Chapter 82: The Prince Blocks the Way

“Your Highness may not be aware, but Fang Xian is no ordinary physician; he is a top-tier martial expert himself, surrounded by many formidable protectors. Originally, General Hong’s deputy, Jin Tukang, schemed to lure him out of seclusion with the intent to eliminate him. Who could have foreseen that this cunning fellow would slip away using a clever ruse, only to disguise himself and enter Wudu? Once within Wudu, he assumed a new name and made his presence known. By the time we uncovered that he was none other than the bandit Fang Xian from Qingyun Stronghold, he had already established himself.

Recently, we devised several plans to quietly bring him into the Court of Justice, but all ended in failure. Instead, our actions attracted tens of thousands of citizens and the attention of the Princess Royal herself. Now, the Princess Royal has joined hands with Fang Xian, inviting him to treat the Crown Prince. According to our investigation, just a few days ago, the Princess Royal sent three tuberculosis patients to his clinic; the one with the mildest condition has already recovered. This suggests that Fang Xian may indeed be able to cure the Crown Prince. Therefore, I implore Your Highness and esteemed colleagues to deliberate: should we risk sending experts to assassinate Fang Xian?” Wang Yuanlang rose and bowed as he spoke.

“As for the matter of Fang Xian being a bandit, Your Highness must refrain from mentioning it for now, lest it bring us harm. The imperial edict General Hong used to offer him amnesty was genuine, and the title of Guerrilla General granted to Qingyun Stronghold is officially recorded within the Ministry of War. Should this be pursued, Fang Xian is in fact a court official, and a proper fifth-rank military officer at that,” added Li Shanghua, Vice Minister of War.

“If at the time our intention was sincere in offering amnesty, how did things come to this? Lord Wang, write to Jin Tukang and inquire how he managed to push a miraculous physician into opposition against us. Is this how our affairs are to be handled? Vice Minister Li, is there any way to alter the Ministry of War’s records?” Wu Yuntian’s gaze was sharp as he questioned them.

“Your Highness, the details can only be clarified when Jin Tukang returns to Wudu. However, according to what I have heard, Deputy General Jin never truly intended to win Fang Xian over. Instead, he sought to seize control of Qingyun Stronghold and use them as expendable pawns. It was only when they discovered this plot that they rebelled,” Wang Yuanlang replied, not missing the chance to cast aspersions on Jin Tukang, for though they both served under the Ninth Prince, rivalry remained between them.

“Your Highness, the records at the Ministry of War are known to Minister Chen, who also submitted a copy to His Majesty. Altering them would be extremely difficult. However, very few are aware of this matter, and if we do not raise it, likely no one will recall,” Li Shanghua replied.

“No, the matter of treating the Crown Prince concerns the very foundation of the state. Even the Imperial Chief Physician, Lord Situ, is at a loss; how can we allow a dubious outsider to treat His Highness so lightly? I must enter the palace and petition Father to rescind his decree,” Wu Yuntian decided after a moment’s thought.

Without delay, Wu Yuntian set off for the palace, but at the gates he encountered the Third Prince, Wu Yunfeng, and the Fifth Prince, Wu Yunhua, who clearly had the same purpose in mind.

“Greetings, elder brothers,” Wu Yuntian said dutifully. Though the youngest son of Emperor Wu Qing, he was already sixteen, and he greeted his brothers with practiced charm.

“Ninth Brother, you’re here as well? Are you also going to see Father?” Wu Yunfeng, the Emperor’s second son at twenty-one, smiled at him.

“Ninth Brother, I was just telling Third Brother that we cannot allow an unproven wandering doctor to treat our eldest brother’s illness. We are on our way to persuade Father. Is that why you’ve come as well?” The Fifth Prince, Wu Yunhua, was forthright and somewhat brash, coming straight to the point.

“What? Is that so? Third Brother, Fifth Brother, you know me—I love to play and have been busy with new amusements these days, so I hadn’t heard the news. But if you’re both seeking Father, of course I’ll join you. We can’t stand by and watch our eldest brother suffer,” he replied, maintaining his persona as a playful youth, though he was, in truth, deeply thoughtful. While some officials favored him, neither his third nor fifth brother had yet discerned any ambition in him.

