Chapter 603: An Old Fox

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The new emperor maintained an unchanged expression. “So what if I am?” “As an emperor, don’t I have the right to desire a woman?”

The old duke, infuriated to the point of turning red, retorted, “You can have any woman you desire. Why target a married one? Do you realize the disgrace you bring upon yourself?”

The new emperor sneered, “Lord State Duke, does my face matter?”

Momentarily taken aback, the old duke questioned, “The emperor’s countenance represents the entire nation. Is it not important, as the emperor decrees?”

The new emperor continued his derisive tone, “I see!”

The old duke, seething with anger, couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. “Your Majesty, there’s no need for such sarcasm. I understand your discontent. Do you resent me for constraining your freedom?”

A disdainful snort was the new emperor’s only response. He knew the answer but chose not to acknowledge it.

Just then, the eunuch on guard shouted, “Your Majesty, Imperial Physician Liu and Imperial Physician Lin have arrived.”

The new emperor’s countenance darkened. “Allow them entry.”

The charade had to persist.

Imperial Physician Liu and Imperial Physician Lin, upon seeing the old duke awake, breathed a sigh of relief. The young eunuch who had summoned them fled hastily, his face drained of color. Fearful for the old duke’s life, they had hurried to the scene, pondering the consequences should they fail to treat him in time or if he perished before their arrival.

Considering the current might of the Public House, the imperial physicians feared instant execution for their involvement. The more they dwelled on the prospect, the greater their anxiety grew. Recognizing their ill fortune, they acknowledged their luck at seeing the old duke alive, sighing in relief and swiftly making their exit.

Taking the old duke’s pulse and exchanging a glance, the physicians concluded, “Lord State Duke, being advanced in age, has likely overexerted himself during his journey home, resulting in a fainting episode due to fatigue.”

With this diagnosis, the imperial physicians prescribed a Qi and blood-nourishing concoction and departed.

Reviewing the medicinal prescription, the new emperor felt a twinge of discomfort. The prescription included an ingredient requiring the oldest ginseng available. Coincidentally, a thousand-year-old ginseng graced the imperial treasury, a gift from the Goryeo envoy during his ascension.

Initially intended for personal use to replenish his own vitality, the new emperor now contemplated whether to extend the offering to the old duke.

Seizing the moment, the old duke shamelessly suggested, “Considering my deteriorating health, and recalling the treasury’s thousand-year-old ginseng, why not gift it to me?”

As the new emperor contemplated his response, a report echoed from outside.

“Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has arrived. She wishes to visit and inquire about Lord State Duke’s well-being.”

“Allow Grandmother to enter.”

Upon ascending the throne, the new emperor’s mother assumed the role of Empress Dowager, while the former Empress Dowager became the Empress

Dowager Dowager. Hearing of her brother’s fainting episode, the Empress Dowager hurriedly arrived, sensing a grave situation. Upon entering and witnessing the old duke’s well-being, she outwardly sighed in relief while privately cursing him as a cunning old fox.

Observing the old duke’s condition, the Empress Dowager concluded that his earlier fainting spell was a calculated act to unnerve the new emperor. Though she believed in the ruse, rushing to the scene, she was met with a seemingly intact old duke, leaving her both relieved on the surface and exasperated beneath the facade..