Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 307 Young Son

The night in the Nanzhao Kingdom's royal palace was as still as a bottomless abyss. Silvery moonlight spilled onto the glazed tiles of the Jiaofang Palace, reflecting a cool, clear light that shrouded the majestic palace in a veil of mystery and aloofness. Inside, Lin Wanqing was awakened from her sleep by a soft yet urgent cry. She opened her eyes abruptly and, by the dim candlelight, saw the little prince beside her, his face flushed red, his forehead burning hot, his tiny hands flailing wildly in the air, uttering intermittent sobs.

"Someone come here!" Lin Wanqing rushed out of the hall barefoot, not even bothering to put on her outer robe, her voice filled with unprecedented panic and anxiety, "Quickly go and invite His Majesty, and summon all the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital!"

Upon hearing the summons, the palace maids on night duty rushed over from all directions like startled birds. Seeing Lin Wanqing's anxious appearance and the young prince's condition, everyone panicked instantly. One maid even lost her shoes while running, still stumbling and running towards the imperial study.

The news exploded like a bombshell in the Imperial Study. Xiao Nanyi, who was reviewing memorials, dropped his vermilion brush with a "crack," his face turning deathly pale. Without a word, his dragon robe fluttered in the wind, and like a black lightning bolt, he raced towards the Jiaofang Palace.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Medical Academy was brightly lit, the physicians awakened by hurried footsteps and shouts. While hastily donning his court robes, Physician Li, the head physician, instructed the other physicians: "Quickly, take all the medical books and herbs, and come with me to the Jiaofang Palace!"

When Xiao Nanyi arrived at Jiaofang Palace, Lin Wanqing was pacing back and forth inside, holding the little prince, tears welling in her eyes. Seeing Xiao Nanyi, she clung to him like a lifeline, her voice trembling with sobs: "Your Majesty, the child has suddenly developed a high fever, what should we do?"

Xiao Nanyi strode to Lin Wanqing's side, reached out and touched the little prince's burning forehead, his brows furrowed into a deep frown: "Why hasn't the imperial physician arrived yet?" As soon as he finished speaking, Imperial Physician Li led a group of imperial physicians, panting as they rushed into the hall.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, we are late in coming to your aid!" Imperial Physician Li knelt down and bowed, large beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.

"No need for formalities! Quickly check what's wrong with the child!" Xiao Nanyi was extremely anxious, and his voice unconsciously rose a few decibels.

Imperial Physician Li rose and carefully took the young prince, placing him on the bed. He first felt the prince's forehead with his hand, then lifted the prince's eyelids to observe his pupils, and carefully took the prince's pulse. The other imperial physicians stood around, not daring to breathe, the air in the hall seemingly frozen.

After a moment, Physician Li's expression turned serious: "Your Majesty, Your Highness, the young prince has caught a cold, and the accumulated heat in his body has caused a persistent high fever. If he is not treated in time, he may suffer convulsions and endanger his life."

Upon hearing this, Lin Wanqing's legs went weak, and she almost collapsed to the ground. Xiao Nanyi quickly supported her, his eyes filled with anxiety: "Imperial Physician Li, no matter what, you must cure the prince's illness. If anything goes wrong, I will hold you responsible!"

Physician Li wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, we will do our utmost. However, the use of medicine... still requires careful consideration."

Just then, a young imperial physician stepped forward: "Your Excellency, in my humble opinion, Yinqiao Powder, with modifications, can be used to dispel wind-heat, clear heat and detoxify, which may alleviate the young prince's symptoms."

Another imperial physician frowned and retorted, "No! The young prince is weak, and Yinqiao Powder is cold in nature, which may damage his spleen and stomach. In my opinion, it is safer to use Xiaochaihu Decoction."

The imperial physicians argued endlessly, each holding their own opinion. Xiao Nanyi, increasingly annoyed, roared, "Stop arguing! Decide on what medicine to use right now!"

After a moment of contemplation, Imperial Physician Li said, “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I believe that both physicians have valid points. It would be better to first administer Xiao Chai Hu Tang to relieve the exterior symptoms and clear the heat, and then adjust the medication according to the changes in the young prince’s condition.”

Xiao Nanyi nodded in agreement: "Alright, we'll do it your way. Start preparing the medicine immediately, without a moment's delay!"

