Chapter 13: Cardiac Resuscitation

Immediately, Li Shimin fixed his gaze on Li Yi, a deep smile playing on his lips, though his tone was cool and measured. “Third Son Li, since you have so readily confessed your guilt, today... if I do not punish you thoroughly, I fear my conscience will not rest easy!”

At the same time, Li Shimin deliberately adopted the imposing bearing befitting an emperor, exerting considerable pressure on Li Yi.

Hearing this, and feeling the weight of this imperial aura, Li Yi was momentarily stunned, a flutter of apprehension rising in his heart.

“Second Li, you old rascal! If I’d known things would turn out like this, I never should have dug a pit for myself earlier!” Li Yi muttered quietly, regretting his choices. Yet the aura about him did not diminish in the slightest; he purposefully straightened his back and stood tall.

Seeing Li Yi’s demeanor, those familiar with Li Shimin—like Wei Zheng and others—could barely keep from laughing out loud. Some even cast schadenfreuding glances at Li Jing.

Li Shimin himself was amused and exasperated.

“Third Son Li, though you have saved Keming’s life, you first offended me, and thus I must punish you!” At that moment, Li Shimin feigned a thoughtful pause, then suddenly adopted a stern expression. “I hereby punish you... one hundred taels of gold and one hundred bolts of fine silk!”

With these words, Li Shimin’s intentions were made perfectly clear. His visit to the Du residence with imperial physicians was both a gesture of friendship and an imperial courtesy.

From his words, it was evident to all that he was quite satisfied with Li Yi’s response. Otherwise, he would not have chosen to use punishment as a pretext for rewarding Li Yi.

“Hm…?” Li Yi was bewildered at first, but once he fully grasped Li Shimin’s meaning, his face lit up and he bowed with a broad smile. “This humble subject thanks Your Majesty for your generous reward!”

At this moment, the heavy stone pressing on Li Yi’s heart finally fell away, and he breathed a deep sigh of relief.

Wei Zheng and the others were both amused and delighted, breaking into raucous laughter. “Ha ha…”

They truly hadn’t expected Li Yi to be so endearing, and some even felt a pang of envy toward Li Jing for having raised such an outstanding son who brought honor to his father.

As for their own disappointing, dissolute sons—ah, the less said, the more bitter the tears…

Li Yi, who usually caroused with them, had today revealed a side that made them realize just how vast the gulf was between their children and Li Yi. Though all were young nobles, raised on the same rice, the difference was like heaven and earth.

Wei Zheng, Fang Xuanling, and the others felt a faint sense of loss in their hearts.

Meanwhile, Li Jing looked upon Li Yi with increasing affection, feeling ever more pleased with his third son.

“This is my son, Li Jing’s own! To be teased by the Emperor—what an honor that is, not something just anyone can boast!”

Li Jing’s expression remained as composed as ever, but inwardly, he was utterly delighted.

However, when he recalled Li Yi’s attitude toward him, his heart immediately filled with dissatisfaction, and he resolved privately, “Once we return home, I must properly discipline this impudent boy, hmph!”

Li Jing’s complex feelings were entirely unknown to Li Yi. If he were aware of what Li Jing was thinking at this moment, Li Yi would likely laugh himself to death.

The renowned military god of the Tang Dynasty, a man of iron will who sheds blood but not tears—jealous? Of his own son, no less…

The room was filled with laughter, and Du Ruhui, lying in bed, was in much better spirits.

Just then, the elderly imperial physician Luo, whose face was awkward and whose heart was full of resentment, suddenly stepped forward, bowed respectfully to Li Shimin, and earnestly requested, “Your Majesty, may this humble servant be so bold as to ask Li Bo’an a question?”

“Hm?” At once, the laughter in the room ceased, and all eyes turned to Imperial Physician Luo.

Everyone was intrigued; they too wanted to know how Li Yi had managed to pull Du Ruhui back from the brink of death. After all, even Luo himself had been powerless to save him!

“Granted,” Li Shimin nodded, looking toward Li Yi.

The others likewise fixed their gaze on Li Yi.

Imperial Physician Luo, having received the Emperor’s permission, immediately approached Li Yi with an air of authority, his eyes cold and hostile, glaring at Li Yi as if he had somehow caused him to lose face.

“Li Bo’an, let me ask you—” Luo began arrogantly, but before he could finish, Li Yi interrupted him directly, “No need for your redundant questions. I shall report to His Majesty myself!”

Li Yi had no patience for Luo’s antagonistic attitude, and his tone was devoid of any warmth or respect.

Li Yi could not fathom why this old man was so hostile toward him.

But Li Yi was certainly no coward!

Without another glance at Luo, Li Yi stepped forward from his chair, stopping a yard before Li Shimin, and bowed slightly. “Your Majesty, the method I used to save Chancellor Du is called cardiac resuscitation, taught to me by a teacher in my dreams.”

“But this humble subject’s skills are far from proficient. Awakening Chancellor Du was sheer luck; I know only the basics, and would never dare compare myself to Imperial Physician Luo. I am deeply ashamed!”

Li Yi’s attitude was exceedingly modest, without the slightest trace of arrogance.

Yet Luo’s face grew even more grim, turning a shade of iron blue.

Not proficient? Pure luck? Only the basics? Deeply ashamed?

Even I could do nothing, and you alone revived Chancellor Du—yet you claim it was mere luck, that you know only the basics, and are ashamed to compare yourself to me?!

Damn you, Li Bo’an, you’re infuriating!

Imperial Physician Luo ground his teeth, his breath coming in sharp bursts, fists clenched tightly.

Even his eyes seemed about to pop out of their sockets, as though he wished to crush Li Yi on the spot.

At this moment, Luo’s dignity was utterly shattered.

Not only Li Shimin, but everyone in the room sensed the thick tension between the two.

Moreover, Li Yi’s responses had always been humble and sincere, and now this scene was entirely provoked by Imperial Physician Luo.

Wei Zheng and the others understood well: Luo was jealous that Li Yi had stolen his thunder by reviving Du Ruhui, and thus was trying to put Li Yi in his place.

To their surprise, Li Yi simply ignored him, and his tone was far from respectful.

But Wei Zheng and the others said nothing, waiting for Li Shimin to handle the matter.

“Imperial Physician Luo, mind your manners—stand down!” As expected, Li Shimin immediately rebuked Luo in a stern voice, his expression displeased.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Luo retreated reluctantly.

He knew he had overstepped this time, but his heart burned with jealousy toward Li Yi.

How could a pampered young noble surpass a veteran imperial physician who had studied his craft for decades?

Luo snorted coldly in his heart, glaring at Li Yi with eyes full of bitterness and anger.