Author: Dray

Chapter 26: Humiliation, an aggressive lesson

The usually calm Gu Beiyue now had an ashen face. He was the Head Imperial Physician, the closest man to the emperor’s side. Both in and out of the court, the palace ministers had to pay him their respects. Unfortunately, he was helpless before such an unreasonable and obstinate princess. He had hoped that General Mu could say something on Han Yunxi’s behalf, but the general only stood silently watching from the doorway. 

Han Yunxi didn’t feel like defending herself to the princess, but kept up her questioning, “Then may I ask Princess Changping if you have an arrest warrant?”

If the members of the imperial family committed a crime, the courts of justice dealt with them as well. But to arrest anyone, they needed a warrant. As the wangfei, Han Yunxi fell under the jurisdiction of the empress dowager, who was also responsible for issuing the warrant for her arrest.

“Not right now!” Princess Changping spoke with the assurance of someone with justice on their side.

“So that means I’m not an offender right now, either,” Han Yunxi said, controlling her temper. Princess Changping hemmed and hawed, debating how to reply. Yet Han Yunxi abruptly spoke out. “If you don’t have it right now, then what are you doing here? Hurry up and beat it!”

Without an arrest warrant, what was this princess rampaging about here? Even if Changping was a princess, she was the Qin Wangfei and her senior. Her imperial aunt!

Startled, Princess Changping snatched Han Yunxi’s hand in disbelief. “Han Yunxi, you’re so audacious. You acted fierce and dared to talk to me this way!”

“Why shouldn’t I dare?” Han Yunxi replied, giving her a dark look. As a doctor, what pained her heart most was her treatment being interrupted and her patients being disturbed. As a female, what she hated were women like this, who showed off their status and ordered others about without reason!

Princess Changping was frightened by Han Yunxi’s look and hastily threw her hand off, backing up a couple of steps. What was going on, she was actually scared of this woman? Princess Changping tried to ignore the mysterious dread in her heart. She wouldn’t admit it! She was here to put Han Yunxi in her place, not lose face in the process! In a fit of anger, she started to curse her out.

“Han Yunxi, what are you acting arrogantly for? You’re just a good-for-nothing woman who waltzed yourself into those gates. Do you really think you’ve flown up a branch and became a phoenix? Let me tell you, a good-for-nothing will forever be a good-for-nothing! A sparrow will forever be a sparrow! Even if you think you’re an onion, there’s no need for people to choose you for their dipping sauces! Slut!”

Slut!

Princess Changping put special emphasis on that insult as she pointed a finger towards Han Yunxi’s nose. Han Yunxi’s face turned pale as her hands turned into fists, narrowly resisting the urge to hit someone. Still, she remained calm. This wasn’t the time to stir up trouble, but to save someone’s life. Right now, she was in the role of a doctor.

Within these three days, she’d have to save Mu Qingwu as soon as his poison showed signs of emerging. Nothing else could be allowed to happen. Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself down to speak simply. “Princess Changping, you say I’m a good-for-nothing because I don’t understand the medical arts. Then, may I ask if you do?”

These words were enough to make the princess stutter. “I…I…”

Han Yunxi took another breath. How much patience did she need? For the sake of her patient, she’d risk it all.

“So then, Princess Changping, I’ll have to trouble you to be more respectful with your words. Moreover, this wangfei’s your imperial aunt. Are you supposed to rave and shout at your seniors if you want to show courtesy? I’ll say it one last time. Please leave and refrain from disturbing the patient.”

An imperial aunt truly was senior to a princess, each of whom respected the other. But things were even more different in Tianning Country. Princess Changping’s imperial uncle was the Duke of Qin, and her imperial aunt, the Qin Wangfei. The Duke of Qin couldn’t be compared to a typical royal relative. Even the emperor had to make allowances for him! A wife followed the status of her husband in terms of hierarchy and seniority, so Han Yunxi even had ample rights to punish Princess Changping.

And yet, the princess only gave a loud laugh after her shock. “Im, imperial aunt? Han Yunxi, you’re really bold! My imperial uncle didn’t want you at all, but a shameless woman like you walked into his house yourself! You dare talk about things like the imperial aunt to the princess? You’re even worse than a prostitute!”

Prostitute?

These words made everyone present suck in a cold breath. Before any of them could recover, Han Yunxi suddenly raised her arm and viciously slapped Princess Changping across the cheek. The pah! of impact was loud and bright!

Insufferable and unbearable! Maybe a younger uncle could bear it, but not the imperial aunt! Against a person like Princess Changping, enduring things were useless, explaining things were worthless. If you could take action, forget about words. Han Yunxi had thoroughly exploded!

Princess Changping was slapped silly for a moment, her exquisite white skin sporting a large red mark. Han Yunxi had really hit her hard. Around them both, even the Mu Liuyue tucked away in hiding couldn’t help but gaggle at the sight. Heavens, this woman Han Yunxi…she really dared! Very quickly, Princess Changping recovered and started wailing, her wild hands grabbing for Han Yunxi.

“You slut! You dared to slap the princess!”
“I’ll get you for this! Even mother’s never hit me before, who do you think you are?!”
“Han Yunxi, you despicable criminal, you prostitute!”

……

Han Yunxi expertly caught Princess Changping’s hands and gave her a stern rebuke. “Enough! So young and already full of crude language, how did your mother raise you? What kind of mother was she?”

These words shocked Princess Changping. Heavens, this woman not only dared to hit her, but insult her mother too?

“Han Yunxi, you’re monstrously audacious!” Princess Changping howled, struggling fiercely. But no matter what she did, she couldn’t get free. “Guards! Guards, grab her! Hurry!” 

With this shout, the two guards by her sides were about to come forward when Han Yunxi gave them a ferocious glare. “You dare to apprehend Qin Wangfei? When did you ask permission from His Highness Duke of Qin? Who made you all so bold?”

The Duke of Qin, her husband. This name made for a shining shield wherever it went. The two guards hesitated, and Princess Changping’s spirits sank. “Han Yunxi, let me go or else I’ll tell the emperor!”

With a cold snort, Han Yunxi flung Princess Changping to the side. “Go ahead. I’ll just be waiting here for the Duke of Qin to take me away himself.”

The princess bumped against a side table as tears flooded her face. Her anger made her face turn red. How could she dare look for her father, the emperor? He never agreed to let her marry Mu Qingwu and hated it when she ran off to the general’s estate. Moreover, if news of this really spread to the Duke of Qin, she wasn’t sure it’d work in her favor. Princess Changping covered her face and spoke hatefully, “Han Yunxi, you had the nerve to hit me. I definitely won’t let you off!”

When she was done, she suddenly stomped her feet before running out the door, the two guards and Mu Liuyue hastily following after her. Unexpectedly, they actually shut the door behind them, locking Han Yunxi inside. What kind of pace was this?

“Han Yunxi, just you wait! Just you wait for me!”
“Don’t think about leaving this room even half a step! I’ll definitely make you pay!”

……

Princess Changping’s clamor rose from the outside as Han Yunxi looked gloomily at the locked doors. What was wrong with this time period? Could she even save a person in this state? 

Soon enough, the princess’ voice faded, though it wasn’t clear if she’d left. But at least the room was quieter now. Han Yunxi exhaled slowly as she lowered her darkened eyes. Something complicated flitted across Gu Beiyue’s gaze as he spoke.

“Esteemed wangfei, that slap just then…”

“She deserved it!” Han Yunxi snapped. 

All right, so she was in a bad mood. Who’d be happy with a woman cursing at them? Yes, so she’d walked through the gates herself, but only because she had no choice. She’d never thought of herself as respectable beyond reproach, nor did she want to be the Duke of Qin’s wife. But she still had self-respect and thought herself rather decent–magnanimous with a clear conscience and nothing base about her.

Instead, Gu Beiyue replied, “Esteemed wangfei, that slap was marvelous. But Princess Changping said…that she didn’t have an arrest warrant ‘right now’?”

Slightly stunned, Han Yunxi realized that she overlooked this particular detail between everything else. She glanced nervously towards the door. It couldn’t be that…

For better or for worse, it was something unavoidable. Han Yunxi decided not to think too much and drank a mouthful of water before resuming her bedside vigil. “Imperial Physician Gu, as long as you believe me, it’s enough.” 

She observed Mu Qingwu’s complexion, checked his pulse, measured his temperature, and tested his blood for poisons anew. She was very certain that the poison would appear within three days! All her conclusions she reported to Gu Beiyue–and yet as soon as she finished, someone opened the doors.

The North Court Official from the justice courts spoke up. “Qin Wangfei, this is an arrest warrant certified by the empress dowager herself. You’ve been reported for attempted assassination of the young general Mu Qingwu, so please come with me.”

The people from the justice courts had arrived!

Sure enough, Princess Changping didn’t come empty-handed, but prepared things ahead of time. She’d long planned to lock up Han Yunxi in jail! Only, to have the empress dowager issue her arrest warrant was really a bit too cruel. What was an arrest warrant? It signified that there was substantial evidence to take someone into custody without additional explanation. They’d slowly question her after she was locked up. 

No matter how you put it, Han Yunxi was still the daughter of the empress dowager’s lifesaver. Was the empress dowager this eager to eradicate her and her family? In addition, the justice courts didn’t have proof that Han Yunxi was the assassin, only a wrong conclusion. 

This was clearly abuse of power in the name of avenging personal wrongs!

Gu Beiyue had realized this long ago and couldn’t help but cry out, “Ridiculous!”

Han Yunxi sucked in a deep breath, cool and indifferent. She knew that this was the type of power that couldn’t be moved by a hundred explanations. She understood, too, that to survive peacefully in this world, she had to submit herself and listen to orders, but it just wasn’t something she could learn. Han Yunxi personally pushed aside the doors and walked outside, only to seen the North Court Official standing with Princess Changping, flanked by five or six officers. Ignoring the smug-looking princess, Han Yunxi gave the North Court Official a cold look.

“May I ask the North Court Official what crime this wangfei has committed?”

“You’ve been reported for assassination attempts on the young general Mu Qingwu, lying and cheating the general’s residence, and using treatment as an excuse to poison the young general,” the North Court Official stated in a loud voice, as if these things had really happened.

“A complete setup! North Court Official, I can verify that the esteemed wangfei is innocent. I was involved in the diagnosis as well,” Gu Beiyue was very much for upholding justice. 

The North Court Official’s reply was frigid. “Nothing else needs to be said. This is the empress dowager’s arrest warrant. She’s very concerned about this matter, so you can save the words for the justice courts when you cooperate with us for the investigation. Those who want to give evidence can put them on record at the justice courts as well.”

“North Court Official…” Gu Beiyue wanted to keep explaining, but the North Court Official raised a hand to stop him. 

“Imperial Physician Gu, it’s no use saying more. As a servant of the imperial house, you should clearly understand what an arrest warrant means.”

