“A physician from the common folk?” Lin Yuanjin grew even more bewildered, having never heard of such a matter. She shook her head. “This matter is suspicious. Minister Deng’s words alone are without proof.”

Though she suspected such a physician might indeed exist, the person was likely with the real Crown Prince.

“Since Minister Deng is so certain, he must be well prepared. Is Imperial Physician Sun outside the hall?” Cui Yiyu remained unhurried, even carrying a faint smile. He looked toward the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. “I have heard that the Court of Judicial Review always handles cases with both witness and evidence complete. Then let the witness be summoned.”

Having said this, he looked toward the Emperor, as though he did not care for such slander and merely wished to hear the full account of the matter.

Eunuch Li lowered his head toward the Emperor. Seeing him nod, he then raised his voice and called out, “Summon Imperial Physician Sun to the audience!”

Imperial Physician Sun was already advanced in years. Holding the pulse record in hand, he slowly entered Xuanyang Palace.

Within Xuanyang Palace, officials filled the hall like clouds, a dark mass. Countless pairs of eyes fell upon him.

Perhaps having never testified under such public scrutiny, even though he knew the general trend was on his side, Imperial Physician Sun was drenched in sweat down his back, soaking through his inner garments. He knelt and kowtowed, only rising after hearing the words, “Rise.”

The moment he raised his head, his gaze involuntarily found Cui Yiyu’s face among the crowd. But the instant their eyes met, it was as though he had been scorched by flames, and he quickly looked away.

“Imperial Physician Sun.” Cui Yiyu curved his brows and looked at him, speaking in an unhurried tone, “Just now, Minister Deng said that you treated me in the Crown Prince’s residence for three months, diagnosing a condition of infertility, and further claimed that I, in desperation, sought physicians among the common folk—was this truly spoken by you, or were you instructed by others?”

Imperial Physician Sun’s entire body stiffened.

He realized that the Crown Prince was pointing out a clear path for him, or perhaps demonstrating his own tolerance to others. But matters had already come to this point; merely by kneeling here, he had already betrayed both the Empress and the Crown Prince.

He had no other choice.

“It is absolutely true.” Imperial Physician Sun spoke in a low voice, insisting firmly, “This matter concerns the imperial heirs and even the foundation of our dynasty. This subject dares not speak falsely.”

“You say that within my residence there is a physician from the common folk—do you know his name?” Cui Yiyu stepped forward slowly, slightly bending down. His distinct fingers picked up the pulse record as he stood beside Imperial Physician Sun, calmly flipping through it.

“This subject… only knows that the physician comes from the southern frontier. I have seen his heterodox prescriptions, but do not know his name.” Imperial Physician Sun kept his head lowered, his pupils trembling uncontrollably, as though a great weight pressed upon him, leaving him unable to breathe.

For the first time, he felt such chilling killing intent, as though his life could be taken in an instant.

“But within my residence, there has never been any so-called physician from the common folk.” Cui Yiyu spoke carelessly in a low voice. His hand flipping through the pulse record paused, stopping at a certain page. Unable to restrain himself, the corners of his eyes lifted slightly. “On the day after the wedding, I entered the palace in the morning, and in the afternoon was together with the Crown Princess, with others to testify.”

“Then whose pulse is recorded in this?” He walked to Lin Yuanjin’s side and asked leisurely, as though watching an entertaining play.

Among those witnesses were even the Emperor’s informants. After all, on the second day, Nanny Zhang had even gone to the Crown Prince’s residence for this very reason.

The pulse record was flung to the ground with a “pa” by Cui Yiyu, as though discarding a poorly fabricated record. The cool wind stirred the pages, making them rustle noisily.

“How could this be?” Imperial Physician Sun was stunned, frantically flipping through the pulse record. “Impossible!”

Though he was old, his memory had not deteriorated—let alone when it concerned only a matter from a few days ago?!

“The Crown Princess and the Crown Prince are husband and wife; there is suspicion of shielding one another, and her testimony is difficult to distinguish as truth or falsehood.” Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, Minister Deng immediately spoke. “A woman marries and follows her husband. Moreover, she is now the wife of the heir apparent. If she says the Crown Prince is well, does that make him well?”

