Hearing these polite words nearly drove Huo Chang’an mad. He had intended not to frighten her, but upon hearing this, he threw all reason to the nine heavens. His arm shot out to grasp her shoulders, and he fiercely kissed her lips.

Wu Yan was indeed startled by him—with her mouth blocked and unable to speak, her hands could only push against him forcefully in resistance. Between them, only rough breathing could be heard. After her struggles, she felt her hands were wet and sticky, and she smelled the strong scent of blood and sweat on him. She didn’t dislike this smell, but didn’t dare continue such entanglement. She hadn’t noticed before, but now she realized he was injured, making her emotions even more complex.

While suffering herself, she inevitably felt heartache for him.

But he already had Lian Yue, and his feelings toward her now were only pity. If she continued to entangle herself in this hopeless emotion, she feared the only escape would be to die once more.

During their struggle, though Huo Chang’an was clearly being as careful as possible, her wound was still aggravated, causing her to groan in pain.

Huo Chang’an was startled and immediately released her, slapping himself hard across the face. He anxiously wanted to examine her wound, but Wu Yan clutched the bedding, struggled to move to the inner side of the bed, and bit out through clenched teeth, pointing at the door, “Since things have come to this, why do you still come to humiliate me? Leave!”

The sudden burst of hatred and anger in her eyes made Huo Chang’an feel even more guilty and pained. Afraid of agitating her emotions, he obediently stood up, yet couldn’t bear to leave. His feet stopped dead, only thinking he must explain everything clearly to her.

“Wu Yan, I’m not pitying you. Now, it’s I who need your pity…”

However, after facing Lian Yue’s interrogation, by this point, he found himself stammering.

But word by word, he finally told her what was in his heart.

He looked at her with burning hope in his eyes, but discovered she was looking down as she listened, her black hair cascading down, her face unclear. Yet she remained silent throughout.

His heart, which had originally ignited with hope, gradually grew cold bit by bit. Waves of desolate emotion in his chest nearly burst him apart. He desperately wanted to go over and lift her hair to see if she cared even a little.

Yet he feared making her even more repulsed.

He had forced her, and could be said to have succeeded. He knew she loved him—otherwise, after spending a night together at the Huo residence, when he spoke of letting go, she wouldn’t have cried until dawn. Otherwise, after she left, he wouldn’t have accidentally discovered scissors in her room. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have carried a dagger with her at all times.

She had already lost all hope.

He had thought that hearing his true feelings would move her somewhat. Had he hurt her too deeply? Was she no longer willing to forgive him?

After all these years of going in opposite directions, had they truly grown so far apart that they could never come together again? He gazed at her tearfully.

“I’m tired. Get out. Please! I beg you!”

The woman on the bed suddenly raised her head, her eyes red as she shouted at him.

“All right, I’ll go out. I’ll go call Huaisu to keep you company. Don’t move around carelessly—injuring yourself again for my sake wouldn’t be worth it, would it?” He gave a self-mocking curl of his lips, looked deeply at her once more, then acted with his characteristic decisiveness, immediately opening the door and leaving.

Inside the room, Wu Yan pulled the blanket over her head and cried like a child.

The Courtyard Investigation

The courtyard was lush with grass, and the sky was full of moonlight. Listening to the low, muffled crying from inside the room, Huo Chang’an clenched his fists to suppress his impulse to turn back and burst through the door. He turned to the side corridor near a room close to the door and pushed it open.

Su Zhen and the others were all gathered here for a meeting. Lian Yu had already sent someone to escort Lian Yue back to the residence. Seeing that today’s situation was unfavorable, Lian Yue knew that staying by force would be useless, so she told Huo Chang’an she would wait for him at the residence, then left first to plan further.

Now, there was also an additional old abbot here.

Lian Jie told them that this poison was likely an ancient poison that had been lost since the previous dynasty—Wind Sound and Crane’s Call.

This poison, like Crane’s Crown Red, was a palace poison, but Crane’s Crown Red was mostly used for executions by imperial decree, while Crane’s Call was habitually used for secret assassinations.

