Chapter 77

Chapter 77

"The Tanghua Courtyard, uninhabited for half a year, still does not show any signs of decline."

"With servants left to watch over the courtyard, and Wang Xiuyu ordering regular inspections, Rong Tang and Su Huaijing led Doctor Lin back to the courtyard, just in time to encounter a servant arranging fruit plates and a brazier in the study to welcome their return."

"A teapot simmered on the stove, ripe persimmons arranged to one side. Rong Tang sat on a small couch, naturally extending his hand for Doctor Lin to take his pulse."

"He said with a smile, 'The prescription you provided this time is excellent, Doctor. I've felt much better since using it.'"

"Doctor Lin replied politely, 'As a nobleman, you are naturally blessed.' He set up his instruments and sat down at the lower seat to take Rong Tang's pulse."

"As oranges ripened in the south, Ningxuan Palace received several large baskets of citrus from their estates. Su Huaijing took down the teapot, poured the tea, changed to a metal net, and began to roast oranges for Rong Tang."

"He leisurely turned his wrist, his gaze casually but deliberately observing Doctor Lin's expression."

"Su Huaijing was confident in his medical skills, but when it came to Rong Tang, he preferred to think of himself as less skilled."

"Doctor Lin quietly took the pulse, his brow slightly furrowed. He inquired about Rong Tang's recent trip to the south, and whether he had any illness flare-ups."

"Rong Tang had just said, 'It's the same as always,' when Su Huaijing glanced at him with a hint of reproach, saying, 'During those days of heavy rain, he was in unbearable pain, unable to sleep all night.'"

"Rong Tang was startled, guiltily pinching the palm of his hand."

"The major antagonist is really strict!"

"[Isn't it just because of your own past misdeeds?]" The system emerged, speaking in a teasing tone.

Rong Tang retorted unhappily, "What past misdeeds have I done?"

"[Once at the Folding Flower Meeting, once in Jiangnan, and this time with the major antagonist – it’s a miracle they haven’t locked you up for breaking character.]" The system said.

"Rong Tang replied, 'So, telling the truth would cure me? Isn’t this body just hanging on because of the mission?'"

"The original host was supposed to die on New Year's Eve of the ninth year of Qingzheng. Every day he lived after that was merely for Rong Tang to complete his mission."

"He said casually, expecting his usual banter with the system. But this time, after his words, the system fell silent for a moment before quietly suggesting, '[Why not try it? Who knows what might happen?]'"

"Rong Tang was taken aback and didn't react immediately. Doctor Lin had already finished checking his pulse and started writing a new prescription, advising, 'Young Master, your health is indeed improving, but it's winter in the capital now. You must be careful to protect yourself from the cold and not hide any illness or worry too much.'"

"A physician's heart is like a parent's. Doctor Lin had cared for Rong Tang since he was a child. For the sake of Rong Tang's frail health, the old doctor had spent countless nights poring over medical texts to find a cure."

"Chastised gently, Rong Tang immediately sat up straight and obediently replied, 'Alright.'"

"Doctor Lin was amused by his response and chuckled. Rong Tang took the opportunity to inquire about Lady Qian's situation."

"Rong Tang hadn't paid much attention to Lady Qian's pregnancies in his previous two lifetimes, focusing instead on Cheng Chengli. He only casually monitored the villain's actions in those lifetimes. Rong Tang didn't have the energy to concern himself with the dark secrets of Ningxuan Palace, and the princess consort didn't allow the servants to speak of such scandalous matters to the Young Master."

"So, Rong Tang only knew that Lady Qian became pregnant this autumn. Rong Mingyu valued this pregnancy highly, spending many nights in Lady Qian's quarters and sending only the finest food and necessities, far beyond what was customary for a concubine."

"Even the high-quality red charcoal Rong Tang used every winter was halved because Lady Qian, claiming she felt extra cold due to her pregnancy, received a portion of it."

"By the time Rong Tang learned of this, winter had passed. He found out when a maid casually mentioned that the coal sent by the princess consort from the south was even better than what the manor usually bought. Rong Tang then realized that he had been using the same charcoal all winter because Wang Xiuyu was supplementing it with her own money."

"But the princess consort never mentioned any of this to him, not even during their meal today, where she said nothing about Lady Qian's pregnancy."

"Rong Tang knew she was trying to spare him worry and anger, but he felt more heartache than anything else."

