Notes: 

　　Traditional Chinese medicine doctors routinely check a person’s pulse as a judgement for their state of health. Diagnosis of many diseases often depended on the patterns and irregularities to one’s pulse as well as swelling of “chakra” points, and condition of skin colour etc. Remedies revolved around boiling herbs, roots and parts of animals. The taste leaves much for improvement, usually the concoctions are bitter and the smell so pungant it makes you cringe.

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　　The aftereffects of the poison were evident and took a heavy toll on the Prince’s feeble body.  Even though Feng Ming’s pulse returned to a regular pace he was immersed in a spell of deep slumber.

　　Needless to say, Xi Rei was now in a state of emergency, their political ties were in complete disarray. Adding fuel to the fire, Fan Jia’s royal family had p.r.o.nounced that they will be seeking retribution against the whole country for the breach of confidence and betrayal.

　　Government officials surged to the frontline of the political battle, attempting to hold back each state from falling blindly headfirst into a b.l.o.o.d.y war.

　　Fortunately King Rong was able to create an intricate cover up and his efforts eventually eased the hectic courts and the restless officials which had the nations in a standstill.

　　As countless matters were being settled over the bargaining table, Feng Ming remained unconscious and oblivious.

　　Several days following the return of peace to the courtrooms, the Prince’s body remained unmoving in the middle of a large bed. His condition had not improved and every pair of concerned eyes was glued on the boy waiting for any signs of improvement.

　　 Included among the eagerly waiting subjects, were a set of blazing eyes that kept the Prince in his line of sight. Naturally, they belonged to King Rong.

　　Suddenly a soft groan finally released the tension.

　　“Nnhh…”

　　The lips that had been pursed throughout the ordeal had opened ever so slightly giving a m.u.f.fled noise to everyone’s pleasant surprise.

　　A rosy taint had already returned to Feng Ming’s cheeks, a positive turn indicating he may be ready to wake.

　　Each servant had partic.i.p.ated in vigil for days on end in hope that the Prince would recover. Now it was apparent their master was awakening, everyone continued to look on with antic.i.p.ation, holding their breath.

　　The Prince’s lush and long eyelashes began to dance, as the heavy lids beckoned them to part. As if shy under the close scrutiny of his onlookers, the movement suddenly ceased.

　　After a delay his large eyes abruptly opened.

　　The pair of intoxicating dark eyes that had been hidden for numerous days was finally open and at the moment he peered out towards his observers, an overzealous joy rushed into the crowd.

　　Exuberant cheers echoed the halls, “His Majesty has awaken!”

　　“He has awaken!”

　　Praises for the heaven were belted out.

　　“Heaven bless!”

　　Within the hustle and joy of the servants, Chiu Lan immediately knelt beside her master and prayed to the G.o.ds in thanks.

　　The King made no delay, striding to the bed and presenting himself in all his glory beside to the boy. He placed Feng Ming’s wrist into his own hands, surveying for the strength of his lover’s pulse. 

　　“Do you still remember who I am? Where are you hurting?” he prompted anxiously.

　　Feng Ming had just awoken and he was aching from head to toe. Raising his head to gain a better view of the King, he then recalled why he was in this predicament in the first place. However, he was in no state give Rong Tian a chewing.

　　 As he was about to attempt a few words, Feng Ming was interrupted by a serious of short chuckling.

　　“King Rong need not be worried.” The unfamiliar voice offered, “Our legendary potion will absolutely never fail. Your servant, Official Xia is willing to use his life to guarantee this fact. The Prince was unconscious for seven days and it has been a sufficient period of time for him to recover.”  

　　An old man stood nearby, cloaked in a rich green embroidered outfit, he had a sharp chin and slender eyes.

　　In his hand he was holding a rather peculiar fan. Although he came across as odd, he was Xi Rei’s highest and revered Master of medicine.  

　　He had a natural disposition of an eccentric and borderline antisocial personality. This talented man only operated under the orders of the Royal family, preferring to live like a hermit he was indeed a rare sight to be out in the open.  

　　The toxin Feng Ming had been force fed was the brain child of this senile genius, who belted out a hearty laugh.

　　Shortly another man’s voice entered the conversation.

　　“The Prince has the heavens luck s.h.i.+ning upon him, within such a devious grand plan you’ve manage to demonstrate your bravery and prowess, exterminating an enemy with evil intentions. Truly a trait you have inherited from the former King.”      

　　General Tong stood boldly as he gave endearing words of support to his Master he rested his hands on his waist, one rested upon the hilt of his sword.

　　“Exterminating an enemy with evil intentions?” Feng Ming repeated vacantly.

　　“Indeed Your Highness, this is referring to the traitorous King sent from Fan Jia. Your Majesty brought a warranted end to An Xun by your blade. You were merciful to issue him a death that was quick and dignified”

　　“An Xun is dead?” Feng Ming’s jaw gaped at the news and a soft cry escaped his lips. His strange reaction was quickly rectified when he was prompted by Rong Tian. The older man had reached inside the bed covers, grabbed and tugged at Feng Ming’s sleeve sending him a cue to play along.

　　Drawing his jaw shut, he swallowed.

　　After ingesting the foul poison, he had surmised that he had fallen into Rong Tian’s trap, the doubts he had

　　were washed away as soon as he had waken. He was kicking himself inside for making the wrong judgement.

　　Glad to have a conclusion to the doubts cast around Rong Tian, Feng Ming was now focused with the task at hand. The situation he had been confronted by was perplexing and in all honestly Feng Ming couldn’t even guess what had played out in the moments that followed his blackout. He knew he had to proceed with caution, and silently waited for further instructions from Rong w.a.n.g.