The Culinary Chronicles of the Court Physician: The Disgraced Princess Consumes Poison to Create Medicine
The emperor’s horns were already so sharp they seemed to pierce the heavens. Tormented by a headache, he staggered as he approached the food table. The medicine was contained in a jar made from rhinoceros horn. Around him, high officials and physicians were present, holding their breath as they silently observed whether the antidote would work.
“Open it.”
The emperor, clenching his teeth in pain, ordered Fei Ling.
“I am terribly sorry, but could you please open it for His Majesty?”
“…Hmm.”
Reluctantly, the emperor removed the lid.
Instead of bursting open, a fragrance spread like mist drifting from the spring peaks. The scent filled the air, gently permeating the emperor’s consciousness.
In the emperor’s eyes, the richness of the world and sea unfolded. The blue sky had clouds drifting by, the sea gleamed deep blue, and the earth flourished with greenery. The scene was peaceful—a serene cycle of life. A dove, perched on a rhinoceros, caught the wind and soared, disappearing into the distance, while a group of birds with splendid wings crossed the sky. A swan alighted on a lake, and fish swam in its waters, while seals frolicked nearby. The moon began to rise from the sea.
All things in nature were in harmony.
The emperor, entranced by the vision, gasped. Just smelling the fragrance had eased his headache.
“What is this medicine…?”
The emperor muttered, then peered into the jar once more.
His brows furrowed as he quietly asked:
“There’s nothing inside. How is this possible?”
Fei Ling smiled softly.
“Please, take the spoon.”
Skeptically, the emperor dipped the spoon into the jar. There was a faint sound of water moving inside, and he was able to scoop it up. Yet, even on the spoon, it could not be seen.
“…It’s heavy.”
The emperor brought the spoon to his lips. As soon as it touched his tongue, flavors burst forth—rich grains, the delicate scent of seafood, and a wonderful umami. The various flavors harmonized perfectly, creating a balance that didn’t clash.
“Why? Why is this so gentle?”
Fei Ling lowered her head respectfully.
“Predators eat prey to maintain balance. The leopard eats the deer, the shark hunts seals, and this keeps nature in harmony. So it is with this medicine. The balance of life is the key to the medicine’s effectiveness.”
The emperor, moved, drank the medicine, tears welling up in his eyes.
“Is this… harmony?”
The emperor’s headache shattered, like dry earth crumbling. He stood, and the curtain by the window was removed. The red glow of the sunset filled the room, and he sighed in relief, free from pain.
“The poison has been eradicated.”
“Fei Ling.”
The emperor turned to face her again.
“Over a year has passed since I suspended your punishment. You have never turned to poison, only to medicine.”
Through all the seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—there had been trials. Spring saw Li Xue Mei fall to poison; summer brought the tragic end of a consort plotting against the empress; autumn had famine and plague; winter saw Li Xue Mei’s child almost poisoned. Fei Ling had resolved each of these crises with her medicines.
“Therefore, I hereby declare Fei Ling innocent.”
Fei Ling, overwhelmed with joy, bowed her head quietly. The death sentence that had once loomed over her neck had now been completely lifted.
High-ranking officials, who had once scorned her, exchanged glances, but this time, no one could object, and they all bowed in respect.
…………
Thus, a new spring arrived at the palace.
The sounds of celebration continued without end, and the bustling atmosphere fitting for the Spring Festival filled the palace halls. After a long absence, a banquet was held, and the officials all drank together, rejoicing in the festive spirit.
However, from that night onward, the presence of the poisoner, Zhen (鴆), vanished from the palace.
