Chapter 367: Unworthy of the Court
After the guards handed over the silver notes, Eunuch Lin’s smile became even more sincere.
“Rest assured, this humble servant will personally escort the doctor to His Highness.”
With a flick of his horsetail whisk, he turned to appraise Ye Jiamei, who was dressed in simple civilian attire.
However, as his gaze landed on her well-maintained youthful face, his expression subtly shifted.
“A female physician, and so young? Quite rare.”
“I appreciate Eunuch Lin’s efforts.”
Ye Jiamei replied with a polite smile and a bow.
The guard beside her hurriedly interjected, directing her to wait outside the palace gate while Eunuch Lin led the way.
*
The Imperial Palace of the Lanyue Dynasty was tightly guarded, its entrance flanked by rows of solemn imperial guards, each wielding long spears and swords, their expressions cold and impassive.
With Eunuch Lin as her guide, the guards performed a brief inspection of her medical box, then allowed her to pass without issue.
Though the original owner of her body had lived in this kingdom for over a decade, she had never stepped foot inside the palace. Even as a married noblewoman, she lacked the status to enter the imperial grounds—she had never even approached the palace gates.
Now, being led through its grand corridors, Ye Jiamei couldn’t help but steal glances at her surroundings, despite keeping her posture straight and gaze forward.
Upon entering the palace gates, she found herself in a vast courtyard that could easily accommodate tens of thousands of people. It was spacious and eerily silent.
Ascending a series of steps, they passed through another inner gate, then into another massive courtyard.
Eunuch Lin led her through a covered walkway, crossing an arched bridge, then through countless palace halls.
By the time they finally stopped in front of a grand hall, Ye Jiamei’s feet were sore from walking.
“Wait here.”
Eunuch Lin’s tone had noticeably shifted, his demeanor far more aloof than before.
Ye Jiamei didn’t mind. She merely smiled, nodded, and obediently stood in place, watching as Eunuch Lin entered the hall.
She glanced upward at the three golden characters engraved above the entrance: Qinyang Hall
At the hall’s entrance, rows of imperial guards stood rigidly, flanked by palace maids and eunuchs lined up like statues.
The atmosphere was so strict and oppressive that even Ye Jiamei, who had always been bold, refrained from moving unnecessarily.
As she lowered her gaze, several elegantly dressed women emerged from the hall, dabbing their eyes with silk handkerchiefs.
Realizing they were likely imperial consorts, Ye Jiamei immediately lowered her head further, gripping her medical box, and stood aside like an invisible bystander.
Moments later, Eunuch Lin returned, accompanied by another woman.
This woman was dressed in a delicate pink palace gown, her features exquisite and her aura poised and dignified.
The pure gold ornaments in her hair shimmered in the light, enhancing her graceful, noble presence.
As she stepped forward, the other imperial consorts halted, turning to her with slight bows.
“Crown Princess, where are you headed? Is His Highness not still tending to His Majesty in the royal chambers?”
Hearing this, Ye Jiamei finally identified the woman’s identity.
She quickly searched her memory, and soon recalled the background of the Crown Princess’s family.
“His Highness is deeply concerned for His Majesty’s health. He has sought out the finest physicians across the land. Now that the physician has arrived, I came to take a look.”
The Crown Princess spoke gracefully, then turned her gaze to Eunuch Lin and Ye Jiamei.
Feeling the weight of the Crown Princess’s scrutinizing gaze, Ye Jiamei stepped forward, carrying her medical box.
Yet, mindful of decorum, she stopped three meters away, carefully placed the box down, and clasped her hands in a bow.
Technically, she should have knelt.
But her modern sensibilities and personal pride momentarily overrode instinct, leading her to perform an awkward, improper bow instead.
“This humble woman, Ye Jiamei, a physician from the common folk, greets the Crown Princess and esteemed ladies.”
She kept her head lowered, suppressing her irritation at being treated as a lowly servant.
If she had never been exiled, she might have embraced this noble lifestyle.
But after experiencing freedom in the frontier, she found the rigid rules of the palace suffocating.
At least in exile, she was free.
Even as a convict, she could live on her own terms.
Here, she felt like a caged bird, bound by endless etiquette and scrutiny.
“Hah! No wonder she’s a mere commoner—she doesn’t even know proper etiquette. Even her bowing posture is disgraceful.”
A sharp, mocking voice pierced the silence.
Ye Jiamei recognized the insult immediately but remained silent, maintaining her awkward bow.
Hearing the deliberate provocation, she gritted her teeth and bent even lower.
She wasn’t ignorant—she simply refused to kneel before a group of pampered women.
“Princess Wu, let’s not quibble over trivialities. She is a physician, not a court lady. His Highness and I care about her medical skills, not her manners. If she can cure His Majesty, I would gladly kneel before her myself.”
The Crown Princess’s voice was gentle yet frigid, her words seemingly supportive but laced with unspoken threat.
She wasn’t shielding Ye Jiamei—she was reminding her that her only worth was in curing the Emperor.
If she failed, the consequences would be dire.
“Oh my, how devoted the Crown Prince and Crown Princess are. But entrusting His Majesty’s life to some country bumpkin? Even the Imperial Physicians are at a loss—are you sure you aren’t making things worse?”
Princess Wu scoffed, her sarcasm biting.
“Well, I’ll be taking my leave. I do hope this ‘commoner physician’ doesn’t disappoint. His Majesty’s health is of utmost importance, after all.”
With a mocking smile, she gave the Crown Princess a polite curtsy, then swept away with the other consorts.
Only then did the Crown Princess turn back to Ye Jiamei.
“You may rise.”
Finally allowed to straighten up, Ye Jiamei subtly rolled her shoulders, relieved to be standing upright again.
Yet, she still did not dare to meet the Crown Princess’s gaze directly.
“You heard Princess Wu’s mockery, didn’t you?”
The Crown Princess’s voice was soft but icy.
“I hope you do not disappoint. His Highness and I have placed great expectations on you. If you can cure His Majesty, you will be greatly rewarded.”
Her meaning was clear.
If she succeeded, she would be handsomely compensated.
But if she failed—
The consequences wouldn’t be so simple.
