Inside and outside the dining hall, academy students lay on the ground wailing like a school of fish washed ashore by giant waves. The academy instructors were frantically running about, channeling energy to expel poison from them one by one. There were too many poisoned students. Wang Xun and Mo Chuan had also come to help. After Old Man Shu had finished forcing poison out of two students at hand, he immediately stood upon seeing Ye Qi appear. “Marquis, over thirty people suddenly fell ill like this after eating. Each one has abdominal pain and weakness, convulsing all over—symptoms of poisoning.”

Ye Qi crouched down and took the pulse of a student lying on the ground, frowning. “Have you determined which dish was the problem?”

Mo Chuan walked forward with a blackened silver needle and said to Old Man Shu and Ye Qi, “Academician, it was the fish. I went to the kitchen—several uncooked live fish jumped out of the bucket on their own, flopped a few times, and died. I think someone poisoned the fish beforehand. There’s someone over there who wasn’t poisoned because they didn’t eat fish today.”

Old Man Shu was furious upon hearing this. “Didn’t I tell you all to pay extra attention to the food? How did you manage things? You actually bought poisoned fish back? Mo Chuan, quickly go summon the cook and find out what happened.”

“Academician, it’s not the cook’s fault. The fish were bought yesterday. When we ate them yesterday there was no problem,” Mo Chuan said. “Besides, both cooks have also collapsed.”

Old Man Shu’s eyes swept over sharply. “Could it be… someone poisoned them?”

With the mass poisoning, neither Zhou Qin nor Fu Yanyang escaped. By unfortunate coincidence, they had fallen next to each other. Changling spotted them at a glance, casually pulled out her Nanhua needles from her chest, and applied them to several vital points on their backs, finally deftly pricking their little fingers. As soon as the poisoned blood emerged, the two finally revived from their near-death state and looked at Changling with tearful eyes, saying in unison, “Mas—”

Changling thrust both needles simultaneously, forcibly making them swallow back the word “ter.” After she withdrew the needles, she said coolly, “Both of you behave yourselves.”

After expelling poison from her two foolish disciples, she went on to treat others in succession. Old Man Shu turned back and saw that Changling had alleviated the toxicity in seven or eight students in an instant. He exclaimed in wonder, “The Nanhua Needle Technique?”

At that moment, a student in the corner suddenly pointed at Changling. “The academicians couldn’t do anything, but as soon as she arrived, she cured the poison. Could she be the one who poisoned us?”

This logic was quite “touching.” Changling silently raised her eyes and glanced sideways—that student was greatly startled by her naturally cold aura and cried out again, “My father told me that the Jing family’s daughter is the master of the Five Poison Sect. From the looks of it, it, it’s her… She poisoned people to stage a rescue. If I hadn’t felt unwell and skipped the fish, I would have been poisoned too…”

Someone else chimed in, “That’s right, she wasn’t in the dining hall today. How could it be such a coincidence…”

At these words, the students nearby instinctively moved several steps away from Changling. Even those who had been cured fell silent. Changling sighed and was about to speak when Ye Qi stepped forward. “Changting was with this marquis all through lunch today. Do you suspect I’m her accomplice too?”

Once the young marquis spoke, who dared argue? But now that someone had brought up the words “Five Poison Sect,” the crowd’s gazes at Changling inevitably carried hesitation mixed with vigilance.

Old Man Shu snorted. “Changting was using needle techniques to expel poison just now. If you’re ignorant, don’t stir up trouble. All of you stay put where you are!”

With both academicians personally speaking up for her, she didn’t need to say anything more.

However, after this incident, her enthusiasm for “free poison removal” had diminished considerably. Just as Mo Daoyun brought in the imperial physicians, Changling put away her needles, dusted off her dress, and washed her hands of the matter.

The imperial physician’s detoxification method was considerably more old-fashioned. After taking pulses, he methodically prescribed a remedy, saying that after taking a few doses, the pain would gradually fade, and after a few bouts of diarrhea, they would recover.

While he was speaking, Zhou Qin, Fu Yanyang, and several others who had received needle treatment were already walking around. The other students still in dire straits looked around regretfully for Changling—unfortunately, she had already disappeared.

As for that student who had initially mentioned “Five Poison Sect” in the corner… he fled in disgrace under everyone’s murderous glares.

Changling truly wasn’t petty—she was just trying to minimize her presence before Mo Daoyun.

After all, this fellow had defected to Shen Yao’s camp, always giving off an uncomfortable feeling.

With the Qingcheng Academy students poisoned, naturally classes couldn’t continue for the next few days. The families of the scholar students all rushed over upon hearing the news. For a time, the academy’s main gate was lined with various carriages and sedan chairs, each more ostentatious than the last, causing congestion on the street as they competed for priority. It was said that two old masters even rolled up their sleeves and came to blows outside the academy gate.

