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Chu Yuanzheng had been responsible for diagnosing the Emperor for many years, but he had hardly ever seen how the Emperor interacted with the Palace Concubines. He was somewhat surprised to realize that His Majesty, who seemed so distant, was actually so good to his consort.

However, this was not something he could dwell on. He was concerned about another matter: lately, His Majesty’s liver fire was indeed a bit too vigorous, and he was pondering how to advise His Majesty on balancing the yin and yang.

Huang Zude was no stranger to such situations; he only felt excitement.

He hadn’t expected that by taking Beauty Lian’s Pulse of Peace, he would get to see His Majesty.

Immersed completely in excitement, he wondered whether his father would come home tonight.

If he did return, he would certainly tell his father the joyous news.

What could he say? Although Beauty Lian was somewhat unruly and always talked back when he said anything, he was still very willing to diagnose her. After all, it was His Majesty’s order, and most importantly, visiting Beauty Lian gave him numerous opportunities to see His Majesty.

Every time he saw His Majesty, a different kind of admiration emerged from the bottom of his heart.

This time was no exception—he truly appreciated His Majesty’s wisdom.

Even in trivial matters, His Majesty showed meticulous care and thorough consideration.

No wonder he could stabilize the realm and ensure the people lived in peace and happiness.

Today, as was customary, he prepared to take Master Lian’s Pulse of Peace.

Every time he thought of Master Lian, he would get a headache because every visit involved new excuses from Master Lian to delay, and it would always take a few stern words from him before she would reluctantly let him take her pulse.

Before leaving, a Young Eunuch intercepted him, asking him to accompany Chu Yuanzheng to see His Majesty.

He was immediately thrilled, and scurried after Chu Yuanzheng to Star Palace. After waiting for a bit, he saw His Majesty returning from court.

The sight of His Majesty in his court attire made one want to completely submit and worship. That’s what he thought, and what he did, bowing deeply in a grand gesture.

Only later did he learn that it was about Master Lian’s situation.

His Majesty asked if he had diagnosed anything unusual about Master Lian’s condition. He hadn’t expected His Majesty to notice as well. Truly, His Majesty was brilliant and valorous; nothing could escape His Majesty’s eyes.

He immediately shared his previous findings, but admitted that his medical skills were still lacking. He could sense something was amiss but couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

When His Majesty inquired if it was serious, he couldn’t say for sure and simply repeated his father’s saying, "If a person can eat and drink, and isn’t very uncomfortable, then there’s likely nothing seriously wrong, no need to fuss.

" His Majesty seemed somewhat reassured upon hearing his father’s words.

Nevertheless, His Majesty decided that he should join Chu Yuanzheng in examining Master Lian once more.

Before doing so, however, they conducted several rehearsals, like this and like that.

They were now proceeding just as they had practiced.

Chu Yuanzheng took Nanny Qi’s pulse for a while, then stood up.

Next, it was his turn. He checked the right wrist pulse and then switched to the left.

At that moment, the Side Hall was very quiet. Except for the lack of a medicine cabinet, it was set up like a medical clinic: simple and to the point, with two tables for pulse diagnosis—one end for the physician and the other for the patient.

It was very quiet. Xiao Jizi and the others waited off to the side while Nanny Qi sat with her hand on the table, cushioned by a diagnostic pad.

The Emperor watched from the side as Lian Hua stood behind him, her face flushed with fading redness.

Once the flush had nearly subsided, she walked over to stand beside the Emperor, just in time to see Charcoal Head taking Nanny Qi’s pulse.

The Emperor cast a glance at her without a stir, contemplating his next move internally.

Seeing two Imperial Physicians at once, even with Nanny Qi’s cooperation, he wasn’t sure. He was aware of how resistant his Little Concubine could be.

Soon, Huang Zude finished taking Nanny Qi’s pulse and stood up, exchanging a look with Chu Yuanzheng.

Lian Hua’s heart tightened—here it came, the most nerve-wracking moment. Whether Nanny Qi was alright, whether bitter medicine was needed, would all come down to this moment.

She couldn’t help but grab the Emperor’s hand, unconsciously gripping it tightly.

The Emperor could feel her tension and took her hand in his, enveloping it with his large palm to comfort her.

He sighed inwardly, pained at heart, for he could sense her fear, a genuine dread of seeing the Imperial Physician.

Although she had forgotten some things, certain impressions were indelibly etched in her mind, difficult to erase, such as taking bitter medicine, visiting doctors, and the unconscious nightmares in the middle of the night.

Perhaps even she was not aware that what she truly feared was not the bitter medicine or the doctors—those were merely superficial—it was the despair of a shattered family.

In those hazy days, she had forgotten the most painful memories but had nonetheless retained the taste of that bitter medicine, which led to her current fear.

That time she left the palace, her Clan Uncle recounted to him the situation when he saw her again—the Little Concubine had changed dramatically after fleeing to Yanqing Mansion, as if her soul had departed...

Whenever he thought of this, he felt so heartbroken he could hardly contain himself. It was also after that incident that he pieced together why she was so terrified of taking medicine, of seeing the Imperial Physician. How could one empathize without having suffered the same?

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty?"

A call roused the Emperor, and he turned towards the summoner.

Lian Hua shook his hand slightly: "Your Majesty, it’s our turn now. Cough cough, um, I’m here, so don’t be scared, Nanny is doing well, and you won’t need to take any medicine; you won’t have any problems either."

She said the word "scared" very softly and quietly, audible only to them both; with so many people around, she wanted to preserve Your Majesty’s dignity.

As she spoke, she smiled, revealing several small white teeth, which looked adorably neat.

Just now, this old gentleman and Charcoal Head had said that Nanny Qi’s health was not in serious condition, her spleen and stomach had improved since her arrival.

Following this course of treatment, Nanny Qi would continue to improve—it seemed the diet she had arranged was quite beneficial.

She felt elated at this thought.

The shadows in the Emperor’s heart were instantly dispelled, and he smiled tenderly: "Yes, neither of us will have any problems."

It was as if the words were meant to reassure himself.

He led Lian Hua over and arranged for her to sit behind a square table; he too sat down at another one.

Nanny Qi, after having her pulse taken, stood up and went to sit on a stool brought over by Pang Ya.

She always had a feeling that there was something not quite right with the Emperor, and this disquiet seemed to stem from the young girl.

Just now, after her pulse had been read and the Imperial Physicians had reported her condition, she glanced at the Emperor only to see him staring pensively, his expression off. The young girl had to call him twice before he responded.

She suppressed her doubts; today, more than ever, things seemed off. These Imperial Physicians must have been specifically arranged to check on the young girl, but why?

At this thought, her heart skipped a beat—could there be something wrong with the young girl’s health?

But they had always been taking the Pulse of Peace, and she’d heard nothing amiss.

Doctor Huang looked upright and was not cunning or deceitful; he would not deceive them.

Unable to figure it out, she decided to just wait and see.

Lian Hua was led by the Emperor and arranged behind a table.