The Double

Doctor Zhang suddenly retracted his hand and stood up. He dared not even glance at Princess Yongning, and with his head lowered, hesitated to speak, his voice trembling, "Your Highness, I, I may have made a mistake. Your Highness may wish to seek another expert to find out the real cause."

The more he spoke, the more doubts arose in Princess Yongning’s heart. She said, "In the Imperial Medical Bureau, you are the only one I trust. Doctor Zhang, tell me what is truly going on; otherwise, I will hold you accountable for deception!"

Doctor Zhang was startled and immediately knelt down. Despite his age, his voice was filled with uncontrollable panic, as if he was about to burst into tears the next moment. He begged, "Spare my life, Your Highness! Spare my life! Your Highness... you might be pregnant!"

Pregnant! The news struck her like a clap of thunder, leaving Princess Yongning shocked and almost unable to collect her thoughts.

"How dare you utter such nonsense in front of Your Highness! Take him away!" Mei Xiang reacted swiftly and commanded immediately.

"I dare not speak nonsense, please spare my life, Your Highness!" Doctor Zhang continuously kowtowed, his voice becoming increasingly plaintive.

Princess Yongning frowned, as if she finally grasped the meaning of his words; she looked at Doctor Zhang and suddenly asked, "Is what you say true?"

Doctor Zhang hastily responded, "I dare not speak nonsense."

"Considering the time, how long has it been now?" Princess Yongning inquired.

Doctor Zhang, drenched in a cold sweat, yet not daring to disregard Princess Yongning’s question, answered, "It should be just over a month."