The mention of the Ninth Prince's name sent Cui Shi's mind into a frenzy.
Wasn't the Ninth Prince supposed to be out of the capital recently? How could he suddenly appear? The Iron Gallant Marquis's estate had no dealings with the Ninth Prince; why would His Highness suddenly show up at their doorstep?
"Quickly, invite him in!" Without a moment to spare for thought, Cui Shi ordered someone to fetch the Ninth Prince. This was a personage they absolutely could not afford to offend.
Before the servant could even turn, a cold voice echoed, "No need to invite. I am here."
Cui Shi looked up and saw a young man, adorned with a jade crown and clad in a dark python robe, striding towards them. He was exceptionally handsome, such that even extravagant descriptions like "radiant beauty and elegant demeanor" would not be an overstatement. It was none other than the illustrious Ninth Prince!
It was a shame, though, for such a fine countenance. Who in the entire imperial city didn't know that Qi Yihan was domineering, arrogant, violently tempered, and prone to drawing his sword at the slightest disagreement? He was the capital's foremost troublemaker, yet he was also the Emperor's full brother and the Empress Dowager's youngest son, making him untouchable.
Li Man'er's level of arrogance seemed rather insignificant compared to this prince.
"I did not anticipate Your Highness's arrival; please forgive my lack of proper welcome," Cui Shi said, hurrying forward to bow. This prince was someone they could not afford to displease; any offense could bring disaster. After all, the Ninth Prince was notoriously petty, held grudges, and exacted vengeance for the slightest slight.
"It has been a long time. Is the old madam well?" Qi Yihan's voice was devoid of any inflection, and merely listening to him speak sent a chill down one's spine.
Without waiting for Cui Shi's reply, Qi Yihan turned his gaze towards Eunuch Xia, his eyes carrying a hint of grimness, "Eunuch Xia, what are you doing here?"
Looking at the unpredictable Qi Yihan, Eunuch Xia could only offer a wry smile inwardly. Who would have thought he would encounter His Highness while delivering an imperial decree?
"Ninth Prince, I am here to deliver a decree," Eunuch Xia said. Though he served the Emperor, in the presence of His Highness, he dared not act like a high-ranking eunuch; he could only be referred to as "Little Xia Zi."
"Oh," Qi Yihan replied dismissively, "Where is Li Shu? What is his current condition? I shall go and see."
Cui Shi said, "Your Highness, the Marquis has not yet woken. Several imperial physicians are still examining him. The examination room may be somewhat unsanitary; perhaps Your Highness could visit later?"
"Lead the way." Qi Yihan's demeanor was aloof, and he wasted no words. The aura he exuded instilled fear, and everything around him seemed to be frozen by the cold air he released.
Cui Shi had no choice but to personally lead the way, afraid of enraging this formidable figure.
"Your Highness, this way please."
Qi Yihan followed Cui Shi to the Clear Serenity Pavilion without looking sideways. As he left, Li Yi finally felt he could breathe normally. Sweat had beaded on his forehead, and he could only turn slightly to the side, take out a handkerchief, and haphazardly wipe himself before tucking it back into his sleeve.
Eunuch Xia beside him fared little better, though as someone who served the Emperor, his resilience was considerably stronger.
"Eunuch, please this way," Li Yi suddenly remembered that he was supposed to escort Eunuch Xia out of the estate.
Eunuch Xia merely said, "Thank you, Master."
It was only after he was seated in his sedan chair and had left the Iron Gallant Marquis's estate that Eunuch Xia finally began to wipe the sweat from his brow…
Clear Serenity Pavilion
The female members of the Marquis's household had already heard of the Ninth Prince's arrival and had retreated to the side rooms. When Cui Shi brought Qi Yihan over, Li Shu's condition had just stabilized.
The three imperial physicians hastily bowed upon seeing the Ninth Prince. The several civilian doctors assisting them were so frightened that they knelt on the ground, not daring to lift their heads.
The Ninth Prince, the formidable "Thousand-Year Old Eunuch" known for his killings, was a name recognized by everyone in the capital.
"Rise, all of you!" Qi Yihan stepped forward and examined Li Shu. Seeing his ashen complexion and dark lips, he frowned, "What is the Iron Gallant Marquis's condition?"
Elderly Duan Xu, over fifty years old, stepped forward and said, "Reporting to the Ninth Prince, the Marquis's pulse is deep and slow, the rhythm irregular, and his spirit is scattered. There is a faint black line on his palm, indicating poisoning without a doubt. However…"
At this point, Duan Xu began to sweat, "My skills are inadequate, and I do not know what poison the Marquis has been afflicted with. I am unable to administer the correct antidote, and can only temporarily seal several of the Marquis's major acupoints and bleed him to save his life."
Cui Shi swayed, and fortunately, Grandma Wang, who was behind her, quickly steadied her.
Qi Yihan's brow furrowed, "You don't know what poison it is?"
"Yes!" Duan Xu's head was nearly bowed to the ground. "This poison acts slowly but quickly takes root within the body. Ordinary methods are difficult to eradicate. My colleagues and I have discussed two formulas, both potent antidotes, but their effect on the Marquis is minimal. We suspect this unusual poison requires a specific antidote; general detoxification methods will not suffice."
"Duan Xu, it seems your title of Imperial Physician-Director is undeserved."
Duan Xu immediately knelt. As he knelt, the two subordinate imperial physicians behind him also quickly knelt. "Your subordinate…"
The Ninth Prince's words were not spoken with great force.
The Imperial Physician-Director was the leader of the Imperial Hospital. One had to possess top-notch medical skills, a distinguished family background, and profound knowledge to hold such a position. They treated the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, princes, and imperial concubines. Now, the Iron Gallant Marquis was poisoned. If noble consorts in the palace, or even the Son of Heaven himself, were to be afflicted with this poison in the future, and they couldn't cure it, the Imperial Hospital would become a mere formality. Would they, the imperial physicians, still have a reason to live?
Duan Xu's sweat dripped onto the bluestone bricks, but he dared not even wipe it away.
Qi Yihan's imposing aura made the others tremble like sieves, as if their lives were in constant peril.
The Ninth Prince's presence was too overwhelming, coupled with his fearsome reputation, it was no wonder others were afraid of him.
"Quickly devise a plan. If you cannot cure the Iron Gallant Marquis, you will be buried with him!"
Duan Xu dared not utter another word and immediately kowtowed, "Yes."
"Old madam, please do not worry. The Marquis is blessed with great fortune and will surely be safe."
Cui Shi forced herself to speak with Qi Yihan, her expression betraying no hint of relaxation.
The Ninth Prince had not come on imperial decree. His sudden appearance here was unexpected, and the situation was still unclear. His intentions were unknown, and she had to proceed with caution.
After some thought, Cui Shi said, "Your Highness, this old woman has a favor to ask." As she finished speaking, she prepared to kneel.
Qi Yihan simply said, "Old madam, there is no need for such formality. The Marquis is a pillar of the state. This King will certainly find the true culprit and seek justice for the Marquis."
Just as Cui Shi was about to express her gratitude, she suddenly heard a clear voice from the courtyard exclaim, "No need to investigate. I know who administered the poison."
Hearing this voice, Cui Shi was greatly surprised. She quickly had Grandma Wang help her to the courtyard, and upon seeing the person, she was stunned.
The young master Tong Jiao stood in the courtyard, his face a mask of anger. He cupped his hands and bowed to Cui Shi, "Old madam, I know who poisoned him."
Li Man'er, who had been resting with her eyes closed in the side room, suddenly opened her eyes. He had arrived.