novelaction Chapter 353 Reward
Chapter 353 Reward
Chapter 353
Only when they saw Luo Shuiyao's expression remained calm and composed, without the slightest sign of panic, did Doctor Fang and Eunuch Su both breathe a sigh of relief. If something truly happened to Emperor Yuanzhen, Eunuch Su would be fine, as it would only be one person's death. However, Doctor Fang had many descendants, and harming His Majesty would be a grave crime punishable by the death of nine generations of his clan. How could they not be afraid?
Another half-minute passed, and Luo Shuiyao carefully felt Emperor Yuanzhen's pulse again, confirming the condition before removing the cupping jar. By this time, the cupping jar was half full of blood, as black as ink, and clearly a highly toxic substance.
Luo Shuiyao set the cup aside, and Doctor Fang hurriedly took it, carefully pouring the poisonous blood into a porcelain bottle. After all, medicine and poison are inseparable. If he could study something so poisonous, it would definitely benefit his own medical skills.
Luo Shuiyao ignored him, her gaze fixed on the wound on Emperor Yuanzhen's chest. Seeing that it had essentially returned to normal, save for a slight bluish tinge around the edges, she reached out and began removing the needles one by one. While acupuncture required intense concentration and focus, removing needles was much easier and more effortless. In a short while, all the needles were removed.
Just as she pulled out the last silver needle, Emperor Yuan Zhen's eyes rolled slightly and slowly opened. He lowered his head to look at his body, then cast his gaze on Luo Shuiyao, who was collecting the silver needles. Luo Shuiyao turned around, saluted him with a smile, and said, "Your Majesty, the poison has been removed. You may put on your clothes."
Emperor Yuanzhen then stretched his slightly stiff body and felt a slight pain in his chest. He lowered his head to check, only to see a circle of bruises on his chest. He turned his gaze to Imperial Physician Fang, who quickly explained, "Your Majesty, Miss Luo used cupping to suck out the poisonous blood. The bruise is probably caused by the excessive suction force. Don't worry. Miss Luo said that the poison has been eliminated, and I believe the bruise will disappear soon."
Emperor Yuanzhen nodded slightly, allowing Eunuch Su to bring him clothes and put them on him. Then he slowly turned his head and his eyes fell on Luo Shuiyao, who was bowing her head and saying nothing. There was a bit more scrutiny and inquiry in his eyes, but also a hint of imperceptible approval.
Emperor Yuanzhen looked at Luo Shuiyao with a deep gaze. Luo Shuiyao noticed that look and her face was calm. She stood with her back straight, her hands folded in front of her stomach, neither humble nor arrogant, and waited quietly for the emperor's response.
Emperor Yuanzhen was silent for a moment, then said, "Miss Luo is an excellent doctor. You have saved me this time. How would you like me to reward you?"
Suddenly, everyone in the hall turned their gazes to the woman, eager to see her response. Even Ye Yunzhou, who was always calm and composed, his mind unmoved by external things, unconsciously clenched his fingers in his sleeves.
Luo Shuiyao, under everyone's gaze, remained calm, showing no sign of nervousness. She hadn't intended to exploit this incident to gain any advantage, and knowing that Emperor Yuanzhen wasn't a moody person, she naturally held no fear. Upon hearing the emperor's words, she gracefully bowed and saluted, responding respectfully, "Your Majesty, you are so kind! As a citizen of the Great Zhou, I am honored to serve you today, blessed by your Majesty's protection. How could I dare to expect a reward? Like countless other citizens of the Great Zhou, I pray for your majesty's health and the eternal prosperity of your kingdom!"
"Hahaha!" Hearty laughter echoed in the hall. Emperor Yuanzhen stared at Luo Shuiyao, who was bowing down in worship, and the admiration in his eyes became more and more intense.
Anyone can say nice things, and everyone is happy to hear them. As an emperor, Emperor Yuanzhen has heard countless flatteries and should have been accustomed to them. However, listening to Luo Shuiyao's compliments, he felt an unprecedented sense of comfort in his heart.
He considered himself a wise ruler. While he couldn't be described as loving his subjects like his own children, he worked diligently for the people of the Great Zhou. He built dams and dikes, controlled floods, and alleviated disasters—everything was dedicated to the well-being of the people. Never before had his subjects ever had the opportunity to express their gratitude for his blessing. While the compliments of his ministers were often merely formalities, Luo Shuiyao's words were completely different. His deepest desire was for the Great Zhou to remain as stable as Mount Tai and for the Zhou family's rule to continue uninterrupted. What emperor didn't want his dynasty to prosper and endure forever? He was no exception.
After a few hearty laughs, Emperor Yuanzhen stroked his beard and sighed with emotion: "If you were a man, I would definitely recruit you to serve as an official in the court. Unfortunately..."
The meaning of the words was obvious, but it was a pity that as a woman, she could not receive such an honor. Luo Shuiyao didn't think it was a pity after hearing this.
As a superior, if Emperor Yuanzhen truly wanted to bestow a reward, he wouldn't have asked her what she wanted. The fact that he had raised this question clearly indicated he hadn't made up his mind. If she had followed Emperor Yuanzhen's lead and made a request, she would have been suspected of seeking repayment, which would have undoubtedly displeased Emperor Yuanzhen. Just like Emperor Yuanzhen's words now, which sounded full of sincerity and emotion, they were actually just empty words.
She lowered her eyes, her expression calm, and spoke slowly and steadily, "Although I am a woman, I cannot serve Your Majesty directly in the court like men. But with what I have learned, I am willing to do my best for Your Majesty and the Great Zhou."
"Okay, I appreciate your kindness. If you need anything in the future, just ask. I will never treat you unfairly."
"Okay, get up." Emperor Yuanzhen's voice echoed in the hall.
When Luo Shuiyao heard this, she remained calm, stood up, and remained where she was with her hands hanging down.
The candlelight in the hall flickered, and the dim light and shadow swayed on everyone's faces, reflecting their different expressions.
Eunuch Su looked at Luo Shuiyao with complicated and meaningful eyes for a few times, then quickly lowered his eyes, hiding all emotions.
Doctor Fang stared at the calm Luo Shuiyao, a complex and elusive light flashing in his eyes. Then, he glanced at Ye Yunzhou, who was silent and pursed his lips, as if thinking about something, his expression was full of mystery.
.........
The two left the palace again.
Only after she sat in the carriage did Luo Shuiyao's tense back relax slightly. She wasn't born and raised in this era, and she didn't have that innate reverence for the emperor. But the man before her, holding the power over the lives of the entire court, and even the people of the world, in such a situation, would be lying if she said she wasn't nervous. But in the palace, being nervous was useless; it was better to be bold; at least she wouldn't be looked down upon.
"But are you scared?" Seeing that she was completely relaxed, Ye Yunzhou, who had been silent all the way, finally spoke.
Ever since she decided to sever ties with Ye Yunzhou a few days ago, Luo Shuiyao had completely lost her usual reserved demeanor in his presence, no longer deliberately maintaining proper manners. At this moment, she was half-leaning against the car wall. When she heard Ye Yunzhou's question, she nodded at first, then quickly shook her head and said, "I'm a little nervous, but I can't say I'm scared."