Chronic poisoning, in fact, had signs before, but because the Emperor was inherently too weak and had too many ailments.
Most importantly, Chu Qianli still harbored some doubts and resistance towards him, so the toxins locked deep within his body, remaining in a latent state, were not noticed by Chu Qianli during her previous few pulse checks.
After an unknown period, Eunuch Qing had everyone else in the room driven out.
Including himself.
"What exactly is the Emperor's condition?"
"What has happened to Father Emperor?"
"Why hasn't Chu Qianli come out yet? What exactly did she do to Father Emperor?"
"Has Father Emperor woken up?"
Facing a host of princes and lords, as well as the Empress and consorts, Eunuch Qing was powerless.
In the end, he could only shake his head, "This servant does not know. This servant is merely carrying out the Emperor's verbal command, asking all masters to be patient and await the Emperor's instructions."
Eunuch Qing was also in a difficult position.
This was the first time in many years of serving the Emperor that Eunuch Qing was not trusted by the Emperor, and he himself had to leave the sleeping chambers.
Eunuch Qing felt a sense of loss.
The Empress Dowager had not yet received the news. She had been in poor health recently, and everyone dared not inform her of any developments.
It was better to focus on her recovery.
However, the time for guarding the year was fast approaching. If the Emperor did not appear, the officials would surely fall into speculation.
At this moment, what exactly were the Emperor and Chu Qianli doing in the sleeping chambers?
Feng Yexuan stood by, his expression unreadable.
Feng Qihe appeared somewhat anxious, his gaze occasionally falling on the Empress.
The Empress's gaze was fixed on some unseen corner, seemingly distracted.
In short, each was lost in their own thoughts.
Perhaps, each harbored their own hidden agenda.
... Inside the sleeping chambers, the Emperor had already sat up.
Chu Qianli was drawing out the poison for him.
The blood from her fingertip slowly dripped down. Initially, a dark, gloomy color was faintly visible, but now, it was gradually turning red.
"The poison on my person, is it..."
"No," Chu Qianli knew what he wanted to ask. Although her words might displease the Emperor, as a physician, she could only speak the truth.
"The Emperor has been poisoned too deeply and for too long. It is impossible to clear the toxins in a single day and night."
She was still preparing the medicine.
Glancing at the few glass bowls beside the Emperor, she continued to examine the pills in her hand.
"From now on, at regular intervals, have the imperial physicians draw out the poison for you like this. This can help clear it, but the frequency cannot be too high, otherwise, the Emperor's body will not be able to withstand it."
"Will you come to the palace to..."
"I apologize, I am from the Dragon Ascending Country. Before long, I will naturally return to the Dragon Ascending Country."
The Emperor's expression indeed turned unsightly at once.
Chu Qianli smiled dismissively, "Your Majesty, the national strength of my Dragon Ascending Country is not weaker than your Northern Underworld. Therefore, Your Majesty, I do not need to bow down and pledge allegiance to you, understand?"
The Emperor was so angered by her that he almost became furious.
However, what she said was the truth.
He was now weak all over, lacking even the strength to get angry.
It was just that no one had ever provoked him like this before, and he felt a loss of face.
But unexpectedly, Chu Qianli truly had no intention of letting him maintain his dignity. She said lightly, "Do not try to get angry with me, Your Majesty. We are of equal status and can sit as equals."
She turned her head and smiled at him, "If you get angry with me, I will leave immediately. You have thousands upon thousands of imperial guards, but I have the person who can save you. At worst, it will be a mutual destruction, are you willing?"
The Emperor closed his eyes forcefully.
He tried to take a deep breath.
Do not argue with a young girl, otherwise, it would not be worth it to make yourself sick with anger.
"You said that the poison on me is related to the Medicine Man Legion?" he suddenly asked.
"Not necessarily, it's just that the method of refining the poison seems somewhat consistent."
This matter still required research and verification.
However, the Emperor said, "If it is related to the Medicine Man Legion, then perhaps you should indeed stay and investigate thoroughly."
"Why?" This was a matter of their royal family, what did it have to do with her?
The Emperor said coldly, "Long Xiyue died within my Northern Underworld's territory back then. Have you not suspected the cause of her death?"