Chapter 27: The Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Relationship Has Shattered!

Inside the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess held their breath, anxiously awaiting the diagnosis from Imperial Physician Lin.

At last, Lin rose to his feet.

The Crown Princess could hardly contain her eagerness. “How is it? Has His Highness’s condition improved?”

Lin, feeling uneasy, wiped the sweat from his brow, his face flushing red. “If it weren’t for having treated the Crown Prince for twenty years, I would doubt my own diagnosis.”

“The Crown Prince is now in excellent health. Not only has his hidden ailment vanished, but even his lifelong frailty and deficiency of qi have completely healed. His pulse is strong and vigorous, and his internal organs are thriving with vitality—he is even more robust than a typical young man.”

Tears of joy welled in the Crown Princess’s eyes as she hurried outside to bring their son in.

“Lin, you must examine Jinghui as well.”

The Crown Prince carried their child over and laid him gently on the soft couch.

The little fellow fidgeted playfully, but the Crown Prince grasped his small hand and said, “Let Imperial Physician Lin check. Only if Jinghui is well can Father and Mother rest easy.”

Jinghui seemed to understand, finally calming down, though his round eyes gazed curiously at Lin.

Lin approached and took the boy’s pulse. Having the previous reading for comparison, he showed no surprise this time.

“Little Imperial Grandson’s frailty has also disappeared. His heartbeat is steady and strong—he is quite healthy.”

The Crown Princess felt a great weight lift from her heart, tears streaming freely.

Seeing her cry, the Crown Prince pulled her into his arms, gently patting her back. “Don’t cry. Jinghui is well—that is what truly matters.”

She nodded but could not stop the tears. After so long, today was the first time she truly felt her spine straighten, no longer timid or fearful of others blaming the child’s weakness on her.

Lin stood nearby, his throat dry, itching to ask what miraculous remedy the Crown Prince and the young prince had taken.

“I have never been ill, and the little prince’s health is fully restored. Do you understand?” The Crown Prince’s authoritative voice cut through the room.

Lin knew there was no point pressing further and felt a pang of disappointment. Still, he nodded. “As always, the Imperial Medical Department has no missing records. Your Highness need not worry.”

The Crown Prince inclined his head slightly. “I shall have gifts sent to your residence later. You have worked hard these years.”

Lin hurriedly declined, but when the Crown Prince dismissed him, he had no choice but to leave.

Yet, scarcely had he stepped out of the Eastern Palace when Zhou Dahai intercepted him and led him to the Hall of Diligent Governance.

Shortly after they departed, a young eunuch, eyes darting furtively, slipped into Consort Tan Liangyuan’s quarters.

“I saw clearly—it was Imperial Physician Lin, and Director Zhou even took him to the Emperor’s chambers.”

Tan Liangyuan sprang from her soft chair, eyes gleaming with delight. “The little prince must be ill again. I always said he wouldn’t live long, yet the Crown Prince and Crown Princess coddle him as if he were their very life.”

“Come, bring some cakes. We shall visit the Empress’s palace.”

The young eunuch nodded briskly, trailing after Tan Liangyuan to the Phoenix Harmony Palace.

The Empress, already anxious upon hearing the Eastern Palace summoned Imperial Physician Lin, was desperate for news but could not show it outwardly, her heart heavy with unease.

Just then, a servant announced Tan Liangyuan’s arrival.

In times past, the Empress would have received her warmly, but now her face was cold. “Let her in.”

Tan Liangyuan entered, bearing a box of sweets, smiling brightly. “Mother, your daughter-in-law has come to visit.”

The Empress sneered. “You, a lowly concubine, dare call yourself daughter-in-law before me? And what of the Crown Princess?”

Tan Liangyuan froze. She had always addressed herself thus—what was the problem now?

Had the Empress learned of the little prince’s illness and taken offense?

Who was spreading such rumors so quickly? She would have to punish the gossip-monger severely.

Pinching her handkerchief, Tan Liangyuan suppressed her irritation. “Mother, do you know the little prince is ill again?”

“The Crown Princess doesn’t seem to care, busy with her own affairs, neglecting the child. When I have children, I will care for them well and not trouble you.”

“Though lately, the Crown Prince seldom visits me…”

The Empress’s cold gaze grew sharper, her patience thinning.

She was clearly seeking to provoke the Crown Princess, hoping to gain favor through her. Did Tan Liangyuan think she was so easily manipulated?

The Empress snapped, “Who told you the little prince is sick? Are you spreading slander?”

“Tan Liangyuan, you have relied on my favor to disregard the Crown Princess, but now you even wish misfortune upon the heir? Do you think I dare not punish you?”

“Guards! Drag Tan Liangyuan out and strike her twenty times across the face!”

Terrified, Tan Liangyuan’s complexion paled. “Your Majesty, I know my fault. Please have mercy this once!”

“Your Majesty…”

Director Chen entered with eunuchs, scolding, “No noise!”

“Take her away!”

Thus, Tan Liangyuan’s complaints failed, and she was publicly humiliated, her dignity utterly shattered.

The Empress, restless with worry, could not remain in the Phoenix Harmony Palace and went to wait along Imperial Physician Lin’s usual path back to the Imperial Medical Department.

Upon seeing him, she hurried to intercept. “Imperial Physician Lin, did the Emperor summon you to inquire about the Crown Prince’s condition? Is there still cause for concern?”

Seeing the worry in her eyes, Lin glanced around to ensure privacy before replying, “Your Majesty need not worry. The Crown Prince is in excellent health, with no trace of illness.”

The Empress understood at once—the Crown Prince had fully recovered.

Joy mingled with urgency as she pressed, “And the Imperial Grandson?”

Lin assured her, “The young prince has always been robust. With proper care, his appetite has improved greatly. I believe it will not be long before he grows strong and healthy.”

The Empress exhaled deeply, relief flooding her. After sending Lin on his way, she proceeded to the Pine Moon Hall.

There, the Empress Dowager awaited, the two of them enjoying tea beneath the parasol trees, a scene of harmonious delight.

The Empress Dowager remarked, “Once Jingyun returns, I shall leave the palace and live with you. You are my sons and daughters-in-law; you must care for me.”

Lin Yue smiled. “But Your Majesty, what of your private quarters?”

The Empress Dowager waved her off. “They are yours, all yours.”

Lin Yue laughed. “I dare not accept if Your Majesty insists. The Crown Princess is the Empress—I would never offend her.”

“Besides, harmony in the family brings prosperity. You may favor your youngest son, but don’t drag me into it.”

The Empress Dowager chuckled, playfully striking her hand. “Ungrateful child! Is it wrong for me to dote on you?”

Lin Yue sighed. “No, it’s not wrong. But we must not neglect the Crown Princess. She works so hard—bearing three children and managing the harem. She is far more capable than I.”

The Empress Dowager nodded. “You are right; the Empress’s burdens are heavy. But I still want to stay with you two. What do you say?”

The Empress, overhearing, thought: Is she truly wanting to stay, or simply unwilling to let go of Lin Yue?

She entered with a smile. “Mother and sister-in-law are here. Since my palace is quiet, I came to visit.”

“Sister-in-law, make yourself at home. If you need anything, just tell the servants. If they fail, I’ll break their legs myself.”

Lin Yue stood quickly. “Empress, you jest. I want for nothing; all is well.”

The Empress took her arm and sat beside her. “Don’t be so formal with me. After all these years in the palace, it’s rare to find a confidante—and that is you, sister-in-law. What a deep bond we share.”

The Empress Dowager muttered, “I think your schemes run deep indeed! Competing for favor with me?”

Hmph!

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship was utterly fractured!