Shao Hao

“Where did you hide my father!?”

Xiuying heard a loud thud that shook the halls of the central wing. The eunuch and the court ladies of the emperor were prostrated to the ground. Xiuying isn't sure if she needs to do the same. She has no idea about the laws and practices of the court. When she saw the assistant physician and Jin Hai standing and their heads bowed, she did the same.

“I do not know what you are talking about, brother. I don't know where His Highness is.” Prince Shao Hao muttered.

“Don't call me brother! We do not share the same blood!”, he spat. “What is the meaning of this?!” Tian Huang held a piece of parchment paper and slapped it on Shao Hao's face.

“Why in the world would he be in Redmoon Valley? You think I will buy this nonsense?! Where did you hide my father?!” His hands balled into a fist as he grabbed Shao Hao's blue tunic. Tian Huang's face turned red. His nostril flared and his hand shook with rage as he grabbed Shao Hao.

“I don't know what you are talking about! Father is unwell. Why would I try to hide him somewhere when we have the best physicians working for us here in the imperial palace?!” Shao Hao argued.

“Your Highness, the emperor woke up today and asked to be moved to the Redmoon Valley where his late wife Mei Ling, Prince Shao Hao's mother, was laid to rest. He instructed us to be discreet as he doesn't want unnecessary attention. He wanted to spend a few days there while recuperating before coming back to the imperial palace. His highness also instructed us not to worry about him because he will be back soon.” Eunuch Ho Fan said.

Another loud crashing sound made Xiuying jump. She looked sideways at Jin Hai who looked equally frightened. She noticed that Cheng Du isn't with them. The door to the emperor's chamber swung open and a tall man with long black hair came out. He wore a vile smug on his face as he smoothed his navy blue robe. Xiuying noticed the bloody knuckles of the man.

“What are you doing? Show your respects to Prince Tian Huang!” shouted the assistant royal physician.

Jin Hai and Xiuying immediately fell on their knees and greeted the prince who didn't even look at them as he passed by. She saw the other prince inside the royal chamber. The prince with long white locks and dreamy eyes. The one who was looking at her intently while she was taking the tests. He was wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth. She couldn't help but raise her head a little and take a peek inside the royal chambers. She saw broken fragments of a white porcelain vase. An old eunuch rushed inside to help the prince.

“Why are you just standing out there?! Help the prince!” the eunuch shouted at them.

“It's okay, Ho Fan, it's just a cut. You'll scare them away,” the prince said. “I thought there were three who passed the practical exams? Why are there only two in front of me? Where's the other one? Did he back out already?”

Xiuying and Jin Hai looked at each other and shrugged. Cheng Du was walking behind them but he suddenly disappeared.

“We didn't notice him leaving, your highness.” Jin Hai said.

“Will you really have our heads on a stake if we fail to cure the emperor?” Xiuying dared to ask.

“Ha! What good will it bring me? Will your heads on a stake cure the emperor? I am nothing like my brother, Tian Huang, and I am not a huge fan of violence. What did you tell them, Eunuch Ho Fan?” Shao Hao laughed.

“When will be the last part of our exams? What will happen to us now? Err. .  I mean,  do you still need us now that the emperor has woken up?” Jin Hai clarified.

“The last part of the exams starts now. As of now, I declare you to be official doctors of the emperor. I witnessed your skills and both of you were extraordinary. I will send you two to the emperor to assist him in recuperating.”

“Up north to the Redmoon Valley?” Xiuying asked.

“No. You'll be in Heaven's Peak Valley. I will make the necessary arrangements.”

“I don't understand. I thought His Majesty is in Redmoon Valley? Why will you send us to Heaven's Peak? And how do we know we passed the final exam?”

“Consider this the ultimate test. Being a royal physician to the emperor requires confidentiality. This information is strictly classified. No one should find out the emperor's whereabouts even if your lives are at stake.” Shao Hao warned.

“If I must dare ask, why are you doing this, your highness?” Xiuying asked.

“Because someone is trying to kill the emperor. Without the emperor, our kingdom will crumble. I must do something about it. I can't just stand by and watch my father suffer and die. I must protect the things that are important to me at all cost,” Shao Hao said as he looked deeply into Xiuying's eyes. “While I do that, I need you both to focus on finding the cure to the emperor's sickness. I need time to be on my side. I'm certain that you two are capable of making it happen. I'm sure you understand what I mean.”

Xiuying gulped. “Can you tell us what you have observed from the emperor before he lost consciousness, your highness?” she probed.

“Ho Fan will provide the documents you need but I must remind you that everything you read about the emperor is strictly confidential.”

“We understand, your highness. We'll do our best.” The two said in unison.

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