Because Luo Yuanhou came from Jianghu and had excellent medical skills, he had made many friends and allies. He Zheng thought that Luo Yuanhou could help him escape from the palace. Given Luo Yuanhou's character, he was sure that such a request would not be refused.
Deciding not to attract attention, He Zheng chose not to go straight to the imperial hospital. Instead, after eating, he went to look around the palace. He saw a young eunuch and casually asked, "Where is Wenyuan Pavilion?"
Wenyuan Pavilion was where Luo Yuanhou often visited to read rare medical books. He Zheng, knowing that Luo Yuanhou was recommended by He Xiangguo, would see him looking through the pavilion's windows or walking past it on his way back from Fang Tianzhuo's quarters to Pize Hall.
The young eunuch, after seeing He Zheng's impressive look and knowing his important position, quickly said, "Your Highness, it wouldn't be right to just tell you where to go. Can I show you the way instead?"
He Zheng, feeling entertained by the eunuch's enthusiasm, kindly responded, "I would be grateful for your help."
The eunuch, bowing respectfully and quickly guiding the way, said, "It is my humble job to assist you, Your Highness."
As they walked, He Zheng noticed how the eunuch walked in a very submissive way. He felt curious and uneasy about it. He wanted to tell the young man to walk straight, but he stopped himself because he knew that in their society, such behavior was expected due to the strict social order. Saying something about it could get the eunuch into trouble.
The trip from the emperor's palace in Ying Kingdom to Wenyuan Pavilion was short. With the young eunuch guiding them, they reached their destination in just ten minutes. When they got there, the eunuch stopped and said, "We're here, Your Highness. This is Wenyuan Pavilion."
He Zheng gazed at the grand Pavilion, filled with excitement. "Thanks," he said warmly.
The eunuch bowed deeply, "It's a pleasure to help you, Your Highness. If you need more help, just ask."
He Zheng nodded and sent the servant away with a friendly gesture. Once the young man hurried off, He Zheng focused on the pavilion, preparing to find Luo Yuanhou and hopefully a way to escape.
As He Zheng neared the entrance of Wenyuan Pavilion, he saw two intimidating guards. Their serious faces and commanding presence made him feel a bit nervous.
"Hold on! Who are you?" asked one of the guards, his voice strong and demanding.
Surprised by the sudden question, He Zheng hesitated for a moment, trying to come up with a reply. "I'm He Zheng, He Xiang's son," he said cautiously, sounding unsure. "I want to come in and look at the books in the library."
The guards looked at each other, their faces determined. "Where is your hand letter?" one of them asked, sounding strong and steady.
He Zheng became more confused when he heard about a "hand letter." "Hand letter?" he repeated, looking puzzled.
"The library is a place of knowledge, and entry is only allowed with permission from His Majesty" The other guard clarified firmly, indicating there was no room for discussion.
He Zheng felt frustrated because he wasn't ready for this situation. He stepped back, trying to think of a solution. But before he could come up with one, he noticed someone new coming towards him.
"Master Luo," one of the guards greeted the new person with respect.
Luo Yuanhou looked confident and honest, making He Zheng feel relieved when he saw him.
Luo Yuanhou was surprised by what he saw. The mark on He Zheng's neck showed that he was not just an ordinary person in the palace. Luo Yuanhou felt sorry for He Zheng as he realized the difficult position he was in.
"Young Master He," He greeted He Zheng.
acknowledging him as 'Young Master He, while worrying about the dangers He Zheng might be facing."
In the original book, they didn't get along because He Zheng worked on a controversial drug for childbirth. But now, things between them seem to be changing.
He Zheng, now using a new identity, felt a bit hopeful about getting help from Luo Yuanhou. "Dr. Luo," he said cautiously but optimistically, "Can I come in to read the books?"
Luo Yuanhou quickly looked at the two officers and soldiers. One of them smiled and said, "Sir, don't feel too bad. The Library Pavilion is a special place, and you need His Majesty permission to go in."
When Luo Yuanhou frowned, He Zheng quickly said, "Never mind, I'll find Fang... His Majesty Hand Letter." He was afraid and almost said Fang Tianzhuo's name out loud. If he did, he could be killed for speaking to him directly.
Luo Yuanhou stood there silently, watching him go, his fingers hidden in his sleeves tightening slightly and clenching softly.
He Zheng went back to his room, gently rubbing his belly and moving from side to side. In this old-fashioned method, he couldn't just search online contraception era. He had to figure out how to talk to Luo Yuanhou and convince him to support his plan.
As time passed slowly and He Zheng had nothing to do, he started feeling more and more agitated. He sat down at the table in frustration, feeling confused and unsure about what to do next.
