Chapter 2596 - 2570: Taking Action

The Emperor smiled softly and said, "Bomng, rest assured, I have ordered the county magistrate of Wannian County to arrest all parties involved in the brawl. This time, they’ll face severe punishment without leniency."

However, this result was evidently not satisfactory to Patriarch Zheng. He looked at the Prince of Hejian opposite him and asked solemnly, "What about Minister Li?"

The Emperor’s expression turned slightly serious, with a faint smile, he said, "He cannot shirk his responsibility, so I have assigned both the capital prefecture and the Ministry of Justice and Punishments to handle this case. Bomng, why not stay a bit longer in the capital? It’s a good opportunity to treat Erlang’s injuries. Perhaps in a few days, everything will be revealed."

He continued, "At that time, the three departments will jointly hear the case, with Courtier Tang and Courtier Wei present. Rest assured, no one will dare to act unjustly."

Patriarch Zheng’s face tightened, understanding the warning implicit in the words.

If the investigation were thorough, Li Gong certainly wouldn’t come off well, but simultaneously, neither would the Zheng Family benefit.

Patriarch Zheng pondered deeply, yet he didn’t make an immediate decision, intending to see his second son before deciding. If the boy was still well, why not take a step back?

Otherwise...

Patriarch Zheng felt his insides burn as if on fire, looked at his eldest son behind him, quietly stood up, and bowed, saying, "Then I shall await Your Majesty’s investigation."

The Emperor smiled and agreed.

Patriarch Zheng requested to see his son, and the Emperor immediately said to the Crown Prince, "Crown Prince, lead Patriarch Zheng to see Young Master Zheng."

Patriarch Zheng glanced at Zhou Man, "Your Majesty, why not let Imperial Doctor Zhou accompany us? I just want to inquire about Erlang’s condition with her."

The Emperor declined, as he too wanted to know Zheng Fei’s current situation, thus he smiled and said, "The Imperial Hospital has imperial doctors stationed at the Eastern Palace at this moment. Bomng has just seen his son and surely has many things to say. What kind of propriety would it be to have an outsider lingering there?"

Patriarch Zheng was surprised as he glanced at Zhou Man, not expecting the Emperor to hold her in such high regard, even refusing him at this moment.

After a moment of contemplation, Patriarch Zheng still said nothing, simply raised his hand in salute and withdrew.

The Crown Prince also withdrew with a salute, leading them to see Young Master Zheng.

He showed no expression on his face. If it wasn’t Zheng Bomng who came, he would be too lazy to guide them.

Zheng Wang also followed, and in this matter, he was probably the person of the Zheng Family who understood it best, since he had been involved since the incident began.

Their eyes met in silent exchange, but neither said a word, following the Crown Prince quietly to the Eastern Palace.

In the study, after the Zheng Family members left, the Emperor asked Zhou Man, "How’s Young Master Zheng’s aphasia?"

Manbao replied, "He refuses to speak in front of people, so I can’t determine his condition."

The Emperor asked, "How are his injuries?"

Manbao thought for a moment and said, "They are improving, but it’s not yet apparent. Your Majesty, it’s brain damage; even resolving the blood stagnation takes two to three months, or longer, six months, even a year."

Wei Zhi inquired, "Might he participate in the imperial examination by autumn?"

The Emperor immediately sat up straight, "Indeed, will he be able to participate in the examination?"

Manbao blinked, wanting to ask the Emperor if he hoped for Zheng Fei to participate or not.

Recalling Director Xiao’s repeated reminders, she suppressed the question and said, "I’ve observed that he faces no trouble with writing for communication, but since the injury involves the brain, he hasn’t been made to read any books."

She added, "If he can read books and write, without memory loss of the past, then he can participate."

"I heard initially he couldn’t control his limbs properly, couldn’t control the strength in his hands?"

"Yes, but that was initially. Over time, it has improved significantly. While writing, he only occasionally can’t control the force, but there are no major issues," Manbao paused and said, "In fact, both aphasia and unsteady strength can be rehabilitated through practice, requiring a thick skin first and foremost."

Unfortunately, Young Master Zheng was still too young, and his face too thin-skinned, unwilling to practice in front of others, limiting the guidance the Imperial Hospital could provide. Otherwise, the recovery would certainly be quicker.

The Emperor pondered and suggested to Wei Zhi, "I remember Wei Yu and Young Master Zheng were once schoolmates; have him persuade him a bit. The urgent matter is recovery."

Upon hearing this, Manbao knew the Emperor wanted Zheng Fei to participate in the examination. Though slightly puzzled, she didn’t voice her questions.

Wei Zhi agreed.

The Emperor tapped the table, thought for a moment, and felt the situation was quite certain. The Zheng Family wouldn’t risk their eldest son.

This was largely a scandal, and the Emperor didn’t believe the Zhengs would expose themselves to ridicule. Therefore...

He straightened slightly, looked at Lord Tang, "Someone has impeached the governor of Qizhou for accepting bribes and selling land cheaply. Send someone to investigate in Qizhou."

Lord Tang complied, glanced at the Emperor, and made a mental note.

The Emperor’s ambitions extended beyond that. After pondering, he said, "Yongzhou should also undergo some self-inspection..."

The ministers below exchanged glances, understanding that things would be tumultuous soon, causing even the recording secretary’s pen to pause.

Bai Shan and Lord Fang, with limited information, exchanged glances and sensed something was off, but not knowing the specifics, they could only remain silent.

The atmosphere in the hall was tense for a moment before the Emperor suddenly smiled and said to Zhou Man, "Courtier Zhou, I heard that you have been treating Zheng Fei with acupuncture for some time now?"

Manbao acknowledged, "Yes."

"Once Zheng Fei leaves the palace, you should continue the treatment. I don’t see the need for the Imperial Hospital to formally appoint you; just let the Zheng Family invite you," he smiled, "The Zheng Family is wealthy; don’t be too modest when it comes to medication and consultation fees."

Manbao’s eyes brightened; she had spent quite a few resources on Zheng Fei.

Seeing her bright eyes, the Emperor waved his hand, "Alright, go to the Eastern Palace and check on Young Master Zheng. If Patriarch Zheng has any questions, you can address them as well. My Crown Prince doesn’t understand medical principles, so he won’t be of much use there. Call him back; I have something to discuss with him."

Manbao agreed, bowed, and left.

Patriarch Zheng was holding his son’s hand, crying, while the Crown Prince and Zheng Song stood outside. Inside, Zheng Wang was advising, "Brother, the imperial doctor said Erlang shouldn’t strain himself excessively."

Patriarch Zheng finally wiped his tears and asked Zheng Fei, "How do you feel now?"

Zheng Fei reached for a pen to write, but Patriarch Zheng pressed his hand down and insisted, "I want you to say it."

Zheng Fei pursed his lips, hesitating for a long time before stuttering, "Still... good very..."

Zheng Fei then fell silent, refusing to speak again, no matter how much Patriarch Zheng coaxed him, not saying another word.

Patriarch Zheng could only sigh, then looked up at his son’s head, covered with stubble, because it was shaved, the sunken area on the left side was quite clear.

The wound was exposed at the moment, reportedly to heal faster, avoiding covering the injury.

Patriarch Zheng felt both anger and sorrow, suppressing his racing heart, and told Zheng Fei, "Rest assured, Father will not let those who injured you off easily."

Zheng Fei furrowed his brow and wrote, "Father, the brawl was caused by old grievances between two estates. Rather than returning tooth for tooth, retaliating endlessly, it’s better to turn swords into ploughshares. Moreover, it’s hard to control amidst chaos, why insist on such grudges?"