Reborn as the Crippled King's Beloved
Chapter 303 Giving Father the Emperor a Surprise

Chapter 303: Chapter 303 Giving Father the Emperor a Surprise

"Oh? Can Xiao Jiu also determine by feeling the pulse that Consort Qin is carrying the Young Prince?"

The Emperor was in an excellent mood, so much so that he even changed the address from Princess Consort Ling to Xiao Jiu.

Murong Jiu respectfully said, "This son has not yet acquired the skill to discern gender through feeling the pulse."

Meeting Consort Qin’s gaze, she then added, "However, judging by the appearance of Consort Qin’s pregnancy, it indeed seems like she is carrying the Young Prince, and he appears lively and active, surely a clever and intelligent Young Prince."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor felt even happier.

He did trust Murong Jiu’s medical expertise, but he believed Divine Doctor Miao’s skills were superior since the latter had experienced more than Murong Jiu had ever learned. The reasons he did not let Divine Doctor Miao treat Consort Qin were, firstly, because Consort Qin only experienced frequent fetal movements, which wasn’t serious, and secondly, of course, he did not trust Divine Doctor Miao’s character.

He was very concerned about the child in Consort Qin’s womb, as he could not let any mishap befall this child, being his last in this lifetime.

Compared to having a Princess, he naturally preferred a Prince, as the ancient saying goes ’more sons, more blessings,’ not ’more daughters, more blessings.’ He could personally teach him how to ride a horse, shoot arrows, play chess, and paint. For the previous four Princes, he had not taught any one of them.

The most regrettable was The Third Prince, whom he had protected to ensure he grew up safely and had removed obstacles for him without bringing him into the limelight. As a result, The Third Prince’s capabilities were ordinary, not comparable to the Second Prince, let alone the Eldest Prince.

Now, he indeed favored The Third Prince the most, but this did not affect his fondness for the Young Prince. If the Young Prince were well nurtured, he could also become a support for The Third Prince in the future.

Seeing the Emperor in a good mood, Consort Qin seized the opportunity to propose that Murong Jiu help deliver her baby.

The Emperor nodded, "Xiao Jiu has experience, and her medical skills are good. Having her deliver for you makes me feel at ease."

With that, the matter was settled.

The Emperor, feeling drained, had talked for a while and, seeing that Consort Qin was all right, prepared to leave.

Suddenly, Murong Jiu said, "Father, have you been having frequent nightmares, night sweats, and a poor appetite recently? May I take your pulse?"

"How do you know? I have been suffering from a lingering cold recently, perhaps because my body is no longer young."

Nonetheless, he sat down and let Murong Jiu take his pulse.

Murong Jiu took his pulse seriously, also examining the Emperor’s eyes and tongue coating, her brow furrowing slightly.

"Xiao Jiu, what is that expression? How is my health?"

"Your health is not badly affected, but your prolonged illness stems from your depressive mood. In his early years, my master traveled extensively and saw many whose depression and internal blockages led to symptoms like stagnation of Qi and blood, chest oppression, and belching, similar to your current condition. Do you occasionally feel nauseous and have a dry mouth?"

The Emperor nodded, his expression turning serious, "Indeed that’s true!"

The dry mouth, something he had not mentioned to anyone, was only brought to mind after Murong Jiu mentioned it.

"Then how should I adjust? Should the prescription given by Divine Doctor Miao be changed?"

"There’s no need for that."

Murong Jiu continued, "Uncle Master Miao is indeed highly skilled in medicine, but he has spent years researching poison gu, unlike my master who traveled the world and saw countless patients, which naturally led to some oversights. The prescription for your cold from Uncle Master Miao surely isn’t problematic, he just doesn’t know that in your case, you need to engage more in activities that make you happy, to vent liver Qi for the medicine to cure the disease."

Her words both exposed Divine Doctor Miao’s shortcomings and showcased her master’s superior medical expertise, making the Emperor trust Divine Doctor Miao’s medical skills a little less.

Consort Qin’s eyes flickered, and with a light laugh, she said, "Your Majesty, you should listen to Princess Consort Ling, engage in more joyful activities to get well soon. Your concubine is still waiting for you to hold the Young Prince."

