In Dragon City, within the imperial palace, in the backyard garden.
The golden sun hung high in the sky, and the crisp autumn air made it a perfect day for a family picnic. As the king of Huaxia, Long Qingyun also enjoyed such simple pleasures, spending time with his wife and son in a pavilion surrounded by the tranquil waters of the lake, indulging in drinks and merriment.
Long Qingyun was in a particularly good mood. His recent state visit to America had resulted in numerous economic and trade collaborations, bringing tangible benefits to his country's economy and job market. The concentrated coverage by various media outlets had portrayed him as a wise and heroic ruler, earning the praise of his people who hailed another enlightened monarch from their midst. When intelligence agents among the common folk relayed this positive public sentiment back to him, how could Long Qingyun not be delighted?
"Come, Bing'er, Zongheng…" Long Qingyun, dressed casually yet elegantly, his mature face still handsome despite the traces of age, beamed with health as he raised his cup. "Now that the Long family's rule is more stable than ever, it's a joyous occasion worth celebrating. Let us toast together."
"It's rare for Qingyun to have such refined leisure. Your mother and I will certainly join in." Zhao Bingbing wore a graceful yellow dress that accentuated her alluring figure, resembling a goddess descending from heaven, stunningly beautiful.
Zhao Bingbing smiled gently, taking up the pitcher with her delicate hands to fill a cup with nourishing yellow wine, prescribed by the imperial physician for her.
Having been ill for nearly two months, she had improved, although her complexion still bore an unhealthy paleness and she had lost a significant twenty pounds. For the sake of her health, the physician recommended that she drink two cups of this medicinal wine daily to replenish her vitality. However, the weight loss seemed to have bestowed upon the already ravishing Zhao Bingbing a delicate beauty akin to a frail willow, combining maturity and allure into an irresistible charm. Last night, Long Qingyun couldn't resist her appeal, disregarding her ongoing recovery to indulge in a night of passion. In a twist of fortune, the rejuvenation from their union added a touch of rosiness to her pale face today, enhancing her allure even further.
Long Zongheng wore a broad smile. "Father's elegant pastime is something I should share in. May Father's might shake the world, and may our kingdom stand firm forever."
"Hahaha… Well said!" Long Qingyun laughed heartily, draining his cup in one go before sighing. "Reflecting on my position within the royal family, I have tirelessly strived for the lasting stability of the Long dynasty, both before and after ascending the throne, fearing any slackness that might tarnish our family's name and give other clans a chance to criticize.
"Bing'er, Zongheng, you both know how, before my ascension, the three major southern clans led by the Jingchu Xiang Family were relentless in their criticisms against me. Even the neutral Tianfu Liu Family turned against me, absurdly claiming that during my tenure in Tianfu, I made no substantial contributions to its development. What a laughable argument!"
Long Qingyun sneered, "The Liu family monopolizes power in Tianfu, and during my years there, the Liu Manor effectively sidelined me. Government directives could not be communicated promptly, so how could I contribute to the development of Tianfu? Ultimately, the Liu family merely doesn't want the Long family to undermine their status in Tianfu."
Long Zongheng consoled him. "Father need not be angered. The Liu Family's disrespect will surely bring them retribution."
Retribution?
"You're right." Long Qingyun's spirits lifted, and he burst into laughter again. "Now that the Liu Family is leaderless, relying solely on an old man to keep them afloat, barely surviving, the day the old villain can no longer govern will be the day our Long Family subdues the Liu Family."
"Father's wisdom is unmatched." Long Zongheng smiled faintly. "My informant in Tianfu has reported that Liu Tianming, after recently being discharged from the hospital, has been overseeing the Liu Family's affairs. However, his mental and physical strength are greatly diminished, and his health deteriorates daily. I believe in three to five months, it will be our Long Family's time to reap the rewards."
Hearing this, Zhao Bingbing also smiled slightly. "By then, the Long family's rule will be even more secure, solid as a rock. It will serve as a warning to other clans, letting them know the might of our Long Family."
"Ahahahaha…" Long Qingyun's triumphant laughter echoed far across the garden.
Meanwhile, in Tianfu, at the Liu Family residence.
"Cough, cough, cough…" While dealing with documents, Old Master Liu suddenly erupted into a fit of violent coughing, covering his mouth with a handkerchief and spitting out a mouthful of blood.
