Crown Prince's Counterattack

In the 24th year of Hongwu, it was late autumn in August.

It was almost dawn, and there were a few suppressed low coughs from the inner hall of the Prince's East Palace. The candles were brightly lit, and the golden threads on the brocade quilt were shining brightly, making the face of the person lying on the bed pale.

Sima Yi supported his weak body and sat up, bursts of chest tightness came from his heart, the bright yellow silk handkerchief covered his coughing, Sima Yi felt the salty smell in his mouth, spread the silk handkerchief, and the dark red blood was exposed on the In front of him, Sima Yi calmly put Sipa in his sleeve.

"come..."

After a few hurried footsteps outside the door, the door was opened. Not surprisingly, it was Eunuch Meng who had taken care of Zhu Biao since he was a child.

"Your Highness?"

Eunuch Meng looked worried. As Zhu Biao's closest eunuch, he has been following him for so long, so he is naturally aware of his current physical condition, so when he heard Sima Yi's summons, he hurried in until he saw Sima Yi still standing alive. Only in front of him was he relieved.

"Call Doctor Li over here"

Li Ji is Zhu Biao's confidant, and Sima Yi can only rest assured by letting him come at this time. As the prince of a country, he is doomed to be careful not to let others take advantage of the loopholes.

Eunuch Meng glanced nervously at Sima Yi, and after exiting respectfully, he ran out of the palace. At this time, Imperial Physician Li was not on duty, so he could only go out with a token to pick up people.

Sima Yi lifted the brocade quilt and walked barefoot on the soft blanket. At this time, the palace had already heated the floor heating. Zhu Yuanzhang has never been stingy with this aspect. He walked to the candlestick , took out the yellow silk in his sleeve, lit it and put it in the brazier, and watched it burn up with his own eyes.

After the time for a stick of incense, Eunuch Meng appeared in front of Sima Yi panting with Doctor Li, and before anyone could take a breather, Eunuch Meng urged him to see Sima Yi.

Sima Yi sat on the bed calmly, coughing from time to time, his face was pale without a trace of blood, his eye sockets were deep-set, showing a slight blue color.Li Ji calmed down to feel his pulse, and as time passed, Eunuch Meng became more and more anxious.

"According to His Highness's pulse condition, I'm afraid it's because of the cold and wind-cold that he accidentally caught these days, and the improper adjustment during the journey along the way, that's why his condition got worse. After the minister prescribed medicine for His Highness, after taking it for a few days, His Highness will get better”

Li Ji withdrew his hand, told Sima Yi all about his condition, and relaxed in a subtle way. He called urgently in the middle of the night, and he was really worried about something serious.

The corner of Sima Yi's mouth slipped a trace of ridicule, is it cold?He didn't believe it. All the doctors along the way said it was wind-cold disease, and he took a lot of medicine, but not only did his condition not improve, but he felt that his body was getting weaker and weaker. If it wasn't for the bronze in his body Zhong kept sorting out his meridians, afraid that he would not be able to sit and talk with him now, and his intuition told him that the cause of this illness was definitely not due to wind and cold.

"If you can only see these things, you don't have to sit in your seat alone."

Sima Yi took a deep look at Li Ji, and his tone was somewhat meaningful. If you want to be rich, you have to come up with some convincing means.

"My minister understands, my minister understands—"

Li Ji hurriedly knelt on the ground to plead guilty, with a tense expression and fear in his eyes. It doesn't matter if he is rich, but his own life must be saved.

"Rong Chen take a closer look"

Sima Yi stretched out his hand, and Li Ji rested on his pulse tremblingly, concentrating all his energy.

After all, Li Ji has been a doctor for decades, and his medical skills are superb. After repeated inspections, he finally found a clue, which made him break out in cold sweat. He really almost misdiagnosed. ...he is truly hopeless.

"Your Highness, the humble minister is guilty, the humble minister is guilty—"

Li Ji's voice trembled slightly, he lowered his head, not daring to meet Sima Yi's eyes.

"Tell me, what did you find?"

All the uncertainties were settled the moment Li Ji knelt down to plead guilty. It turned out that he was not just thinking about everything, and there must be something hidden behind this menacing illness.He calmed down his excitement, looked at Li Ji carefully, and asked him to give himself an accurate answer.

"Your Highness's pulse condition is vacant, qi is chaotic, and the pulse is cold and deep hot. The symptoms are mostly similar to those of typhoid fever. I am not good at learning, so I was confused by these appearances. Fortunately, His Highness woke me up. After careful consideration and repeated verification by my minister Your Majesty, I dare to assert that His Highness is not suffering from wind and cold, but perhaps—poisoned!"

