Chapter 12: This Young Man Is Quite Interesting

“Ke Ming, is he… is he awake…?”

Those waiting outside the room, including Li Shimin himself, were utterly astonished when they heard the voices from within, their faces filled with disbelief.

The next moment, Li Shimin, who was the first to recover his composure, pushed the door open and entered, shouting joyously, “Ke Ming, my Ke Ming…!”

Like a whirlwind, Li Shimin was the first to burst into the sickroom.

Wei Zheng and the others, shocked yet complex in their expressions, glanced at Li Jing, who, relieved, let out a long breath and a broad smile. The heavy stone in their hearts finally settled.

High Eunuch, too, looked at Li Jing in disbelief, blinking and pondering silently.

Then, Li Jing, together with Wei Zheng and the rest, followed Li Shimin in quick succession, rushing into the room where Du Ruhui lay.

The faces of the Du family members, once somber, now radiated joy and happiness, their delight unmistakable.

“Brother, you’re awake!”

“Father is awake!”

“Master, you’re awake!”

The Du family rejoiced, waving their hands in celebration. Many of the family’s servants and maids, forgetting decorum, craned their necks eagerly to peer inside.

In the entire scene, only Senior Imperial Physician Luo looked displeased, his cheeks flushed with anger.

He had just publicly mocked Li Yi, but to his utter astonishment, not long after, news came from within that Minister Du had awakened!

This made his situation terribly awkward.

Imperial Physician Luo noticed that even the Du family’s servants now eyed him with undisguised contempt.

“Hmph, a bunch of snobs who only respect the powerful!” he muttered bitterly, gritting his teeth. He strode after the others into the room.

Inside Du Ruhui’s sickroom.

At that moment, Lady Du had stepped aside, quietly wiping her tears, while Li Shimin sat at the bedside, tightly grasping Du Ruhui’s hand, unable to conceal his excitement at seeing Du truly awake.

“Ke Ming, you’ve finally woken up! I thought Heaven truly meant to take you away from me!” Tears welled in the corners of Li Shimin’s eyes.

It is said that men do not easily shed tears, but now, Li Shimin’s eyes were misty, his genuine emotion flowing forth.

Li Jing, Wei Zheng, and the others stood quietly to the side, their faces alight with happiness at Du Ruhui’s recovery.

“This old servant is inept, unable to rise to greet Your Majesty, disturbing Your affairs, and always causing you worry. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness.” Du Ruhui’s own eyelids were wet with tears, his voice frail.

Since ancient times, a ruler who does not discard his officials when they are no longer useful is already exceedingly benevolent.

Yet, during the time Du Ruhui was ill and absent from court, he was fully aware of how Li Shimin had treated him.

Now, Li Shimin was on the verge of tears for his sake.

Du Ruhui was deeply moved, but also felt guilty for failing in his duty as a courtier.

“Ke Ming, if you continue to scold me like this, I might truly be angry!” Li Shimin teased, half-joking, “I’ll punish you by making you rest and recover in your manor. When you’re well again, you can help me shoulder the burdens of the realm!”

Li Shimin understood perfectly the meaning behind Du Ruhui’s words.

So, he lightened the mood with humor.

“I obey, and thank Your Majesty for your boundless grace.” Du Ruhui replied gratefully, his voice choked with emotion.

“Enough, just focus on your recovery; don’t trouble yourself with other worries!” Li Shimin nodded with a smile.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Du Ruhui replied.

Witnessing this scene, Wei Zheng and the others felt their hearts lighten with joy.

At this moment, thoughts turned to Li Yi.

In the corner of the room, on a thin chair, Li Yi sat drenched in sweat, his clothes nearly soaked through, eyes closed as he quietly regulated his breathing. Clearly, he had exhausted himself in reviving Du Ruhui, so no one disturbed him.

Li Shimin watched Li Yi with curiosity, his former displeasure replaced by a hint of appreciation.

Li Yi was wholly engrossed in restoring his energy, unaware of the situation in the room.

After a long while, he finished his regimen of internal cultivation, his complexion returning to a healthy glow.

When Li Yi opened his eyes, he found everyone in the room watching him, and even Li Shimin wore a look of satisfaction.

Suddenly, Li Yi’s heart gave a startled leap.

He quickly rose, bowed respectfully to Li Shimin, and said, “I have been discourteous to Your Majesty before; I beg your forgiveness!”

Li Jing was deeply pleased to see Li Yi behave so humbly.

“Not arrogant or rash, knows to be modest—he’s truly my son!” Li Jing thought joyfully.

Wei Zheng and the others also saw Li Yi in a new light.

But Li Shimin, seeing Li Yi’s demeanor, couldn’t help but feel both amused and exasperated, thinking, “Am I really so unreasonable?”

Immediately, Li Shimin found amusement in his heart, feigning a stern face as he scolded, “Li Third Son, tell me, what crime have you committed?”

“Uh…” Li Yi was momentarily taken aback.

“I was merely being modest—does this Li Second really intend to punish me?” he thought, sneaking a glance at Li Shimin, whose face was grim. For a moment, Li Yi could find no words.

Wei Zheng and the others, recognizing that Li Shimin was not truly angry but rather seizing the opportunity to hone Li Yi, began to enjoy the spectacle, casting knowing glances at Li Jing and snickering to themselves.

Li Jing, on the other hand, felt a twinge of concern for Li Yi.

He knew his son’s temperament well.

Li Yi’s words were often unrestrained, sometimes even neglecting his own father, his gaze always wandering, his unruly nature having caused him much headache.

But since Li Shimin was the one testing Li Yi, Li Jing could not interfere.

Just then, after a brief pause, Li Yi, undaunted, suddenly straightened his back.

He bowed slightly, his voice calm and dignified:

“In reply to Your Majesty, if you are judging me as a friend of Minister Du, I am guiltless. As a healer, I possess skills that must not be disclosed to outsiders. Thus, when I asked Your Majesty to wait outside, it was an act of respect, not offense.

“But if Your Majesty judges me as Emperor, then for my earlier boldness, offending the imperial dignity, I am deserving of execution!”

Li Yi spoke with utmost seriousness, without a trace of fear, impressing all with his composure and bearing.

He remained utterly calm.

“Oh…?” Li Shimin was momentarily taken aback.

He had not expected Li Yi to answer him so.

Wei Zheng, Li Jing, and the others were equally surprised. Though Li Yi was young, he conversed with Li Shimin with remarkable eloquence.

Their expressions turned strange as they looked at Li Yi.

“This boy is truly interesting!” Li Shimin thought to himself.