The Emperor nodded thoughtfully, seemingly considering what joyful activities he could partake in.

He told Consort Qin to rest well and left. As he prepared to depart, Murong Jiu too took her leave from Consort Qin.

As they left Yonghe Palace, the Emperor suddenly turned back and said to Murong Jiu, "Xiao Jiu, I heard that the Eldest Prince has been encouraging the farmers to plant some new crop, was that your idea? Do you know that many citizens are somewhat resentful towards you because of this?"

Murong Jiu said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Father Emperor, do you know how high-yielding the crops are that your son ordered to be sourced from overseas merchants?"

"I have indeed heard, that what do you call it, sweet potato, one thousand catties per mu? Laughable, you, a mere woman, do you understand what it means to produce one thousand catties per mu?"

The Emperor, not leaving the palace, had people who would report to him the occurrences outside, including the conflict that took place at the farm that day, not missing a single word.

Producing one thousand catties per mu had already become a joke among countless people in the Capital City.

From ancient times to this day, there has never been an agricultural crop that could produce one thousand catties per mu!

Murong Jiu, facing the Emperor’s sharp eyes, said, "Your son of course knows, this means if every citizen of Great Yan were to plant sweet potatoes, it would allow everyone to fill their bellies, stay fed and warm, which would enhance birth rates, and lead to a rapid increase in the population of Great Yan, bringing about a flourishing dynasty."

Having finished, she added a compliment, "Isn’t this what you, Father Emperor, most wish to see?"

The Emperor watched her deeply, then suddenly smiled, "If it really allows all the commoners to eat their fill, you and Eldest Prince would be Great Yan’s greatest contributors."

Murong Jiu earnestly responded, "No, it’s you who are, under your rule, the citizens of Great Yan are able to eat and stay warm. Sweet potatoes will satiate the people, and Consort Qin’s White Fleeceflower Root from the Western Regions, warmer than silk or hemp, has also been planted in abundance by your son, who is thinking of sending a warm quilt made from it to you, Father Emperor, as soon as the first harvest is ready."

"Oh? White Fleeceflower Root from the Western Regions can be grown in the Central Plains?"

"Certainly, your son has already had people try planting it."

The Emperor nodded, a smile appearing on his face, "If it’s really as you say, then I of course support you and Eldest Prince. What you are doing for me benefits the people. I will also promote this cause, hoping you will not disappoint me."

"That’s wonderful! Father Emperor, you truly are the best Emperor under the heavens! The people take pride in you!"

Murong Jiu said happily, her eyes filled with admiration as she looked at the Emperor.

The smile on the Emperor’s face grew deeper, and he suddenly felt much lighter in his body, not as tired as before.

It seems Murong Jiu was right; a good mood naturally lightens the body.

Having children and commoners revere him was also something that made him feel joyful.

With this thought, he became more attentive to the matter, and immediately said to Murong Jiu, "In a while, have someone bring some sweet potatoes into the palace; let me also see this miraculous crop."

Murong Jiu, however, shook her head and said, "Father Emperor, you, too, cannot always be cooped up in the palace. You should also go out and clear your mind. Besides, your son and the Prince also have a surprise prepared for you at Prince Ling’s Mansion."

"Oh? What kind of surprise?"

The Emperor was somewhat curious.

"You’ll know once you’re there, guaranteed to please you. The Prince knows you’ve been in a bad mood lately; as you know, he’s always been quiet and reserved, not one to say pleasant words, but he only does practical things to cheer you up."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor thought it true, his Eldest Prince was not good at speaking, but he always reassured him with his actions, otherwise, he wouldn’t have entrusted him with state affairs.

However, he favored his Third Son, no matter how hard the Eldest Prince tried, it was in vain.

But what Murong Jiu said was correct, a good mood could indeed make one’s body heal faster, so he did not mind following her to Prince Ling’s Mansion to see what surprise awaited him there.

With that in mind, he said, "Imperial Noble Consort has been managing the harem quite laboriously these days, I plan to bring her along to Prince Ling’s Mansion."

Murong Jiu of course agreed, visibly thrilled.

In her heart, however, she sneered slightly, the Emperor just did not trust her and the Prince, fearing they would harm him.

But whether or not he trusted them, it wasn’t that important after all.