Chapter 57: Is Grandpa Hua an Immortal? (Long Chapter)

For the brief moment Xu He disappeared without a word, Du Yu was nearly exploding with rage.

He had never imagined that this man surnamed Xu would become so bold. Just as he was exerting all his strength to force him to stay and wait, Xu He finally returned.

Du Yu slammed the table violently. "Xu He, you refuse to drink the celebratory wine and insist on the penalty wine!"

Without a word, Xu He gritted his teeth and snatched the document from his subordinate. Then, taking the Four Treasures of the Study from a servant behind him, his right hand trembled as he gripped the brush. Shaking uncontrollably, he nevertheless signed his name in one continuous motion!

Du Yu froze on the spot.

"Should the Heir be satisfied now?" Xu He shoved the document into his arms. "From this day forward, our fortunes and disgraces are shared. If I, Xu, ever stray from the right path out in the world, I must ask my foster father and foster brother for their utmost forbearance!"

The goal had been achieved too quickly; for a moment, Du Yu did not know what to say.

After a long silence, he stuffed the document into his robes, shot Xu He a resentful glance, and turned to leave.

Xu He slumped into his chair, the sharp edge of the top scholar's brilliance having completely vanished.

...

On the day Hua Lin arrived at the Prince's Mansion, he conducted a meticulous examination of A-Li's small body and earnestly questioned Yan Bei regarding the child's condition when he was first found.

He also carefully reviewed every medicine prescribed and every diagnostic strategy the imperial physicians had employed for the child over the past few years.

By the morning of the third day, he began administering acupuncture to A-Li.

Above all else, he had to bolster the child's constitution first.

In the past, whenever an imperial physician intended to do anything to A-Li, they were required to report to Yan Bei in advance. They could only proceed once Yan Bei had approved the method as safe.

Since Hua Lin had arrived and immediately set to work, the onlookers were all opposed.

The first to lose her composure was Yun Niang.

When the Dowager Consort first heard the news of the sudden arrival of a young grandson, she had decisively selected servants from the Mobei Prince's Mansion to be sent to the capital. As a native servant, Yun Niang was the first wet nurse to enter the mansion to take charge of A-Li's care.

Yun Niang had taken a military pledge back then; she had left her own infant with her husband and mother-in-law for this task. During those days, while Yan Bei stayed by A-Li's side day and night, she remained on standby, working without sleep.

Later, Yan Bei added several more wet nurses, but none were as senior as Yun Niang, nor did they invest as much of their heart into A-Li.

The Prince had not provided any background on this new doctor, only stating that he was a renowned physician living in seclusion.

Since the Prince trusted him, Yun Niang naturally trusted his medical skills.

But this "renowned physician" was far too brutal—how could he bear to plunge needles into such a cute little Heir!

She couldn't believe he had the heart to do it.

Yun Niang was worried sick.

"Our little Heir is precious and must not suffer even the slightest mishap. Doctor, you should write down your prescription first and wait for the Prince to consult the Imperial Academy of Medicine before proceeding."

What kind of Mongolian doctor was this? A-Li was the lifeblood of the entire mansion. With such long, thin needles, could the child really endure so many being stuck into his body?

"Are you the doctor, or am I?"

Hua Lin shot her an unkind glance.

Yun Niang was left speechless.

Just then, Gao An arrived. When he asked what was happening, Yun Niang quickly explained everything in detail.

Looking at the glinting silver needles on the child's body, Gao An's heart also twinged with pain.

Hadn't the child suffered enough as an infant?

Those long scars were a thorn in the hearts of everyone in the mansion.

For years, everyone had protected this precious treasure as if it were their own eyes, yet Hua Lin had arrived and immediately started needling him—sigh, after all, he wasn't raised by this maternal great-uncle.

Gao An forced a smile and stepped forward. "Doctor Hua, should we perhaps prescribe some medicine first and take it slow? I fear the child might not be able to take it."

Hua Lin's expression darkened as he unhurriedly applied a medicinal plaster to A-Li's navel. "Did your Prince send you here?"

Gao An paused. "Not exactly."

His Prince was currently facing the world-class dilemma of how to maintain harmony with his ex-wife while holding the status of a "discarded husband." His mind had likely not rested for days, leaving him no room to spare.

At that moment, A-Li tugged at Gao An's clothes.

Because this was "Grandpa Hua," whom Mother had mentioned before she left, A-Li was exceptionally fond of him.

Furthermore, having been tormented by doctors since he was small, although the needles hurt a little, he endured them without crying.

Grandpa Gao and Mama Yun were both talking about Grandpa Hua; what should they do?

If Grandpa Hua left, would Mother stop coming to see A-Li?

He said softly, "Grandpa Gao, Mama Yun, please don't worry. A-Li isn't hurting at all. Mother said Grandpa Hua is here to treat A-Li's illness."

Hearing this, the already heartbroken Gao An and Yun Niang felt their hearts shatter.

The child was so sensible; what more could the adults say?