Anyone using this drug would not achieve results immediately, because as long as the medicine was divided into several doses, preventing the toxin from manifesting all at once, the poisoned person would appear to die from organ failure, killing invisibly. Unless an accident occurred causing the toxin to erupt suddenly, symptoms could be seen—this was why Xiao Zhou had discovered Wu Yan’s blood foam was dark black at the time, or why an autopsy after death would reveal blackened internal organs.

But this possibility was extremely rare, which was why it was a good assassination drug in the palace courts of that time, preventing people from suspecting poisoning and assuming it was natural death from illness.

Tracing back to its origins, this medicine was transmitted from overseas courts to the Central Plains. However, in the previous dynasty, when an emperor’s beloved consort died from this poison and it was later accidentally discovered by a highly skilled imperial physician, the emperor was furious and ordered a search, ultimately destroying this poison and its formula completely.

It was said that only the imperial physician of that time, out of curiosity wanting to develop an antidote formula, had kept a small amount of the poison powder.

After that, when the previous dynasty was destroyed by the Great Zhou, this poison disappeared even more completely.

Concubine Dowager Ai’s ancestors included someone highly skilled in using poisons, very knowledgeable about various medicinal lore, with writings passed down. It was only when Lian Jie was treating Wu Yan’s wounds that he carefully examined the wound condition and the blood foam at her mouth corners, recalled the dark qi on her forehead, and comparing the symptoms which matched remarkably well, that he remembered this strange poison mentioned in medical books at home.

However, if this poison was taken once or twice, it would be fine for someone with a robust constitution, but once it reached a certain dosage, the poisoned person would inevitably die—it was only a matter of time.

Thinking of Wu Yan’s previous condition, when they used medicine to suppress her qi and blood, it seemed to improve but actually had no effect on detoxification. Now it appeared the poison was beginning to take effect. If it couldn’t be neutralized, within a month at most, Wu Yan would certainly die from physical weakness.

But according to medical records, this poison… had no cure. And the old abbot, having practiced medicine for decades with extensive experience, like Lian Jie, had only heard of this poison but had no knowledge of its composition, let alone a cure. Even less so for Xiao Zhou, whose medical skills were quite impressive but who had never even heard of such a poison.

How could this not make everyone worry?

At this moment, seeing Huo Chang’an return in a dejected state, Lian Jie sneered, “I told you she wouldn’t want to see you.”

Huo Chang’an pressed his lips tightly together, as if he couldn’t hear the mockery in his voice, only asking, “Can the poison be cured? What exactly should we do?”

Lian Jie’s brow twitched slightly. He turned his head slightly, not answering his question, but said to Lian Yu and Su Zhen, “Sixth Brother, let me go see her.”

Su Zhen thought Wu Yan probably didn’t want to see anyone at this moment and was about to speak to prevent him from adding to the chaos, when Lian Yu spoke first to play the villain. With a sound of acknowledgment, he said, “Seventh Brother, when the person is dead, you and Chang’an can take your time competing.”

Lian Jie’s face changed. He took a deep breath and sat back down. “Sixth Brother’s teaching is correct. Lian Jie was rash. The urgent matter now is to find a way to save her first.”

Su Zhen wanted to go see Wu Yan, but something flickered through her mind, coming and going… She had Xiao Zhou go over to give medicine first.

Xiao Zhou, rarely without his usual argumentative attitude, immediately went to handle it.

Inside the room, the atmosphere was completely still.

Lian Qin glanced at Lian Jie, then at Huo Chang’an. He had been in the palace earlier and rushed over urgently with Lian Yu. Now he roughly understood the undercurrents between Lian and Huo, so he tentatively suggested, “Sixth Brother, Seventh Brother, Marquis Huo, we could mobilize all the imperial physicians in the palace while also spreading word among the common people to inquire. Under heavy rewards, there will surely be brave souls.”

Wu Qing interjected at this point, “Ninth Prince’s suggestion is feasible. The martial world has many methods. We were originally from the martial world and can spread word to inquire if we can help.”