Gu Beiyue could only close his mouth and look at the taciturn Han Yunxi with her head bowed. His warm gaze was filled with distress. What kind of crime did this woman commit in trying to save a life?! Seeing the disappointment in Han Yunxi’s eyes, Princess Changping and Mu Liuyue felt exceptionally smug. They waited to see her lose hope, throw a fit, and cry out for injustice.

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Chapter 25: Unexpectedly, the patient condition’s changed

Murong Wanru’s words provoked General Mu into a cold smile. “She definitely wouldn’t be reckless, heheh! Someone, take Han Yunxi away!”

Han Yunxi was already willing to go with him, so there was no need for people to force her. Before she could explain, Murong Wanru pulled her back again, speaking sternly. “General Mu, even though Grand Concubine Yi and the Duke of Qin aren’t here, don’t think you can do as you please!”

These words helpfully reminded the general that the two authorities of the estate were both gone, leaving him to do just as he wanted. He took a step forward and pulled Murong Wanru aside to snatch Han Yunxi’s hand. Han Yunxi violently wrenched herself free, voice harsh.

“Enough! I said I’m coming along, so let’s go! What are we dawdling for?”

Although surprised, General Mu was quick to recover. “Then we’ll go!”

Before departing, Han Yunxi gave Murong Wanru a penetrating look, but the girl actually chased them all the way to the gates with her last words. “Sister-in-law, I don’t know when mufei or his lordship will come back, but don’t worry! I’ll speak on your behalf when they do!” Hearing this, General Mu was confident that no one would be able to save Han Yunxi now!

Heheh, Han Yunxi. You’ll have to take responsibility for this to the end!

Han Yunxi didn’t want to hear any more of Murong Wanru’s voice because it made her ears hurt. If there was a chance, the first thing she’d do was to poison her and her white lotus mouth mute!

—

They reached the general’s estate soon enough. The whole way there, Han Yunxi kept thinking, but couldn’t discern where the problem came from. Even after they arrived, she was still certain that her diagnosis had been correct. 

Inside the room, Mu Qingwu’s face was completely flushed, his lips an unnatural shade of red. Han Yunxi took one glance and knew that his fever hadn’t disappeared. She sat by the bed to take his pulse, her pretty brows scrunched so seriously that no one dared approach her. By one side, Gu Beiyue stood watch, not daring to making a sound. After testing the pulse and checking the wound, Han Yunxi asked, “Has he taken the medicine according to my instructions?”

“Esteemed wangfei, even the water was boiled personally by your servant here. There were no mistakes,” Gu Beiyue was very certain as he brought over the leftovers of today’s decoction for Han Yunxi’s inspection. Han Yunxi ascertained it with a glance. Nothing was wrong, and the poison in Mu Qingwu’s body had indeed lessened quite a bit. Though remnants still lingered, they weren’t enough to affect him much. The wound wasn’t inflamed either, but the fever was still there, leaving him delirious…

She lowered her eyes and checked his pulse again. There was nothing out of the ordinary, so why was this happening? For a long time she didn’t speak until General Mu grew angry. 

“Han Yunxi, say something!”

She honestly shook her head. “I can’t be certain, but I can verify that most of the young general’s poison has been dissolved. It’s not because of excessive toxins…”

“I don’t care how much there is, I just wake him to wake up! Right now! Immediately!” General Mu was unusually irascible today. If not for the fact that all his hopes rested on Han Yunxi, he really might’ve killed her. 

And yet, Han Yunxi was even more ferocious as she returned his howls. “I can’t diagnose him when you’re like this! You be quiet!”

Though he was astonished, General Mu soon clenched his hands into fists. Luckily, Gu Beiyue was able to block him in time. “General Mu, please keep calm. It’s not too late to wait until esteemed wangfei’s spoken her piece.”

General Mu still trusted Gu Beiyue, so he exhaled once before relaxing his fists and backing away.

“Esteemed wangfei, if it’s not an issue of too much poison, then there must be another cause?” Gu Beiyue queried thoughtfully. 

No wonder he’s the Head Imperial Physician, he is definitely experienced. Han Yunxi looked at him before nodding resolutely. “Correct. I don’t have the means to figure out what kind of cause it is, but it’s probably existed for a long time.”

A cause that’s existed for a long time?

Gu Beiyue nodded. “Your servant and esteemed wangfei have the same conclusion. Esteemed wangfei, this cause must have been hidden for a long time without ever revealing itself. The young general’s weak health these two days may have been unable to suppress it. Or perhaps, the poison drew it to the surface.”

When she heard those words, Han Yunxi’s eyes brightened. She gave a close look to Gu Beiyue as she came to a realization. “Could it be that there’s a second type of poison in his body…a slow-acting poison?!”

If it was just another illness, she might able to tell by the pulse thanks to his high fever. Han Yunxi could treat poisons but was weak in other areas. Gu Beiyue, however, was skilled enough to determine such differences and had found no such sickness. The only possibility was that Mu Qingwu had contracted a slow-acting poison that was hidden so deep that it was never detected. As a result, the detox system hadn’t picked it up in her scans. Han Yunxi started up the system again, but found no results. It seemed that the levels of this second poison had yet to reach the lowest thresholds of her toxin sensors. 

Even a low level of a poison like that could cause a high fever. If it was allowed to break out completely, how horrific would it be?

What exactly was this poison?

She worried over it quietly. Although there was no way to know now, it was certain that this second poison was a slow-acting agent that caused strong reactions. This was her first time seeing such a toxin in all her years of treating poisons. Faced with such a situation, the only way left was to keep a constant watch over the patient until the poison showed itself. Then, treat the proper acupoints to expel the toxins. If it grew any worse than that, she won’t be able to predict the outcome.

“Slow-acting poison…” Gu Beiyue turned towards General Mu, as if to see what he thought. These types of poisons were very sensitive. Being a victim to one meant that someone had been poisoning Mu Qingwu long-term, perhaps even someone by his side. General Mu’s furious expression suddenly turned severe. Who would dare try such a thing on his treasured son?

But this wasn’t the time to investigate the culprit. He hurriedly asked, “Han Yunxi, what do we do now?”

“Wait,” she said with resolution. “The poison can only be treated after it shows itself.”

General Mu was half convinced, half skeptical. He glanced towards Gu Beiyue, who nodded his head. “I’ll listen to what esteemed wangfei says.”

Wait…

—

Han Yunxi estimated that the poison would react within a day, but towards evening the next day, she could still find no traces of toxins with her sensors. Even using needles to collect blood samples for analyzation produced no results. Gu Beiyue didn’t dare use medicine recklessly, but sought means to bring the fever down. Thankfully, the fever came in and out in stages, or else Mu Qingwu’s brain might have been fried even if he woke up. In the end, Gu Beiyue’s appeals couldn’t hold back General Mu’s temper any longer. He suddenly rushed to the side of the bed, his fist rushing past Han Yunxi’s head to slam against the pillar.

“Han Yunxi, you lied to me again! It was you who poisoned my son! You’re courting death!”

Han Yunxi was completely fearless as she replied with an earnest look. “There’s no doctor who’s right every single time. I can only tell you that at the very latest, the poison will show itself in three days. It definitely won’t be any later than three days!”

“Peh!” General Mu didn’t believe her at all.

“If you don’t believe it, you can find someone else!” Han Yunxi spoke coldly. She was very clear that General Mu had only come to her because there was no one else. 

“At the very least, General Mu, we’ve found the cause of his condition. There’s no harm in waiting one or two days more!” Gu Beiyue advised.

General Mu kept breathing heavily, but seemed to hesitate. Yet right at this moment, someone kicked open the door. Mu Liuyue stepped in with a huff. 

“Han Yunxi, you get out! You lying murderer, you won’t escape today!”

Here was this annoying girl again. Han Yunxi ignored her rambling, but then another fierce and tender voice suddenly spoke up. “Han Yunxi, her highness the princess commands you to come out right now. If you dare touch my Qingwu gege[1], I won’t let you off easy!”

This…Princess Changping!

Mu Qingwu’s most unreasonable, infatuated pursuer was here? It looked like Mu Liuyue had ran off to tattle. Han Yunxi gave Gu Beiyue a worried look, her heart turning dim. This isn’t good.

The hesitant General Mu immediately walked out to give a respectful salute. “This small official has seen Princess Changping before. I didn’t expect to be honored by the presence of the princess, please forgive me for not coming out to meet you.”

“Forget it, General Mu. You really have her highness in your eyes, huh. Qingwu gege’s met with such a calamity but you haven’t told me a peep!” Princess Changping said crossly. Under the gazes of all those present, Changping walked step by step into the room. Gu Beiyue rose to offer his respects.

“Greetings to her highness, the princess.”

Princess Changping strutted past as she waved a hand to dismiss him, coming closer and closer to Han Yunxi. But she made no move and remained sitting. When Princess Changping drew nearer and saw Mu Qingwu, her haughty expression softened. But in an instant it had morphed into something sinister and ruthless as she shoved Han Yunxi. “Slut, you dared to hurt my Qingwu gege!”

Han Yunxi didn’t expect this and narrowly avoided falling to the ground. She couldn’t help but think, What a savage woman!

Immediately afterwards, Mu Qingwu’s little sister Mu Liuyue followed inside, pointing a finger at Han Yunxi. “Princess, that’s the one! She tried to murder my brother with a knife that day! And she lied to my father, saying that she’d cure him! But…sob…big brother still hasn’t woken up!”

Princess Changping flew into a rage. “You useless trash, you dared to treat Qingwu gege? What do you take him as, your test run? Someone, take her into custody!” As soon as she spoke, two attendants from outside the room rushed in. Han Yunxi gave them an icy glare that froze the two guards in place, before speaking in a frosty tone.

“Princess Changping, the patient needs peace and quiet. If there’s anything to say, please do it outside.”

The princess was shocked for a bit before breaking into loud laughter. “Did you all hear what she said? Haha, a useless trash like her can even say these words! I’m going to die from laughter!” So speaking, her voice turned icy. “Han Yunxi, Qingwu gege’s still unconscious. What right do you have to say these things? You’re the assassin, you’re the culprit who tried to hurt Qingwu gege! What are the rest of you dawdling for? Take Han Yunxi to the justice courts for interrogation!”

Princess Changping must have come to find faults today! Han Yunxi abandoned all courtesy in favor of speech. “Since when has Princess Changping replaced the authority of the justice courts to apprehend others? This doesn’t conform with established customs.”

Princess Changping was momentarily thrown, not expected Han Yunxi to speak to her this way. It couldn’t be that the rumors were true, and that this timid woman had completely changed?

“I…I…the justice courts should be honored that the princess is willing to do these things for them!” Princess Changping replied boldly.

“Then Princess Changping should know that one needs evidence to capture someone?” Han Yunxi asked again.

