The following days were relatively peaceful for Qiao Zhao, except for her daily visits to Marquis Guanjun’s residence to perform acupuncture on Shao Mingyuan. All her remaining time at home was devoted to studying that poisoned fang.

The dark circles under her eyes grew deeper day by day. After one acupuncture session, Shao Mingyuan finally couldn’t help but ask, “Miss Li, have you encountered any troubles recently?”

“Not at all.” Qiao Zhao was momentarily puzzled by his question.

“But you look like you haven’t been sleeping well.”

Qiao Zhao smiled dismissively, “General Shao has forgotten—I’m researching that poisoned fang.”

Shao Mingyuan’s gaze fell on the heavy, dark circles under Qiao Zhao’s eyes. After a moment’s hesitation, he said, “Miss Li, perhaps you should try to forget about those matters. There’s no need to concern yourself with any poisoned fang, or any mastermind behind the scenes—”

He wanted to say that these affairs had nothing to do with a young lady like her, but meeting the girl’s dark, penetrating eyes, the remaining words stuck in his throat.

Qiao Zhao smiled.

She could indeed ignore it all. The disaster at Sparse Shadow Nunnery had made her an unfortunate small fry, purely a matter of bad luck being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But she couldn’t forget the fierce look in that killer’s eyes, nor could she forget the caring attention the abbesses at Sparse Shadow Nunnery had shown her. Within the scope of her abilities, she had to try to do something, or else those heart-stopping days in the mountains would have been for nothing.

Moreover, she didn’t know when there would be another opportunity for the Jia Feng journey, and the clues about eldest brother’s poisoning had led to Lady Lan, the wife of Earl Mu’en, but she still lacked concrete evidence. In her spare time, she could no longer spend her days like an ordinary girl appreciating flowers and playing the qin.

“General Shao is also investigating, isn’t he? I hope I can be of help to you.”

Shao Mingyuan was stunned, his heart stirring slightly.

Miss Li wanted to help him?

Speaking of it, the attack on Master Wumei had nothing to do with him either. His decision to quietly investigate was purely because he happened to encounter it, driven by his habit of wanting to control everything. It would be better if he could uncover some inside information, but it wouldn’t matter if he couldn’t.

But Miss Li’s intention to help him—this sentiment he truly appreciated. Yet he had no way to repay her.

Thinking of this, Shao Mingyuan could only smile bitterly.

“Regardless, you must still rest on schedule, otherwise—”

Qiao Zhao looked at him expectantly.

Shao Mingyuan’s expression remained unchanged as he smiled, “Otherwise, uncle will worry.”

Though he didn’t understand why his uncle had suddenly become so close to Miss Li, his uncle’s concern for Miss Li was genuine and evident.

“General Shao, please don’t worry. I’ll be careful. I’ve already made some progress. In a few more days, I might be able to analyze the source of the poison.”

The poisons in this world either came from plants and trees, were extracted from birds and beasts, or were refined from earth and stones—broadly speaking, these three categories.

Each category had its common toxic substances, all specifically recorded in poison manuals. This way, analyzing what poison was used in the fang was mainly a matter of experience and time.

She had no shortage of experience, and she had time as well, so she was confident she could figure it out.

“In any case, don’t be anxious. Take your time—your health is most important.”

“I understand.” Qiao Zhao gave Shao Mingyuan a meaningful look with a half-smile.

Shao Mingyuan felt somewhat embarrassed under that gaze and changed the subject, “Miss Li, did you know that Shixi joined the Imperial Guard a few days ago?”

If the Jinlin Guards were feared and detested by all, then the Imperial Guard was a position many aspired to. Most members of the Imperial Guard came from good family backgrounds among the nobility.

Qiao Zhao wasn’t surprised that Chi Can had joined the Imperial Guard and smiled, “That place is indeed suitable for Big Brother Chi.”

Shao Mingyuan seemed to want to say something, but hesitated.

