"Wait a moment!" LiLuoning called out urgently as he grabbed the bowl from Mrs. Lin's hands, smelling it intently before setting it aside. Approaching the man brewing the concoction, he inquired sharply, "What exactly is this potion you're brewing here?"
The servant, already discontented with his thankless job, responded dismissively, "What else? It's the life-saving prescription given by the Imperial Physician. What did you think, that I was doling out porridge here?"
Unimpressed and frustrated by LiLuoning's interference, the servant continued to serve the potion to the waiting crowd.
"This potion must not be drunk!" LiLuoning interjected urgently, reaching out to stop him.
Irritated, the servant swatted LiLuoning's hand away with a fan, retorting, "And why not? This is from Meng the Physician himself. What would a wandering healer like you know? Get out of the way!"
Disregarding the advice, the servant began to hand out the potion, prompting LiLuoning to step forward and knock the bowl from his hands, declaring firmly, "I've said it cannot be consumed!"
Enraged by the waste of the carefully prepared potion, the servant threw down his fan and confronted LiLuoning, shouting, "Look here, you've crossed the line, stirring trouble right in front of ShangGuan Manor. You're asking for trouble; I'll teach you some manners today!"
Witnessing the consternation at the gates of the ShangGuan mansion, the clamor soon attracted the attention of the elders within. ShangGuanCY and Master Meng emerged hurriedly, querying the source of the disturbance.
"There's been a misunderstanding," LiLuoning began, holding a bowl of freshly prepared solution, his demeanor calm yet assertive. "The potion brewed for the townspeople is tainted—not with ordinary poison but with something far more subtle and dangerous."
"What nonsense is this?" a young apprentice by Master Meng's side scoffed, disbelief written all over his face. "If it were truly a poison so dire, surely Master Meng would have detected it!"
Raising a hand for silence, Master Meng addressed LiLuoning with a measured skepticism. "Pray, enlighten us then. What poison do you claim is in this concoction?"
LiLuoning, with a respectful nod, clarified, "Not just any poison, but orpiment arsenic—a rare and deadly variant often mistaken in its crude form."
Master Meng and ShangGuanCY exchanged a puzzled look. "Orpiment arsenic?" Meng echoed, his interest piqued.
LiLuoning proceeded to display two samples of salt—one visibly pure and the other subtly mixed with faint yellow streaks. "This, sirs, is where the poison hides in plain sight," he explained, pointing to the tainted sample.
Despite the initial skepticism, curiosity led Meng to inspect the samples closely. "These appear nearly identical save for slight discrepancies in color and texture," he remarked after a careful examination.
"Exactly," LiLuoning continued, "This adulteration is not easily detectable. It requires a discerning eye and a deep understanding of toxic substances. The poisoned batch here, when processed incorrectly, blends seamlessly with common salt yet retains its lethal properties."
To demonstrate, LiLuoning took a small amount of the suspected poison, dissolved it in water, and dropped a silver needle into the solution. Moments later, the needle blackened—a clear indication of arsenic presence.
The evidence was irrefutable. Master Meng, now fully grasping the gravity of the situation, turned to ShangGuanCY. "This is a matter of great urgency. We must act swiftly to prevent further harm."
ShangGuanCY, his expression grave, nodded in agreement. "Indeed. LiLuoning, your knowledge has potentially saved many lives today. We will need your expertise to trace the source of this contamination and ensure that such a peril is eradicated from our city."
With the crisis averted and a new task at hand, LiLuoning bowed respectfully. "I am at your service, my lords. Together, we will safeguard the wellbeing of the people."
And so, under the watchful eyes of Master Meng and the strategic guidance of ShangGuanCY, LiLuoning began the meticulous work of tracing and eliminating the deadly poison that had stealthily made its way into the lives of the unsuspecting citizens.
As LiLuoning prepared to leave, having resolved the poisoning crisis, ShangGuanCY and Master Meng caught up with him. "Please, wait a moment," Master Meng called out.
"What further assistance may I offer, gentlemen?" LiLuoning inquired.
"Might I inquire the esteemed name of your mentor, sir? Your knowledge in pharmacology is profound," Master Meng asked.
"I am merely Li, a humble scholar with a passion for medicine, no illustrious teacher to speak of," LiLuoning replied with a modest smile.
"You underestimate your talents, Mr. Li. With such expertise, you would not be out of place in the Imperial Medical Bureau. Would you consider serving the empire in a more official capacity?" Master Meng offered, recognizing a rare talent.
"A traveling healer like myself lacks the qualifications for such an honor. Surely, you jest," LiLuoning modestly declined.
ShangGuanCY, puzzled by the offer, whispered to Master Meng, "Why propose such a thing?"
