frightfiction Chapter 258 Meeting
Chapter 258 Meeting
Three days later, Taifu Qin, in accordance with the emperor's oral order, invited Divine Doctor Shen to go to the Chu Mansion to see the Chu Emperor's tutor, a veteran of three dynasties. This was a grand event that demonstrated the emperor's great grace.
There was already a crowd of people outside the Chu Mansion, and it was extremely noisy. People were whispering and talking to each other.
Some were simply there to watch the excitement, eager to witness this grand spectacle firsthand; others were filled with anticipation, hoping that Divine Doctor Shen would unleash his miraculous skills and bring the ailing Imperial Tutor Chu back to life; and a small number harbored malicious intent, eager for Imperial Tutor Chu to perish so they could capitalize on the opportunity. And hidden among the crowd were those with ulterior motives, silently watching the movements of the Chu Mansion, waiting for any suspicious individuals to appear.
In order to prevent too many people from disturbing the old imperial teacher's recuperation, Taifu Qin made a prompt decision and ordered all onlookers to be blocked outside the gate of the Chu Mansion. He personally accompanied Doctor Shen, his disciples, medicine boys and others as they slowly entered the Chu Mansion.
The Imperial Preceptor of Chu, now over seventy years old, had been bedridden and had not eaten for days. Rumors had even circulated that this highly respected Imperial Preceptor was nearing death, his life hanging by a thread. A thick atmosphere of despair and oppression enveloped the entire Chu Mansion.
Chu Shengyan, the grandson of the Imperial Tutor and the Minister of Rites, hurried to greet them. He looked anxious, his eyes slightly red, but he forced himself to stay alert and led the group through the antechamber and corridor, heading straight for the courtyard where the Imperial Tutor lived. As they passed, the flowers, plants, and trees in the courtyard seemed to sense the weight of their presence, appearing somewhat listless.
Chu Ning'an could have lowered his head, fearing being recognized and causing unnecessary trouble, but his eyes still welled up at the sight of his uncle. This was his blood brother, born from the same mother! Having lost his mother at a young age, his uncle had treated him like his own son, caring for him and loving him with all his heart.
Thinking back to the last time I saw my uncle, it seems like only yesterday, but when I think about it, four years have already passed. Back then, my uncle was in his prime, full of vigor and vitality, his every move exuding a confidence and carefree attitude. Yet, now that we're reunited, I can see that a few strands of silver have quietly appeared on his temples, and his once rosy face has become somewhat haggard.
Without much thought, Chu Ning'an could guess that all this must be closely related to his great-grandfather's illness. His great-grandfather's illness must have been very serious, otherwise why would it make his usually strong uncle so worried?
Thinking of this, his anxiety grew stronger, fearing that the old man would harm his body due to worrying about his condition. So, he unconsciously quickened his pace, wishing he could fly to his great-grandfather's side immediately.
Although the Chu Mansion was vast and contained numerous buildings, the residence had been deliberately arranged closer to the front hall to facilitate the daily travels of the elderly and disabled Imperial Tutor. Before long, the group arrived at their destination courtyard.
The Chu family members who had been waiting there all greeted Divine Doctor Shen and the others. After a brief exchange of greetings, without further ado, Divine Doctor Shen, along with Ru Yue and Chu Ning'an, followed Minister Chu into the room, ready to examine the old Imperial Tutor. Before entering, Divine Doctor Shen gently closed the door, blocking out the curious and concerned gazes of the rest of the Chu family.
Chu Ning'an's concern for his great-grandfather surged out like a flood, unable to be contained. He took two quick steps, three at a time, and in the blink of an eye, he was at the bedside.
When his eyes fell on the old man on the bed with silver hair, haggard face and a dead tree-like figure, tears instantly blurred his eyes and flowed down his cheeks.
He slowly crouched down, as cautious as a frightened deer, afraid to make a sound and disturb the concentrating Doctor Shen. At this moment, his heart and eyes were filled with the only thing in front of him, this seriously ill relative, and he could only let the tears flow silently.
His abrupt action startled Minister Chu, who was standing by. He had been nervously watching Divine Doctor Shen's every move when his attention was suddenly drawn to Chu Ning'an. A quick sideways glance froze him in place as if struck by lightning, his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open in disbelief. Then, with trembling lips, he stammered, "Ning... Ning'an?"
Hearing his uncle's call, Chu Ning'an's heart trembled, and he quickly turned around. The moment their eyes met, he saw the shock and joy in his uncle's eyes. Without time to think, he quickly stood up, bent his knees, and knelt straight towards Minister Chu. At the same time, he tried his best to suppress the surging emotions in his heart, and whispered in a slightly hoarse voice, "Uncle!"
Before he finished speaking, the uncle and nephew were already hugging each other tightly, tears streaming down their cheeks like beads from a broken string. Minister Chu was of course aware of the deeper meaning behind today's meeting, and he was also fully aware of the difficult situation his nephew, Chu Ning'an, was currently in. Even within their own residence, they could not easily reveal Chu Ning'an's identity. Therefore, despite countless questions and concerns filling his heart, Minister Chu forced himself not to ask, simply standing there quietly, waiting for Divine Doctor Shen to complete his diagnosis.
Despite the severe pain and suffering of his illness, the old Imperial Tutor hadn't completely lost consciousness, occasionally retaining a flicker of clarity. In his trance, he seemed to faintly hear a familiar and kind name—his great-grandson Ning'an. The name, like a faint ray of light, pierced his chaotic thoughts, and he couldn't help but whisper a low, weak murmur from his throat: "Ning'an..." The sound was as light as a falling feather, weak and dry, like a candle swaying in the wind, ready to be completely extinguished with the slightest carelessness.
