Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 113 Empress Wu's Fury

The morning drum sounds and the gates of the town open wide.

Palace Lady Jiang rode in a carriage out of the neighborhood, all the way to Anshang Gate, passed through the gate into the palace, and entered Taiji Palace from Changle Gate.

When I entered the Shanggong Bureau, I suddenly saw several female officials gathered in the corridor, whispering about something.

Concubine Jiang walked over and scolded him, "Don't you have anything to do so early in the morning? Why are you slacking off here?"

A female official hurriedly said, "Shang Gong, something happened in the Princess's Courtyard."

Jiang Shang Gong was stunned and asked, "What happened?"

The female official said, "Princess Changshan has refused to take medicine for two days now. She is very ill and looks like she is dying."

Concubine Jiang's expression changed. "Why don't you report this to Her Majesty the Queen?"

The female official said with a bitter face, "Princess Changshan suddenly refused to take medicine after the Queen went to see her. We..."

Concubine Jiang said coldly, "Do you think she refused to take the medicine because of Her Majesty the Queen?"

The female official nodded in agreement.

Everyone in the harem knew that the queen did not like Princess Xincheng, so naturally, she also did not like Princess Changshan.

Now that Her Royal Highness the Queen has suddenly gone to see Princess Changshan, although no one says anything, everyone is guessing in their hearts that it is not a good intention.

They didn't want to get involved in such things, and they were even more worried that when they reported it, the queen would be furious and would be beaten to death.

So no one was willing to report this matter to the Queen.

Concubine Jiang saw through her thoughts and said, "Reporting this is inherently risky. But if you don't, and the princess dies inexplicably, and the Saint becomes enraged, can you bear the responsibility?"

The female official said, "Then I will report immediately."

"No need," said Lady Jiang. "I'm about to go see Her Majesty the Queen. I'll report in person. Go and prepare something for me to eat. I haven't had breakfast yet."

The female officials were overjoyed and went to help Lady Jiang prepare food.

After eating, Concubine Jiang went towards Lizheng Hall.

She left the palace yesterday on the Queen's orders to secretly investigate the palace's procurement matters to see if anyone was taking advantage of the opportunity to enrich themselves.

Since the emperor investigated the Ministry of Revenue in the previous dynasty, Empress Wu sent people to investigate the six bureaus and twenty-four departments of the harem to cooperate with the emperor.

So when she met Empress Wu, she first reported her mission and then told her about Princess Changshan.

"Princess Changshan refuses to take medicine?"

Empress Wu was also having breakfast.

Jiang Shang Gong said cautiously, "Yes, I don't know why."

Wu Meiniang asked: "When did it start?"

Concubine Jiang whispered, "It seems like it was after you went to visit her."

Empress Wu stood up suddenly and said in a stern tone, "Are you saying that she didn't take the medicine because of me?"

Concubine Jiang quickly knelt on the ground without saying a word.

She knew that at this time, the more she defended herself, the more likely she would anger Empress Wu, so keeping silent was the best option.

Sure enough, after a while, Empress Wu sat back down and regained her composure.

"I only had a few small talk with her. It must be for other reasons. Go check it out."

Jiang Shanggong said, "Yes." Then she took her leave.

Wu Meiniang appeared calm on the surface, but she was still angry inside.

"Could it be that Changsun Wuji is behind this, wanting this sick princess to bite me before she dies?" she secretly suspected.

After thinking for a long time, she decided to go to the princess's courtyard to take a look and test Princess Changshan.

She walked around the Ganlu Palace, passed through the Yuehua Gate, and soon arrived at the Princess's Courtyard.

Princess Changshan was lying on her sickbed, looking extremely haggard. When she saw Empress Wu approaching, she was startled for a moment and said weakly, "Changshan greets Her Majesty the Empress."

Empress Wu stared at her and said, "I heard that you stopped taking medicine. What's the reason?"

Princess Changshan whispered, "The disease can't be cured anyway, so why waste the herbs?"

Empress Wu frowned and said, "I will leave the palace immediately and personally help you invite Sun Simiao into the palace, okay?"

