Chapter 121: Entering the Palace to Practice Medicine!

Exiting the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, Li Yi finally let out a sigh of relief. Most of what he needed to do was finished; only two tasks remained. He aimed to complete them today so he could set off tomorrow with a light heart. Li Yi had already decided to hold the training sessions in his fief of Weinan. Weinan County was located near Chang'an—a mere day's journey away, or half a day if one rode at full gallop. It was worth pondering why Li Er had chosen that particular location for Li Yi’s fief. If Li Yi were loyal, it could be seen as a gesture of affection, as a fief closer to the capital was naturally more desirable. However, if Li Yi harbored ulterior motives, it was a form of surveillance; Li Er would only feel at ease if he kept Li Yi under his watchful eye. How one interpreted this depended entirely on Li Yi himself. In truth, one could not blame Li Er; he had been more than benevolent to Li Yi. From the beginning until now, Li Er had rarely refused any of Li Yi’s requests. This was partly because Li Yi’s proposals were indeed sound, partly because of Li Er’s genuine fondness for him, and partly because Li Yi was still so young that Li Er had not yet begun to view him through a political lens. Yet, all of this came with the prerequisite that Li Yi must not court his own destruction.

Early that morning, Li Yi had sent Sanzi to Weinan to make preparations, ensuring he wouldn't be caught in a flurry of activity upon his arrival.

Looking up at the sky and seeing that it was still early before noon, he swung onto his horse, Juechen, and rode straight toward the Xuandu Temple.

Half an hour later, Li Yi arrived at the temple. Without needing to be announced, he strolled in leisurely. He hadn't gone far when he saw Yuan Tiangang walking toward him.

"Oh! How could I dare trouble you to come out, Senior Brother? I could have just walked in myself!"

Yuan Tiangang laughed and chided, "Who came to welcome you? A young Daoist told me someone had barged in, so I came to see who it was!"

Li Yi gave an awkward laugh. "Hehe, Senior Brother, you’re teasing me! Is Daoist Sun in?"

Yuan Tiangang replied gently, "He is. Ever since you suggested he compile the medicinal formulas, he hasn't stepped out once. He buries himself in medical texts all day long."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi grew anxious. "How can that be? He’s so advanced in years, how can he push himself so hard? If he stays indoors for so long, won't he get sick? Call him out quickly; I’m taking him for a trip to the imperial palace!"

Yuan Tiangang was stunned, then burst into hearty laughter. "You rascal! That excuse of yours is truly seamless! Don't worry, Daoist Sun has been ready for a long time. I’ll go get him now!"

"Let’s go together!"

Li Yi followed Yuan Tiangang into a room. He stopped dead in his tracks as soon as he pushed the door open, for there was nowhere to step. The floor was strewn with medical texts, bamboo slips, and loose sheets of paper. Li Yi picked one up and saw it was a recorded prescription.

"Don't touch that!"

Sun Simiao’s sharp shout caused Li Yi’s hand, holding the prescription, to freeze awkwardly in mid-air.

After the sharp command, Sun Simiao realized it was Li Yi and gave an apologetic chuckle. "Oh! It is you, young friend. Please, would you mind returning the prescription to where it was? I have marked them for classification; they absolutely must not be mixed up!"

Li Yi hurriedly and carefully placed the prescription back where it had been, then tiptoed out of the room, letting out a soft sigh of relief.

Before long, Sun Simiao emerged from the room. "Hahaha, young friend, you’ve finally come. I have been waiting for you for quite a while!"

"Hehe, I’ve been a bit busy lately! As soon as I had a moment, I came to find you."

"Good! Then let's be off."

"In such a rush?"

Sun Simiao picked up a medicine chest. "Let’s go! I know you’re busy, so I won't waste your time."

Li Yi grinned happily. "All right! Here, just give me the chest; I won't trouble you with such a small task! Senior Brother, please prepare a horse for Daoist Sun!"

Yuan Tiangang’s expression twisted. *Fine! You won't trouble Daoist Sun, but you don't mind troubling your Senior Brother? What kind of junior is this?*

Li Yi nimbly led over the horse Yuan Tiangang had brought and handed it to Sun Simiao. Mounting Juechen himself, the two rode off at high speed.

The journey passed in silence. Before long, they reached the palace gates. After dismounting and presenting their identity tokens, they entered. Asking a eunuch along the way, they learned that Li Er was at the Lizheng Hall. Li Yi then made his way there with familiar ease.

Inside the Lizheng Hall, Li Er was conversing with Empress Zhangsun, Princess Changle, and two young children when a eunuch announced that Li Yi was requesting an audience.

"Haha! Guanyin Bi, look at that. That boy must have something up his sleeve again. He asked for leave the day before yesterday; I wonder why he hasn't left yet?" Li Er chuckled, then told the eunuch, "Let him in."

Upon hearing that Li Yi had arrived, Princess Changle was delighted but not surprised, as Li Yi had specifically told her yesterday not to go anywhere today. She knew he would return.

Shortly after the eunuch left, Li Yi sauntered in. He performed a rather sloppy salute toward Li Er and Empress Zhangsun, which earned him a laughing scolding from Li Er.

"You rascal! Speak, what business do you have today?"

This time, Li Yi did not wear a playful expression. His face was grave. "Your Majesty, I have come on official business—a matter of the utmost importance!"

Li Er chuckled at this, finding the sudden use of formal titles like "Your Majesty" and "your humble servant" amusing. "Oh? Then let me hear what this 'utmost importance' is."

"Your Majesty, I have come today specifically for the sake of the Empress and Princess Changle’s asthma."

As soon as the words left Li Yi's lips, Li Er’s smile vanished. Li Yi had touched a raw nerve. The health of the Empress and the Princess had long been a thorn in his side. For years, he had summoned countless physicians, yet none could do anything for them. Hearing that Li Yi had a solution brought him instant joy. He knew that if Li Yi were not certain, he would never speak of it; in matters of such consequence, Li Yi was always reliable.

Empress Zhangsun and Princess Changle were overjoyed to hear that Li Yi had a way to treat them. The Empress was more composed; she was already in her thirties and had lived through much. While there were many things she could not let go of, she had long since made peace with the idea of life and death. Princess Changle, however, felt differently. Her illness had always been a source of insecurity, making her feel unworthy of Li Yi. This was why she had been studying so diligently lately, hoping to help Li Yi with his charitable work, knowing how much he valued it. Hearing now that she could be cured, how could she not be overjoyed?

Li Yi revealed a slow smile. "Uncle Li, I myself have no such ability!" Before the three of them could show disappointment, Li Yi continued, "But I have brought someone who does. If even he says there is no way, then no one else in the Great Tang will have one!"