Azure Dragon and Black Tortoise also said, “We subordinates will also go.”

“Very good.” Lian Yu nodded, then looked at the old abbot. This elderly imperial physician sighed, “Your Majesty, I’m afraid the imperial physicians in the palace won’t be of use. Not to boast, but if even this old subject doesn’t know, there’s probably no one among the imperial physicians who would recognize this poison.”

“That may not necessarily be true. The imperial physicians in the palace may be useless, but there’s someone in the palace who might be useful,” Su Zhen suddenly said.

The others hadn’t reacted yet, but Lian Yu knew what she was talking about. “Direct questioning probably won’t work.”

“But she’s shrewd by nature. If we use indirect schemes, we probably can’t afford the time,” Su Zhen said worriedly.

Huo Chang’an’s reaction was equally quick—he almost immediately understood the seemingly disconnected conversation between the two. His form flashed, and he had already disappeared at the doorway.

The Palace Confrontation

In the inner palace, Xiao’an had been troubled by two matters recently: first, Lian Xin, and second, Lian Yu, who had hardly caused her worry from childhood to adulthood.

Regarding Lian Xin’s matter, she had originally planned to have Red Sister do some work to win over Wu Qing, but since her outburst of anger, Lian Xin had also shown some restraint. Recently she had been quite well-behaved, no longer clamoring to see this Wu Qing, not even demanding to leave the palace, which gave her some peace of mind.

What truly troubled her was Lian Yu.

For that Feng family wretch, not only did Lian Yu fully protect her, but later he went back on his word, as if bewitched, insisting on keeping her, even kneeling outside the palace gates to make her accept this.

She had once greatly appreciated this Li Huaisu, and even thought that if she were just Li Huaisu, an ordinary intelligent woman, and if Lian Yu truly liked her, she would have let him be. But she was a Feng family orphan, a poison that would kill Lian Yu.

Fighting force with force would only result in mutual destruction, especially in such an extraordinary period with Quan Feitong watching like a tiger and Wei Chenghui’s unclear intentions.

She could only respond to action with inaction, temporarily relaxing her stance. Perhaps it was time to consider someone’s words.

She was thinking deeply when she heard palace maids crying out in alarm, “Marquis, this hasn’t been announced—it’s against protocol—”

“Is it Chang’an? No need to announce—let the Marquis come in.” Her eyes showed a trace of smile. Though she despised Concubine Dowager Ai most, Lian Yue knew her place and served quite comfortably. Now she had争气地 become pregnant with Huo Chang’an’s child, which undoubtedly made her very happy.

Imperial Physician Feng had brought back news from the Huo residence, and she had summoned the couple to the palace, but Huo Chang’an said there were matters at the residence and would come another day. This was good timing, coming in the dark of night.

“Chang’an, now that you’re going to be a father, you must be delighted. A few days ago I heard from your uncle that you’re interested in regaining military command. Now that you’re going to be a father, you’re indeed ambitious—”

She stopped speaking abruptly mid-sentence. The approaching Huo Chang’an had an expression of ill intent on his face. And his body was covered in blood stains as if he had come bathed in blood, strikingly alarming.

His brow was deeply furrowed, his gaze as cold as ice, and his eyes even held a trace of killing intent.

Red Sister was startled and blocked in front of her, warily examining this man. But she gently pushed Red Sister aside and spoke directly: “Chang’an, your appearance makes me wonder if I’ve wronged you somewhere?”

By the end of her words, she couldn’t help but show a cold smile.

“Aunt, you have never wronged Chang’an, but why did you conspire with Lian Yue to poison Wei Wu Yan? She is Chang’an’s life!”

Each word seemed to burst from his heart. His gaze was as fierce as an injured wolf’s.

Xiao’an’s heart sank, but her face remained impassive. “So you think I poisoned her. But I have no grudge against her—why would I harm her?”

“Chang’an doesn’t know why either, but now she’s poisoned with deadly toxin. She was after all a favored consort, and there are very few people in this rear palace who would dare harm her. Thinking back, the most unusual thing was when Li Huaisu discovered you giving her wine with Lian Yue that day.”