Princess Changping didn’t hesitate at all. “Liuyue and Li Changfeng[2] have eyewitness testimony, Qingwu gege’s proof as well, and…”

Gu Beiyue couldn’t listen any longer and hastily made to interrupt. “Princess Changping, I can vouch that the young general’s on his way to recovery! Why don’t you all go outside? If there’s anything to say, we can wait until Qingwu wakes up.”

Princess Changping narrowed her eyes. “Imperial Physician Gu, you’re not allowed to interrupt the princess when she’s speaking!”

-o-

[1] gege (哥哥) – literally ‘older brother,’ also an intimate form of address for younger females to older males around the same age. (For convenience’s sake, I’ll only be using gege when it appears with certain titles/names; otherwise, ‘older/elder/big brother’ will be used instead.)

[2] Li Changfeng (李长峰) – as a reminder, he was the guard who first discovered Han Yunxi next to Mu Qingwu’s body.

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Chapter 24: It takes backbone to ask for money

Long Feiye’s suspicion filled gaze was quite intimidating, but Han Yunxi had a strong heart and didn’t waver. After staring for a while, Long Feiye recognized the calmness in her eyes and turned to leave. When she was convinced he’d gone, Han Yunxi quickly stood up, feeling bewildered. This guy couldn’t have found the three ingredients she wanted so quickly, right? Exactly what kind of antidote was he looking for?

The Han Yunxi who’d gotten out of the bath was like a lotus blossom appearing just above the water[1], elegant and refined. She was just a touch more ethereal than usual, especially with her clean, clear eyes that resembled icy pools from distant lands of snow. Long Feiye looked at her before walking over, his eyes darkening slightly. He retrieved a bloodstained cloth from the study and said, “This blood has poison, come, have a look.”

The detox system alarms had gone off in her head long ago. Han Yunxi accepted the object and took an experimental sniff. She couldn’t tell anything from the smell, so it didn’t seem to be a commonplace toxin. 

“I can’t tell what it is by odor alone. Help me fetch a bowl of clear water,” she said earnestly. Not that that she needed any–it was just a pretext to get Long Feiye out of the way. This fellow was already so shrewd with his suspicions, it’d be nigh impossible to sneak a blood sample past his eye into her detox system dimension for analysis. When she was treating his poison that night, he’d been heavily wounded and less alert. She had also slipped away into the bedroom to get her needles and medicines.

Long Feiye didn’t understand poisons and left without any argument. When Han Yunxi was sure he’d left, she took out an acupuncture needle and collected a drop of blood from the cloth, before placing it in her detox system for chemical analysis. The results revealed that it was a plant-based poison made from various poisonous flowers. Alone, their effects weren’t very dangerous, but in high enough quantities they turned toxic. Very quickly, Long Feiye returned carrying a bowl of water. Han Yunxi made a show of placing the cloth in the water before dipping her needle in the bloody liquid and taking a sniff.

“This is a flower poison, the Confusion Stupor Fragrance,” she said confidently.

“Make an antidote, I want it now,” Long Feiye said callously. She found his tone of voice highly disagreeable. Did he think she was an antidote-making machine? Gathering her wits together, she extended a graceful hand.

“Sure, just give me 50 taels of silver first for your consultation fee.”

Long Feiye’s eyes flashed in annoyance, but he didn’t budge. This woman was flat out asking him for money? When he stared at her in disgust, Han Yunxi knew that she was making a very dirty deal at the moment. But she really was poor! Her own family hadn’t even given her a copper coin when they married her off. The Duke of Qin’s estate was managed by Grand Concubine Yi, with Murong Wanru helping with the money affairs. Even now, she still hadn’t gotten her monthly stipend, and it was doubtful whether she would get one at all.

Although she could live and eat for free here, things such as buying clothes, paying the servants, going out to manage affairs and collecting ingredients for medicines all needed silver. Even without all of that, money was needed to award the servants. The help in a big household were the snobbiest of all types, who loved to wag their tongues and gossip! A smooth and steady life needed her to placate them and control their mouths first. 

Long Feiye didn’t say much, but tossed a pouch of silver on the table. Just by the sound alone, she could tell it was more than 50 taels. Han Yunxi got the bag, took out 50 taels of silver, and pushed back the rest without hesitation. “Your Lordship, I said I required 50 taels for the consultation fee. You can take back the rest.”

She might be poor but she wasn’t a beggar. She still needed to keep her backbone.

When that was done, she picked up the brush to write out the prescription for the antidote. Her face was just like the time when she treated his poison, conscientious and bright-eyed. That delicate body wordlessly emanated an indescribable charm that beckoned her watchers closer, as if to invite them for a look into her world to see just what kind of woman she was. The displeasure in Long Feiye’s eyes faded away to be replaced by a pondering look as he silently took back the money pouch.

When she was finished writing, Han Yunxi handed over the paper with both hands and asked curiously, “Your highness, have you found those three ingredients yet?”

“Not yet,” Long Feiye only said those two words without any further explanation. Han Yunxi wondered where he got the time to worry about other poisons when he was poisoned himself. Just what kind of person had succumbed to the Confusion Stupor Fragrance? Of course, she only remained wondering. Curiosity killed the cat was a logic she understood all too well.

She thought Long Feiye would leave as soon as he got the prescription, but he actually handed it to his guard, Chu Xifeng, to take care of matters while remaining behind himself. If it were anyone else, they’d be working nonstop until they acquired the antidote ingredients. This fellow only had a 10-day window before the poison acted up again, but he didn’t seem to cherish his life at all.

Fine. Since he was here, she’d just have to sleep in the study again.

Except Long Feiye was walking towards the hot springs, not even turning around as he spoke, “Han Yunxi, get out.”

Seriously? It was the dead of night… Where did he want her to go? If he lowered the curtains, then these bedchambers could be partitioned into multiple rooms. She didn’t mind it so why should he? She caught up to him and suppressed her temper beneath an appeasing smile.

“Your highness, how have you decided to arrange for chenqie’s[2] quarters?” Other wives all got their own courtyards, but an official wife like her didn’t even have a place to sleep.

“Go ask the steward to do it,” Long Feiye was indifferent in his reply.

The steward…

Han Yunxi’s lips twitched. Finding the steward was equivalent to giving Murong Wanru another chance at her. All the affairs in the Duke of Qin’s estate were managed by the grand imperial concubine or her adopted daughter. Long Feiye’s Hibiscus Courtyard was the only place in the household where no one dared to control things, so she’d meet with plenty of difficulties if she left this place. Thinking here, Han Yunxi tried another smile.

“Your highness, you can live in the bedroom while I live in the study. We won’t have to interfere with each other at all, how’s that?”

Long Feiye stopped his steps. He still hadn’t turned to look back, and his voice was as cold as before. “His lordship won’t be used to it. Hurry and get out.”

Even though he saved her life, what a cruel and heartless man!

You won’t be used to it? Your auntie, I’m not used to it, either!

But the house belonged to him. Without a choice, Han Yunxi could only leave, carrying along a lantern as she strolled through the Hibiscus Courtyard. After moving in for two days, she hadn’t even gotten the chance to look around yet. Very quickly, Han Yunxi grasped the particulars of this place. It covered a sizeable area but only contained the main sleeping quarters and a small side building. This building was originally built for the servants, but the Hibiscus Courtyard had no such help.

After checking to see that it was unoccupied, Han Yunxi rejoiced and hung her lantern on the wall. From now on, she could just stay here instead! The first floor could be her study and guest room while she slept in the room upstairs. If this was the modern era, it’d be a single-person apartment. After everything else, Han Yunxi had long forgotten the unhappy events at the general’s house. She carried the 50 taels of silver in her robes, musing over how to furnish her rooms before slowly falling asleep.

—

When daylight broke, Long Feiye had already long disappeared. Han Yunxi wanted to ask after him, but there was nobody else in the Hibiscus Courtyard besides herself. It’d be best if they didn’t meet up. Then they’d wouldn’t have a chance to get sick of each other! 

Very good. He’d live his life while she’d live hers, unfettered and carefree.

Han Yunxi went to move her two dowry chests into the new house. Although they were filled with old things, they were still precious treasure for something who had nothing else. While organizing the items, she discovered a pale purple pouch made from cloth. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was a homemade medical bag, small but filled with all the necessary pockets to allocate different medicines. There was even a special case for acupuncture needles, designed to hold needles of all sorts of sizes. The little pouch was brand new, and a small character for Xin (心) had been sewn in the back right hand corner. Without a doubt, this was something left behind by Lady Tianxin.

It was probably meant for her.

Han Yunxi imagined Lady Tianxin with her round belly, waiting for her child to be born as she sewed the pouch. Her eyes suddenly turned a little red as sadness overtook her heart. After nearly ten months carrying the baby, did Lady Tianxin ever think that a divine doctor like herself would die from a difficult labor? She didn’t even have a chance to see her daughter’s face. For all her aspirations, did she ever imagine her child would become useless trash that was bullied and humiliated in the Han household?

Lady Tianxin, don’t worry. The Han Yunxi of today definitely won’t disappoint you!

Han Yunxi took out a complete set of acupuncture needles from her detox system, along with some commonplace medicines, cotton swabs, gauze and so on, before methodically storing them in the little cloth pouch. From now on, this would be her official medical kit. The detox system she carried around was located in an imperceptible “dimension” that no one else could see. She could take things in and out of it freely, but it’d raise questions if others saw. Modern people would think it was magic, while the ancients might treat it as demon arts or sorcery.

Conveniently enough, this mini medical kit could be her cover while she worked. She placed it in her robes and resolved to carry it on her at all times. 

When everything was organized and put away, Han Yunxi left to purchase some more necessities before making her new house clean and homey. She thought she could have a good sleep afterwards, but trouble came knocking on the door as soon as she lay down.

Mu Qingwu hadn’t woke up, so General Mu came to find her personally!

In disbelief, a shocked Han Yunxi hurried to the receiving hall. Murong Wanru was already there, sitting in the hostess’ seat of honor as she chatted with General Mu. Seeing her enter, General Mu’s temper flared.

“Han Yunxi, you liar! You said Mu Qingwu would wake up, but he still hasn’t opened his eyes! Not only that, his high fever’s back again! Explain yourself or else I won’t be finished with you!”

General Mu had Gu Beiyue overlooking everything. When this happened, even the imperial doctor was at a loss. He couldn’t tell the origin of the illness at all and suggested consulting Han Yunxi again. General Mu didn’t trust Han Yunxi and called in multiple poisons experts instead. Strangely enough, none of them could figure out the cause either. With no other choice, he had to find Han Yunxi again and depend on her.

“Impossible! His poisons were already expelled!” Han Yunxi’s face was a little pale. She refused to believe that she had made a mistake. Murong Wanru had gotten the details of what happened already and hastily rose to her feet. 

“Sister-in-law, when did you ever learn medicine? How come I don’t know?”