The palace maids sprang into action, lighting charcoal fires, setting up medicine pots, and beginning to decoct the medicine. While waiting for the medicine to boil, Lin Wanqing stayed by the young prince's side, constantly wiping his body with damp towels in an attempt to lower his fever. Xiao Nanyi paced back and forth in the hall, silently praying that the young prince would be safe and sound.

Finally, the medicine was ready. Lin Wanqing took the bowl, sat by the bed, and carefully helped the little prince sit up, feeding him the medicine little by little with a spoon. The little prince kept his mouth tightly shut and refused to drink, the medicine dripping down the corner of his mouth.

"What should we do?" Lin Wanqing was extremely anxious, and tears welled up in her eyes again.

Seeing this, Xiao Nanyi gently held the little prince's hand and said softly, "Baby, you'll get better after drinking the medicine. Your father and mother are with you." Perhaps feeling Xiao Nanyi's comfort, the little prince finally opened his mouth and drank the medicine.

However, an hour passed, and the little prince's fever had not subsided; in fact, it had worsened. His face was flushed red, and his breathing had become rapid. Lin Wanqing broke down in tears, crying, "Your Majesty, why isn't the medicine working? What will happen to the child...?"

Xiao Nanyi held Lin Wanqing tightly, comforting her, "Wanqing, don't panic. The imperial physicians will definitely have a solution." He turned to look at Physician Li, his eyes filled with urgency and questioning, "Physician Li, what's going on? Why isn't the medicine working?"

Physician Li knelt down with a thud, his back soaked with cold sweat: "Your Majesty, please forgive us. We never expected this to happen. We will re-diagnose and adjust the prescription immediately."

The imperial physicians gathered around the young prince again for a thorough examination. This time, Physician Li noticed that the prince's tongue coating was yellow, with red spots on the tip, and his pulse was rapid and forceful. After some discussion, they decided to add gypsum, anemarrhena, and other heat-clearing and fire-purging herbs to the original prescription.

The new medicinal soup was quickly prepared and fed to the young prince. This time, everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on the prince, as if time had frozen. Half an hour later, the prince's forehead began to sweat slightly, and his body temperature gradually decreased.

"That's wonderful! The child's fever has gone down!" Lin Wanqing cried tears of joy and hugged the little prince tightly.

Xiao Nanyi also breathed a sigh of relief, a relieved smile appearing on his face. He walked up to Physician Li and said, "Physician Li, I am so grateful to you all this time. If it weren't for your superb medical skills and dedication, I really wouldn't know what to do."

Imperial Physician Li immediately knelt down to express his gratitude: "Your Majesty is too kind. This is all within our duty. The young prince's safety is a blessing for our Nanzhao Kingdom."

Sunlight from the Nanzhao Kingdom streamed through the carved windows of the Jiaofang Palace, casting dappled shadows on the golden bricks.

On the carved canopy bed, the little prince, wrapped in a swaddling cloth embroidered with auspicious beasts, slept peacefully, a trace of pallor still lingering on his tender face from his recovery.

Upon hearing that the young crown prince's condition had improved, the retired emperor Xiao Jingchuan and Empress Dowager Gu Liuli rushed to the Jiaofang Palace early in the morning. Gu Liuli wore a deep purple brocade palace dress, the pearls on her phoenix crown swaying gently with her steps. Her expression was concerned, and her pace quickened unconsciously. Although Xiao Jingchuan had abdicated, he still possessed a dignified air, dressed in plain everyday clothes, his eyes filled with concern for his grandson.

"I wonder how well Yi'er and Wanqing are taking care of him. Has the little prince fully recovered?" Gu Liuli murmured softly, her tone full of worry.

Xiao Jingchuan reached out and gently patted Gu Liuli's hand, comforting her, "Don't worry too much. Yi'er and Wanqing are both meticulous people, and the Imperial Hospital is doing its best to treat him. The little prince will definitely be alright."

As the two spoke, they arrived at the entrance of the Jiaofang Palace. Upon seeing the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager arrive, the palace maids guarding outside hurriedly knelt and greeted them: "Greetings, Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager!"

Xiao Jingchuan slightly raised his hand: "No need for formalities. How is the young prince doing right now? Are the Crown Prince and Crown Princess inside the palace?"

The palace maid respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, the young prince has just taken his medicine and is currently asleep. His Highness the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are both inside the palace."

Gu Liuli nodded slightly: "Let's go inside, so as not to wake the child."

The two tiptoed into the hall, which was filled with a faint medicinal fragrance. Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing were guarding the bedside. Upon seeing Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli enter, they quickly rose and bowed, saying, "Your subject (daughter-in-law) greets Father Emperor and Mother Empress!"