Doctor Shen and Ru Yue, who were standing nearby, heard the mumbling and looked at each other at the same time, with deep worry in their eyes.
They each quickly took one of the old Imperial Master's hands, gently placed their fingers on his pulse, and began to carefully feel for it. At first, their expressions were relatively calm, but after a moment, their brows involuntarily furrowed tightly, as if they had discovered some thorny problem.
The two exchanged glances, then tacitly released their grip and resumed their examination with the other. This time, the process took significantly longer. The room was completely silent, with only the faint breathing of the old Imperial Master and the increasingly solemn expressions of the master and disciple.
Chu Ning'an and his uncle, who had been waiting nearby, nervously watched every move of Shen Shen's apprentice. Seeing their constantly changing expressions, they grew increasingly uneasy. Their hearts instantly rose to their throats, nearly jumping out of their chests.
Although he knew that the old man's condition was probably not optimistic, he still held on to the last glimmer of hope and wanted to get a definite answer from Doctor Shen and Ru Yue.
However, the fear and worry in their hearts made their voices tremble slightly when they asked: "Master, Ruyue, what happened to my great-grandfather?" The trembling voice clearly conveyed Chu Ning'an's mood at the moment. He was full of concern for the safety of his relatives, but also afraid to face the bad news that might come.
Divine Doctor Shen, his usual cynical, playful, and snarling demeanor, fell silent for a long moment with a solemn expression. He narrowed his eyes slightly, pondered carefully, and finally spoke solemnly, "The old Imperial Master is now old and frail. Add to that years of exhaustion, toil, and worry, and his body can no longer withstand such strain. This time, his excessive anger has triggered a long-dormant illness. Furthermore, his restless mind for days has completely drained him. I'm afraid he won't survive this ordeal."
When Minister Chu and Chu Ning'an heard this, they were struck by a bolt of lightning. They stood there in a daze, looking dazed and dull.
Although they had a premonition of the old man's condition, until they heard the miracle doctor's definitive diagnosis, they still clung to a glimmer of hope deep in their hearts. However, now, when the cruel reality lay before them, all their fantasies and hopes vanished in an instant, leaving only despair and sorrow.
"Master... is there really nothing we can do?" Chu Ning'an's eyes, which were originally bright and lively, now became dim, filled with pain and helplessness.
He stared at Doctor Shen intently, as if trying to find even the slightest hint of hope or optimism on his face.
Facing Chu Ning'an's pleading gaze, Divine Doctor Shen pursed his lips tightly, frowning, and remained silent. He sometimes lowered his head in thought, sometimes looking off into the distance, as if searching his mind for a way to save the old Imperial Master's life. Or perhaps he was simply caught in a dilemma, unsure how to answer his disciple's heartbreaking question.
Ru Yue, who was standing by, silently glanced at Master Chu, who was lying on the sickbed and dying. Then she quietly released her spiritual consciousness and started communicating with A Ling, who was hiding in the space.
She asked softly, "Ah Ling, I remember seeing a record of this disease in a book. It seemed to mention that if the patient could take the 'Ambergris Rejuvenating Pill' in time, they would regain vitality and health. I wonder if you have such a panacea?"
Ah Ling frowned slightly, pursed her lips, and after a long silence, she finally took a deep breath and slowly said, "Sister, to be honest, this pill does have magical effects and can help him regain his vitality. However..."
Having said this, Arling paused, a trace of worry on his face, and continued, "However, once this matter gets out, the consequences will be disastrous! Sister, you should be able to imagine that if such a miraculous elixir were to become known to the world, those dignitaries would certainly do whatever it takes to obtain it for themselves. Even the current emperor might find it difficult to resist its temptation and become crazy about it!"
After hearing what A Ling said, Ru Yue's originally determined eyes couldn't help but waver a little.
She naturally understood the stakes involved and pondered in her heart. Indeed, if the news of this medicine leaked out, it would definitely cause an uproar. Furthermore, thinking of the old Imperial Master's contributions to the country and the people, as well as the deep friendship between Chu Ning'an and the old Imperial Master, her heart began to tangle again.
You know, Chu Ning'an has been missing for four years. During this time, the old imperial teacher was always worried about him. Perhaps it was because of this worry and longing that the old imperial teacher was physically and mentally exhausted and exhausted.
Moreover, this venerable old man had a kind face, and it was clear at first glance that he was a man with a heart for the world, who had dedicated his life to serving his country and its people. If we were to watch him pass away like this, it would undoubtedly be a huge loss to the entire country.
After careful consideration, Ru Yue finally gritted her teeth and made up her mind. She looked at Ah Ling with a determined gaze and said in a deep voice, "No matter what, I must save Imperial Master Chu! This is not only for Chu Ning'an, but also to repay the old Imperial Master's unwavering loyalty and patriotism!"
She turned to look at Doctor Shen who had been silent beside her, and asked softly, "Master, if we use the Ambergris Rejuvenating Pill, can we ensure that we can save the old Imperial Master's life?" She knew very well that her decision just now was a bit hasty and decisive, and it might arouse more suspicion from others, but saving people was the most important thing at the moment, and she could no longer care about so much.
Upon hearing this, Divine Doctor Shen's previously languid expression instantly brightened, as if he'd received a shot of adrenaline. His eyes widened as he spoke eagerly, "If there truly were a Dragon's Saliva Rejuvenating Pill, it would surely save the old Imperial Master's life! But... alas, I've only heard of this kind of elixir; I've never seen one myself. And even if I had a fortune, finding it would be impossible!"