“Minister Deng dares to commit the crime of deceiving the sovereign in defiance of all under heaven, and thinks that I would dare as well?” Lin Yuanjin asked in astonishment. She had not expected to be dragged into this. Raising her sleeve, she covered her cheek slightly, as if troubled.

Her words were simple, and her brows still carried an untainted youth untouched by intrigue. Standing beside Minister Deng, a seasoned court official well-versed in its rules, her already delicate and beautiful face inevitably drew more sympathy.

Back when the Emperor had issued the decree to marry her to the Crown Prince, who did not know that he had chosen the ill-reputed second legitimate daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites. Women of the time all valued marriage greatly; if the Crown Princess were truly exceptionally intelligent, she would not have been suppressed by her elder sister to the point of being unable to hold her head high.

“Minister Deng insists that what I and His Highness say is but one-sided testimony.” Lin Yuanjin spoke again softly, her voice light yet clear, looking toward Minister Deng. “But are your words not also merely your own one-sided claim?”

Now that the evidence was flawed, both sides held to their own positions.

The situation became unpredictable, with the majority unaware of the truth.

Some felt that the Crown Prince and Princess were so calm and composed, even pointing out flaws in the evidence, as though they were confident and prepared; others felt that for Minister Deng to dare accuse the Crown Prince of having no heirs, he must have something to rely on—otherwise he would be throwing away his life and family for nothing.

In comparison, the former seemed more likely to be an act.

The situation was at a stalemate. Those present all had different thoughts; the silence spoke louder than words.

“Is Imperial Brother ill?” A young boy of no more than five or six years old spoke, breaking the dead silence. Standing beside the Second Prince, he looked cautiously at Cui Yiyu. “If not, wouldn’t it be enough to summon the imperial physicians to examine him?”

“Children speak without restraint; Imperial Brother, please do not take offense.” The Second Prince smiled, placing a hand on the Fourth Prince’s head. Raising his brows, he spoke as if kindly, “But children are innocent—this is also a method. To prevent rumors from spreading and tarnishing Imperial Brother’s reputation, it would be better to summon the imperial physicians and put an end to future troubles.”

“If one is not enough, then summon ten. Is the palace lacking in people?”

There were distinctions between ruler and subject. Even if the Crown Prince’s condition was now in doubt, as officials they could present many pieces of evidence to question him, but they alone could not, with such disrespect, demand that the Crown Prince undergo an examination.

Thus, such words could only be spoken by a prince.

“The Fourth Prince is young and ignorant of worldly matters, yet Second Prince also echoes him.” Lin Yuanjin met the Second Prince’s gaze and refuted seriously. “Today someone memorializes that the Crown Prince’s body is unwell—what about tomorrow? Today it is five cities, tomorrow ten cities; day after day, alarms and rumors everywhere—how could there ever be a single night of peace?”

“When one wishes to impose a crime, must the Crown Prince be forced to prove his innocence again and again?”

The Second Prince was taken aback, astonishment rising in his heart. He immediately realized that both he and his mother consort had misunderstood the Crown Princess.

Setting aside her words, merely her open defense of the Crown Prince was enough to make others look at her anew. This instead made him curious—what kind of talent and beauty did the rumored eldest Miss Lin possess, that others would mock Lin Yuanjin as an imitation of Xishi¹Xishi (西施) — One of the renowned Four Beauties of ancient China, famed for her exceptional beauty. Often used as a standard of comparison for feminine grace; the phrase “Dongshi imitating Xishi” (东施效颦) refers to someone imitating beauty poorly and achieving the opposite effect.?

“This younger brother was ignorant. Only now do I realize that Imperial Sister-in-law is quick-witted, not dull as the rumors say.” The Second Prince narrowed his eyes, smiling meaningfully.

“I do not know what rumors those are, but rumors have never concerned themselves with truth or falsehood; they are difficult to distinguish.” Lin Yuanjin replied lightly. “I do not deserve the praise of ‘quick-witted.’ I am indeed not skilled in poetry, books, or embroidery, but neither am I illiterate.”

