Chapter 0005 Love Me Again.
After confirming the physical condition of Li Tong, the ladies in the room also transcribed Shen Nanqiu's diagnosis and handed it over to Shen Nanqiu to review and sign. His task was considered completed after that.
Shangguan Wan'er had prepared several questions, but at the moment, she found it difficult to ask. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke, "I have rarely encountered such unusual matters and do not know where to begin. The words spoken by the king earlier have spanned four seasons in the blink of an eye. Could you elaborate on this matter?"
Li Tong glanced at the curious Shangguan Wan'er, then looked at the female historians on both sides who were ready to record with pen and scroll. His face became sorrowful: "I... I saw Aye... my late father..."
Fortunately, there was also a person named Shangguan Wan'er beside him who was equally concerned about Li Tong's health. During Shen Nanqiu's diagnosis, she kept asking questions, and the exchange also made Li Tong roughly understand that his body was not seriously ill, but only had accumulated qi stagnation leading to virtual excitement. Previously, he may have suffered from serious illnesses caused by tigers and wolves, which led to the collapse of his qi and exhaustion of his spirit. However, he also gained blessings from misfortunes. After surviving, he only needed careful nourishment and recuperation. There were no signs of major problems. In short, his body was not seriously ill, but only had accumulated qi stagnation leading to virtual excitement. Previously, he may have suffered from serious illnesses caused by tigers and wolves, which led to the collapse of his qi and exhaustion of his spirit. However, he also gained blessings from misfortunes. After surviving, he only needed careful nourishment and recuperation. There were no signs of major problems.
Shangguan Wan'er suddenly sighed in her heart, the slight sympathy for the young man turned into a sense of sadness for her own fate. The suffering in the world does not discriminate, she herself is already overwhelmed, how much sympathy can she give to others.
I asked my grandfather how to gain the trust of others. My grandfather taught me the poem "The Kind Crow" and told me to wait for others to ask before reciting it.
Shangguan Wan'er cannot be considered plain-faced. With light makeup, her jade-like skin is not concealed. Her smooth forehead, slightly wider, can be seen as a negligible flaw, but it also enhances the beauty of the flower-shaped hairpin between her eyebrows. Her eyes are distinct in black and white, her nose is slender and straight, and her rosy lips and white teeth are just right.
As soon as these words were spoken, it was like a sudden clap of thunder in spring. The faces of the officials, including Lady Shangguan Wan'er, instantly changed color, especially Lady Shangguan Wan'er, who had already left her seat as if she was about to leave in a hurry.
This poem is neither short nor long. Li Tong recites it very slowly. After all, he has to recall while struggling to piece it together. It's like swallowing Bai Juyi and chewing on Han Tuizhi. Whether it rhymes or not is secondary, the key is to express that intense and fervent groveling heart. My father knows he was wrong, begging my grandmother to love me again.
The appearance of Prince Yong'an resembles his father, but it is mostly superficial. Of course, this is also due to the torment of illness and imprisonment, which makes this county prince appear particularly fragile and pitiful, standing alone, making it unbearable to harm him.
Li Tong is very concerned about his own physical condition. He listens carefully, but unfortunately Shen Nanqiu's words are full of references to classics and professional terminology. Previously, due to work needs, he had some understanding of personnel matters during this period, but he cannot achieve unimpeded academic communication with a native doctor's degree holder.
Shangguan Wan'er did not avoid Li Tong's gaze and scrutiny, and she was actually also sizing up the young man. At present, the young man was still wearing the funeral dress that was slightly more solemn than the formal attire of the Fumian headgear he wore before. The embroidered pleats of his trousers were much more complicated than the ordinary clothes, but the solemnity brought by the coronation attire was diluted by his weak and thin body, making him look somewhat out of place.
However, when seeing the scene of the young man dragging his sick body and being sent off with care, Shangguan Wan'er couldn't help but feel a bit sour in her heart. Walking to the corridor, she spoke up, "As a physician, it is your duty to take care of the king's health. A simple greeting is enough, why bother with excessive formalities?"
In the room used as a mortuary, some sancai funerary objects had been tidied up by palace maids, and some furniture from other buildings had been brought in. Although the arrangement was still simple, it was difficult to tell what it had been used for before.
Li Tong did not know the thoughts of Shangguan Wan'er, but he could still perceive the fleeting sadness in her eyes. His mood shifted, and he lowered his head slightly, saying, "Having been in the palace for a long time, I am lacking in education. I do not understand the strict rules and etiquette. It is just that I have not seen foreign guests for many years, so it is difficult to part with them for a while."