Suddenly, He Zheng was startled by the sound of footsteps getting closer. His heart raced as Fang Tianzhuo entered the room with a cold and distant attitude.
Without a word, Fang Tianzhuo gestured his attendants to help him take off his ceremonial clothes, showing that he had come back from court. He Zheng was amazed as he observed the palace servants skillfully performing their duties, fascinated by the elaborate customs of palace living.
Before he could understand what was happening, the palace servants set a lavish meal in front of Fang Tianzhuo, while He Zheng stood awkwardly by the door, unsure of where he belonged in this grand event.
As He Zheng tried to step back unnoticed, Nanmenliang's serious voice suddenly stopped him in his tracks. "Why aren't you serving His Majesty's meal?" he scolded, his disapproving stare fixed on He Zheng.
Caught of guard by the scolding, He Zheng hurried to obey, nervously picking up the chopsticks. "What do you want to eat, Your Highness?" he asked cautiously, his voice showing a blend of anxiety and respect.
Fang Tianzhuo gave him a quick look from the side, his face unreadable, while Nanmenliang disapproved with a snort. "You shouldn't speak before His Majesty," he scolded sharply. "Didn't Xiangguo teach you to respect your elders and superiors?"
Fang Tianzhuo looked surprised, Nanmen Liang blinked, and He Zheng felt a bit down on himself. He wasn't familiar with courtly manners, making him feel out of place. He regretted not learning about historical etiquette and spending too much time on games and modern activities. It was only because of a friend's suggestion, who mentioned a character with his name in a book, that He Zheng started exploring literature. He had no idea this simple interest would lead him into a world where such things were important.
Trying hard to think of what to do, He Zheng cautiously tried to speak as fluently as the person whose identity he now had. "This humble one...?" he said nervously, trying to show respect and humility appropriate for his position.
Nanmen Liang looked serious, and Fang Tianzhuo stared at He Zheng intensely, making him feel uneasy. He prepared for criticism, thinking Fang Tianzhuo would be furious. Surprisingly, Fang Tianzhuo burst into laughter, filling the room with a light-hearted atmosphere. The tension eased instantly, and even Nanmen Liang's stern face relaxed into a forced smile.
Fang Tianzhuo happily patted his leg and gestured for He Zheng to come. "Come here," he said in a friendly manner, his welcoming tone standing out against his regal look.
He Zheng hesitated for a moment, looking at the stool next to Fang Tianzhuo, but the emperor's gesture suggested he should sit on his lap. Despite his unease, He Zheng went over and sat on Fang Tianzhuo's lap as instructed, feeling a mix of awkwardness and closeness.
When Fang Tianzhuo hugged him again, He Zheng felt tense at the sudden closeness. Fang Tianzhuo's breath on his cheek made him shiver as he tried to stay calm.
"The prime minister is very busy with his duties." Fang Tianzhuo said gently, showing understanding. "It's normal that some things may have been missed. But don't worry, we will fix that soon. Now, let's eat."
Even though He Zheng didn't completely understand Fang Tianzhuo's words, but he knew he was being offered to eat. He nodded in agreement, picked up his chopsticks, and chose a tasty piece of beef. But just as he was about to eat, he suddenly felt an urge and offered the food to Fang Tianzhuo as a sign of respect and affection. "You eat first."
Fang Tianzhuo smiled warmly as he took the food, Je Zheng forgot to address Fang Tianzhuo with his proper title, the emperor didn't seem bothered. He remained kind and forgiving in his attitude.
While eating, Fang Tianzhuo's hand started moving on He Zheng, and his lips touched his neck often. He Zheng turned and said, "Your Majesty, I want to go to Wenyuan Pavilion to read and learn. My father didn't teach me well. I want to stay with you and be someone who pleases you."
Fang Tianzhuo gave He Zheng a gentle kiss, making He Zheng blush. "How's my Zheng'er liking the meal?" he asked lovingly.
He Zheng agreed with a nod, feeling happy and comfortable in Fang Tianzhuo's presence. "I am happy, Your Majesty," he answered quietly.
"Let's rest for a while," Fang Tianzhuo proposed, looking at He Zheng affectionately.
Fang Tianzhuo seemed happy and full after eating. He Zheng had to take a nap, and when he woke up, it was dark outside.
Fang Tianzhuo clearly desired a child, as he frequently slept with He Zheng, indicating that he wanted to conceive soon. This time, their time in bed was not wasted, He Zheng was able to discuss the decree with him.
***
The following day, Fang Tianzhuo left for court early, while He Zheng looked forward to his visit to Wenyuan Pavilion.
