Confusion
The governor was speechless.
As she recalled the scene where she had used a green bamboo stick to kill the assassin, she found it difficult to believe. Her eyes drifted to the crystal-green bamboo ornament atop her head.
The material, resembling jade but not quite, was thin and long. The tip wasn't sharp, yet the assassin who had suddenly lunged at her had collapsed, dead on the spot. That alone proved its incredible sharpness.
Now, as she examined the bamboo piece, its jade-like luster remained untouched—no trace of blood. But even from a distance, she could sense its deadly power.
Governor Yu's mood darkened as he thought of the old prince who had died in the palace.
On the other side, inside a carriage, Mu Zhao was feeling rather dissatisfied after working tirelessly through the night.
"Huaizhi, those Xichuan assassins struck so suddenly. I doubt they had been lurking for just a day or two. The timing of their attack was unexpected, and their methods were truly difficult to guard against."
Mu Zhao rubbed his forehead, recalling the assassins Mingdao and Mingjian from earlier. He sighed.
"The issue of the Xichuan assassins is not something we can handle in haste."
After all, assassination attempts had become a routine part of his life.
"But the most pressing matter now is the death of the old prince. I need to submit a memorial to His Majesty as soon as possible."
Lu Qian sighed. "You don't need to worry about that. I'll write the memorandum myself. It's already late—go home and rest. Tomorrow morning, we must leave the city to visit the refugees."
Mu Zhao nodded. Later, when he finally returned to his quarters, bathed, and sat down, it was already deep into the night.
Just then, Changqing entered with a tense expression. Without a word, he knelt in front of Mu Zhao.
"My lord, today was a failure on my part. I did not detect the assassin in time, and you were put in danger."
Mu Zhao sighed helplessly. "I'm not some fragile porcelain doll. You didn't notice them, and neither did I—so what's there to blame yourself for? Assassins are elusive and unpredictable. They hadn't appeared in the past six months, so it's only natural that our guard was slightly lowered."
Changqing still blamed himself. "Did you use your internal energy, my lord? Doctor Fang once warned that you must not use it recklessly, or it will aggravate your internal injuries."
Mu Zhao paused for a moment before replying, "No."
Changqing looked at him suspiciously. Was the prince lying to him?
Sensing his subordinate's doubt, Mu Zhao chuckled. "I really didn't. In fact, I should be thanking Miss Yu for her help."
Had it not been for Miss Yu pressing on his fingers and influencing his pulse, his internal energy might have surged out uncontrollably. Instead, she had somehow dissipated it without him even realizing it.
Doctors were truly remarkable—despite lacking brute strength, they could strike at a person's most vulnerable points with just a touch, even deciding between life and death.
Changqing let out a relieved sigh. "Since the prince will be leaving the city tomorrow to tend to the refugees, extra precautions must be taken. I've already spoken with Doctor Fang—he will accompany you outside the city."
Mu Zhao frowned. "Is that really necessary?"
Changqing remained firm.
Seeing his subordinate's unwavering expression, Mu Zhao relented with a sigh. "Fine. What has the young master been up to today?"
A strange look flickered across Changqing's face. "The young master attended a bird gathering, spending the entire day drinking tea and admiring birds with a group of wealthy idlers."
Mu Zhao nodded, asking no further questions.
After Changqing left, Mu Zhao lay down. However, as soon as he closed his eyes, a small, expressionless face kept appearing in his mind.
He turned over, sat up, and pressed his fingers to his own pulse. After a long pause, he muttered, "Can this method really dissipate internal energy so effortlessly?"
---
Meanwhile, Yu Linlang didn't sleep well either.
The next morning, after breakfast, she kept sighing.
Jiujin and Baliang, two of her attendants, found her sitting at the table, rolling medicinal pills. She wasn't joking around—she looked genuinely troubled, which made the scene almost comical.
"Miss, are you making poison pills to wipe out the entire Jade Guest family?" Jiujin asked cautiously.
Yu Linlang sighed again and continued rolling the pills without responding.
By lunchtime, the two girls couldn't hold back anymore. They pulled their stools closer and sat beside her.
"Miss, what's the matter?"
Yu Linlang sighed once more. "This has nothing to do with me, but should I give it to him or not?"
She tossed a black medicinal pill into a bottle.
Seeing her deep in thought, Baliang suppressed a smile. "Are you dealing with a difficult case?"
"I accidentally took his pulse yesterday. My intuition was correct—he won't live past this winter."
The two girls exchanged glances and waited for her to continue.
However, Yu Linlang remained silent.
"Miss, what are you thinking?"
Yu Linlang sighed yet again, her expression troubled.
"If I ignore it, he won't survive the winter. But if I intervene… do you think Governor Yu will still be able to help the refugees outside the city?"
Jiujin shook her head. "That governor doesn't seem particularly capable. He's only been holding onto his position because no one else wants it."
"So what do you think?"
"What do I think? If Miss is willing, then save him! After all, the prince's illness must be one of the rarest cases in the world, right?"
Yu Linlang nodded. "Indeed. When I took his pulse today, I discovered not only severe internal injuries but also traces of a rare poison." She frowned. "I've only ever read about this poison in ancient texts. I still don't know why he was poisoned in the first place."
"If you make the pills for the prince…" Baliang asked hesitantly.
"Then at the very least, he'll make it through this winter."
Jiujin slapped the table. "Then treat him!"
"You love taking on difficult cases. Isn't this the perfect opportunity? You'd regret it if you let this one go!"
Yu Linlang looked at them. "Do you think it's the right decision?"
"Of course! If you ignore such an interesting case, could you even sleep tonight?"
"It's doable—definitely doable!" Jiujin grabbed the medicine bottle. "I'll deliver it for you later."
"You barely slept last night, tossing and turning. Wasn't it because of this?"
"Ridiculous!" Yu Linlang waved her hand dismissively. "I was just annoyed by the governor. I don't want to see him today or tomorrow."
So irritating! Why did he always drag her along in everything?
Just then, an urgent voice called from outside.
"Miss~~!"
Baliang scowled, opening the door. "Who's making such a fuss—"
Before she could finish, an elderly woman, Hu Laozi, walked in with a cheerful expression.
"No, no, no! The eldest young master has returned from the academy and brought back a wealth of fine fabrics. The old madam asked all the young ladies to come choose some. Miss, you should go quickly—you haven't met our eldest young master yet, have you?"
Oh, so the Huo family's eldest son had returned.