The cruel little princess

The morning light filtered through the carved window lattices, gently falling into the luxurious hall of Prince Rui's Palace like fine golden gauze. The interweaving of light and shadow failed to dispel the solemn atmosphere that seemed tangible.

Doctor Liu was dressed in a blue-gray official uniform of an imperial physician. He was slightly hunched over and sat at the desk with his back slightly bent. His eyes were focused and calm, his fingers resting lightly on the wrists of his concubines, as if he was exploring the most subtle rhythm of life.

Every time he took someone's pulse, he would carefully diagnose the pulse while carefully observing each concubine's complexion, lip color and other symptoms. Sometimes he would frown slightly, and the wrinkles between his eyebrows seemed to hide his deep thoughts about the illness. Sometimes he would nod slightly, as if he had already seen through the mystery of the body.

Most concubines suffer from cold symptoms or insufficient qi and blood, which is quite common in the backyards of deep houses.

The women lived in the inner courtyard for a long time and had limited range of activities. Although the charcoal fire was warm in winter, it could easily allow the cold to invade the body, and poor blood circulation was also a common problem.

However, there are also several people suffering from Qianjin disease, some of which are mild and some are severe, which is really tricky.

This disease may be caused by excessive worry, liver depression and qi stagnation, or improper diet and weak spleen and stomach. In this deep house, the complex interpersonal relationships and the pressure of having children are like hidden roots of disease, quietly eroding their health.

Doctor Liu did not dare to slack off in the slightest. After each patient's diagnosis, he would carefully write down the pulse history and prescription. Every stroke of his pen was the condensation of years of rigorous medical style. The words he wrote seemed to carry the hope and instructions of life.

It was not until the last concubine finished her examination that everyone realized that Aunt Hongxiu had not come over to take the pulse.

I saw Aunt Hongxiu with a graceful figure, like a peach branch swaying gracefully in spring. She was dressed in a peach-colored gilded double-layered long-tailed phoenix robe, and a shawl of the same color on the outside. As she moved with light lotus steps, she showed her elegant grace, and her clothes fluttered, as if carrying a hint of peach fragrance.

At this moment, she stood quietly behind His Royal Highness Prince Rui, and gently massaged his shoulders with her bare hands. She looked obedient and docile, as if she was unaware of what was happening around her. The movements of her fingers were gentle and rhythmic, as if she was playing a silent song of flattery.

Princess Rui Zhang Yuyan sat on one side, like the bright moon in a cold night. She wore a moon-white brocade dress, a light blue jacket embroidered with plum blossoms, and a gold phoenix hairpin with beads on her head. She looked dignified and elegant, yet a bit cold.

She took in everything in the hall and saw that everyone had finished their examinations, leaving only Hongxiu and herself.

She thought to herself that she knew her own body best. She had been trying to have a child for the past six months without success and had seen many famous doctors. It didn't matter whether she got a diagnosis or not.

Besides, the reason why we invited Imperial Physician Liu to come this time was to add a child to the royal palace. If any of the concubines were pregnant, we could make plans early...

But what is the purpose of Hongxiu's behavior?

Could it be that he has something to hide and doesn't dare to let the imperial physician take his pulse?

Thinking of this, Zhang Yuyan winked at Feicui who was standing beside her. The master and servant had been together for many years and had a tacit understanding. Feicui understood what her master meant in seconds.

Jade Lotus Steps moved lightly to the front of Hongxiu Concubine, like a light green cloud, slightly bent her knees and bowed, saying softly: "Hong Concubine, it is a rare opportunity today to have the palace's daughter, the master doctor Liu, come here.

The princess has just issued an order that all the concubines must check their bodies. Concubine Hong, please don't let our princess down!"

Her voice was soft and gentle, yet it was filled with unquestionable firmness.

Upon hearing this, Hongxiu's lips curled up slightly, like a ripple on a spring day, but her eyes were a little distant, and she said softly, "Thank you for your kindness, Princess, but I asked the palace doctor to check my pulse a few days ago.

