Volume One, Chapter 14: The Imperial Physician's Identification

The entire hall fell into a heavy silence, yet Ning Yunshu could feel the sharp, piercing gazes like arrows aimed at her, striking her down without mercy.

She was not overly shocked, for Ning Moxue’s expression had already led her to suspect the truth.

Surely, Ning Moxue must have learned something from Quan Ren and then informed Tao Wanqiao.

And it wasn’t just Tao Wanqiao!

Ning Yunshu’s eyes swept across the crowd. Consort Xiao did not dare to meet her gaze, while Consort Xian showed no surprise—only shame and anxiety.

So they all knew.

At this moment, Ning Moxue dared not speak. Upon learning of Ning Yunshu’s condition that day, she panicked and hurried to discuss it with Consort Xian. But Consort Xian and Consort Xiao were together in the Buddhist hall, with Tao Wanqiao present as well. Under their questioning, Ning Moxue had no choice but to tell the truth…

Who could have expected Tao Wanqiao would reveal it so publicly, causing such a scandal now?

Shen Yan’s eyes darkened with fury, his fists trembling slightly. The Xiongnu were known for their licentiousness—he must have known.

Ning Yu nearly slammed the table in anger, intending to rebuke Tao Wanqiao for her lies, but then he recalled that Ning Yunshu had returned from a political marriage with the Xiongnu. Tao Wanqiao’s words might very well be true…

His heart ached, yet his face felt as if it had been slapped countless times, unable to raise his head.

How would the court officials view Ning Yunshu now? And how would they regard him, her imperial brother?

Ning Yunshu’s lips moved silently. So this was what it felt like to be condemned by all. Her father, her mother, her brother—why would none of them speak a single word in her defense?

“Princess…” Granny Gui behind her was so anxious that tears welled up in her eyes.

Her princess was precious beyond price—how could she endure such humiliation?

“Princess, be cautious with your words! The Eldest Princess is pure and innocent; she would never allow her reputation to be so sullied!” Granny Gui scolded fiercely.

But Tao Wanqiao, having already spoken, was fearless now, eyes filled only with loathing and contempt. “Is that so?! Seven years of marriage to the Xiongnu—do you still want to claim the princess is pure, Granny?!”

Granny Gui was stunned.

“Impudent!” The emperor’s anger flared uncontrollably. How could such words be spoken here, in this solemn place? What face did that leave the royal family?

Suddenly, Tao Wanqiao knelt down. “Father! I dare stake my life on it—the Eldest Princess is afflicted with a filthy disease. For the safety of all, I beg Your Majesty to confine her!”

Ning Yunshu’s expression remained calm. Instead, her gaze turned to Zhang Zhixi before her.

He happened to be looking at her. His eyes were steady—no fear, no anger, no doubt.

She quietly averted her gaze and faced the hall, standing tall and dignified. “Father, the princess may have spoken in drunken foolishness. It is true I was married off to the Xiongnu for seven years, but I am also a princess of Da Su, ever virtuous and pure. How could I harbor any filthy disease?”

The emperor’s face darkened, thoughtful, as his eyes fell upon the wine cup in Zhang Zhixi’s hand.

Zhang Zhixi lifted the cup and drank it down in one gulp, causing the assembly to gasp in astonishment. Then he turned the cup upside down, his tone calm: “The Eldest Princess is the pride of Da Su. I believe her.”

Ning Yunshu’s breath caught.

He said he believed her.

No one in this hall believed her—except him, Zhang Zhixi.

“No…” Tao Wanqiao knelt in despair, tears streaming down her face. She watched helplessly as he drank the tainted wine and failed to stop him. Now, deceived as he was, she sobbed hysterically, “Father! Ning Yunshu is lying! If you have the courage, summon the imperial physician Quan! It was he who treated her, he knows everything!”

The emperor gripped the dragon throne tightly. Any clear-sighted person would have ended this matter following Zhang Zhixi’s words, but Tao Wanqiao refused to relent, dragging Quan Ren into it! She was just as brainless as Consort Xiao!

Ning Moxue lowered her head even further, fearing Tao Wanqiao might betray her next.

Consort Xian’s heart rose to her throat. She quickly looked up at the hall and said, “Your Majesty, this must be a misunderstanding. Once cleared up, there is no need to summon the imperial physician. After all, both Tongtong and Wanqiao are young ladies; their dignity and purity are paramount.”

The imperial physician must not come. If the princess’s filthy disease were revealed publicly, not only would her future as Eldest Princess be ruined, but it might also cause His Majesty to resent and implicate Ning Yu.

Besides, she was still her daughter. How could she not feel distressed about such an event?

Consort Xian glanced secretly at Ning Yunshu, both helpless and pained.

Ning Yunshu raised an eyebrow slightly, calm and composed. “As the princess wishes, please summon the imperial physician, Father.”