Princess Changshan still shook her head and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I know my own body well. This disease is incurable."

Wu Meiniang said no more and turned to leave.

Zhang Dahai followed closely beside her and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, she asked for death on her own initiative. Perhaps she was instructed by someone to use her death to harm you?"

Wu Meiniang shook her head and said, "Didn't you notice? When I went in just now, she had a look of disappointment on her face."

Zhang Duohai was stunned: "You mean..."

Wu Meiniang said calmly, "She wants to see Your Majesty, and she's not taking the medicine to attract everyone's attention. Let Your Majesty go and see her."

Li Zhi stayed in Penglai Palace last night and also gave some guidance to Princess Yi Yang on her studies in the evening. He got up a little late in the morning.

When he arrived at Ganlu Palace, he found Wu Meiniang already waiting in the palace.

"Princess Changshan doesn't want to take medicine?" Li Zhi was slightly surprised.

Wu Meiniang said worriedly: "Yes, I heard the situation is very bad. Your Majesty, please go and see her."

Li Zhi nodded and immediately headed towards the princess's residence.

He actually wanted to go see this girl a few days ago, but was always delayed by official business. He didn't expect Princess Changshan's condition to be so serious.

After entering the princess's courtyard, Wu Meiniang pointed out Princess Changshan's house to him.

Li Zhi walked in, passed through the main door, and looked into the house.

I saw a pale, skinny young woman leaning on the bed, looking out the window with her head tilted to the side.

Her hair was dry and her face showed no life, which was completely different from the Princess Changshan in Li Zhi's memory.

It's like he's a different person.

When Princess Changshan heard the noise, she slowly turned her head and stared at Li Zhi without saying a word, but her eyes couldn't help but turn red.

She bit her lips tightly to stop herself from crying out loud. Li Zhi came to her side, looked at her miserable appearance, and felt pity in his heart. He sighed and said, "Changshan, how did you become so ill? Has the imperial physician come to see you?"

Princess Changshan whimpered, threw herself into Li Zhi's arms, and burst into tears.

In front of Princess Xincheng, she is the elder sister. No matter how sad she is in her heart, she hides it all deep down and does not want to worry her sister.

In front of Wu Meiniang, he was even more cautious and did not dare to reveal his true feelings.

Now, facing his brother, the depression and grievances accumulated over the years burst out like a flash flood, and he could no longer suppress it.

Li Zhi patted her back gently and said, "It's okay, don't be afraid, brother is here."

Princess Changshan cried for a long time, her tears soaked Li Zhi's chest, and finally she stopped crying.

Li Zhi held her hand and asked, "How is your condition? The Queen said you refused to take medicine. Why is that?"

Princess Changshan said softly, "I've seen him and taken many medicines, but they haven't worked. Brother, I know I'm going to die."

Li Zhi hurriedly said, "Don't talk nonsense. The great doctor Sun Simiao is in Chang'an City. I have sent someone to invite him to the palace to help you."

Princess Changshan shook her head, looked up at her, and said, "Brother, it's useless. I know my own body. Before Changshan died, he had only one wish. Can you grant it to me, brother?"

Li Zhi said: "If you have any wish, just tell me, I will do my best to help you fulfill it."

Princess Changshan asked, "Brother, I know you have arrested Changsun Quan. Can you spare his life?"

Li Zhi was stunned for a moment, then frowned and asked, "Why are you pleading for Zhang Sunquan?"

Princess Changshan cried, "Brother, I know Xincheng best. If Changsun Quan dies, she won't live long either."

Li Zhi sighed and said, "Changshan, you refuse to take the medicine, are you hoping to use your life in exchange for me sparing Changsun Quan's life?"

Princess Changshan lowered her head and said, "Changshan knows that his life is coming to an end, so he wants to see his brother and do something for his sister before he dies."

Li Zhi said: "You are a good sister, but I cannot promise you."

Princess Changshan said anxiously, "Brother..."

Li Zhi smiled and said, "Don't worry, I haven't finished yet. I didn't intend to sentence him to death, so I can't agree to your request."

Princess Changshan was surprised and asked, "Really?"

