Chapter 33: Seeking Pulse

Chapter 33: Seeking Pulse

"A marital alliance princess?" Jiang Hui wasn’t concerned about this foreign princess, merely a decorative piece in the palace, "Does the Emperor intend to recall father?"

"The court is still debating, and no decision has been made. We'll have more definitive news after the envoys arrive in the capital," she said, "But sooner or later, your father will have to step down."

Her mother didn't elaborate, but Jiang Hui understood: Ning Yuan Marquis, holding significant military power and being a royal relative with a daughter as a Noble Consort and mother to the Emperor's only son, his retirement was inevitable for the Emperor's peace of mind.

"Father has spent most of his life in the northern frontier, retirement for some peace is good," Jiang Hui reassured.

"Your brother won't be entering the military anymore, spending his days idly. I'll soon seek the Empress Dowager to arrange a marriage for him, settling down early and finding a suitable position later," the Grand Princess resolved, no longer as amenable as before.

"Ah Yun is only fifteen. Forcing the Empress Dowager to grant a marriage—," Jiang Hui hesitated, about to continue, when the Grand Princess suddenly began coughing violently.

"Cough, cough... He needs to... cough, cough, cough..."

"Mother?! What's wrong with you?!" Jiang Hui hurriedly supported her, calling out, "Qiu Kui, quickly fetch the imperial physician!"

Qiu Kui rushed off, and Wan Song brought warm water. Jiang Hui personally helped her mother drink, relieved to see her coughing subside. Worried, she asked, "Mother, what happened? Are you ill?"

The Grand Princess shook her head, speaking gently, "No need for a physician, I've already seen one at the residence. It's an old ailment from giving birth to your brother, easily triggered by stress. You know about it."

"Really?" Jiang Hui wanted to believe her mother's words, "Then why are you so eager to ask the Empress Dowager to arrange a marriage for Ah Yun?"

"Your grandmother has been unwell this summer and urged me more urgently. I also thought since your brother can't enter the military, and he’s restless, an early marriage and a stable position might prevent him from developing any bad habits," the Cheng Ping Grand Princess explained.

Her explanation sounded reasonable, but after her mother left, Jiang Hui was still worried.

When the Emperor visited Yao Hua Palace, he found Jiang Hui with a furrowed brow and an uneasy expression.

"What's troubling Hui'er?" Xiao Sheng dismissed the attendants and stepped forward to help the bowing Jiang Hui.

"I am fine," Jiang Hui managed a weak smile, "It’s just that my mother visited today and coughed severely. I am worried about her health."

Seeing Jiang Hui’s pale face yet forcing a smile, Xiao Sheng felt a pang of pity and held her hand tightly, "Tomorrow I will send Imperial Physician Li to the Princess's residence to check on Cheng Ping Aunt. Hui'er, you should rest easy for now."

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty," Jiang Hui leaned into the Emperor's embrace, smiling faintly.

Jiang Hui was still unwell and inappropriate for serving the Emperor in bed, but he didn’t mind and held her as they slept clothed.

The next day, as promised, the Emperor sent Imperial Physician Li to the Cheng Ping Grand Princess's residence. In the afternoon, Physician Li reported back at Yao Hua Palace that the Grand Princess was fine, just a bit worried lately, and the sudden change in weather along with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat had caused her cough. She just needed to take some medicine and rest well.

Only then did Jiang Hui feel relieved.

Imperial Physician Li also took Jiang Hui's pulse for a routine check-up before leaving Yao Hua Palace.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief as he looked up at the glaring sun and sighed softly, saying to the little eunuch carrying the medicine box, "Let's go, we need to report back to the Emperor at Liang Yi Palace."

Braving the scorching sun, they arrived at Liang Yi Palace. After being announced by the gatekeeping eunuch, Imperial Physician Li meticulously straightened his official robes and entered, bowing deeply: "Subject Li Deqing pays respects to Your Majesty."

"Rise, Physician Li," the Emperor set aside the document in his hand and inquired with concern, "How is the Noble Consort?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Noble Consort has been taking Yang Rong Wan for several months, and her postnatal weakness has somewhat improved. However, she still requires long-term care and should avoid any mental stress."

Emperor Xiao Sheng nodded slightly and instructed, "For the coming period, attend to Cheng Ping Aunt at her residence and you needn't report to the palace."

"Your servant obeys," replied Imperial Physician Li, accepting the command.

Three days later, Cheng Ping Grand Princess visited the palace. The Empress Dowager personally issued an imperial edict, arranging a marriage between Ning Yuan Marquis's heir, Jiang Yun, and the eldest daughter of the National Academy's Libationer, Lin Qing Shu. Observing her mother, Jiang Hui noticed her complexion was rosy and spirited, devoid of any previous signs of illness.

Assured of her mother’s well-being, Jiang Hui turned her attention to the newly favored Noble Lady Li in the harem.

Noble Lady Li’s conduct was unlike the former chosen lady, who lost her sense after gaining favor. Although not arrogant, she couldn’t hide a trace of pride.

In contrast, Noble Lady Li remained as low-profile as when she first entered the palace. Aside from formal visits to Feng Yi Palace and Ci Ning Palace, she stayed indoors, often playing the pipa leisurely at Lan Yue Pavilion, leaving Xu Xiu Yun with no outlet for her frustration.

—— Until Min Jie Yu recovered.