Bailey was standing nearby when she heard what they said, causing a faint twitch at the corner of her mouth.
What on earth was going on with this lot from the Cruylia? From commoners to the royal family, they all seemed to have a knack for diverting attention away from the actual cause of the illness.
Even Bailey, a healer, had no clue that such a multitude of "unsavory entities" existed in the world.
Before long, Emperor Zachary commanded the presence of his sons, the princes, to enter the inner chamber one by one and pay their respects to the alling empress dowager. Perhaps, just maybe, one of them could find a way to awaken her from her slumber.
The preceding two princes had entered to no avail, and now it was Rory's turn. However, he didn't hold out much hope.
Yet, amidst the kneeling figures, Baily extended her hand, gently placing it upon the empress dowager's pulse.
This action caused Rory's eyelids to twitch, and he softly admonished her. His grip tightened around her wrist as he warned, "What on earth are you doing?"
"Figuring out what happened to her," she replied calmly.
Rory nearly črüshed her wrist, exclaiming, "Have you lost your mind? This is the empress dowager, not a patient for your amateurish medical skills."
Despite the pain, Baily gritted her teeth and held back a wince.
She deftly pried open the empress dowager's mouth with her free hand and whispered, "Let out your tongue."
The empress dowager, her consciousness barely present, stared vacantly at Baily upon hearing those words.
Under Rory's astonished gaze, the empress dowager obediently extended her tongue.
Noel swiftly examined the coating on the tongue and released her grip on the empress dowager's hand. She then whispered to Rory. "I have a method of treatment for her. Do you believe me?"
Rory's voice turned icy as he warned, "Remember your place, and do not bring trouble upon me!"
"She is your grandmother. Do you not wish to save her?" Noel questioned.
Caught off guard by her words, Rory's eyes widened. Seizing the opportunity, Baily moved toward the door without uttering another word, calling loudly, "Your Majesty, the empress dowager, expressed her desire to see you alone."
"What are you doing? Have you lost all sense?" Rory's eyes bulged with disbelief, unable to fathom that she would brazenly deceive the emperor!
The empress dowager had not healed!
Unaware of this, Emperor Zachary entered the inner chamber, brimming with anticipation. However, upon seeing the state of the empress dowager, his expression darkened. "How dare you! When did the empress dowager summon me?"
Baily's intention behind her actions was to create an opportunity for Emperor Zachary to have a private conversation. Responding to his inquiry, she maintained her composure and stated, "Your Majesty, the empress dowager did, in fact, summon you. King Rory can confirm this. However, right after making the summons, she reverted to her previous state."
Rory had reached his limit and preferred not to say another word. He cursed Baily to the depths of hell. She was an insufferable nuisance!
Sensing Emperor Zachary's anger, Baily immediately knelt and pleaded, "Nevertheless, Your Majesty, I have a method to save the empress dowager. However, it requires your approval."
"You have a method?" Emperor Zachary asked in surprise.
"Yes. May I ask, Your Majesty, if the empress dowager habitually consumes elixirs?"
Emperor Zachary nodded. "What about it? What of the "Many elixirs contain cinnabar, which, if used over a long period, can sow poisonous within the body."
"Absurd! The Nokohill Tips' bishops are responsible for preparing the elixirs consumed by the empress dowager. Their elixirs have previously worked miracles and saved her life. It is inconceivable that they could be harmful."
Baily appeared unfazed by Emperor Zachary's mounting anger as she countered calmly. "If those elixirs truly saved her life, then why has the empress dowager ended up in this condition? Who can guarantee that the previous life-saving elixirs were not merely a stroke of luck?"
Emperor Zachary narrowed his eyes, his displeasure evident.
ary took a deep breath, thinking that Baily had lost her ind.
The Nokohill Tips church had stood for almost a century since establishing the Cruylia Kingdom. Its presence was unquestionable, and Bailey knew better than to challenge it.
However, this woman appeared undeterred and confidently spoke, proclaiming, "Your Majesty! Our priority now is to cleanse the empress dowager's body of toxins. If we fail to do so, her condition will only deteriorate further, putting her life at risk!"
"Your Majesty, you're renowned for filial piety throughout the kingdom. I believe you would not overlook any opportunity to save the empress dowager."
Emperor Zachary gazed at her intently, asking, "On what grounds should I trust you?"
"Are there any other options, Your Majesty? The imperial physicians are at a loss. Why not grant me the opportunity to try? The empress dowager's condition couldn't possibly deteriorate further than the present state."
"But what if it becomes worse? How will you handle it then?"
Struggling to contain his anger, Rory tried to interrupt her, pleading, "I implore, Your Majesty, please do not be angered. My queen consort is inexperienced in medicine, and her abilities are still uncertain. I cannot dare to utilize them on the empress dowager."
With a gesture of respect, Bailey displayed her astuteness and humbly bowed, expressing, "My Lord, if you have doubts regarding my abilities, I shall refrain from administering the medication to the empress dowager."
