Chapter 158: Medical Saint
The next morning, Yun Che followed Lan Xueruo to the Cangfeng Imperial Palace.
This was the first time in his life that Yun Che had entered an imperial palace, and he felt a bit like Granny Liu visiting the Grand View Garden. The palace buildings were naturally grand and luxurious, with golden glazed tiles glittering splendidly under the sunlight, dazzling Yun Che until his eyes were blurred.
Lan Xueruo was still dressed simply; outside the palace, no one would recognize her identity, but inside the palace, who wouldn't be familiar with this only imperial princess? Everywhere they went, various guards and palace maids came and went in an endless stream. Upon seeing Lan Xueruo, they would hurriedly kneel and respectfully call out "Azure Moon Princess." Yun Che followed beside Lan Xueruo without any disguise or deliberate alteration of his appearance. The Crown Prince and Third Prince naturally had many informants within the palace, and they would surely soon learn that he had entered the palace with Lan Xueruo. However, Yun Che didn't take this matter to heart. On the contrary, if he had disguised himself, the news that would spread would be that the Azure Moon Princess had brought a stranger into the palace to meet the Emperor, and if the Crown Prince and Third Prince couldn't identify this person, it might actually cause trouble for Lan Xueruo.
The imperial palace was very large. As they walked, Lan Xueruo introduced Yun Che to the important buildings of the palace. Before they knew it, they had arrived in front of a magnificent and imposing palace.
"This is my Imperial Father's bedchamber," Lan Xueruo said, her expression slightly nervous. She was like an ordinary young girl bringing her beloved to meet her parents for the first time, worried that she might not gain their approval.
On both sides of the path leading to the palace were large ponds. The lotus flowers in the ponds were in full bloom, with clear ripples, green willows brushing the water, lotus leaves swaying gently, lotus flowers facing the breeze, and a faint fragrance permeating the air.
"Mm, let's go in." Compared to Lan Xueruo, Yun Che was very calm.
Lan Xueruo led the way as they approached the emperor's bedchamber. As soon as they stepped through the entrance, they saw an old man in a gray robe with a long beard reaching his chest walking toward them. Although the old man showed signs of aging, his hair and beard were jet black, clearly indicating he was well-versed in the art of nurturing life. Even from a distance, Yun Che could smell a faint medicinal fragrance.
Behind the old man followed two attendants. Although they were merely attendants, a hint of arrogance was faintly visible in the depths of their eyes—even though they were inside the imperial palace.
Upon seeing this old man, Lan Xueruo paused, then quickly went forward, gave a slight bow, and said politely, "Master Gu, you've come. How is my Imperial Father's condition?"
Yun Che was surprised by Lan Xueruo's actions. From the old man's attire, it was clear he was not a member of the imperial clan, yet Lan Xueruo, a princess of high station, had taken the initiative to greet him and even offered a simple bow... When Lan Xueruo uttered the words "Master Gu," Yun Che's eyebrows moved slightly, and he immediately thought of someone.
"So it's Her Highness the Princess," the old man returned the greeting with a chuckle, his expression very kind. "This morning I received His Majesty's summons, so I came specially to take a look. Last night the night breeze was a bit cool, and His Majesty caught a slight chill, but it's no longer a problem. As for His Majesty's life pulse matter... ah, please forgive this old man's incompetence; I have yet to find a solution."
"Master Gu, please don't say that. Fatigue damage to the life pulse has no cure in this world. Over the years, if my Imperial Father hadn't received your care, I fear... In any case, Master Gu, please don't blame yourself. Cangyue thanks you again for your kindness." Lan Xueruo said with gratitude.
"Princess Cangyue's words truly overwhelm this old man. Please rest assured, Your Highness, this old man will do his utmost to protect His Majesty's dragon body... Now His Majesty is about to rest. If Your Highness wishes to visit His Majesty, please go in quickly. This old man will take his leave."
"Take care, Master Gu."
