"The tonic you have been consuming regularly."
He paused before continuing.
"The one prescribed to strengthen your health and replenish your energy."
Lin Meiyun’s expression darkened.
For years she had indeed been taking a medicinal tonic prepared specifically for her.
It was recommended after an illness several years ago, and because it came from a trusted source, nobody had ever questioned it.
Xi Ronghua immediately understood the implication.
Her face turned cold.
"Are you saying the poison is inside the tonic?"
Physician Zhao nodded slowly.
"I cannot be completely certain until I examine the medicine itself, but based on Duchess Lin’s pulse, there is a very high possibility."
Silence descended over the pavilion.
The sounds of servants moving outside suddenly felt incredibly distant.
Even the birds chirping in the trees seemed muted.
Gu Yue felt a chill crawl down her spine.
"How serious is it?"
Physician Zhao sighed.
"The poison itself is not designed to kill quickly."
That answer only made everyone feel worse.
Because a quick death was obvious.
A slow death was deliberate.
It required planning and patience.
The physician continued.
"It is the type of poison often used by people who do not wish to attract attention. Small amounts are administered over a long period of time. The victim gradually becomes weaker, their health deteriorates little by little, and eventually their body begins to fail."
Xi Ronghua’s face had already become frighteningly cold.
"And during that time?"
Physician Zhao looked at her.
"Most people would simply assume the victim was suffering from poor health."
The pavilion fell silent again.
Because that was exactly what had happened.
Over the past year, Lin Meiyun had become more easily fatigued.
She occasionally suffered headaches.
Some days she lacked energy.
Other days she felt unusually weak.
None of it had seemed alarming enough to warrant suspicion.
Now, however...
Everything suddenly appeared different.
Gu Yue swallowed hard.
"Could another physician have discovered it?"
Physician Zhao was quiet for a moment.
Then he shook his head.
"Not easily."
His expression became grave.
"This poison is extremely well hidden."
"To an inexperienced physician, Duchess Lin’s pulse would appear slightly weak but otherwise normal."
Xi Ronghua’s hand clenched into a fist.
"What about an experienced physician?"
Physician Zhao gave a bitter smile.
"Even many experienced physicians would likely overlook it."
The room became even quieter.