Volume 1, Chapter 15: The Gathering Storm
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Wen Shiyan comforted her, “It’s alright if you ate it. Just tell me what kind of mushroom it was.”
Xu Shi was touched by her gentle patience, and Liang Nianci’s initially fearful eyes relaxed.
She traced a circle with her finger. “About this big, red in color, the top was pointed—not the usual round shape. It smelled fresh, and there was only one. Mother was feeling unwell today and kept napping. I drank all the soup she cooked.”
Wen Shiyan seemed to have reached a conclusion. “It’s definitely a pointed chanterelle, a mushroom that can cause stomach pain and vomiting blood. But don’t worry too much; its toxins won’t kill you. A few days of medicine will cure it.”
Liang Jiang crossed his arms and snorted coldly, “Poisonous mushrooms? Hmph, the chance of something like that sneaking into the palace is even smaller than an assassin.”
Knowing his words could be misunderstood, he quickly added, “Of course, I’m not doubting your diagnosis. This matter is probably more complicated.”
Wen Shiyan remained noncommittal, after all, he admitted he had many enemies.
Still, what effect could a mere poisonous mushroom have? How could it affect Liang Jiang?
In the brief silence between them, Liang Nianci’s watery eyes fully reflected the figure before her, a young heart unable to hide its feelings.
‘He’s truly handsome—his nose and lips like a celestial painting.’
‘If he’s close to my brother, he must be talented.’
‘…’
Until the looks between Wen Shiyan and Liang Jiang grew strange, she hurriedly looked away.
Liang Nianci cleared her throat and anxiously pressed her hand to her chest. “Then what about my throat…”
She loved to sing, and her mother needed her songs to fall asleep peacefully.
What if her voice was damaged? What would she do?
Wen Shiyan had already turned back to the table, taking out paper and pen to write a prescription, casually saying, “It’s just a cold, unrelated to the mushroom.”
Liang Nianci instantly breathed a complete sigh of relief, her gaze toward Wen Shiyan tinged with admiration and reliance.
Though the imperial physician’s attitude wasn’t exactly respectful, there was an inexplicable sense of reliability about him.
He was the first to help her other than her brother.
She hesitated but finally, after Wen Shiyan stepped out the door, anxiously asked, “What… what is your name?”
The shadow at the door froze, but it was Liang Jiang who leaned back and looked over his shoulder.
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His expression was far from friendly, his tone carrying a warning, “Take good care of your illness.”
Liang Nianci was stunned for a moment, then buried her flushed face in the quilt.
The two returned the way they came, unusually silent, not encountering a single palace attendant.
Wen Shiyan roughly understood this was Liang Jiang’s arrangement. Such a cautious man wouldn’t leave any loopholes for others.
Seeing her troubled expression, Liang Jiang said, “Don’t take it to heart that she asked your name.”
“Huh?” Wen Shiyan snapped back to reality. “Oh, it’s nothing. The princess was raised in seclusion since childhood. Later, she will learn there are countless good men in the world. The one she admires now is just an ordinary person.”
Although they had exchanged only a few words, that girl’s eyes never left Wen Shiyan. Such sincere interest could only come from someone so innocent of the world.
In truth, Wen Shiyan envied her a little. Though pitiable, the princess had her mother always by her side and had not yet encountered the palace’s intrigues. Her heart still held the purest sincerity—something Wen Shiyan never dared to hope for in her lifetime.
Liang Jiang wiggled his finger. “You don’t know. That girl has a sharp eye.”
Wen Shiyan shrugged, neither agreeing nor denying.
Time passed swiftly.
Soon, it was the eve of the Spring Festival.
Since the day she ran into Liang Jiang, Zhu Fenghua had not appeared in the Medical Books Chamber again.
Chui Shi and two subordinates hovered daily beneath Wen Shiyan’s watch, and though all the work was done, the feeling of surveillance made Wen Shiyan very uncomfortable.
She argued with Liang Jiang several times, but he insisted on acting under the guise of protection.
At the Qingya Prince’s Mansion study room,
Chui Shi returned for the eighteenth time that month, face drawn in complaint, “Your Highness! Today he splashed me with medicine residue. The smell was so strong, I had to wash for a whole hour before I dared to go out.”
“Ah Yan didn’t do it on purpose.” Liang Jiang pulled at his ear, defending without hearing the full story.
“It was on purpose! Your Highness! This time he admitted it, saying…”
Before Chui Shi could fervently produce evidence, his prince interrupted.
“Enough. Medicine residue is still medicine. He was trying to help you dispel the cold.” Liang Jiang adjusted his tiger-striped golden sleeve and spoke seriously, “Tonight is New Year’s Eve. That old witch must have used some trick to get the Emperor’s approval to let Liang Nianci out. You must watch the movements of palace personnel closely. Report immediately if there’s any abnormality.”
Upon hearing the serious matter, Chui Shi immediately grew solemn. “I suspect they’re so arrogant they think we’re beneath them. Letting the princess appear is just to publicly humiliate her since she hasn’t been taught court etiquette.”
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“It won’t be that simple. The palace has been peaceful for so long; this feels like a coming storm.”
Liang Jiang pushed open the door and stepped alone into the night.
Imperial Medical Institute.
Today the entire nation was celebrating; even the austere Medical Institute was adorned with red lanterns.
However, most imperial physicians had gone home for reunion; only the senior physician Song Zhao and the homeless Wen Shiyan remained on duty.
Senior Physician Song paced to the door, clasping his hands, gazing at the moon. From afar came faint laughter and cheer, making his own place feel even lonelier.
He glanced at Wen Shiyan, who silently ground medicinal powders with bowed head. “Physician Wen, this medicine will suffice. Your diligence and eagerness have been noticed by us old timers. This being your first year in the palace, don’t overwork yourself. Go rest early today.”
Wen Shiyan’s hands did not stop; she exhaled a puff of white mist.
This year seemed especially cold; the snow had not yet melted, and every breath felt like icy shards inside.
“I’m just idle anyway. Senior Physician Song, you don’t need to worry about me.”
After all, there was nowhere for her to go outside the palace. She didn’t want to stay at the prince’s mansion; the former courtyard was now home to Jiang Ruoyu and her daughter. Now that the turmoil had finally settled, her presence might only bring rumors and trouble to them.
Seeing she was resolute, Song sighed softly but looked more appreciative. “Young people with ambition are good. In that case, I vouch for you. You will also participate in setting the exam questions after spring recruitment.”
To become a question setter so soon was the highest recognition of her ability.
It was truly an unexpected joy; Wen Shiyan was momentarily stunned, then tears welled in her eyes.
She stood, overwhelmed and incoherent with gratitude. “Thank you, Senior Physician Song. I… I will…”
Song patted her hand gently. “No need to thank me. Your medical skill is outstanding, and you are humble and hardworking. Given time, you will surely become great.”
Wen Shiyan bit her lip, nodding through tears.
Suddenly, a flustered young eunuch stumbled in at the door, shouting,
“Trouble! Trouble!”