Murong Wanru, are you trying to touch a sore spot?[3]

Han Yunxi was too lazy to pay her any attention, but spoke earnestly. “General Mu, I can guarantee that the poison in his stomach has been treated. As to why he’s still unconscious with fever, I’ve never met someone I couldn’t diagnose. Why don’t I go back with you?”

“Hmph, of course you’re coming back with me! I’m telling you, Han Yunxi, if Qingwu doesn’t wake up, I’ll use your life to preserve his!” General Mu’s rage reached to the skies.

Murong Wanru’s face looked both alarmed and stricken. She rushed to pull Han Yunxi behind her back, angrily saying, “General Mu, it was just someone who incidentally saw my sister-in-law pull a knife on him! It was just her trying to wake him and failing! This doesn’t prove anything. Even though my sister-in-law knows nothing about the medical arts, I still believe she wouldn’t act so recklessly!”

Blunt…! 

Murong Wanru, you white lotus[4], can’t you just shut up?!

-o-

[1] lotus blossom appearing just above the water (出水芙蓉) – chushui furong, a saying to depict a beautiful woman, poem, or painting.

[2] chenqie (臣妾) – a humble form of self-address for females equivalent to ‘your subject’ or ‘your servant’. In this case, used by a wife to her husband.

[3] trying to touch a sore spot (哪壶不开提哪壶) – nahu bukai ti nahu, literally “to mention the pot that doesn’t boil”, or to talk about someone’s weak point.

[4] white lotus (白莲花) – bai lianhua, refers to a woman who is two-faced.

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Chapter 23: Suspicions without evidence

Ever since childhood, Mu Liuyue had been the precious treasure of General Mu’s house. She was also best friends with Princess Changping and was doted on by the empress and empress dowager. Although she was only a simple young Miss, the capital called her Princess Changping the Second. Even the imperial concubines had to make allowances for her.

What kind of person was this Han Yunxi?!

Just a Qin Wangfei with the title and no power to back it up. She couldn’t even be compared with a servant of the Qin household, but she really thought something of herself. Would she stay put just because she was told to? Han Yunxi didn’t seem to have heard at all. Mu Liuyue’s temper flared as she hurried to catch up, a hand grabbing Han Yunxi. There was no telling if she meant it, but her long nails dug painfully into the other woman’s flesh.

“Did you manage to wake my brother?” Mu Liuyue asked insufferably.

General Mu came out the door, voice cold as he saw the scene. “Liuyue, let her go. Your brother will wake up very soon.”

“So you’re saying he still hasn’t woken up?” Mu Liuyue found it inconceivable. “Father, you really believe her?”

Han Yunxi really felt pained by the dragging fingernails and looked back with a ruthless pair of phoenix-shaped eyes. “Let go!”

“No! She can’t leave until my brother wakes up!” Mu Liuyue refused to release her. Instead, Han Yunxi reached out to pinch two acupoints on Mu Liuyue’s wrist, immediately causing her hand to go limp so she could ruthlessly shake her off. 

“You don’t have the right to restrict this wangfei’s freedom!” She left as soon as she finished speaking. Mu Liuyue was thrown to the ground. Furious, she got up and prepared to give chase, but General Mu held her back. 

“Enough! She wouldn’t dare tell lies.”

Mu Liuyue wasn’t content at all. She wasn’t satisfied that Han Yunxi had left before her brother had woken up, or that the woman had acted like the Qin Wangfei despite that she was. She ran forward a few steps to yell after her, “Han Yunxi, I’m warning you! If my brother doesn’t wake up, I definitely won’t forgive you! Neither will Princess Changping!”

Princess Changping…

This princess was the pearl in the empress and empress dowager’s palm. Her personality was a hundred times more spoiled that Mu Liuyue, and she’d stuck to Mu Qingwu’s side ever since she was young. More or less, she and Mu Qingwu could be considered fresh green plums and horse under bamboo, a man and woman who had affections for each other since childhood[1]. Everyone in the royal family knew of her aspirations to marry Mu Qingwu one day. Too bad the empress and emperor objected to the match, so they hadn’t moved to sanction the marriage.

If she found out that Mu Qingwu was in trouble, Heavens only knew what would happen next!

Han Yunxi heard Mu Liuyue’s warning, but she didn’t take it to heart. Who cared about this Princess Changping or Duanping[2]? She’d never failed in the medical field before, and when it came to poisons, the detox system wouldn’t make a mistake either. After expunging the poison, she’d scanned him again to ascertain that Mu Qingwu’s poison had diminished to a point where it wouldn’t hurt his health. His temperature had started to drop as well, so he’d probably recover consciousness soon.

As long as Mu Qingwu woke up, it’d prove that she had held no murderous intentions. Even the Jade Emperor and Lao Zi[3] wouldn’t be able to do anything to her then! As she left the gates of the general’s house, Han Yunxi gave a long sigh, finally free of this troublesome business. On the carriage ride home, she treated the whip injury again, minimizing its bindings while covering up the wound with a tied handkerchief to hide it from view. She still had to see Grand Concubine Yi and report on the proceedings at court. Yet as soon as she entered the gates, she was told that the grand imperial concubine had left for her western estate and wouldn’t return for a few days.

Did she want to avoid the house that Murong Wanru had dirtied? Thinking of this, Han Yunxi couldn’t help but snort with laughter. 

Perfect. Without Grand Concubine Yi at home, her life would be easier. When a new official took office, they applied strict new measures for everyone to follow, but it was far harder for one to attend to a new mother-in-law. Han Yunxi could admit that she wasn’t a good daughter-in-law, so it’d be best if her esteemed elder never came back. 

When Murong Wanru went out the door, the first thing she saw was Han Yunxi laughing, causing her to break out in anger. After this woman left with the Duke of Qin, Grand Concubine Yi had hurried away too, leaving orders for the steward to replace everything in the rooms and renovate the entire place. She’d given her such a cold shoulder! Murong Wanru had sat in her own filth and yelled until her voice turned hoarse, but no one had paid her any attention. Crestfallen, she’d been forced to walk out on her own and run all the way back to her rooms. When news of her diarrhea spread to all the household help, none of them dared to laugh in her face. But Murong Wanru was sure they were all laughing behind her back.

So vexing, so frustrating! Just thinking of it made her want to cry and seeing Han Yunxi only made her angrier. She didn’t know that Han Yunxi’s poison skills were so refined so thought that she’d used the wrong poison instead. In any case, everything was this woman’s fault! Seeing Han Yunxi look her way, Murong Wanru finally hid her temper.

“Mufei went to rest at a different house and won’t be back for several days. If sister-in-law misses mufei, I can take you to see her anytime. If sister-in-law wishes to eat anything, you can tell me as well. I’ll tell the kitchens to prepare it for you.”

She’d take her there? She’d tell the kitchens? Han Yunxi plastered a smile on her face that wasn’t a smile at all. Why did this woman sound like she owned the place every time she talked to her? It made her seem like a guest instead of the family’s new daughter-in-law. 

Murong Wanru walked down the steps to ask, “Sister-in-law, where is my elder brother?” With such a tone, she made it sound as if Long Feiye belonged to her and had no relations with Han Yunxi.

“He didn’t come back with me. I don’t know where he’s gone, either.” When facing someone she disliked, Han Yunxi didn’t want to speak one extra word. She was already taking large strides towards the main courtyard. Murong Wanru actually caught up with her running steps, intimately taking Han Yunxi’s hand. 

“Sister-in-law, did my brother last night, with you, really…”

Han Yunxi stopped walking and worked her hand free, raising an eyebrow. “Real? Fake? Do you have any objections?”

Murong Wanru was all astonishment as she hastily grabbed Han Yunxi’s hand again. “Sister-in-law, what are you saying? Have you misunderstood? Although my elder brother wasn’t happy to wed you, you still entered through our gates. I understand my brother’s type best, so I’m only asking for your sake. If he’s treating you coldly, tell me and I’ll back you up.”

Faker. For her to pretend like this even without anyone watching truly made her an exceptional white lotus[4].

“I was just joking. Why are you so nervous?” Han Yunxi teased.

“Sister-in-law, you can’t make casual jokes like these, you’ll scare me! I haven’t even had time to be happy for your sake! I’m hoping for the day when you’ll carry a little son for elder brother in your stomach,” Murong Wanru explained in a rush.

“Is that so? Heheh, I’m hoping for the day when you’ll marry a good husband and have children of your own. You care for me so much that I’ll definitely take great pains to arrange your marriage well,” Han Yunxi smiled, jabbing Murong Wanru’s weak point with one sentence. Seeing the latter’s face turn rigid greatly improved her mood. “Don’t worry. When your brother returns, I’ll talk to him about it.” An elder brother could hold the power of a father in a household, especially for a man like Long Feiye.

“Sister-in-law, I actually…” Murong Wanru began to explain, but Han Yunxi stopped her.

“It’s fine. I’m tired, so you go off and busy yourself.” She walked off a long way before turning back to add, “Miss Murong, last night we…it was real! So don’t worry about it!”

Murong Wanru came to a sudden stop, finally unable to control herself. Her pitiful little face suddenly turned savage and terrible as her hands curled into fists. Coldly she muttered, “Han Yunxi, there’ll finally come a day when you’re chased out of the Duke of Qin’s gates!”

—

Han Yunxi originally thought that it’d take Long Feiye a few days to find the antidote ingredients. Yet as soon as she bathed in the hot springs that night, Long Feiye came in.

“Ah…you, wait a second!”

Han Yunxi’s exclamation didn’t deter Long Feiye’s footsteps the slightest. He appeared out of a void before the hot spring, dressed completely in a black that set off his perfect body like the night. His form embodied the mysterious qualities of a cheetah: grave and stern, stately and majestic, radiating with inviolable aggression.

Compared to him, Han Yunxi’s picturesque scene of a beauty leaving the bath was completely eclipsed. The shocked Han Yunxi sank beneath the water until only her head was showing, feeling both irritated and cross. “Long Feiye, what’s the meaning of this? You…you, get out!”

Although she’d married this man, her heart hadn’t married anyone. Men and women should keep their distance, didn’t he understand that? In any case, if he wasn’t going to treat her as his wife and take responsibility, couldn’t he act better and avoid taboos? 

Han Yunxi was already very nervous, but quickly found that her anxiety was only wishful thinking. Long Feiye wasn’t interested in taking advantage of her. In fact, he didn’t treat this as an issue at all. Aloof and indifferent, his voice was as cold as always.

“I brought a sample of a poison. Make me an antidote because I need it urgently.”

An assassin had clearly taken advantage of him before, but his attitude was still so lofty and cold. Han Yunxi suddenly felt like a servant who had offended her master. Come on…Long Feiye’s clearly the one in the wrong!

She finally calmed down enough to give a slight cough and reply. “We’ll speak when I get out. Can you leave for a moment?”