The Second Prince smiled and did not continue the topic.

Some things were not merely words. Placing the Crown Prince in the position of a coerced victim, while using herself as an example to imply that Minister Deng’s words were unreliable—this was not something one could do simply by knowing a few characters.

Cui Yiyu sensed the Second Prince’s unusual probing gaze. Without thinking, he raised his hand to shield her behind him, yet saw Lin Yuanjin place her fingers upon his arm, her eyes bright, not retreating in the slightest.

Cui Yiyu’s gaze hesitated, suddenly unable to discern what Lin Yuanjin intended to do.

Was she trying to strengthen the Pei faction’s certainty through resistance, to protect the Crown Prince and gain the approval of him and even the Emperor and Empress, or something else?

But no matter what, as long as he did not make a mistake at this moment, Lin Yuanjin would remain safe.

“Imperial Brother and Imperial Sister-in-law share deep conjugal affection; it is moving.” The Second Prince said gently. “This younger brother means no offense. It is only that today’s situation is special, and there is no choice but to resort to this inferior method.”

“This younger brother is willing to undergo examination together with Imperial Brother. But if Imperial Brother is unwilling, that is also fine.”

“This humble subject serves the country and the people with utmost devotion, placing life and death aside.” Minister Deng said firmly.

“Minister Deng clearly has countless ways to report to Father Emperor, yet deliberately chose today’s banquet to present his memorial in public.” Lin Yuanjin curved her brows and smiled as she spoke, her words straightforward and frank. “In doing so, he disregards the Crown Prince and the dignity of the imperial family, all to perfect his own reputation of loyalty to the sovereign and love for the country.”

“The Crown Princess is of noble status; do not let a moment’s anger chill the hearts of loyal ministers.” Someone glanced at Lin Yuanjin and bowed with a long sigh.

“The Crown Princess is young and inexperienced, and newly married. It is only natural for her to defend her husband.” The Emperor, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, refuting the official’s words. “You serve in court, quibbling over every detail, and now you would even compete with a young girl.”

There was a faint dissatisfaction in the Emperor’s tone, and he did not conceal his protection of the Crown Princess whom he had personally bestowed in marriage. In truth, he was also using her to make his stance clear.

The officials below fell silent.

How could they not know that Minister Deng’s actions today would anger the Emperor? But compared to the benefits of success, with someone taking the lead and bearing the main responsibility, the rest would not lack their share of gains.

As long as the matter was sealed, the Crown Prince would never be able to rise again.

Countless gazes finally converged upon Cui Yiyu—some malicious, some scrutinizing—as though wishing to strip away the last layer of imperial protection from him and expose his supposed deficiency and misfortune to the world.

“The matter of examination is not impossible.” The young man’s eyes lifted slightly at the corners, his chin raised. His smile was relaxed, yet carried a trace of displeasure at his noble body being offended. His jade-like fingers curled as they supported Lin Yuanjin’s wrist, as though the couple shared deep affection. “But this son still has a word to say.”

The Emperor met his expression, already measuring matters in his heart. He nodded, indicating for him to speak.

“The Crown Princess is inexperienced in worldly affairs, wholehearted in her devotion, and places great affection upon this son. If it is diagnosed that this son is unwell, all fault lies with this son alone. I ask Father Emperor not to blame her.”

The young man seemed to sincerely take a step back in words. The curve of his lips remained unchanged, his eyes dark and quiet, in stark contrast to the deep crimson of his robes. Turning his gaze slightly, he looked down upon the officials below—some kneeling, some bowing.

“If this son is not unwell, may I ask Father Emperor—what is the crime of deceiving the sovereign? And what is the crime of defying one’s superior?”

Footnotes

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  Xishi (西施) — One of the renowned Four Beauties of ancient China, famed for her exceptional beauty. Often used as a standard of comparison for feminine grace; the phrase “Dongshi imitating Xishi” (东施效颦) refers to someone imitating beauty poorly and achieving the opposite effect.