Zhen’er, greetings. Years ago, I heard the old fox mention martial world lore about the Spring Return Hall. The old fox once said that to the west of Great Zhou lies a coastal region with a vast sea containing dozens of countries, each with their own legends. Hundreds of years ago, the Northern Di Empire was still in political fragmentation with rampant witchcraft and poisoning. Later it was unified by the Fire King, whose nine great consorts each had achievements. Among them, Winter Consort was supreme in medicine and disguise arts, accompanying the king in battles north and south. She later died when the king removed her heart to make medicine to save the queen. Descendants built a medical hall to commemorate her—this was the predecessor to Spring Return Hall. From current observations, the poison Imperial Concubine Wei contracted, tracing back to its origins, was indeed from foreign lands, undoubtedly beginning in the Northern Di Empire.

Though unsigned, the handwriting on the paper was even and thick, with strength penetrating through the back. Su Zhen was overjoyed. During these many days, whether from the imperial physicians or inquiries in the martial world, they had found no method of detoxification. Everyone had despaired, but this was undoubtedly salvation in desperate straits. But how could it be him?!

But how did he know what had happened here? Could it be he had never gone far and was always nearby—

She clutched the letter and hurried out the door, searching throughout the Court of Justice but finding no one. Just as she was feeling melancholy, Wu Qing and the others called to her. Wu Qing asked gently, “What are you spinning around here like a headless fly for?”

“I’m looking for Leng Xue.”

Su Zhen held up the letter, her eyes slightly moist. “He’s here, and he brought me good news.”

“Good news? What news?” The several people exchanged glances, all somewhat surprised.

Su Zhen smiled. “News about the antidote.”

Everyone was both shocked and delighted. Finally, Wu Qing said, “We delivered the letter for him. When we returned to Six Doors to post notices asking our constables to trace the assassins’ whereabouts, we unexpectedly saw Leng Xue at the bureau. Speaking of your recent situation, we briefly mentioned Imperial Concubine Wei’s matter to him. We didn’t expect him to write a letter today for us to deliver to you—and it was actually news about this.”

So Leng Xue had been staying at Six Doors all along? Thinking of this, she felt both heartache and excitement. She looked fiercely at them all. “So you all knew! Why didn’t you tell me all this time? I want to go find him.”

Wu Qing said, “He told us not to tell you. Since he’s now revealed his whereabouts, he’ll probably go on missions with the bureau next. Don’t worry—since he hasn’t gone far, perhaps someday he’ll come back.”

Su Zhen couldn’t help but feel disappointed, but thinking this was already good—if she went looking and he simply left the capital, wouldn’t that be even more counterproductive?

Wu Yan’s matter shouldn’t be delayed. She immediately had Zhui Ming and Tie Shou go to the palace to notify Lian Yu, while Wu Qing was responsible for going to the villa to notify Huo Chang’an.

The two left, and Zhui Ming muttered, “This Leng Xue isn’t loyal. He was hiding in the bureau all along, only telling the boss and not looking for us. The boss too—how could she not tell us? Now that the secret’s out…”

Tie Shou interrupted him, “With your big mouth, if we had told you, could you have kept it from Huaisu? Since Leng Xue entrusted the boss, she couldn’t break faith, right?”

Planning the Journey

Soon, Lian Yu arrived with Lian Qin and the old abbot. Everyone gathered together, all greatly delighted to hear the news.

The news Leng Xue brought undoubtedly offered two opportunities: first, the extremely mysterious Spring Return Hall; second, the overseas ancient country.

After discussion, almost everyone agreed to search for Spring Return Hall while simultaneously sending people overseas with Wu Yan to seek medicine. Though Spring Return Hall was said to be in the capital, it was very mysterious and had always remained elusive. Though the foreign land was distant, the palace was right there—if they could find it, with royal families petitioning each other, they might obtain the antidote.

Huo Chang’an’s body trembled slightly as he leaned forward. He looked at Wu Yan with burning eyes. “In my early years, I fought against pirates and am very familiar with coastal conditions. I can lead people to accompany you. Plus with His Majesty’s personal letter to Northern Di, there’s a very good chance of obtaining the antidote.”

“The poison has been transmitted from foreign lands to Great Zhou for hundreds of years. Whether the antidote was lost during transmission is unknown—hope is ultimately slim. You needn’t trouble yourself.”

Wu Yan shook her head in refusal.

Having had no conversation for many days, this response was a gentle rejection. Huo Chang’an’s expression changed dramatically, his hands secretly clenching into fists. Just as he was about to say something, Lian Jie spoke: “No matter how slim the hope, it’s still hope. I have considerable research in medicine—I’ll accompany you to find medicine. You need say no more—my mind is made up.”

He knew Huo Chang’an was familiar with foreign environments and had originally thought that for her life’s sake, even having Huo accompany them would be fine. Now seeing her refusal, he was both happy and uneasy, but regardless, he was determined to go.

