Chapter 2643 - 2576: Irreplaceable

The Emperor immediately put away his sorrow, his expression turning two shades more serious. "It doesn’t hurt anymore, but my body still feels unwell, and my heart feels even worse."

He said, "Whenever I think about the illness that plagues you, my dear courtier, I lose my appetite and wish I could take your place."

Even though Wei Zhi knew in his heart that these were just the Emperor’s sweet words, he was still somewhat moved, and thus refrained from teasing him about pretending to have a stomach ache earlier.

However, the Emperor’s eyes had already glanced over at Zhou Man, and Manbao immediately responded alertly, "The summer heat can lead to a poor appetite, which in turn affects the stomach and intestines. Abdominal pain is sometimes a symptom."

The Emperor was satisfied, and since Wei Zhi had already decided to let the matter go, he naturally didn’t pursue it further and nodded slightly.

After the meal, the Emperor pointed at Wei Zhi and Zhou Man and said, "Courtier Zhou and Lord Wei, return now and have a good look at Lord Wei."

Manbao agreed, stood up, and picked up the medicine box. "Your Majesty, I will come to give you the medicinal acupuncture around the Shen time."

Wei Zhi was taken aback and asked Zhou Man as they left, "Is His Majesty truly ill?"

Manbao nodded, "Lord Wei, am I someone who speaks thoughtlessly?"

Wei Zhi didn’t make a conclusion, looking back to see Bai Shan also leaving, and then smiled, "You’ve just had lunch; you should both rest first."

Manbao had the same thought, "I’ll come to give you acupuncture in half an hour."

Wei Zhi saw she didn’t catch his meaning, about to explain, but Manbao already said, "Lord Wei, I am seeing patients by imperial decree. You must not avoid seeking treatment. Otherwise, not only will I have difficulty explaining to His Majesty, but how would you admonish the Emperor in the future?"

Wei Zhi said nothing further and led the way down the mountain.

Manbao and Bai Shan followed behind.

Bai Shan extended his hand to take the medicine box from Manbao, carrying it as they walked alongside each other. The Longevity Palace was not far from where they lived; it took just a mountain path to turn into that group of courtyards.

Manbao’s and Lord Wei’s residences weren’t far apart, with only two courtyards between them.

To prevent him from changing his mind, Manbao didn’t return to her own courtyard, but directly followed him into his residence.

Wei Zhi looked helpless, but could only follow as the couple entered.

He didn’t bring his family, although Wei Yu, his youngest son, was here, staying with Princess Changyu in another palace.

The old servant serving Wei Zhi saw that the master brought back guests and immediately called to prepare some dishes. Wei Zhi stopped him, "We’ve eaten upstairs, no need to cook, just brew some tea."

The old servant agreed, bowed, and went to brew the tea.

Inside the room, Wei Zhi sat on a chair, invited the two to sit, rolled up his sleeves, and asked Zhou Man, "Will you examine me now?"

Actually, there was no need to examine him again; Manbao already had an idea. She came along to discuss the next steps in treatment with Wei Zhi and to administer acupuncture.

But seeing him so cooperative, Manbao didn’t mind feeling his pulse again. It wasn’t bad to discuss the illness while doing so.

Manbao talked on and on, but after pondering for a moment, Wei Zhi only said one thing, "I only have two days off."

Manbao: ...

She didn’t quite understand, "Why does Lord Wei not value his health? Isn’t living well enough?"

Seeing Zhou Man’s puzzled look, Wei Zhi knew she wasn’t refuting him but was genuinely curious, so he smiled and said, "Living is indeed good, but it also depends on how you live."

He said, "I can’t leave the court for now. Living a month here can equate to living ten years after I resign."

Manbao said nothing.

Withdrawing her hand, she said, "For these two days, use the decoction first. I will ask Director Xiao to prepare honey pills for you. For now, take one acupuncture treatment every three days, but you must also rest and don’t overstrain yourself."

Wei Zhi smiled and nodded.

Manbao wrote the prescription, but didn’t give it to Wei Zhi since the medicine needed to be fetched from the Imperial Hospital anyway, so she just showed it to him once.

Manbao took the prescription back to the Imperial Hospital and handed it to Assistant Doctor Duan, asking him to prepare the medicine and send it to Wei Zhi before she and Bai Shan returned to their own quarters.

Bai Shan shook her hand, comforting her, "Why are you more upset when Lord Wei is not sad?"

"A doctor is always saddened and angered to see patients neglect their health."

Bai Shan said instead, "You are the doctor for the patient; Lord Wei is the doctor for the Great Jin. Consider his perspective, and you’ll understand why he won’t rest."

Manbao frowned, "There are plenty of capable ministers in the court."

"Indeed, there are many capable ministers, but there is only one Lord Wei," Bai Shan said. "In fact, at present, there is only one Prime Minister, Lord Wei. The chief positions of the Central Secretariat and Department of State Affairs are vacant, and once the chief position of the Imperial Secretariat becomes available, many will vie for the role."

For those serving in the court, who doesn’t aspire to be ennobled and hold high office?

Especially civil officials, whose lifelong pursuit is to become Prime Minister.

Manbao frowned and said, "With the Emperor here, it won’t become chaotic, right?"

"It won’t necessarily be chaotic, but the successor may not have the rapport between Lord Wei and His Majesty. Moreover," Bai Shan paused and continued, "among all the civil and military officials, only Lord Wei dares to truly face the Emperor’s wrath and persist in admonishing him."

Don’t be fooled by the ministers’ impeachment every time the Emperor makes a mistake, as if they are all upright and honest. That’s because they know Wei Zhi is there; even if they are somewhat off with their impeachment, the Emperor won’t do anything to them. Wei Zhi will not permit the Emperor to punish the advisors, as this would deter officials and stifle candor.

"Without Lord Wei, if the Emperor became angry, they might seize the opportunity to retract their policies, and after a couple of times, the Emperor would act recklessly without fear."

Bai Shan had been beside the Emperor for more than a year. Besides helping the Emperor with files, he spent most of his days observing the Emperor and the ministers in discussion, occasionally taking notes for the Emperor’s inquiries.

Regarding the demeanor of the ministers, he might not know as much as the Emperor, but he certainly saw more clearly and comprehensively than the average minister.

Moreover, "No one is more aware of his own political intentions than himself," Bai Shan said in a lowered voice. "Lord Wei undoubtedly has many things he still wishes to accomplish. Before completing those tasks, he won’t consider leaving the court."

Manbao said, "He won’t have the time."

The nation’s operation cannot change overnight, nor can significant achievements be made in a year or two. Under Wei Zhi’s physical condition, continuing to work tirelessly without restraint, he won’t have many years left.

Bai Shan sighed and said, "Yet it is still better than leaving directly, and right now, the Great Jin truly cannot do without Lord Wei."

The Emperor said the same to the Empress, sighing, "Courtier Wei quietly discussed reforming the salt tax with me some time ago. He wanted to do it gradually, but now he’s gravely ill."

"To reform the salt tax, it cannot bear fruit in three to five years. I... cannot do without him."

The Empress gently asked, "Who in the court can replace him?"

The Emperor shook his head, "No one can replace him."

There are those with Wei Zhi’s integrity, but none have his capability; those with his ability lack his integrity and prestige. Thus, this task cannot be undertaken by anyone else.