Sickness arrives like a crashing mountain, and departs like unraveling threads.
Qin Yuanxi’s ailment lingered for several days without any signs of improvement. He struggled each day with a hoarse throat and a stuffy nose, appearing haggard as he pitifully appealed to Prince Lu. He successfully secured three days off from attending the morning court sessions.
Days without court sessions meant indulging in a leisurely sleep. He could sleep in as long as he pleased. Qin Yuanxi finally began to grasp the sensation of being an emperor – whenever Prince Lu wasn’t around, he reigned supreme within the palace. And given that Prince Lu must be preoccupied with numerous matters, both within and beyond the hall, coupled with his frequent departures from the palace lately, Qin Yuanxi wasn’t sure what exactly was keeping him so occupied. Either way, Prince Lu had little time to supervise him.
Life was fairly peaceful, a bit relaxed and somewhat delightful. The only thing Qin Yuanxi did was practice calligraphy.
With such a glaring flaw exposed, nearly revealing his true identity, it might happen again.
Though initially reluctant when forced to copy the book, he was now putting in effort even while unwell. He diligently completed the assignments Lu Bohuan had given him. His objective was to quickly master this new handwriting.
Qin Yuanxi’s handwriting wasn’t bad, thanks to his background and foundation. With a bit of effort, he could fill this gap. When he looked at his writing and it appeared identical to the puppet emperor’s, so much so that he couldn’t even distinguish it himself, Qin Yuanxi put down his brush.
However, his expression held a touch of melancholy. He couldn’t pinpoint the sudden sense of sadness, but it was as if something wasn’t right.
Looking at the words before him, he felt a little irritated. He imitated the puppet emperor’s handwriting, but did he also have to imitate the puppet emperor himself? What about him? Who was he? In this world, was he destined to lose himself?
This feeling of being constrained made Qin Yuanxi feel suffocated, like he couldn’t catch his breath. He didn’t want to lose himself, nor did he want to become this puppet emperor. But he seemed to lack any choice; he couldn’t do anything, not even escape.
The thought of escape only fueled his frustration. Not only couldn’t he escape, he had dug a pit for himself, and then jumped right in.
“Your Majesty, it’s time for your medicine.”
Ding Yi held a bowl of medicine, speaking submissively. “I’ve prepared some extra sweet fruit candies for Your Majesty today. I’m sure Your Majesty will like them.”
“Leave the candies, take away the medicine.”
Qin Yuanxi turned over his book and reclined. These past few days, he had been busy studying and practicing calligraphy, hardly sparing a moment to read his book. He was enjoying the current plotline that mentioned not only the infamous Jiang Yang thieves coveting the imperial tribute but also court officials wanting a piece of the pie. The layers of intrigue thrilled him – these were among the few joys he could find for himself.
“Your Majesty, you can’t avoid taking your medicine.” Ding Yi was genuinely troubled. His Majesty disliked medicine; whenever they brought it, he’d either take a sip and pour the rest into a flower pot or reject it outright, without even a glance. He had been sick for days, and these prescribed doses were supposed to be consumed three times a day. Yet, he hadn’t taken more than a few sips. When would his health improve?
His Majesty’s health had always been poor, and Ding Yi blamed himself for not being attentive enough. If the blame fell on him, it would be his fault.
Ding Yi wanted to offer further persuasion, but Qin Yuanxi didn’t even give him a glance. Flipping a page of the book, he sounded impatient, “Take it away quickly. The smell alone is bitter enough to kill. Light some incense to cover the odor; I can’t stand the medicinal scent.”
Qin Yuanxi’s health wasn’t always this delicate. He had also taken Chinese herbal medicine for a long period in his childhood. Perhaps modern society’s herbs were more refined, or it was due to other reasons, but the taste of these medicines here was even more bitter. Yet, he wasn’t certain whether he’d call that remedy a medicine; that thing could be life-threatening.
So, there was no way he would take the medicine. After all, it was just a common cold. If he didn’t take medicine for a week, it would still take seven days for the cold to go away. Why make things difficult for himself?
