Ming Dynasty: What's wrong with being a leisurely crown prince?

Chapter 51: A single hair can affect the whole situation; all eyes in the capital are on the Eastern

The members of the Imperial Medical Academy were all speechless for a moment when Zhu Gaochi asked them their questions.

The group exchanged glances, and finally, it was Dean Jiang Yongwen who stepped forward.

"Your Highness, we know very little about this matter, and what we do know is too sensitive to speak of. This is a detailed list of the diagnoses we made for the Empress each time. Please take a look, Your Highness."

Zhu Gaochi took it, then looked at Jiang Yongwen and the others. After a moment, he suddenly realized what was going on.

Zhu Gaochi now understood that the Imperial Medical Academy had a fatal flaw: it had no female imperial physicians!

Xu Miaoyun's condition may be related to frequent childbirth and overwork, and frequent childbirth is a gynecological issue, so it would be strange if these people knew that.

Whether Xu Miaoyun can talk about this illness or not is another matter entirely.

Because Xu Miaoyun was the Empress.

Most importantly, he couldn't even ask about such things; it was a complete taboo.

It's hard enough to even listen to it, let alone watch it?

Do you think the entire clan is living too well?

Zhu Gaochi sighed silently and opened the diagnosis report that Jiang Yongwen had brought over to read.

After reading it, his expression gradually became serious, and then he looked at the two judges, Yuan Bao and Zhao Daolong.

"You two go back."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Yuan Bao and Zhao Daolong were not displeased at all; on the contrary, they breathed a sigh of relief.

After the two left, Zhu Gaochi looked at Jiang Yongwen and Dai Sigong, and handed them the book on the table.

"Have you all read this complete work of Jingyue? Did it have any medicinal effect?"

"Your Highness, I dare not administer medicine according to the prescribed method. We know very little about the Empress's ailments."

Zhu Gaochi remained silent for a moment, and after a long while, he slowly spoke.

"These orphans have all seen them, and according to the records you wrote, they are similar to the seeds in them."

I've been reading relevant medical books lately and I've noticed a problem: your medications are too mild.

Now that the Empress Dowager's condition has worsened, continuing with this medication will have no effect.

I prepare a prescription for Bazhen Decoction with added Astragalus and Cinnamon, combined with the seed formula from Jingyue's Complete Works, and supplemented with several potent medicines corresponding to the symptoms.

Next, we need to discuss this matter, explore feasible solutions, and finalize the matter as soon as possible.

You can say whatever you want; whatever the consequences, I will bear the responsibility, and it has nothing to do with you.

Zhu Gaochi used his existing knowledge, along with what he had read recently, to discuss the matter with Jiang Yongwen and Dai Sigong.

The two were initially very reserved, or more accurately, worried and afraid.

After all, this matter is no longer just about their own heads.

While Zhu Gaochi was discussing matters, Zhu Di and Xu Miaoyun were also sitting together in the palace, their expressions somewhat heavy.

"The boss has already summoned Jiang Yongwen and Dai Sigong. Two hours have passed, and they are still discussing it in the study. It seems that the boss has found a solution this time."

Zhu Di spoke first, trying to calm himself down.

In fact, Zhu Di was also extremely worried.

Once Zhu Gaochi has really made up his mind and brings the medicine over, should he let Xu Miaoyun drink it?

If it can really be cured, that's fine. But what if it directly worsens Xu Miaoyun's condition? Should we really kill Zhu Gaochi then?

Zhu Di truly did not expect that Zhu Gaochi would reach this stage so quickly.

Upon hearing this, Xu Miaoyun stopped thinking about it and hugged Zhu Di's arm.

"Si Lang, if the boss is sure, I will definitely drink it. You must promise me that if... if it's not okay, you must not blame the boss, okay?"

The eldest son's actions show his sincere filial piety; he's willing to take those risks to do so, proving he wants to be cured. You must protect him, promise me, okay?

Xu Miaoyun hadn't expected this day to come so soon; now, all she felt was worry for Zhu Gaochi.

After all, she simply couldn't believe that Zhu Gaochi could cure her illness.

However, she could not refuse Zhu Gaochi's filial piety. If she did, the family would fall apart, Zhu Gaochi's reputation would be ruined, and his position as crown prince would be severely threatened.

This matter is no longer simply about filial piety; it has become a matter of national importance.

Outside, Yang Shiqi and other cabinet members, along with officials from the Eastern Palace and high-ranking officials in the court, all gathered together, paying close attention to this matter.

Yang Shiqi and others, as well as the officials of the Eastern Palace, were particularly anxious, but there was nothing they could do.

"Your Highness was too impulsive. We should have dissuaded you in time."

