Chapter 85: I Believe in You
Eunuch Gao and the others did not dare to hesitate. Upon hearing Li Shimin’s command, they immediately withdrew respectfully and closed the doors of the imperial study behind them.
Now, only Li Shimin and his wife remained, along with Li Lizhi and Li Yi—four people in total.
However, upon seeing Li Shimin’s sudden change in expression, Li Yi frowned slightly, a strange feeling stirring within him. He glanced at Li Shimin in confusion.
Li Shimin merely smiled and rose from his seat.
Seeing this, Li Lizhi hurried to her father’s side and voiced Li Yi’s unspoken question: “Father, do you have something to instruct Li Bo’an? Should I withdraw as well?”
She watched Li Shimin curiously, her eyes blinking with anticipation.
Li Shimin paused for a moment, then waved his hand with a smile. “No need. It is not a matter of great importance. I simply wish for Li Bo’an to take your mother’s pulse.”
“To take her pulse?” Li Lizhi’s brows relaxed, and understanding dawned in her heart.
Her mother’s illness was an old affliction from years past, recurring unpredictably and causing Empress Zhangsun considerable suffering.
Even the imperial physicians in the palace were powerless against it. Could Li Yi truly cure it?
It seemed unlikely.
Li Lizhi doubted, but then remembered how Li Yi had cured Chancellor Du’s illness—her mother’s condition was not as severe as his had been. Li Yi should be able to manage it.
Her confidence returned.
“The one I favor will never disappoint!” Li Lizhi thought to herself.
She turned to Li Yi and said earnestly, “Li Bo’an, you must cure my mother’s illness!”
Li Yi was taken aback, now realizing the true reason Li Shimin had allowed Li Lizhi to bring him into the palace.
At last, the pieces fell into place.
Seeing Li Lizhi’s seriousness and Li Shimin’s gentle smile, Li Yi could only offer an awkward smile and bow. “Princess, I will do my best.”
“That’s not enough!” Li Lizhi was clearly unsatisfied with such a response.
She looked at Li Yi with solemn determination, her lips pursed, and spoke each word with gravity: “Li Bo’an, I believe in you. You will cure my mother’s illness!”
Li Yi was momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond.
After all, he did not yet know the specifics of Empress Zhangsun’s condition—where did Li Lizhi’s confidence come from?
Li Yi himself could not guarantee that he would be able to cure her.
Her unwavering trust made him feel somewhat troubled.
So he chose not to answer Li Lizhi directly, but turned to Li Shimin, bowing respectfully.
“Your Majesty, I know only the basics of medicine, and my skills are nothing compared to those of the palace physicians,” Li Yi said bitterly. “I can only speak with certainty after examining the Empress.”
“I trust you!” Li Shimin nodded and smiled, his simple words expressing complete faith in Li Yi.
Li Yi was utterly speechless.
Looking at Li Shimin’s earnest face and recalling Li Lizhi’s absolute trust, Li Yi could only smile wryly. “I will do my utmost.”
Ordinarily, to have the emperor and princess place such faith in him should feel wonderful.
But in this situation, Li Yi felt as if he were dancing on the edge of a blade.
Fortunately, at that moment, Empress Zhangsun rose with Li Shimin, and seeing Li Yi’s troubled expression, she spoke gently. “Li Bo’an, do not worry. Just do your best. Whether or not you succeed, I will not punish you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” With her assurance, Li Yi felt his worries ease.
Empress Zhangsun nodded and smiled. Supported by Li Shimin, she sat once more upon the throne in the imperial study and said, “Li Bo’an, come and take my pulse.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Li Yi replied and stepped forward, extending his hand to gently rest it on her wrist.
He had to admit, Empress Zhangsun was well cared for—her skin was delicate, as soft as a newborn child.
But his mind was entirely focused, listening intently to the rhythm of her pulse.
The study was silent, not a sound to be heard.
Li Shimin and his daughter held their breath, watching Li Yi closely.
After a thorough examination, a long while passed before Li Yi’s frown finally eased.
He discovered that Empress Zhangsun’s illness was a disorder of the qi—a revelation that made him exhale with relief.
Since it was a qi disorder, the solution was clear.
Li Yi withdrew his hand from Empress Zhangsun’s wrist and rose, bowing respectfully.
“Your Majesty, your illness is a disorder of the qi. I possess a secret prescription that can completely cure it,” Li Yi said with a smile.
“Is it true?” Empress Zhangsun asked, her brows furrowed.
Li Shimin and his daughter both looked at Li Yi with expressions of joy.
“My words are sincere,” Li Yi replied with a faint smile, then grew serious, meeting the empress’s gaze. “But your cooperation will be necessary.”
“How so? Li Bo’an, speak quickly,” Li Shimin interjected before Empress Zhangsun could respond.
Hearing that Li Yi could cure her ailment, Li Shimin was more excited than anyone, his composure as ruler all but vanished.
“Your Majesty, do not be anxious.”
Li Yi stepped away from the throne, took his place in the hall, and continued, “I have a set of Tai Chi techniques, designed for health and longevity. If Your Majesty diligently practices these, you will be able to completely cure your illness.”
“Tai Chi techniques?” Li Shimin’s brows furrowed deeply.
He had clearly never heard of such a thing—what physician would prescribe martial arts as medicine?
And yet, Li Yi claimed these techniques could fully cure a qi disorder.
It sounded utterly fantastical.
“Could it be that Li Bo’an, fearing punishment, is merely boasting and making up nonsense before me?” Li Shimin wondered, somewhat doubtful.
But recalling how Li Yi had cured Du Ruhui’s illness, Li Shimin was torn between belief and skepticism.
Empress Zhangsun blinked, her large eyes fixed on Li Yi, her thoughts unreadable.
Li Lizhi likewise furrowed her brows, quickly moving to pull Li Yi aside.
“Li Bo’an, are you telling the truth?” she whispered, her voice full of disbelief. “Can these Tai Chi techniques really cure my mother’s illness?”
(End of chapter)