The old man picked up his medicine chest and walked away slowly with his attendants. Lan Xueruo watched them leave until they were out of sight, showing her great respect for the old man. Only after the old man had gone far did she turn her gaze and explain to Yun Che: "He is the Master Gu I mentioned to you before. Over the past few years, my Imperial Father's illness has been treated by him. Thanks to Master Gu, my Imperial Father has been able to cling to life until now."
"Is his medical skill very strong?" Yun Che asked casually, resting his chin on his hand.
"Master Gu Qiuhong is one hundred and sixty years old this year and is known as the 'Medical Saint.' His medical skill is unparalleled in the entire Cang Feng Empire, with no one able to match him. He is recognized as the number one divine doctor of Cang Feng. Moreover, Master Gu not only possesses supreme medical skill, but also understands the art of Profound Opening. He can open the three profound gates of Kuishui, Zique, and Xinmen for Xuan adepts after their birth. To have Master Gu open one's profound gates is almost the dream of every Xuan adept in Cang Feng. Even the four great sects—Tian Jian Villa, Bing Yun Fairy Palace, Xiao Sect, and Fen Tian Gate—have always treated Master Gu as an honored guest with great respect. Every year, they request Master Gu to perform Profound Opening for the core disciples of their sects. Therefore, Master Gu's reputation in the Cangfeng Imperial City is extremely high. The number of people who have sought his help, owe him their lives, or are indebted to him is countless. As a result, no one ever dares to offend Master Gu; otherwise, countless people would step forward to defend him... including the four great sects."
As Lan Xueruo said these words, her face was full of admiration. Clearly, besides respect, she also had a degree of worship for this Master Gu.
"Medical Saint?" The corner of Yun Che's mouth twitched, revealing a slight curve of disdain... Medical Saint was the title of his master. And in his heart, since his master was the Medical Saint, no one else in this world deserved that name!
"What is this Master Gu's character like?" Yun Che asked with a meaningful tone.
Lan Xueruo said: "Master Gu not only has supreme medical skill, but also has a kind face and a compassionate heart. He never acts arrogantly because of being the number one divine doctor. When treating patients, he never asks about their status. He often treats poor families without charging a single coin. Therefore, Master Gu's reputation among the Cangfeng imperial clan is extremely good, and everyone admires and praises him. However, it is said that his temper can sometimes be stubborn. For patients who have offended him or whom he dislikes for some reason, even if they offer ten thousand gold, he absolutely refuses to treat them."
"Oh, is that so..." Yun Che nodded. "Let's go. Let's go in and see your Imperial Father."
When it came to the ability to judge people, ten Lan Xueruos couldn't match Yun Che. The moment Yun Che laid eyes on Gu Qiuhong, he directly concluded... This old man was definitely not a good person!
There was no special reason, just a feeling—a feeling cultivated after facing countless pursuits, witnessing countless evils, and experiencing the brink of life and death many times.
Entering the bedchamber, the middle-aged eunuch by the Emperor's side immediately went inside to report.
"Ever since my Imperial Father suddenly fell severely ill three years ago, he has spent most of his time in this bedchamber and rarely goes out. Because his body is too weak to withstand even a slight chill, even a minor illness could lead to a life-threatening crisis." Lan Xueruo said with a dark expression. "With my Imperial Father in this condition, he can no longer manage state affairs. But my eldest imperial brother and third imperial brother have brought wolves into the house. Not only do they disrespect my Imperial Father, but they also occasionally speak coercive words, making it impossible for him to pass the throne to them. He can only drag on day by day with his life..."
"Don't worry." Yun Che lightly squeezed Lan Xueruo's hand and comforted her. "I told you, no matter what the illness, as long as it is an illness, I will definitely have a way to cure it."
This was not an empty boast from Yun Che. He was the successor of the Medical Saint and would never allow himself to disgrace his master's name!
"I believe you." Lan Xueruo replied softly.
"Princess, and this young friend, His Majesty is already waiting for you inside. Please come in." The middle-aged eunuch bowed at the door and said respectfully.
