Chapter 274: Acupuncture
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qin Zhenzhen readied her silver needles, poised to begin the acupuncture procedure on the Empress Dowager. The tension in the room was palpable; everyone held their breath.
Especially the two imperial physicians, who were silently hoping they could prevent Qin Zhenzhen from proceeding, fearing potential repercussions down the line.
Yet, the Empress Dowager had just given her consent for Qin Zhenzhen to attempt the treatment.
Prior to commencing the acupuncture, Qin Zhenzhen produced another pill and offered it to the Empress Dowager. “Please take this painkiller pill to alleviate any discomfort during the acupuncture.”
“Empress Dowager, would you like to take it?”
Despite having granted permission for the treatment, the Empress Dowager, who cherished her life dearly, couldn’t shake off her unease. She worried that Qin Zhenzhen might tamper with the pill, possibly adding some slow-acting poison as an act of vengeance against her grandmother.
The overseeing nanny comprehended the unspoken concerns. A single glance communicated the need for action. Without hesitation, two imperial physicians stepped forward. One of them gently intervened, saying, “Empress Dowager possesses a divine constitution. She mustn’t take medication casually.”
Another person added, “For the sake of safety, Empress Dowager, let me examine the pill’s composition.”
The Empress Dowager, playing along, pretended to relent, saying, “It’s a rare display of loyalty from all of you. Very well, you have my permission.”
Qin Zhenzhen observed their theatrics with an amused eye, recognizing the irony of the situation. It was as if they embodied the age-old adage: “Those who engage in wicked deeds are perpetually haunted by the fear of retribution.”
The two imperial physicians employed sterile instruments to break open the pill and scrutinize its contents. Once they ascertained the pill was harmless, they presented it respectfully to the Empress Dowager.
“Empress Dowager, the ingredients in this pill indeed possess pain-relieving properties.”
This gesture was their way of confirming that the pill was devoid of any poison.
The Empress Dowager was already plagued by an excruciating headache, so she followed Qin Zhenzhen’s guidance. She dissolved the pill in water and consumed it.
After a while, the Empress Dowager began to feel her headache gradually subsiding. The speed at which this pill worked was truly remarkable, affirming Qin Zhenzhen’s well-deserved reputation.
Yet, it left the Empress Dowager puzzled—why did the painkillers crafted by the Imperial Physician Court’s experts fail to match even a fraction of this efficacy?
Unable to contain her curiosity, the Empress Dowager inquired of Qin
Zhenzhen, “Did you concoct this painkiller yourself?”
Qin Zhenzhen nodded in confirmation. “Indeed, I did. However, it’s quite a laborious process. Two of the essential herbs required are exceptionally rare.”
“Moreover, the relief it provides is rather fleeting. We must proceed with the acupuncture promptly.”
The Empress Dowager temporarily withheld her further queries.
Under the vigilant gaze of the two imperial physicians, Qin Zhenzhen calmly inserted silver needles into specific acupuncture points on the Empress Dowager’s body.
The acupuncture session lasted no longer than the time it took for an incense stick to burn down. By its conclusion, the Empress Dowager had drifted into a deep slumber, her peaceful countenance speaking volumes.
The two imperial physicians breathed a collective sigh of relief.
This seemingly inexperienced young woman had more than lived up to her reputation.
It was truly astounding. She had seamlessly combined their familiar acupuncture techniques with her mastery of acupoint medical massage, rendering the Empress Dowager into a tranquil sleep.
Could it be the lingering effect of the earlier painkiller pill?
Nonetheless, they had previously verified that the painkiller was made from entirely commonplace medicinal herbs.
If, however, Miss Qin genuinely alleviated the Empress Dowager’s headache, it would earn her the heartfelt gratitude of all the imperial physicians in the Imperial Physician Court.
This would mean an end to their relentless anxiety, the fear of being summoned incessantly to attend to the Empress Dowager’s ailments, and the inevitable scolding and punishment that would follow.
The overseeing nanny also breathed a sigh of relief and swiftly signaled for everyone to depart silently, allowing the Empress Dowager to continue her slumber undisturbed.
Outside the chamber, the imperial physicians stationed there encircled the two who had emerged and eagerly awaited their account of the events transpiring inside..