Xiao Jingchuan waved his hand: "Rise, all of you, no need for formalities. How is the young prince doing now?"

Lin Wanqing's eyes were slightly red, and her voice was choked with emotion: "Thank you for your concern, Father and Mother. After the imperial physician's careful treatment, the child's fever has subsided, but he is still quite weak."

Gu Liuli walked to the bedside, looking at the sleeping little prince, her heart aching. She gently stroked the little prince's forehead and murmured, "Poor child, he has suffered so much."

Xiao Nanyi walked to Xiao Jingchuan's side and said, "If it weren't for the Imperial Hospital's all-out efforts to save him this time, I really don't know what I would have done. Wanqing and I will take good care of him and help him recover as soon as possible."

Xiao Jingchuan nodded: "Taking good care of the child is your top priority, but you must not overwork yourselves and must take care of your own health. By the way, has the imperial physician said how the child should be cared for in the future?"

Just then, Imperial Physician Li arrived for a follow-up visit. After bowing, Imperial Physician Li replied, "Your Majesty, the young prince's illness recurred due to a cold and indigestion. Although the fever has subsided, his spleen and stomach are weak and require slow recuperation. His diet should consist mainly of light and easily digestible foods, such as porridge, supplemented with some spleen-strengthening and appetite-stimulating medicinal dishes. In addition, he should be kept warm to avoid catching a cold again."

After hearing this, Gu Liuli turned to the palace maid beside her and instructed, "Go to the Imperial Kitchen and convey my decree. Tell them to prepare a medicinal meal according to the imperial physician's prescription, and make sure the young prince recovers as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager." The palace maid acknowledged the order and left.

After carefully examining the young prince, Physician Li smiled with relief: "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, Your Highness the Crown Prince, and Your Highness the Crown Princess, the young prince is recovering well. With continued careful care, he will be fully recovered in a few days."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. Lin Wanqing said gratefully, "Imperial Physician Li, we owe a great debt to you and the other imperial physicians of the Imperial Hospital. If it weren't for your superb medical skills and dedication, my child wouldn't have recovered so quickly."

Imperial Physician Li immediately knelt down: "Your Highness, you flatter me. This is all within our duty. It is our honor to treat the young prince."

Xiao Jingchuan looked at Physician Li and said, "The Imperial Hospital has performed exceptionally well this time, and I will reward them accordingly. However, from now on, you must pay close attention to the young prince's health and ensure his safety and well-being."

"Your Majesty, we obey!" Physician Li kowtowed in gratitude.

After the imperial physician left, Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli sat with Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing for a while, giving them some instructions on how to care for the child. The sunlight gradually grew stronger, shining on everyone and adding warmth to the visit.

“It’s getting late, so we won’t disturb you taking care of the child any longer,” Xiao Jingchuan said, standing up. “If there are any problems, please send someone to report to us immediately.”

Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing escorted Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli to the outside of the palace: "Your subject (daughter-in-law) respectfully sees off Father Emperor and Mother Empress. Father Emperor and Mother Empress, please take care."

Gu Liuli gave a few more instructions before turning to leave with Xiao Jingchuan. On the way back to the palace, a smile finally appeared on Gu Liuli's face: "That's good, the little prince is alright, we can rest assured now."

Looking at the distant palace, Xiao Jingchuan sighed, "Yes, the child's safety is a blessing for the Nanzhao Kingdom. I hope he will grow up healthy and become a pillar of the Nanzhao Kingdom."

The Jiaofang Palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, after the crisis of the young prince's high fever, should have returned to its usual tranquility. However, although the afternoon sun was still bright, the palace was once again shrouded in gloom. On the carved canopy bed, the young prince's face was pale, his brows were furrowed, and he occasionally let out a few weak cries. Lin Wanqing sat by the bed, her eyes red-rimmed, holding a small silver bowl containing freshly warmed goat's milk.

"Baby, have a little more, okay?" Lin Wanqing's voice trembled with tears as she carefully brought the pacifier to the little prince's lips. The little prince, however, kept his mouth tightly shut, shaking his head from side to side, resisting being fed. After Lin Wanqing's repeated coaxing, the little prince finally opened his mouth and drank a few sips, but after a short while, his face turned bright red, and with a "whoosh," he vomited up all the goat milk he had just drunk, staining the bedding and Lin Wanqing's skirt.

