Chapter Forty-Seven: First Encounter with Li the Second

Li Shimin held the fried meatballs in both hands, eating with cheeks stuffed full, resembling a large squirrel. He still clutched two in his hands, freshly fried and crackling with each bite, completely ignoring the resentful gaze from Changsun Wuji.

"Wuji, what are these? They taste pretty good! So crisp!" The maid fed Li Shimin porridge, and at least remembered to save a few meatballs for her brother-in-law.

"I heard Yun call them fried meatballs. They're indeed quite delicious," Changsun Wuji replied, his words muffled as he filled his mouth with meatballs.

"Yun? Who is Yun?" Li Shimin paused, trying to recall, but couldn't think of anyone named Yun in Jinyang. As one of the city's notorious playboys, it was inconceivable he hadn't heard of this person.

"He's the boy who treated your wounds, about seven or eight years old. He has all sorts of strange skills—managed to produce ice on a hot day," Changsun Wuji gestured to the basin of ice on the floor.

"A child that young can heal wounds?" Li Shimin found it hard to believe. He remembered being struck by a black bear, then vomiting blood, and nothing after that. When he awoke, he was already here. Fortunately, it was Changsun's personal maid tending to him, so he knew he hadn't arrived in the underworld.

"You'll meet him soon enough. He’s full of odd talents. You must be careful; that little one is sharp as a needle’s eye. Don’t offend him, or you’ll regret it," he said, glancing around as though afraid to be overheard. They were all clever men—if Changsun Wuji didn’t realize he’d been tricked by Yunhao, he’d never become the foremost hero of the Hall of Lingyan.

Li Shimin looked at Changsun Wuji, puzzled. Few people could make him wary. He wondered what kind of child could evoke such caution from Wuji.

The ground in Jinyang seemed uncanny—speak of the devil and he appears. Yunhao followed Zhang Wenzhong into the room. One look at Li Shimin was enough to see he had internal injuries. That, Yunhao could not handle alone; for such matters, a specialist was required. So, he brought in Zhang Wenzhong, whose expertise lay in treating internal injuries.

Zhang Wenzhong’s eyes shone when he saw Li Shimin awake and drinking porridge. He had practiced medicine for years and was well-versed in treating various ailments and internal injuries, but external wounds were his weak point. For those, he relied on ancient remedies. Yet today, Yunhao had used a sewing needle to heal a grave external injury. If, after a few days, the wound did not turn red or fester, this method would be confirmed as effective.

He carefully checked Li Shimin’s pulse, felt his chest and ribs, and said, "There are indeed some internal injuries, but your body is robust. The bear didn’t break your bones—truly a stroke of luck. I’ll prescribe two formulas; take them and you should recover well."

"Master Physician, truly nothing serious?" Li Shimin’s back was injured, so he could only lie prone, unable to rest on his back. It was uncomfortable, forcing him to crane his neck to see others. Still, he scrutinized Yunhao—a child with delicate, striking features. Yet, Li Shimin trusted Zhang Wenzhong more, simply because of his age.

"It truly is nothing serious. Yun’s method is excellent. If in three or five days your wound isn’t red or oozing, it’s proof the method works. You should reward Yun generously!" Zhang Wenzhong now admired Wu Shiwei deeply—how wise to bring this boy into the household. Not only was he a top scholar, but also versed in medicine.

The method used to treat Li Shimin’s wounds was unheard of, especially the alcohol Yunhao produced. Even if not used as medicine, it would make a superb spirit, far superior to the expensive wine from the Western regions. Wise, truly wise! If Wu Shiwei were here, Zhang Wenzhong would bow to him. Once he mastered this method for treating external wounds, he would become a famed national physician, sought by the emperor himself.

"You must be Yun, little brother. Thank you for healing my wounds. I’m unable to stand, but here’s my thanks!" Li Shimin, bare-chested, raised his hands to salute Yunhao, but the movement pulled at his wound, making him gasp in pain.

"Second Young Master, no need for formalities. You must rest and avoid strenuous activity. If your wound tears, it’s no laughing matter," Yunhao cautioned earnestly. Should Li Shimin ignore the advice and reopen the wound, the consequences would be dire. If he contracted tetanus, Changsun Wuji would surely flay him alive.

"Understood, thank you, Yun. When I recover, I will reward you handsomely. Such skill at your age—remarkable! Remarkable!" Li Shimin found Yunhao increasingly pleasing to the eye, his address shifting from Yun to little brother, then to young master.

"Er Lang! Er Lang! Are you all right?" Chai Shao refused to wash with salt water, and instead clung to the window, peering inside by lamplight to check on Li Shimin’s condition. He wondered how to report tonight’s events to Li Yuan and Li Jiancheng.

"Is that Third Brother-in-law? Thank you for your concern—tonight you’ve worked hard. My wound feels alright, nothing serious. When you return, tell Father I’m fine; he need not worry," Li Shimin judged Chai Shao’s identity by voice, unable to see him outside. He knew Li Yuan was unwell lately, and feared his family’s worries might worsen Li Yuan’s condition. For the Tang Duke’s household, Li Yuan’s health was the greatest ticking time bomb.

Li Yuan must not fall ill—otherwise, the emperor, already wary of the Li family, would intensify his suppression. Whether the hereditary title of Tang Duke would remain with the Li clan was uncertain.

"Er Lang, as long as you’re well, I’ll report back soon! Just rest here—Yun will take good care of you. I’ll visit again tomorrow!" Yunhao turned, glaring at the shameless Chai Shao. He had eaten half the bowl of meatballs, leaving Yunhao hungry for dinner, yet still had the nerve to ask him to care for Li Shimin. Eating less would be better.

After leaving Li Shimin’s room with Zhang Wenzhong, who went off to prepare medicine, Yunhao saw Chai Shao off and returned to his own quarters with Zhao. He was unaware that, in another house on the same street, a conspiracy against him was swiftly taking shape.