"Old Master Liu!" The attending doctor was alarmed, immediately grasping the old master's hand and pressing his fingers to the old man's wrist. After a moment, his brows furrowed deeply. "Old Master, your condition has worsened compared to a few days ago. Although the Liu Family cannot do without you, I strongly advise you to rest and focus on recuperating. Otherwise…"
"There's no need to say more." Old Master Liu rinsed his mouth, spitting out the blood. "My death would be a small price to pay, but the Liu Family cannot fall while I still live." Taking deep breaths, he commanded, "Prescribe me some medicine to strengthen my body."
"Old Master Liu!" The doctor's expression was grave. "As your physician, if you refuse to follow my advice to rest, I can only resign and leave you in the care of doctors without conscience."
Old Master Liu glanced at him, his eyes filled with a domineering aura. The sixty-year-old doctor, however, remained steadfast and unyielding.
"Sigh!" With a soft sigh, Old Master Liu put down his pen. "Fine! I'll rest for an hour."
"You need three hours of sleep."
"One and a half."
"At least two and a half."
"Then make it two!"
"You're putting me in a difficult position."
"Putting doctors in a bind is a patient's prerogative."
The doctor smiled bitterly.
After personally administering the medicine to Old Master Liu and watching him drift off to sleep, the doctor left the main hall and headed to Shao Meiyun's office.
"Dr. Zhou, what brings you here?" Shao Meiyun's desk was piled high with documents, which she was sorting through and categorizing, reserving the more challenging ones for Old Master Liu. Seeing the doctor away from the old master's side and approaching her instead, she was startled, wondering if something had happened to her grandfather.
Noticing Shao Meiyun's sudden change in expression, Dr. Zhou waved his hand. "Don't worry, Old Master is fine for now."
"That's a relief." Shao Meiyun sighed in relief and asked, "Then why did Dr. Zhou come looking for me…"
Dr. Zhou sighed. "Miss Shao, Old Master Liu cannot continue like this. If he does, I fear that in less than half a year..."
Shao Meiyun's face paled, and she took several deep breaths, overwhelmed with helplessness. "I know this isn't sustainable, but Grandfather's temper is such that unless he willingly agrees, no one can sway his decisions, not even me."
"In that case..." Dr. Zhou hesitated for a moment before gritting his teeth and saying, "Forgive my bluntness, Miss Shao, but if Old Master continues this way, with my medical skills, I can only ensure his safety for four or five months at most. However, there is one person whose personal intervention, even if unable to fully restore Old Master's health, could at least extend his life by a few years."
"Who!?" Shao Meiyun's face lit up with surprise.
"The Medicine King..." Dr. Zhou looked at Shao Meiyun and said gravely, "Duan Tianming."
"What!?" Shao Meiyun's expression drastically changed, filled with bitterness. "It's actually him."
Seeing Shao Meiyun's reaction, Dr. Zhou felt a pang of sympathy and sighed. "The medical prowess of Medicine King Duan Tianming is renowned worldwide. He is justifiably considered the greatest physician alive. If he were to intervene personally…"
"It's impossible," Shao Meiyun said with a bitter smile. "Dr. Zhou, you're aware of the conflict between Duan Tianming and Grandfather."
"Which is more important: pride or the survival of the Liu Family?" Dr. Zhou's tone was stern.
Shao Meiyun fell silent. For someone in a high position, reputation often outweighed everything else. Moreover, Old Master Liu had mentally prepared himself to fight until his last breath; he wouldn't seek reconciliation with someone he had conflicts with, especially for the hope of recovery.
It was precisely because of her understanding of Old Master Liu that Shao Meiyun had no confidence in persuading him. And...
It was impossible!
Medicine King Duan Tianming, the elderly patriarch of the Dali Clan among the Ten Great Families, held a status equivalent to Old Master Liu's. He spent his years in the deep mountains of Dali and traveled the world in search of precious herbs to create medicines, universally recognized as the greatest physician of the era.
To request his services, not only would Old Master Liu have to personally visit to demonstrate sincerity, even if he did, Duan Tianming would never agree to treat him due to an irreconcilable disagreement they had when they were young. This feud had lasted for fifty years, with the two patriarchs refusing to have any contact.
Observing Shao Meiyun's silence, Dr. Zhou shook his head in resignation. "Think about it carefully! My concern for Old Master is out of duty. If anything happens to him, I won't suffer any loss, but you, and your Liu Family... think it through!"
With that, Dr. Zhou turned and left, leaving Shao Meiyun in continued silence.