The vague answer made Eunuch Zhao furrow his brow, his heart sinking slightly. Ma Shunde had not rushed to speak earlier, which had already told him the situation was somewhat dire. He had been about to question him further.
"The medicine is ready!" a voice called from outside just then. The door opened, and someone hurried in. Eunuch Zhao recognized him—it was Imperial Physician Xu, accompanied by a medicine boy.
Having once been in charge of the Imperial City Office, he had investigated several of the Imperial Medical Academy's principal physicians. He knew Imperial Physician Xu lived nearby, so it was no surprise he had been summoned at once.
"Imperial Physician Xu, how is Prince Qi?" Eunuch Zhao asked expressionlessly, his manner naturally different now.
Ma Shunde and Liu Zhan could remain silent, but Imperial Physician Xu could not. He could only say, "Your Excellencies, my lords, this official must administer the medicine first. Once it cools, its efficacy will suffer."
As he spoke, he hurried forward. "Your Highness, this decoction is neither too hot nor too cold now. Please drink it."
He took up a spoon and fed him mouthful by mouthful. Prince Qi did not open his eyes, yet he cooperatively swallowed several spoonfuls. Gradually, a flush rose to his face, and everyone quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
After the medicine had been administered, they withdrew beneath the corridor. Imperial Physician Xu took the chance to compose his words. Shizu of Great Wei had decreed that imperial physicians must give a clear diagnosis after taking a pulse, and that it must be filed for future reference.
Ambiguity would not do. He could only steel himself and say, "Eunuch Zhao, Prince Qi appears to have no fatal external wounds. However, he has yet to awaken. From his pulse,