Long Feiye’s face was expressionless, but he silently turned to leave. Han Yunxi finally relaxed, but then he unexpectedly turned back. Out of reflex, Han Yunxi sank beneath the water again, this time even hiding her head. Seeing this, Long Feiye wasn’t startled, but a thread of doubt crept into his gaze. Wasn’t this woman supposed to be daring?

A little thing like this could scare her?

“Han Yunxi!” he called out.

Han Yunxi resurfaced in the pool, wiping water off her face as she cried, “Are you leaving or not?!”

Long Feiye was slightly surprised. No one had ever dared to shout at him before, but she was the first. He didn’t leave, but stood by the water’s edge with his hands clasped behind his back. “Aren’t you the useless trash of the Han Family? Where did you learn to treat poisons?”

Last night, Long Feiye had sent men to investigate this woman. Unfortunately, the results of their search matched the rumors outside. She was the most useless scion in Han Family history. Moreover, none of the so-called medical geniuses in the Han Family were poison experts.

“Can you let me out first before asking questions?” Han Yunxi said word-by-word as she suppressed her temper.

“No,” Long Feiye replied.

Fine. Han Yunxi could sense that this man was suspicious and was now trying to threaten her. If she didn’t talk, he wouldn’t let her get out. She pretended to have no choice and heaved a sigh. “My father felt that I was the one who killed my mother, so he’s always hated me. Every time he’d saw me, it was like meeting his sworn enemy. Add that to my ugly looks, and he gave me the cold shoulder.” As she spoke, Han Yunxi lowered her head in distress.

“Actually, I’m not useless trash. They just refused to teach me. When I was young, I discovered my mother’s medical books and taught myself in secret. I only mastered my skills recently. The truth was, the tumor on my face was actually poison too but I treated it myself. I was afraid that my father would forbid me from learning medical arts if he discovered I’d found my mother’s book, so I never told anyone else.”

Long Feiye half-doubted, half-believed her. Just as he was preparing to ask for details, Han Yunxi added, “I’ve already burned all the medical books because I’ve learned them all.” When she was finished, she looked up to meet Long Feiye’s eyes. By pushing everything onto the late Lady Tianxin, there was no way to validate her claims. Even if Long Feiye didn’t believe her, he wouldn’t be able to find any contrary clues. 

Long Feiye didn’t speak, but his ice-cold eyes seemed to see right through her…

-o-

[1] man and woman who had affections for each other since childhood (青梅竹马) – qingmei zhuma, literally green plums with bamboo and horse, symbols to represent a woman and man in their youth.

[2] Princess Changping or Duanping (长平公主短平公主) changping gongzhu duanping gongzhu, a joke that works better in Chinese. Chang means ‘long’ while Duan means ‘short peace.’ In other words, Han Yunxi cares neither for the long nor short of it.

[3] Jade Emperor and Lao Zi (天皇老子) – tianhuang laozi, two important figures in the pantheon of Chinese deities. The Jade Emperor rules over Heaven, while Lao Zi was the founder of Daoism that later ascended to the Heavens.

[4] white lotus (白莲花) – bai lian hua, colloquial for a two-faced woman.

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Chapter 22: Counterattack, using needles on the acupoints

Seeing Gu Beiyue’s grave expression, General Mu was startled. His son’s life was the most important thing to him. Gu Beiyue was the Head Imperial Physician who looked after the emperor’s own health, so of course his words were trustworthy. Mu Liuyue just wouldn’t believe Han Yunxi. She was ready to send her off to the justice courts immediately and began to make a scene.

“If I say no, then it’s no!” 

General Mu suddenly spoke up. “Liuyue, step aside!”

“Father!” Mu Liuyue was reluctant.

“Step aside!” General Mu was getting angry.

Mu Liuyue finally took a single step aside while keeping her vise grip on Gu Beiyue’s hand. Abruptly, the doctor shook her off, astonishing all the onlookers while he quickly slipped back into the room. His quick departure was followed by an even faster return, with an ashen face and solemn expression. In his hands were two needles, dyed pitch-black for all to see.

Poison! Hypertoxic poison!

General Mu was stunned enough to leap out of his chair. “He’s really poisoned?”

Mu Liuyue was in disbelief as well, shaking her head as if dumbstruck. But very quickly, she recovered with a face full of suspicion. “Han Yunxi, it’s your poison, right? Otherwise, how would you know how to treat it?”

Han Yunxi was seriously sick of looking at this stupid woman, she got up. “If you waste any more time, I won’t know either!” They’d delayed for so long and she didn’t even have the antidote on hand. Things were really troublesome now.

“Han Yunxi, I’ll trust you this once. Hurry up and follow me!” General Mu’s worry about his son was enough to make his heart burn. He led the way himself.

Han Yunxi expelled a restless breath and accidentally caught a glimpse of Imperial Physician Gu’s imposing brow. She couldn’t help but have a good impression of this fellow. While everyone else was distracted, she took the chance to take out some medicines and supplementary materials from her detox system. Though the crowd had no idea where she’d gotten these things from, everyone was too busy to ask.

“Imperial Physician Gu and General Mu can stay. Everyone else should leave and not disturb me,” Han Yunxi said as she undid Mu Qingwu’s white robes.

The crowd sensibly stepped back, but an irate Mu Liuyue not only stayed put, but moved to block Han Yunxi’s sight while covering her own eyes. Even she didn’t dare look at her brother’s bare form, yet this Han Yunxi was actually this shameless!

“Han Yunxi, you better wake him up. Or else I won’t forgive you,” Mu Liuyue warned her icily.

Han Yunxi could bear it no longer. As soon as she was about to lose her temper, General Mu beat her to it with a shout. “Damned girl, stop interfering and get out!”

Startled, Mu Liuyue felt tears streaming down her face. Father was yelling at her like this? He’d never gotten mad at her before, but now he was so ferocious. The furious girl shook aside her hands and dashed out the room. Han Yunxi felt her breath relax as she refocused on finding the acupoints again. She sterilized her dagger over a flame before carefully making an incision. Most of the things stored in her detox system were herbal plants, acupuncture needles, cotton swabs, and so on. She didn’t have any surgical tools. Her movements with the knife were simple and crude, but with a person’s life at stake she’d had to make the best of it. The longer they delayed, the more dangerous things would get. Injected poison like this was more troublesome than usual toxins. The deeper a poison was in the body, the harder to get it out. 

As soon as she cut into the skin of the stomach, fresh blood flowed out, shocking General Mu who trembled with fear. He couldn’t help but cry out. “Han Yunxi, you!”

Unfortunately, Han Yunxi was too absorbed in her work to pay him any attention. With his son’s life in her hands, General Mu didn’t dare to do anything no matter how irascible he felt. He could only ask Gu Beiyue in a low voice, “Is it fine that she’s sliced open his stomach?”

Actually, Gu Beiyue wasn’t sure either, but seeing Han Yunxi concentrating with such an intent expression reminded him of her mother, Lady Tianxin[1]. They had an excellent likeness when practicing their art.

He was older than Han Yunxi by four years. When he was four years old, his father took him to a consultation of doctors where he was lucky to see Lady Tianxin. In truth, he’d saw Han Yunxi then as well, though she was still in her mother’s womb. Remembering this, a warm smile crept onto Gu Beiyue’s lips. “Shh…don’t disturb her.”

Very quickly, Han Yunxi withdrew a blackened needle from the depths of the bloody cut. Seeing this, General Mu was in disbelief. Gu Beiyue’s pupils gazed on in approval. Following this, a second blackened needle was retrieved. The movement of her hand split open the whip injury on her arm, which started to bleed again. But Han Yunxi was completely oblivious as she focused on her patient. Gu Beiyue promptly decided to go over with some medicine and cotton. He bent over to apply the cotton to her cut, but Han Yunxi gave him a look.

“Don’t hinder…”

“I promise I won’t get in your way. Trust me,” Gu Beiyue interrupted her softly.

Han Yunxi wanted to refuse until she saw Gu Beiyue’s warm eyes. Her heart trembled in surprise. She didn’t expect that there were still people left on this world with such a clean and penetrating gaze, even purer than an infant’s. She couldn’t help but wonder exactly what kind of man he was.

Drat, Han Yunxi discovered that she’d gotten distracted again. Her eyes abruptly turned cold. “Stop this, you’ve already hindered my progress!”

But Gu Beiyue didn’t stop. Instead, his other hand moved Han Yunxi’s head until she was looking at Mu Qingwu. “Just keep going. I said I won’t get in your way, so I won’t.”

Han Yunxi wasn’t in a mood to argue, but privately decided to push him aside as soon as he became a nuisance. As it turned out, something unexpected happened. Though her arm was in constant motion, Gu Beiyue followed each movement as he gently cleaned her wound and applied medicine. His actions were not only nimble but extremely meticulous and gentle. The most crucial detail was that he really didn’t get in her way.

Though her expression was blank, Han Yunxi admired him from the bottom of her heart. Looks like he wasn’t just fishing for fame or compliments. These skills of his were far from ordinary. She entrusted her arm to Gu Beiyue and concentrated her attention back onto the task at hand, not even realizing when he finished binding up her cut. After retrieving the poison needles, Han Yunxi didn’t immediately sew up the knife wound. Instead, she stuck more needles into various acupoints to force the toxins out. Gu Beiyue sucked in a breath as soon as he saw her skills in acupuncture, mesmerized by the sight.

Leaving aside the beauty of her technique, he didn’t even fully see the acupoints she’d chosen for her needles or know their names. Soon enough, the area around the wound was filled with needles. A layman wouldn’t be able to tell anything beyond the dense mass of needles, but experts in the field understand that these needles carried a vast branch of knowledge. As needles were added to the skin, more and more black blood oozed out, enough to stain three cloths’ worth. It didn’t seem like the poisoned blood showed any signs of stopping, but Han Yunxi removed her needles and started filling in the injury with medicinal ingredients.

“Esteemed wangfei, isn’t there still poison left in the blood?” Gu Beiyue asked abruptly. In truth, he hadn’t seen enough of Han Yunxi’s acupuncture skills yet.

As before, Han Yunxi ignored any and all questions as she continued to work. Without the appropriate tools, she could only use the might of Chinese medicine to help. Fortunately, her incision wasn’t very deep, so she filled the wound with layer after layer of various drugs to diminish inflammation, suppress poison, stop blood flow, and bind the muscle, finally adding a layer of white gauze to fix everything in place. 

After stabilizing the wound, Han Yunxi finally let out a breath, wiping off a thin layer of sweat from her brow. Only then did she answer Gu Beiyue’s question. “If he keeps bleeding like this, he’ll die from blood loss instead of poison. This is the most basic general knowledge, don’t you understand?”

Gu Beiyue’s face turned red before he broke into a soft smile, but he didn’t make any move to defend himself. Since childhood, he’d been praised as a genius, but now a woman had washed her hands of him. Han Yunxi was even younger than he was. Which part of her was useless trash? She should be the real genius here. Yet General Mu was unhappy. Coldly he asked, “If you do this, what do we do about the poison in his body?”