Fang Zhuyi apparently hadn’t come at all. Changling, who hadn’t closed her eyes the previous night, had just drawn the curtains planning to catch up on sleep when she heard someone knocking firmly on the door.

Opening it, she found it was Guo Four from the Jing Estate.

“Miss, the general heard about what happened at the academy and specifically sent me to bring you back to the estate.”

Changling crossed her arms. “Tell him I wasn’t poisoned. He doesn’t need to worry.”

Guo Four said, “The general knows, but since they haven’t found who the poisoner is, he’s not comfortable with the young miss eating at Qingcheng Academy. Even if the young miss wants to come back tomorrow, at least return tonight to inform him, otherwise this humble one will have trouble reporting back.”

Changling glanced at Guo Four, then nodded. “Fine, you go back and report first. After I request leave from the academician, I’ll return on my own.”

After Guo Four left, Changling changed into casual clothes. When she went to Sanqing Hall to submit her leave request, she ran into Ye Qi again.

“Jing Wuwei wants me back at the estate, saying he’s worried.” Remembering their previous “three agreements,” Changling stated honestly, “I think if I don’t go back, it might arouse his suspicion. I’ll return tonight.”

Ye Qi pulled Changling aside to an empty corner and pondered for a while. “You’ve been enrolled for so long now, and no one mentioned it before. Today someone suddenly brings up the Five Poison Sect—I always feel something’s fishy about this. Also, that Guo Four said the general knows you weren’t poisoned. That means Jing Wuwei has spies in the academy. Your use of needles to save people—he probably knows about it too.”

“You mean… today’s poisoning incident is related to Jing Wuwei?” Changling frowned. “But regarding the Five Poison Sect, he’d want to hide it—what benefit would exposing it bring him?”

“I can’t confirm whether it’s related to him or not, but his sudden summons for you to return to the estate probably isn’t as simple as just having a meal.”

Changling returned to the Jing Estate right at dinner time.

The light was dim. The estate’s servants were busy lighting lanterns. Seeing the young miss return, they all bowed respectfully in greeting.

She had originally planned to return to the north wing, but halfway there she encountered Xue Ningyu, who insisted she eat before resting. Too lazy to argue with Madam Xue, Changling let her enthusiastically escort her to the main courtyard’s dining hall.

Several cold dishes were already laid out on the table, but Jing Wuwei wasn’t present. Xue Ningyu pulled Changling to sit down. “A guest came to the estate today. Your father is busy entertaining them and will be here soon.”

Before she finished speaking, Changling heard footsteps approaching the outer hall. She turned her gaze and saw Jing Wuwei enter first. When he saw Changling, a fleeting gleam seemed to flash in his eyes, then he said, “Nanxu, look who has come to our estate today?”

A peach-colored graceful figure slowly stepped in. Her hands were clasped behind her back. She was petite in stature, and when she smiled, she naturally exuded a charming, bewitching air.

It was Mingyue Fei.

Although Changling hadn’t opened her eyes to look at this young girl’s face last time in the carriage, her voice—charmingly innocent yet carrying a hint of ruthlessness—was distinctive and easy to recognize.

Mingyue Fei lightly stepped before Changling and smiled. “Elder sister, it’s been so long. I trust you’ve been well?”

Having been born and raised in the Five Poison Sect, this “little enchantress” Mingyue Fei probably didn’t need any verification—she could distinguish true from false at a glance.

This address of “elder sister” wasn’t calling “Nanxu,” but rather “that elder sister” who had been abducted that day.

No wonder Jing Wuwei urgently wanted her back at the estate. So he had finally discovered that this “daughter” was most likely an imposter.

Changling slowly stood, her smile not reaching her eyes. “The Eighth Princess manages countless affairs daily. How do you have time to visit us in Eastern Xia?”

Mingyue Fei tilted her head with a smile. “I’ve always loved traveling. Besides, since you left, my Third Brother has been absent-minded. As his sister, I naturally couldn’t bear it, so I came first to check on elder sister’s recent situation. But I never expected… you’ve become General Jing’s daughter. How truly delightful.”

Her words carried hidden meaning. Even Jing Wuwei couldn’t help but look over with a solemn expression upon hearing them. Changling smiled slightly. “Brother Zhou has always cared for me. I thank him in advance.”

Mingyue Fei showed no immediate intention of exposing her, so Changling was in no hurry to break with them either. For a moment, Jing Wuwei also seemed unable to discern truth from fiction. He simply ordered the maids to bring hot dishes. After all four were seated, he raised his cup. “Princess, you’ve come from afar. If our hospitality is lacking in any way, please forgive us.”

With that, he drained his cup first. Mingyue Fei also raised her cup without restraint to return the toast. After downing one cup, she filled another and said to Changling, “Let me toast the ‘Sect Master’ with this cup.”

“Now that the Five Poison Sect is gone, where would a sect master come from?” Changling picked up her wine cup and also drank it down straightforwardly. “However, Jinling City is currently full of martial artists everywhere. Princess, coming alone, if someone recognizes you, there might be trouble.”