Li Zhi smiled and said, "Of course it's true, so you must take your medicine well. When I invite Dr. Sun to the palace, you must cooperate well and make sure you get well. Do you understand?"

Princess Changshan looked at him for a long time. Feeling her brother's concern for her, she felt warm in her heart and nodded slightly.

More than an hour later, Sun Simiao arrived at the princess's courtyard.

Li Zhi bowed and said, "Dr. Sun, I'm sorry to invite you into the palace. Please help me treat this girl."

Sun Simiao bowed and replied, "I will do my best."

Sun Simiao asked Princess Changshan about her condition.

It turned out that Princess Changshan had a heart disease. She had chest pain from time to time, sometimes difficulty breathing, and no appetite. She relied entirely on ginseng to maintain her vitality and prolong her life.

Sun Simiao also asked a lot of details, such as how the patient slept, whether he liked sunlight, whether he could smell pollen, etc.

Finally, he asked, "How long has this been going on?"

Princess Changshan said, "It has been twelve years."

Sun Simiao nodded and bowed to Li Zhi, saying, "Your Majesty, this is a strange disease. I cannot identify the cause."

Li Zhi's heart tightened and he asked, "Can't it be cured?"

Sun Simiao said, "I once traveled among the common people and met an old man who had a similar illness, but he recovered on his own."

Li Zhi was surprised and asked, "How did he cure it?"

Sun Simiao said, "I was also puzzled at the time. After careful inquiry, I found out that after the old man fell ill, he went to the mountains to pick herbs and ate them, and he recovered."

"I lived in the nearby mountains for over a year and finally identified the herb that cured him. It's called the Crane Lice."

Li Zhixi said happily: "So, the crane lice can cure Changshan's disease?"

Sun Simiao said, "I haven't encountered this kind of patient since then, and I haven't verified it. I'm probably only 80% sure."

Li Zhi turned to look at Princess Changshan and said, "Changshan, are you willing to let Divine Doctor Sun treat you?"

Princess Changshan said firmly, "Even if there's only a half chance, I'll try!"

Li Zhi nodded and said, "Okay, Mr. Sun, I'll leave everything to you. Fu Sheng, pass on the order to have the Imperial Pharmacy and the Imperial Medical Bureau fully cooperate with Mr. Sun's treatment. All his needs will be fully provided. Also, Qianqiu Palace will be temporarily given to Mr. Sun to live in."

Wang Fusheng accepted the order and said, "Yes!"

……

Two days later in the morning, Princess Xincheng learned the whole story and rushed to the princess's residence in a hurry.

"Sister, why are you so stupid? If you die, I won't live either!" Princess Xincheng threw herself on the edge of the bed.

Princess Changshan said softly, "Don't cry, don't cry. This is a blessing in disguise. If I hadn't made such a fuss, I wouldn't be able to see the hope I have now."

Princess Xincheng nodded, smiling through her tears, and said, "Yes, Dr. Sun will definitely be able to cure you!"

Princess Changshan asked, "How is the Prince Consort?"

Princess Xincheng sat on the edge of the bed and said softly, "My brother has taken away my fiefdom, and my husband has been given a lighter punishment, demoted to a lieutenant in a lower county in Cangzhou."

Princess Changshan was surprised and said, "Sister, you don't have any fiefdom, so from now on..."

Princess Xincheng smiled and said, "As long as my brother doesn't kill the prince consort, I will be satisfied. Besides, he has left me three hundred households."

Princess Changshan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Then do you still want to quarrel with your brother?"

Princess Xincheng blushed slightly and whispered, "I will find a chance to admit my mistake to him."

Princess Changshan said, "And Her Majesty the Queen. Although she has a strong personality, she is not a bad person. She helped me find my brother."

Princess Xincheng lowered her head and said, "I won't argue with her anymore."

At this time, a palace maid came in and said to Princess Xincheng, "Your Highness, the Prince Consort is about to leave."

Princess Xincheng stood up and said, "Sister, I'm going to see him off."

Princess Changshan smiled and said, "Go ahead."

(End of this chapter)