“Fortunately, we made it in time. It didn’t reach his internal organs, so I used some drugs to hold it back. He can’t bleed anymore, nor can anyone move him for the next few days. It’ll be troublesome if his injury’s disturbed.” As she spoke, Han Yunxi wrote out a prescription and handed over to Gu Beiyue. “Can you get these ingredients for me?”

The list of ingredients wasn’t as rare as the one she’d given to the Duke of Qin. She remembered that the ancient books had mentioned these plants as common medicinal plants. Sure enough, Gu Beiyue gave a glance before replying, “Yes. I can buy them from the herbal medicine shop. The White Cassia Hall[2] should have some. Esteemed wangfei, please wait while I order someone to get them.”

Han Yunxi didn’t exactly write a prescription for expelling poisons, but dissolving them. Mu Qingwue couldn’t bleed anymore, so he could only take medicine to break down the poison in his body. Though this method was slower, it was the only one left for him. Han Yunxi wasn’t going to wait here for that, though. If she didn’t return home, it’d be hard to explain things to Grand Concubine Yi.

“I’m not going to wait. Take two to three servings of these ingredients and boil them together once, then have him take it twice a day on an empty stomach for ten times,” she instructed carefully. In a flash, the Head Imperial Physician Gu Beiyue had turned into a fledgling servant of a medicine house. His lips quirked into a smile without his realization.

Meanwhile, General Mu wasn’t satisfied with this at all. “Han Yunxi, what did you say? You’re not waiting?”

His loud voice nearly blasted her ears clean off. She turned to face him, keeping her temper in check. “General Mu, the poison’s basically been dispelled. What’s left in his body shouldn’t affect him too much. I can guarantee that after the young general’s fever ends, he’ll wake up. At the earliest, it’ll be tomorrow morning; at the latest, tomorrow evening.”

“I’m not concerned with so many details. In any case, you’re still under suspicion before Qingwu wakes up, so don’t even think about leaving!” General Mu’s tone was both potent and savage.

Han Yunxi sucked in a cold breath. “General Mu, Grand Concubine Yi has been waiting to ask after me when I return. If you want to have me stay, then I’ll need to trouble you to send someone to the Duke of Qin’s estate with a letter, along with a clear explanation of today’s events. I think she’ll be clear on whether I came to save someone or murder them today!”

Although Han Yunxi disliked Grand Concubine Yi, she didn’t mind taking advantage of her status at critical moments like these. She’d already saved Mu Qingwu and was certain he’d wake up soon. If General Mu went to the Duke of Qin’s estate, he’d have trouble explaining himself to Grand Concubine Yi when Mu Qingwu did wake. 

Though she was an unfavored wife, even Grand Concubine Yi had said she was now the representative for the Duke of Qin. She couldn’t lose face for them. Han Yunxi was certain that if news really did reach the grand imperial concubine, things wouldn’t go easy for General Mu. 

Though the general was a bit uncivilized, he still had a head on his shoulders. He was very clear that Grand Concubine Yi was an even more unreasonable woman than the empress dowager. Right now, he didn’t even have enough evidence to build a strong case. After some hesitation, General Mu finally relented.

“Forget it, I’ll believe you this time.”

Han Yunxi exhaled her troubled breath before opening the door herself and stepping outside. Who knew that the first thing she’d see was Mu Liuyue’s hateful glare?

“Big brother woke up?” she asked suspiciously.

Han Yunxi didn’t even want to look at such a tedious and unreasonable woman, much less use her energy to explain. She completely ignored Mu Liuyue and walked past her.

“Han Yunxi, you stop right there!” Mu Liuyue flew into a rage.

-o-

[1] Lady Tianxi (天心夫人) – tianxin furen. Tian means ‘sky, the Heavens,’ and xin means ‘heart.’[2] White Cassia Hall (白决明宫) – bai jueming gong, most likely the name of the shop.

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Chapter 21: The useless trash speaks for herself

Attempted murder?

“Hold it, what kind of eyes are you using to see me murder your young general?” Han Yunxi asked angrily. Even the ancients like to smear the motivations of people with good intentions?

Li Changfeng kicked the dagger on the ground into his hands, voice cold, “All of us saw with our own two eyes. Woman, I don’t care who sent you, but prepare for death!”

They’d already detained the anxious driver, who wanted to reveal his mistress’ identity but found the timing inappropriate. Instead he shouted, “Mistake, it’s a misunderstanding! We just passed by and saw the young general on the ground, so my mistress wanted to save him. She has no ill intentions, the real culprit’s run off long ago.”

Li Changfeng raised his eyebrows at Han Yunxi and gave a snort. “If you were going to save him, why use a dagger? Who are you trying to fool? Someone grab her.”

“I used the dagger to save him. A poison needle’s struck him deep inside. If it isn’t recovered, the consequences won’t be something a guard like you can bear.” Han Yunxi said seriously, intimidating all those present.

Li Changfeng hesitated slightly. Four hours ago, the young general had chased an enemy spy into this area and disappeared. As to what happened exactly, nobody knew. He glanced at the dagger in his hand but dared not risk it. This was really something he couldn’t handle. 

“Stop with your nonsense. Take her to the house, we’ll clear up any misunderstandings with the general himself!” Li Changfeng lifted Mu Qingwu in his arms and hastily walked away.

“You’ll regret it!” Han Yunxi shouted. That damned man, how dare he move Mu Qingwu after he’d been poisoned? It’d only speed up the circulation of toxins into his organs. Fine, she’d go to the general’s estate. It wouldn’t do to fear them when she’d done nothing wrong. Would an upright place like that make her confess to false charges under torture? 

As it turned out, she’d overestimated the Mu House. All the members of the Mu family had joined the military. They were rough and blunt, more apt to use their hands than their mouths. When Mu Qingwu was delivered to his rooms, a summoned imperial physician hurried after him. Han Yunxi and the driver were left in the middle of the hall, where General Mu and his thick eyebrows, big eyes, and beard, glared at them. He pointed a finger at Han Yunxi. “Speak, who sent you?!”

Who sent her?

Did she look like an assassin or enemy agent? She didn’t even resist when they brought her here. This blockhead was going to drive Mu Qingwu to his death sooner or later. Han Yunxi kept calm without losing her temper. “I’ll say this for the last time. I was just a passerby who wanted to save him. The young general’s been poisoned and his situation is urgent. If he’s not treated now, the effects will be too ghastly to imagine.”

“What a joke. I’ve seen plenty of women like you before. You dare argue against conclusive evidence?” As General Mu spoke, he walked closer and closer to Han Yunxi, noisily flicking his whip so that the people around them quaked with fear. Han Yunxi kept a serious, steady gaze and stood there fearlessly, cold eyes unyieldingly boring into General Mu’s own. It was the first time the general had met such a bold woman. But so what?

“I’ll see if you keep up your lies!” He raised his whip and snapped it right at her.

Han Yunxi didn’t dodge. She knew she couldn’t avoid it, so she bore the brunt of a lash harsh enough to rip the skin off her arm. Yet her eyebrows didn’t even twitch as she stared at him.

“You’ll regret it!”

“I’ll make you regret it first!” General Mu said, lashing her again. Right then, Li Changfeng escorted Imperial Physician Gu back into the hall. Imperial Physician Gu Beiyue[1] was a young man just over 20 years old, but he was head of all the other court physicians. He didn’t wear the complicated robes of the Imperial Physician Courtyard, but clean and simple white robes. Refined and cultivated, he had a serene face that exuded warmth even when he didn’t smile. He was a doctor that looked more like a scholar.

General Mu gave Han Yunxi a hateful glare before hurrying to Gu Beiyue’s side, rough and boorish. “Hurry and tell me, is my son well?”

“He’s fallen into a coma with a constant high fever. I’ll need to observe him for two more days,” Gu Beiyue said with a slight frown, as if considering something.

“But what’s the matter with him? He was perfectly all right until he fainted! Tell me now!” General Mu had a deafening roar as if he might eat Gu Beiyue up. 

Though the general controlled the military, Gu Beiyue was a second-rank official and the emperor’s personal physician. No matter how he felt, General Mu couldn’t just yell at him. Gu Beiyue looked obviously helpless but didn’t press the issue. Instead, he spoke as earnestly as before.

“He has no injuries or pains. His pulse is normal as well. That’s why I’m puzzled and requested two days for further observation.” Gu Beiyue was the head of all the imperial physicians. If this was his diagnosis, there was no need to invite any of the rest. General Mu was both irritated and unhappy.

“All right, give Imperial Physician Gu the guest room, he’ll stay here for the next two days.”

Right at this moment, Han Yunxi laughed out loud. “What a joke! A joke as big as the Heavens! An impressive head physician like you can’t even tell he’s been poisoned. If you observe him for two more days, I guarantee you’re helping Mu Qingwu into his grave.” 

The entire area fell silent at these words. Everyone stared at Han Yunxi. What exactly…had this woman said? Gu Beiyue looked over as well, finally noticing Han Yunxi for the first time. He suspected it was poison as well, but didn’t speak because he was uncertain. 

“You! You dare to curse my son!” General Mu had an explosive temper, charging over with the intention to whip her. 

But the carriage driver couldn’t hold back anymore. “General Mu, you can’t afford to hit her! She’s the Qin Wangfei!” he cried.

Ah?

Qin Wangfei?

General Mu’s whip hovered in the air, never managing to land. The entire room was in shock. How could this be? 

“What did you say?” Now the general was shouting at the driver.

“Esteemed general, this is the Qin Wangfei. This morning she just went with his highness the Duke of Qin to pay respects to the court. We saw the young general lying on the road on our way back. Esteemed Wangfei absolutely did not plot to kill the young general! Please use clear judgment, esteemed general!” the driver cried. Afraid that they wouldn’t believe him, he pulled out the Duke of Qin’s entry gate plate to prove it. How would he explain things back home if someone hit the Wangfei?

When the crowd saw the identifying plate from the Duke of Qin’s residence, they had no choice but to believe him. Then they noticed the injury on her arm. One by one, their expressions turned complicated. So this woman was the useless trash of the Han Family, the one who alighted from the wedding sedan by herself…Qin Wangfei Han Yunxi?

Han Yunxi didn’t want to reveal her identity so abruptly. The status of a Wangfei gave her plenty of privileges, but plenty of restrictions as well–especially an unrecognized Wangfei like herself. It was better to be subtle. But since the driver revealed everything, these people should behave themselves, right?

Who knew that General Mu’s whip would violently lash out as before? Though it didn’t touch her body, it gave her a sizable scare.

“So what if it’s the Qin Wangfei? Deliberate murder of the young general is still a capital offence! Speak, who was it that sent you?” General Mu’s face was flushed with hate, making him look like a demon. If someone dared to hurt his precious son, he’d explode at them regardless of the Qin Wangfei or even the Duke of Qin himself. Moreover, this woman wasn’t favored by the duke. He didn’t even appear for his wedding day, so she had no real clout. With an empty title like that, who feared her?