Mingyue Fei smiled dismissively. “If you’re not afraid, what do I have to fear?”

“Looking like this, who could recognize me?” Changling said. “The princess is different. Those people you blinded with poison back then have all recovered. Perhaps they’re wandering right outside the estate. You’re worth a thousand gold pieces. If something goes wrong because of me, wouldn’t that trouble my conscience?”

Seeing that Changling still refused to drop her disguise at this point, Mingyue Fei was stunned, then couldn’t help but smile sweetly. “Elder sister, you’re truly interesting.”

Jing Wuwei watched the two of them exchange barbs, their words full of hidden meanings, revealing some confusion. At this time, the dazzling array of dishes had been served one after another. He gestured with his hand. “Come, come, let’s talk while eating.”

Even as he said this, he only picked food into his bowl and symbolically bit his chopsticks. Xue Ningyu also followed suit, pretending to eat but actually not daring to consume anything.

Changling, however, ate and drank as she pleased, without the slightest hesitation, as if she hadn’t realized what a terrifying thing it was to dine at the same table as the little enchantress of the Five Poison Sect. Her composure made even Mingyue Fei look surprised, secretly thinking: This elder sister truly has courage—no wonder Brother is so unable to forget her.

“Actually, General Jing, Madam Jing, you needn’t worry. If I wanted to poison you, I wouldn’t need to tamper with the food,” Mingyue Fei boldly bit into a lamb shank. “With such delicacies before us, it would be a shame to waste them.”

Xue Ningyu forced a smile upon hearing this. “The princess jests. We naturally trust the princess…” She also scooped up a spoonful of soup and took a sip.

“Trust me?” Mingyue Fei covered her lips with a smile. “In all my years, this is the first time I’ve heard Central Plains people say they trust me…”

Upon hearing this, Jing Wuwei felt cold sweat quietly emerge along his spine—he had heard early on from Mingyue Fei that his daughter was an imposter sent by Fu Yangui. Originally furious, he summoned his daughter back to verify, but momentarily neglected that this young princess herself was nothing less than a venomous scorpion…

He raised his wine cup. “The princess is friends with my son and has past acquaintance with my daughter. I naturally trust the princess.”

Changling froze upon hearing this—my son? Could it be that Mingyue Fei was brought here by Jing Can?

“Your young master and I could be said to have become friends through conflict. If I could form an alliance with the Jing family, why wouldn’t Great Yan be happy to do so?” Mingyue Fei said charmingly. “It’s just that… since it’s an alliance, there can be no deception, otherwise it loses sincerity, right?”

Jing Wuwei replied politely, “Naturally.”

Mingyue Fei twisted her wrist, stirring her bowl with a spoon unhurriedly. “Good. I heard that General Jing possesses relics of the Yue family. I wonder if you could show them to me?”

Jing Wuwei’s face showed great shock. “Where did the princess hear this information? I have no Yue family relics in my possession.”

Mingyue Fei said innocently, “Your son mentioned it. If you don’t believe me, you can go ask him yourself.”

“Impossible!”

“Not only did I hear the general has Yue family relics, I also heard that among those relics are clues related to the previous dynasty’s Wu Run…” Mingyue Fei smiled charmingly. “That day, your son begged me to spare his life, which is why he told me everything. What, does the father want to walk the same path as the son?”

Xue Ningyu looked at Jing Wuwei with shocked expression. “My lord, what she’s saying is…”

Jing Wuwei angrily slammed the table and stood up. “This general has said—I have no such Yue family relics in my possession. If the princess continues to threaten me with every sentence, then forgive me for…”

Before finishing his words, Jing Wuwei’s expression froze. He stared blankly at his own hands, then his legs weakened and he sat back in his chair, looking at Mingyue Fei in disbelief. “You…”

Xue Ningyu also noticed something was wrong. “My lord, I, I can’t move…”

Mingyue Fei clicked her tongue twice. “I already said—if I wanted to poison you, why would I need to tamper with food and drink?”

At the same time, the maids and servants in the hall also collapsed in large numbers.

Jing Wuwei’s face twitched several times. “Zhu One! Guo Four! Someone! Come quickly!”

There was no sound from outside the door.

Zhu One and Guo Four had long since collapsed outside, unconscious. With the dining hall as the center, people in the Jing Estate within a certain radius fell one after another like the dead, not even having time to cry out.

“This poison is called Drunken Slumber,” Mingyue Fei reminded him. “General Jing, after one incense stick’s time, you may find you can’t even move your eyes or speak anymore. Then you’ll slowly die bit by bit. After one hour, even if there’s an antidote, it will be too late.”

Jing Wuwei looked at Changling with terror. “Nanxu…”

“Heh,” Mingyue Fei leisurely picked up her wine cup and took another sip. “You actually expect a fake to cure the poison of my Five Poison Sect?”