Seeing the beauty in such a panic, Li Tong's heart was filled with a sense of evil amusement. From the moment he first saw this woman, she displayed a calm and composed demeanor, which unavoidably caused Li Tong, who was worried and unable to get into the state, to feel more frustrated. But now, just one sentence from himself made the other party so flustered, which made Li Tong feel a sense of relief and satisfaction.
Although Wu Zetian's desire for power was intense and fierce, not like that of a woman, it must be acknowledged that her aesthetic sense was also outstanding. Obviously, she was very picky about the appearance of the female officials around her. The appearance of Shangguan Wan'er is really beautiful, but not the kind of enchanting beauty that takes one's breath away. She is clear, intelligent, and if one were to find a plain and appropriate adjective to describe her, it would be "clean".
Even if he was only born into an ordinary family, this humble and pitiful young man would probably be a cherished treasure on his parents' knees. How could they bear to let him suffer in this world?
Li Tong raised his hand to cover his face, appearing to be lost in thought, but in fact, he was worried that his expression would inadvertently reveal suspicious details and be seen through by Shangguan Wan'er. He slowed down his tone and made an effort to organize his words: "My father taught me many things, some of which are trivial. I don't know where to begin. After experiencing the vicissitudes of life, my father bid me farewell, saying that the benevolent sovereign had descended to the world, governing the human realm. I am blessed with the grace of bloodline and should not perish at this time. He urged me to turn and walk swiftly without looking back, to endure sixty thousand steps of hardship to the south, and then I would be able to see the sun and return to the human world..." After experiencing the vicissitudes of life, my father bid me farewell, saying that the benevolent sovereign had descended to the world, governing the human realm. I am blessed with the grace of bloodline and should not perish at this time. He urged me to turn and walk swiftly without looking back, to endure sixty thousand steps of hardship to the south, and then I would be able to see the sun and return to the human world...
Finally, Li Tong managed to steer the conversation towards the rhythm of the written copying festival that he had prepared painstakingly. In his heart, Li Tong felt a sense of relief, then he put down his hands covering his face and solemnly began to chant: "The kind raven loses its mother, uttering mournful cries. It does not fly away day and night, guarding the old forest for years. Crying in the middle of the night, those who hear it are moved to tears. In its voice, it seems to be telling a story, not fully expressing its gratitude. Are there no mothers for the hundred birds? Only you mourn deeply. It must be that a mother's kindness is profound, causing you to grieve beyond measure. Crying in the middle of the night, those who hear it are moved to tears. In its voice, it seems to be telling a story, not fully expressing its gratitude. Are there no mothers for the hundred birds? Only you mourn deeply. It must be that a mother's kindness is profound, causing you to grieve beyond measure. The kind raven still understands emotions, and humans are ashamed of losing their loved ones. Ignorance and foolishness lead to self-destruction, gradually eroding one's character. The toil of cold and heat, the calculation of the mother's kindness, turning a deaf ear to the wild, this heart is inferior to that of a bird. The division of life and death by yin and yang, it is difficult for the wicked and foolish to return. Tears of sorrow carry a weighty message, I ask you to seal it, once and for all..."
Although it is good news that there are no major illnesses or hidden diseases, Li Tong still feels somewhat dissatisfied upon hearing Shen Nanqiu claim that he is physically weak. How can you be weaker than me if I am already weak?
Although the tone of the young man lacks much sadness, when heard by a sensitive and melancholic woman, it evokes deep emotions and triggers long-lasting thoughts.
The following sentence is an order to several female historians around me. Shangguan Wan'er struggled with her thoughts, but ultimately decided to stay and find out. She is the eyes and ears of the Empress Dowager, as long as she can ensure a truthful report, what is there to be afraid of hearing, what is there to be afraid of seeing!
After waking up, I carefully pondered and recalled. If it weren't for the clear voice of my grandfather, I really wouldn't have the confidence to have experienced such a mysterious event!
Upon hearing these words, Li Tong was slightly taken aback. He then turned his head to look at Shangguan Wan'er, and finally had the energy to carefully scrutinize this woman who was renowned for her talent and whose experiences were also considered legendary.
Strange things suddenly happened, and I myself was also filled with fear and anxiety. When Shangguan Cairen returns to this humble abode, there may be doubts to ask, and I can only speak the truth and dare not fabricate.
Or in dreams, or in imagination, the appearance and voice of my deceased father, as if right before my eyes, holding my hand, we walk together in the underworld, teaching me scriptures and poetry, teaching me the principles of human relationships...
Probably, he himself felt that the fabrications were becoming more and more bizarre. The more Li Tong spoke, the weaker his voice became. Several ladies even leaned in to his side to quickly transcribe what he said.
