Chapter Ten: The Medicine King Wei Cizang

“That will, of course, be one month before His Majesty's grand ceremony.” Li Zisheng smiled amiably at the young girl before him.

“Oh? Are you implying you know the exact date of the Emperor’s ceremony?” Ling’er asked, her tone tinged with skepticism.

“I do not, but the Tang Empire is a nation revered under heaven. I am certain it won’t be long before an imperial edict is issued from within the palace, proclaiming the event to all under heaven. Such an affair is a matter of national prestige—its time will be made known to every soul in the realm,” Li Zisheng replied with utter confidence.

The grand imperial ceremony was one of the most momentous occurrences in history, and such events had been rare even in the annals of time. The chronicles were explicit in recording how Emperor Xuanzong announced such a moment to the world.

Ling’er’s heart gave a start. As she expected, Li Zisheng was as sharp as a blade. She, too, was aware that the Court Historians, the Imperial Wine Masters, and many other ministers were presently deliberating this very issue.

Yet, there were two voices within the imperial court.

One camp believed the matter should not be made public. Since ancient times, the Emperor’s ceremony was a monumental undertaking. To reveal the exact date in advance was to risk sabotage by malicious actors, threatening the very foundations of the nation. Should such misfortune befall them, and be interpreted as heaven’s wrath, the Emperor’s virtue would be called into question, unrest would stir among the people, and the proper functioning of the realm would be gravely endangered—endless calamity might follow.

The other camp, however, insisted that as the Celestial Empire, Tang must assert its might by announcing the event to all nations. By doing so, it would broadcast the strength of the empire, and no petty bandits or villains would dare disturb the peace. To remain silent would be tantamount to admitting weakness before such minor threats, an insult to the dignity of the Celestial Empire. Only by demonstrating its supremacy could Tang continue to awe and command the respect of the world.

Gradually, the latter view gained the upper hand, largely because the current Emperor favored bold and vigorous action. Deep down, Ling’er herself inclined toward this view: if they feared mere petty criminals, how could Tang ever hope to command respect across the four seas?

Yet, for Li Zisheng to so casually lay bare these considerations, with such precise analysis of court politics, was unsettling. If he held office, it would be understandable; yet he clearly did not. It seemed that Li Zisheng harbored ambitions to enter the halls of power—otherwise, he could not have spoken so insightfully.

“You have a keen eye, Zisheng. I must admit, I was slow to realize it. Well then, as I promised, if you ascended to the second floor, I would grant you one request without conditions. But don’t be too greedy, little brother—you’ve already claimed a tenth of Sanwei House’s profits. Let me tell you, that alone is a leap to the heavens. If your proposal proves effective, the share you’ll receive will leave you speechless.”

Ling’er laughed, recalling her earlier promise.

Li Zisheng had been waiting for this moment. He had just claimed a tenth of Sanwei House’s wealth, and all with empty hands—he felt a little sheepish about bringing up Ling’er’s previous promise. Since she mentioned it herself, he was spared the awkwardness.

“Sister Ling’er, you are straightforward, so I shall not put on any airs. There is indeed something I wish to ask of you,” Li Zisheng said without the slightest embarrassment.

Ling’er rolled her eyes. She was not afraid of his requests, but his frankness made it clear he had been waiting for the right moment to bring it up; since she had offered first, he was spared losing face.

“Speak, then,” Ling’er said with a smirk.

“I want your help in finding someone.”

“Oh? Who might that be?” she asked, curiosity piqued.

“The greatest physician in all Tang. I have reason to believe the famed healer has come to Lingzhou.”

“The greatest physician—the legend of the Imperial Medical Bureau, the miracle-worker of Tang, the Medicine King Wei Cizang?” Ling’er’s surprise was evident.

“Indeed.”

Li Zisheng realized now that the foremost physician of Tang was none other than the Daoist Wei Cizang. He had assumed it would be a descendant of the Sun family, heirs to Sun Simiao, the Medicine King, but instead it was one of the Three Weis of the Tang dynasty. In medical achievement, the Three Weis were the equal of any master, though their fame had long been overshadowed by the legacy of Sun Simiao. Still, in his own studies, knowledge of the Three Weis was indispensable.

Wei Cizang was renowned as a great and compassionate healer. According to his information, Wei often traveled with a black dog and a medicine satchel, crossing mountains and rivers, visiting villages, treating the common folk. Li Zisheng held the man in deep admiration; now that he knew his would-be mentor was Wei Cizang, he felt an overwhelming mix of emotions he could scarcely put into words.

Part of him marveled at his good fortune, meeting a figure he had always revered. Another part lamented his uncertain fate—when, if ever, would he return home? The Tang Empire, though outwardly tranquil, was rife with hidden currents and peril. He had only just arrived, and already his mentor had been assassinated. Who could possibly understand the helplessness and regret that weighed upon his heart?

But a clear, lively voice abruptly interrupted his thoughts.

“Little brother Zisheng, I am quite curious about your backer. To think you even know the whereabouts of the elusive Medicine King Wei—how did you learn this?” Ling’er asked in astonishment.

Li Zisheng knew that while he could hide some things, he needed a powerful patron to stand firm in Sanwei House. After all, a tenth of the profits was no small sum; he doubted this young woman could make such a decision alone, let alone win universal acceptance. In business, lineage and connections were paramount. As he was but a nameless commoner, his receipt was little more than wastepaper. He needed a powerful name as protection, and now General Zhang was his tiger’s pelt—he had no qualms about using it.

“Sister Ling’er, there’s no need to guess, nor to waste resources investigating. General Zhang informed me himself.”

“The Grand Marshal of Guannei Command?”

“That’s right.”

“I can hardly believe it—little brother Zisheng, you have dealings with such a figure! No wonder you knew the date of His Majesty’s ceremony, no wonder your proposal was so seamless,” Ling’er said, utterly astonished.

“The Grand Marshal of Guannei Command holds considerable authority, but it is his father who inspires true awe. His father, Zhang Shuo, is the Prime Minister—second only to the Emperor, a man whose power shakes the realm.”