Within moments, everyone withdrew from the pavilion, leaving only Lin Meiyun, Xi Ronghua, Gu Yue, and the physician behind.
Even after the courtyard emptied, none of the women spoke immediately.
Physician Zhao naturally noticed the unusual atmosphere.
His experienced eyes moved across their faces before settling on Lin Meiyun.
"Duchess, are you feeling unwell?"
Lin Meiyun exchanged a glance with Xi Ronghua.
Then she answered carefully.
"I would like a thorough examination."
The physician nodded.
"Of course."
Without asking further questions, he set down his medicine box and prepared to take her pulse.
Lin Meiyun extended her hand.
The physician placed two fingers against her wrist.
The pavilion fell completely silent.
Xi Ronghua unconsciously tightened her grip on the armrest beside her.
Gu Yue sat unusually still.
Even Lin Meiyun herself found her heart beating slightly faster than normal.
Because no matter how unbelievable Su Yueqing’s revelations had sounded...
Every warning she had given so far had proven true.
One after another.
Not a single one had been wrong.
If this was true as well...
The consequences would be terrifying.
Several moments passed.
Then several more.
The physician’s brows slowly furrowed as Xi Ronghua immediately straightened.
Physician Zhao remained silent as he continued checking her pulse.
Finally, the physician withdrew his hand.
The silence that followed seemed endless.
Lin Meiyun looked directly at him.
"Speak honestly."
Physician Zhao hesitated.
His expression had become unusually serious.
After several moments, he finally lowered his voice.
"Duchess..."
The moment he spoke, everyone’s attention locked onto him.
"This old physician would like to ask..."
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"Have you been consuming the same tonic for a long period of time?"
The color immediately drained from Xi Ronghua’s face.
Gu Yue’s eyes widened.
And Lin Meiyun felt her heart sink.
Because the answer was yes.
Xi Ronghua sat upright so abruptly that the tea in her cup nearly spilled.
"What did you just say?"
Her voice was sharp enough to make even Gu Yue flinch.
The physician remained calm, though the seriousness in his eyes had become more pronounced than before.
Lin Meiyun’s fingers slowly tightened around the edge of the table.
"What tonic?" she asked quietly.
Physician Zhao looked at her.