"At that time, Lady Qian was near her due date. Upon learning this, Rong Tang immediately dressed and went to Rong Mingyu's study. After respectfully greeting him as 'Father,' he feigned confusion and asked, 'Is our household on the verge of bankruptcy?'"

"Rong Mingyu's expression darkened, ready to scold him, but Rong Tang continued, 'If we weren’t facing bankruptcy, why would the charcoal I usually use need to be supplemented with my mother's dowry? You are busy with state affairs and shouldn't be bothered with domestic issues, but if we are truly in dire straits, I have some assets from my maternal grandparents that I could sell to help out. It shouldn't come from my mother's dowry, as that wouldn't reflect well on our family. However, if our household is indeed in such difficulty, in my humble opinion, it would be better for the child in my aunt's womb not to be born. If born into poverty, wouldn’t that be creating unnecessary sin? Even my grandmother would find it heartbreaking.'"

"He rarely spoke directly with Ningxuan King. Rong Mingyu often encouraged Rong Zheng and tutored Rong Yuangong, but he always ignored Rong Tang, the eldest son. Rong Tang preferred this, as otherwise, every meeting would involve tedious father-son formalities, which he found exasperating."

"But regarding matters concerning Wang Xiuyu, even his usual indifference would leave him with a guilty conscience and nightmares."

"After Rong Tang finished speaking, Rong Mingyu stared at him silently for a long while, as if seeing his son for the first time. Rong Tang met his gaze squarely and unflinchingly until Rong Mingyu said in a deep voice, 'I understand. I will repay your mother double the silver she spent.'"

"Thank you, Father," Rong Tang said, turning to leave.

Rong Mingyu, seated behind his desk the entire time without moving, called out to him sternly, "Respecting parents and loving siblings is a principle even a three-year-old understands. Your earlier words cursed your unborn brother, which is utterly unfilial and rebellious. Considering your years of foolishness and lack of formal education, I'll overlook this. Go back and copy the 'Disciples' Rules' ten times and bring it to me before dark tomorrow."

Rong Tang actually had more reasons to counter his father's words, but having just secured compensation for the princess consort from Ningxuan King, he couldn't risk inciting the king's wrath against her. So, he swallowed his pride and obediently copied the 'Disciples' Rules' ten times for Rong Mingyu.

He knew Ningxuan King was a smiling tiger; outwardly loyal to Emperor Renshou but deeply cunning. Such a person, valuing reputation and face, would never give others leverage against him. Hence, when Rong Tang heard the servant's words, he felt no emotional turbulence.

Those words weren't something Rong Mingyu would say. Even if he thought so, he wouldn't tell anyone, let alone allow a concubine to spread them via a servant.

Wang Xiuyu was the queen's own sister. Even if he disliked Rong Tang holding the title of Ningxuan King's heir, he wouldn't openly wish for his death, implying the title would then belong to someone else.

That would be courting death.

So Rong Tang wasn't afraid of the grey-clothed servant passing his words to Ningxuan King. Whatever he said wouldn't put him at a disadvantage. He was just worried that Wang Xiuyu might suffer because of Lady Qian's pregnancy.

Moreover, he suspected that Wang Xiuyu's death in the previous two lifetimes was not due to overwork. Why else would her health deteriorate precisely when Lady Qian was pregnant?

But Doctor Lin couldn't provide much insight. He had indeed been called to Lady Qian's quarters a few times for pulse diagnosis, which showed nothing abnormal, just some initial instability in the pregnancy requiring extra care.

Rong Tang's brows furrowed slightly, unable to connect all the information he knew at the moment.

So he asked one more question, "How has Mother been feeling lately?"

Doctor Lin's expression hesitated slightly, causing Rong Tang's heart to sink as he unconsciously clenched his hand, urging, "Please speak frankly, Doctor."

Doctor Lin looked at him and then at Su Huaijing, saying, "It's nothing serious. The princess consort occasionally had restless sleep and palpitations during autumn nights, suffering from nightmares. I prescribed some sedatives, which helped. Still, it's best not to overexert herself to avoid further harm. Young Master, when you have time, you should advise the princess consort."

Rong Tang pursed his lips, nodding, and asked further, "Is there nothing else?"

Doctor Lin appeared puzzled, "No, that's all."

Rong Tang still felt uneasy, but Su Huaijing squeezed his hand and peeled an orange for him, consoling softly, "Tangtang, don't worry. We'll stay in the manor for a while and visit Mother more often to ease her worries."

Rong Tang glanced at him, thinking that was the only option, and nodded in agreement.

