no need for the Liao army. In this way, your Liao state doesn't need to station troops at Yueya Pass. However, the Liao state needs to provide the Qin state with 80 million taels of silver as war exp...Chapter 98: The Ninth Prince's Visit

Zhang Hezhi rose to his feet and respectfully felt Li Chen's pulse. After carefully examining it for a while, he stood up and said, "Your Highness, your body is perfectly healthy with vigorous blood and qi. However, there is a slight deficiency in the afterpulse. I dare to suggest that Your Highness be slightly more restrained in matters between men and women, and cooperate with me to take a few doses of warming and nourishing prescriptions. In just a few days, you will recover."

Although Zhang Hezhi knew that even if he was poisoned, the imperial physician might not be able to find out anything, his words still relieved Li Chen's worries.

It would have been better if he hadn't said anything about moderation.

But he was found out right after finishing, which also proves that Zhang Hesheng indeed has some skills.

"This palace asks you, is there any poison in the world that can make someone unaware when they are poisoned, undetectable by any means, and then explode instantly upon reaching its peak toxicity, leaving no trace of poisoning after death" Li Chen asked.

Zhang Hezhi was taken aback and replied, "Your humble servant has never heard of such a strange poison. There have been similar poisons described in ancient texts that resemble what Your Highness described. However, in my humble opinion, any poison requires interaction with pharmacology and the human body to take effect. As long as there is a reaction, it will inevitably leave traces. If a physician skilled in medicine can constantly monitor the condition of a poisoned person, then even subtle reactions can be detected like watching through fire, and clues can be found easily."

"Not bad, how is the Emperor doing" Li Chen asked with a smile on his face.

"Everything remains the same. Your Majesty's dragon body has not worsened, but there is no improvement either. It still hangs on by a thread. As it stands, being able to maintain this state is already the best news." Zhang Hezhi replied respectfully.

"This matter requires the imperial physicians to put in more effort."

Zhang Hezhi bowed with one hand and said, “Your Majesty’s health is paramount to the nation. We ministers will do everything in our power to serve you.”

"Alright, the Imperial Physicians are already attending to Father. You're to stay in the East Palace for now and personally prepare medicine for me. Check my pulse twice a day, morning and evening, and record it meticulously. Don't delegate this task to anyone else."

Li Chen turned his head and said to Sān Bǎo, "Go, take one hundred taels of silver from this palace's treasury to reward Zhang Taiyi. Also, find an empty courtyard in the East Palace for him to live in. All medicinal materials and manpower needed must be provided, and there must be no mistakes."

The Three Treasures respectfully replied with a sound, and Zhang Hezhi left with him, feeling somewhat uneasy.

As soon as the two left, a Jinyiwei guard arrived to report that someone wished to see them.

At the sound of the person's name, Li Chen was taken aback for a moment, then a playful smile spread across his face.

"Let him come in."

After a while, the Ninth Prince, dressed in princely robes, strode in from outside the palace. He walked to the center of the Xizheng Hall, knelt down respectfully, and with utmost reverence, said aloud, "Your humble brother pays his respects to His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince."

The Crown Prince is the heir apparent, with all the etiquette and respect due to a higher rank than ordinary princes. He ranks only below the Emperor and Empress.

The Qin Empire placed great importance on ritual propriety, so the entire process that the Ninth Prince went through was in accordance with the rules and regulations, leaving no room for criticism.

"Please don't mind me."

Li Chen said calmly.

"When the Ninth Prince rose from the ground, Li Chen finally spoke: 'You've always been afraid to see this Palace. You came alone this time, are you not afraid anymore' "

The Ninth Prince replied respectfully, "Your Highness is the Crown Prince, and as your younger brother, I should respect you deeply. But beyond that, Your Highness is also my elder brother, and I should love and cherish you. In the past, I was often in the wrong, and Your Highness's teachings were for my own good. I am filled with gratitude and will never forget it."

Li Chen raised an eyebrow.

This ninth prince has a high-level expert guiding him behind the scenes.d by one thousand elite cavalry and two thousand infantry, making them truly formidable.Amidst the protection of three thousand troops, the Prince Ning met Wu Qingscang."Wu Shuai, so impressive!"Sitti...