"Given the chronic ailments of Empress XiaoRui and the current limitations within the Imperial Medical Bureau, we are desperate for fresh insight. Despite his humble protests, Mr. Li's quick discernment today has proven most exceptional. An official edict has been posted seeking such talents, yet no suitable candidates have emerged until now," Master Meng explained quietly.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, ShangGuanCY nodded and added, "Your skills are exceptional, Mr. Li, and it would be our honor to vouch for you."
LiLuoning, realizing the sincerity and the need in their request, paused to consider their words deeply. After a moment, he looked up and agreed, "If my humble skills can serve the greater good, then I accept your generous offer."
Both ShangGuanCY and Master Meng expressed their gratitude and relief, hopeful for the future contributions LiLuoning might bring to the Imperial Medical Bureau.
Seven days later, in the royal study of the palace,
"Announcing the arrival of the MoLan Prince!"
As the words echoed, a figure approached slowly through the grand doors. Clad in a jade-green silk robe, his long hair fluttered like silvery snow in the breeze. His handsome, gaunt face was pale, and his deep eyes revealed unmistakable fatigue.
"My son, I pay my respects to my father," said ChengSangMo as he knelt.
He had barely straightened up when something was hurled towards him. Instinctively, ChengSangMo raised his hands to protect his head, and a stack of petitions hit his arm before falling to the ground.
"ChengSangMo, you've really outdone yourself! Look at what you've caused! Over fifty petitions, thirty-seven of which involve you," thundered ChengSangKing.
ChengSangMo had anticipated some of this. The recent poisoning of the capital's populace had stirred up a storm, and the investigation, ultimately led by the Ministry of War, seemed inevitably to point towards him. Whether he was responsible or not, he was bound to be implicated. Knowing this, he was prepared for today's summons.
Kneeling silently in the hall, ChengSangMo bowed his head.
"Why are you silent?" ChengSangKing demanded after a prolonged silence.
"My lord, I do not know what to say," ChengSangMo replied softly, his voice tinged with a trace of illness.
Once robust and skilled in martial arts, inheriting his mother's northern bloodline, ChengSangMo was everyone's first choice for the crown prince. However, an assassination attempt a few years ago during a royal hunt had nearly cost him his life and left him chronically ill. Rumors swirled that XiaoRui, the queen, orchestrated the attack to install her own son, ChengSangJY, as heir. Since then, ChengSangMo had used his illness as a reason to live away from the palace, seldom involving himself in court affairs.
"Don't you have anything to explain about the poisoning that everyone says is connected to you?" ChengSangKing pressed.
Suppressing a cough, ChengSangMo steadied himself before responding, "If my father believed I was guilty, he would not have summoned me. If he believes I am innocent, he desires a reasonable explanation from me. I do not understand why the court officials think I am involved. This incident brings me no benefit. Furthermore, I have lived outside the city for many years, uninvolved in politics and lacking any motive to engage in such senseless acts. Although I manage a jade mining operation, I deal in no trades involving realgar. It seems far-fetched to accuse me just because the mined stones are from a region near where realgar is found."
"Oh? So you suggest someone is framing you?" asked ChengSangKing.
"I am unsure, but my father is wise. The realgar involved is extraordinarily pure, selected meticulously. To have it mixed unnoticed into the salt used for the imperial kitchens exceeds my capabilities," continued ChengSangMo.
ChengSangKing had considered this. The court had always marginalized ChengSangMo due to his mixed heritage. Since residing outside the palace and engaging in the jade business, it would not be beneath the courtiers to seize this chance to frame him. The summon today was to gauge his response; now seeing his demeanor, it appeared he was uninvolved.
"Your thoughts are clear; you must have prepared your defense before coming here," ChengSangKing noted.
"I merely speak to the facts. The issue may seem complex, but with my father's wisdom, no excessive justification from me is necessary. You already understand the underlying reasons," said ChengSangMo, his tone resolute.
"Mo, a clean conscience fears no accusation. Since you've done nothing wrong, there's no need to worry about what others say. Bring a chair," commanded ChengSangKing to a servant.
A beautifully carved wooden chair was brought forth, specially made for ChengSangMo and kept ready by ChengSangKing's order.
Supported by attendants, ChengSangMo took his seat and pulled out a handkerchief to cover his mouth and nose as he coughed violently.
"Mo, your health hasn't improved. If the imperial physicians sent to your estate are ineffective, I'll send others," said ChengSangKing with concern.
"Thank you for your care, Father. I fear this illness has rooted deeply; even if cured, I won't be as before. Fortunately, the treatment eases the symptoms, perhaps the recent pollen is to blame for today's discomfort. Your Majesty has many state affairs to attend to; there's no need to trouble yourself with my minor issues," ChengSangMo.
Sure! Here's a translation for the segment you provided, using the designated translations for names:
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**Seven days later, in the Imperial Study of the Royal Palace:**
"Announce the MoLan Prince's entry!"