Gao An sighed. "Then Grandpa Gao will go to the kitchen and make you something delicious."

"No need."

While the grandfather and grandson were caught in their emotions, Hua Lin abruptly interrupted. "I have already prescribed a month's worth of medicinal meals in one go. From now on, he is not allowed to eat things like braised goose feet or anything like that."

Gao An grew a bit anxious. "Can't he have them occasionally? Our A-Li loves my specialty dishes most of all. Isn't that right?"

Hua Lin snorted and leisurely wiped his pestle. "I told you, the child shouldn't be living in this monk's temple.

"Specialty dishes? Why don't you just prepare two ounces of wine for him while you're at it?"

Gao An was suddenly choked for words.

Yun Niang burst into tears. "My poor little Heir!"

A-Li also felt a secret sense of disappointment.

After all, Grandpa Gao's braised goose really was delicious.

Hua Lin glanced at him, set down the pestle in his right hand, covered his fist with a cloth in his left, and extended it toward him.

As A-Li wondered what was happening, the cloth was suddenly flipped open, revealing a piece of candy underneath!

"Wow!"

Having rarely left the house, A-Li had never seen such a trick. His two small hands, which hadn't been poked with needles, immediately began to clap, and his eyes turned into stars. "Grandpa Hua is so amazing!"

Hua Lin smiled and placed the candy in his palm.

A-Li took a lick and became even more delighted. "It's real candy! And it's osmanthus flavored. Is Grandpa Hua an immortal?..."

Gao An felt a surge of sourness in his heart.

He could no longer stand to watch.

He walked out.

He met a guard at the side gate: "Someone is outside requesting an audience. They say they are an acquaintance of Doctor Hua and have come to deliver something."

Gao An did not dare to delay. "Man or woman?"

"A woman. Surnamed Lan."

Gao An understood immediately. He turned to look toward the Yangrong Studio, seeing Yan Bei summoning a guard, and ordered, "Open the gate quickly and welcome her in!"

...

As a high-ranking official of the court and A-Li's biological father, Yan Bei felt that, logically and emotionally, he should contribute to the affairs of the Duan Prince's Mansion. However, he understood that haste would only lead to failure.

At this juncture, being overly proactive would only provoke her resentment.

Thus, despite being someone who never advocated for passivity, he had no choice but to restrain himself.

But the process of restraint began to feel long.

Aside from occasionally lingering near Hua Lin to inquire about the details of A-Li's recovery over the past three years, he could only send people to keep an eye on the Du family.

The guard he summoned was an expert in detecting poisons.

"The residual incense in that burner is rich in dragon bone, cinnabar, and Albizia bark—substances used to calm the nerves. It is known to induce a sense of drowsiness. However, the dosage is not enough to be considered poisoning. The Du family placing it in the pavilion where the Prince stays was likely an attempt to make him linger."

Yan Bei placed the burner back on the table. "As for harmful incense, I doubt they could concoct something on such short notice."

However, Yue Tang had noticed it as soon as she entered, proving that her long illness had made her a makeshift doctor, and she had learned much from Hua Lin over the years.

He suddenly looked at the guard. "Help me check—is the Bone-Eroding Powder in my body serious?"

The guard and Jiang Shao, the commander of the mansion's guards standing nearby, were both stunned. "Your Highness—when were you poisoned?"

Yan Bei looked at them and calmly picked up his tea. "It's nothing major, I was just asking. If you can't tell, then never mind."

"How can we just 'never mind'?! " Jiang Shao hurriedly nudged the guard. "Hurry up!"

The guard quickly pulled silver needles from his pouch, preparing to draw blood.

But Yan Bei said, "No need. I was just speaking casually. Who would dare to poison this Prince?"

Jiang Shao looked at him suspiciously. Seeing his calm expression and healthy complexion—which seemed to have regained some vitality compared to previous days—he thought to himself that there were indeed very few people in the world who would dare to use such a scheme against the Prince of Jingyang.

And those who wanted to play dirty were currently playing with schemes that they couldn't afford to lose to.

Jiang Shao relaxed. "Then this subordinate shall take his leave. I heard the little Heir is receiving acupuncture today; I shall go check on him."

Yan Bei had just taken a sip of water when Gao An brought someone in. "Your Highness, Miss Lan has arrived."

Lan Qin bowed to Yan Bei, but halfway through, she was called out: "Why are you here? Where is—she?"

Yan Bei sat back, maintaining a dignified posture.

Lan Qin said, "This servant has come at the command of my Mistress to visit the little Heir."

Yan Bei gave a noncommittal "Mm."

As expected, she only remembered the child.

Men, after all, are simply discarded once they have served their purpose.

He pulled himself together. "Then why didn't she come herself?"

Lan Qin smiled slightly. "The Mistress said that if it is convenient for Your Highness, she will visit the mansion tomorrow."

"Visit," even? The child was already born, yet she was being so formal.

Wait!

She is coming tomorrow?

