Chapter 368: The Emperor’s Sickly Appearance
“This humble woman will do her utmost.”
At this point, there was no turning back. Though her expertise lay in surgical procedures, she had access to the world’s most advanced Western medicine and cutting-edge medical equipment within her system’s hospital.
Even if the Emperor were suffering from a terminal illness, she could diagnose the cause using medical instruments and prescribe treatments to prolong his life.
At worst, she could extend his survival by one to two years—at best, three, five, or even ten years. And who knew? The Emperor might not even have a fatal disease.
But healing the Emperor wasn’t her real objective.
She was here to play her part, and if assisting the Second Prince led to her family’s pardon, then the Yu Family would no longer be exiled to the frontier. They would regain the freedom to travel between kingdoms, rather than being trapped in the barren wilderness forever.
Observing Ye Jiamei’s composed demeanor, the Crown Princess seemed satisfied, nodding approvingly before leading the way inside.
Ye Jiamei quickly picked up her medical box, following closely behind Eunuch Lin as they entered the opulent imperial bedchamber.
For the sake of her own survival, Ye Jiamei, despite her usual carefree nature, kept her head bowed obediently, barely lifting her gaze except for occasional sideward glances.
Her neck ached from keeping her head lowered for so long.
The bedchamber was immense, winding through multiple passageways. After over a hundred steps, the Crown Princess’s skirt hem finally halted.
“Your Highness, Mother Empress, and Consort De, the physician has been brought.”
This time, the Crown Princess’s tone lacked its previous indifference, carrying a hint of deference.
After all, everyone present outranked her.
This was exactly why Ye Jiamei and her family never envied royalty. Even among relatives, one had to be constantly cautious.
Compared to this, ordinary families, no matter how modest, at least enjoyed warmth, freedom, and harmony.
As soon as the Crown Princess finished speaking, Ye Jiamei didn’t wait for further instruction.
She immediately knelt down, not even bothering to determine where the Empress, Crown Prince, or Consort De were seated.
“This humble woman, Ye Jiamei, greets Her Majesty the Empress, His Highness the Crown Prince, and Consort De.”
Based on her memories, the Second Prince’s mother was Consort De.
Rather than second-guessing, she lowered her head even further, pressing it against the plush carpet with utmost humility.
If she thought of them as ancient relics, it became easier to endure.
“Since you were personally sought from the common folk, you must possess exceptional skills. There is no need for excessive formality—begin your examination of His Majesty.”
A stern, authoritative voice resonated through the chamber.
Ye Jiamei didn’t bother to guess who had spoken, simply responding with an obedient bow before carefully rising to her feet.
Finally, she lifted her head, searching for the Emperor’s dragon bed.
And with just one look, she was completely taken aback.
She had heard that imperial palaces favored rare wood furnishings such as huanghuali and golden nanmu.
But the Lanyue Emperor had a clear preference for gold!
Aside from the floor, nearly 90% of the furniture was gilded, adorned with intricate golden carvings.
The massive dragon bed was no exception.
Its golden framework was embedded with colorful gemstones, shimmering under the dim light.
One glance at the treasures within the chamber, and Ye Jiamei felt an almost irresistible urge—
If only she could store everything in her system’s hospital, even the people included!
Then all these luxurious artifacts would belong solely to her.
Unfortunately, her system’s storage wasn’t limitless, and kidnapping the Emperor and his entire court would make escaping the palace impossible.
Still, if any of these people posed a future threat to her family, she wouldn’t hesitate to take drastic action.
Lost in thought, Ye Jiamei had already reached the golden dragon bed.
Setting down her medical box, she barely had time to process everything before a palace maid lifted the embroidered canopy, revealing the Emperor’s gaunt, pallid face.
For the first time, Ye Jiamei saw the ruler of Lanyue in his frail, sickly state.
His ashen complexion was dotted with scattered age spots.
Though only in his early forties, his gaunt features made him appear at least sixty.
Her gaze swept across the golden silk quilt covering his frail body, before settling on his abdomen.
A sharp crease formed between her brows.
Based on the sunken hollows of his cheeks, the Emperor was clearly not obese.
Yet his stomach was abnormally swollen—a stark contrast to the rest of his emaciated frame.
Could it be…?
An unsettling thought flashed through her mind.
Kneeling beside the dragon bed, she extended her fingers to feel the Emperor’s pulse, while discreetly examining his overall condition.
She wasn’t a master of traditional Chinese medicine who could diagnose illnesses purely through pulse readings.
For an accurate diagnosis, she needed to use her hospital’s advanced medical equipment.
However, with so many watchful eyes on her, she couldn’t even ask them to leave the room, let alone request privacy for a thorough examination.
She prolonged the pulse-reading session, deep in thought.
But after much deliberation, she decided to act—
She reached to lift the Emperor’s quilt.
Before her fingertips even touched the fabric, a sharp voice rang out—
“What do you think you’re doing?! The Emperor’s divine body is not for the likes of you to examine at will!”
Her hand froze mid-air.
Turning her head slightly, she found herself face to face with an imposing woman—
The Empress.
Dressed in a regal phoenix robe, her elegant features were framed by a golden headdress adorned with pearls and jade.
Though she appeared youthful, likely in her forties, her eyes betrayed the weight of experience.
Ye Jiamei’s heart clenched slightly.
Without hesitation, she quickly withdrew her hand, immediately kneeling and kowtowing before the Empress.
“This humble woman meant no offense!”
“As a physician, my methods differ from ordinary healers. To accurately diagnose His Majesty’s condition, a full examination is essential. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness!”
Her tone was respectful, yet her mind raced—
She needed to find a way to convince them to let her conduct a proper assessment.
Or else, the Emperor’s fate—and potentially her own—would be sealed.
