Chapter 602: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 602: Companions (1)
Under Xiao Ruiyuan's reassurance, Mo Yan temporarily set aside her worries and accompanied him down the mountain, along with the five beasts, heading towards the Phoenix Mountain palace.
The events in the Beast Forest had already been reported to Emperor Huian at the palace and quickly spread throughout the hunting grounds.
In the main hall of the palace, many noble ministers anxiously awaited news, as their sons were among those attacked by the beasts in the forest. The atmosphere in the hall was tense and oppressive. Emperor Huian sat on the throne, his face dark with anger.
Several imperial physicians stood nervously before the hall, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, fearing that any misstep might provoke the emperor's wrath and cost them their lives.
Due to a shortage of medical personnel, the ghost doctor, who was initially there only to attend to Chu Heng's health, was also summoned. He seemed distracted, as if worried about Prince Heng and the others attacked by the beasts. However, in reality, he cared only for Xiao Ruiyuan's well-being.
Yan Junyu was also present, clutching his jade-bone fan with a grave expression, far removed from his usual carefree demeanor. He was concerned not only for Xiao Ruiyuan but also for Mo Yan, who had suddenly entered the hunting grounds to save them.
Soon, the guards arrived, carrying Prince Heng and the others into the main hall. At Emperor Huian's command, the imperial physicians quickly gathered around with their medical kits, prioritizing the care of Prince Heng, Prince Qi, and other noble princes.
The injured guards were not allowed to be brought into the hall, and the bodies of the two unfortunate noble sons who perished were kept out to avoid upsetting the emperor.
Seeing that Xiao Ruiyuan was not among those brought in, both Yan Junyu and the ghost doctor relaxed, one resuming his fan-twirling and the other taking the wrist of the nearby Thirteenth Prince to check his pulse.
After examining everyone, the imperial physicians confirmed that while the princes and noble sons had sustained injuries, none were life-threatening. This news brought relief not only to the physicians and noble ministers but also to Emperor Huian, who had remained silent until then.
However, the emperor's expression darkened again when he thought about how his sons had left in good health but returned on stretchers. Some had even suffered severe injuries, such as tendons cut by the beasts, which might prevent them from walking again. His displeasure deepened.
What upset Emperor Huian the most was that Prince Heng, upon whom he had placed high hopes, had not only suffered significant injuries to his right leg and arm, with no quick recovery in sight, but also sustained facial scratches more severe than they appeared. Even with the best scar-removal ointment from the palace, he would be left with disfiguring scars.
With the help of a young eunuch, Prince Heng struggled to sit up, forcing a gentle smile as he tried to comfort the displeased emperor. "Father, I am fortunate to have survived. As a man, what does a scar matter? If Father worries and hurts himself over this, that would be my fault. Please, do not be concerned."
Looking at his once handsome son now marred by injuries and hearing his words, Emperor Huian's expression grew darker. He patted Prince Heng's shoulder, speaking in a somber tone, "Ye'er, focus on healing. Once we return to the palace, I will issue a decree to find the best physicians to treat your face."
"Thank you, Father!" Prince Heng smiled, seemingly unbothered by his disfigurement, though a trace of sorrow flickered in his eyes.
Emperor Huian, noticing his son's feigned bravery, felt a rare pang of sympathy. "We are father and son, Ye'er. There is no need to thank me, and you must not let your thoughts trouble you, as it will not help your wounds."
If you enjoy our translations and would like to support us, please consider contributing on Patreon or Ko-fi. Your support helps us continue bringing you great content!
►►CLICK HERE FOR LISTS OF CHAPTERS◄◄
No comments: