Chapter 370

With Baili Chengyou leading the way, everyone arrived smoothly outside the Qiushi Palace.

At this moment, Jiaojiao noticed several people dressed as imperial doctor kneeling outside, which caught her attention.

Meng Guxue, not understanding, asked, “Baili, who are these people?”

Baili Chengyou’s expression darkened slightly as he replied, “They are irrelevant people. Doctor Zou, please wait a moment.”

Baili Chengyou then walked towards the palace, most likely to take precautionary measures to avoid suspicion.

Meng Guxue took the opportunity to quickly beckon Dong Lu, who was nearby, and asked, “Eunuch Dong, what’s the matter with these imperial doctor?”

Dong Lu cautiously glanced inside the palace before lowering his voice to respond, “I dare not hide it from Your Highness. These imperial doctor were brought by the Second Prince. He claimed to have searched for skilled individuals from the common folk, but… the Second Prince was furious and didn’t allow these doctor to enter at all.”

“However, these doctor were given orders by the Second Prince to not leave until they have seen the Lady of the country.”

“They only arrived this morning and are still at a standstill.”

Dong Lu expressed his headache over the situation.

Meng Guxue widened her eyes slightly upon hearing this.

The second prince truly had no regard for avoiding suspicion. To openly send imperial doctor at this moment was quite bold!

Jiaojiao, listening intently, had a pensive expression on her face. Just then, Baili Chengyou emerged from the palace.

Dong Lu quickly fell silent upon seeing him, and Meng Guxue pretended to be at ease. Obviously, such whispered conversations behind the scenes were not uncommon between the two of them.

“Doctor Zou, please,” Baili Chengyou called out.

Doctor Zou hurriedly followed with his medicine box, while Qiao Bo remained outside, and Meng Guxue held Jiaojiao in her arms.

Entering the palace, a faint fragrance lingered in the air, with an elderly maid standing by the bed, the curtains already drawn, revealing a fair wrist resting on the bed.

Jiaojiao had learned beforehand that the Lady of the country was only thirty-five years old, renowned for her beauty.

As the second prince and the Lady of the country were of a similar age, any malicious rumors could easily arise from the stepmother and stepson relationship, especially if someone had intentions to twist the story.

Doctor Zou approached cautiously, first bowing respectfully and apologizing before proceeding to check the pulse.

Jiaojiao felt her heart race at the sight. If Doctor Zou’s medical skills could awaken the Lady of the Country, it would be a great relief.

Meng Guxue also grew tense, while Baili Chengyou sat by the bed, his face heavy with fatigue and worry.

All eyes were on Doctor Zou, who appeared careful and thoughtful.

After a while, Doctor Zou finished his examination. Meng Guxue quickly approached with Jiaojiao in her arms, asking urgently, “Doctor Zou, what is the situation?”

Doctor Zou, with utmost caution, hesitated before saying, “Your Highness, the Lady of the Country’s blood flow is fine, but her pulse is stagnant. I may need to administer acupuncture.”

For Doctor Zou to propose this, he was already taking a significant risk.

The elderly maid eagerly looked towards Baili Chengyou. The palace doctor and imperial doctor who had come earlier were at a loss, but if this doctor had a plan, she didn’t care about avoiding suspicion; she only wanted the Lady of the Country to recover!

Baili Chengyou didn’t hesitate and immediately agreed, “Alright, Doctor Zou, proceed with the acupuncture. I will take full responsibility for it!”

With the approval granted, Doctor Zou opened his medicine box and solemnly stated, “Your Highness, please help the lady sit up. I need to administer the acupuncture on her neck.”

Meng Guxue gently put down Jiaojiao and instructed her to behave while she stepped forward to assist.

As the curtains were drawn back, Jiaojiao finally caught a glimpse of the Lady of the Country’s face.

She lay there peacefully, as if asleep, with beautiful features and fair skin.

Doctor Zou remained focused, not once glancing at the Lady of the Country’s face.

Everything was ready, and the people in the hall held their breath. Just as Doctor Zou was about to insert the needle, a summons suddenly came from outside the hall.

“Your Highness, the Emperor summons you to the Imperial Study immediately.”

Upon hearing this, Doctor Zou paused, looking up at Baili Chengyou.

Baili Chengyou, supporting the Empress Dowager with both hands, frowned slightly upon hearing the summons, then turned to Doctor Zou and said in a low voice, “Doctor Zou, continue with the treatment.”

Doctor Zou took a deep breath and nodded.

Unexpectedly, the commotion outside grew louder at this moment.

“Third Brother, come out!”

Meng Guxue frowned upon hearing the voice, glancing worriedly at Baili Chengyou. “Why is Eldest Brother here?”

Qiao Jiaojiao understood immediately; it seemed the visitor was Crown Prince Baili Chengye.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that the Nanli Palace was in chaos…

Doctor Zou remained focused; with Baili Chengyou backing him, he proceeded with the treatment without hesitation, starting with the acupuncture on the Empress Dowager’s head point, followed by her temple and other points.

Seeing no response from inside, the voices outside the door immediately grew louder.

“Third Brother, Eldest Brother knows you’re upset, but with rumors spreading in the capital, bringing this outsider in is a direct insult to the Empress. Isn’t this tarnishing her reputation in front of Father?”

“Father is furious upon hearing this news; Eldest Brother intervened and came specifically to find you.”

“Now, take this outsider out and go see Father with Eldest Brother!”

Baili Chengyou’s brows furrowed, feigning ignorance.

Doctor Zou’s forehead began to bead with sweat; this treatment session was proving quite challenging for him.

The voice of the Crown Prince outside continued.

“And these court doctors, it’s disgraceful! Second Brother, you’re clueless about avoiding suspicion, even daring to invite court doctors here!”

“All of you are causing Father great distress; Eldest Brother has to clean up after you!”

“Third Brother, didn’t you hear what Eldest Brother said?”

Qiao Jiaojiao listened carefully to the Crown Prince’s words, each one seemingly calculated against Baili Chengyou. Upon reflection, it was clear the Crown Prince was making pointed remarks.

Meng Guxue grew anxious; her hand, steadying the Empress Dowager’s head, trembled slightly.

Baili Chengyou, noticing this, said sternly, “Don’t move. Consider the noise outside as mere barking dogs.”

“They don’t want the Empress Dowager to awaken; these people…”

Baili Chengyou clenched his teeth, ultimately falling silent.

Qiao Jiaojiao narrowed her eyes slightly upon hearing this; indeed, there was more to this situation…

Doctor Zou administered the final needle at the Baihui acupoint and then slowly withdrew.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling uncertain.

Qiao Jiaojiao discreetly approached the bed and quietly observed the Empress Dowager’s hand resting on the edge of the bed.

[“It seems Doctor Zou has done his best; let me solidify his reputation as a ‘miracle-working doctor’.”]

[“They don’t want the Empress Dowager to wake up; I want to see what secrets lie beneath all of this.”]

While everyone anxiously watched the Empress Dowager’s face, Qiao Jiaojiao’s palm subtly pressed against the back of her hand, silently thinking to herself:

[“Deal!”]