Chapter Sixty-Five: Du Ruhui Awakens

Wu Zhaoniang and her companions were settled by Li Kong in a villa not far from the Duke of England’s residence. It was said that the estate had once belonged to a censor from the previous Sui dynasty. Though the grounds were not vast, they were by no means cramped, and two years ago Li Kong had purchased it, intending to move out at any time. However, in this era, one could not establish an independent household without marrying, so it had remained unused.

Still, Lai Fu would regularly bring people to clean the place, and a few servants were always on hand to maintain the estate, keeping it neat and tidy.

The next day.

After a day’s rest, Li Kong once again headed to the residence of Duke Lai, Du Ruhui, to give him a second massage and adjust his medication.

Compared to usual, the mansion, once bustling with visitors, now seemed rather desolate. Even the dukes closest to Du Ruhui could not be expected to linger every day, let alone those who had previously sought to ingratiate themselves with him.

Now that Du Ruhui’s fate hung in the balance, that crowd was busy seeking new patrons; who would still remember this once high-spirited minister who debated history and philosophy with Li Shimin?

The threshold was not entirely deserted, but it was close.

Outside, Du Gou, knowing Li Kong was coming, waited early in the cold, rubbing his hands within his sleeves and frequently casting glances toward the Duke of England’s residence.

When he spotted Li Kong approaching, his eyes brightened and he hurried over. “Brother Kong, you’re here. The weather’s chilly—let’s go inside and warm up.”

Li Kong smiled and nodded, then glanced behind Du Gou. “Where’s Du He?”

At this, Du Gou’s expression shifted slightly. He said, “Brother Kong, let’s go in and rest for a moment…”

Before Du Gou could finish, Li Kong understood perfectly. That rascal Du He must be out carousing again—who could fathom how Du Ruhui produced such a troublesome son?

Hmm… thinking of those living in the Zhenguan era, it seemed few were tiger fathers with tiger sons: Changsun Wuji had Changsun Chong, the epitome of a wastrel; Fang Xuanling had Fang Yiai, infamous beyond measure; Du Ruhui had Du He, bringing calamity upon his house; Wu Shihuo’s two sons, though eventually illustrious, nearly lost everything in the Zhenguan and Yonghui reigns…

There were so many examples—did they all learn from Li Shimin? For if one sought the ultimate case of a great father with disappointing sons, none could surpass him.

Perhaps Li Ji should be counted as well, but now… never mind, these matters had little to do with him. Li Kong chuckled at himself, then followed Du Gou inside. Declining tea, he went straight to Du Ruhui’s chamber, where a faint medicinal fragrance filled the air.

Compared to two days prior, Du Ruhui’s complexion was much improved; his body showed signs of recovery, no longer the skeletal figure that had previously alarmed everyone.

Approaching Du Ruhui, Li Kong first checked his pulse, confirmed the illness, and then began the massage. This time, it was much shorter—only half an hour. Not out of laziness, but because there was no need.

He then rewrote the prescription, handing it to Du Gou, who had waited at the door, instructing him to buy the medicine.

Just as Li Kong was about to leave, Du Ruhui, lying in bed, suddenly coughed—a raspy, metallic sound that sent a chill through Li Kong’s bones, prompting him to look back.

Du Ruhui, whose eyes had been closed, now gazed at him dully, his face pale from the coughing fit and his breathing rapid.

Seeing this, Li Kong rushed forward and patted Du Ruhui’s chest and back dozens of times until the Duke’s breath steadied and his color returned to normal.

“You’re awake, so stay awake. Causing such a stir—if I weren’t here, you’d surely be a goner. Relax. Yes, lie still. Now that you’re awake, drink the medicine once it arrives and focus on recuperation.”

Li Kong calmly settled Du Ruhui, ensuring there were no lingering effects or complications, and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Du Ruhui managed a grim smile and said weakly, “It’s Yunfeng… dear nephew, thank you!”

“Not at all. Just rest well. Many are waiting for your recovery, ready to serve the Great Tang. With so many threats around us, should you slack off and die, others will be worked to death. So, whether for the sake of your spirit or the Du family, restoring your health is key. That’s all—I'm heading back. If I linger too long, people will start speculating.”

Li Kong tucked Du Ruhui in, added a few pieces of firewood to the stove, then rose and walked out, leaving Du Ruhui to sigh in mingled exasperation and relief.

Although his rank was slightly higher than Li Ji’s, when it came to family, Li Ji far surpassed him. Thus, at that moment, he felt a little envious—even though Li Kong and Li Ji’s relationship was not particularly close.

The news of Du Ruhui’s awakening swept through Chang’an like a gust of wind. Countless dukes began to visit once more, even Emperor Li Shimin was no exception. He pushed all memorials to the Three Departments and eagerly went to see his trusted minister.

But these matters no longer concerned Li Kong. At most, his reputation as a miraculous physician who could revive the dead would grow in everyone’s eyes—though Li Kong himself cared little for such fame.

At that moment, he was reclining in a lounge chair, and before him, Wu Zhao rested her chin on her hands, gazing at him, her eyes misty as she lay atop a stone table.

“Brother Kong, you’re amazing! So many said Duke Lai was at death’s door, but you snatched him back from the jaws of the Underworld!”

Li Kong paused and shook his head. “It wasn’t all my doing. So, after a day here, have you found anything uncomfortable?”

“No, it’s wonderful here! Mother even wondered whether my sister should become your concubine to repay your kindness, hehe. How about considering becoming my brother-in-law?”

Hearing this, Li Kong immediately raised his hand and gently tapped Wu Zhao on the crown of her head, his voice solemn. “Don’t say things like that again, do you hear?”

“...You don’t like my sister?” Wu Zhao pouted in disappointment. It didn’t hurt, but was a girl’s head to be touched so casually? How irresponsible! Such a scoundrel!

“Your Brother Kong isn’t a philanderer who loves every woman he meets. Matters of the heart depend on fate. Besides, I’m still young; who knows when I’ll marry!”

“…Impossible. It’s definitely all lies!” Wu Zhao glared angrily at Li Kong, though she couldn’t even say why she was so upset!