Chapter 12 Persistent High Fever

Chapter 12: Persistent High Fever

The night was late, and the people in the streets and alleys had long since cleared out, leaving only the night watchman calling out.

As the call of "Beware of fire and candles" faded, a tall, slender black figure quietly leaped onto a rooftop. His movements were agile and swift, making almost no sound when he landed.

Within a few breaths, he had gone from one end of the street to the vicinity of the palace walls.

Inside the Cangwu Hall, it was silent, with only the occasional crackle of burning candles breaking the quiet.

Xiao Yan sat before his desk, lost in thought, the page of the book on his desk hadn't been turned in a long while.

Suddenly, there was a soft sound at the window in the corner. A black shadow slipped in with the cold air—the same person who had been leaping freely across the rooftops.

Ling Hai removed his mask and walked up to Xiao Yan, bowing.

"Master, Lord Jiang was suddenly grabbed by a burly man and pulled into a small alley on his way back. The alley was deserted and quiet. Afraid of being seen, I did not get too close and only observed from a distance. I could not hear what they said, but I saw Lord Jiang grasp hands with the man."

He added, "After they parted, I followed the man's trail and discovered he returned to the Chang residence. He is Chang Da, the son of Chang Tong, the steward of the Chang household."

As expected.

Indeed, Jiang Wang was not as simple as he appeared on the surface. His actions today were merely a facade meant to deceive him.

Chang Da was merely a lowly servant; he lacked the courage and wit to meet privately with a court official.

Therefore, it could only be Chang Wenji. Only Chang Wenji would dare to order Chang Da to do this, to order Jiang Wang to do this.

Although it was unclear what Chang Wenji wanted, it was easy to guess.

As a Court Diarist, Jiang Wang's primary duty was to record the emperor's words, actions, and daily life.

For Chang Wenji to want to bribe a Court Diarist to work for him, his purpose was obvious.

Chang Wenji wanted to obtain information about him from Jiang Wang, to plot something against him.

This was not a thought befitting a loyal subject.

Xiao Yan frowned, beginning to wonder if he had made any oversights today that might have tipped Jiang Wang off.

But after a moment's reflection, his behavior had been entirely normal when Jiang Wang appeared.

The most likely oversight would have been during his discussion with the Abbot in the side hall of Longquan Temple. Jiang Wang might have overheard something.

However, he dismissed this idea just as quickly.

At that time, Jiang Wang had just descended from the back mountain and was with Hui Yue. He likely had no mind to eavesdrop.

In the end, Xiao Yan stopped his idle speculation. Whatever Jiang Wang had seen today and whatever he had said to Chang Da would be revealed tomorrow when Jiang Wang was on duty. He would test him then.

*

Jiang Wang's face was flushed and burning hot. Even covered with two quilts, he still shivered from the cold.

Changle removed the damp cloth from Jiang Wang's forehead and replaced it with a fresh one. He then refilled the hot water bottle with warm water and carefully placed it under Jiang Wang's quilt.

Despite all this, Jiang Wang's condition showed no improvement.

Changle was frantic with worry. He stamped his foot anxiously, turned to put on his outer coat, picked up a lantern, and plunged into the howling, cold night.

He was going to find a doctor for Jiang Wang.

But the night was already deep. All the shops, big and small, along the street had long since closed. The few places still lit were taverns, with no trace of any medical clinics in sight.

Finally, after turning down countless streets, Changle spotted a small medical clinic in an inconspicuous corner, just as its owner was closing up.

The storefront was tiny, partially obscured by a sign hanging beside it. He had almost missed it.

Changle hurried over. "Doctor, please don't close! My master has a persistent high fever. Could you please come take a look?"

But the doctor did not stop what he was doing.

It wasn't that he lacked compassion, but his compassion had long grown numb after witnessing so much life, death, and human suffering.

It was so late now, and so cold. Who would willingly make such a trip?

Seeing the doctor's reluctance, Changle used his slender frame to block the doorway, nearly dropping to his knees.

"Doctor, I beg you! Please, I beg you!!"

Hearing the heavy sob in the young man's voice, the doctor's heart, once solid as ice, began to crack.

He still closed the door, but he also picked up the medical kit by the entrance, sighing softly. "Alright, lead the way. I'll go with you."

Changle's worry turned to joy, his face unable to conceal his happiness.

He walked so quickly that the older doctor behind him almost couldn't keep up. Yet, slowing down risked Jiang Wang feeling worse. After a quick thought, he simply supported the doctor and hurried forward.

They soon arrived home. The fresh damp cloth Changle had placed on Jiang Wang's forehead before leaving had already warmed in the short time.

Jiang Wang's frown deepened. He seemed even more uncomfortable, as if his entire body were being roasted over a fire, or as if he were walking through a scorching desert, parched and unable to find a single drop of water.

The doctor first calmed the anxious Changle, then gently took Jiang Wang's hand to check his pulse.

After a moment, the doctor gave his diagnosis.

"Your master's constitution was never strong to begin with. Today, he overexerted himself without proper rest, allowing the cold to invade his body. While the symptoms appear severe, it's not a serious illness. Young people recover quickly. He just needs to take a few doses of medicine and rest properly, and he will naturally get better."

Previously, Jiang Wang had never been fond of exercise. Of course, as a young master, no one dared to force him, so his physical fitness was naturally somewhat poor. Today, all the climbing up and down had pushed his body beyond its safe threshold, and his body was naturally protesting.

Hearing this, Changle's anxious heart finally settled.

He walked to the small cabinet by the bed and took out a box. Inside were mostly copper coins, mixed with one or two small pieces of broken silver.

