Chapter Fifty-Two: Truly a Divine Healer

Chu Yun let out a relieved laugh. Prince Qi then bowed to the heavens before turning to Chu Yun. "Doctor Chu, you are truly a divine physician. You have brought my son back from the very gates of death. Thank the heavens for sending such a healer to my side to treat my child."

Luo Feng shouted with excitement, "This is wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! The young master has opened his eyes—there is hope, hope indeed!"

Zhou Bing, on the other hand, could hardly contain his displeasure. He wanted to caution them not to rejoice too soon, that this might only be a final resurgence before death, but on the surface he kept up a smile, continually offering his congratulations to Prince Qi and taking the opportunity to praise Chu Yun's medical skills.

Chu Yun remained calm and instructed the one preparing medicine, "Cool the decoction quickly and let the young master try to swallow it. We need to see if he can manage to take it down."

He, too, feared that this might be nothing more than a fleeting recovery.

"Yes, Doctor Chu, right away!" The man replied and hurried back to the young master’s quarters.

Soon, he returned with a smile. "He can swallow it! The young master can take the medicine—he can eat, he can eat! There is hope, there is hope!"

Upon hearing this, Prince Qi's laughter rang out even louder.

Zhou Bing felt even more aggrieved, yet had to force an even brighter smile. The frustration was almost unbearable; he could not stand to remain there another moment. Bowing to Prince Qi, he said, "Now that the young master is awake, I am reassured. Having been up most of the night, I am quite exhausted and would like to take my leave to rest at home."

Prince Qi chuckled, "If you can sleep, then go sleep, Celestial Master Zhou. You’ve worked hard these past days. But once you awaken, remember you still owe me one hundred taels of gold, and don’t forget—you still have to eat a wooden stool."

He was glad to see Zhou Bing go, lest he interfere with Chu Yun’s continued treatment.

Zhou Bing was almost seething inside, but outwardly squeezed out a smile. "Rest assured, Prince Qi, I will have someone deliver the hundred taels of gold first thing in the morning."

With that, he turned and strode away quickly.

Prince Qi called after him, "And what about the stool? When will you eat it?"

Zhou Bing gave no answer.

He had no intention of eating a stool. If Prince Qi demanded it, he could simply refuse; after all, his own status was not much lower than Prince Qi’s. But his haste to leave was not merely to avoid the issue—he was eager to consult with others about what to do next. Though Chu Yun had revived the young master, they would never allow him to fully cure him—nor could they risk him uncovering the shocking secrets of the Witch Doctors’ Sect.

Luo Feng could not help but laugh heartily at the sight of Zhou Bing’s hasty retreat, feeling a great sense of satisfaction.

Prince Qi joined in his laughter, delighted both at his son’s recovery and at seeing Zhou Bing put in his place. He had long been displeased with Zhou Bing and was well aware of the Witch Doctors’ Sect’s wild ambitions.

Luo Feng could not help but ask, "Doctor Chu, had the young master not awakened, how did you intend to use the bamboo tubes and rods for his treatment?"

Chu Yun waved a hand. "Forgive me, Lord Luo, it is truly not convenient for me to say."

"Not even to me?" Luo Feng pressed. "I thought you simply did not wish to speak in front of Zhou Bing, since that fellow is not to be trusted."

Prince Qi frowned minutely at this.

Seeing the prince's reaction, Luo Feng immediately regretted speaking out, berating himself for his indiscretion. After all, Prince Qi had just so openly supported Chu Yun, and now Chu Yun’s refusal to answer made it seem as if he did not trust the prince.

Sensing this, Chu Yun explained, "In fact, my method was to pour the medicine into the bamboo tube, make an incision in the young master’s esophagus with a sharp instrument, and pour the medicine directly in. It is an extremely risky and dangerous procedure, which is why I did not wish to speak of it. I hope you can both understand."

Prince Qi smiled at last. "So that’s what it was. Such a method is indeed perilous; it is understandable you would hesitate to mention it."

Luo Feng agreed, "Indeed. If someone learned of this and attempted it recklessly, it could easily backfire—far from saving a life, it could cost one."

"That was my concern exactly," Chu Yun replied.

Prince Qi smiled. "Fortunately, my son has awakened and there is no need for such a desperate measure. Doctor Chu, you have rendered a great service in saving him. Ask for whatever you wish—whatever is within my power, I shall grant it."

Chu Yun smiled and waved his hand. "Thank you, Your Highness, but for now my only wish is to cure the young master. When he is fully recovered, I will come to claim your reward."

"Very well!" Prince Qi responded with a hearty laugh.

He then said he was weary and went to rest.

Once Prince Qi had left, Luo Feng leaned in to whisper, "Doctor Chu, it is fortunate you did not immediately demand a title or land, or Prince Qi would surely have been displeased."

Chu Yun nodded and replied in a low voice, "Exactly. Prince Qi defended me so strongly in front of Zhou Bing, declaring that regardless of the outcome he would not hold me accountable. It is clear he values my abilities and wishes to keep me close. If I were to ask now for a title or land, making it obvious I did not wish to remain by his side, he would be angered. Only after I cure the young master and he is in high spirits, will it be wise to make such a request."

Luo Feng nodded in agreement, "Indeed, Doctor Chu, you are truly shrewd. But I think, with your intelligence, remaining by Prince Qi’s side wouldn’t be so bad. Are you sure you don’t wish to consider it?"

Chu Yun waved a hand. "Prince Qi’s support for me tonight was also a way to use me to check the Witch Doctors’ Sect and curb their growing power in the Qi Dynasty. I am now likely a thorn in their side. It would be better to secure a noble title and estate, and live freely far from the capital."

Luo Feng laughed, "A wise plan, Doctor Chu. If only I had done as Jiang Lin did—asked for a title and land, even if only a barony with a single manor, I wouldn’t be living in constant anxiety now. Truly, serving the prince is like serving a tiger—court intrigue is no less dangerous than the battlefield!"

Chu Yun clapped him on the shoulder and changed the subject. "You should go rest, Lord Luo. I’ll stay here and keep watch. To prevent the Witch Doctors’ Sect from interfering with the young master’s recovery, we must take turns standing guard."

You are reading "The Humble Overlord" by Jin Xixi. Please remember to bookmark the site for the latest updates! Chapter Fifty-Two: Truly a Divine Physician.