When He Zheng entered the large pavilion, he was greeted by tall shelves filled with numerous books. After searching for a while, he pulled out a medical book and quickly found the words he needed
Suddenly, Luo Yuanhou showed up, a familiar figure among the books. He Zheng felt excited and nervous, ready to put his plan into action.
He Zheng walked up to Luo Yuanhou with a book, cleared his throat, and spoke with a slightly nervous tone. "Master Luo, you're a bit late today," he said, trying to sound casual.
Luo Yuanhou, deep in his studies, simply nodded and asked He Zheng to examine Empress Luo Fei's pulse. Thinking about Luo Fei, the daughter of Taishi Qiu, brought back old conflicts, but He Zheng set aside those thoughts and concentrated on the job.
He Zheng took a deep breath and focused on the book in his hand. Pretending not to know, he pointed to a passage. "Doctor Luo, I came across some words I don't know in this text," he said humbly.
Luo Yuanhou, always patient, put down his book and focused completely on He Zheng. "Which word?" he asked softly.
Even though he couldn't write, He Zheng had a sharp eye for traditional Chinese characters, enabling him to identify the specific terms. As he looked through the pages, he stopped and indicated a word, pretending to be confused. "I have to admit, I'm not sure about this word. Can you explain what it means?"
He stood next to Luo Yuanhou, exuding a captivating fragrance. It was the scent of an herb commonly used in childbirth medicine, which made He Zheng's body moist and made any man who came near him feel uneasy. He Jinhua had added this herb to ensure that Fang Tianzhuo couldn't stay away from He Zheng.
Luo Yuanhou cleared his throat and calmly explained, "This word means 'to avoid'."
He Zheng chuckled and flipped through several pages. "What about this one?"
"This word..." Luo Yuanhou read the word, feeling a tightness in his throat. He looked up at He Zheng suddenly.
"Birth control."
He Zheng looked happy and thanked Doctor Luo.
Luo Yuanhou looked serious as He Zheng smiled at him. "I want to explore some hidden history. Can you suggest anything?" He asked, sounding genuinely curious.
Without saying anything, Luo Yuanhou went to get two books, choosing them carefully before giving them to He Zheng. Sitting across from He Zheng, he observed as the younger man took the books, his attention divided between reading and being captivated by He Zheng.
He Zheng was deeply focused on the pages in front of him, reading captivating stories from the past. Lost in his book, he felt a peaceful feeling come over him, briefly escaping the challenges of palace life.
While He Zheng was busy reading, Luo Yuanhou couldn't help but be distracted by the stunning person sitting in front of him. He fought the temptation to touch him, quickly pulling back his hand, reminding himself of the need to behave properly.
He Zheng lowered his head, briefly looked at Luo Yuanhou, then went back to reading, sharing a quiet moment with him that no one else noticed.
If Luo Yuanhou could feel guilty and offer to take him away from the palace, then surely He Zheng could handle this situation without owing anything to Luo Yuanhou.
He Zheng coughed, breaking the silence. Luo Yuanhou looked worried and asked, "Are you okay, young master?"
He Zheng smiled softly and said, "Lately, Your Majesty has been quite serious."
Luo Yuanhou, inspired by the seriousness in He Zheng's eyes, boldly said, "Summon, His Majesty!"
Fang Tianzhuo walked into the room wearing casual clothes. He saw He Zheng and Luo Yuanhou sitting at the table, focused on their books. He noticed that He Zheng looked worried.
Fang Tianzhuo looked worried as he walked towards He Zheng and asked, "What's wrong?" He Zheng, with a raspy voice, brushed off the question, saying, "It's nothing, Your Majesty," but his unease was clear in his tone.
In a serious tone, Fang Tianzhuo asked Doctor Luo Yuanhou, "Doctor Luo, can you figure out what's wrong with Zhener?"
Luo Yuanhou kindly said, "I will get some throat pills for the young master."
Fang Tianzhuo let go of He Zheng and said, "If you're not feeling well, maybe you should go back to the palace and rest. I'll come join you later."
He Zheng nodded thankfully, picking up the books he had been looking at. "Can I take these with me?" he asked Fang Tianzhuo, wanting his permission.
Fang Tianzhuo agreed, making He Zheng happy. But as he saw Fang Tianzhuo leave with He Run, he suddenly realized something. He silently signaled to Luo Yuanhou to be careful.
His eyes looked excited, his heart was racing, and he didn't leave until He Zheng had been gone for fifteen minutes.
Meanwhile, Fang Tianzhuo looked worried as he watched where He Zheng had been standing.