Chapter 60

Chapter Sixty: The Crown Prince's Tears

"Oh, that person is the descendant of an old friend of mine. Speaking of him, he truly is a fine man. He is full of emotion and righteousness, loyal and filial, yet brave and wise, with exceptional martial skills. Despite his young age, he is a rare and excellent man."

Du Shiqing sighed and shook his head, recounting Chu Yang's background and emphasizing the ambush he encountered. He concluded, "If it weren't for him, I probably wouldn't be here to see the Crown Prince today. Moreover, his talent is so high, it's hard to imagine. He can deduce from one example and never forgets what he sees. His intelligence and wisdom make him a true hero of our time!"

Du Shiqing's tone was filled with the highest praise for Chu Yang, leaving no effort unspent. His sincerity was evident, clearly coming from the heart.

If Chu Yang had accompanied him all the way, it would have been impossible to achieve such an unexpected effect.

Du Shiqing also had a faint sense of regret. Along the way, he had more than once hinted at taking Chu Yang as a disciple and teaching him medical skills.

Even when they were about to arrive, Du Shiqing had said with a hint of sadness, "Chu Yang, I have a vague premonition that this trip to Iron Cloud might be the end of my path. If you don't accept, my medical skills will likely be lost forever..."

Despite this, Chu Yang still refused.

Du Shiqing sighed deeply, though he had no hope of taking a disciple, he still passed on his life's work, "The Immortal Medical Art," and a tattered copy of "The Hundred Herbs Pharmacopoeia" to Chu Yang.

"This 'Hundred Herbs Pharmacopoeia' is the source of my medical skills. I have only understood about sixty percent of it. And 'The Immortal Medical Art' is the culmination of my life's work. If you can learn it, that would be best. If not, please help me pass it on." This was Du Shiqing's entrustment to Chu Yang.

These two books were the greatest unexpected gains from Chu Yang's journey!

In Du Shiqing's heart, although Chu Yang had not agreed to become his disciple, he had already inherited his legacy. Therefore, he did not hold back in praising Chu Yang.

On the side, Old Gao snorted. He vaguely felt that since Chu Yang planned to leave, he shouldn't have entered Iron Cloud City. However, he felt guilty towards Chu Yang because of a misunderstanding, so he didn't say anything.

After all, that guy seemed genuinely indifferent to fame and fortune...

"Citizen Du is truly a benevolent and skilled physician, whose kindness extends to all. After hearing this, my admiration for you has grown even more," Iron Butian smiled. His eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he secretly noted the name "Chu Yang."

The current Iron Cloud Kingdom is desperately in need of talent.

If it weren't for Crown Prince Iron Butian taking control of Iron Cloud's military and political affairs and founding the Butian Pavilion, which bolstered Iron Cloud's strength, the Fifth Qingrou would have already marched north!

For Iron Butian, he cannot afford to miss any talent, let alone someone as formidable as this!

Iron Butian's expression turned cold, and he whispered to a man in green beside him, "Order Wu Kuangyun to come to Iron Cloud City. Tell him that if he can't explain the attack on Divine Doctor Du, he doesn't need to bring his body, just his head!"

Wu Kuangyun, the commander of the Iron Blood Cavalry of the Iron Cloud Empire, is also a fierce general on the southwestern border of Iron Cloud and the Great Zhao! He ranks tenth on the list of famous generals on the continent!

Although this ranking is at the bottom of the top ten, it is not something that can be achieved by mere bravery in battle...

Iron Butian's mention of Wu Kuangyun clearly indicates that he has already determined that this incident was undoubtedly orchestrated by Wu Kuangyun!

The man in green agreed, but couldn't help but twitch his lips, thinking, Old Wu, you're in for it this time... Even though what you did is what I wanted to do...

Turning around, Iron Butian's smile was once again warm and gentle, and he said softly, "Citizen Du, you have been through a lot."

Du Shiqing repeatedly said it was nothing, but for some reason, looking at the benevolent face of Crown Prince Iron Butian, he felt a cold chill run up his spine from his tailbone.

It seemed that the unethical act he had committed years ago was always under the watchful eye of this person...

Or perhaps, this Iron Cloud City is truly where he will lay his bones? Du Shiqing gazed at the tall city walls not far away, his eyes showing a hint of confusion. Then he sat back in the carriage, his expression calm, and headed towards Iron Cloud City.

Whether it is a blessing or a curse, he has already come this far. Since he has done what he did, there will be a reckoning.

Each person in the group, harboring their own thoughts, unconsciously quickened their pace and entered the city. Upon reaching Iron Cloud City, Du Shiqing's carriage went straight to the palace.

Iron Butian could no longer wait. His father's condition had worsened recently, and he desperately wanted Du Shiqing to cure him immediately. Even though he had other considerations, they were now set aside.

He also knew that this time, being able to invite Du Shiqing was likely due to Fifth Qingrou's machinations. Allowing Du Shiqing to come was certainly not without ulterior motives.

He must have intended for Du Shiqing to use his skills to improve his father's health, so that he could then vie for power and influence.

But even though Iron Butian knew this was a trap, he had no choice but to jump into it willingly! Because it was his father! Not just the emperor, but also his father!

That night, when Iron Butian returned to the Butian Pavilion, it was already very late.

Two people had been waiting in the courtyard for a long time.

"Have you found that person?" Iron Butian asked softly. He rubbed his temples with his somewhat thin left hand, looking tired.

"Your subordinate is incompetent and has not been able to find his whereabouts," one of them bowed and said, "This person entered Iron Cloud City and then seemed to disappear. We couldn't find any trace of him anywhere."

"Send more people to look," Iron Butian rubbed his temples, sighed, and then changed to rubbing his temples, adding, "Do not disturb the people. In the current Iron Cloud, even the support of a single civilian is extremely important! Absolutely do not cause any unrest."

"Yes," the man agreed, then worriedly said, "Your Highness, you have been working too hard these past few days. Perhaps... find someone to help you relax?"

"That's fine, have Lanxiang come to massage me," Iron Butian did not refuse, but his expression showed even more fatigue.

"Yes," the two men in black retreated.

Iron Butian frowned, lost in thought, his brows furrowed with worry. He recalled what Du Shiqing had said after examining his father's illness: "Your Highness, the Emperor's illness is a long-standing chronic condition, and there is residual poison in his body. Over time, it has seeped into his bones, making it difficult to treat. I can only do my best and leave the rest to fate."

Iron Butian sighed deeply.

Seeped into the bones, difficult to treat. These eight words caused Iron Butian's heart to ache as if it were being torn apart. Is there really no hope for Father?

The little palace maid named Lanxiang had already entered, but seeing Iron Butian deep in thought, she did not dare to disturb him and stood quietly to the side.

After a long time, they heard Iron Butian sigh deeply, and a glimmer of moisture appeared in the corner of his eye.

The Crown Prince... is crying?

This always strong Crown Prince, who has been supporting the entire Iron Cloud Kingdom, is actually shedding tears?

Lanxiang suddenly felt a pang in her heart.

Only those close to the Crown Prince knew how hard he had been working these past years. To catch up with Fifth Qingrou, the Crown Prince had paid a great price!

From childhood to now, the Crown Prince has hardly slept more than two hours a day for the past ten years!

The weight of the entire nation and the lives of millions of people rested on his shoulders. The formidable power and superior wisdom of Fifth Qingrou and the Great Zhao Empire were like a mountain pressing down on him. Anyone else would have long since collapsed!

But Iron Butian, with the body of a young man, had borne it all!

He is too tired! He needs someone to help him...