Shangguan Wan'er sat on the newly laid dragon beard mat in the room, comparing the diagnosis of Shen Nanqiu and the two medical officers. Although there were some discrepancies, there were no major contradictions. Even Shen Nanqiu could clearly diagnose the previous illness of Prince Yong'an during the current examination, indicating that his medical skills were also very exquisite, worthy of being a doctor employed by the Imperial Medical Bureau.
Shen Nanqiu, who served as a doctor in the Imperial Medical Bureau, although his main job was to teach medical skills and train medical students, did not neglect his own diagnostic skills. After feeling the pulse and examining the patient, he made a series of diagnoses.
No way, this Dr. Shen in front of me will become my future godfather in a certain year. In this world, there are countless temptations, but the temptation of a pillow breeze is the hardest to resist. In the future, he will make a living in the Wu Zhou Dynasty, so it's definitely not a loss to build a good relationship with this future godfather.
However, Li Tong naturally wouldn't say these words out loud. At this moment, his heart was burning with passion, and he was far more interested in Shen Nanqiu in front of him than the beautiful woman, Ouyang Wanner, sitting beside him.
However, when the young man stood in the courtyard and looked up at himself slightly, Shangguan Wan'er couldn't help but feel her heart beat faster for a few beats, because from the side view, the young man's appearance in the courtyard was too much like the former Crown Prince Li Xian.
These sentimental feelings are not enough to prompt any substantial gesture of goodwill, but at least in the minds of these palace maids, he will be seen as a weak and helpless, harmless young boy. Whether he is pitiful or not, Li Tong doesn't care, but if he can make people think he is harmless and less guarded, this is a step forward.
However, it is obvious that Li Tong has not yet entered the state, unable to grasp the scale of flattery towards others. In addition, since Shen Nanqiu has already reached the position of a doctor's degree in the official medical college, his social circle naturally includes prominent figures. Although it is still not clear about the background and situation of the prince in front of him, just by looking at his living environment, it is clear that he is not a favored noble. Some compliments are also lacking in novelty, and his smile on his face is restrained.
Beauty is indeed beautiful. As for this woman who is clever and can always accompany Empress Wu, Li Tong really dare not have any frivolous attitude. Moreover, according to some irresponsible wild rumors, it seems that this woman in front of him has a vague and mysterious romantic relationship with the late Crown Prince Li Xian. Whether it is true or not, it is enough for Li Tong to abandon some of his idle thoughts and fantasies.
Shangguan Wan'er had already left her seat, as she could not bear to continue listening. However, the young man's tone was so mournful and his words so absurd that it piqued her curiosity and she couldn't help but continue listening. Especially when he spoke of his father's voice, Shangguan Wan'er couldn't help but ask, "Is what you say true, Your Highness? Write it down, all of it, without missing a single word!"
It is really clean. Although Li Tong has not been in this world for long, as soon as he opened his eyes, he was already in the forbidden palace, which can be considered as a full appreciation of the exaggerated Tang Dynasty makeup. Especially when seeing several heavily made-up female officials, they really don't treat their faces as faces, but rather as a blank canvas.
His movements and tone are very slow, just worried that the integration is not enough, revealing some untimely flaws.
Returning to the room again, Li Tong sat cross-legged facing Shangguan Wan'er and several other ladies. When he was alone earlier, he had tried sitting in the proper posture, but soon felt his legs go numb. Even Shen Nankui had commented on his weakness before, so now he was just forcing himself unnecessarily.
Li Tong wanted to fabricate a non-existent journey to the underworld, not only to provide an explanation for his drastic change in behavior when noticed by acquaintances in the future, but more importantly, to lead into his next argument: "When the light and shadow were confusing, I didn't know if it was an illusion or reality. But my grandfather's voice was as serious as ever, which made me not dare to lose my focus and forget the teachings..."
Before his eyes, he was unwilling to stay in this gloomy environment for long. He got up and asked to leave. Following the palace maid, he walked out of the courtyard. However, after walking a long distance, he turned around and saw that Prince Yong'an was still standing behind, waving goodbye. This humble and polite demeanor of the prince left a deep impression on Shen Nanqiu.
Shen Nanqiu was unaware of the strange events that happened to the young prince in front of him. He had been cautious throughout the journey, and with the palace staff remaining silent, he was even more clueless about the cause and effect of the situation.
However, there is still a significant gap between father and son. Therefore, Crown Prince Li Xian is energetic, vibrant, and among the Empress Dowager's children, he is the most similar to her in terms of personality and demeanor. Of course, such topics were rarely discussed by anyone many years ago.