Chapter 1417: Court Recess Sparks Suspicion
Chapter 1417: Chapter 1417: Court Recess Sparks Suspicion
Due to the disaster, an epidemic broke out in the south. It is a well-known fact that regardless of how the situation outside develops or what kind of epidemic it might be, the Imperial Palace is considered a pure land. But this dreadful disease has unexpectedly appeared in this pure land, and it has even afflicted the emperor, which is truly shocking.
This epidemic is contagious, so a thorough investigation is imperative to determine the origin and how it spread to Emperor Chu.
Song Zhiyuan issued several orders, directing people to conduct a thorough investigation, but the immediate priority is Emperor Chu.
"Temporarily move the emperor to the side hall, and open all the windows that can be opened. Mix vinegar with strong alcohol and scatter it inside and outside." Song Zhiyuan took out a handkerchief from his sleeve, covering his nose and mouth, and reminded everyone to cover their noses and mouths with cloth as well.
Since the epidemic is contagious and they are already in this place, these actions might serve as a remedy, but doing something is better than doing nothing.
Eunuch Zhou assisted Song Zhiyuan in ordering the eunuchs of Yangxin Hall to act immediately, first moving Emperor Chu to the side hall. Once the strong alcohol and vinegar were brought, Song Zhiyuan also washed his hands.
"Prime Minister, what’s this practice?" An imperial physician asked, puzzled.
Song Zhiyuan replied solemnly, "My mother has a skilled medical maid serving close by, a disciple-granddaughter of Master Buhui. She often uses strong alcohol and vinegar to scatter around the house and courtyard, claiming it can eliminate some germs. The effect is better than nothing, so just follow it."
He moved next to Imperial Physician Lu and said, "The urgent task is to reduce the emperor’s high fever. Sweating is unnecessary since this isn’t caused by cold. Mix some water with strong alcohol, soak a cool towel and wipe his body to see if it can reduce the fever."
"Is this effective?"
"When my nephew in the household had a high fever from chickenpox, I heard my mother mention this method before, and it was effective, though with the emperor..." He looked at Emperor Chu with a cold towel on his forehead, pursing his lips.
Since the emperor’s condition arose until now, only cool towels were used to press on the forehead, yet the fever hasn’t subsided. Thus, Imperial Physician Lu could only follow Song Zhiyuan’s advice.
Everyone busied themselves again.
Several eunuchs wiped the emperor’s bare body, while Imperial Physician Lu collaborated with several imperial physicians to determine the prescription, prepare the medicine, and decoct it. Since Emperor Chu was still in a coma, they could only use a reed tube to drip the medicine into him.
The sky gradually turned white as the officials entered the palace for the morning court, but the emperor had not appeared even after the designated time, causing some bewilderment.
Noticing Song Zhiyuan’s seat empty also aroused their suspicions.
Something seemed unusual.
Several princes exchanged glances, their eyes flashing with hidden light.
Given they were still in the morning court hall, they were cautious. Otherwise, they would have hurriedly sought news individually.
Amid the quiet murmuring among the officials, Grand Steward Zhou finally appeared in the hall, instantly quieting everyone.
Eunuch Zhou shook the horsetail whisk in his hand and relayed sharply, "The emperor has decreed a rest court today. Honorable officials may return."
After delivering the message, he immediately left.
There was a clamor in the hall.
Normally, since Emperor Chu assumed the throne, he has been diligently handling state affairs and seldom rested, so why was there a rest court today?
Several senior ministers furrowed their brows, sensing that something must have happened. Duke Dingguo and other lords pressed their lips, realizing something was amiss, and left the palace immediately.
Meanwhile, Prince Xiao and several princes went to the harem.