Chapter 262: Because We Are Here
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qin Silong’s deep concern for Qin Zhenzhen and her grandma’s safety compelled him to follow them closely.
As Su Ping was Qin Silong’s loyal follower, it was only natural for him to shadow his steps.
Fortuitously, Qin Erlong and Qin Sanlong had been discreetly observing their activities for some time, gaining a rudimentary understanding of the workshop’s operations.
Together, they embarked on a carriage journey towards the capital city. Inside one of the carriages, an eunuch from the palace shared space with a man from the Jiang family.
Qin Zhenzhen, her grandma, and Su Bin occupied the other carriage, while Qin Silong and four palace guards vigilantly guarded both vehicles.
Su Bin typically engaged in lively conversations when alone with Qin Zhenzhen, but in the presence of her grandma, he transformed into a completely different person. During the journey, he remained reticent, listening attentively to Qin Zhenzhen and her grandma.
The trip from the prefectural city to the capital was estimated to take about three days. On the first night, Qin Zhenzhen and her grandma shared a room.
Grandma Qin let out a sigh, expressing her concerns. “Zhenzhen, I fear that I might have inadvertently placed you in jeopardy this time.”
Puzzled, Qin Zhenzhen responded, “But shouldn’t I be the one causing trouble, Grandma?”
Shaking her head, Grandma Qin replied, “No, my dear. I am too naive.” “In the beginning, I believed that the Jiang family had relinquished their attempts to control you. However, it now appears that they haven’t given up yet.”
Curious, Qin Zhenzhen inquired, “What did Jiang Cha, who was speaking with you earlier, say?” During their meal, Qin Zhenzhen had noticed Jiang Cha conversing privately with her grandma.
Following this revelation, Grandma Qin’s mood took a noticeable downturn.
Grandma Qin disclosed, “He informed me that the Empress Dowager has requested your assistance with a long-standing headache issue.”
“She has suffered from this persistent headache for over a decade. Despite numerous attempts by imperial physicians to alleviate her condition, no remedy has proven effective.”
“I even tried to bring a common doctor into the palace to treat her, but her ailment defied all attempts at a cure.”
“Over the years of enduring this tormenting ailment, the Empress Dowager’s temperament has grown increasingly volatile. She endured excruciating acupuncture treatments and ingested foul-tasting medicines, all to no avail. Her frustration often led her to issue orders for executions.
“For this reason, many imperial physicians and civilian doctors have met their end at her command.”
“I fear that if you don’t attend to the Empress Dowager’s needs satisfactorily, she may resort to severe punishment or even execution if displeased.”
Qin Zhenzhen could sense the anger in her grandma’s voice and inquired softly, “Grandma, did you have dealings with this Empress Dowager in the past?”
Grandma Qin nodded solemnly. “A few times.”
“Back then, she was still the Crown Princess Consort. She and Jiang Qing were friends! ”
Qin Zhenzhen grasped the connection. Jiang Qing, her grandma’s eldest sister, was the one responsible for her grandma’s past suffering. It was Jiang Qing’s connection to the Crown Princess Consort that had allowed her to carry out such a heinous act against Qin Zhenzhen’s grandma.
Qin Zhenzhen fell into contemplative silence, understanding that these were times when imperial power held unparalleled sway. She had often witnessed such scenes in historical dramas, where ailing princesses, princes, or concubines summoned teams of imperial physicians. The emperor would issue stern ultimatums, threatening dire consequences if the patient’s condition remained untreated.
The Empress Dowager’s longevity in the palace was a testament to her ruthlessness. In such circumstances, taking a life was as simple as squashing an ant.
Furthermore, the prolonged suffering from her illness had deeply warped her mindset.
Qin Zhenzhen reassured her grandma, saying, “Grandma, please don’t fret. I believe I can alleviate that old witch’s headache.”
“You need not concern yourself with the possibility of Jiang Qing conspiring with the Empress Dowager to harm you any longer.”
“We’re here together!”