go bring Imperial Physician Ren some of the pastries Mother just sent over,” I said softly from the bed.
Cuixia was loyal to me, but she was still young and loose-lipped.
After she left, Ren took my pulse and examined me carefully, only then frowning and asking, “Your Majesty…”
“Imperial Physician Ren, my chest feels tight and painful. I heard you have a pill called the Heart-Soothing Pill. Isn’t it very effective for chest pain?”
“Your Majesty’s pulse is a little irregular, a little restless. You may simply be frightened. Why would you have chest pain? And the Heart-Soothing Pill contains musk. You mustn’t take it lightly.” Ren said.
“Imperial Physician Ren, my father is now the Grand Chancellor. He is so powerful he towers over the court. If I became pregnant at a time like this, not only would it invite needless suspicion toward my father, I would also become the target of everyone in the harem.”
Ren lowered his head, his whole body bent so far over that I could not see his face.
I went on, “A few days ago I heard that your mother has fallen ill with a stubborn disease, and your two children are still little and need care. Don’t worry. I have already written to my father.”
At that, Ren bowed even lower. “Your Majesty is too kind. Since Your Majesty is unwell, this subject will certainly do everything I can to ease your burden. My family’s petty matters are not fit to trouble Your Majesty.”
I sighed. Using his mother and children to force Ren was not what I wanted, but for a man of his upright character, this was the safest method.
“Imperial Physician Ren, you have watched me grow up. You know my temperament best. If I had any other choice, I would never make things difficult for you. If you really cannot bring yourself to do it, I’ll think of something else.”
Just then, Cuixia came back carrying a box of pastries.
“Cuixia, see Imperial Physician Ren out.”
Ren bowed. “Your Majesty is weak. I will go back at once and prepare a prescription.”
I nodded and said nothing more.
By then, everything that needed to be said had already been said.