Chapter 287: Digging a Pit
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Originally, prior to entering the palace, Qin Zhenzhen had been hesitant to disrupt the emperor’s scheme.
Yet, as she contemplated the growing influence of the Jiang family once the Eighth Imperial Uncle assumed power, it became apparent that her own family would be at the mercy of the Jiangs.
Initially, Qin Zhenzhen held reservations about the Empress Dowager’s character. She considered letting the Eighth Imperial Uncle handle her fate, sparing herself from direct involvement.
At first, she doubted the feasibility of unraveling such an intricate plot, fearful of the risk to her own life.
However, circumstances compelled her to reconsider, given the increasing threat posed by the Jiang family’s influence.
Furthermore, Su Bin had rapidly garnered support for his cause.
Having encountered the emperor in the palace, Qin Zhenzhen recognized that he had indeed been poisoned, albeit in the early stages, which was manageable.
With Su Bin’s assistance, she anticipated that reversing the throne’s replacement would prove less daunting than initially perceived.
Qin Zhenzhen offered guidance to the imperial physicians at the Imperial
Physician Hospital, asserting that while others might not possess the coveted “Immortal Pill, ” the Jiang family assuredly did. This conviction stemmed from her grandmother’s revelations, revealing that many of the Jiang family’s confidential concoctions contained traces of the Immortal Pill.
The imperial physicians, swayed by her words, promptly dispatched a messenger to the Jiang family, seeking this elusive substance.
Infuriated, the Head of the Jiang Family responded vehemently. Not only had Qin Zhenzhen and her associates declined to return to the Jiang Family fold, but they had also resorted to such deceptive tactics to plague the Jiangs. Their audacity was beyond measure.
With patience, Patriarch Jiang endeavored to enlighten the imperial physicians, stating, “Every medical scholar is well aware that the Immortal Pill is nothing more than a mythical legend recounted in ancient medical tomes. No one has ever borne witness to its existence. How could you be so easily beguiled by a young girl?”
He continued, “Allow me to disclose the truth. The Jiang Family perceived the young girl’s exceptional potential. Our original intention was for her to return to the family and benefit from the wisdom of our elder members, thus enabling her to ascend to greater heights.”
“Yet, she displayed ingratitude. Despite drawing her talents from the Jiang lineage, she regarded our family as adversaries.”
“She has even alleged that the Jiang family concealed Immortal Pills with malicious intent.”
“Why would you entertain such a glaring falsehood?”
The imperial physician scoffed, retorting, “Is Patriarch Jiang insinuating that the entire Imperial Physician Court consists of imbeciles?”
“Mrs. Qin herself has personally verified that your family’s hidden elixir contained a mysterious herb, which strongly suggests it might be the Immortal Pill.
“Furthermore, the ingredients within Miss Qin’s provided pill align precisely with the descriptions of the Immortal Pill in ancient texts!”
“If you refuse to produce the Immortal Pill, just say so! There’s no need to belittle us as gullible fools!”
The Imperial Physician departed from the Jiang Family estate, his anger unabated.
Only then did the Head of the Jiang Family grasp the complexity of the situation, recognizing the formidable nature of Qin Zhenzhen and her grandmother.
They had unwittingly fallen into a meticulously laid trap, one of considerable magnitude.
His conviction deepened that Qin Zhenzhen possessed an extraordinary constitution. Her bodily fluids might hold properties akin to the legendary Immortal Pill documented in ancient texts.
A woman with such a unique constitution was an invaluable asset to the Jiang family, and he was resolute in bringing her back into their fold.
Now, he had the task of informing the palace that their family did not possess the Immortal Pill.
Upon their return to the palace, the imperial physicians promptly relayed their visit to the Jiang family to the Empress Dowager.
Although the Empress Dowager harbored reservations about the veracity of Qin Zhenzhen’s claims, she deemed it necessary to summon the Head of the Jiang Family to the palace for a personal inquiry.
After deliberations with the family elders, the Jiang Family Head made a unanimous decision to present a selection of the most precious medicinal herbs from their stock to the Empress Dowager, hoping to facilitate a resolution..