The court doctor said I'm in good health, so there's no need to bother with anything now!"

As she spoke, she raised her eyes slightly, and her gaze swept towards His Royal Highness Prince Rui intentionally or unintentionally, as if seeking protection. Her eyes were like a frightened deer, with a bit of pity and expectation.

Seeing this, Feicui refused to give up, and she kept smiling, but her words were full of ulterior motives: "It's okay, I did see it a few days ago.

But the court physician is ultimately inferior to Imperial Physician Liu. Concubine Hong, please focus on your consultation and strive to recover quickly so that you can give birth to a son for His Highness!"

This statement was flawless. It not only pointed out the skill of Doctor Liu, but also hinted that Hongxiu should not refuse. Everyone's eyes turned to Hongxiu, waiting to see how she would respond.

In the dim morning light, a few rays of light filtered through the carved window lattices and sprinkled into the luxurious hall of Prince Rui's Palace. The light and shadow seemed to cover everyone with a layer of gauze.

"But I'm not feeling unwell, and when the prince brought Hongxiu back, he already knew that she would not be able to bear children. Why is your Highness so insistent on forcing me?"

The woman with red sleeves moved lightly and stood quietly behind His Royal Highness Prince Rui. She had a graceful figure, and she slightly raised her head, looking at His Royal Highness Prince Rui with eyes that seemed to be filled with infinite love. Her gaze was like the lingering soft silk in spring, all wrapped around Prince Rui.

Finally, she was like a willow swaying in the wind, gently taking out the brocade handkerchief she carried with her, pinching the corner of the handkerchief with her slender jade fingers, and pressing a few times to wipe away the tears that were about to fall from the corners of her eyes.

Anyone who saw her would be moved by her appearance. Her sparkling eyes seemed to be hesitant to speak, and her eyes were filled with pity, like a delicate flower wet by the rain, which made me feel even more pity.

Unfortunately, her affectionate gesture was completely in vain. She was standing behind His Royal Highness Prince Rui, with her hands on his shoulders, massaging his back carefully.

His Royal Highness King Ke Rui seemed not to hear, his eyes fell on the scroll in his hand, his brows slightly furrowed, as if he was thinking about military and national affairs, and he had no intention of looking back from beginning to end.

Therefore, Hongxiu's flirting felt quite awkward and lonely, like a lame person winking at a blind man. No one appreciated her, leaving her alone to perform a one-man show.

"Auntie Hong, this is your fault!"

Jade was nimble and took a few steps forward with a perfect smile on her lips.

Feicui first bowed to her own princess Zhang Yuyan with a dignified manner and full courtesy.

Then he spoke softly, "Originally, our princess invited Imperial Physician Liu to come and check the pulses of all the ladies.

For a woman to get pregnant, the most important thing is her foundation. She must take good care of her body, and then the birth of a child will come naturally!

The princess's action was a great kindness, as it was for the prince's offspring and the future of the palace.

Even though you, Aunt Hong, already know that you cannot get pregnant, you have injured your body in the past, so you must let Doctor Liu take good care of you!

Does it mean that even if Concubine Hong is unable to bear children, our princess will not care about Concubine Hong's health?!

There is absolutely no one in our Rui Wang Mansion who is so heartless and heartless!"

Jade's words seemed gentle, but in fact they were sharp and pointed. She effectively portrayed the princess's actions as well-intentioned.

If Aunt Hong insisted on not taking someone's pulse, it would make her seem inconsiderate and ungrateful...

"Fei Cui is right. The princess is doing this for your own good. Hong Xiu, please don't let the princess down!"

His Royal Highness Prince Rui finally put down the book, raised his eyes and glanced at everyone, his voice was low and majestic, with an unquestionable tone.

After saying this, he casually waved his left hand towards Doctor Liu, with a hint of impatience in his gesture, signaling Hongxiu to hurry over and take his pulse, as if he didn't want to waste any more time on such trivial matters.