She finally thought to come?

"Fine," he straightened up abruptly, giving another "Mm." "When will she come?"

"She intends to arrive as early as possible."

Yan Bei gave another "Mm," then looked at Gao An. "Send someone to get two identification plaques. They can be used for future passage through the mansion."

Having said that, he took another jade plaque from his side and gave it to Lan Qin. "Give this to your Mistress. With this, she can find me directly."

Lan Qin accepted the plaque with both hands, stealing a glance at him.

Back in the village, when the Mistress had told A-Qi to feed the child, wipe his bottom, or wash his diapers, A-Qi would also maintain this same stern face, yet he would do it without a word.

Now, looking at the Prince of Jingyang, one could indeed find traces of the old A-Qi.

Lan Qin withdrew to see A-Li.

Gao An also returned after arranging for the young eunuch to handle the tasks.

Yan Bei had already stood up from the chair he had sat in for two days; he looked refreshed, like a tree that had just been watered.

"She is coming tomorrow. A-Li has suffered under Hua Lin these past few days.

"Although she was heartless and gave me divorce papers, and it is impossible for me to shamelessly bring up the past, she is, after all, A-Li's mother. So, staying to have a meal with the child shouldn't be too much to ask, right?"

Gao An clasped his hands. "Not at all."

Yan Bei nodded. "The child is young and has lost his mother; it is truly pitiful. Now that she is finally coming, it is only right that she spends some time playing with him, is it not?"

"Completely reasonable!"

Yan Bei hummed in agreement. "Then go instruct the dining hall to prepare well; we cannot lose our dignity.

"Also, have someone prepare the pleasure boats, the water pavilion, and the swings in the back lake. Check the entire garden as well.

"She grew up in the luxury of the capital; she isn't like us from Mobei, living roughly.

"I could see it back in the village—even her pillow had to be fluffed by someone every night before she could sleep. She really is quite high-maintenance!

"In short, be careful, lest she thinks the Prince of Jingyang's mansion lacks people who can handle things with care. Don't lose the mansion's face!"

Gao An smiled broadly. "Rest assured, Your Highness."

Yan Bei sat with a straight spine and took a sip of tea. Halfway through swallowing, he turned around again. "By the way, she is a Mistress after all. Since she is visiting, the mansion should follow the proper etiquette of reception.

"She certainly won't agree to us following all the formal protocols, but we cannot be negligent either."

He glanced around and pointed to several places. "Have the construction department tidy up the rooms. Change the gauze curtains to a brighter color. Hang a few paintings and calligraphy.

"When the time comes, as the host, I must invite her to sit for tea to make it proper.

"Aside from being low-key when greeting her at the door, everything else should be handled with utmost care."

Gao An smiled. "Yes."

Yan Bei thought for a moment before waving his sleeve. "Go. If you think of anything else, let me know."

...

A-Li usually lived with Yan Bei in the Yangrong Studio, but after Hua Lin's arrival, he moved back to his own courtyard adjacent to it.

When Lan Qin was led in, Hua Lin had finished the acupuncture, and the little one was asleep. A few teardrops still hung from the corners of his eyes; he must have truly been in pain.

Lan Qin gently wiped the tears away, suppressed her swirling emotions, and carefully inquired about the details of his condition, noting everything down. Realizing Yue Tang was short-handed, she did not dare linger, sitting by the bedside for a moment before returning.

It was now night, and Yue Tang was writing under the lamp.

After hearing Lan Qin describe how A-Li had endured the needles, Yue Tang wiped her eyes repeatedly.

Then, hearing the anecdotes Hua Lin had relayed about A-Li, and how the people of the mansion doted on him, she sighed with tears and a smile.

Thinking back to when the child was with her, he had already endured a lifetime of hardship while still in his swaddling clothes. Fortunately, after three years by his father's side, he had not suffered any more grievances.

From this, it was clear that her heartless decision to let A-Li remain in the mansion had not been a mistake.

As her thoughts tumbled, she found herself wishing even more fervently to fly to her child's side.

Seeing her frequently gazing out the window, Lan Qin knew she was preoccupied with worry and said, "The little Heir is still small, not even four years old. If Mother suddenly appears, it will be a miracle if he believes it's real on the spot.

"To truly accept in his heart that he has a mother will take time.

"Take it slow. Let the child be happy first."

Yue Tang smiled faintly, took the handkerchief Lan Qin offered, and wiped her tears.

Lan Qin then handed over the jade plaque Yan Bei had given. "I've looked at it; the plaque is carved with the mansion's emblem. I suspect it is for his personal use or for those close to him. To dare give this plaque... he is quite straightforward."

Yue Tang looked at it several times and nodded. "He is devoted to A-Li.

"But we are two different families now. Go prepare the gifts. When we visit, we cannot go empty-handed."

Lan Qin complied.

Just then, a sound came from the courtyard gate. Looking up, she composed her expression. "Wei Zhang is returning from the Du residence with Xu He."