"You wouldn't know about this consort, Your Highness. The Wen family has a scholarly lineage spanning generations, and some of their library's collection isn't even in the palace.
Prime Minister Wen himself is a paragon among his family's descendants. How others discovered this medicine is debatable, but for Prime Minister Wen, it's not.
He is learned and knowledgeable. With the Wen family's extensive connections, if they knew of this medicine's existence, it's not surprising they could find it."
Shen Ci, as Feng Xi Wu's devoted physician, was well-versed in the backgrounds of the major aristocratic families in the capital. He patiently enlightened Lu Qing Wan and Meng Tang.
Lu Qing Wan was convinced by Prime Minister Wen's formidable background, "Alright, the old man is impressive. I concede."
She then turned to Meng Tang, "The old gentleman hasn't been quiet these past few days. Check him for any wound dehiscence. If there is, it will need re-bandaging."
Although physicians are gender-blind and she wouldn't hesitate to treat male patients when necessary, this era wasn't as open-minded as the Great Celestial Empire. While the taboo between men and women wasn't strict, it still existed.
When possible, she preferred to avoid unnecessary contact with males other than Feng Xi Wu.
Fortunately, luck was on her side. After examining the wound, Meng Tang informed Lu Qing Wan, "The wound is bleeding slightly, but the situation isn't serious. I can handle it myself."
Lu Qing Wan had just taken Prime Minister Wen's pulse and found that although he was a bit weak, his condition hadn't worsened. She was relieved.
She turned her gaze towards the door. At this hour, Prince Chen and Prince Jing should have already entered the palace.
"Divine Physician Lin, His Majesty summons you."
Tang Xiao's voice sounded from outside the door, terse and laconic, not a word more than necessary.
Lu Qing Wan mused inwardly, wondering if everyone, upon entering the gilded cage of the imperial palace, unconsciously became more cautious in their speech.
She followed Tang Xiao to the main hall.
Prince Chen and Prince Jing were already respectfully waiting before Emperor Jing You's bed. Upon seeing Lu Qing Wan arrive, a flicker of surprise crossed their eyes.
Emperor Jing You addressed them directly, "You both know that the ability to procreate is an essential condition for becoming the crown prince. Divine Physician Lin is here today to diagnose both of you.
If either of you is truly incapable of procreation, I ask that Divine Physician Lin begin treatment as soon as possible. Do not fear illness and shun medicine."
In the Emperor's presence, even if they were truly averse to treatment, they would have to grit their teeth and allow Lu Qing Wan to examine them.
Thus, they refrained from any unpleasantness and respectfully stated, "Your humble son obeys Father Emperor's teachings."
After speaking, Feng Qing Heng did not forget to nod to Lu Qing Wan, "Then I shall trouble Divine Physician Lin. As I am older than Prince Jing, allow me to go first."
"Your Highness, please."
Lu Qing Wan placed a medicinal pillow on the eight immortals table before Emperor Jing You's bed. Feng Qing Heng naturally extended his hand for Lu Qing Wan to take his pulse.
Emperor Jing You's gaze was fixed on Feng Qing Heng. His expression was unreadable, but as Lu Qing Wan's diagnosis concerned the succession of the empire, he was likely not at ease.
Prince Jing, Feng Jing Heng, however, cast curious glances back and forth between Lu Qing Wan, Feng Qing Heng, and Emperor Jing You, much like an unweaned child.
Yet, the moment Lu Qing Wan withdrew her hand, his gaze involuntarily settled on her.
To be precise, his gaze was fixed on Lu Qing Wan's lips, as if he could stare back any words she might utter that displeased him.
Lu Qing Wan, however, remained calm and composed, as if oblivious to the various gazes upon her.
She said with a touch of surprise, "Prince Chen's pulse is somewhat peculiar!"
Upon hearing this, Feng Qing Heng's heart leaped, "How does Divine Physician Lin explain this? Have I contracted some rare ailment?"
A fleeting shadow of dark amusement crossed Prince Jing's eyes. He had thought Concubine Ye's drugging of numerous imperial males, including himself, Prince Ning, and even the Emperor, would not have spared Feng Qing Heng.
Just as he was relishing in schadenfreude, he heard Lu Qing Wan furrow her brow and mutter, "Your Highness seems to have been poisoned with a drug specifically targeting male fertility. However, for some unknown reason, the effects of this drug have gradually subsided. Therefore, regarding procreation, there should be no problem."
Feng Qing Heng immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Emperor Jing You, meanwhile, urged Lu Qing Wan from the side, "Examine Prince Jing now."
This outcome was unexpected for Prince Jing. His mind raced through a thousand thoughts in an instant, but before Emperor Jing You, he could only stiffen his resolve and extend his hand.
Prince Jing had sought treatment from Lu Qing Wan before. He was merely worried that she might say something inappropriate this time.
The pulse-taking lasted only a few breaths, during which Prince Jing had already conceived countless methods to deal with Lu Qing Wan and Emperor Jing You.
Lu Qing Wan's words, however, surprised him, "Prince Jing has also been poisoned with a fertility-inhibiting drug. The poisoning is quite severe."
This diagnosis perfectly suited Feng Qing Heng's intentions. Upon hearing it, he immediately feigned concern, "Divine Physician Lin possesses miraculous healing abilities. I have heard you once achieved the miracle of performing a Cesarean section and ensuring the safety of both mother and child. surely, Divine Physician Lin can treat Prince Jing's illness?"
Feng Qing Heng's concern for Prince Jing was, at first, quite normal.
However, Lu Qing Wan remained silent, her eyes downcast, which made his eagerness seem somewhat excessive.
Perhaps due to his own guilt, Feng Qing Heng awkwardly tried to cover, "Prince Jing is still young and has yet to have any offspring. If there is any hope of treatment, I implore Divine Physician Lin to cure him."
Lu Qing Wan, having had her fill of his awkward and embarrassed demeanor, finally said leisurely, "Naturally. His Majesty has commanded, and as a commoner, how dare I not do my utmost?"
Feng Qing Heng was momentarily speechless, while Lu Qing Wan became even more self-assured.
"This drug, though potent, is not incurable. However, the process is extremely lengthy and tedious. I ask that Prince Jing be patient, otherwise, I will be helpless."
Prince Jing nodded repeatedly, "This Prince will cooperate with Divine Physician Lin in all aspects and will not find it bothersome."
Lu Qing Wan nodded, her expression inscrutable, "Ultimately, fertility-inhibiting drugs drain one's vitality. I ask that Your Highness maintain a life of temperance for the next year.
Furthermore, absolutely avoid any potent tonics for replenishing vitality. Too much is as bad as too little. Your Highness need only take the medicine I prescribe on time."
As she spoke, she pondered for a moment and bowed to Emperor Jing You, "Reporting to Your Majesty, Prince Jing's condition requires acupuncture and medicinal baths every ten days.
As a mere commoner, entering and exiting the prince's manor and the palace frequently is inconvenient.
May I request that Prince Jing visit Bai Xing Lin for his treatments? This way, I can make thorough preparations and avoid delaying Prince Jing's recovery?"
In reality, Lu Qing Wan was simply bothered by the inconvenience. Moreover, she had been away from the capital for many days, and the business at Bai Xing Lin had suffered. Having such a prominent patient as Prince Jing was a good advertisement.
However, Emperor Jing You, being astute, nipped her plan in the bud with a single sentence.