Chapter 1083: Chapter 919
Earlier in Chengqian Palace, Director Zhang wanted to confess everything. But on second thought, he hesitated and eventually suppressed the matter.
He was old, and even if he died, it wouldnât matter much.
However, his grandson was exceptionally talented, a fine material for scholarly pursuits. Next year, he was set to take the imperial examination, and Director Zhang had to consider his grandsonâs future!
Reporting this matter to the Crown Prince took considerable determination.
Normally, he was opposed to this demon, but the opponent remained unharmed. They merely argued verbally, which wasnât too damaging.
However, if he completely opposed the demon and caused him to lose the Emperorâs favor, Xia Qing wouldnât spare him.
"Humph! That Tianji Taoist is indeed suspicious. Whatâs his motive? Why didnât Director Zhang report this to father just now in Chengqian Palace?"
The Crown Princeâs face immediately turned sullen. Father trusted Director Zhang greatly; otherwise, he wouldnât have tried to retain him when he wanted to resign.
Moreover, Director Zhang was the Imperial Physician exclusively diagnosing fatherâs pulse. If he concealed fatherâs illness, what purpose did he serve?
In the end, it was still Director Zhangâs dereliction of duty.
"Director Zhang, father values your medical skills and your fearless character, which is why he trusts you so much. Can you betray fatherâs trust by hiding such an important matter?"
The Crown Prince understood what Director Zhang was worried about, but he didnât approve of Director Zhangâs cowardly ways.
If everyone in the court sought to protect themselves, wouldnât the entire Da Yan territory be governed entirely by one personâs word?
Director Zhang moved his lips, but ultimately turned it into a sigh.
The Crown Prince was right; the Emperor had valued his character and therefore had been especially tolerant towards him.
Actually, being a physician in the palace is anything but easy. Those concubines often suffer from minor ailments, like headaches and colds. One day they have stomach issues, the next a cold.
It was difficult for them as physicians. The key was to keep their mouths shut.
It was because he dared to defy authority and speak the truth, coupled with considerable medical skills, that the Emperor personally promoted him to Hospital Director.
Indeed, he had failed the Emperorâs trust in him, and he felt deeply ashamed.
The Crown Prince understood Director Zhangâs difficulties, but he softened his tone and raised another doubt in his heart.
"According to what you said earlier, father should be in excellent health these years. Then why did he faint just less than two months ago?"
This puzzled the Crown Prince immensely, regardless of whether the Tianji Taoistâs elixir was effective, it shouldnât have dared to deceive the Emperor in this manner?
"Previously, the Emperorâs health was somewhat depleted, coupled with constant mental and physical exertion, especially as he..."
In Chengqian Palace, the Emperorâs expression grew solemn as he looked at Tianji Taoist for the first time with suspicion.
"Grandmaster! Since consuming your Lifespan Extension Pill, Iâve felt more spirited than before. But why do I recently feel exhausted, as though my body is extremely weak?"
The Emperor had Deâan help him up from the bed and began scrutinizing Tianji Taoist.
"Your Majesty! I advised you before that itâs crucial to follow my method of health maintenance; otherwise, I cannot guarantee extending your lifespan by five years."
Tianji Taoist still held an air of extraordinary character, stroked his beard, and met the Emperorâs suspicious gaze with calm and confidence.
"Humph! Follow your method of health maintenance? Becoming an outsider, adhering to a vegetarian diet, abstaining from women, refraining from arrogance and impatience, keeping emotional balance. If I could truly accomplish all this, Iâd be a saint."
The Emperor snorted with displeasure; he genuinely doubted whether this Taoist possessed true skills.
"Moreover, I asked you back then, if these canât be accomplished, could the lifespan still be extended by five years? What assurance did you give me then?"
The Emperor lifted his sluggish eyelids, gazing at Tianji Taoist with an unkind expression.
"Your Majesty! What I mentioned earlier was about health maintenance; if you manage it, you might extend your lifespan for several years, but these practices are not compulsory. Yet, thereâs one thing you should accomplish. Your indulgence in carnal pleasures without restraint is the main culprit for your depleted vitality."
Tianji Taoist shook his head, seemingly helpless yet regretful over the Emperorâs failure to heed advice.
The Emperorâs face flushed with anger; as sovereign, never had anyone pointed out his faults this directly.
As an Emperor, expanding his lineage was indeed his responsibility. With thousands of beauties in the harem, he had to evenly distribute his favors for the sake of tranquility between harem and court.
"You didnât emphasize this previously; now the physicians claim my health is severely depleted. Will this affect my lifespan?"
The Emperor was deeply worried about his lifespan being affected; who doesnât wish for more years to live, especially when immersed in an imperial family? Who could willingly abandon such grandeur and wealth?
"Your Majesty need not worry, Iâve refined for you a Qi Blood Pill. Simply taking this elixir can strengthen your foundation, ensuring you are vigorous and wonât affect your lifespan."
Tianji Taoist took out a green jade bottle from his sleeve and offered it to the Emperor.
The Emperor glanced suspiciously; "Is this the Qi Blood Pill? Is it really as effective as you claim?"
Sensing the Emperorâs distrust, Tianji Taoist felt a sense of urgency internally. Yet he dared not express it on his face.
"Your Majesty, youâve been taking my elixir for years; have you noticed anything wrong? Be it Small Rejuvenation Pill or Lifespan Extension Pill, after consumption, youâve felt the obvious difference in your body. Such vigorous energy, could I possibly deceive you?"
Tianji Taoistâs demeanor subtly shifted, revealing slight irritation.
The Emperor picked up the green jade bottle from the table and gave Tianji Taoist another glance. Tianji Taoist appeared spirited, radiating with health, making the Emperor inevitably envious.
Tianji Taoist not only mastered life-extending elixirs, but he also possessed a Divine Skill.
Though over a century old, he appeared even younger than the Emperor, undeniably astonishing!
"Itâs not that I donât trust you, but todayâs fainting indeed made me uneasy."
The Emperorâs suspicion gradually diminished; lately, he had slightly loosened his restraint with women due to his improved health.
After all, he was getting older and couldnât act as recklessly as before. Such extravagance would naturally be taxing on the body.
Towards the Taoistâs elixirs, the Emperor still had some trust; otherwise, he wouldnât have taken the Lifespan Extension Pill against Director Zhangâs advice.
Opening the stopper of the jade bottle, he poured out a date-red pill. The Emperor hesitated for a while before putting it back into the bottle.
"Your Majesty! This elixir should be examined by Director Zhang and his physicians before you safely consume it. Although the Grandmasterâs elixirs are effective, perhaps your current health conditions donât suit taking them..."