Xiao’an sneered, “You saw it yourself that day, even drank it yourself—that wine was not poisoned!”

“No, that wine was poisoned—Wind Sound and Crane’s Call. Taking it once by mistake, especially for someone with my constitution, would cause no problems at all. But continuous accumulation makes it a deadly poison.”

“You had already secretly sent people to poison her food and drink before that. She was actually already poisoned—that time was just the final dose. As long as she consumed the poison once or twice more, she would inevitably die, and her death would appear no different from ordinary illness.”

Huo Chang’an’s eyes were sharp as an eagle’s, examining every expression on her face. But Xiao’an’s expression remained unchanged throughout. “Chang’an, who told you these things? How is Wu Yan now? Since she’s been poisoned, quickly bring her back for treatment. What are you delaying for?”

“Besides, it was Lian Yue who gave her the wine. Even if you want to question someone, you should question your wife, not me!” As she spoke, her tone suddenly became fierce, her eyes showing the same vicious gleam.

“Aunt truly deserves to be the head of the six palaces—this act is truly well done.” Slowly, Huo Chang’an began to clap his hands.

“Let Huo Chang’an guess Aunt’s thoughts. The wine was indeed given by Lian Yue, but you added the poison. Lian Yue wouldn’t want her to die—in Lian Yue’s mind, if she died, I might think of her for the rest of my life. So Lian Yue wouldn’t do such a thing.”

“But you wanted Lian Yue to be the one to do it. You’re afraid that if Lian Yue and I get along well, someday I’ll be won over by Concubine Dowager Ai. This is your method of threatening Lian Yue—if she dares let me submit to her mother, you can threaten her with this. Lian Yue was in the palace at that time and probably had no choice. She knew you and I had an extremely good relationship and naturally didn’t want to break with you. To show respect and obedience to you, she did it.”

“Chang’an, this analysis is quite interesting. If you think so, then—” Xiao’an was about to respond with tightly furrowed brows when she saw Huo Chang’an pull out a dagger from his chest and place it across his neck, completely cutting her off.

He looked at her and said coldly, “Aunt, Chang’an’s words end here. I don’t want to hear any of your explanations. I only ask you one thing—will you give me the antidote or not? If you don’t, I’ll spill my blood here and there to accompany her in death!”

“Chang’an, you’re truly accomplished, truly improved. If you want to die, I won’t stop you. Go ahead and die for this woman who played you like a fool.” Xiao’an was also provoked by him and flew into a rage, pointing and declaring.

Huo Chang’an twisted the dagger and immediately made a cut on his neck. Blood drops slid down the dagger one by one.

It was the dagger he had picked up in the mausoleum—her dagger.

Xiao’an knew Huo Chang’an always meant what he said, but actually seeing the blade go down was still unbearable for her. She cried out sharply, “Stop! Yes, yes, I did it, but I have no antidote for this poison. Palace poisons never have antidotes—they’re made to kill. As a member of the royal family, don’t you know this?”

“Why destroy yourself, your pride, and your future for such a fickle woman? Being with her will only bring disaster! Stop quickly, or how can you face the debt you owe your parents and my cultivation?”

Huo Chang’an’s gaze darkened. He was about to press forward to take Xiao’an hostage and force Red Sister to produce an antidote.

Several people hurried in from outside the hall, with two flying to block in front of Xiao’an—Azure Dragon and Black Tortoise. Following them naturally were the Lian brothers. Lian Yu said sternly, “Chang’an, enough! Even if you force her like this, Mother has no medicine to give you. There must be no antidote here. Originally, palace poisons almost never have antidotes. We’ll think of other methods. Huaisu talked with Wu Yan—Wu Yan says she wants to see you. Go back first.”

What Xiao’an had shouted in her urgency contained no falsehood, and how could Huo Chang’an not know this? He was simply unwilling to give up without trying. Hearing Lian Yu’s final words, he was suddenly shaken again, both heartbroken and trembling with excitement.