Han Yunxi couldn’t help such an unforeseen thing. But neither did she dwell on it. When she met General Mu’s furious gaze, her voice was cool. “I don’t want to waste words with you. I’ll say it one last time. Your son has been poisoned. If you don’t treat the toxin within two hours, I can promise that even immortals won’t be able to save his life!”

“Hahahah!” General Mu laughed loudly. “Listen to this! Did you all hear what she said? Even the useless trash of the Han Family knows how to diagnose illnesses now? More like the sun’s going to rise from the west!”

General Mu smiled as he glanced towards Gu Beiyue. “Imperial Physician Gu, you heard her talk. Her diagnosis is completely different from yours. A useless trash and the head physician, whose words should I heed?” These words were full of mockery that stirred the entire hall into laughter. Yet Gu Beiyue didn’t laugh when he looked at Han Yunxi. His eyebrows knitted slightly as if thinking of something. Very quickly, General Mu stopped laughing.

“Someone take this woman away! When the young general wakes up, we’ll let the courts of justice decide her punishment!”

Han Yunxi couldn’t bear it anymore. She turned back with a fierce glare, enough to awe the approaching guards into backing away a few paces. These people were squandering Mu Qingwu’s life! She stared viciously at General Mu before simply taking a seat.

“Imperial Physician Gu, you should examine two cun up from the young general’s navel, specifically the Profound Spirit and Obscure Serenity acupoints[2]. Use a needle to test for poison and you’ll see whether or not I’m lying.”

And yet a woman wearing light yellow robes walked in, with pretty features and an arrogant gaze. She was the same woman who shot the dart that knocked off Han Yunxi’s veil on her wedding day, General Mu’s daughter Mu Liuyue. Like countless other females in the capital, she’d hoped that no one would ever marry the Duke of Qin. Even if she couldn’t marry him herself, she wouldn’t allow another woman to do so in her place.

A useless trash like Han Yunxi not only stole him away, but was now here to plot against her elder brother. She’d never let her off! As soon as Mu Liuyue walked in, she grabbed General Mu’s hand and gave Han Yunxi a provoked glance.

“Father, hurry up and send her to the courts. Everyone saw her trying to hurt elder brother with a dagger! Why are you bothering to talk nonsense with her? What can a useless trash know about the medical arts?”

Han Yunxi couldn’t remember how she’d slighted this lady, but she felt her hostile enmity. Her head seemed on the verge of exploding as she mentally calculated the time. Mu Qingwu’s poison would reach his internal organs very soon. Naturally, General Mu didn’t trust her, so he just yelled at the guards.

“Are you guys just rice buckets? Hurry and take her again!” 

“Hold it!” At this point, Gu Beiyue suddenly called out. 

He knew about the Profound Spirit and Obscure Serenity acupoints. They weren’t just ordinary acupressure points because no one beyond adepts in the field would have heard of such names, much less know their locations. Two cun above the navel, and yet Han Yunxi was the one who marked them out precisely. In addition, these two acupoints were extremely sensitive to poisons affecting the internal organs. It really was the best place to test for them.

If Han Yunxi knew this, then it meant she wasn’t useless trash. Though her words might be doubtful, Gu Beiyue had been debating whether or not Mu Qingwu was poisoned. His skills at detoxifying poisons were weak so he couldn’t make a wild diagnosis. Right now it wouldn’t hurt to trust Han Yunxi once.

“General Mu, the esteemed Wangfei speaks reasonably. I’ll go try it right now,” Gu Beiyue said in a rush.

Mu Liuyue savagely blocked his way. “You can’t go, Imperial Physician Gu! Who doesn’t know she’s the trash of the Han Family? What would she understand about acupoints or poisons? It’s a joke!”

“Young Miss, with a person’s life at stake time is of the essence, especially if there’s poison. Please don’t make trouble,” Gu Beiyue replied seriously.

-o-

[1] Gu Beiyue (顾北月) – Gu is a surname also meaning to ‘turn around and look at,’ Beiyue means ‘north moon.’

[2] Profound Spirit and Obscure Serenity acupoints (玄灵, 冥幽 穴) – xuanling, mingyou mai, literal translations of acupoint names.

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Chapter 20: Urgent rescue

As the carriage turned into an alley, it soon drew to a stop. The driver spoke in surprise. “Esteemed Wangfei, there’s trouble ahead. A person’s lying on the ground. I say…we should take a detour.”

Han Yunxi lifted the curtains and saw a young man in blue robes sprawled on the ground. She couldn’t see his face, but noticed that he was trying to reach a hand towards them as if asking for help. Her natural instincts as a doctor, combined with her sensitive nature, had her immediately jumping out of the carriage. As a physician, she knew the difference between life and death might depend on one thought. Though the driver tried to stop her, he failed and ended up following after her instead.

“Esteemed Wangfei, don’t bother with matters that don’t concern you. What if he’s a criminal?” the driver shouted. “Esteemed Wangfei, today’s the second day of your marriage! Grand Concubine Yi’s waiting for you! Let’s just…” Helpless, the driver stopped pleading. As she drew closer to the blue-robed youth, an alarm went off in Han Yunxi’s head. There was poison here–and it was hypertoxic. She immediately flipped the person over, revealing a clean and pretty face with the cultivated aura of a young lord.

“S…save…” His face was ashen white and his lips were turning purple. It was hard for him to even speak before he finally fainted. The driver hurried over and recognized the man in alarm. “Esteemed Wangfei, t-this…this is General Mu’s young son, General Mu Qingwu!”

Mu Qingwu?

Han Yunxi’s memories knew this man. He was Tianning Country’s bravest and most skilled young general and General Mu’s only heir. Within the country, he was a man of blunt speech, who openly admonished others. Courageous and prudent, he was also serious and cool-headed, immune to flattery with his righteousness. Rumors had it that he went out to battle in place of his father three times to defeat Northern Li Country, spreading dread and admiration amongst their military officials.

Why had such an outstanding figure fainted from poison in this alley?

Han Yunxi didn’t have time to worry about details. She immediately activated her detoxification system and set about to help him. Very soon, she turned sober upon realizing this toxin was similar to Long Feiye’s snake poison. Its records existed in her detox system, but she lacked the ingredients to cure it. She lamented the fact that no one was around to give her a system upgrade.

All right, that was asking for too much…

After the dextox system completed a thorough scan, it determined the site of the injury as a highly poisoned area on his abdomen. Immediate action was required if she wanted to fully expunge the toxins; otherwise, delays would only make things more difficult. Han Yunxi didn’t think much before undoing Mu Qingwu’s clothes. When the driver saw, he was shocked. “Esteemed Wangfei, y-you, what are you doing?!”

“Shut up! Turn and stand watch, don’t let anyone get close,” Han Yunxi said coldly, a fiendish temper in her eyes. She wouldn’t tolerate any insubordination. After prying apart his robes, Han Yunxi found no wound on his stomach. However, the detoxification system wouldn’t make a mistake. She initiated another scan that confirmed the location again.

Her careful eyes looked over the area while pressing down on the stomach as her expression quickly turned into amazement. It was a poisoned needle that had buried itself deep into the flesh, perhaps even penetrating the internal organs. Someone who could use needles to this extent wasn’t just ruthless, but most likely a poisons expert! It was viable that there was a plot against Mu Qingwu.

Poison that reached the internal organs would spread within the body with each passing day. At first, the victim would only show high fevers but no sign of illness. When the organs began to fester, even an immortal would be hard pressed to keep their lives on this earth. The poison needle had to be extracted before toxins seeped into the organs!

Han Yunxi intentionally made pressing motions against Mu Qingwu’s stomach with no success. Deciding quickly, she withdrew a small dagger and precisely made a cut along his side. But right at this moment, a group of soldiers rushed down the alley to surround her. At their head was Mu Qingwu’s personal guard Li Changfeng[1], who saw the dagger in Han Yunxi’s hand and rushed to kick it aside.

“Attempted murder of the young general! Men, seize her!”

-o-

[1] Li Changfeng (李长峰) – Li is the surname, also meaning ‘plum’, Changfeng could mean “long peak, long summit.”

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Chapter 19: Formula for the antidote

The empress dowager held the drop of red cloth in one hand and Han Yunxi’s hand with the other. Her reaction was frighteningly cold. Now it was Han Yunxi’s turn to take pleasure in their misfortune. The sight of the blood made her heart glad. When she stole a peek at Long Feiye, she caught his deep eyes looking back. Somehow, the sight filled her with panic as she quickly looked away as the tips of her ears turned hot. 

In the silent room, Long Feiye stood up to speak. “Imperial mother, erchen[1] still has some urgent matters so I’ll be taking my leave. I’ll come visit another day.” Now that he was finished paying his respects and showing the blood, he was naturally ready to go. If one woman was enough to vex him, imagine how much a crowd of them could do?

Seeing him leave, Han Yunxi made to rise as well, but the empress dowager suddenly tightened her grip on her hand so much that it felt like her bones were breaking. How painful! And yet at that moment, Long Feiye turned to elegantly knit his brows.

“Han Yunxi, you’re still not leaving?”

Boohoo…and here she thought he was going to abandon her, how terrifying. She immediately used all her strength to throw aside the empress dowager’s hand.

“Imperial Mother, we still have urgent matters so we’ll be taking our leave until next time.” As she spoke, her footsteps took her to Long Feiye’s side before the empress dowager could drag her back. Staying here by herself was akin to being eaten alive until her bones were gone. 

The empress dowager lightly dropped the handkerchief and put on an affable smile. “Then hurry and go, don’t delay.”

Long Feiye didn’t bother to turn his head. Seeing this, Han Yunxi’s courage grew. She treated the empress dowager’s words as wind blowing past her ears and compliantly followed behind him straight out the door. As the most revered man, the Duke of Qin really was different! Being the Qin Wangfei[2], she couldn’t lose face for him. Thinking this far, Han Yunxi straightened her back some more and mused that following this fellow really was refreshing! She might have been happy, but as soon as they were far away, the empress dowager was angry enough to sweep a teacup off the table.

“That Han Yunxi, what a shrew!” 

—

The two trips to pay respects both went smoothly, putting Han Yunxi in a good mood. She had lots of positive thoughts for Long Feiye. However, as soon as they were back in the carriage, his first question was, “You can give me the formula for the antidote now, right?”

Formula for the antidote?

The cheerful Han Yunxi finally realized that everything that happened today was the result of their deal. He helped her with her problems so she could help him with his poison. How could this guy really want to protect her? Seeing Long Feiye’s expressionless, ice-cold face, Han Yunxi could only sigh inwardly. Of course, she shouldn’t be deluded by his looks.

