Arc 2: Part 37
"Don't flatter me, Grandmaster. I've only read a few medical books to help my brother with his health by making medicinal meals. I'm not deserving of your title 'young friend'."
"Miss Xiao, don't be so modest. In the field of medicine, we always learn from each other. There's always something new to learn, and we specialize in different areas. In the end, it was you who reminded me about Peach Blossom Ringworm!"
Tong Su respectfully paid her respects to the Grandmaster, who also praised her earnestly. After exchanging pleasantries, he asked for her opinion, and she no longer declined.
Standing among the crowd, her back straight amidst countless gazes, she showed no hint of arrogance or fear. She said earnestly, "Some people develop a rash-like redness and swelling upon contact with certain things. It can be unbearable, and even cause fainting.
'Miraculous Remedies' records, 'Yao Gongmao, the Assistant Minister of the Imperial Secretariat in the previous dynasty, experienced red and painful swelling on his face due to wine poisoning. His ears were worse, and he felt chest tightness and difficulty swallowing.' Grandmaster, doesn't the Prince have the same symptoms?"
The Grandmaster thought for a moment. "So, you're saying that there's nothing poisonous about the clam soup, but the Prince's body is unique and can't handle seafood?"
"Yes. I assume the Prince has spent most of his life in the northwest and rarely ate seafood. Therefore, no one knew he couldn't tolerate clam soup before he drank it."
The two quickly determined the cause of the Prince's illness through their discussion.
The Grandmaster smiled and said to the guards of the Prince's residence, "You can all relax now. Now that we've determined the cause of the illness, I know how to prescribe the right medicine."
He waved his hand grandly, "Take herb materials like Hibiscus bark, Qianjinzi, and Cantharidin, soak them in wine... This is for external application. Let me prescribe something for internal use. After the Prince drinks it, he will wake up soon and there will be no major problem."
The guards nodded repeatedly, disregarding the proper courtesy for Emperor Xuanyi, took the prescription, and hurried out to prepare the medicine.
Xiao Lingchen's grip tightened slightly. He turned his head and quietly asked, "Did you study medicine to make medicinal meals for me?"
Tong Su chuckled lightly, responding to his question with her own, "Did you ever doubt me when you helped me confront the Emperor?"
"Why would I doubt you?" He sighed with a soft look in his eyes, "I am your brother. If I don’t trust you, who can I trust?"
Tong Su paused slightly, her heart filled with a comforting sense of warmth. She was fully prepared and not afraid of accidents, but even when she was so certain, she was still touched by the unquestionable support she received.
At that moment, she felt a glaring gaze on her — it was Xiao Qingwan!
Xiao Qingwan had been thoroughly stunned by the unexpected turn of events.
No matter what, she couldn't understand how the Prince's condition had changed from poisoning to Peach Blossom Ringworm, and how Xiao Bai Zhu had emerged so impressively!
She turned her head unconsciously, and her eyes widened in shock.
From her viewpoint, she could clearly see Xiao Lingchen and Xiao Bai Zhu's hands clasped together!
Xiao Qingwan's eyes widened, following the obstructed sleeves upward, and suddenly met Tong Su's gaze, her heart clenched.
In that gaze, there was no trace of the usual timid submissiveness. Instead, it was filled with cold ridicule, mockery, indifference, and... pity.
Xiao Qingwan's mind exploded, as a long-standing suspicion was confirmed. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't maintain her composure anymore, her face turning ashen.
She knew what Xiao Bai Zhu was pitying.
Pitying herself for not being as cunning as her, pitying herself for never seeing through her disguise.
All the submissive and timid acts — were all performed by Xiao Bai Zhu!
She had long seen through Xiao Qingwan's deception. She only pretended to play the role of the bullied younger sister, like watching a lowly clown, laughing at her clumsy schemes, and then, at the moment she was most proud of...
She knocked her down with a single kick!
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