Chapter Nineteen: Red Pills

  With the Seven Stars Sword in hand, Ye Xiang walked a few more boxes and found another decent sword, but it was just about the same as the Seven Stars Sword. After seeing that sword, he really wanted to collide with each other to see if any extraordinary techniques would appear, such as some kind of true classic. But such a good sword, Ye Xiang couldn't bear to part with it, these will all be his own treasures in the future.

  Apart from the Seven Star Sword, Ye Xiang also chose another sword, a fine steel soft sword. Although it wasn't as sharp as the Seven Star Sword, it had its advantages in concealment. He tied the soft sword to his waist, and at first glance, it looked just like a decent belt. Once covered by clothes, no one could see it. This time, Ye Xiang was preparing to be a little thief; he wouldn't tell anyone about this soft sword, as it was something that would save his life. After all these things were over, he must find someone to learn martial arts from and see if there were any precious manuals around.

  Time was advancing slowly in Yexiang's anxious waiting, and finally came the long-awaited day, which was August 29th.

  It has been three days since the last discussion about Xi Gong Li Xuan's servant. In these three days, Emperor Taichang's body not only did not recover but became worse and worse. He can no longer get out of bed, nor can he leave people by his side, and the amount of food he eats every day is very small.

  Early in the morning, Taichang Emperor summoned someone to his bedside, and that person was Fang Congzhe, the Chief Grand Secretary of the Imperial Cabinet.

  Looking at Fang Zhe, who was kneeling below, Emperor Taichang let out a sigh. This old man is over 70 years old, yet his body is still so robust, with ears that can hear and eyes that can see clearly. But what about me? I'm only 39 years old, and I've already become like this. Heaven is really unfair.

  Faintly, he ordered, "Get up!" Taichang Emperor then asked, "How are the coffin and tomb chamber preparations going?"

  Fang Zhe glanced at Taichang Emperor lying on the bed, and was somewhat moved in his heart. This emperor was really good, but unfortunately his body was too weak. Even though he himself was in such a state, he still had the mind to care about the funeral of his father, and moreover, Wanli Emperor was actually very different from this emperor, it seemed that the emperor was indeed filial.

  After a moment of hesitation, Fang Zhe replied slowly: "To answer Your Majesty, the tomb chamber of the late Emperor has been completed many years ago and the coffin is also of high quality, there is no problem. Your Majesty's body is not feeling well, let the officials of the Ministry of Rites handle these matters! Sun Ruoyu, the Minister of Rites, is a loyal and dedicated minister, and the late Emperor had a deep understanding of him, this matter will definitely be handled properly."

  Fang Congzhe finished speaking, but for a long time, he didn't see Emperor Taichang respond. He hurriedly lifted his head to look at Emperor Taichang and saw that at this moment, Emperor Taichang's whole body was trembling, his face was flushed red, and his lips were constantly quivering. With his hand pointing at Fang Congzhe, he remained silent for a long time. After a deep sigh, he spoke in anger: "I... I am talking about my mausoleum and coffin."

  Seeing Tai Changdi's furious appearance, Fang Congzhe was somewhat at a loss and subconsciously said: "Your Majesty is in the prime of life, although uncomfortable, but it's not time to worry about these things yet."

  Looking at the old man in front of him, who was over 70 years old, Tai Changdi shouted: "Do I look like a robust and vigorous person to you? Are you blind?! I'm going to die." He stretched out his hand, picked up the jade pillow from under his body, and threw it at Fang Congzhe.

  Although Fang Congzhe was over 70 years old, his body was still quite good. When he saw the jade pillow coming towards him, he subconsciously jumped to the right, but suddenly felt that it might not be appropriate to just jump away like this. In the instant when both feet landed on the ground, he quickly bounced back and barely caught the jade pillow in his hand. After jumping twice, Fang Congzhe was slightly out of breath, with fine beads of sweat on his forehead. He stood there holding the pillow, feeling very embarrassed, not daring to look up at Emperor Taichang.

  Tai Chang Emperor seemed to have used up all his strength, lying on the bed and panting heavily, muttering something in his mouth. The eunuch beside him wanted to laugh but could only hold back, walking slowly to Fang Cong's side, taking over the jade pillow and placing it under Tai Chang Emperor's head.

  At this time, Fang Congzhe's old face was red with embarrassment, although Emperor Taichang had hit him, but Fang Congzhe was not angry. On the contrary, in his heart, he scolded himself severely, how could he become more and more confused as he grew older? This emperor hated the old emperor to the point of gnashing his teeth, how could he possibly care about his own father's grave?

  After some thought, Fang Congzhe felt that he should probably apologize to the Emperor, but really didn't know how to bring it up. Just as Fang Congzhe's old face turned red and he didn't know what to say, Taichang Emperor's voice came over.

  "I heard that a certain Hongyu Temple Master wanted to present me with an elixir, but was refused by you?" The voice of Emperor Taichang was very weak, but his anger seemed to have dissipated a lot, and he didn't seem to be bothered about what had just happened.

  After hearing Tai Changdi's words, Fang Congzhe suddenly let out a breath of relief. It seemed that the emperor also knew that this matter was not worth mentioning, and it would only increase the awkwardness between the monarch and his subject. He lightly wiped the sweat from his forehead, and Fang Congzhe slowly said: "Your Majesty, this person is called Li Kexiao. He says he has an elixir of immortality, but we didn't believe him."

  At this time, Taichang Emperor had reached the point of being critically ill and seeking all kinds of medical treatment, and he did not understand the meaning behind Fang's words.

  Fang Zongzhe emphasized the two words "Xian Dan" very heavily. The Jiajing Emperor back then was seeking immortality and refining elixirs, but ended up eating himself to death. At this time, mentioning the two words "Xian Dan" is a clear warning to Emperor Taichang that this elixir may be deadly, and the officials' words are not to be taken lightly, as if they were saying it's better not to believe at all.

  But at this time, Emperor Taichang had already reached the point where he believed everything, and did not think much of Fang's words. Instead, he ordered the eunuchs beside him: "Go, send someone to summon Hong Taiji."

  The eunuch responded with a sound and then left.

  Fang Congzhe wanted to say something, but he opened his mouth and didn't say anything, so he could only smile bitterly and shake his head.

  It wasn't long before Li Kecuo entered. Without even performing the proper rituals, Emperor Taichang hastily asked: "I've heard you have an elixir of immortality? Can it cure my illness?"

  After listening to Tai Changdi's words, Li Keguang cast his gaze at Fang Congzhe on the side. After seeing Fang Congzhe's warning gaze, he withdrew his eyes again. He bowed to Tai Changdi and said: "Your Majesty, yes, I have an ancestral treasure elixir called Red Pill, as for whether it can cure Your Majesty's illness, let me take a look."

  Li Kezhuo had barely finished speaking when Emperor Taichang hastily said: "Then come quickly and let me see."

  After saying yes, Li Kezhuo came to the side of Emperor Taichang and placed his hand on Emperor Taichang's wrist, gently closing his own eyes. This Hongmiao Temple official, who had always been unsuccessful, was now acting as a royal physician, but it was unknown whether this would be another Mongolian doctor.

  Went to mail the contract today, seeking some recommendation votes! Friends who read books, collect them by the way! The results are not very good, everyone help out!