Chapter 1 Zhang Ping'an's Plan

Zhang Ping'an originally planned to return to the Wei River after curing Consort Shu, to continue treating the disaster victims.

But Emperor Jiang Chen gave him a very good impression.

If he were harmed by toxins, it would be a loss for the people of the world.

After a few seconds of pondering, he cupped his fist and said, "Then this commoner will have to trouble Your Majesty for a few days. I will leave after everything is settled."

Zhang Ping'an's attitude was peaceful, neither arrogant nor overly humble.

Getting along with him was like a spring breeze, making people feel very good.

Jiang Chen smiled and ordered, "Come, prepare a palace for Physician Zhang, and choose some careful people to serve him. He is my honored guest and must not be neglected!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Feng Jin accepted the order and left with Zhang Ping'an.

The palace door closed.

Jing Yue, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke, "Your Majesty, should we keep this person?"

Jiang Chen sighed, "With such superb medical skills, I naturally want to keep him."

"But would someone like Zhang Ping'an bend his back for power?"

"I don't want to oppress people with my status and force him to stay, but without this method, I'm afraid it's hopeless to keep him!"

Jiang Chen's regretful appearance made Jing Yue furrow her brows.

In her opinion, Jiang Chen was the Son of Heaven of the Great Wei.

All the subjects on this land should unconditionally obey his will.

Zhang Ping'an was naturally no exception.

"Your Majesty, this subordinate can share your worries!"

"Although Zhang Ping'an's medical skills are superb, he is, after all, just a commoner. Offer him a high official position and a generous salary, and ennoble their Zhang family's ancestors. I don't believe he won't be moved."

Jiang Chen smiled wryly.

Although he had not been in contact with him for long, he did not think that these vain names could move Zhang Ping'an.

However, he did not need to discourage Jing Yue's kindness.

"Since you have ideas, go ahead and do it, but remember to pay attention to propriety and do not offend Zhang Ping'an."

"Although this person has no official position, he has the people in his heart and has been practicing medicine for many years. Such a person can be called a national treasure. The respect he deserves must be given."

Jing Yue nodded, her tone respectful:

"Your Majesty, rest assured, this subordinate will never let you down!"

Jiang Chen turned around, looked at Jing Yue's slightly tired pretty face, and said sincerely, "I am naturally relieved when you handle matters."

"Speaking of which, Consort Shu's recovery is something I should reward you for the most!"

"If it weren't for you enduring hardships and searching thousands of miles for someone, how could Yun'er have recovered? If something happened to her, I would lose half my life!"

Jing Yue was slightly stunned, and then bowed down, "Your Majesty is too kind. Relieving your worries is the meaning of Jing Yue's existence."

Jiang Chen was about to say something when a guard broke in and cupped his fist:

"Your Majesty, Consort Mei requests an audience!"

Jiang Chen's face instantly turned cold.

Mei Ruoying?

What is she doing here?

Could she also be here to test his condition?

Outside the Hall of Diligent Governance.

Mei Ruoying waited in the corridor.

Dressed in a moon-white dress, with light makeup, she was as beautiful as a fairy from the Moon Palace, making people forget the mundane world.

However, her expression at the moment did not match her temperament, revealing a bit of coldness.

This damned emperor actually left her out for so long!

Her knees were numb from kneeling, but he still didn't summon her inside!

Could it be that this fatuous ruler was really so unlucky that he was affected by that slut Consort Shu and contracted the insect poison?

*creak.*

The tightly closed palace door opened.

A guard came out and invited Mei Ruoying inside.

Adjusting the expression on her face and rubbing her sore knees.

Mei Ruoying moved her lotus steps lightly, followed behind the guard, and walked towards the towering palace.

As soon as she stepped into the Hall of Diligent Governance.

Her pair of phoenix eyes restlessly looked around, searching for clues.

In just a few breaths.

Mei Ruoying noticed many unusual things.

First of all, the purplish-black bloodstains on the carpet, although cleaned, still had traces.

Then, there were the attendants surrounding the palace.

Not only was the number suspiciously large, but each of them had flickering eyes and was filled with panic… In addition, there was the Imperial Physician standing by, and the scent of medicine that wafted in from time to time.

Who would believe that the emperor was not in trouble?

She was secretly delighted, quickened her pace, and rushed towards the bed.

"Your Majesty, your concubine has arrived. Please get up and take a look at your concubine!"

"Cough, is that, is that Consort? It's so late, why aren't you resting and come to find me?" Jiang Chen did not get up. The two were separated by heavy silk curtains, unable to see each other's appearance.

Mei Ruoying was anxious, wishing she could tear apart these obstacles, but she hid it well and said with concern:

"Your Majesty, your concubine has not seen you for several days. I miss you so much that I can't even sleep, so I came to take a look."

"Can you, can you lift the silk curtain and let your concubine have a glimpse of your face to comfort my longing?"

As she spoke, she stretched out her jade-like hand, pretending to lift the curtain.

And this action seemed to make Jiang Chen inside very nervous.

He coughed violently and said, "Cough, no! I have already gone to bed. You should withdraw first. I will summon you tomorrow, cough…"

The coughing sound was mixed with anger.

Mei Ruoying was both annoyed and happy.

She didn't want to be with the seriously ill Jiang Chen, feeling unlucky.

But she wouldn't feel at ease if she didn't see him in person.

After a long while, she said, "Your Majesty, you are coughing so badly, I am so worried!"

"Why don't you let your concubine serve you tonight? Only by staying by your side can your concubine feel at ease!"

Jiang Chen immediately rejected, "No, beloved Consort, you should go back. I have Feng Jin to take care of me, so there is no need to worry."

Hearing this, Mei Ruoying became even more suspicious and pleaded:

"Your Majesty, please see your concubine! Just one look!"

"Your concubine really misses you. I haven't rested well these days and have been looking forward to your coming… Please fulfill this small wish of your concubine!"

It seemed that he could not resist Mei Ruoying's entreaties.

Jiang Chen sighed, sat up with difficulty, and said, "Alright, then beloved Consort, you can open the curtain."

A hint of ecstasy flashed in Mei Ruoying's eyes.

As expected, men are just fools who fall for this trick!

She couldn't wait to pull open the silk curtain.

A pair of charming phoenix eyes met Jiang Chen's face.

She clearly saw the emperor's pale face and the fatigue in his eyes that he couldn't hide, as if he was about to faint at any moment.

The big stone in Mei Ruoying's heart fell to the ground, completely relieved.

But she didn't show it. Her bewitching face was full of heartache, and her eyes even glistened with tears.

Sobbing, she said, "Your Majesty, what's wrong with you? Your face is so ugly. Are you sick?"

The sincere performance was enough to move anyone.

But Jiang Chen didn't believe it at all.

Although he had not yet obtained solid evidence, he was sure that this insect poison definitely came from the Mei family!

And he had been eating and living with Consort Shu during this period, making it easy to be infected. Mei Ruoying must be aware of this.

Therefore, these tears of hers were just a means of gaining trust, making people feel chilled!

A flash of coldness flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes, then he hid it and comforted, "Beloved Consort, I'm fine!"

"The imperial physician has already diagnosed me and said that I am just too tired. I will recover after a period of rest. There is nothing serious."

As he spoke, Jiang Chen stretched out his hand and wiped away the tears on Mei Ruoying's face, "It's getting late, you should go back and rest quickly, if…"

Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Chen suddenly stopped, and a patch of black and purple appeared on his face!