Chapter 37: Healing

After Yu Ming finished speaking, Wen Qiao also turned to this matter. After all, the poisonous gu had to be treated sooner or later, and delaying it further would only cause significant harm to the Empress Dowager’s health. Since that was the case, it was better to first suppress the gu worms properly before obtaining the antidote, to prevent the Empress Dowager from suffering needlessly.

With this in mind, Wen Qiao nodded, though she still wasn’t sure if Yu Ming truly possessed such skill. What if he was merely deceiving her to swindle money? What would she do if the medicine she gave to the Empress Dowager caused her to vomit it out? If it didn’t harm the Empress Dowager’s health, that would be one thing; but if it caused secondary damage, that would be an even greater problem.

Moreover, Yu Ming was a gu poison master, presumably from Miaojiang. Years ago, the emperor had sent troops to annihilate Miaojiang. It was uncertain whether the people of Miaojiang harbored resentment toward the royal family of Dajing. What if, during this vulnerable time, they took revenge on the Empress Dowager through him?

While Wen Qiao was still hesitating, Yu Ming suddenly knelt down. “I know, Miss Liu, you do not trust me to diagnose and treat the Empress Dowager, not merely because of my identity. To be frank, I am a native of the Dajing Dynasty. Years ago, my family offended the Miaojiang royal family and I was taken captive there. Otherwise, I would have lived in Dajing all my life. It was during those years in Miaojiang that I learned some gu poison techniques from the locals. I thought, since I was already there, I might as well learn their skills rather than remain ignorant. But the people of Miaojiang killed my entire family—even my wife and children did not escape. I harbor deep hatred in my heart. Fortunately, when His Majesty sent troops to attack Miaojiang, I escaped amidst the chaos and returned to Dajing.”

“For all these years, I have lived cautiously, hiding here and there, which is why the imperial physician Zhao has been unable to contact me. Had I not recently traveled near the capital to find a residence, Zhao would still be unable to find me. The capital is the safest place now. Although Miaojiang has been destroyed, some of the royal family still live and believe I betrayed their military secrets to Dajing, which led to their downfall. They have been hunting me for years. Now that I have returned to serve the royal family, I am glad. I would never harbor any intention to harm the Empress Dowager. If Miss Liu still has doubts, you may have all the imperial physicians present to watch me treat the Empress Dowager. If I overstep in any way, you may immediately have me taken to the imperial study to be dealt with by His Majesty. I will accept it without complaint.”

Wen Qiao, who was still wavering, found herself moved by his words. Yet she knew that mere words were not enough; if he truly treated the Empress Dowager, mistakes could still happen. So she remained hesitant. At that moment, Imperial Physician Zhao also knelt down.

“Miss Liu, I can guarantee that Yu Ming’s words contain not a hint of falsehood. Otherwise, I would not have maintained contact with him over the years. Even when we lost contact during the Miaojiang turmoil, I already knew this information from him. Otherwise, I would not have dared to bring him into the palace. If anything happened, I would be the one to bear the consequences. The Empress Dowager’s health cannot be delayed. If you still doubt, have the emperor investigate Yu Ming’s background thoroughly. If there is any deception, I am willing to share responsibility with him.”

Hearing Zhao’s words, Wen Qiao nodded. Indeed, as Zhao said, the Empress Dowager’s condition could not afford further delay. Although the gu poison had only just begun to take effect, it had been inside her body for some time. If not treated quickly, it might cause greater harm later.

Moreover, Wen Qiao felt she had begun to grasp some of the gu poison’s patterns. Even if Yu Ming were to treat the Empress Dowager in the palace, she could watch closely and prevent any trickery.

Clearly, Wen Qiao agreed with this plan, though she insisted the emperor thoroughly verify Yu Ming’s background. If his identity was truly pure, she would feel more at ease. If not, and something befell the Empress Dowager, Wen Qiao would bear the unbearable guilt.

“You may rise for now. I will think carefully about what Doctor Yu Ming has just said. As for treating the Empress Dowager, I must first report to my uncle. He must consider this matter thoroughly before responding to the doctor. After all, the Empress Dowager is not just my grandmother, but also my uncle’s mother and the Dowager of the Dajing Dynasty. This matter must be handled with utmost caution. Since Imperial Physician Zhao can vouch for Doctor Yu Ming, Zhao may stay in the palace with him for the next few days. I will have Madam Song arrange separate chambers for them, ensuring no disturbance to the other consorts. As for the rest, I will leave the final decision to my uncle after I speak with him.”

Having said this, Wen Qiao quickly summoned Madam Song to arrange accommodations for the two doctors, then took her two maids to the imperial study to report the matter to the emperor.

“Since Miss Qiao has already made a decision, I shall order an investigation into Yu Ming’s true background. If it aligns with his own account, then he will remain in the palace for use. After all, while he is here, his life and death lie in our hands, so he dares not play any tricks. If he deceives us, he will be executed immediately. Impostors who dare enter the imperial palace are truly despicable.”

The emperor sat at the head of the hall, speaking with a neutral expression that no one could read. Only Wen Qiao knew how much the emperor had withered these days due to the Empress Dowager’s illness. His emotions were masked, but upon hearing that someone skilled in gu poison had entered the palace, he felt somewhat relieved.

If Yu Ming truly posed no threat, that would be good news. But if he harbored ill intentions, not only the emperor but also Wen Qiao and Imperial Physician Zhao would not let him off easily.

