"Your Majesty, Mr. Lan deserves great credit for quelling the epidemic in the three villages after the moat collapse."
Immediately after the formal greetings, Prince Yu stepped forward to praise Lan Fan: "Your Majesty, Mr. Lan's abilities are evident to all, and he is no less capable than the current National Preceptor."
With Prince Yu speaking so directly, everyone in the court understood his intentions without needing to guess.
The current situation of the National Preceptor was unknown; he had not been seen at all.
There were rumors that the National Preceptor was gravely ill and in a coma, showing no signs of improvement.
Other rumors suggested that the National Preceptor had already left Lingjiu Hall, and that the hall was now guarded by the Emperor and the Princess's people.
Even more, some whispered that the National Preceptor had long since succumbed to his illness and was no longer alive.
In any case, as long as the National Preceptor did not appear, the speculation would not cease.
The people were in a state of unrest. Without seeing the National Preceptor, no one felt secure.
Lingjiu Hall could not be without a master. Without a master, it was as if everyone had lost their faith.
In short, no one was at peace.
If the National Preceptor was truly gone, then with the emergence of a similarly powerful Mr. Lan, could he perhaps... become the new National Preceptor?
"Lord Dian Shi's spell to appease the populace gave me more time to treat the villagers afflicted with the epidemic. His contributions are indeed invaluable," Princess Chu Qianli said with a calm smile and a gentle tone.
Her gaze towards Lan Fan held a hint of admiration.
"Father, without the assistance of Lord Dian Shi this time, the villagers might not have been willing to calmly take the prescriptions I provided. Therefore, Father must reward Lord Dian Shi handsomely."
Chu Qianli's smile was confident and composed. Her voice was not loud, but every word reminded everyone that the villagers' recovery and the eradication of the epidemic were due to her prescriptions, not any spells. Lan Fan's spell had merely helped to calm the people.
In the court, one faction supported Prince Yu, another was loyal to the Emperor, and a third faction was loyal only to the nation and its prosperity.
Although the Princess's words carried a hint of seeking credit, people considered that without effective medicine, the villagers' epidemic might not have been cured. Everyone had also heard about the Princess curing the afflicted villagers. Thinking about it, it seemed the Princess's merit was even greater.
The officials couldn't help but re-examine Chu Qianli. Their Princess of Nanming was not only beautiful and possessed an air of nobility, but most importantly, her medical skills were extraordinary. All the imperial physicians involved in treating the villagers were utterly convinced by her. Their Princess was indeed remarkable.
Lan Fan was not angered this time, but his gaze towards Chu Qianli held a new spark of admiration. This young girl was becoming increasingly likable. If his formidable skills could be combined with this girl's efforts, it would undoubtedly be a perfect synergy.
Lan Fan smiled calmly at the Emperor, "It was through the cooperation between the Princess and myself that the villagers were healed. If there is any merit, it is not mine alone."
Chu Qianli glanced at him, then her gaze swept over Prince Yu. Prince Yu returned a sharp, cold look.
Chu Qianli's expression turned grave, and she changed the subject: "This Princess believes that Father will naturally reward those who have contributed, but those who have erred, Father will also severely punish!"
Her tone suddenly deepened. The officials in the court, for some unknown reason, felt their hearts sink along with the Princess's words.