"It's no use saying all this now. The head of the Imperial Medical Academy, Jiang Yongwen, and the deputy head, Dai Sigong, have been discussing this with His Highness for nearly three hours. It's clear that this matter is about to be settled!"

Yang Shiqi and the others looked somber, as if each of them was carrying a heavy burden.

"Gentlemen, this matter is now beyond our control. Your Highness must not stop now, or the harm will be even greater."

Your Highness's disregard for your own filial piety should be known to the world.

This matter should be publicized. Your Highness, being a man of utmost filial piety, should be the Crown Prince of the Great Ming Dynasty; that would be a blessing for all the people of the Great Ming!

"Indeed, Your Highness's selfless and filial piety should be publicized. Let us go and do it immediately!"

"Moreover, if it really comes to that, everyone must do their utmost to protect His Highness. As long as His Highness is alive, there is always a chance!"

The group chatted amongst themselves, all offering their own ideas and suggestions on how to protect Zhu Gaochi.

Even Yang Shiqi and others did not believe that Zhu Gaochi could cure Xu Miaoyun.

What they are worried about now is that Zhu Gaochi not only failed to cure Xu Miaoyun, but also made her condition worse. They must be prepared for this.

As for a way out?

There's no way to withdraw now; they can only try to save.

The military officers in the court were also gathered together at this moment, secretly discussing this matter.

Zhu Neng, Qiu Fu, and Zhang Fu were also among them.

"Haha, the Crown Prince has brought this upon himself. After this, he will surely be in grave danger, and then the Prince of Han's opportunity will arrive!"

As soon as Qiu Fu finished speaking, Zhu Neng and Zhang Fu did not agree at all, and their originally solemn faces were even more surprised.

"Duke of Qi! Please be careful with your words!"

Zhu Neng interrupted Qiu Fu with a firm expression, as if he were warning Qiu Fu.

These men were all meritorious officials of Zhu Di's Jingnan Campaign, and could be considered Zhu Di's confidants. Before Zhu Di raised his army, they held the positions of commanders of thousands and hundreds.

There are two types of military officers during the Yongle reign: those who followed Zhu Di in launching the Jingnan Campaign and those who surrendered during the campaign.

These men all had one thing in common: they were quite close to Zhu Gaoxu, and Qiu Fu was particularly outspoken in his support of Zhu Gaoxu, without any attempt to hide it.

Among them, Qiu Fu was the oldest, followed by Zhu Neng, and then Zhang Fu.

"Zhu Neng, what do you mean by this?!"

Qiu Fu glared angrily at Zhu Neng. Although they were both dukes, Zhu Neng was just a junior in Qiu Fu's eyes.

Qiu Fu can be considered the foremost military hero of the Jingnan Campaign.

Zhu Neng looked at Qiu Fu without the slightest fear.

"Duke of Qi, do not forget that His Highness the Crown Prince is now the Empress!"

Do you think the Crown Prince is unaware of these consequences?

But the Crown Prince did it anyway. Now, we should pray for him, hoping he can successfully cure the Empress!

Zhu Neng was much more rational than Qiu Fu. Although he also wanted to see Zhu Gaoxu take the throne, now that the position was already secured, he no longer had those thoughts.

Although they were close to Zhu Gaochi, they were loyal to Zhu Di and to the Ming Dynasty.

If Qiu Fu's words were to get out, it would only cause trouble for no reason.

While it may seem that Qiu Fu's desire for Zhu Gaochi's failure was out of joy that Zhu Gaoxu could ascend the throne, in essence, it was a curse upon the Empress!

How much they wish Xu Miaoyun wouldn't be cured!

Is it even appropriate to say these things?

However, Qiu Fu glared fiercely at Zhu Neng and immediately stood up.

"Hmph, you dare not support the Prince of Han, but I do! You juniors!"

After Qiu Fu finished speaking, he got up and left.

Only Zhu Neng and Zhang Fu remained, and Zhang Fu slowly spoke.

"I'll be leaving now. The situation is stable now, so please make preparations, Duke Cheng."

If any changes occur with the Crown Prince, the situation needs to be stabilized.

Zhu Neng understood Zhang Fu's words: he needed to prepare for Zhu Gaochi's defeat.

They weren't supporting Zhu Gaoxu, but rather preparing for a potentially disastrous situation.

Zhang Fu was closer to Zhu Gaoxu; in fact, his relationship with Zhu Gaoxu was better than that with Zhu Neng and Qiu Fu.

But now, he has to support Zhu Di and the imperial court.

Having a good relationship doesn't necessarily mean supporting Zhu Gaochi in launching a coup at that time.

Moreover, since the success of the Jingnan Rebellion, their contact with Zhu Gaochi has decreased.

Just then, the door was suddenly opened, and to Zhu Neng and Zhang Fu's astonishment, the Imperial Guards strode in.