Chapter 17: The Poor Imperial Physician

At that moment, Nuoxue slowly regained consciousness and immediately moved away from Xuanyuan Yu, watching him warily. She was deeply afraid he might strike again and end her life. In her heart, she feared Xuanyuan Yu immensely; if only she hadn’t sought him as her protector, she mused bitterly, for she had nearly been killed by the very one she relied on. The thought brought tears to her eyes.

Xuanyuan Yu reached out to embrace Nuoxue, but she instinctively retreated. He sighed, aware that he had been too harsh this time. Without forcing her any further, he left Shuihua Hall alone, instructing his attendants to care for her well and warning them that if anything happened, they would pay with their lives.

The palace maids and eunuchs were puzzled—who exactly were they supposed to be looking after?

Xuanyuan Yu proceeded to the Outer Court to review memorials, but despite holding them in hand, he could not focus on the texts. His mind was troubled by concern for the little fox, who stubbornly refused to let him near. It seemed he would have to rely on the imperial physician to conduct a thorough examination.

Xuanyuan Yu had never intended to injure the little fox. However, having been subjected to repeated assassination attempts and relentless pursuit, his body had grown accustomed to reacting reflexively against any perceived threat. Had he not restrained himself, the little fox might have perished that day.

After Xuanyuan Yu’s departure, the little fox could not help but feel a pang of loneliness. Since he hadn’t comforted her, she resolved not to forgive him. Though she was somewhat upset about her injury, she reminded herself that she had bitten him first, so his retaliation was justified. Yet, her wounds were clearly more severe, which fueled her childish sulking. Secretly, she fumed, thinking how careless he had been—she had nearly been beaten to death.

Not long after Xuanyuan Yu left, an elderly man with a white beard hurried into Shuihua Hall, carrying a wooden box. Trembling, he announced, “The old servant arrives late; the emperor is unwell.”

A eunuch stepped forward, raising a slender finger with a graceful flick. “The emperor has already departed.”

“Then why was the old servant summoned? Has the emperor been injured?” the imperial physician asked anxiously, wiping cold sweat from his brow.

“I do not know,” came the reply.

“Th-this…” The physician’s heart pounded with unease. What could this mean?

At that moment, Lieyan entered from outside, followed reluctantly by Hanbing. Lieyan told the physician, “The emperor is fine. The one who is unwell is the fox inside.”

The physician stared blankly at Lieyan. “Fox?”

“Stop daydreaming and come inside to see if this fox is dead or alive,” Hanbing said brusquely, roughly pulling the physician toward the inner courtyard of Shuihua Hall.

The physician pointed at the white-furred little fox resting on the dragon bed. “Is this the one I am to treat?”

“Yes. Now that you know, you’d better check on her quickly,” Hanbing snapped, venting all his frustration over the little fox onto the poor doctor. He dared neither scold nor strike her, for the little fox’s protector was the emperor himself—no matter his dissatisfaction, he was powerless.

“Y-yes, yes, I will go immediately,” the physician stammered, wiping sweat once more from his forehead. Sighing, he thought perhaps it was time to consider resigning and retiring to the countryside; at his age, he was no longer able to withstand such shocks.

“Hanbing,” Lieyan warned quietly as Hanbing’s behavior grew more excessive. Hanbing withdrew his released energy with a displeased flash and left.

The physician was at a loss with the little fox. How could he take her pulse without hands? How was he to do so with those furry paws? The emperor certainly knew how to give him a difficult task. Sweat poured down his face as he finally placed his hand gently on the little fox, using his energy to detect any injuries.

Exhaling softly, the physician finally relaxed. “Please inform the emperor through Guard Lieyan that this little fox has not suffered any injuries. The emperor may rest assured. With that, I take my leave.”