Seeing His Majesty’s indifference, Ding Yi could only leave with a troubled expression, carrying the bowl of medicine. Just as he turned, the Regent Prince approached. He glanced at the bowl in Ding Yi’s hand and then cast a cold gaze at the emperor, who was leisurely eating candies and reading his book. Prince Lu’s eyes chilled as he took the bowl from Ding Yi’s hand.
“You may go.”
Prince Lu’s voice was all too familiar. Though it was just three words, the effect was akin to a command. Still chewing on the candies, Qin Yuanxi hurriedly sat up and wore an embarrassed smile on his face. “Regent Prince, how did you find time to come over? Hehe.”
With something in his mouth, he looked rather foolish. Prince Lu’s gaze lingered briefly on his cheek, then moved away.
“Come to see if His Majesty’s illness is fully healed.”
“Not yet, still uncomfortable. I’m dizzy, my throat is sore, and my nose is blocked.” Qin Yuanxi rattled off his discomforts, pausing mid-sentence when he noticed the bowl of medicine in Prince’s hand. Suddenly realizing, he halted, “But it’s not that bad. Perhaps, in another two days, I’ll be completely fine.”
“Is that so?” Holding the bowl, Prince Lu approached and nonchalantly placed it on the small table. He then took away Qin Yuanxi’s candies. “Your Majesty, are you certain that your illness will improve without taking the medicine?”
“I’m sure, it will improve.” Qin Yuanxi felt that even though Prince Lu could force him to do anything, there was no need for it. Prince Lu could demand his abdication1An act of abdicating or renouncing the throne., but compelling him to take medicine seemed unnecessary. Prince Lu wasn’t his mother, grandmother, or even Zhao Tuo. It was just not worth it. As a result, Qin Yuanxi’s confidence grew a bit, and he completely ignored the dark, cold bowl of medicine at Prince Lu’s side.
“Is that so? It seems Your Majesty possesses remarkable powers.” Prince Lu meticulously adjusted his attire. Just as Qin Yuanxi thought he was about to discuss serious matters, Prince Lu spoke differently.
“Since Your Majesty possesses such extraordinary abilities, why not promptly cure your illness now? To prevent the ministers from worrying.” Prince Lu spoke earnestly, “There’s a pile of documents waiting for Your Majesty’s approval in the imperial study room. Matters of national importance cannot be delayed.”
“Hehe, the Prince jests.” Qin Yuanxi chuckled with an insincere smile, tugging at the corner of his mouth. “What I meant was that as long as I rest properly, I’m certain I’ll be better in a couple of days. The Prince has misunderstood me.”
He wasn’t an immortal; he couldn’t simply say he’s fine and be fine. What nonsense.
Moreover, even if he was an immortal, would he really bother to display miraculous abilities for a mere cold?
Qin Yuanxi was about to counter, but Lu Bohuan didn’t give him a chance.
“Misunderstood?” Prince Lu’s eyes grew colder. “Isn’t Your Majesty’s refusal to take the medicine a deliberate attempt to prolong the illness? You think having a cold can exempt you from attending court?”
“On that note, I find it strange that Your Majesty, who was never one to delay morning court sessions before, is now skipping them due to a mere cold. It’s as if the cold is an excuse made by Your Majesty to skip attending court,” Lu Bohuan’s speech was deliberate and slow, his gaze fixed on Qin Yuanxi, waiting to see his reaction.
“Well, it’s because this illness is quite severe this time. I truly don’t have the strength for morning court. The imperial physician has even advised me to rest properly,” Qin Yuanxi knew Lu Bohuan was watching him, and that gaze felt like being stared at by a cold, icy serpent – it was rather uncomfortable.
“Prince Lu, if there’s nothing—”
“There’s something,” Lu Bohuan interrupted, withdrawing his gaze. He picked up the bowl of medicine that had long since gone cold and placed it directly in front of Qin Yuanxi. “Since Your Majesty’s condition is so serious, you should drink this medicine. It’s best to recover soon.”
