Reborn to marry, the short-lived prince lived a hundred years

Madam Meng panicked for a moment, then pretended to be calm and said, "Jiaojiao did borrow some money from me, but it's better than her embezzling the treasury of the Qing Palace."

"Since the master knows that Ningxiangju was opened by Jiaojiao, he also knows that the money in our mansion is well spent."

"Jiaojiao said that once the shop becomes profitable, she will return double the money she borrowed from us. Master, there is nothing to worry about."

"Jiaojiao is the apple of our eyes. Blood is thicker than water. How could she let her parents suffer even the slightest loss?"

After a sincere and clear explanation, Lord Meng's expression gradually relaxed, and the frown between his brows quietly loosened.

"I was unhappy because I treated her so well, but she never told me anything about this."

"In the entire court, I, as a father, am the only one who is aware of the situation."

Upon seeing this, Madam Meng gently raised her hand and placed it lightly on Lord Meng's back, slowly helping him calm his anger and discontent.

"The shop has just opened, so nothing can be finalized. Jiaojiao might want to wait until the shop has a solid foundation before reporting everything to the master."

"Why don't we wait until tomorrow, call Jiaojiao back, and question her carefully, then we'll know the reason."

Upon hearing this, Lord Meng nodded slightly, then picked up the cup of tea that was still slightly warm on the table and took a sip.

……

Inside the Qing Palace.

When Prince Qing heard Mu Xia's report, he couldn't help but cover his slightly pale lips with his hand and coughed lightly a few times. There was a subtle sense of weakness and helplessness in his voice.

"Send someone to investigate where those people outside the palace heard the news."

Mu Xia's mind suddenly became clear upon hearing this, and he instantly grasped the subtlety in Prince Qing's words: "Your Highness, are you worried that there might be someone behind this, secretly fanning the flames?"

"But what is the intention of the person behind this? To provide fuel for the princess's business and increase their salary for no reason, so as to make them famous and wealthy..."

Mu Xia speculated, "Could it be that this was done by the Meng family?"

Prince Qing shook his head slightly, "No, if it was really done by the Meng family, they would never have gone to the trouble of publicizing this matter outside the palace."

"In short, send someone to investigate immediately. If this is done with good intentions, we will express our sincere gratitude..."

"But if there's something else going on, we must uncover it and thoroughly investigate its true intentions."

"Yes, sir." Mu Xia agreed.

Prince Qing's brows furrowed slightly, and an inexplicable uneasiness lingered in his heart, unable to be shaken off.

This matter went too smoothly, so smoothly that it made him feel an indescribable sense of unreality.

The shop made a fortune as soon as it opened, and a mysterious person was promoting the shop...

He frowned slightly, his mind racing as he felt his head grow heavy and ache slightly.

He slowly stopped thinking, touched his forehead with his fingertips, and massaged it gently.

Seeing this, Mu Xia approached quietly and skillfully pressed the acupoints for King Qing to relieve his headache.

Prince Qing closed his eyes to rest, his tone carrying a barely perceptible softness, "Have you heard back from the person we sent to invite Divine Doctor Qi?"

Upon hearing this, Mu Xia quietly took out a sealed letter from his sleeve and presented it with both hands, saying respectfully, "This is a secret letter I just received."

Prince Qing gently opened the envelope and scanned the words carefully.

But after a moment, he quickly finished reading it, and suddenly tightened his palm, holding the letter tightly in his hand, with an unfathomable expression.

His breathing gradually became disordered, rapid and heavy. Suddenly, he raised his hand to cover his lips, and a burst of coughing followed, each one more heart-wrenching than the last.

Mu Xia quickly handed over the handkerchief in her hand and gently placed it on King Qing's lips.

When the violent coughing finally subsided, he carefully removed the handkerchief.

At first glance, Mu Xia saw that the snow-white handkerchief was stained with a few shocking spots of crimson, and a hint of horror flashed across his eyes.

"Your Majesty, this..."

Prince Qing's gaze fell on the bloodstains on the handkerchief, his eyes dimmed slightly, and there seemed to be an indescribable sadness in his eyes.

He gently closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his tone was heavier than ever before: "Don't let the princess know about this for now."

Mu Xia responded softly: "Yes..."

Prince Qing ordered, "Quickly ask Imperial Physician Wu to come over."

Doctor Wu rushed over upon hearing the news.

Mu Xia briefly told the story of King Qing coughing up blood.

Doctor Wu's face suddenly became as solemn as ice. He then stretched out his fingers, gently placed them on Prince Qing's wrist, and carefully took his pulse.

After a moment's silence, Doctor Wu frowned, as if he had thousands of words stuck in his throat, unable to speak.

"Doctor Wu, please feel free to speak. I know what I am doing." Prince Qing's voice was calm and firm.

Doctor Wu lifted his robe without hesitation and knelt on the ground. His weather-beaten face was full of fear and helplessness.

"The prince's old illness is becoming more severe. If... if we don't find Divine Doctor Qi, I'm afraid..."

"Doctor Wu, please take a closer look. The prince just coughed up blood occasionally. How could it be so serious?" There was a hint of disbelief in Mu Xia's voice.

The King of Qing's face remained calm, as if he had already known about this sudden change, but he could not hide his reluctance and helplessness in his heart.

Prince Qing spoke slowly, "According to Imperial Physician Wu, if I were to personally travel to Jiangnan, would I be able to do so safely in my current state of illness?"

Upon hearing this, Doctor Wu frowned and shook his head without hesitation, his disapproval evident on his face.

"Given Your Highness's current physical condition, traveling to Jiangnan would be like stepping into a dangerous den. I, this old minister, dare not approve of Your Highness's journey."

Mu Xia was also standing by, his eyes filled with worry, and he echoed, "If the prince has any orders, just follow his instructions. There is no need to put yourself in danger."

"Divine Doctor Qi is currently in Jiangnan. I must personally go there to seek medical treatment."

After saying this, Prince Qing lowered his eyelids slightly, a self-deprecating smile playing on the corner of his mouth: "Staying in this capital is also waiting for death. It is better to set foot in Jiangnan in person, perhaps there is still a glimmer of hope for survival."

Upon hearing this, Imperial Physician Wu froze in thought, wanting to speak but stopping himself before finally letting out a helpless sigh: "If Your Majesty insists on going, then please allow this old minister to accompany you and protect you."

"Before this trip to Jiangnan, I hope Your Highness can take a break from court affairs and stay at home. I will do my best to take care of Your Highness's health." Doctor Wu's words were full of sincerity and concern.

Upon hearing this, Prince Qing's gratitude overflowed with words. He gently leaned forward and bowed to express his gratitude, his voice as gentle as jade: "I am deeply grateful for your care, Imperial Physician."

After Doctor Wu disappeared in the porch.

Mu Xia whispered, "Your Highness, perhaps we could ask His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for help. He could ask His Majesty to summon Divine Doctor Qi to the capital. This way, Your Highness wouldn't have to go to Jiangnan in person."