This was money he had earned recently by running errands and delivering items for others while Jiang Wang was away during the day.

He knew Jiang Wang's official salary wasn't high, and supporting him made things even more difficult. Having little education, he could only do menial work, hoping to lighten his master's burden a little.

Fortunately, it came in handy today.

Changle knew he couldn't let the doctor make the trip for nothing. He picked out the most valuable piece of broken silver and offered it to the doctor as a consultation fee.

The doctor shook his head, refusing it, and sighed again.

Changle's heart tightened. The calm that had just settled in his eyes was replaced by unease once more.

This was all the money he had. If it wasn't enough, he didn't even know who he could borrow from...

Seeing the young man's expression grow increasingly heavy, the doctor placed the broken silver back into the box and only took a few copper coins from the small container.

Judging by their surroundings, the two of them lived with difficulty. Medical expenses nowadays were a significant burden.

Alright, he'll just take the payment for the medicine.

He wrapped three doses of medicine and handed them to Changle, instructing, "Make sure your young master rests these next few days. One dose per day, brew it and drink it while it's hot. If he isn't better after three days, come find me again."

Changle thanked him profusely. After seeing the doctor out, he immediately set about boiling the first dose.

The bitter smell grew stronger with time. Changle carefully poured the brewed medicine into a bowl, making sure not to waste a single drop.

After letting it cool slightly, he brought it to the bedside and spoon-fed it to Jiang Wang.

The dark brown liquid was slowly spooned past Jiang Wang's lips. Fortunately, he could swallow it and didn't vomit.

About an hour later, the furrow in Jiang Wang's brow smoothed out, the flush on his cheeks gradually faded, and his body temperature noticeably returned to normal.

The next day at noon, a persistent knocking came from the courtyard gate, waking Jiang Wang from his sleep.

He rubbed his bleary eyes and tried to get out of bed, but his hand suddenly touched something soft—it was Changle's hand.

Changle had fallen asleep right there beside him.

Seeing the herb dregs on the table, the medicine bowl by the bed, and the somewhat messy floor, Jiang Wang guessed what had happened last night.

He only remembered that when he returned home last night, Changle said his face was red and hot, but he hadn't paid it much mind, thinking he'd be fine after a night's sleep.

It seemed that after he fell asleep, he had come down with a high fever.

And everything after he fell asleep had been taken care of by Changle.

No wonder Changle had fallen asleep by the bedside; he must have been exhausted last night.

Jiang Wang rose with great care, afraid of waking Changle.

The knocking outside grew more urgent. Without another thought, he hurriedly threw on an outer robe to check the situation.

He opened the creaking courtyard gate and said in surprise, "Imperial Guard Ling?! What brings you here?"

*

After hearing Ling Hai's words last night, Xiao Yan seemed particularly to be anticipating this morning's court session.

It wasn't so much that he wanted to see the faces of the ministers; there was only one person he wanted to see.

Jiang Wang.

Xiao Yan wanted to see how Jiang Wang would react if he brought up the matter of Chang Wenji in front of him today.

Rather than anticipation, it was more like the playful mentality of a predator quietly observing its prey.

Just like a cat catching a mouse—the cat wouldn't kill the mouse immediately. Instead, it would toy with it first, enjoying the mouse's terror.

Xiao Yan was exactly like that.

But this morning, Jiang Wang didn't show up.

The ministers had all left court and returned home, yet there was still no sign of Jiang Wang, not even a memorial requesting leave.

Such behavior was inappropriate in every respect. After much thought, only one possibility remained.

Jiang Wang had fled out of guilt.

Ling Shan, bearing Xiao Yan's order, headed straight for Jiang Wang's home. However, the place was somewhat remote, so it took some time to find.

By now, it was nearly noon. Households all around had already started cooking. It wouldn't be proper for him to just barge in.

Considering this, Ling Shan chose to knock first. Just as he was about to kick the door open after knocking for a long time with no answer, the door opened.

Jiang Wang hadn't run away.

Not only had he not run, but he had come out wearing only bedclothes, with an outer robe seemingly thrown on in haste.

Moreover, Jiang Wang's pale cheeks and weary expression clearly indicated he wasn't in good condition.

"Imperial Guard, what brings you here?!"

"Lord Jiang, you didn't report for duty today. The Emperor sent me to check on you."

Jiang Wang froze on the spot. He had forgotten about it.

The sun was already high in the sky, probably past noon. No wonder the Imperial Guard had come.

Jiang Wang slapped his forehead and apologized repeatedly, "I returned home last night with a high fever and have been sleeping until now. I didn't mean to miss it."

Ling Shan chose to believe him. After all, Jiang Wang still carried a faint scent of medicinal herbs, and his demeanor and actions didn't seem feigned.

He said no more, simply nodded and returned to the palace to report.

He was only there to investigate, without the authority to punish. Only the Emperor could enforce the law upon everyone.

The Imperial Guards hidden around the courtyard also silently retreated with Ling Shan. If Jiang Wang had fled, they would have immediately searched for and captured him. But since Jiang Wang hadn't run, they were no longer needed.

A short while later, Ling Shan returned to the palace and reported everything he had seen and heard to Xiao Yan.

Upon hearing it, Xiao Yan's expression became inscrutable.

A fever?

He happened to meet Chang Da last night and then developed a fever?

That seemed a bit too coincidental.

He chuckled lightly and said, "The Court Diarist is unwell. We are deeply concerned. We shall specially dispatch a royal physician to examine and treat him."

Author's Note:

Jiang Wang: Snow in June! I'm wronged! Shaking hands with Chang Da was just part of my plan! My plan!