Li Man'er quickly knelt down, "Anning dares not." She lowered her head, appearing submissive, but inwardly seethed, thinking, "Always kneeling, always kneeling. Sooner or later, this will drive me to rebellion!"
"I know my own body best, you are trying to deceive me."
"Anning dares not. Your Majesty's body is indeed not facing major issues. With three to five days of medicinal conditioning, Your Majesty will feel the improvement yourself."
Emperor Chenghua's hope flickered, "Since it is so, then I shall entrust my health to you and Duan Xu. Summon Duan Xu to the palace."
Li Man'er also found it strange. Duan Xu had always been the one attending to Emperor Chenghua's health. Why were two other imperial physicians present instead of him?
About half an hour later, the answer was revealed. Duan Xu limped into the palace. Although he had changed his clothes and re-combed his hair, the bruises on his face and his uncoordinated movements clearly indicated what had happened.
"This humble minister Duan Xu pays his respects to Your Majesty."
Emperor Chenghua was too weary to repeat his words. With a wave of his hand, Eunuch Xia stepped forward and said, "Lord Duan, this time your wish is granted. His Majesty has agreed for Princess Anning to treat him alongside you. Quickly, offer your thanks."
Upon hearing this, Duan Xu was overjoyed, "This old minister accepts the decree and offers his thanks."
Eunuch Xia immediately continued, "His Majesty has something to say to the Prince. Princess, Lord Duan, follow me."
The two quickly followed Eunuch Xia to a side hall. Li Man'er's gaze did not once fall upon Qi Yihan from beginning to end.
Eunuch Xia led them to the side hall and whispered, "Princess, Lord Duan, please reside here for the time being."
Li Man'er frowned slightly, "Eunuch, is this not against the rules? I am a woman, and remaining in the inner palace is one thing, but staying in Qicheng Hall might lead to gossip."
"Oh, Princess, at a time like this, are you still concerned with such matters?" Besides, are you the type of person who adheres to rules? You are probably the most unruly person in the realm.
Eunuch Xia clasped his hands in a bow, raising them above his head, "His Majesty's health is the utmost priority. Furthermore, His Ninth Highness will also be staying here. What have you to fear?"
Qi Yihan would also stay?
Li Man'er paused briefly, but quickly understood the reason and dared not ask further.
At such a time, it was easy for opportunities to be exploited. Not even one's own mother, son, or daughter-in-law could be fully trusted. Qi Yihan could maintain order, and with the Emperor's decree, anyone who wished to exploit the situation would have to consider their own capabilities.
At least Qi Yihan had no intention of usurping the throne for the moment. As long as the Emperor trusted him, he was the one who could guarantee the safety of the palace and prevent any mutiny.
"Princess, Lord Duan, I implore you both to quickly devise a suitable plan. His Majesty's health is critical." Eunuch Xia was more anxious than anyone. If something were to happen to the Emperor, would the new ruler spare him? Whether he wished it or not, he would likely have to follow his master in death.
"Rest assured, Eunuch." Li Man'er replied, "Within three days, His Majesty's health will show improvement."
Eunuch Xia was overjoyed, "With Princess Anning's assurance, I am at ease. His Majesty cannot be left unattended, so I shall take my leave now."
"Eunuch, fare you well."
Duan Xu also quickly said, "Eunuch, fare you well."
As Eunuch Xia departed, Li Man'er's gaze fell upon Duan Xu. She furrowed her brow slightly, as if displeased by his disheveled appearance.
"Princess..." Duan Xu began, but hesitated, his eyes darting about.
This was the forbidden palace, and there were undoubtedly many ears and eyes. Now was not the time for conversation; they had to quickly come up with a treatment plan.
Duan Xu knew that in terms of medical skill, he was inferior to Li Man'er. He bowed deeply, "Princess, regarding His Majesty's treatment plan, I will trouble you to devise the strategy. I, this old man, will assist by your side, responsible for medicinal matters, pulse diagnoses, and other trivialities."
To put it plainly, neither Duan Xu nor the other imperial physicians in the palace had any solution for Emperor Chenghua's condition. The medicines they used had minimal effect, and the rate of his body's decline was faster than their treatment could keep up. Therefore, all hope rested on Li Man'er; their lives or deaths depended on her.
Li Man'er nodded, "Imperial Physician Duan, I believe medicinal detoxification might harm His Majesty's body. Therefore, my suggestion is to prepare for golden needle detoxification, and in addition, prepare the Rong Shen Solidifying Foundation Decoction."
Duan Xu carefully noted it down, "Princess, when shall the acupuncture be administered?"
Li Man'er mused, "As soon as possible!"
That evening, Li Man'er administered acupuncture to Emperor Chenghua for the first time.
"Your Majesty, this needle insertion will not be painful, but black blood will seep from your mouth and nose at the end. It may look frightening, but it is beneficial to Your Majesty's body. You need not worry."
Eunuch Xia's legs went weak with fright, "Are you sure it's alright?"
"Rest assured." Emperor Chenghua had a habit of consuming elixirs. He knew better than anyone how the poisons in his body came about. If he had not realized his mistake midway and stopped in time, his life would have been forfeit long ago.
"Imperial Physician Duan, has the Rong Shen Solidifying Foundation Decoction been brewed?"
"It has been brewed." Duan Xu pointed to a small stove nearby, "I personally supervised the entire process to ensure its safety."
Well, she was a Princess now, and Duan Xu referring to himself as "this humble minister" seemed appropriate.
Li Man'er then had the prepared sterilization supplies brought out and began to administer acupuncture to Emperor Chenghua.
This was an excellent learning opportunity. Duan Xu watched Li Man'er's needling technique without blinking.
The technique itself was not the most important thing. Anyone with a certain understanding of acupuncture could find their own needling method through continuous learning and practice.
What set Li Man'er's acupuncture apart was that she would infuse her true qi into the acupoints along with the golden needles, according to the patient's condition. This was a secret technique of the Xuan Yi Sect, which many disciples within the sect could not learn due to insufficient cultivation.
Li Man'er's acupuncture technique was executed with flowing grace. Even Duan Xu was astonished. Unfortunately, in the Emperor's presence, he could not ask any questions.
As Li Man'er had predicted, after she finished needling, black blood began to seep from Emperor Chenghua's mouth and nose. Eunuch Xia quickly handed her a towel. Li Man'er wiped it away for Emperor Chenghua, then observed his condition before gradually withdrawing the needles.
Remarkably, after the acupuncture, Emperor Chenghua felt invigorated. He had been weak for days and had little appetite, but now he felt a sense of clarity and even hunger.
"Eunuch Xia, please assist His Majesty in taking his medicine."
Eunuch Xia took the medicine bowl and, as usual, had the medicine taster sample it first. If the taster survived, only then could Emperor Chenghua take the medicine.
After drinking the bowl of medicine, Emperor Chenghua felt his stomach rumble, and he was even hungrier.
"Your Majesty, how do you feel?"
Emperor Chenghua blinked, "I am hungry. Prepare a meal."
Eunuch Xia was so overjoyed he almost wept and quickly sent a eunuch to prepare the meal. "Princess, this is miraculous! His Majesty hasn't eaten much for days."
He saw hope for his own survival!