“There’s only three components: summer zi, autumn zi, and winter zi[3], the more the better. When you get them, give it to me for mixing. Remember, you only have 10 days. After that, it’s possible the poison will act up again.” Han Yunxi said frankly. Long Feiye only nodded his head in silence before getting out of the carriage. He wasn’t coming back with her?

“Hey!” Han Yunxi hurried out after him, but he was already gone. There was only the driver left. She shrugged her shoulders and looked at him. “Let’s go back, then.”

She leaned lazily inside the carriage, half lost in thought, half looking out the curtained windows to the flourishing capital outside. Since Long Feiye had acknowledged her, her life in the Duke of Qin’s household shouldn’t be too difficult now. As long as Grand Concubine Yi couldn’t get a handle on her, nothing should happen.

It would be best to live in peace with each other. If they didn’t trouble her, she’d be content being a figurehead wangfei that caused no difficulties. There were things she wanted to do, too. She’d researched many methods of detoxifying poisons through traditional Chinese medicine but ran into obstacles in the modern world. Many formulas and plants were long gone, but the past had plenty of things for her to study and store in her detox system containment space. 

Han Yunxi was the naturally optimistic type. At this moment, she felt that life was beautiful.

-o-

[1] erchen (儿臣) – equivalent to “your subject” or “your servant”, a self-deferential way of referring to oneself for males.

[2] Wangfei (王妃) – his official wife in name and in title, his duchess to his duke, his married partner, etc. Higher status than any concubine.

[3] summer/autumn/winter zi (紫夏, 紫秋, 紫冬) – zixia, ziqiu, zidong, possibly names of plants, however the only match I could find is autumn zi, which was okra. Zi means “purple”.

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Chapter 18: Most respected man

Han Yunxi expected that Long Feiye would face difficulties answering the empress dowager’s questions, but his reply was casual and easy.

“I was too busy to go yesterday. It’s fine since the bride entered through the doors.”

Such a simple explanation, being ‘too busy’…does that really count? Han Yunxi could clearly sense the empress dowager’s fingers turn stiff as the crowd around them fell silent. She suspected that a storm was about to break upon them all. 

Unexpectedly, the empress dowager only turned thoughtful for a bit before giving Long Feiye a displeased glance. Her tone was strange when she spoke again. “I understand you’re busy, but you shouldn’t give your new bride the cold shoulder.”

Long Feiye’s expression remained as before: a lonely block of ice with no anger that harbored an impressive might. The empress dowager patted Han Yunxi’s hand.

“In the coming days, if he slights you again, come to the palace and complain to me. Your Imperial Mother will back you up, understand?”

Han Yunxi obediently nodded her head, but her heart was shaken. Everyone said that even the emperor had to give some way to the Duke of Qin. She never expected the empress dowager to be the same. This man was too revered! Right at this moment, the old mama delivered up the handkerchief.

“Esteemed empress dowager, here is the drop of red on the handkerchief, please take a look.” The relaxed atmosphere suddenly grew tense at these words. Countless eyes looked over, waiting for the empress dowager to take the cloth. To be more precise, they were all waiting to laugh at Han Yunxi’s expense.

So what if Han Yunxi was a beauty? The empress dowager paired her up with the Duke of Qin who was forced by the emperor to take her as his wife. For the Duke of Qin to bring his new bride here to pay respects was already giving emperor and empress dowager lots of face. Most likely, Han Yunxi hadn’t even slept on the same bed as him during their wedding night. 

The people sitting up front intentionally leaned forward, while the ones in the back stood up, each and every one taking pleasure at her impending misfortune. There were even people placing bets between themselves: would Han Yunxi admit she wasn’t a virgin, or that the Duke of Qin refused to bestow favor on her? With such a good show waiting, everyone was excited. In contrast, the empress dowager wasn’t hasty to check the handkerchief at all, but affectionately grasped Han Yunxi’s hand, speaking in a low voice.

“Don’t be shy. You’re going to be an adult now, so you should try your best to help the Duke of Qin grow a new branch with fresh leaves.”

 “Yes, that’s the most important thing. Imperial mother, I don’t think there’s any need to check it. The Duke of Qin’s household is as pure as jade and chaste as ice, there’s definitely no mistake!” one of the bolder concubines exclaimed.

“The Han Family is a household of the world. Their upbringing is strict, so definitely nothing would have happened.”

“That’s right, that’s right. See how shy the new bride looks. We should just take away the handkerchief. How could there be anything wrong with the person chosen by your highness the Duke of Qin?”

……

The group of concubines took turns saying their part, seemingly out of goodwill. But their tongues hid needles as they raised Han Yunxi higher and higher, all the better to watch her fall and shatter. Han Yunxi lowered her head as if seemingly shy, secretly thinking that these imperial harem women really must be bored out of their minds. 

The empress dowager smiled at the crowd of people and said laughingly, “There’s no need for you to say it. I know there’ll definitely be a drop of red on this handkerchief, but this inspection’s a matter of course passed down from our ancestors. It’s essential.” Her smile was especially happy and affectionate as she plucked up the handkerchief, showing it for all the world to see.

Red!

A fresh red stain!

“Ahh…!” it wasn’t clear who shrieked in the crowd below, but a sudden uproar took over the room. Nobody could hide their surprise! 

How was it possible? The Duke of Qin bestowed favor on this woman last night? This was the most highly respected his highness the Duke of Qin, the same Duke of Qin that never showed interest in women, the one who stood out to the crowd as an immortal amongst men!

What did Han Yunxi count for?!

The concubines that had spoken of her before were now all mute and speechless from disbelief. It was as if someone had slapped their mouths. They were all waiting to see how much of a joke Han Yunxi would be, and how the empress dowager would punish the Han Family! The medical family of Han had failed to cure the crown prince’s illness for so many years that the empress dowager had long forgotten the kindness they’d given her in the past. She was preparing to ruin them.

Who knew that Han Yunxi had really become the Duke of Qin’s woman!

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Chapter 17: The close & intimate empress dowager

Before getting onto the carriage, Han Yunxi took an antidote. The common antidotes and poisons she always carried along were especially useful today. The ancients were actually quite vicious with their poisons. A majority of modern toxins were man-made, but ancient poisons came from things like flowers or plant stems. 

She sat in the same carriage as his highness, the Duke of Qin on the way to the palace while he kept his eyes closed, allowing Han Yunxi to unconsciously steal peeks at him. A better look at this man made her realize his face was even prettier than last night. This was especially true when he was calm, because then he resembled the statue of some reverent and untouchable god. A drop of red on the handkerchief might not have meant much to him, but it decided the course of her entire life. Although they’d made a deal beforehand, Han Yunxi was still grateful from the bottom of her heart.

She, of course, had no idea of the betting pools placed around her final fate within the palace. Many people lost their money because of her, so she’d offended quite a few parties. Originally, she thought they were just going to see the empress dowager, but she spotted a room full of people–specifically women–as soon as they arrived. Though the place was quiet, there were still pairs of cold eyes looking her way like a host of arrows in scorn, disdain, contempt and resentment.

A glare couldn’t kill a person, but it could certainly scare them to death.

Han Yunxi sighed a little in her heart. What, exactly, had she done wrong to be so disliked? The Duke of Qin was also the imperial uncle. As his official wife, Han Yunxi became the empress dowager’s daughter-in-law. For the empress dowager’s sisters-in-law, to say nothing of the emperor’s own wives and offspring, it was protocol to pay respects when they saw her.

What were these people looking at? It wasn’t like she was ugly, so go and stare all you’d like!

Under the gaze of the crowd, Han Yunxi didn’t falter. She raised her chin up high, elevated and elegant as she walked easily by Long Feiye’s side. Her devastatingly good looks and refined bearing combined with her boundless intellectual brilliance to settle on her body, making her a very suitable match for Long Feiye. It was as if they were a couple crafted by the Heavens themselves. The more the crowd watched, the more their gazes seemed to shift–from stunned stares to admiring ones. 

A confident woman is always the most beautiful one.

The room was quite big so it took them some time to reach the raised seats at the end. Seeing the empress dowager, Han Yunxi realized how young Grand Concubine Yi really was. This woman already had a head of white hair and exuded an affable, aristocratic aura. Next to her sat the empress, a woman around thirty-years old filled with stately poise. Together, the two woman emanated an awe-inspiring aura that showcased their impressive strength to the entire imperial harem.

“Erchen[1] wishes good health for the Imperial Mother and 10,000 blessings for Elder Sister-in-Law,” Long Feiye greeted them formally.

Han Yunxi rose to follow. “Chenqie[1] wishes good health for the Imperial Mother and 10,000 blessings for Elder Sister-in-Law.”

“As long as you two can be a good couple, I will have good health! Hurry and rise–someone, bring over some seats!” the empress dowager was in a good mood as she smiled kindly.

As soon as they straightened, the concubines flanking both sides behind them all stood up to pay their respects. “We wish peace for your highness, the Duke of Qin and 10,000 blessings for Qin Wangfei[3].” 

The importance of men showed itself now. The reputation of the wife rested on that of her husband, wouldn’t you say? Han Yunxi was preparing to sit down when the empress dowager called on her.

“Yunxi, hurry and come over, let me have a good look at you!”

With such an intimate address, Han Yunxi finally remembered that it was her mother who once saved the empress dowager’s life. That was the reason she was arranged to marry Long Feiye. Except, respected Empress Dowager, was it really appropriate for you to play matchmaker between your savior’s daughter and your enemy’s son? Everyone knew you had the most vicious struggles with Grand Concubine Yi. And now, because the Han Family couldn’t figure out a way to cure the crown prince’s illness, you were aiming to ruin their family. It was already obvious that you returned kindness with enmity, hate for love, so why put on such false pretenses?

Han Yunxi didn’t get too close, but the empress dowager actually pulled her over to sit by her side, joyfully looking her over before sighing with emotion. “Tsktsktsk, look at this radiant beauty, what’s so ugly about this pretty person? What sorts of evil creatures called you unattractive? If we ever find out, I won’t let them off easily!”

“When we met in your youth, you had a scar there, didn’t you?” the empress wondered out loud.

“Is that so? Why don’t I remember such a thing? There’s no telling what a girl will look like when she grows up! Her mother was a stunning beauty; otherwise, would I have arranged such a marriage with the Duke of Qin?” the empress dowager said earnestly. Hearing this, the tactful empress kept her mouth shut.

Now the empress dowager was turning to look at Long Feiye. “Duke of Qin, I haven’t cheated you with such a beautiful woman. I heard you didn’t kick the sedan chair door yesterday? Did something happen?”

Ah…Han Yunxi suddenly discovered that coming to court for greetings could give Long Feiye his share of troubles as well.

-o-

[1] erchen (儿臣) – equivalent to “your subject” or “your servant”, a self-deferential way of referring to oneself for males.

[2] chenqie (臣妾) – the female equivalent of erchen.

[3] Wangfei (王妃) – his official wife in name and in title, his duchess to his duke, his married partner, etc. Higher status than any concubine.

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