"Poisoned?!!!!"

Eunuch Meng exclaimed loudly, his eyes widened. His Highness's daily life is handled by him alone. He never neglected even the smallest details, but he didn't expect that someone would take advantage of his loopholes and put His Highness in a dangerous situation. In this case, this is his major mistake.

"Are you sure?!"

Sima Yi looked dignified. After so many things, this was the first time he was poisoned. It was so blatant. It seems that this is not common. Otherwise, the imperial doctors would not have diagnosed it all the time. Are they confident?

"The humble minister dares to guarantee his wealth and life"

Li Ji took a deep breath, beating a drum in his heart.

"Emperor Li, is there an antidote to His Highness's poison?"

Eunuch Meng looked at Li Zi with nervous anticipation. Since he could see it, he must have superb medical skills, and detoxification must be no problem. You must know that the imperial physicians in the palace are all selected from a million, but this matter should be done as soon as possible. The better the solution, if it is known to others, it will definitely cause some confusion, and maybe someone will want to take advantage of it.

"This... Your Highness, forgive me, I have never seen this kind of scumbag, and the preparation of this antidote will take a certain amount of time."

Li Ji glanced at Sima Yi, and then looked away anxiously. As he said, he had never seen this kind of medicine before, and the effect was also miraculous. It was very difficult, he was very worried that His Royal Highness would pull him out and chop him up in anger.

"Okay, then I will give you time. If you want something, I will send Eunuch Meng to deliver it."

Sima Yi was a little uncertain. Before his body deteriorated completely, he didn't know if he could get the antidote.

"Today's event, you know what to say, I think you should be a smart person"

Before Li Ji left, Sima Yi did not forget to tell him that the news about him summoning the imperial physician in the middle of the night would probably spread throughout the entire palace tomorrow morning, so he had to give him some warnings in order to prevent some things from leaking out.

"Wei Chen understands, understands..."

Eunuch Meng personally brought someone to pick him up when he entered the palace, and when he left, there were only him and a young eunuch from the Eastern Palace left, but he didn't care about the difference at all.When Li Ji got out of the palace, he finally let go of the heart that he had been holding tightly all the time. Every time he went to the palace to see a doctor for those nobles, it was always like going to hell. He was a little bit luckier than others.

"Your Highness, do you want to tell Your Majesty about this?"

Eunuch Meng thought that if His Majesty knew about this matter, he would definitely do his best to thoroughly investigate the mastermind behind the scenes, and His Highness would be able to get the antidote sooner.

"No, Gu decided to check it out himself!"

Sima Yi categorically vetoed it. It is not in his character to rely on others for everything, not to mention that one more person who knows means one more risk of being leaked, which is not a good thing for him.Moreover, he can't trust anyone now.

After the two of them had a private conversation in the room for a few quarters of an hour, Eunuch Meng came out quietly and closed the door by the way.Sima Yi's condition has not been well controlled, so he will feel tired easily, all the political affairs are sent to the emperor, just for Sima Yi to cultivate well.

Unexpectedly, Sima Yi suddenly developed a low fever that night.

Sima Yi, who was in a coma, seemed to have come to a place like a fairyland on earth. The clouds and mists obscured his vision, and huge trees rose from the ground, as if to cover half of the sky. , he was in a few balls of fiery light, and as they played and frolicked together, he seemed to be able to feel the intimacy and joy emanating from them.

When he woke up, Sima Yi's head was still a little groggy, but the images in the dream still flashed from time to time, seemingly clear and sometimes blurred, which made him feel that the dream was very strange, but he soon had no time to think about it problem.

"Your Highness, are you finally awake?!"

Eunuch Meng had tears in his eyes, he was so excited, now that anything happened to Sima Yi, he would be terrified.

"Your Highness, it's good if you wake up. Your Majesty may arrive soon. After you fell into a coma that day, His Majesty will come to see you every day. It's getting late today, and His Majesty will probably arrive soon."

Eunuch Meng told Sima Yi what happened in the past few days.

"Help the lonely get dressed"

As soon as Sima Yi opened his mouth, he realized that his voice was a little hoarse.

When Sima Yi got dressed, Zhu Yuanzhang just passed the middle gate. Eunuch Meng helped Sima Yi and stood outside the gate, waiting for someone to come.

Zhu Yuanzhang has been getting angry these few days. He even skipped a bowl of rice every day. Sometimes he is absent-minded in court. He is so upset that he wants to kill someone because his most important son is very sick now.

Although he always felt that this son was kind of a woman, always confronting him and making him anxious, it didn't affect his respect for this son at all. Being the first son and the eldest son, he was doomed to have a different status. generally.

