Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1200 - 180: Stroke Caused by Poisoning (Part 3)

The Hidden Guard comprehended Zhao Yao’s intentions and prepared to depart when a word from Zhao Yao halted him.

"Hold on, are you able to establish contact with the Dragon Guards who attend the Emperor?"

The Hidden Guard expressed slight surprise, inquiring, "Your Highness, do you seek an audience with the Dragon Guards?"

"I have several inquiries for them. Is it possible for me to meet them?"

The Hidden Guard affirmed, "If it is you, Your Highness, you should indeed be able to meet them."

Comprehending the Hidden Guard's implication, Zhao Yao commanded, "Then arrange for them to come see me tomorrow night."

"As you command, Your Highness." With that, the Hidden Guard, perceiving no further instructions from Zhao Yao, withdrew.

The following morning, Zhao Yao was roused from his slumber by Tong Xi.

After completing his morning ablutions, Zhao Yao swiftly escorted the witch doctor into the palace to examine the Emperor’s condition.

Lady Liang and Zhao Yao stood by, their hearts heavy with anxiety and unrest, awaiting the witch doctor’s diagnosis.

After approximately fifteen minutes, the witch doctor concluded his examination. Zhao Yao anxiously pressed, "Witch doctor, what is my father’s state? Is there still a possibility for his recovery?"

The witch doctor replied with deference, "Through acupuncture, coupled with specially prepared medicinal pills, there remains a chance for his recovery."

Upon hearing of the potential for recovery, Lady Liang’s face lit up with immediate joy, "Truly? Does the Emperor genuinely have a prospect of regaining his health?"

Zhao Yao pressed further, "What is your level of confidence?"

The witch doctor dared not conceal the truth, stating, "Your Highness, I would not dare to mislead you. Our chances stand at only thirty percent."

Upon hearing the thirty percent probability, Zhao Yao felt no disappointment; in fact, it was slightly more hopeful than he had anticipated.

"Will he fully recover, or will there be lingeringAftermaths?"

"Your Highness, a complete recovery is unlikely. I can, at best, ensure the Emperor awakens, but not restore him to his previous state." The witch doctor reported frankly, "It is probable that the Emperor will experience limitations in his mobility."

"As long as he awakens, nothing else truly matters. Mobility challenges are far preferable to being entirely paralyzed and confined to his bed as he is now. Commence the acupuncture treatment for my father immediately. As for the necessary herbs, if they are not available within the palace, I shall dispatch someone to procure them from Lingnan."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Lady Liang directed Tong Xi to remain available should the witch doctor require any assistance, while she accompanied Zhao Yao to the dining hall for their morning meal.

She had not yet partaken in breakfast, having only nibbled on a few pastries, as she desired to share the meal with her son.

Mother and son engaged in conversation throughout their breakfast.

By the time their meal concluded, the witch doctor had finished the acupuncture session, and the Emperor’s fingers had regained the ability to move.

The Emperor had already regained consciousness and, upon seeing Zhao Yao, emitted sounds of "ah ah."

Witnessing his father’s recognition, Zhao Yao felt a mixture of profound joy and sorrow. After spending some time conversing with the Emperor, he departed alongside the witch doctor.

Prior to their departure, he also requested the witch doctor to examine Princess Li’s pulse.

The witch doctor subsequently prescribed medication for Princess Li.

Just as they exited Kunde Hall, they encountered Prince Wei accompanied by Yu Hai.

Zhao Yao cast a stern glance at Prince Wei before proceeding past him without pausing.

Observing Zhao Yao’s indifferent demeanor, Prince Wei showed no signs of anger; instead, a smile played on his lips.

While traveling in the carriage towards Zongzheng Temple, Zhao Yao inquired of the witch doctor, "Earlier, at Princess Li’s chambers, you appeared somewhat uneasy. Is there a health concern with Princess Li?"

"Your Highness, Princess Li suffers from an incurable ailment, beyond the restorative capabilities of even a Daluo Immortal."

Zhao Yao, well-acquainted with the witch doctor’s proficiency, recognized that if such a pronouncement were made, Princess Li’s condition might indeed be utterly hopeless.

"How much longer can Princess Li expect to live?"

"I can only prolong her life by approximately one year."

"A year it shall be, then." Zhao Yao then posed another question, "Was my father’s stroke a natural occurrence, or was it induced by poison?"

"It was induced by poison. Had I not conducted a meticulous examination, I would not have detected the poisoning," the witch doctor replied. "The Emperor has been afflicted by a slow-acting poison originating from the Western Regions, which, while not fatal, is designed to induce a stroke."