Chapter 512: Chapter 348: What Are You Intending to Do
Lu Chen also hurriedly stood up, "Whatâs happening? Quickly bring the medicine pill."
Lu Chen was accustomed to this scene; sometimes when Prince Jing fell ill, he would take a pill. After taking it, it indeed kept him stable for a period of time.
This pill was bought from a skillful doctor found among the common people, and later the secret prescription for the pill was also purchased. Prince Jing Mansion hired a famous doctor to regularly treat Prince Jing and develop these pills.
Xiao Chengzi remained calm and composed; upon seeing his Prince in this state, he knew that the illness had flared up. He quickly took a porcelain bottle from a hidden compartment in the desk, poured out a pill, and handed it to Prince Jing.
"Your highness, perhaps you should rest for a while?"
Gu Chengyu glanced at the medicine bottle; there was no label on it. The pill was dark and quite small; just looking at it, Gu Chengyu naturally couldnât tell what ingredients were in it.
This was somewhat awkward; he had come as a guest and just happened to encounter the host falling ill. Watching as one person handed over medicine and another served tea, wouldnât it seem rude if he still sat unmoved?
He watched as Prince Jing swallowed the pill with some water, taking a breath. After a while, although his complexion was paler than before, he was somewhat better and didnât cough anymore.
Gu Chengyu stood aside with his head lowered; in such a situation, it wasnât appropriate for him to sit.
As Prince Jingâs complexion recovered, Gu Chengyu finally said, "Your Highness, are you feeling better? Should I call the Imperial Physician or a doctor?"
In fact, this question was unnecessary since if they needed an Imperial Physician, Xiao Chengzi would have already called for one.
However, simply standing by without doing anything was quite awkward, so Gu Chengyu had to ask a couple of questions to express his concern.
Prince Jing waved his hand, "No need, Iâm already used to it; just a while, and I will be fine."
His voice was weaker and more feeble than before; Gu Chengyu was ready to take his leave. Since the host was unwell, it was not appropriate for him to stay.
He glanced at Lu Chen, only to see Lu Chen looking at Prince Jing with a face full of worry, not noticing his gaze.
Looking at those worried eyes and anxious expression, no matter how Gu Chengyu looked at it, there was a feeling of incongruity.
Hmm! Gu Chengyu shook his head, he must be overthinking.
Gu Chengyu was somewhat knowledgeable in Qihuang Skill. He carefully observed Prince Jingâs face and found that it was merely pale, without any dark blue color showing.
Previously, the Imperial Physicians had assessed that the Eldest Prince was poisoned from birth, and the residual poison remained, still eroding his body, leading to his declining health.
Even the Imperial Physicians were at a loss, only able to temporarily stabilize the residual poison inside, gradually nurturing the body while thinking of a way to dispel it.
If this explanation held, Gu Chengyu found it somewhat strange. Prince Jingâs face showed no signs of poisoning, looking more like someone with a frail constitution prone to illness.
If properly nourished, his body should recover.
However, Gu Chengyu wasnât highly skilled in medicine, so he couldnât be certain of his judgment; perhaps there were symptoms of certain poisons he hadnât come across in medical books.
He did have some antidote pills capable of counteracting various poisons, but he didnât know what poison Prince Jing was afflicted with.
Although said to combat all poisons, some rare and potent poisons might not be countered. Being unfamiliar with Prince Jing, he naturally couldnât use him as a test subject. Besides, people surely wouldnât trust him, so why bother making unnecessary overtures?
Moreover, he still couldnât concoct that medicine; using one meant having one less, and he was reluctant to part with it.
"Since Your Highness is unwell, perhaps we should discuss the music score another day. You should rest more and take care of your health."
Seeing that Lu Chen didnât suggest taking leave, Gu Chengyu had to speak for himself. Lu Chen was close to Prince Jing, and they didnât need to be formal with each other.
But he was different! Perhaps they didnât know how to see him off, so he needed to show some awareness.
Unexpectedly, just after he finished speaking, Prince Jing shook his head, "Todayâs opportunity is rare; next time, Iâm unsure if youâll have time. Arenât you about to partake in the Imperial Examination? I also donât wish to disturb you further. I just need a short rest; donât trouble yourself."
Having spoken, Prince Jing intended to have other eunuchs in the mansion take Gu Chengyu for a stroll in the garden.
"The garden in this mansion has been meticulously managed. If you donât mind, you can take a walk in the garden."
Gu Chengyu was genuinely surprised at this moment; even in such a state, Prince Jing was still insisting on socializing with him? He couldnât fathom it. Though the complexion was improving, surely the energy couldnât keep up?
"If Your Highness wishes to discuss music scores with me, as long as Iâm free, just inform Brother Lu."
Gu Chengyu didnât make any firm promises, merely mentioning availability; he also implied that he would want Lu Chen to accompany him, as it would be awkward for him to come alone. Because he had a suspicion, hmm...
Of course, it might just be his wild guesses.
Finally, with much persuasion from Prince Jing and a few words of encouragement from Lu Chen, Gu Chengyu still didnât leave.
Filled with doubts, Gu Chengyu headed to the garden. What on earth did Prince Jing mean? Taking a walk in the garden? What did he want to say to Lu Chen? If he left earlier, wouldnât it be more convenient for Lu Chen to talk with Prince Jing? There was no need to send him away.
Could there be a plot in the garden? Gu Chengyu instantly felt there was certainly some trick involved and perhaps a conspiracy against him.
He halted his steps, unwilling to go further. Though unafraid, it was, after all, someone elseâs property, and if something unexpected occurred, it would be hard to clarify.
"Esteemed eunuch, why donât I just sit here? Thereâs no need to tour the garden."
Gu Chengyu glanced around; it was a pavilion with a rockery and flowing water at the back, and moving forward slightly, there was the garden.
From the pavilion, he could see the gardenâs scenery at a glance, making it quite a good spot. It provided a broader view than being in the garden itself.
"This? His Highness ordered me to bring Mr. Gu to the garden; I dare not disobey my masterâs command! What do you think?" This young eunuch appeared troubled when looking at Gu Chengyu.
Gu Chengyu took two taels of Silver from his pocket and handed it to the eunuch. Upon seeing the Silver, the eunuch was naturally delighted. Prince Jing Mansion had few masters; essentially, it was just Prince Jing and a concubine, with limited rewards.
Getting a reward of two taels of Silver was obviously very pleasing. However, he hesitated for a moment before swiftly tucking the Silver into his bosom, saluted to Gu Chengyu, and said he wouldnât disturb him from enjoying the scenery and would serve by the side.
After Gu Chengyu left, Lu Chen looked at Prince Jing, who was resting with closed eyes, and spoke solemnly, "Why did you ask me to bring Gu Chengyu here? What is your intention?"
Prince Jing opened his eyes and gazed steadily at Lu Chen, "For what purpose? Didnât you invite him to discuss music compositions? I just felt unwell earlier and asked him to stroll in the garden, appreciating the scenery of my mansion."
Lu Chenâs face turned solemn, "What purpose do you have in asking me to bring him here? Only you know that."