He knew that some ministers in the court looked down on his background, but he didn't care at all. After all, they still wanted to kneel down in front of him and be a loyal dog. But he didn't mind facing such an embarrassing situation, but he couldn't continue. So he decided to make Biao'er the prince, in order to win people's hearts and let them see that his old Zhu's family is not a reckless man who doesn't know etiquette.

He has personally raised this child since he was a child, and he has put in more effort than other children. In his opinion, except for the soft-heartedness that he doesn't like, he is quite satisfied with other aspects, so he is not allowed to have any accidents. up.

This time he sent the prince to inspect Shaanxi, and Zhu Yuanzhang also secretly sent many people to protect him, but he never thought that manpower was always no match for the destiny, and he came back safely all the way, but he fell into such a serious illness when he returned to the palace.

A few days ago, after the news of the prince's coma came, he didn't sleep well these few days. He had to see it with his own eyes every morning after going to court to reassure him. I only hope that the prince can wake up as soon as possible. The hearts of the people in the court were fluctuating a few days ago, and there were even rumors among the people that the prince's life would not be long. Zhu Yuanzhang was furious and ordered a thorough investigation of the mastermind behind the release of such false rumors.

At the end of the morning, Zhu Yuanzhang went to visit the East Palace as usual. When he saw Sima Yi who was waiting for him at the door, the cloud that had accumulated in his heart for several days finally dissipated.

Sima Yi broke away from Eunuch Meng's hand, and when he was about to salute, Zhu Yuanzhang helped him up.

"Your body is good, this etiquette will be waived, quickly sit down with me"

Zhu Yuanzhang reproached him seemingly angrily, but he secretly felt comforted by Sima Yi's filial piety. My heart was half relieved.

"Thank you, father, for your concern. My son is not made of tofu. How can he just stand there and then be broken into slag?"

Although Sima Yi explained in this way, he sat obediently beside Zhu Yuanzhang.

"You child has been so stubborn since you were a child. I don't think you are a tofu scum now, but you look like that paper man, who will float away when the wind blows."

There was a bit of anger in Zhu Yuanzhang's tone, but his heart softened when he saw Sima Yi's pale face.

"The doctor is here, what do you say?"

Zhu Yuanzhang turned his head and asked about Eunuch Meng who was standing beside him.

Eunuch Meng was about to speak, but happened to meet Sima Yi's eyes, swallowed everything he wanted to say, leaving only dry words.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the imperial physician said that His Highness just had an occasional cold, and it will be fine to recuperate for a while."

Eunuch Meng looked distressed, His Highness's current physical condition is so bad, he really didn't want His Highness to waste any more energy, but he was always soft-spoken.

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't hear Eunuch Meng's inner entanglement, but when he heard the news that the prince would get better in the near future, his face suddenly became better, and he even brought a smile on his face.

"Since this is the case, you should cultivate yourself these days, you know?"

Zhu Yuanzhang instructed, with kindness in his eyes.

"Well, my son knows, thank you father for your concern"

"You also know that I am your father. From now on, don't let me, a father, worry about you, understand?"

The silent tenderness between the two moved Eunuch Meng, who was watching from the sidelines, into tears. What a touching scene it was, and it was so rare to see it once. Even he was moved to tears.

Seeing that Sima Yi was fine, Zhu Yuanzhang finally left the East Palace with peace of mind. There were countless memorials sent to the study every day, and he was able to take time to see people. Now his heart that had been worrying for many days was finally let go, and Zhu Yuanzhang was finally satisfied. left.

#************

Under Doctor Li's careful care, Sima Yi's face became a little more bloody, the atmosphere in the East Palace improved a lot, and Eunuch Meng always had a smile on his face.

On this day, the weather was just right, Sima Yi had been lying on the bed for half a month, his whole body was lazy, so he took advantage of the good spring and ordered Eunuch Meng to follow him around the garden.

The weather in late autumn is still chilly in the early morning, and the branches and leaves are covered with little autumn frost. When the sun rises, it turns into a thin mist under the sunlight. Sima Yi is already wearing a thick fur, and he still holds With a nice fireplace.

"The Second Highness and the Third Highness would like to greet you"

Eunuch Meng suddenly quickened his pace, walked up to Sima Yi and said.

"Let them come"

Sima Yi looked away calmly, that's all, we always have to see each other.

These two children are the grandsons of distinguished status, but since the Chang family left and the Lu family was restored, the identities of the three sons have become a bit embarrassing. The palace people are competing to support the second son born to the Lu family. No wonder that The child has become more and more silent these years, and Sima Yi knows it best after living in the palace for so many years.

