In mid-November, military physician He Bailing finally returned secretly to the capital under the protection of the Crown Prince's personal guards.
Compared to Old Doctor Zheng, He Bailing not only excelled in medical theory with extensive experience, but also possessed broad knowledge of various difficult and complicated diseases from his years practicing in rural areas. His familiarity with all kinds of herbs and poisons, combined with years of military service, had honed his exceptional healing skills.
After examining the wound, He Bailing already had a solution in mind for the arrow poison that had troubled the entire Imperial Hospital.
However, the treatment method was quite challenging: first, cutting away infected flesh and applying his exclusive detoxifying powder externally, then using acupuncture to gradually drain the poisoned blood, and finally stitching the wound closed.
Before making the incision, He Bailing hesitated unusually.
Qin Ge immediately asked, "Does the military physician have any concerns?"
He Bailing replied, "The pain of cutting flesh and draining blood is unbearable for ordinary people. While datura can numb the nerves, it possesses both medicinal and toxic properties. Although it can relieve pain temporarily, it comes with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and mental confusion. The Crown Prince's head ailment might worsen because of this."
For other illnesses, He Bailing was confident in his ability to handle them, but regarding this head ailment, he had never found a complete cure, usually only able to provide some relief through acupuncture.
The Crown Prince responded almost without thinking, "Then don't use datura. Proceed directly."
He Bailing met the Crown Prince's gaze, sharing the unspoken understanding between a general and his military physician who had faced life and death together.
As the medical blade passed through the flame and cut through the skin, the Crown Prince closed his eyes, sweat bursting from his forehead.
The treatment was a major procedure. Because the arrow wound on the Crown Prince's body had been neglected for too long, the poisoned blood had spread throughout his system. Even with He Bailing's skilled hands, the bloodletting and detoxification continued until the following evening before concluding.
Lying on the bed, the Crown Prince was pale, appearing desolate and lifeless in the candlelight, with only the clearly pulsating veins in his neck revealing faint signs of life.
Blood-soaked gauze piled up like a mountain beneath the bed, and basins of bloody water were carried out one after another. Only after removing the last silver needle did He Bailing wipe the sweat from his forehead.
Cao Yuanlu brought in ginseng soup, having prepared a bowl for He Bailing as well.
After drinking the ginseng soup, the Crown Prince's condition finally showed some improvement. "Thank you for your hard work, Military Physician."
He Bailing sighed, "It is Your Highness's strong will that enabled you to endure what ordinary people cannot. Had this wound been delayed until today, even divine intervention would have been powerless."
Cao Yuanlu asked with concern, "Might I ask, Military Physician, when will His Highness fully recover?"
He Bailing answered, "The arrow wound should heal within half a month. However, this serious injury has aggravated the head ailment. I was particularly worried about this, but unexpectedly, Your Highness's condition is much better than I anticipated."
The Crown Prince pressed his lips together without responding. Just then, De Shun reported from outside the hall, "Imperial Physician Liang requests an audience with Your Highness."
The news of He Bailing's entry into the palace had not been disclosed; otherwise, interruptions might have occurred at any time during this period. Naturally, Liang Jin was unaware.
Just as Cao Yuanlu was about to have De Shun send him away, the Crown Prince's low, hoarse voice came from behind, "Admit him."
Liang Jin had come today according to routine to check on the Crown Prince's injury and to present a newly blended incense, improved from the previous formula.
Upon entering Cheng Guang Hall, Liang Jin was immediately struck by the overwhelming scent of blood, fearing something had happened to the Crown Prince. As he proceeded to the inner chamber, he saw blood-stained handkerchiefs still uncleared on the floor, which alarmed him greatly. He stepped forward and asked, "Has Your Highness suffered a relapse of the arrow poison?"
After speaking, he glanced at the unfamiliar face in the hall—a man with a lean complexion and a long beard reaching his chest, exuding an air of immortal grace.
He dared not look too long and averted his eyes after a brief glance.
The Crown Prince had no intention of explaining further and simply said, "It's nothing," before inquiring about the blended incense.
Liang Jin promptly placed the incense in the burner and lit it.
Wispy blue smoke unfurled, and a faint grassy fragrance slowly spread through the intricate gold-carved latticework.
After returning earlier, Liang Jin had added gardenia and honey to the original blend based on the Crown Prince’s suggestions, making the scent fresher and sweeter. It was likely the closest approximation to the aroma of the palace maid who attended the Prince at night. Liang Jin waited anxiously for the Crown Prince’s evaluation.
The Crown Prince showed little expression but nodded faintly in approval. "Imperial Physician Liang has been most attentive."
That single remark was enough for Liang Jin.
Bowing as he approached, he continued to take the Crown Prince’s pulse and found that the residual poison in His Highness’s body had been completely cleared. Delighted, Liang Jin glanced at He Bailing and hesitantly asked, "Might this be the renowned Military Doctor He?"
Though he had never met He Bailing in person, he knew of his unorthodox medical skills and legendary ability to revive the dying. Combined with the widely circulated description of his high cheekbones and long beard, recognizing him was not difficult.
He Bailing stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and modestly demurred.
Liang Jin said joyfully, "With Military Doctor He here, my master can rest assured."
After the others had left, only He Bailing and Cao Yuanlu remained in the hall.
He Bailing had been paying close attention to the incense earlier and now examined it carefully. "This incense is clear, sweet, and calming—warm without being dry. It may benefit Your Highness’s head ailment and poses no harm."
Cao Yuanlu found the scent somewhat familiar, as if he had encountered it somewhere before, but he couldn’t recall where at the moment.
The Crown Prince did not keep them in suspense and stated plainly, "This is the scent of a palace maid who attends me at night."
Both men looked surprised.
Cao Yuanlu asked, "Yun Kui?"
The Crown Prince nodded. "I have shared a bed with her for many nights, and indeed my head ailment has improved. Thus, I had Liang Jin blend an incense similar to her natural fragrance. However, even if the scent is alike, it does not compare to having her by my side, which brings relief to my head and allows me to sleep as peacefully as usual."
Cao Yuanlu suddenly understood. No wonder His Highness, who usually kept his distance from women, summoned only Yun Kui to attend him at night and had spared her life all this time, even overlooking the evidence in her room. It wasn’t a test—her unique natural fragrance could alleviate the Crown Prince’s head ailment.
Cao Yuanlu felt both joy and worry. He was glad that the chronic illness plaguing His Highness for years might finally have a remedy, but he feared that the girl, being the Empress’s agent and sharing His Highness’s bed every night, could be tempted or threatened to harm the Crown Prince covertly, making her an unpredictable risk.
He Bailing picked up the remaining incense cake and sniffed it carefully. "Incense is lifeless, but people are alive. No matter how well the incense is blended, it cannot compare to the warmth and vitality of a person’s breath."
He stroked his beard and added, "Moreover, what puts Your Highness at ease may not be limited to her scent. Skin-to-skin contact, intimate whispers, and harmonious union could also be factors that allow Your Highness—"
The Crown Prince’s brow furrowed deeper, and he couldn’t help interrupting, "…Military Doctor, mind your words."