Just as Tang Zhuyun was about to refuse, she heard Prince of Jin say, "It cannot be cured."
Decisive and efficient, with a resounding impact.
The vast hall fell into complete silence; you could hear a pin drop.
The Prince of Jin didn't say he couldn't treat it; he said he wouldn't treat it, even if he could.
This is a blatant slap in the face to the Empress.
Tang Zhuyun didn't know why he was so arrogant, always meek and submissive—she regarded her husband as her heaven and listened to the prince.
The Empress was clearly surprised by Prince of Jin's audacity, but she maintained her smile in front of everyone. "What's wrong? Didn't Consort of the Prince of Jin receive much praise for treating the disaster victims?"
The Emperor's expression was unreadable, as he also looked at Prince of Jin.
Prince of Jin said expressionlessly, "Is Your Majesty sure you want her to treat Zong Heng's leg? Aren't you afraid that she might treat him so badly that he'll never be able to stand up again?"
Tang Zhuyun suppressed a laugh.
No, although theoretically she could do such a thing, she always felt like she was letting down the founder.
She simply didn't intend to help; that was all.
Everyone: If we're talking about awesomeness, then it has to be Prince of Jin. He's ruthless, killing gods and Buddhas alike, and he doesn't even give face to his stepmother, the Empress.
That's a really harsh statement!
Let me treat you, fine, you deserve to be disabled.
The Queen's smile became strained.
The Crown Princess grew anxious and angrily said, "The worst that can happen is that it can't be cured at all. If it gets worse, isn't that deliberately causing harm?"
She was genuinely anxious.
Zong Heng is her younger brother and also her protector.
Although she was angry that Zong Heng was favoring Zong Xueci, now was the time to unite against external forces.
"Your Majesty," Tang Zhuyun said with a forced smile, "I specialize in women and children. Do you think Young Master Zong is more like a woman or a child?"
Is he effeminate or just immature?
Although the Emperor knew of her medical skills, Tang Zhuyun planned to pretend to be ignorant unless he asked her to.
The Emperor was perfectly aware of the grudge between her and Zong Heng.
Now it all depends on whose side the Emperor favors.
"Furthermore," Tang Zhuyun said, "The Crown Princess is pregnant, and emotional distress is not good for the fetus. Please take care."
The Crown Princess retorted angrily, "I can tell you clearly don't want to help. At least take a look and see if it can be cured. You didn't even look, and you just..."
Tang Zhuyun said, "If it heals well, everyone will be happy, but if it worsens, wouldn't that be a sin? Especially with the Zong Family's pleading attitude, I'm really not at ease. As the saying goes, a wise man doesn't stand under a crumbling wall, so I won't treat this leg."
She was practically saying, "Your Zong Family are all scoundrels, so I deliberately didn't treat you."
The Crown Princess's face turned bright red.
The Emperor, who had been watching the drama unfold, finally spoke, "Today is the fifteenth, let's celebrate properly. We can discuss the rest later. Guards, reward Zong Heng."
The Emperor made no mention of treating Zong Heng's leg, leaving the others unable to fathom his thoughts, and each had their own interpretation.
The Crown Prince smiled and said, "Sixth Brother doesn't seem to be in a good mood today."
Prince of Jin: "It's a bit of a shame that the football match was cancelled today."
Tang Zhuyun almost couldn't hold back her laughter.
I'm in a bad mood today because we didn't win 18-0.
Sigh, my husband is too fierce, he doesn't give me any room to maneuver.
But isn't playing Cuju (ancient Chinese football) on the Mid-Autumn Festival an annual tradition? Why was it canceled without explanation this year? Did something happen in the palace?
Consort De sat behind the Emperor with a beaming smile, clearly in a good mood, a stark contrast to the Empress's somber expression.
This palace certainly exudes an air of strangeness.
Tang Zhuyun was bored and counting her Buddhist prayer beads under the table.
After a while, the emperor ordered the crown prince to lead the princes in offering toasts to everyone on his behalf.
Prince of Jin couldn't remain inactive, but he was also too lazy to mingle with the Crown Prince and the others, so he whispered to Tang Zhuyun, "I'm going to stay with my father-in-law for a while."
His father-in-law was a high-ranking official, so today his job was simply to keep him company.
Thanks to my father-in-law, he wasn't so different this year.
Marrying Tang Zhuzi is wonderful!
Tang Zhuyun nodded and whispered, "If my father tries to persuade you to follow the crowd, just let it go in one ear and out the other."
The Prince of Jin smirked. "No, my father-in-law himself doesn't follow the crowd."
Tang Zhuyun: "..."
After the Prince of Jin left, she whispered to Xiu'er, "I need to relieve myself."
Xiu'er helped her up, muttering, "I told you to drink less water, but you wouldn't listen. What if something goes wrong later?"
In this palace, you can't even go to the outhouse casually.
Tang Zhuyun: "I'm going to suffocate if I don't go out for some fresh air."
Stepping out of the main hall, the air outside was cool and pleasant.
Tang Zhuyun took a deep breath. "Oh my god, at least I don't have to stare at people with their own agendas in the main hall anymore."
The maid pointed out the way to the latrine, and the mistress and servant strolled along leisurely.
Upon arriving at the latrine, they discovered several maids standing outside, indicating that someone important was relieving themselves inside.
Xiu'er asked, "Your Highness, are you in a hurry?"
"No rush."
"Then forget it."
Tang Zhuyun suddenly became interested. "What if I'm in a hurry?"
"If you're in a hurry, I'll call the Prince. The people inside will definitely run away in a panic and make way."
The empress was outspoken and defiant, but once she entered the palace, she became a meek quail.
The prince is something else entirely; he keeps strangers at bay normally, and once he enters the palace, he becomes even more ruthless, showing no regard for family or friends.
Tang Zhuyun: "... Be more dignified."
A woman emerged quickly from inside; she appeared to be eighteen or nineteen years old, with a pretty face and an ethereal air.
Upon seeing Tang Zhuyun, she gave a slight bow, her demeanor impeccable.
Tang Zhuyun nodded in acknowledgment, but her mind was racing.
What kind of clothing is this woman wearing?
After they left, Xiu'er whispered, "Your Highness, this is the wife of the Heir Apparent of the Marquis of Pingyang's Residence."
Marquis of Pingyang's Residence?
It feels strangely familiar, but I just can't quite place it.
How did you meet?
Xiu'er said smugly, "I found out by chatting with her maid just now."
This is truly amazing social skills.
Tang Zhuyun came out of the restroom and, on her way back, asked, "Xiu'er, doesn't this Marquis of Pingyang's Residence seem a little familiar?"
"You just remembered!" Xiu'er said, "I thought you knew! Qin Li, Four Young Masters of the Capital, married the divorced woman."
"Huh? Then wasn't the one we just encountered one of the Four Great Wicked Women?"
"That's right, Madam Qin."
Tang Zhuyun: Sigh, if I had known it was her, I should have taken a closer look.
She's very good-looking, and her eyes are sharp too; no wonder Qin Li was captivated by her.
As the master and servant were walking back, an uninvited guest appeared in front of them.
--Zong Heng.
Tang Zhuyun paused, staring at him with a half-smile.