Su Huaijing got up to see Doctor Lin out.

As they reached the courtyard gate, the doctor, carrying his medical box, paused, his expression becoming serious.

Su Huaijing looked at him, feeling unexpectedly anxious, and asked softly, “Doctor, is there something you want to say?”

"The Crown Prince's health has indeed improved a lot, much steadier than it was during the New Year, but—" The doctor paused slightly, observing Sù Huáijǐng's expression before continuing.

Sù Huáijǐng encouraged, "Speak freely, it's alright."

"The foundation is damaged," Doctor Lín sighed. "He is too weak to benefit from tonics. The Crown Prince’s condition can only improve gradually, and it’s uncertain to what extent."

Sù Huáijǐng had anticipated this outcome, but hearing the same diagnosis from another doctor still left him disappointed.

The camellias in Tánghuá Courtyard had long lost their blossoms, leaving only green leaves. The north wind would occasionally blow down some unstable leaves, interspersed with Róng Táng's muffled coughs within the courtyard. Sù Huáijǐng felt as if even the sky had darkened considerably.

He thanked the doctor and saw him out. As Doctor Lín was leaving, Sù Huáijǐng suddenly remembered something and asked, "Was the Crown Prince treated by any other doctors while in Jiangnan?"

Sù Huáijǐng was slightly startled, "Yes, why do you ask?"

Doctor Lín further inquired, "Did you invite that doctor to return to the capital with you?"

A vague sense of anxiety arose in Sù Huáijǐng, who shook his head, "No, we did not."

Doctor Lín's brow immediately furrowed, his expression turning somewhat regretful, "What a pity, I would have liked to discuss with him."

"Regarding what?" Sù Huáijǐng asked.

"I reviewed the prescription. He used Lingzhi in the medicine for the Crown Prince. I was wondering if it could be replaced with another, milder herb," Doctor Lín explained.

Sù Huáijǐng asked, "What do you suggest?"

"During his time in Jiangnan, the young lord's health was severely depleted, necessitating the rapid replenishment of Lingzhi to sustain him. However, his health has since greatly improved. Instead of using such immediately effective ingredients, it would be wiser to switch to milder ones like Codonopsis and Atractylodes, which would nurture his health gradually and prevent dependency on Lingzhi. In case of unforeseen circumstances, we won't be able to save him otherwise."

Realizing his possible impudence, he quickly added, "However, that physician's medical skills far exceed mine. Over these years, I haven't been able to improve the young lord's health to such an extent. His method of treatment might have other purposes; my speculation here is unwarranted."

Su Huaijing was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, then his eyes brightened. He bowed respectfully to Doctor Lin, "Thank you, Sir."

Doctor Lin: "?"

The elderly doctor was somewhat bewildered, not quite understanding why the young lord seemed suddenly happier. He could only nod and turn to leave the courtyard.

The north wind continued to blow through the courtyard, but with the ground heating system on, the room was warm and cozy. Su Huaijing had yet to return from seeing off the visitor, and the door to the study was pushed open from the inside.

The elegantly dressed young lord peeked out from behind the curtain, one hand still tucked in his sleeve, blinking in confusion as he asked, "Huaijing, aren’t you coming back?"

His voice, mingling with the north wind, carried a softness. Su Huaijing looked up and smiled, saying, "I’m coming back now."

Rong Tang playfully whined, "Then hurry up. I can’t roast the oranges well, and I’m craving them."

Su Huaijing stepped forward, heading towards the study.

There was no other motive, just worry creating chaos.

Because it was Tang Tang, he wanted to give him all the precious medicines and rare materials that others couldn’t obtain in a lifetime, as if they cost nothing.

But actually, this wasn’t right.

He himself was a doctor; he should know that all medicines have their side effects.

It was just that, after the rain had stopped and he woke up that afternoon by Rong Tang’s bed, he was confused by the weak pulse he felt.

Later, he was afraid to suddenly change to a medicine with lower potency, fearing it wouldn’t benefit Rong Tang’s health.

He was a doctor, but also a patient, torn between rationality and emotional decisions.

Su Huaijing never thought that he, too, would one day make decisions based on emotions.

In the warm afternoon of winter, Rong Tang leaned at the doorway, looking at him with bright eyes. Su Huaijing’s smile spilled from his lips, "I’ll help you roast them."

So pampered, can’t even roast oranges.

Author’s note:

Isn’t it you who spoiled him? (▽ヘ▽#)