“Excellent. United as brothers, we are unstoppable. Our eldest brother has suffered enough these years; we cannot let him be further delayed by the incompetence of quacks,” said the Third Prince, glancing at the Ninth with a flicker of suspicion, but after a moment’s thought, he pressed on.

Soon, the three brothers arrived outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony and addressed the young eunuch on duty: “What is His Majesty occupied with at the moment?”

“Your Highnesses, His Majesty is currently conferring with Lord Lu, the Left Minister, and Lord Gong, the Right Minister, on matters of state. Allow me to announce your arrival,” the eunuch said, bowing before slipping through the side entrance.

Chief Eunuch Zhang Zhili, standing behind the Emperor, noticed his approach, quietly inquired, sent him back out, and then returned to his station behind Emperor Wu Qing.

“Sire, among the four realms, most border friction is with the Xia, and it is there that war is most likely to erupt. We must increase our vigilance, strengthen the army, and prepare in advance,” said Left Minister Lu Zhiyun.

“Of the neighboring states, Xia indeed poses the greatest threat. Though the Eastern Zhou maintain friendship with us, both the southern Liang and the northern Barbarians covet our fertile lands and splendid rivers and mountains—neither can be discounted,” Right Minister Gong Guoliang added, bowing.

“Your words are sound. The strife among the five kingdoms has lasted centuries; true peace has never been known. We are ever prepared, but these are troubled times. We must further strengthen our arms and order the Ministry of War to accelerate the military examinations and select able generals in quantity. The Ministry of Personnel must prepare for next month’s imperial examinations and ensure a pool of talent is ready. The Ministry of Rites shall send diplomatic missions to our neighbors to forge alliances and buy us time. The Ministries of Revenue and Public Works must hasten the stockpiling of strategic resources and be ever ready for conscription. The Ministry of Justice must clear out a number of heinous criminals sentenced to death, and if necessary, send them to the front as expendable troops, with the chance to atone through service. These are turbulent days, and I must rely on you both to bear the burden. When autumn gives way to winter, it will not be suitable to wage war, and we shall have gained another winter’s respite for our preparations,” Emperor Wu Qing declared. Though just past forty, his temples had already turned gray from years of tireless rule.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the two ministers replied, bowing deeply.

“Is someone seeking an audience?” the Emperor asked, turning to Zhang Zhili.

“Your Majesty, the Third, Fifth, and Ninth Princes await outside,” Zhang Zhili replied, bowing.

“Admit them,” the Emperor nodded. Zhang Zhili went to the door and ushered the princes in. The three knelt and bowed before the Emperor.

“Your sons pay their respects to Father.”

“Rise. What brings the three of you here together today? Did you arrange this in advance?” Emperor Wu Qing asked sternly, for he prided himself on maintaining a strict demeanor before his sons.

“Sire, we shall take our leave,” said Lu Zhiyun and Gong Guoliang hastily, sensing no need to remain during a family conversation.

“Go about your duties,” the Emperor replied, his tone softening.

“Father, I have just finished memorizing the four chapters of Mencius. Would you like to hear me recite them?” As soon as the ministers had left, the Ninth Prince, Wu Yuntian, grinned and bowed.

“No need to recite now. This evening, when I dine at Xiuyun Palace, you may come and recite for me,” the Emperor replied, waving his hand, to Wu Yuntian’s secret joy—another opportunity to win favor for his mother.

“Father, I have heard that our eldest brother is to be sent out of the palace to be treated by a wandering doctor. This must not be allowed!” the Fifth Prince, Wu Yunhua, blurted out.

“And why not?” the Emperor asked, expressionless.

“Father, our eldest brother is the Crown Prince, of noble blood. How can his treatment be entrusted to an itinerant doctor? Even Chief Imperial Physician Situ Xun has no solution; how can I believe a common wandering doctor will succeed?” Wu Yunhua protested with a bow.

“Are you saying your brother’s illness should go untreated?” the Emperor’s tone grew cold.

“Father, that is not what I mean. Only the imperial physicians should treat him, or perhaps famous doctors from across the land, but not some wandering charlatan. Third Brother agrees as well,” Wu Yunhua hastily added, dragging the Third Prince into the matter.

“Third, do you also wish for your brother’s illness to remain unhealed?” the Emperor asked, turning to Wu Yunfeng.