Hu Kuangming's words made the emperor, who had now grasped their implications, give him a long, searching look. The gaze he then turned on Tan Yuanshang was equally meaningful.
Tan Yuanshang met the emperor's eyes without flinching and spoke directly.
"Your Majesty, I hope you will consider Doctor Hu's advice."
Tan Yuanshang said no more. He trusted the emperor to understand, but the emperor's expression had grown decidedly ugly, and he lightly slapped the bedside table.
Though it was only a soft thump, the chief eunuch accompanying him trembled, and Hu Kuangming's heart gave a violent jolt.
As the saying went, serving a sovereign was like keeping company with a tiger. Hu Kuangming had only spent a short while in his presence, but what he had raised was a grave matter, and his heart beat like a drum. Still, he could not neglect even an ordinary patient, much less the sovereign of Great Yong!
"Your Majesty, please do not let anger overcome you."
At such a moment, Hu Kuangming actually steeled himself to speak again, making even the silent Tan Yuanshang give him a surprised look.
The emperor was angry, but he could still distinguish right from wrong, and he could hardly lash out at them. He gave Hu Kuangming and Tan Yuanshang another searching look, then slowly stood and quietly uttered two words.
"Return home!"
"Yes."
The chief eunuch glanced at Tan Yuanshang and the deeply frowning Hu Kuangming, cupped his hands, then hurried after the departing emperor, his heart heavy with worry.
"Let me see Your Majesty out."
"No need!"
Tan Yuanshang had only just reached the doorway when the emperor refused him. He stopped, knowing it would be best not to follow at a time like this.
When Tan Yuanshang looked back, Hu Kuangming's face was already