As the announcement echoed, a slender figure in a jade satin robe slowly approached. His long hair fluttered like a thousand strands of white snow, revealing a gaunt face pale with fatigue, his deep eyes tired but composed.
"Your son greets you, Father." ChengSangMo bowed deeply.
As he straightened up, something was suddenly hurled at him. Instinctively, ChengSangMo raised his arm to protect his head. The bound documents struck his arm before tumbling to the ground.
"ChengSangMo, you've grown quite bold! Look at the mess you've made! Fifty-some petitions, thirty-seven concerning you," ChengSangKing scolded.
ChengSangMo had anticipated the reason for this summons. The recent poisoning of the capital's populace had caused uproar, with investigations inevitably tracing back to him. Controlled by the Ministry of War, the outcome seemed destined to burn him whether he was guilty or not. Thus, knowing what this summons likely entailed, ChengSangMo had come prepared.
Kneeling silently in the center of the hall, he kept his head bowed.
"Why do you not speak?" ChengSangKing demanded after a prolonged silence.
"Your Majesty, I am unsure what to say," ChengSangMo replied softly, his voice tinged with illness.
Originally robust and skilled in martial arts, inheriting his mother's Northern Mo lineage with exceptional horsemanship and archery, ChengSangMo was once seen as the undeniable heir. However, an assassination attempt a few years ago left him nearly drowned and permanently weakened. Some suspected that the Empress XiaoRui orchestrated the attack to elevate her son, ChengSangJY, to the prince's position. Since then, using his health as a reason, ChengSangMo had lived outside the palace, seldom engaging in court affairs.
"What do you mean you do not know what to say? The entire court says the poisoning is connected to you. Have you nothing to explain?" ChengSangKing pressed further.
Suppressing a cough, ChengSangMo said, "If Your Majesty believed I was guilty, you would not have called me here. If you do not believe I am guilty, you desire a reasonable explanation from me. I do not understand why the court officials insist it is my doing. There is no benefit to me in this poisoning, and given my long absence from the court and lack of interest in politics, I have no need for such reckless tactics. Although I manage jade mining, none of it involves realgar. To be convicted merely because the mines are near the source of this arsenic seems far-fetched."
"Oh? Are you suggesting someone is framing you?" ChengSangKing inquired.
"I cannot be certain, Father. However, given Your Majesty's wisdom, it is clear that the realgar, the pure white grains are exceedingly rare. Someone managed to select them in such large quantities and mix them undetected into the salt used for the royal banquet without my knowledge or ability," ChengSangMo continued earnestly.
ChengSangKing considered this. He knew court officials had always discriminated against ChengSangMo due to his Northern Mo heritage. Since living outside the palace, ChengSangMo had turned to jade trading—a fact these officials likely used to frame him. Today's summoning was to gauge his reaction. Seeing his composed demeanor, ChengSangKing felt reassured of his innocence.
"You have prepared your defense well, it seems," ChengSangKing observed.
"I simply speak the truth, Father. The situation may seem complex, but with your intelligence, I need not say more for you to understand the truth," ChengSangMo responded confidently.
"Mo, a clear conscience fears no accusation. If you are innocent, you need not worry about what others say. Someone, bring a chair," ChengSangKing commanded, and a beautifully carved wooden chair was brought forth.
Supported by attendants, ChengSangMo sat down, then drew a handkerchief from his sleeve to cover his mouth as he coughed violently.
"You have been unwell for too long. If the imperial physicians are ineffective, I will send others to examine you," ChengSangKing expressed his concern.
"Thank you for your concern, Father. This illness seems to have settled deep, and even if cured, my body won't be as it was. Fortunately, the prescriptions help alleviate the symptoms. It's probably just the recent pollen that's troubling me. You needn't worry over such trifles," ChengSangMo reassured softly.
"How can your health be a trifle? I've heard that the Imperial Physician recently found a new doctor outside the palace for the Empress. Let him visit you as
"Thank you for your concern, Father. This ailment has deeply rooted itself; even if cured, my health may never fully recover. Fortunately, the medicines provided do offer some relief. It's likely the recent pollen that's causing discomfort. You need not worry about such minor matters," ChengSangMo reassured softly, managing a weak smile.
"How can your health be a minor matter? I've heard that the Imperial Physician recently found a new doctor outside the palace for the Empress. Let him visit you as well," ChengSangKing insisted, his voice filled with concern.
"Father, I wouldn't want to trouble you. If the Empress hears of it, she might think I'm too coddled. My condition is manageable; let's not bother the court over it," ChengSangMo declined gently.
"But your condition hasn't improved, and it's not a matter of being coddled. This is settled; I'll speak to your mother. You focus on getting better—that's what matters," ChengSangKing asserted firmly.
"Yes, Father. I will obey," ChengSangMo accepted, bowing his head in gratitude as he settled back into the chair, his coughs subsiding slowly.