Chapter 60: A Greater Secret

"You flatter me, Your Highness. This humble Taoist was merely moved by the Princess Consort's sincerity. If Your Highness wishes to express gratitude, you should thank the Princess Consort instead."

True Master Yunyin's expression remained as calm as ever, seemingly paying him little regard.

"Then... this Prince thanks the Princess Consort!" Zhao Shenxing said awkwardly.

"There is no need for such formalities, Your Highness."

Ning Junruo turned to face Zhao Shenxing, her tone carrying a precisely measured blend of modesty and confidence.

Zhao Shenxing took a few steps closer, a trace of surprise and approval flickering in his gaze: "Not only have you resolved the Prince's Mansion's most urgent crisis, but you have also established a reputation for benevolence both within and outside Liangzhou City. Such breadth of mind and wisdom are truly rare."

"Thank you for the praise, Your Highness. This concubine only hopes that my two younger sisters recover soon." A flash of coldness crossed the depths of Ning Junruo's eyes.

After the long and tiring journey, everyone was exhausted. Following True Master Yunyin's request, Ning Junruo settled him at the Ning'an Inn after dinner and decided that diagnoses for the Imperial Concubine and Chang Yumian would take place the next morning.

Early the following morning, the Prince's Mansion was a hive of activity. Servants bustled about, preparing to welcome True Master Yunyin's arrival. The commoners of Liangzhou City were also stirred into action, buzzing with discussions about the mysterious divine doctor who was coming to treat the two ladies.

"I heard the Princess Consort invited True Master Yunyin from the Profound Gate of the Hidden Valley? That is a living immortal who can cure all ailments!" an elderly man exclaimed in a street teahouse.

"Really? Does that mean Chang Yumian's legs can be saved? To think she treated the Princess Consort so poorly before—the Princess Consort truly has a magnanimous heart!" a young man nearby chimed in, his eyes full of envy.

"The Princess Consort is capable indeed, being able to pull off such a major feat. It seems our Liangzhou City is in for another lively period," another tea patron remarked, while those around him nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, the main gates of the Prince's Mansion slowly opened. True Master Yunyin, dressed in plain robes and exuding an ethereal, immortal aura, walked in slowly.

Servants within and outside the mansion, as well as passing commoners, all stopped to watch and discuss the sight.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Ning Junruo personally greeted True Master Yunyin. The two walked side by side toward the inner courtyards, and along the way, Ning Junruo gave a detailed account of the two patients' conditions.

True Master Yunyin listened patiently, nodding from time to time, a light of worldly wisdom gleaming in his eyes.

"The Princess Consort need not worry. Although the conditions of both are complex, they are not beyond remedy. However, during the treatment, the full cooperation of the entire Prince's Mansion will be required to achieve twice the result with half the effort," True Master Yunyin said earnestly.

Hearing this, Ning Junruo's expression grew even more solemn as she executed a deep bow: "What the True Master says is entirely correct. Everyone in the Prince's Mansion will strictly follow your instructions and fully assist with the treatment."

This scene, witnessed by the nearby servants, set off another wave of murmurs, though this time filled with awe and anticipation.

"The Princess Consort is truly painstaking when it comes to the Imperial Concubine and Lady Chang, even managing to invite such a supreme expert," a maid whispered softly.

"Indeed. Before, we only heard that the Princess Consort was ruthless in her methods; now it seems her heart isn't bad after all," another servant chimed in, their words carrying a softened perspective.

Just as the crowd was buzzing with discussion, True Master Yunyin and Ning Junruo's party arrived at the Xiaoxiang Pavilion where Xiao Yunji resided.

Xiao Yunji had long since heard the news. Seeing them arrive, her spirits lifted considerably; her face was etched with both anticipation and unease, yet she managed to squeeze out a faint smile.

"True Master, this is Imperial Concubine Xiao," Ning Junruo introduced, her tone tinged with a hint of gentleness.

True Master Yunyin gave a slight nod and sat down to take Xiao Yunji's pulse. His technique was unique, seeming to probe for something much deeper. For a moment, the room grew so quiet that only the sound of breathing could be heard.

