The personnel from the Imperial Hospital arrived swiftly.
Chief Physician Zhang, along with Imperial Physician Hu and others, paid their respects. They then heard Empress Dowager Su command, "Chief Physician Zhang, I know you possess a secret method for the blood affinity test. Quickly, test Chu Huaishan and his daughter immediately. I want to expose their true colors!"
Chief Physician Zhang raised an eyebrow, shot a surprised glance at Chu Ruoyan, bowed, and accepted the order.
Soon, palace attendants set up a long table, a bowl of water, and a small knife.
Seeing the full set of tools, Chu Huaishan knew they had come prepared. Gritting his teeth, he intended to shoulder all the blame himself: "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager! This old subject—"
"Father!" Chu Ruoyan urgently interrupted, grasping his hand. "A clear conscience fears no accusation. Let them test if they wish!"
Having said that, she picked up the small knife, cut her finger, and let a drop of blood fall. Seeing her confidence, Chu Huaishan followed suit and dripped his blood as well.
Everyone held their breath.
They watched as the two drops of blood gradually drew closer, finally merging into one...
The Emperor let out a long sigh of relief: "Mother, do you believe it now? Duke Chu truly has not betrayed Us!"
Empress Dowager Su's eyes widened. She murmured, "Could it be that this method is inaccurate?"
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!" Chief Physician Zhang declared loudly, "This blood affinity test is my secret method! If you doubt it, I can demonstrate it for you again!"
After speaking, he poured another bowl of clear water. "Duke Chu, may I borrow two more drops of your blood?"
He then called over a palace maid, pricked her finger, and had her drip two drops of blood into the water bowl.
Everyone looked on. They saw the two drops of blood tangle briefly before separating again, ultimately failing to merge!
The Emperor was completely reassured. He said, "Mother, I know that because of the matter with the Marquis of Pingjing, you have always held a grudge against the Chu family. But this concerns the stability of the state. Please consider the bigger picture!"
Empress Dowager Su glared, her expression one of disbelief.
She had worked so hard, running about for her son, only to end up being lectured by him in the end?
A surge of anger choked her heart. She said viciously, "Fine, fine! You, ruler and ministers, are one happy family, and it is I who meddled in others' affairs! Emperor, don't blame me for not warning you. Merits overshadowing the sovereign is an age-old phenomenon. You weigh it carefully yourself!"
With that, she flung her sleeve and left, leaving the Emperor deep in thought.
Chu Ruoyan practically wished she could slay that old witch!
What 'merits overshadowing the sovereign'—she might as well have pointed directly at Yan Zheng!
And to think Yan Zheng had risked his life to help them suppress the An Sheng rebellion, and now he was back in armor on the battlefield. It truly wasn't worth it!!
As her anger stirred, a faint pain twinged in her lower abdomen. Chu Huaishan noticed and grasped her hand: "What's wrong? Are you unwell?"
Chu Ruoyan nodded. The Emperor, remembering he had made her kneel for so long earlier, hurriedly said, "Chief Physician Zhang, quickly examine the County Magistrate of Changle. Has her pregnancy been disturbed?"
Chief Physician Zhang promptly took her pulse, then said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the County Magistrate's pregnancy is not yet fully settled. Having endured several upheavals, there are indeed some unfavorable signs..."
The Emperor said, "Then what are we waiting for? Escort the County Magistrate back to her residence immediately. Chief Physician Zhang, We don't care what methods you use, you must preserve this pregnancy for the County Magistrate and for the Chief Counselor!"
"Yes!"
Only after leaving the palace did Chief Physician Zhang say, "Duke, County Magistrate, earlier in front of His Majesty, I overstated the severity somewhat. The County Magistrate's pregnancy is temporarily unharmed. I will visit tomorrow to provide further care."
The Chu father and daughter hurriedly expressed their thanks. Chu Huaishan still wanted to ask something, but Chief Physician Zhang said meaningfully, "Whatever questions you have, Duke, you may ask the County Magistrate. You have raised an excellent daughter."
On the journey back to the estate.
Father and daughter sat in the same carriage.
Since the truth had been revealed, this was the first time they were alone together. For a moment, the atmosphere was somewhat silent.
Chu Ruoyan pressed her lips together: "You... didn't suffer any hardship in the palace, did you?"
Chu Huaishan shook his head: "His Majesty only confined me to a side hall and sent people to question me. There was no other mistreatment... But you, for Chief Physician Zhang to help with the blood test, you must have exerted considerable effort?"
Chu Ruoyan lowered her head with a faint smile and gave a brief explanation. "...Don't worry. The Young Master once showed Chief Physician Zhang great kindness. He will not betray us. As for Roumin, it's not a good time for her to return to the estate with all the attention on this matter. But rest assured, once this affair passes, I will definitely find a way for you to be reunited as father and daughter..."
"Yan'er!" Chu Huaishan suddenly interrupted. "Do you... not wish to acknowledge me as your father anymore?"
Chu Ruoyan shuddered, biting her lip hard. "No... It's because I usurped Roumin's identity that you two have been separated for so many years..."
"Nonsense!" Chu Huaishan said, heartbroken. "I was the one who switched the children back then! If anyone owes Roumin an apology, it's me, not you! Yan'er, you always overthink things. You are not at fault in this matter, nor is Roumin. It is all the sin I committed with my own hands, and I will bear the bitter consequences! But if you become distant from me because of this, that would be the true regret of my life!"
Tears instantly streamed down Chu Ruoyan's face. "Father... I thought you might not want to acknowledge me anymore..."
Chu Huaishan's eyes grew moist. He reached out and embraced her. "Silly child, you are my daughter for a day, and you are my daughter for life!"