Entering the emperor's bedchamber, Yun Che immediately saw the old man leaning on the dragon couch. Lan Xueruo had just turned nineteen this year, and the Crown Prince would be thirty-three in eight days. By normal reasoning, the Emperor's age should only be around fifty or sixty. Moreover, living in comfort and luxury within the imperial palace with countless spiritual medicines and fruits, an emperor at this age should not show signs of aging. However, the person on the bed had a withered, sallow complexion, gray-white hair, and dull, spiritless eyes—like an old man in his eighties nearing the end of his life.
Yun Che's brows sharply rose. This was...
"Imperial Father!" Seeing Cang Wanhe's terrible complexion, Lan Xueruo's heart ached. She quickly rushed to the bedside and said worriedly, "Just now I met Master Gu at the bedchamber entrance. He said you caught a chill last night... How are you feeling now? Are you any better?"
"Hehe," Cang Wanhe looked at Lan Xueruo with affection. Now, only on this daughter could he find the warmth of being a father. "It's no longer a problem. I was afraid you'd worry too much, so I didn't dare tell you. Yue'er, won't you introduce this person you've brought to me?"
Yun Che stepped forward, cupped his fists and said, "Yun Che, an Inner Palace Disciple of the Cangfeng Mystic Palace, pays respects to His Majesty."
"Oh? You are Yun Che?" Cang Wanhe showed surprise, then smiled. "Though I have long resided in this bedchamber, I have heard that the Cangfeng Mystic Palace produced an astonishingly talented youth. At such a young age, you crossed seven levels to defeat an Inner Palace Disciple, and even successfully wielded the Overlord Giant Sword, which had not been mastered for hundreds of years. Truly remarkable."
Yun Che smiled faintly and said modestly, "His Majesty flatters me. I am just an ordinary disciple of the Mystic Palace and do not deserve such praise from His Majesty."
Yun Che's words made Lan Xueruo chuckle. "Junior Brother Yun, you're usually so arrogant and domineering, acting haughty everywhere. Why have you suddenly become so modest in front of my Imperial Father today?"
If earlier, when Cang Wanhe heard Yun Che's name, he only had a bit of appreciation in his heart, then after Lan Xueruo said these words, Cang Wanhe's gaze toward Yun Che instantly changed. He naturally knew his daughter extremely well. This was the first time he had ever seen her tease a young man so naturally and casually.
As the emperor of Cang Feng, his judgment was extremely sharp. When Lan Xueruo spoke, from the way she looked at Yun Che, Cang Wanhe saw something different...
Cang Wanhe's expression remained unchanged, and he said kindly, "Yue'er, this 'Junior Brother Yun' of yours, he should be the one you spent two years looking for, right?"
Last night, she had completely poured out her heart and resolved her inner knot. Lan Xueruo no longer needed to avoid mentioning the Cang Feng Ranking War in front of Yun Che. She nodded frankly and replied, "Yes. You've already heard about Junior Brother Yun's talent, Imperial Father. I believe that in another three years, Junior Brother Yun can reach a very high level and definitely has the possibility of breaking into the top hundred... However, I brought Junior Brother Yun here today not just to introduce him to you. In fact, Junior Brother Yun not only has high talent in profound force, but also understands medical arts. He often calls himself a divine doctor."
"Oh?" Cang Wanhe's face showed even more interest. "You also understand medical arts? Could it be that you intend to treat me?"
"I will do my utmost to try." Yun Che replied somewhat conservatively... From the moment he entered, he had been observing Cang Wanhe's complexion, and gradually began to have a bad premonition.
"Hehe, good."
Even Gu Qiuhong was helpless, and there was no one else in the Cang Feng Empire who could cure him, let alone a seventeen-year-old youth. But Cang Wanhe did not refuse. He said gently, "It's rare that you have this intention. Since you are someone brought by Yue'er, I naturally have no reason to refuse. However, I must first inform you that according to Master Gu, what I have is not an illness, but permanent damage to my life pulse caused by years of overwork. So, if you don't know how to proceed, there's no need to force it."
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