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Imperial Physician Zhao was willing to stake his life on a gu poison master’s word; that lent some credibility to Yu Ming’s claims.

The emperor, after all, had far more resources than Wen Qiao. Within a single day, he could have every detail of Yu Ming’s life investigated thoroughly—even down to the age he started school and when he stopped wearing diapers.

When Wen Qiao received the report sent by the emperor’s men, she couldn’t help but twitch at the corner of her mouth. She’d only asked to verify Yu Ming’s background and hadn’t expected such intimate details. It was clear the emperor had reviewed the report before sending it to her. Since the emperor had not expressed any objection, she kept quiet, as long as Yu Ming’s story was consistent.

Flipping through the documents carefully, Wen Qiao found a few minor discrepancies, but nothing important. It was likely due to Yu Ming’s age and memory lapses. With that, she felt assured enough to proceed.

Putting the papers away, Wen Qiao sent word to Zhao and Yu Ming, then hurried to the Empress Dowager’s chambers.

The Empress Dowager had just finished resting and was sitting on her bed drinking porridge when Wen Qiao lifted the curtain and entered. Her previously drawn face broke into a smile.

“What’s wrong? Did someone upset grandmother? When I came in just now, you looked unhappy. Tell me, who made grandmother unhappy? I’ll go beat them up to make you feel better!”

Hearing Wen Qiao’s words, the Empress Dowager laughed warmly and patted her hand.

“Nothing’s wrong, dear. I just had to drink such a big bowl of bitter medicine right after waking up, which made me frown. Don’t laugh at me. If you had to taste bitter medicine first thing in the morning, you might be even angrier than I am!”

Seeing the Empress Dowager in good spirits, Wen Qiao relaxed. Thankfully, no one had upset her. The Empress Dowager’s health was fragile, and these days she had to be carefully cared for. If anyone made her angry, it could worsen her condition, something Wen Qiao wished to avoid.

But seeing her grandmother still playful enough to joke with her was comforting. Wen Qiao glanced at the empty medicine bowl on the desk and felt relieved. The Empress Dowager had been taking her medicine on time, which eased Wen Qiao’s worries. Otherwise, she wouldn’t know what to do.

It was remarkable that some of the medicines were quite potent and had strong side effects. Fortunately, the Empress Dowager’s constitution was strong enough to endure them. If complications arose, Wen Qiao felt she might truly break down.

“It’s the medicine that has upset grandmother. Don’t worry, I’ll go and give the medicine a good beating so it tastes less bitter tomorrow. If it doesn’t improve, I’ll keep beating it!”

Wen Qiao scolded the medicine playfully, making the Empress Dowager laugh heartily and call her a mischievous little clever girl.

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Soon after, Zhao and Yu Ming were brought in. The Empress Dowager was still unaware that she might have been poisoned by gu worms, so she was puzzled to see a stranger doctor entering and asked Zhao, “I’ve never seen this doctor before. Who is he?”

“Grandmother, this is the most skilled doctor for chronic illnesses that I specially brought from outside the capital. Please cooperate with Doctor Yu’s treatment, and once your ailments are cured, you can accompany your granddaughter out to play every day!”

Before Zhao could finish, Wen Qiao had already completed his sentence. Hearing this, Zhao obediently withdrew his feet and bowed, kneeling respectfully and waiting for instructions from the Empress Dowager and Wen Qiao.

“Since this doctor was specially brought by Miss Qiao, I will have him examine me properly. If the treatment works, so much the better. Even if it doesn’t, I won’t complain—it’s all old age ailments. I have lived a life of wealth and honor, and if I close my eyes now, there would be no regrets.”

Hearing the Empress Dowager’s words, Wen Qiao frowned and quickly covered her mouth. Though it was somewhat presumptuous, she couldn’t bear to hear her grandmother speak like that.

“You silly girl, I was only speaking casually. Why such a strong reaction? Fine, fine, I won’t say it anymore.”

“Grandmother, I understand, but you must not joke about such things. I can’t imagine how I would live if that day really came. Please don’t say such things again; it makes me sad.”

The grandmother and granddaughter shared a warm moment, while Zhao and Yu Ming knelt on the floor, understanding the closeness of their bond.

No wonder the palace said Wen Qiao was deeply favored by the Empress Dowager and the emperor. Otherwise, how could she be so intimate with the Empress Dowager? Especially Zhao, who now felt a little nervous, recalling how kindly Wen Qiao discussed the illness with the imperial physicians—truly a beloved and down-to-earth lady.

With Wen Qiao’s words, the two men rose from their knees. Yu Ming stepped forward to take the Empress Dowager’s pulse, then dismissed the palace maids and eunuchs, leaving only Zhao, Wen Qiao, Yu Ming, and the Empress Dowager.

Then Yu Ming knelt again and addressed the Empress Dowager: “Your Majesty, the illness in your body is not serious. It has accumulated over many years, making it difficult to cure quickly. But do not worry. I have many medicines gathered myself during my travels, which I have brought to the palace. We will prepare these medicines for you; you will take them, and I will perform acupuncture. Repeating this treatment diligently will soon cure your chronic illness, so you will no longer suffer such daily torment.”

Even without Wen Qiao briefing him, Yu Ming knew what to say and what not to say. Since Wen Qiao had called him to treat the Empress Dowager’s chronic illness, he naturally followed her lead.