The palace corridors are pitch black and completely silent. The light in your lanterns flickers, sending your shadow leaping up the walls and across the floor. Shu Xian's predicament fills your mind. Fu Heng calls out to you, but you do not hear him. Finally he grabs your wrist and you come back to your senses. Astonished, you turn quickly to see yourself reflected in his star-filled eyes.
Fu Heng: [Letting go of your wrist] Get a grip of yourself. If you can't. I'll have you confined to the Phoenix Hall.
Xiu Ying: [Looking directly at him] Are you threatening me?
Fu Heng: Yes, I am. You can't just go running around the palace in the dead of night. Anyway, what did Shu Xian tell you?
You tell Fu Heng everything that passed between you. He looks unsettled.
Fu Heng: If Consort Zhuang really is behind it, I don't like your chances of success. Hui Xin told me that you and Consort Zhuang have a history. It I were you, I wouldn't be worrying about proving Shu Xian's innocence - I'd be more worried about falling into Consort Zhuang's trap!
You find Fu Heng's concern irritating. He obviously doesn't think you're capable of looking after yourself.
Fu Heng: I'm saying I don't think you're up to it, I'm just saying don't go it alone.
Xiu Ying: [Smiling] In that case, I might have to ask for your help again!
Fu Heng: What do you need?
Xiu Ying: Lord Fu Heng, you can come and go as you please. On your travels you might be able to locate the strange smelling medicine Shu Xian mentioned. What do you think?
Fu Heng: Very well, but you must promise me one thing.
You're taken aback, but you see Fu Heng turn away, blushing slightly.
Xiu Ying: [Smiling] And what is that, Lord Fu Heng?
Fu Heng: I haven't decide yet. It can wait.
Xiu Ying: You'd better think of it soon. Time waits for no man.
Fu Heng: When I think of it, you will know. Rest assured, it will be something well within your ability.
You nod reluctantly, eliciting a faint smile from Fu Heng.
PUNGENT MEDICINE
Fu Heng returns the next day, around noon, carrying a heavy parcel. You unwrap it carefully. Inside are the dregs of a foul smelling medicine.
Fu Heng: I was keeping watch on Consort Zhuang's quarters. This morning two Eunuchs took this package to the Imperial Gardens and buried it. I waited for them to leave and dug it up. It really stinks! It's got to be the medicine Shu Xian mentioned.
Xiu Ying: What on earth is she drinking?! We should take it to the Imperial Infirmary and get the Imperial Physician to identify it.
Fu Heng: [Cautiously] Consort Zhuang could have informants in the Imperial Infirmary. Careful you don't alert her, or she may come after you.
Xiu Ying: I've been in the palace for a while now - I know a Physician in the Imperial Infirmary, reliable man, Don't worry yourself.
You take the package to the Imperial Infirmary and show it to Physician Wen. He examines it carefully, and a deep frown creases his brow.
Xiu Ying: Well Doctor, what is it?
Physician Wen: [Shaking his head] There are two medicines I don't recognize, and I've been in this business for ten years! You'd better go and ask someone else. You might have more luck.
You step in front of him, blocking his way. It's true, someone else might known but you don't trust anyone else. Besides, what if that person turns out to be one of Consort Zhuang's informants?
Physician Wen: I see you'd rather not ask someone else. In that case, I suggest you go to the Goodwill Pharmacy outside the palace and ask the manager there.
Xiu Ying: Great. Thank you. But besides the two medicines you don't recognize, what else is in there?
Physician Wen: The other compounds are basic blood and chi enrichers. But I'm sure that strange stench has something to do with the other two medicines I mentioned earlier.
You gather up the package and make to leave the infirmary. Someone calls out as you do.
Wu Sangui: [Raised eyebrows] Oh! Fancy meeting you at Imperial Infirmary, My Lady!
A gentleman in royal brocade approaches, a thin smile on his face. He looks you up and down, as if appraising a fine horse.
Physician Wen: Greetings, Prince Who Pacifies the West.
MC: (Wu Sangui, the Prince Who Pacifies the West! What's he doing here?) If the Prince Who Pacifies the West himself can visit the Infirmary in person, then surely I can.
Wu Sangui: I am collecting medicine to smooth the Empress Dowager's nerves... and what brings you here?
Xiu Ying: Is that so? I am also collecting medicine to smooth the Empress Dowager's nerves...
Wu Sangui: [Laughing] The Empress Dowager mentions you often. Meeting you here, I can see why she finds you so appealing.
His comment rattles you a bit. The Physician Wen finishes preparing the sedative and dispenses two lots. You grab yours and take your leave, only to find Wu Sangui standing in your way. He proceeds to bend your ear for the next half hour. To your surprise, Wu Sangui is quite a good company.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