True Master Yunyin slowly spoke up, his gaze profound: "This pulse does indeed resemble that of a pregnancy, but why do I feel... the pulse is excessively weak?"

Xiao Yunji instantly panicked: "What does the True Master mean by this? This concubine took the miraculous medicine from Yiyitang, and they assured me it would definitely bring forth a noble son."

Things having reached this point, Xiao Yunji dared not conceal anything further.

"The miraculous medicine of Yiyitang?" True Master Yunyin's brows instantly knitted together.

"I hear from the Princess Consort that the pregnancy is still in its early stages, so whether this is truly a pregnancy pulse remains to be observed. However, I shall leave a prescription that can ensure the Imperial Concubine's safety."

After examining Xiao Yunji, they hurried without pause to the Yunmeng Pavilion.

Following a thorough investigation, True Master Yunyin stated that she was indeed not poisoned. The strange part, however, was that there was a massive retention of sodium sulfate (mirabilite) in her body. The heavy use of sodium sulfate during the postpartum confinement period was precisely what would induce a leg affliction.

As soon as these words were spoken, not only she and the Dowager Consort, but even the servants present wore expressions of utter disbelief.

Whispers broke out once more, kept to an extremely low murmur for fear of disturbing the True Master.

"How could there be such a large amount of sodium sulfate?" a maid whispered with wide eyes.

"Since it is the True Master who speaks, there is naturally no mistake," another servant lowered their voice, their tone filled with absolute trust.

The estate physician strongly agreed with his assessment. Once the treatment plan was finalized, the entire household began busy preparations.

True Master Yunyin administered the treatments personally every day, while Ning Junruo attended to them meticulously at the side. In the eyes of the onlookers, her stature gradually grew taller and more commanding.

A few days later, good news came from within the Prince's Mansion: the conditions of both Xiao Yunji and Chang Yumian had shown marked improvement, especially Chang Yumian, whose previously numb legs had begun to regain sensation.

This news swept through the entire city of Liangzhou like a spring breeze.

Commoners in every street and alley showered her with praise.

Amidst the chorus of public acclaim, Ning Junruo appeared exceptionally calm. Standing by the window of the Yilan Residence, gazing at the setting sun in the distance, her mind was busy plotting her next move.

"Your Highness, True Master Yunyin requests an audience," Zisu reported softly, breaking her train of thought.

"Show him in." Ning Junruo turned around, a flicker of imperceptible sharpness flashing in her eyes.

True Master Yunyin stepped into the room. Gone was his usual ethereal aura; instead, he looked rather grave: "Princess Consort, although the two ladies' conditions have improved, I have discovered that a deeper secret seems to lie hidden beneath all this."

A chill ran through Ning Junruo's heart, though her exterior remained unruffled: "To what does the True Master refer?"

"This matter involves Yiyitang, and within it, there may well be... unspeakable secrets." True Master Yunyin stopped short of finishing, looking at Ning Junruo with a complex gaze.

"I, too, feel that this Miao Shan is no benevolent person. Please speak plainly, True Master," Ning Junruo said indifferently.

True Master Yunyin pondered for a moment before finally speaking: "The Imperial Concubine's pulse looks remarkably like a pregnancy pulse, but upon closer inspection, it is nothing of the sort. Rather, it resembles... having been afflicted with a certain type of Gu poison."

A shock rippled through Ning Junruo, yet she feigned composure: "How so?"

"The time is not yet ripe; I cannot say everything. If the Princess Consort does not believe me, you may send someone to investigate. I am certain that this so-called Goddess of Child Delivery has administered drugs to more than just the Imperial Concubine." Leaving behind these meaningful words, True Master Yunyin turned and departed, leaving Ning Junruo alone in the room to contemplate.

"Could it be that Miao Shan's claim of a connection to the Profound Gate of the Hidden Valley is false?" Ning Junruo was momentarily stunned.

"This humble Taoist specializes in medicine, and as for that—I cannot say for certain."

True Master Yunyin sighed. "Over the years, there have always been those who borrow the banner of the Profound Gate to engage in swindling and charlatanism. Perhaps there are scoundrels within our own sect after all."