Chapter 14: Could It Be That I'm Just Too Handsome?

Hearing Li Shimin’s command, Li Yi finally felt somewhat satisfied. Yet, when he saw Imperial Physician Luo's dead-fish eyes glaring at him, Li Yi couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle, sighing inwardly, “This old man, what on earth have I done to offend you? Is it really necessary to hate me so much?”

Though Li Yi said nothing, his smile—seen through Luo’s eyes—seemed nothing short of mockery. To Luo, it was an insult greater than the heavens themselves. Thus, the hatred he bore for Li Yi grew even deeper.

At that moment, Li Shimin ignored Luo entirely, his anger vanishing as he turned to Li Yi with a smile and suddenly asked, “Third Son Li, what is cardiac resuscitation?”

Li Yi answered without hesitation, “Your Majesty, cardiac resuscitation is a medical technique for patients whose consciousness or heartbeat has ceased. After ensuring the airway is clear of obstructions, one uses manual methods to keep the airway open and supply the patient with continuous oxygen, preventing irreversible damage to vital organs due to lack of oxygen, and thereby reviving the patient.”

His reply was precise and measured, delivered with a humble demeanor—a stark contrast to his attitude toward the imperial physician, a reversal as dramatic as night and day.

Having spoken, Li Yi stood quietly, saying no more.

Everyone: “……”

At that moment, not only Li Shimin, but all those present were utterly bewildered, lost in confusion. Imperial Physician Luo stared blankly, his mind spinning, entirely at a loss as to what Li Yi was talking about.

It must be known that Luo was recognized as the foremost physician in the imperial medical bureau of the Tang court. Yet now, he felt peculiarly out of place—as if he were a clueless child sitting in a university lecture, utterly dumbfounded.

The technical terms Li Yi used were entirely foreign to them, strikingly novel.

For a while, the room fell silent, every gaze fixed on Li Yi, complex and searching.

The sudden hush left Li Yi mildly perplexed.

“Huh…? Why is everyone so quiet?”

He glanced up and discovered that everyone was staring at him with intense eyes.

This was rather awkward, he thought—he wasn't a blushing maiden after all…

Then, a strange thought struck Li Yi: “Could it be… they're captivated by my looks? Is it my handsome face that’s drawn their attention? Turns out being handsome is quite an advantage even in the Tang dynasty…”

Li Yi indulged in his own fantasies and imaginings.

Fortunately, Li Shimin and the others had no inkling of Li Yi’s thoughts at that moment. Had they known, they would surely have been dumbstruck, berating Li Yi: “Never before have we seen someone so shameless!” Perhaps, he might even have been beaten to death on the spot…

“Cough, cough…” Right then, seeing a sly smile at the corner of Li Yi’s mouth, Li Jing grew embarrassed and hastily cleared his throat twice.

He knew Li Yi’s temperament all too well. At the sight of that secretive grin, Li Jing was certain Li Yi was imagining something indecent.

Immediately, Li Jing glared fiercely at Li Yi and reprimanded him, “Third Son, do not show off before His Majesty. Quickly give a detailed explanation of ‘cardiac resuscitation.’”

He paused, remembering something, then added, “Make it simple!”

“Uh…” Only then did Li Yi realize the truth—they hadn’t understood a word.

He almost thought they were stunned by his good looks.

Li Yi felt a pang of bitterness and, after pondering briefly, explained, “Simply put, cardiac resuscitation involves tilting the patient’s jaw upward, while one person blows air into the patient’s mouth and another applies appropriate pressure to the chest, reviving them.”

Everyone’s mouths twitched slightly.

Now they understood why Li Jing had abruptly admonished Li Yi—the man had been being purposely obscure!

But when they saw Li Yi hang his head innocently and noticed Lady Du’s faint blush, they suddenly recalled that during the rescue of Du Ruhui, only Lady Du and Li Yi had remained in the room.

Moreover, to revive Du Ruhui by this method, someone must have blown air into his mouth.

Piecing together the events, they understood the situation.

Thus, they no longer dwelled on it.

Li Shimin was also mildly surprised.

“Perhaps earlier, Third Son Li refrained from explaining openly in order to spare Lady Du and Ke Ming’s dignity,” everyone thought, silently admiring Li Yi’s compassion.

Yet they could not help but marvel at his courage—he had dared risk incurring Li Shimin's wrath for the sake of the patient. Otherwise, even with a thousand lives, Li Yi would never have dared act so boldly before His Majesty.

That was as perilous as courting death before a tiger.

Especially since Li Yi was so clever!

Now, enlightened, everyone naturally chose not to mention the matter further.

Li Shimin nodded in satisfaction.

He was aware that the atmosphere in the room had suddenly grown awkward.

So, he patted Du Ruhui’s hand with a smile and gently instructed, “Ke Ming, focus on recovering here at the estate. I have matters of state to attend to, so I must take my leave. I’ll visit you again another day.”

With a grand wave, Li Shimin led his retinue swiftly away.

“Farewell, Your Majesty. Please forgive this old minister for being unable to rise and see you off…” Du Ruhui said from his bed. The Du family understood and took the opportunity to escort Li Shimin at the door.

Wei Zheng, Fang Xuanling, Changsun Wuji, and the others also offered words of encouragement to Du Ruhui before departing.

Imperial Physician Luo, however, hesitated about leaving.

After Li Yi’s detailed explanation, Luo felt as if his entire medical world had been overturned—a new door opened by Li Yi’s novel concepts. He felt an urge to seek Li Yi’s guidance.

Though still reluctant and unwilling, at that moment he laid aside his prejudices against Li Yi, even feeling a secret admiration.

“This youth truly must have been instructed by an immortal, for this method is so miraculous. All my years of medical knowledge seem to have gone to waste…”

Luo smiled wryly to himself, knowing this was not the moment to speak.

After wrestling with his thoughts, he ultimately chose to follow Li Shimin and take his leave.

After all, there would be time in the days ahead…

Don’t ask who Time is; in any case, he knew he would have plenty of opportunities to interact with Li Yi in the future.

Perhaps even… resolve the rift between them…

Soon, Li Shimin and his party had departed, leaving only Li Jing and his son, along with Du Ruhui, in the room.