Yun Jinnian nodded slightly.
"All his internal organs have withered. Even if he clings on to life, he won’t last more than three months!"
It was then that Yun Jinnian understood that even the Snow Lotus of Tian Mountain wasn’t all-powerful.
"Elder Chen is over seventy now. Passing away at his age could be considered dying a natural death. Plus, he’s blessed with a full house of children and grandchildren and has attained the highest position one could hope for. Over the years, he’s enjoyed all the wealth and respects one could wish for. He can depart this world without regrets!"
Yun Jinnian actually agreed with Han Tianci’s words, "That’s true, it’s no wonder Elder Chen didn’t show much panic when he learned he only had a few months to live, he was instead quite serene!"
It’s really rare to find someone who can view life and death with such indifference.
Han Tianci remained silent.
Only then did Yun Jinnian ask, "What about Grandfather?"
"Grandfather went out and didn’t say when he would return!"
Yun Jinnian was startled for a moment but quickly regained her composure.
This was something she would encounter in the future as well.
However, she had not anticipated that several Imperial Physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau would come together, asking to see her.
"Yes, they came to find you, and are now waiting in the hall. The young master is entertaining them!"
Yun Jinnian thought for a moment and realized why these people were here.
"Let’s go and have a look!"
Before reaching the hall, she heard Han Tianci talking confidently with others.
His composed demeanor filled Yun Jinnian with a sense of accomplishment. The Imperial Physicians also appeared to be humbly learning from him, which she found amusing.
But she also felt sentimental, as Tianci was truly growing up.
He was no longer the soft and delicate child that everyone pitied; now he was a young man, worthy of being depended on and trusted.
"What Young Master Han said is quite insightful. I have benefited greatly from your guidance. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Young Master Han!"
"I dare not presume!" Han Tianci said, exceedingly humble.
Yun Jinnian pursed her lips and straightened her clothes before she entered the hall, where the Imperial Physicians promptly stood up, "Greetings to Princess Yijia!"
Although they were Imperial Physicians, their official ranks were rather low.
The head of the Imperial Medical Bureau was only a third-rank official. Even still, countless Imperial Physicians coveted that position, longing to sit in it.
"My lords, there is no need for such formalities!"
Yun Jinnian sat down at a spot to the side, without taking the main seat.
Although she was a princess, in the presence of the Imperial Physicians, she was still a junior.
"Princess, we are here today regarding Elder Chen’s illness," one said.
Yun Jinnian nodded her head in recognition. It was as she had expected.
"May I know if the lords have any suggestions?" Yun Jinnian asked calmly.
"We dare not claim to have any superior insights. It’s just that Elder Chen’s condition..." one of the Imperial Physicians hesitated.
"Please speak freely. I imagine you must have already thought about what to say before coming!" Yun Jinnian said bluntly.
"Not to conceal from the Princess, we have all treated Elder Chen. His body is at its limit, unable to hold on much longer. However, our influence is limited, and Elder Chen is a pillar of the state. We did not dare speak the dire truth to him. The prescriptions we’ve given are mostly tonics, but in reality, they don’t have any significant effect. Princess, you’ve also diagnosed Elder Chen today. Did you notice anything? Could you enlighten us on your findings...?"
They spoke in bureaucratic circles, full of probing.
It’s no surprise Elder Chen called them a bunch of incompetent doctors, each one cautious and unwilling to convey the hard truth.
At this stage of Elder Chen’s life, what he cared about most was his offspring.
If he were to pass away, his sons would have to observe a three-year mourning period, and his grandsons one year. But a lot can happen in those three years.
Had he known earlier about the imminence of his death, he could have made arrangements sooner.
Not for anyone else’s sake, but for Chen Danyan’s, she couldn’t possibly reveal the actual condition of Elder Chen’s health.
"My lords, I beg your pardon, but I cannot disclose anything!"