The emperor frowned. “Shu’er, this concerns your reputation and the honor of Da Su. Have you thought it through?”

Ning Yunshu rose and bowed. “Father, precisely because it concerns the honor of our dynasty, we must summon the physician to clarify the truth. We must not allow those with ill intentions to slander Da Su without cause.”

Tao Wanqiao gritted her teeth, unwilling to yield. “Father, if the Eldest Princess’s conduct is truly disgraceful, she must atone with her life!”

“And if you are falsely accusing me, what punishment do you deserve?” Ning Yunshu’s gaze was cold as she stared at her.

“Heh, if I am fabricating lies, then deal with me as you will—life or death!” Tao Wanqiao’s chest heaved as she looked repeatedly at Zhang Zhixi. She wanted him to see just how filthy this woman was, to know he had trusted the wrong person!

Consort Xian’s palms were sweaty, eyes tense. She quietly grabbed Ning Yunshu’s hand and whispered, “Tongtong, I know you are wronged, but in such circumstances, do not act rashly…”

Ning Yunshu looked at her, the worried expression almost convincing her that she truly cared.

“Mother, it seems you know more than you say?” Her tone was calm, but her eyes full of questioning.

“Tongtong, Mother merely…” Consort Xian faltered, unsure how to explain.

She knew the truth but chose to pretend ignorance for the sake of face?

What else could she do? If this scandal became public, it would truly push Ning Yunshu to the brink.

Consort Xian took a deep breath. She was merely doing what any mother would.

In the hall, the emperor seemed to have made up his mind. “Very well! Summon Quan Ren! If the Eldest Princess truly behaves improperly and disgraces Da Su, I will show no favoritism!”

Before long, Quan Ren arrived in haste.

“I, your humble servant, pay respects to His Majesty!”

All eyes turned to him. His words now could decide the Eldest Princess’s fate—life or death.

“I have heard that the imperial physician recently treated the Eldest Princess. What exactly ails her? Speak truthfully!” The emperor demanded sternly.

Quan Ren glanced at Ning Yunshu, then at Tao Wanqiao kneeling in the hall. Sweat poured down his face as he bowed his head tremblingly. “Your Majesty…”

Tao Wanqiao sneered, staring straight at Ning Yunshu. She dared to insult Lord Zhang; this was the consequence!

“The Eldest Princess’s ailment is due to the exhaustion from travel, causing physical weakness and poor circulation,” Quan Ren declared with full confidence, his voice echoing through the hall.

Consort Xian and Ning Moxue exchanged glances, bewildered. What could this mean? This was the last thing they expected.

Tao Wanqiao was stunned, staring at him in disbelief. “She clearly has a filthy disease and ordered you to keep it secret! Imperial physician, you must know that if you conceal this now, you are deceiving the emperor! You will pay with your head!”

Quan Ren bowed again. “Your Majesty, I dare not deceive you! The Eldest Princess is truly only weak in body and circulation. If the princess doubts me, you may summon other physicians to examine her.”

Tao Wanqiao’s eyes reddened with fury. “Father, he is lying! Summon ten more physicians and examine her here! The truth will surely be revealed!”

“Nonsense!” The emperor’s anger flared as he glared fiercely at Tao Wanqiao. “Shu’er’s return from the Xiongnu was a great service to Da Su. How dare you slander her so repeatedly!”

Tao Wanqiao shook her head, tears streaming. “Father, I did not…”

“Silence!” The emperor’s anger did not abate. Everyone present knew the princess admired Zhang Zhixi. This scandal must be a petty quarrel between women vying for favor.

Moreover…

His gaze shifted to Ning Yunshu.

Seven years married to the Xiongnu—catching a filthy disease would not be surprising. But everyone tacitly understood this; anyone daring to expose it as Tao Wanqiao had done would surely bleed to preserve the royal dignity!

“Father!”

Tao Wanqiao wanted to say more, but the emperor had lost patience. Rising abruptly, he looked at Ning Yunshu. “Shu’er, I am tired. Since this concerns you, I leave it to your full discretion.”

With that, the emperor strode away.

“Farewell, Your Majesty!” The assembly bowed in unison.

Consort Xian and Ning Moxue breathed a sigh of relief. They had not expected the imperial physician to say this. Was he deceiving the emperor, or was this truly a misunderstanding?

“Father! Father!” Tao Wanqiao cried out, but no one stopped. After all, she was merely an adopted daughter, while Ning Yunshu was the true royal blood.

Suddenly, Tao Wanqiao pointed at Ning Moxue. “Sister, wasn’t it you who said Ning Yunshu was afflicted with a filthy disease? What is the truth? Explain it to everyone!”

At her words, all eyes turned in surprise to Ning Moxue, who stared wide-eyed in disbelief at Tao Wanqiao. How could she betray her like this?