As the New Year approached its end and spring was about to arrive, a time when all things revive, Song Yuan began to feel unwell.
Initially, Song Yuan merely felt a general weakness throughout his body, accompanied by constant drowsiness.
He attributed it to spring fatigue and, being diligent as always, made sure to rest for a while in his study every noon.
Song Chaoyu seized the opportunity to have Madam Nie return the Hongmei Hai Jade Pendant to the Crown Princess.
She even specifically asked Concubine Liu to prepare some silk and jewelry to send to Concubine Liu, hoping that Concubine Liu would "go easy on them."
She sincerely told Concubine Liu that the Hai Jade Pendant was indeed not in her possession, and even offered that if Concubine Liu did not believe her, she could find an opportunity to visit their Painting Academy.
She declared that even if the entire Painting Academy were turned upside down, she and Concubine Liu would have no complaints.
Concubine Liu was not foolish and naturally would not do so. Moreover, Song Yuan had been staying with Concubine Liu these days, making it difficult for her to say anything.
With the grand wedding of the eldest daughter and Prince Ning fast approaching, the entire Song Manor was bustling with activity. Concubine Liu had promised Song Chaoyu that she would temporarily set the matter aside.
Her influence in the Song Manor was now almost on par with the First Madam, and she felt increasingly pleased, believing she had Song Chaoyu firmly in her grasp.
One morning, in order to select gift pouches for Song Yanjiao to take to Prince Ning's manor, the First Madam spared no effort, wanting to purchase every style of pouch available in the capital. She had these pouches neatly displayed throughout the main hall of the Song residence and summoned everyone to help Song Yanjiao make her selection.
Even the Old Madam was called over, but in the vast main hall, only Song Yanjiao and the First Madam were enthusiastic; everyone else appeared impatient.
The First Madam paid no mind to this, picking up the pouches one by one and "discussing" them in hushed tones with the Old Madam.
—
Just as everyone was gathered in the main hall, the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly echoed from outside.
The First Madam, happily preoccupied, was interrupted by the anxious voice of a servant: "Old Madam, Madam! Something has happened to our Master! Please come quickly!"
The First Madam's smile froze.
Everyone looked outside and saw that Lord Song was being carried and dragged into the manor by two eunuchs from the palace!
He appeared to have fainted, prompting everyone in the Song family to rush out: "What happened? What happened to Master?"
The Song family servant led them to escort Lord Song back to his room, and the Old Madam personally went forward to address the eunuchs from the palace: "What is going on?"
The eunuch who delivered him wiped the sweat from his brow and said, "We don't know what happened to Lord Song today. While attending court, he suddenly fainted! His Majesty has instructed us to send the Master back first, and the imperial physician will follow shortly! It is likely that with the onset of spring and the heavy workload, Lord Song has been exhausted!"
His Majesty currently held Song Yuan in high regard, so the eunuch dared not be negligent: "His Majesty has instructed me to inform the Old Madam that whatever the Song Manor needs, and no matter what happens to the Master, you may inform me directly. The palace will do its utmost to cure Lord Song's ailment!"
The Old Madam nodded, immensely grateful to the eunuch: "Thank you, Eunuch! I believe it is because he has been too tired lately. It's alright. Please convey to His Majesty that the Song Manor will take good care of Lord Song's health."
The eunuch nodded, and the imperial physician behind him hurried into the room.
The Old Madam led the imperial physician towards Song Yuan's room and simultaneously instructed Silver Granny, who was by her side: "Please also invite Physician Fan."
—
Everyone gathered in Song Yuan's room, which was in the First Madam's courtyard.
Even Concubine Liu arrived with little Qing'er, but she was asked to return by the Old Madam, who said that Qing'er was too young, and having so many people in the courtyard was not appropriate.
She instructed the servants outside not to let anyone else in, keeping only Mr. and Mrs. Nie Jiayang, the First Madam, and Song Chaoyu. Song Yanjiao was not even called in, so she could focus on preparing for her wedding.
The Fourth Concubine and Sixth Concubine also came, but they were blocked at the door. They did not leave, but waited outside for news.
At a time like this, it was necessary to at least pretend to be concerned about Song Yuan.
The imperial physician and Physician Fan arrived one after another.
Physician Fan did not try to claim credit and allowed the Imperial Physician Du to go forward first to take Song Yuan's pulse.
After taking Song Yuan's pulse, Imperial Physician Du's brow immediately furrowed, frightening the First Madam, who stepped forward: "Imperial Physician Du, what is it? Is there something wrong with my husband's health?"
Imperial Physician Du looked at Fan Jiangyue: "I have heard that Physician Fan is a skilled physician. Would you also take a look? Perhaps I have misdiagnosed the pulse."
His evasiveness made the First Madam so anxious she wanted to jump up and down.
Fan Jiangyue also stepped forward and, after taking the pulse, did not beat around the bush like Imperial Physician Du.
She frowned and then looked at the First Madam: "Lord Song's body is depleted, showing signs of qi deficiency and internal consumption!"
Imperial Physician Du nodded repeatedly. Seeing that Physician Fan had spoken first, he then dared to speak: "Indeed, Physician Fan is correct! *Cough cough...*"
He seemed a little embarrassed: "May I ask, recently, has Lord Song... been indulging in excessive pleasures?"
As soon as the question was asked, Song Chaoyu lowered her head, as she was still an unmarried woman. She hid behind the Old Madam, who did not ask her to leave.
The First Madam's expression also turned grim. Her first thought went to Concubine Liu: "Indeed, a new concubine was recently taken into the household. Master... always stays in her room. However, Master is still quite robust, so it is unlikely that this is the cause of the problem, is it?"
Imperial Physician Du's brow furrowed even deeper: "To be frank, I suspect that Lord Song has consumed some kind of medication. A drug that can invigorate a person and assist during intercourse. Do you know anything about this, First Madam?"
As soon as Imperial Physician Du said this, the First Madam's eyes seemed about to pop out of her spectacles: "What?! What substance? Are you saying someone drugged our Master?!"
"No, no, no, it's probably not that serious!"
Imperial Physician Du was startled by the First Madam and quickly explained: "I cannot currently see any life-threatening danger for Lord Song. However, frequently taking such stimulating drugs can leave the Master exhausted and is very detrimental to his health. Moreover, I need to know what kind of drug it is to prescribe the correct treatment for the Master!"
"The properties of the medicine are very potent."
As soon as Imperial Physician Du finished speaking, Fan Jiangyue picked up the thread: "It does not seem like a commonly used medicine in our Great Yue Dynasty. We indeed need to know its ingredients to prescribe the correct treatment."