"You!"
Emperor Zachary glanced at the motionless empress dowager. Despite doubting Bailey's medical skills, he had witnessed her astuteness when she swiftly identified the drugged wine.
Weighing his options, Emperor Zachary gestured with a wave of his hand and said, "Very well, proceed with your attempt. However, be aware that you shall face the consequences of your actions if anything goes awry!"
With those words, Emperor Zachary dismissed everyone waiting outside, leaving only Rory and Bailey in the chamber.
Alicia clenched her teeth, fixing a fierce glare at the inner chamber. Could it be that the empress dowager had indeed regained consciousness?
She couldn't fathom how that woman possessed such inexplicable fortune. It should have been her turn with Sidney next, but Bailey had snatched the opportunity away.
It fueled her fury!
Although Emperor Zachary had promised to spare Bailey from the death penalty, it merely meant avoiding the harshest punishment. Nonetheless, Bailey felt a surge of relief.
Saving the empress dowager would prove advantageous for her future circumstances.
Moreover, she held the heart of a true healer and would not allow someone to perish unless she harbored a deep-seated animosity toward them.
Bailey requested the delivery of ten fresh chicken eggs, separating the egg whites and preparing them for the empress dowager to consume. She also administered soy milk on several occasions. The onlookers observed in trepidation.
"Prepare the chamber pot, should the empress dowager require it later," she whispered to the eunuch.
Unbeknownst to others, Bailey had discreetly added the powdered medicine she had prepared into the soy milk, rendering it indiscernible.
This powdered medicine possessed laxative properties.
Astonishingly, the empress dowager stirred back to consciousness soon later. The haze dissipated from her eyes, and she beckoned to those around her. "Bring the chamber pot!"
Rory stood there, utterly dumbfounded, and asked, "How did you do it?"
Bailey managed to rouse the empress dowager without using conventional medications, relying solely on nourishing food. It was unbelievable!
"The toxins in the empress dowager haven't entirely dissipated, but the symptoms can be alleviated. These liquid foods aid in absorbing and eliminating the toxins from the body," Bailey explained.
When explained, the idea was straightforward but deviated from documented treatment methods. What she was doing appeared to be based on personal experience.
What... Experience? Rory grew even more intrigued by Bailey.
How could a woman who had never earned a reputation in the medical field during her years spent at home effortlessly unravel the complex dilemmas that even imperial physicians found perplexing?
While he pondered, Bailey had already transcribed two prescriptions and handed them to the maid. "The first prescription should be decocted in water and taken thrice daily on an empty stomach. The second prescription should be ground,incorporated inte meals, and taken twice daily."
The maid, new convinced by Bally's skills, showered her with praise.
Just then, the empress dowager metiened for Bailey to approach. "Come over here."
Bailey stood respectfully beside the bed, feeling the penetrating gaze of two sharp eyes scrutinizing her.
The empress dowager spoke weakly, "Young girl, you possess remarkable medical knowledge."
Bailey maintained her composure and replied, "I have not gained extensive knowledge but enjoy reading medical books. With the guidance of imperial physicians, I have acquired some understanding. It is my honor to alleviate your worries, Your Majesty."
"You're a sweet talker now!" The empress dowager chuckled softly, her hand moving to her forehead as she tried to shake off the lingering discomfort. The fog in her mind was gradually clearing.
Sensing an opportunity, Bailey offered some advice. "I would suggest refraining from consuming elixirs, Your Majesty. Many of these potions contain excessive harmful substances, such as cinnabar. Their adverse effects can range from weakness and depression to hallucinations and impaired senses."
The empress dowager appeared taken aback. "Is it that serious? But the priest assured me that these elixirs grant longevity."
Bailey paused to explain further. "To maintain good health and a joyful state of mind, I would advise spending more time in the imperial garden, engaging in relaxation and rejuvenation. Sometimes, external substances can have the opposite effect."
The empress dowager appeared displeased, countering, "By consuming immortal elixirs, one can receive the blessings and protection of deities. Those who attain immortality may even ascend to godhood, with their bodies remaining incorruptible. After the passing of our Cruylia Kingdom's founding emperor, his body remained intact for three months. This fact is widely known throughout the realm."
Bailey retorted calmly, "There are numerous methods to preserve the body without decay, which do not necessitate intervention from deities. Even I could achieve it, Your Majesty."
For instance, soaking the body in medicine and freezing it can remain uncorrupted for up to a year.
Bailey's words sent shockwaves through the room, leaving everyone speechless.
Rory felt his eyelids twitch, desperately wishing to silence Baily's contentious tongue.
Kneeling, he pleaded, "Your Majesty, Bailey has not been in good health lately. Perhaps her illness has affected her mind. Please forgive her."
The empress dowager slammed her hand on the table, her voice filled with rage. "Queen Consort Baily! Do you realize how disrespectful your words were to our ancestors? I just praised you, yet with just a few remarks, you have revealed your true colors, detestable as ever!"