Chapter 1001: Chapter 1001 Verification

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Not exactly,” Gu Chenglin sighed, shaking his head. “A colleague dragged me into a late-night shift.”

“Actually, I came here today to ask if you can still treat tuberculosis that’s progressed to the point of vomiting blood.”

“Vomiting blood? Tuberculosis typically doesn’t cause vomiting of blood. At most, you’d cough up blood, possibly with blood-tinged phlegm.”

Gu Chenglin was momentarily stunned. “My bad, I’m not as experienced as you,” he admitted sheepishly. “Yes, yes, it’s coughing up blood.”

“In the past, it was difficult to say for sure. But with the invention of penicillin, it’s become completely manageable, even curable,” Gu Chengxi explained. “You need to tell your colleague to come here for quarantine treatment. Otherwise, it could get messy if the entire family gets infected.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll let them know soon,” Gu Chenglin replied absentmindedly before exiting the clinic.

“That kid left without even saying goodbye,” Gu Chengxi muttered after his brother left, resuming his boxing routine.

A sense of unease gnawed at Gu Chenglin. In his mind, Gu Chengrui must have contracted a terminal illness. If it were simply tuberculosis, he could easily treat it himself. It seemed he had been misled again. His cousin was definitely hiding something.

With this thought in mind, he marched straight into the palace.

The morning court session had just concluded, and he seized the opportunity to pull the Emperor aside and confide in him. He couldn’t convince Gu Chengrui himself, but perhaps the Emperor, as their friend, could devise a solution. He couldn’t simply let his cousin sail off without a reason. If something truly happened, the guilt would forever plague him.

“Did you actually witness him vomit blood?” The Emperor inquired with seriousness.

“Absolutely,” Gu Chenglin confirmed with a nod.

Hearing this, the Emperor’s mind began to race. Could it be that Gu Chengrui’s supposed sea voyage was merely a cover for retirement? No, he had to get a clear answer—was his friend truly sick? If so, he would create the ideal treatment environment to facilitate his recovery rather than letting him disappear without a trace.

“Don’t inform your sister about this yet,” the Emperor instructed. “I’ll summon him to the palace myself.”

Following that, he waved his hand dismissively. “Actually, I’ll go to him personally.”

He then proceeded to escort Gu Chenglin to breakfast.

After they finished eating, the Emperor changed into more casual attire and exited the palace along with the guards.

First, he visited various government offices before using the pretext of seeking a meal to visit the Gu residence.

Both Zhou Ying and her husband were stunned upon receiving news of the Emperor’s arrival. They hurried out to greet him.

As soon as he saw them approaching, the Emperor waved his hand dismissively. “There’s no need for formalities. I’m out on official business today, and I specifically came by your residence hoping for a meal.”

“It will be our pleasure to host Your Majesty,” Zhou Ying replied graciously.

“Might Your Majesty have any specific dishes in mind?” Zhou Ying further inquired.

“It’s spring, and the weather is dry,” the Emperor responded. “Please prepare whatever you see fit.”

“Understood. Please wait a moment,” Zhou Ying acknowledged before turning around and departing.

Meanwhile, Gu Chengrui escorted the Emperor back inside. Catching sight of Gu Chenglin following obediently behind them, his heart sank. It seemed certain things could no longer be kept hidden.

After the Emperor took a seat, he observed Gu Chengrui for a moment, his keen eyes detecting an abnormality in his complexion.

Niu Lirong entered to serve tea after a few questions were posed regarding the travel preparations.

“So, what illness have you got?” After hearing that, Gu Chengrui was relieved but still glared at Gu Chenglin.

“Don’t be angry with him,” the Emperor interjected. “He simply came to me out of concern for you both.”

“Then perhaps we should discuss this in the study,” Gu Chengrui suggested, rising from his seat.

“That sounds reasonable,” the Emperor agreed, following him into the study.