jdhmnovel Chapter 580 Poisoning, on the Verge of Death
Chapter 580 Poisoning, on the Verge of Death
In the emperor's bedroom, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, along with a group of imperial physicians, was examining the emperor's pulse.
Actually, pulse diagnosis isn't that difficult. If ten people take turns coming forward, they will all arrive at the same conclusion.
Poisoned!
However, after exchanging glances, the imperial physicians decided to wait until the Empress Dowager and the Empress arrived before making a decision.
The foolproof, life-saving medicine is already being simmered and will be given to the Emperor in a little while.
However, no one expected that the first person to arrive at the emperor's bedroom would be the fifth prince.
The head of the Imperial Hospital dared not let people in directly, so he had the Grand Eunuch of the Emperor's side stop them.
At this sensitive time, it would be better for the princes to wait outside the palace.
Once the Empress Dowager and the Empress arrive and take charge, then we will make arrangements for them.
Even princes dared not confront the Grand Eunuch directly, and instead waited obediently outside the palace.
After the fifth prince, the sixth and seventh princes also arrived.
Then came the Second Prince. It wasn't that he was slow, but rather that these people were there to report on their studies.
They arrived halfway there, so they were naturally faster than the Second Prince.
After the second prince, there were the eighth, ninth, and youngest tenth princes.
Except for the fourth prince, Zhao Hongsheng, who had to rush over from outside the palace, almost everyone else was present.
Outside the palace, the princes stood, each with their own thoughts.
The second prince lowered his head, trying to hide the sinister look in his eyes, as this was not the expression a fool should have.
The fifth prince frowned, glancing into the hall from time to time, seemingly worried about the emperor's safety.
The other children seemed a bit bewildered, standing blankly outside the hall, not daring to move around.
Just then, the Fourth Prince Zhao Hongsheng arrived at full speed.
He walked straight to the princes, panting heavily.
All eyes turned to him, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.
"Fourth Brother, you've finally arrived." The tenth brother broke the silence first.
The fourth prince nodded slightly, but before he could speak, the Empress Dowager and the Empress's carriages arrived, and everyone hurriedly knelt down to pay their respects. The Empress Dowager looked anxious and quickly walked into the hall.
The Empress followed behind with an elegant demeanor, her eyes sweeping over the princes.
Inside the palace, after hearing the imperial physician's report, the Empress Dowager's face was so gloomy it could drip water.
She glared at him angrily and said sternly, "This matter must be thoroughly investigated, and the person who poisoned us must be found!"
The princes, listening to the Empress Dowager's words outside the palace, felt even more apprehensive.
They were certainly worried about their father, but more than that, they were afraid of getting into trouble themselves. They didn't want this matter to implicate them.
There's no way around it; it's not that the royal family is devoid of any familial affection, but there are just too many things that come before familial affection.
At this moment, there are no more than three people who are truly worried about the emperor's safety.
Just then, a painful groan came from inside the hall.
All the princes showed signs of tension, pacing back and forth like several ornately dressed spinning tops.
The second prince raised his head, reverting to the appearance of a fool.
The Empress Dowager walked out of the hall and coldly swept her gaze over everyone. "You are all His Majesty's sons. You should be attending to His Majesty's illness at this time, but the situation is special."
"His Majesty, the Empress and I will take turns keeping an eye on him. You all may return home. We will summon you at any time if needed."
All the princes bowed their heads in agreement, while the younger ones took their leave.
Fourth Prince Zhao Hongsheng stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Grandmother, your grandson is willing to assist in the investigation and find the real culprit as soon as possible."
The Empress Dowager nodded. "You've put your heart into this, but the matter has been handed over to the Court of Judicial Review. Go back home with peace of mind."
The Fifth Prince frowned and stepped forward, saying, "Fourth Brother, investigating cases is not our forte. Let's not cause trouble."
"You're everywhere, go find your treasure!"
The fourth prince retorted to the fifth prince, nodded to the second prince, and then turned and left the palace.
The Fifth Prince watched the Fourth Prince's departing figure, a barely perceptible ruthlessness flashing in his eyes.
The Fifth Prince snorted coldly and prepared to leave as well.
At this moment, the Empress suddenly spoke up: "Fifth Prince, please stay a moment. I have something to ask you."
The fifth prince had no choice but to stop, secretly wondering what the empress was up to.
Inside the palace, the emperor's condition seemed to be improving. His painful groans gradually subsided, and after being given the antidote, he stopped vomiting black blood.
The Empress Dowager finally breathed a sigh of relief and ordered that the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review be summoned to the palace.
The Fifth Prince was led to a side hall by the Empress, who looked at him sharply: "Fifth Prince, have you noticed anything unusual about His Majesty lately?"
The Fifth Prince was startled. Why was he the only one left to be questioned? However, he quickly composed himself and respectfully replied:
"Your Majesty, I have not noticed anything unusual."
The empress frowned slightly, seemingly not believing his words.
"You often come to His Majesty's court to have his studies checked. Has there been anything amiss with you or anyone during this time?"
"Well..., we don't stay long each time we come to see Father. Father will review our assignments and give feedback on each one. We haven't noticed anything unusual during this time."
"Oh? Is that so? Don't overthink it, I'm just asking as usual."
After all, among the princes studying under the same teacher, you are the oldest, so you should be able to see things more carefully.”
"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand. It is because I am useless and have not shown enough care for Your Majesty."
The Empress's expression softened, and she said gently, "It's not your fault. Who could have imagined that things would turn out this way?"
"Alright, you should go back now. The Empress Dowager and I will inform you children if His Majesty needs anything."
The Fifth Prince's heart was temporarily at ease. "Yes, Your Majesty the Empress. You and Grandmother should also take care of your health and not overwork yourselves."
"Ah."
After the Fifth Prince withdrew, the Empress returned to the Emperor's bedchamber.
"how's it going?"
"Your Majesty, His Majesty is only temporarily out of danger; in reality..."
"Tell the truth, don't hide anything!"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Although His Majesty has expelled most of the toxins, some of them have penetrated deep into his internal organs."
This part of the toxins is the most difficult to remove; administering further herbal decoctions will have no significant effect.
"go on."
"The rest is up to fate."
"So, His Majesty is still in critical condition?!"
"This……"
"Alright, I hope that the Imperial Physician and his men will do their utmost. This matter should not be spread outside; only the Empress Dowager and I should know about it."
The chief physician wiped his sweat. "Yes, Your Majesty, I will certainly keep my mouth shut and that of my subordinates."