"Eunuch Jiu, please go easy on him," Xuan Cheng intervened gently.
"Li Quan, you're known for your mix of caution and generosity, so I'm guessing this nobleman has somehow won your trust. You're probably the last person I'd expect to ask me to personally visit a patient," she remarked with a smile. She extended her index finger, placing it on his forehead, and a soft greenish energy enveloped him, gradually spreading over his entire body. The energy seemed to work on healing his distress.
"I apologize, Your Highness. I didn't intend..." Li Quan's voice trailed off as he felt a rush of shame. It was he who had once advised Princess Xuan Cheng sternly against wandering at night or visiting patients incognito, even if she were to wear a disguise.
"Don't blame yourself," Xuan Cheng reassured him, offering a warm smile. Withdrawing her finger, she watched as Li Quan soon drifted into sleep, his features relaxing.
"He'll be fine now. Let him rest," she murmured, her expression gentle.
Xuan Cheng retreated to her main hall, sinking into silence. Huan, Jiu, and Mama Li stood at her side, anticipating her words and decisions, ready to execute her commands.
Seating herself at the table, Xuan Cheng closed her eyes, seeking a moment of reflection. As she did, a sensation of unsettling malevolent energy enveloped her, its intensity causing her to break into a sweat. Determined to resist, she fought against the overwhelming aura, her eyes remaining shut as she concentrated on warding off the dark energy.
But then, the realization struck her with such force that her eyes snapped open. "She's the empress!" The words burst from her lips, a mix of astonishment and confusion colouring her voice.
"Empress?" Mama Li's eyes widened with curiosity and concern. She leaned in, eager for an explanation, her expression a mix of confusion and anticipation.
As the realization hit Xuan Cheng, a heavy feeling settled in her chest. "The Empress is the one suffering from the Ocean Fire Poison," she clarified, her gaze meeting Mama Li's.
The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment. "So, does that mean the nobleman who captured Li Quan is one of the princes?" Huan's voice broke the silence, her eyes wide as she connected the dots.
Jiu exchanged a knowing look with Mama Li before offering his take on the matter. "It's highly possible, given what we know."
A hushed contemplation hung in the air; the group wrapped in the mysteries of the situation. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, unveiling a more complex picture that raised more questions than answers.
"What should we do now?" Mama Li's question hung in the air, directed at no one in particular.
Jiu's voice quivered with concern as he shared his thoughts. "The Imperial Palace isn't likely to be on our side, especially after entering the capital without permission. We could be facing some form of punishment."
His words carried a sense of foreboding as he considered the implications. The prospect of an imperial prince, the Empress's son no less, searching for a Poison Master who is actually a forgotten princess sent a shiver down Jiu's spine.
"What do we do now?" Mama Li's question hung heavy in the room.
Huan's voice trembled with anxiety as she voiced her concerns. "If the princess goes to treat the Empress, her secret as the famous poison master and the mastermind of Duyi Pharmacy could get exposed. It could lead to chaos."
Mama Li frowned; her face etched with scepticisms. "Why should Princess Cheng risk everything to save the Empress? It's not our responsibility."
Huan's distress was evident as she countered Mama Li's point. "Normally, that might be true, but the Empress's son is actively searching for the poison master. If Princess Cheng doesn't help, the truth might come out later, and that would be disastrous."
Mama Li's retort was swift. "We could simply claim ignorance."
Jiu interjected with a heavy heart, countering Mama Li's suggestion. "But what about my brother-in-law? If we stay silent, he could get implicated. I can't bear the thought of my aunt and sister's pain, not to mention Li Quan's children."
Tears welled up in Huan's eyes as Jiu's emotions overflowed. "Your Highness, if Li Quan is hurt, his wife won't be able to send us her delicious dumpling soup anymore. And I'll never get to eat her amazing green snow pastries." She clutched a corner of Xuan Cheng's robe and let her tears fall.
Mama Li's comment was laced with both admonishment and amusement. "Stop emotionally manipulating Her Highness, both of you. And Huan, quit wiping your tears on her highness's clothes." She pushed Huan away, half-suspecting her of exaggerating her tears. Only to realize that Huan was genuinely crying.
Xuan Cheng observed their passionate pleas with a mixture of amusement and appreciation. Though she appeared detached, she was hanging on to every word, carefully considering their perspectives as she grappled with her decision.
Their concerns resonated with her, and she understood the gravity of the situation. After making a grand entrance, she was inclined to keep a low profile. But as she listened to their heartfelt arguments, she couldn't deny the pull of her conscience.
With a deep breath, she addressed them, her voice measured and thoughtful. "I hear each one of you, and your concerns are valid."
She shifted her gaze between Mama Li, Jiu, and Huan, her expression conveying her acknowledgment of their worries. "Rescuing the Empress could indeed expose my true identity, potentially causing chaos. Yet, doing nothing also has its risks, especially if the truth comes out later."
Her fingers gently drummed against the table as she organized her thoughts. "We can't pretend ignorance when the Empress's son is actively searching for the poison master. But I also can't turn a blind eye to someone in need, especially if I have the means to help."
Meeting their eyes with determination, she pressed on. "We'll need to find a way to aid the Empress without drawing unnecessary attention."