The sun was shining brightly outside, and the interweaving of light and shadow could not dispel the solemn atmosphere in the hall.

So even though Hongxiu was very reluctant, she had to bite the bullet and walk forward obediently, allowing Doctor Liu to take her pulse and examine her.

Doctor Liu frowned, and the wrinkles on his forehead were like ravines. His fingers stayed on the pulse on Hongxiu's wrist for a long time, probing again and again, as if he wanted to find some hidden truth through the subtle pulse.

After a long time, he slowly withdrew his hand, and at the end, he glanced at His Royal Highness Prince Rui meaningfully.

That glance was like a sharp arrow, causing an ominous premonition to surge in the hearts of His Royal Highness Prince Rui and Princess Rui, just like a sudden surge of waves on a calm lake.

"Okay, now that Imperial Doctor Liu has checked your pulses, and luckily nothing serious is wrong, you can all go back and rest!

Leave the prescription here. I'll have the palace doctor prescribe the medicine later. You just go back to the courtyard and wait patiently."

Princess Rui suppressed her uneasiness, forced a faint smile on the corner of her mouth, and gave an order softly.

"Yes! We will take our leave first!"

All the concubines, like graceful young warblers, bowed to His Royal Highness Prince Rui and his mistress, Princess Rui, and took their leave. They walked lightly with lotus steps and their clothes fluttered in the wind, and in the blink of an eye, they filed out.

When their figures completely disappeared outside the palace gate, His Royal Highness Prince Rui's eyes flashed, and he immediately whispered to his trusted secret guards to guard the perimeter of the palace to ensure that the conversation here would not fall into the ears of others.

"Doctor Liu, is there anything wrong with Concubine Hong's body?

I see that you look a little strange..."

His Royal Highness Prince Rui's heart sank. He had some difficult things to say, and it was inconvenient to speak too bluntly in front of the princess. After all, he was a playboy, with many concubines in his house, so there was no telling what might have gone wrong.

"Your Highness, among the eighteen ladies I have examined, four have..."

Doctor Liu looked embarrassed, hesitant to speak, secretly considering whether to tell the truth.

This matter is of great importance. If you are not careful, you may end up in fatal disaster.

"What is it? Doctor Liu, just tell me! I will forgive you!"

His Royal Highness Prince Rui paced back and forth anxiously, his tone full of urgency.

Doctor Liu made up his mind and thought to himself that if he concealed the matter now, the palace physician would sooner or later notice something.

If the disease is delayed, His Royal Highness Prince Rui will be furious and will definitely punish him for dereliction of duty.

If this matter becomes a big deal, I'm afraid my life will be in jeopardy.

After weighing the pros and cons, he didn't dare to delay any longer and fell to his knees with a thud, his voice trembling: "Four ladies have...syphilis!

Among them, this concubine Hong is the most serious!"

That's all! I've said it, and I'll just leave half of it unsaid! It's just that I'll leave one person out...

If someone really wants to investigate further, I will just say that there were too many people at the time, or that the disease had not yet reached its onset stage and was therefore not diagnosed!

I just hope... that lady can take this opportunity to recuperate well. If she follows her doctor's advice, she will be fully recovered within three months!

Doctor Liu's frank words were like a bolt from the blue, ringing in the ears of the people in the palace, and their hearts were beating like drums. It also frightened Prince Rui for a moment, as if he was hallucinating!

It was simply unbelievable what I heard!

The hall instantly fell into deathly silence. His Royal Highness Prince Rui's expression was as gloomy as the night sky before a storm, dark and filled with shock and anger.

He opened his eyes wide and stared at Doctor Liu, as if he wanted to find the flaw of the lie in his face, but Doctor Liu's trembling body and the posture of lying on the ground clearly showed that what he said was true.

Princess Rui was also terrified. She subconsciously raised her hand to cover her mouth to prevent herself from screaming, her eyes full of astonishment and disgust.

