Chapter 078

Chapter 078

Princess Baocheng then asked, "What's his name?"

"Cheng Mi Yuan."

He had made significant contributions at the time. When Lu Jingzhao asked what reward he desired, Cheng said that while everyone sought fame and fortune through the academies, few aspired to heal the world. He wished to open a clinic to teach medicine.

Lu Jingzhao happily agreed and ordered the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue to assist him in opening a clinic named "Heaven and Earth Furnace" in the capital. His students gradually spread throughout the country.

Chu Yin intentionally mentioned him in front of Princess Baocheng as a precursor to recommending Cheng Mi Yuan to Lu Jingzhao before the plague outbreak in Wei Prefecture, so it wouldn't seem abrupt. However, if he asked how she knew him, she'd have to stick with the previous "I heard about him" excuse.

But if Princess Baocheng really went to seek Cheng Mi Yuan, she would witness his medical skills firsthand. Then, Princess Baocheng could vouch for him, likely dispelling Lu Jingzhao's doubts.

"He's quite renowned in Jinzhou, rumored to have the ability to heal severe injuries. Though, I'm not sure if that’s true," Chu Yin added.

Jinzhou wasn't too far from the capital. Princess Baocheng, eager to act, said, "I'll go check it out in a few days."

Seeing her enthusiasm, Chu Yin asked, "Are you studying medicine just for fun, Aunt?"

"...I can’t just be idle all the time." She had spent days in the study, flipping through numerous books, and had developed an interest in medicine.

If only the royal physicians had been better, her mother might not have died so young.

After her mother's death, she and her brother had only each other, losing the person who loved them the most.

Then, her brother also passed away.

She felt the royal physicians were useless, failing to notice her brother's ill health and not warning him against indulging in sensual pleasures.

Princess Baocheng said wistfully, "I just wish I had realized this earlier."

Chu Yin saw her somber expression and somewhat understood – Princess Baocheng was probably thinking of the late emperor. But his illness was fated, and the physicians couldn’t have detected it or known how to prevent it.

"I hope you find what you're looking for, Aunt," Chu Yin said, gently squeezing her hand in comfort.

Princess Baocheng smiled at her, "Next time, I'll invite you to watch a Pingju opera."

"Sure, Xu'er and Zhen'er also enjoy it," Chu Yin noticed her hand hadn’t retracted, "Aunt, did you notice anything from my pulse?"

She couldn't tell at all, Princess Baocheng thought. Reading books and actual practice were quite different. The books described how to take pulses and discern the sensations at the fingertips, but after trying with her maids at home and now with Chu Yin, she couldn’t discern any differences in their pulses.

She sheepishly said, "It seems I'll need to learn from a master before I can take your pulse again."

Chu Yin smiled, "I'll look forward to your return after mastering it, Aunt."

However, Princess Baocheng didn't immediately leave for Jinzhou. She first stayed with her sister-in-law until her emotional state stabilized, then informed her of her plans to study medicine.

Empress Dowager Jiang was surprised, but supportive, acknowledging that few women had the fortune to pursue such interests beyond their familial confines.

Princess Baocheng then left the capital for Jinzhou.

Meanwhile, Lu Jingzhao had reached the Tongguan military camp. Without resting, he immediately began inspecting the soldiers' armor, horses, and training routines.

Frankly, when the soldiers first heard of the Emperor's northern inspection, many were skeptical, suspecting it might be a leisure trip. But seeing his diligence and hands-on approach upon arrival, they developed a deep respect for the young Emperor, instilling trust.

After the inspection, Lu Jingzhao clearly rewarded and punished based on performance, replacing negligent officers while promoting those who were competent and offered valuable suggestions, boosting the morale of the soldiers.

In the following days, their spirits soared, training with the ferocity of tigers.

Lu Jingzhao also organized a hunting competition, participating himself.

The soldiers were enthusiastic, with the front ranks holding banners and the rear ranks armed with bows and arrows, charging across the plains at a command, dust billowing.

Calm and composed, Lu Jingzhao showcased his archery skills from horseback, hitting targets with precision.

By the end, it was clear he was on par with these battle-hardened soldiers. They grew even more admiring of him, and Lu Jingzhao, in good spirits, rewarded the most skilled among them and joined them in a hearty celebration.

By the campfire, the Emperor, handsome and majestic in his riding attire, conducted himself with grace and ease. The only oddity was the occasional sight of him holding a sachet, lowering his head to inhale its scent, which made the soldiers wonder if it contained some invigorating substance to refresh the Emperor.

Of course, some speculated it might be a gift from the Empress.

If the latter were true, it would explain why the Emperor, despite being married for several years, had not taken any concubines, clearly favoring the Empress exclusively.

As one of the martial officers tasked with protecting the Emperor on this journey, Sun Guang of the Wei Kingdom overheard these whispers and abandoned the idea of sending his daughter to the palace.

To gain favor and rise in rank, one must align with the Emperor’s preferences, not act contrary to them.

He would have to find another way.

The Minister of War, seeing the Tongguan camp well-ordered, suggested that Lu Jingzhao head to the military stronghold in Taizhou the next day.

After all, as the Emperor, he couldn't be away from the capital for too long and needed to resolve matters quickly.

Lu Jingzhao had no objections.

Finishing his duties sooner meant returning earlier. He stood up and tucked the sachet into his sleeve.

………………

A thunderstorm might be brewing later; the koi in the courtyard’s porcelain tank were surfacing for air, mouths gaping, in the unusually stifling heat.

That afternoon, Chu Yin visited the Spring Radiance Pavilion to discuss with Minister Tao about adding a horseback riding lesson for her son, taught by her. Minister Tao agreed without objection.