Chu Ruoyan nodded emphatically.
Yikun Palace.
The Emperor informed Xue Xian about the events in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. The latter exclaimed, "Your Majesty! How could you believe it so easily? What if they colluded with Chief Physician Zhang..."
"Imperial Noble Consort!" the Emperor interrupted displeased. "From the moment you informed the Empress Dowager, and she told Us, We had Duke Chu and Minister Cao confined within the palace. Afterwards, We sent Yin Shun personally to fetch Changle. News never leaked. Tell Us, how could they have colluded with Chief Physician Zhang? Unless you suspect Yin Shun."
As soon as the words fell, Yin Shun promptly knelt. "Your Majesty! This old servant is wronged!"
This Yin Shun had watched the Emperor grow up; their bond was extraordinary. Xue Xian hurriedly said, "I didn't mean that!"
Then she couldn't help adding, "But such significant news couldn't have arisen from nothing!"
"Whether it arose from nothing can be determined by investigation. The palace attendant who delivered the message to you back then, summon them."
Xue Xian hastily ordered her nanny to fetch the person. But after a short while, the nanny returned sweating profusely and said, "Y-Your Majesty, that person is dead. Over a dozen banknotes from the Dafeng Bank were also found in their room..."
The Emperor's face darkened. Xue Xian instantly knelt. "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I..."
Before she could finish, a pair of large hands lifted her up. "We believe Our beloved consort. Someone must have deliberately stirred trouble, knowing of your discord with the Cao and Chu families. It is not your fault."
Xue Xian's heart eased. She leaned into the man's embrace. "Your Majesty, I was momentarily confused. It's just that whenever I think of my mother and brother, I..."
She dabbed the corner of her eye with a handkerchief. The Emperor couldn't bear to see her like this. Holding her, he sighed. "We know your maternal family suffered misfortune, and you cannot get over it. But this truly has nothing to do with Minister Cao and the others... Very well, We heard that a son from the second branch of the Xue family still lives. Xue... Xue what was it again?"
"Xue Baiqing," Xue Xian softly reminded.
The Emperor nodded. "Right, Xue Baiqing. He seems to be at Minister Cao's residence now. Alright, We will issue an edict tomorrow, summoning him to the palace. He shall be raised under your care, so you may have someone to cherish!"
Xue Xian was overjoyed. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The Cao Residence.
Upon receiving the imperial edict, Xue Baiqing shook his head in terror. "No! I won't enter the palace! I won't go into the palace!"
Chu Jing frowned and asked, "Master, why so sudden? Baiqing was never favored in the Xue family before, and now with his eyes like this... will the Imperial Consort treat him well?"
Cao Yang was equally bewildered. He had just been confined to quarters by the Emperor for two days without a word of explanation, and upon his release, this imperial decree was handed down.
Rubbing his temples, he said, "Regardless, Baiqing's surname is Xue, and the Imperial Consort's surname is also Xue. The Emperor is determined to reunite their family. We truly have no grounds to object..."
Xue Baiqing, terrified, clung tightly to Chu Jing's leg. The eunuch who had delivered the decree alongside Cao Yang spoke up, "Lord Cao, there's no time to delay. Please have the young master Xue enter the palace promptly? Any delay in timing is something your Cao family likely cannot afford to bear..."
Cao Yang's brows furrowed. Hearing that the Cao family might be implicated, Xue Baiqing slowly loosened his grip.
"Alright, I... I'll go..."
His voice was as faint as a mosquito's hum. Chu Jing's heart ached for him, "Baiqing, tell the truth. If you truly don't wish to go, I'll have your Uncle Cao enter the palace again to plead with the Emperor!"
Xue Baiqing forced a smile, "No, I'm willing. The Imperial Consort is my only living relative. I... I'm willing to go with her..."
Only then did the Cao family see him off. Chu Jing couldn't help herself and secretly tucked his two favorite little dough figurines into his bundle.
Arriving at the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.
Xue Baiqing remained tense and afraid to move. Xue Xian smiled and beckoned, "Come, closer. Let this consort have a good look at you."
Xue Baiqing moved forward with difficulty. Feeling a large hand gently stroke his face, his body trembled.
The bundle on his back fell to the ground, and the two little dough figurines rolled out.
Upon seeing them, Xue Xian's expression changed drastically, "What are these? Who gave these to you?!"
Xue Baiqing shook like a leaf in a storm. Xue Xian's face twisted with fury, "Speak! Was it Chu Jing who gave them to you! That vile woman Chu Jing, who caused the ruin of the Xue family, dares to try and win you over! That wretch, wretch, wretch!!"
"Auntie is not a wretch..." Xue Baiqing whispered.
Xue Xian's eyes blazed with fire. She raised her hand and slapped him!
Slap!
Her sharp fingernail guards scraped a bloody line across his cheek. Xue Baiqing burst into loud sobs, only to be kicked to the ground by Xue Xian.
"You little bastard! What are you crying for!"
Still not venting her rage, she viciously kicked him several more times, "Bought off by a few petty favors, you little bastard! I never should have had you brought back!"
Just then, someone arrived outside the hall, announcing the Emperor's approach.
Xue Xian immediately ordered, "Gag this little bastard and lock him in the dark room. No one is to let him out without my command!"
As Xue Baiqing was dragged away, Xue Xian switched to a smiling face and went forward to greet him, "Your Majesty, what brings you to your consort's quarters today?"
The Emperor rubbed his aching temples, "It's all because of that Jiahui! She suddenly started clamoring to get married, saying she's taken a fancy to the sixth young master of the Yan family and will marry no one else. Tell me, what am I to do about this?"