"What should we do..." Lin Wanqing panicked completely, tears welling up and streaming down her cheeks. She frantically wiped the milk stains from the little prince's mouth while shouting towards the outside of the hall, "Someone! Quickly summon the imperial physician!"

Hearing the commotion, Xiao Nanyi, who was handling state affairs in his study, felt a jolt in his heart. He dropped the bamboo slips in his hand and strode towards the Jiaofang Palace. Stepping into the palace, he saw Lin Wanqing with tears streaming down her face and the young crown prince looking weak, and his heart clenched instantly.

"Wanqing, what's wrong?" Xiao Nanyi walked quickly to the bedside, reached out and touched the little prince's forehead. After confirming that he did not have a fever, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Lin Wanqing sobbed as she recounted the whole story to Xiao Nanyi: "Your Majesty, the baby vomits after drinking milk and can't eat anything. This is the third time already..." As she spoke, her shoulders trembled more and more violently, and she was on the verge of collapse.

Xiao Nanyi tenderly embraced Lin Wanqing, gently patting her back: "Wanqing, don't panic, I'm here. The imperial physician will be here soon, the baby will be alright." Although he tried to make his voice sound calm, his eyes still betrayed his anxiety.

Before long, Imperial Physician Li arrived in haste with a group of imperial physicians. After paying his respects, Imperial Physician Li immediately examined the young prince. He carefully listened to the prince's heartbeat and breathing, and examined his tongue and throat, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, the young prince's spleen and stomach are weak after his illness, causing his stomach qi to rise and resulting in vomiting milk. In addition, his body has not fully recovered, and his appetite is poor," Physician Li reported truthfully.

"What should we do?" Xiao Nanyi asked anxiously. "How can we get the child to eat properly and regain his strength as soon as possible?"

After a moment's thought, Physician Li said, "I suggest we temporarily stop breastfeeding and switch to rice water. Rice water is warm in nature and easy to digest. It can nourish the stomach and supplement the little prince's nutritional needs. In addition, we can use pediatric massage to promote intestinal peristalsis and improve digestive function."

Xiao Nanyi and Lin Wanqing exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement. Lin Wanqing wiped away her tears and said, "Let's do as the imperial physician says. Please have the imperial physician demonstrate the techniques of pediatric massage for us; I would like to massage the child myself."

Physician Li accepted the order and began to demonstrate the massage techniques to Lin Wanqing in detail. Lin Wanqing studied very diligently, watching Physician Li's every movement intently, and occasionally asking questions. Xiao Nanyi stood aside, equally focused on learning.

After the imperial physician left, Lin Wanqing sat by the bed and carefully massaged the young prince according to the method taught by Physician Li. Her movements were gentle and focused, as if afraid of hurting the child. Xiao Nanyi assisted from the side, handing over towels and adjusting the young prince's position.

However, after several attempts, the young prince still resisted the rice porridge, spitting it out as soon as he was fed a little. Lin Wanqing's eyes welled up with tears again, her voice filled with despair: "Your Majesty, what should we do? How can the child's body withstand this if he continues like this..."

Xiao Nanyi held Lin Wanqing's hand tenderly: "Wanqing, don't be discouraged. Let's try again, there's always a way. Maybe the child isn't used to the taste of rice water yet. We can add a little honey to the rice water to improve the taste."

Upon hearing this, Lin Wanqing felt as if she had grasped a lifeline and hurriedly instructed the palace maid to prepare rice porridge with honey. A short while later, the maid brought the porridge. Lin Wanqing took a deep breath, calmed herself, and tried feeding the child again.

This time, the little prince seemed attracted by the sweetness of the honey. He moved his little mouth and slowly drank a few sips of rice porridge. Lin Wanqing and Xiao Nanyi finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Baby, eat more and get better soon," Lin Wanqing coaxed softly, her eyes full of love.

Under the meticulous care of Lin Wanqing and Xiao Nanyi, the little prince's condition gradually improved. He stopped spitting up milk and began to eat more. Inside the Jiaofang Palace, the tense atmosphere was finally replaced by a sense of relief. Lin Wanqing leaned on Xiao Nanyi's shoulder, tired but at ease: "Your Majesty, it's all thanks to you. Without you, I really don't know what I would have done."

Xiao Nanyi gently stroked Lin Wanqing's hair: "Wanqing, we are husband and wife, and even more so, the parents of our child. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we will face them together. I believe our child will recover soon and grow up healthy."