On the way back, Lu Xu stared at his mother, "He didn't scold you at all."

Chu Yin smiled, "Learning horseback riding is a good thing. Why would Minister Tao scold me?"

"I guessed you'd succeed, but he didn't give you any trouble at all. I suspect it's because you're the Empress. He's usually not so pleasant with me; he's soft on the outside but tough on the inside!"

"Don't talk like that about Minister Tao," Chu Yin said sternly, "There's a distinction between ruler and subject, teacher and student. You are his student, and Minister Tao naturally treats you as a teacher should. If he indulged you in everything, would you still listen attentively in class? Without studying, how can you be a good heir and later help your father with his worries?"

Lu Xu realized his mother could be quite imposing when serious!

Lu Xu shrank his head a little, "I understand, Mother. I won't speak ill of Minister Tao anymore."

"That's better. Let's go to the racecourse. I'll teach you how to ride, and I can practice myself."

The mother and son rode for an hour before returning.

Seeing them drenched in sweat, Lu Zhen laughed, "Riding horses seems so exhausting, I don't know why Mother and Brother like it!"

"Playing shuttlecock also makes you sweat," Lu Xu said.

"That's different. If I don't want to play shuttlecock, I can stop, but riding requires climbing up and down. It's too troublesome, not as fun as feeding horses."

Different strokes for different folks.

Not wanting to argue with his sister, Lu Xu did not rebut.

Chu Yin, however, said, "You just don't want to learn now. When you grow up, you might find it interesting."

Or perhaps after you're married.

Her future son-in-law is proficient in both the literary and martial arts, and his riding skills are exceptional.

Thinking of a son-in-law reminded her of Yu Sizhang.

She wondered if Yu Sizhang had married into the Song Kingdom. Chu Yin instructed Tongdong, "Find an eunuch to leave the palace and inquire about Yu Sizhang. Find out where she is, if she's in the capital, and whether she's married."

Yu Sizhang was truly fortunate; just teaching the Empress horseback riding had garnered such concern from her.

Tongdong left to carry out the task.

Chu Yin went to the inner chamber to bathe.

After changing clothes and playing with Lu Yu, a scroll of writing arrived from Hongyi Hall, saying that Lu Jingrui's injuries had improved, and he was trying to write. They wanted her, as his elder sister-in-law, to see how well he was writing.

However, in Chu Yin’s mind, the image of Lu Jingrui’s imperial decree to imprison her family members after his ascension emerged.

He had usurped Lu Xu's throne, and as Chu's family was Lu Xu's maternal side, they were naturally seen as a threat to be eliminated.

Chu Yin almost wanted to crumple that piece of writing into a ball.

Unaware of her mistress's thoughts, Tongdong approached with a smile, "The Third Prince has just started practicing calligraphy, and he’s doing quite well."

"Yes," Chu Yin said, looking at the handwriting not much different from that decree, "My younger brother is indeed gifted."

But what did such a clever person really want from her?

Merely seeking her praise?

That seemed unlikely.

But since the writing had been sent, she had to compliment it somehow. Chu Yin sent a message back encouraging Lu Jingrui to keep practicing, saying he had a natural talent for calligraphy and might one day become a great calligrapher of Dayue.

The words were a bit exaggerated, but Lu Jingrui didn't suspect sarcasm. Instead, he felt flattered and ordered more ink to be ground, resuming his practice.

The sultry weather persisted until the Hai hour, when a sudden clap of thunder turned into a downpour.

Chu Yin woke up from her sleep, her heart racing.

Instinctively searching for someone to lean on, she realized Lu Jingzhao wasn't by her side.

If he were there, she would undoubtedly have sought refuge in his embrace.

Chu Yin furrowed her brows, helplessly turning to her side, listening to the raindrops pattering on the glazed tiles.

She wondered if it was raining where he was.

And where was he now? Had he left Tongguan yet?

Hopefully, he hadn't encountered any trouble on the road.

Her thoughts were as chaotic as the rainwater cascading off the roof, splashing on the ground and creating puddles.

It’s over.

She couldn’t sleep.

Chu Yin sat up in bed, leaning against the headboard.

She rarely had sleepless nights, but whenever she did, he was always there beside her, whether it was to squash a bug for her, hold her, or engage in some less honorable activities…

Regardless of which, she always managed to fall asleep in the end.

But tonight…

Chu Yin got out of bed, slipped on her shoes, and walked to the window.

Another flash of lightning revealed the small saplings in the courtyard swaying as if about to fall.

Yet, the side chamber remained silent; surprisingly, none of the three children had been awakened by the noise.

It seemed that attending classes and studying really wore them out…

As for the other child, one could only say he was blessed with a unique talent – the ability to sleep soundly without crying.

Chu Yin’s lips curved into a slight smile.

Amid the flashing lightning and thunder, a jade ring lay on the desk, glowing softly. She picked it up, slid it onto her thumb, and prepared to return to bed, hoping to fall asleep.

Meanwhile, Lu Jingzhao had just arrived at an inn, hundreds of miles away.

He had planned to reach it before the Hour of Xu, but unexpected rain had severely delayed his journey.

The inn attendants were busy boiling water and preparing meals to welcome the Emperor.

Dong Ling took dry clothes out of a pack.

Lu Jingzhao removed his outer robe, intending to go to the inner chamber to wash up when he suddenly remembered something. He hurried back, grabbed his drenched riding attire, and then felt inside the sleeve.

Seeing his master freeze in movement, Dong Ling inwardly panicked.

Could it be that the sachet given by the Empress has been lost?

He didn’t dare make a sound.

Hopefully not.

In this pouring rain, where would they find it?