Zhu Yunxuan and Zhu Yunxiu came here together after morning school. The relationship between the two is normal on weekdays. After all, Zhu Yunxiu’s status is embarrassing. Lu once persuaded Zhu Yunxiu not to get too close to him, so the relationship between the two can only be said to be familiar. stranger.

When Sima Yi was critically ill, he was determined not to accept visits, so as soon as they heard the news that Sima Yi was recovering, the two hurried over to greet him, whether they were sincere or not, but this gesture must be present.

"See Father"

Sima Yi saw two juicy young boys kneeling in front of him, inheriting the good looks of their parents, both of them have delicate features, one is young and shy, the other is silent and introverted.

"get up"

Sima Yi behaved no differently than usual, he who inherited his memory looked at these two half-grown children and felt a bit like an elder. With the experience of several lifetimes, he could be considered an old monster .

"Thank you Father"

Although Sima Yi's image on the outside is mostly known for his gentleness, the two children looked at him with friendly and fearful eyes, and the atmosphere was a bit awkward for a while.

Zhu Yunxuan's temperament is a bit shy, but his mind is pure. On the contrary, Zhu Yunxi's temperament is introverted, but he just stands aside and doesn't say a word. He decides to implement his practice of being an invisible person without showing off, but it is the smartest way to live.

The original Zhu Biao really valued Zhu Yunxuan who was similar in temperament to him, but he was a little displeased with the slightly gloomy Zhu Yunxie, who felt that his mind was too deep.But for the current Sima Yi, he admires Zhu Yunxi more, because he is a smart person and knows how to survive in this palace.

"What book are you reading recently?"

Of course, Sima Yi couldn't keep the atmosphere so awkward, so he chose an academic issue that all fathers would pay attention to.

"These days the teacher is teaching "Zhou Rituals""

The young man's voice was just at the critical moment of changing his voice, and there was something strange about it. When Zhu Yunwen replied, he seemed a little nervous, and his delicate face was blushing.

Sima Yi nodded, his face couldn't tell whether he was satisfied or not. To be honest, as a prince, reading books is just for the sake of literacy and courtesy. Okay, but even if he thinks so in his heart, he won't say it in person. Some things are the most important thing to understand.

Those who teach the princes and grandchildren are all famous contemporary Confucians.Huang Zicheng was the number one scholar in the past, and now he is compiling books in the Imperial Academy.Qi Tai is a scholar who has achieved great success in Confucian classics and calligraphy, especially proficient in etiquette and military art.Fang Xiaoru was already a well-known scholar in his early [-]s, known as an essayist and political thinker. Although he did not win the title, he did not start his official career until very late in his life.But Zhu Yuanzhang valued them very much, and all three of them had high reputations in the scholarly circle.But everything has good and bad, these three people are Confucian disciples, some ideas are unavoidably unsuitable to reality, he Sima Yi has been in power for many years, and he has dealt with those old foxes in the court a lot, it is clearest, Now let them teach those princes and grandchildren, I am afraid that these children will inevitably be influenced by those pedantic ideas.

"These people are the most knowledgeable people in the dynasty, so do you have to know with your heart?"

Sima Yi didn't say much, he might as well take this as a test, they are not too young, and it's time to get in touch with political affairs, when the time comes, their personal temperaments will naturally be revealed.

"My son must work hard"

"My son must work hard"

The two of them knelt down again, with a teachable expression on their faces, Sima Yi thought about it and accepted it calmly. If this kind of preaching is placed in modern times, it is rare for the child to listen to you, let alone give him face. Accept it, so Sima Yi deeply felt that he was still willing to stay in ancient times to teach children.

"It's getting late, Wen'er, your mother has been thinking about you these few days, go and see her"

Zhu Yunwen's eyes lit up, and he knelt down to Sima Yi. Since he moved out of his mother's bedroom, he was rarely seen.

Zhu Yunxi looked at Zhu Yunqi's leaving back, a faint glint of light slipped through his eyes, and he quickly covered it up, returning to his previous silent appearance, without any violation.

This ray of loss was noticed by Sima Yi who had been secretly paying attention to him, and Sima Yi sighed lightly, he was still a child after all.

Seeing that Zhu Yunxuan had already left, Zhu Yunxie immediately wanted to kneel down with Sima Yi. The relationship between the father and son seemed a little alienated due to the lack of lubrication and years of estrangement between them.

"Accompany father Wang for a walk in the yard"

After speaking, Sima Yi took a step forward. Zhu Yunxi was a little surprised, but he still chose to follow obediently. One big and one small, one in front and one behind, the harmony was unexpected. This is a rare communication space for the father and son who have been unfamiliar for many years.