For a moment, the air seemed to freeze, so heavy that it was suffocating.

"This...how is this possible?!"

His Royal Highness Prince Rui was the first to break the silence, his voice hoarse with anger and shock, like a broken gong. "I have treated them well. The food, clothing, housing and transportation in my mansion are all top-notch. How could such a scandal occur?!"

His eyes swept towards Doctor Liu, then quickly turned towards the empty palace gate, as if the departing figures of the concubines still carried germs and shame with them.

Imperial Physician Liu lay prone on the ground, his forehead pressed against the cold earth, his voice filled with tears: "Your Highness, please calm down. I, your humble servant... I, your humble servant, am only telling you the truth.

These venereal diseases are mostly caused by unclean...contact.

Either it was introduced from the outside, or it was from within the palace..."

He didn't dare to say any more, for fear of angering His Royal Highness Prince Rui even more.

"Are you saying that someone messed around outside the mansion and brought this filthy disease in?!"

His Royal Highness Prince Rui's eyes were wide open, his fists were clenched, his knuckles were white, and he approached Doctor Liu step by step, like a ferocious beast about to devour someone.

"I dare not jump to conclusions, but... it's just a possibility."

Doctor Liu's body was shaking like a sieve, and his voice became weaker and weaker.

Princess Rui had also recovered by now. She took a deep breath, suppressed the panic and nausea in her heart, and tried to keep her voice calm. "Your Highness, the most urgent thing is to figure out how to deal with this matter. We must not let the news get out, so as not to damage the reputation of the palace."

Her eyes revealed calmness and wisdom, and in this chaotic moment, she showed the demeanor of the mistress of the house.

His Royal Highness Prince Rui seemed oblivious to the words, still immersed in his rage. He paced back and forth, his steps rapid and heavy, as if every step would crush the bricks and stones of the palace. "Hongxiu...it must be that bitch Hongxiu!"

He growled through gnashing teeth, "This king dotes on her every day, and how dare she be so presumptuous!"

When he thought about Hongxiu's usual tenderness and affection, and the possibility that she might come to serve him with a serious illness, he felt nauseous.

"Your Highness, getting angry right now will do no good. Let's first hear what Dr. Liu has to offer that can both cure the disease and keep it secret."

Princess Rui stepped forward and gently pulled on the sleeve of His Royal Highness, trying to calm him down. Her hands trembled slightly, revealing her inner turmoil, but her face remained calm.

His Royal Highness Prince Rui flung open his sleeves, as if they too were stained. He took a deep breath, tried to calm himself, and looked at Imperial Physician Liu: "Imperial Physician Liu, tell me, how can this disease be treated? Can it be cured?"

There was a hint of hope in his voice, as if he had grasped a life-saving straw.

Doctor Liu slowly raised his head, his face still stained with sweat and tears. He swallowed and said in a hoarse voice, "Your Highness, this syphilis is not a terminal illness, but it will take some time to recover.

I will prescribe some prescriptions for clearing heat, detoxifying, removing dampness and removing blood stasis, and ask you ladies to take them on time.

It’s just…it’s just that during the treatment period, you must not have sex to avoid infection. You must also pay attention to eating a light diet, keep a good mood, and keep it a secret. If it gets out, not only will the ladies’ reputation be ruined, but the reputation of the palace will also be…” He didn’t dare to say any more.

"I understand." His Royal Highness Prince Rui interrupted him impatiently, "Go and prescribe some medicine. Make sure they are cured as soon as possible.

As for keeping secrets, I have my own arrangements. If any news leaks out, you will be held responsible!"

His eyes were like cold knives, stabbing at Doctor Liu, scaring him so much that he nodded repeatedly.

Doctor Liu stood up hurriedly, as if escaping from the execution ground, and hurriedly packed his medicine box, preparing to leave.

"Wait!" His Royal Highness Prince Rui called out again, scaring Doctor Liu so much that he shrank back like a quail.