Chi Can had dragged them out for drinks many times recently, and someone normally so unrestrained hadn’t mentioned a word about why, though he vaguely guessed it must be related to Miss Li.

However, as an outsider, he could only observe from the sidelines—he had no interest in playing matchmaker.

Seeing that Shao Mingyuan tactfully didn’t pursue the topic further, Qiao Zhao was fairly satisfied. After chatting casually for a bit more, she took her leave.

The coachman was someone Shao Mingyuan had temporarily assigned.

On the road, Binglu propped her chin and sighed, “Miss, did you ask General Shao when Chen Guang will recover?”

Chen Guang had been seriously injured and was recuperating at Marquis Guanjun’s residence after coming down from the mountain.

“I asked. About half a month more.”

“Another half month—” Binglu frowned and deliberately raised her voice, “But the current coachman’s driving skills are so poor. Not as fast as Chen Guang’s driving, not as steady as Chen Guang’s driving, and unlike Chen Guang, he doesn’t even know how to sing…”

The little coachman outside, gripping the whip, thought: This is too much! Everything else aside, since when did Chen Guang’s singing become an advantage? Simply unbearable!

“Giddyup—” The little coachman fiercely cracked the whip.

Binglu’s body swayed in the carriage as she complained, “Miss, see? This new coachman’s driving skills are so poor!”

Qiao Zhao laughed softly and comforted her, “Don’t worry. Once Chen Guang recovers, I’ll have him report for duty immediately.”

It seemed her little maid’s spring had arrived.

After another seven or eight days, Qiao Zhao’s research finally yielded results.

“Binglu, accompany me to the General’s residence.”

“Miss, didn’t you already go today?” Binglu was somewhat surprised.

Qiao Zhao didn’t explain further, “There’s business.”

“Oh,” Binglu asked no more questions. She fetched the outer garments and served Qiao Zhao as she changed, then the master and servant hurried to Marquis Guanjun’s residence.

At that moment, Shao Mingyuan was playing chess with Qiao Mo.

Qiao Mo smiled, “I didn’t expect the Marquis to be quite accomplished in the way of chess.”

“Don’t tease me, uncle. With my level, I can only accompany you to pass the time.”

“Zhaozhao’s chess skills are better than mine,” Qiao Mo suddenly said.

Shao Mingyuan paused, unsure which “Zhaozhao” Qiao Mo was referring to.

Qiao Mo lowered his eyes and placed a piece, seemingly casually remarking, “Both are better than mine.”

Shao Mingyuan fell silent.

It wouldn’t be appropriate for him to discuss Miss Li, and discussing Qiao Zhao would only bring up his uncle’s painful memories—what would be the point?

Qiao Mo seemed oblivious to Shao Mingyuan’s silence and said offhandedly, “Actually, Miss Li is very similar to my eldest daughter. If the Marquis had interacted with my eldest daughter, you would know.”

Shao Mingyuan pressed his thin lips tightly together, his slender fingers holding the chess piece, showing white knuckles.

What was Uncle’s intention in saying these things?

“General, Miss Li has arrived,” a personal guard came to report.

Shao Mingyuan glanced at Qiao Mo and nodded to the guard, “Please escort Miss Li over.”

Soon Qiao Zhao arrived. Because her research of many days had finally yielded results, her brows and eyes were full of smiles, and even her greeting carried a cheerful tone, “General Shao, Big Brother.”

Shao Mingyuan stood up, “Miss Li is here to see Uncle, right? I happen to have some matters to handle, so I’ll go to the study first.”

“No, I’m here to see General Shao.” Miss Qiao frowned.

This person was quite clever, usually—why had he become so dense today? Her returning after already leaving meant the poisoned fang matter had results.

“What business does Miss Li have?” Due to those inexplicable words Qiao Mo had said, Shao Mingyuan’s mind was somewhat in turmoil.

Qiao Zhao pursed her lips. She was certain—this person had become foolish!

What had Big Brother done?