“Do I really have to drink it?” Qin Yuanxi couldn’t understand Prince Lu’s intentions. With that dark bowl of medicine in front of him, though it wasn’t worth having a falling out with Prince Lu over a bowl of medicine, Qin Yuanxi still wanted to resist a bit. “Is it absolutely necessary?”
“Your Majesty mentioned having a serious illness, but now you’re unwilling to take the medicine. What does this mean?” Prince Lu brought the bowl of medicine a little closer. “Or is it that Your Majesty intends to use illness as an excuse to avoid something?”
Qin Yuanxi could be sure that the latter part of Prince Lu’s sentence definitely held a different meaning. What was he avoiding? What did he have to avoid? As an honest and upright emperor, he was just like Prince Lu, a double-faced person who presented one side to the public and kept secrets as if everyone was hiding something shameful like him. Qin Yuanxi wasn’t crazy; what could he possibly be avoiding?!
“I won’t drink it. The medicine is too bitter. I’ll vomit if I drink it.”
Even if Prince Lu hadn’t said the part about avoiding something, Qin Yuanxi wouldn’t necessarily have rebelled, torn off his face, and contradicted him. It wouldn’t benefit him at all, especially in this situation. Bearing the identity of a puppet emperor, he didn’t even have the power to speak. He had to be careful to please Prince Lu, let alone directly confront him.
Forget about Prince Lu making him drink this medicine; even if Prince Lu brought over a bowl of poison, considering his position as the puppet emperor, he would still have to swallow it. Refusing might result in Prince Lu prying his mouth open to force it down.
Reality was reality; knowing what to do and actually doing it were clearly two different things. For example, Qin Yuanxi knew he shouldn’t argue with Prince Lu, but he couldn’t suppress his little temper when he looked at Prince Lu’s face. He continued flipping through his novel, ignoring Prince Lu’s words completely.
“Your Majesty’s refusal to drink the medicine seems to imply that the physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy are a bunch of useless fools. They prescribed a medicine that doesn’t cure Your Majesty’s illness, making Your Majesty prefer enduring the sickness rather than taking the medicine.” Prince Lu said coolly, “Since they’re a bunch of useless individuals, keeping them is pointless. Come, have the entire staff of the Imperial Medical Academy—”
“Drink! Can’t I just drink it?!” Qin Yuanxi threw down the book in his hand, snatched the bowl from Prince Lu, and his face turned incredibly unpleasant. “The Prince need not involve others. It’s just a bowl of medicine. Why bother?”
Then, holding the bowl in his hand, he clenched his teeth and swallowed the dark liquid directly. His eyes were filled with resentment, as if he had suffered some kind of humiliation.
Prince Lu watched him with an amused expression. That look didn’t seem like an act. Qin Yuanxi genuinely seemed afraid of taking the medicine, so he hesitated. It seemed he had overthought it.
After finishing the medicine, Qin Yuanxi handed the empty bowl back to Prince Lu, who nodded with satisfaction.
Then he said, “Did Your Majesty misunderstand something just now? I merely wanted to suggest that since Your Majesty is unwilling to drink the medicine, it must be because those physicians didn’t put any effort into formulating an effective prescription. Your Majesty, what did you mean by ‘involving others’? Do you think I intend to lay blame on the entire Imperial Medical Academy?”
Dog, you’re still the same, Prince Lu!
Qin Yuanxi’s mouth was filled with bitterness. He really thought that way. After all, that’s how things were depicted on television, where they would drag everyone down and execute them, leaving no one alive, especially in such a bloody manner. Prince Lu was the main character; he had come this far and must have spilled a lot of blood. What cruel and ruthless acts wouldn’t he be capable of?
Unexpectedly, this dog had managed to trick him. He had even taken his candies. Now Qin Yuanxi felt a bit nauseous and sick. The strange taste was rising, and he couldn’t hold it in anymore. He tilted his head and vomited.
Coincidentally, he vomited all over Prince Lu. Of course, he definitely wouldn’t admit that he did it on purpose.
After throwing up, Qin Yuanxi looked exhausted and pitiful, innocently gazing at Prince Lu. “I told you, I really do vomit if I drink traditional medicine.”
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
