Hu Xiaotian worked with remarkable deftness, removing every stitch from the incision in no time.
Long Yelin looked down at the healed incision and clicked his tongue in wonder. "Xiaotian, your healing hands truly have no equal. I have seen many skilled physicians, but only Mister Ren of the Heavenly Mystery Hall can compare with you."
"Your Majesty flatters me," Hu Xiaotian said modestly. "Mister Ren is Great Kang's foremost divine physician, with the power to bring the dead back to life. I have no such ability. How could I dare compare myself to him?"
"Young and accomplished, yet modest and prudent. Truly rare," Long Yelin said with a smile. His gaze shifted to his third son, Long Ting Zhen. "Ting Zhen, you should learn more from Xiaotian's humility and composure."
Hu Xiaotian's heart sank. This emperor is a sly bastard. If you want to lecture your son, then lecture him! Why the hell drag me into it? The Third Prince already has a grudge against me. Isn't this just piling snow on frost?
Long Tingzhen voiced his agreement, but inwardly he burned with rage. His father had compared him to a servant in front of all these people and even told him to learn from that servant. It was no different from a slap in the face. Hu Xiaotian, oh, Hu Xiaotian, one day I'll make you wish you were dead. Long Tingzhen was indeed rather narrow-minded. Hu Xiaotian had never intended to compete with him; this was entirely his father's doing.
"Your Majesty, I possess neither talent nor virtue. How could I dare compare myself to the Third Prince?" Hu Xiaotian said. "Both princes are men I look up to. The First Prince is mighty and valiant, endowed with both wisdom and courage. The Third Prince is handsome