TL’ed by snowflake_obsidian

[1] Xiao Zheng and Xiao Song are literally little Zheng and little Song. "Xiao" is often used as a term of affection and familiarity.

[2] Zhen; can be understood as "My Imperial Self"

Chapter 7: Unt.i.tled

Here the red candle burned pa.s.sionately skyward. There deep inside the palace however were whispers.

"Xiao Zheng [1], are you certain Xiao Song drank that wine?"  Inside the bright yellow hanging curtain, a head pa.s.sed through, having neat, delicate, and pretty facial features with clean and tidy eyes. A crafty look distinctly pa.s.sed through those black and white eyes.

For a full 60 days this year in the royal court, imperial physician Zheng Liang had already heard himself addressed as "Xiao Zheng".  The corners of his mouth habitually drew out. But still respectful and cautious he bowed his head and said, "Answering Your Majesty, your old servant saw it with his own eyes."

"You've determined that medicine is effective?" The emperor asked with unflagging interest.

"Absolutely effective." A smile was Zheng Liang's mouth but his heart was weeping blood.  How did it happen that the foremost imperial physician of this dynasty had to hide away for one month to develop a □□!

The emperor doubtfully glanced at the doctor, "You've tried it out?"

Zheng Liang's mouth drew out even more seriously. "This old official tested it on a horse."

"Xiao Song is not a horse!" The dissatisfied emperor muttered complaints to himself, "Hey, the queen mother won't let Zhen [2] attend Xiao Song's wedding feast.  Can't see this bridal chamber nor can I hear. Hey, one's life is very dull!"

Zheng Liang resolved to put the emperor's unworthy words in his stomach and let them rot there, never to be divulged.