Seeing Wu Yan’s eyes flickering, Su Zhen thought she must persuade her no matter what. Here, Lian Yu glanced over and declared loudly, “Lian Jie knows medicine and is royalty. Since he’s willing to undertake this journey, whether for care along the way or for seeking medicine upon arrival, it couldn’t be better. I will continue sending people to investigate Spring Return Hall’s whereabouts here. You must maintain close contact with the capital during your journey. This is an imperial edict—Wu Yan, you need say no more.”

Wu Yan smiled bitterly. “Your Majesty…”

Lian Jie was overjoyed. “Thank you, Sixth Brother.”

Everyone in the room finally relaxed. Huo Chang’an looked at Wu Yan, then glanced at Lian Jie, and quietly departed.

Su Zhen wanted to chase after him to say a few words but feared touching his sore spot.

After dispersing, Lian Yu didn’t immediately leave but followed Su Zhen into her room.

As soon as the door closed, Su Zhen immediately accused, “You’re favoring your brother. Huo Chang’an once pacified pirates in Great Zhou’s waters and is familiar with that area—what’s wrong with him going?”

Lian Yu raised an eyebrow. “Now that’s what I call favoritism. You’ve seen Wu Yan’s condition too—she simply doesn’t want to travel with Huo Chang’an. Lian Jie’s side is somewhat easier to handle, so I had to speak firmly first.”

“All right.” Su Zhen nodded, but her eyes darted about as she began calculating.

After Lian Yu left, she found Xiao Zhou, and the two whispered in her room for quite a while before going to find Wu Yan.

Su Zhen spoke first. “Wu Yan, my greatest regret was not knowing disaster was imminent for my family and being unable to bid farewell to my parents and brother. I always thought we’d meet again. Since you’re about to depart, how about we have a small gathering as a farewell?”

Wu Yan had been looking out the window absently, not knowing what she was thinking. Hearing this, she said, “Huaisu, you also think this journey is hopeless?”

Su Zhen shook her head. “It’s not hopeless—life is just full of surprises, and I’m afraid you’ll have regrets. We’ll also invite Huo Chang’an for a proper farewell.”

“What more is there for him and me to say?”

“It’s not just you two alone—we’ll have a whole group of people. What are you afraid of, Your Ladyship?” Xiao Zhou looked as if to say ‘don’t worry about it.’ “As for Lian Yu’s mother’s matter, he’s been in a bad mood lately. I want him to relax too. Let’s decide it this way—how about it?”

Faced with Su Zhen’s pleading eyes, Wu Yan ultimately couldn’t resist and finally agreed.

Su Zhen was very happy and sent people to notify Lian Yu and Huo Chang’an separately.

When Lian Jie returned, Wu Yan went to his room to discuss changing their route.

“Not taking the official road, but taking side roads instead?” Lian Jie was momentarily stunned, then understood something and was very happy, simply agreeing.

At Huo’s Villa

Ji Er Zhang, Long Ying Gun, and the Liang couple had all moved to the villa with Huo Chang’an.

Having been married to Lian Yue for quite some time, Huo Chang’an understood her very well indeed. When he proposed divorce, Lian Yue neither agreed nor moved out of the Huo residence.

So he simply stayed here instead.

Everyone discovered that since moving here, Huo Chang’an had become taciturn. Apart from daily martial practice, he spent all his remaining time hiding in his study.

This day, he received a letter from the Court of Justice and went out excitedly, but returned with a face full of melancholy.

Everyone was worried. When Aunt Liang asked about Miss Yan’s condition, he smiled and said they had found a way to save her.

With this smile, everyone noticed he was genuinely happy, with fine lines appearing at the corners of his eyes.

However, soon everyone heard the sound of him smashing things in his study.

At dinner, Huo Chang’an didn’t come out to eat. He had been eating very little these days anyway. Everyone grew increasingly worried and was discussing whether to have Chief Investigator Li come take a look, knowing she had a very good relationship with him.

Before they could go out, someone from the Court of Justice arrived again. When the messenger was leaving, Huo Chang’an also emerged from his study, visibly in better spirits.

He was greatly excited, yet somewhat at a loss. He pulled Aunt Liang into his room. Seeing this, the others, worried sick, followed but saw him laying out all his clothes.

He pointed at the garments and smiled slightly at Aunt Liang. “Though I’ve decided to secretly follow their party and watch over them along the way, Huaisu said there will be a farewell banquet tomorrow night in the suburbs, and she’s willing to include me. I can still see her face to face once more. Please help me see how I should dress.”

“Yes, this old servant will look right away. Master needn’t worry.” Aunt Liang turned her head and secretly wiped away tears. Everyone listened in heavy silence, with Uncle Liang quietly slipping out first.

The Farewell Gathering

The Court of Justice had limited space, so Su Zhen set the gathering location in a wooded area in the suburbs.

Lian Yu also brought Lian Xin, who had been behaving well recently.

It was a large stretch of rough grassland. Not far away was a deep forest rich in game. Guards were hidden all around for protection. With Lian Yu’s subordinates and the Court of Justice people all skilled in martial arts, they weren’t afraid of wild beasts in the forest. They personally hunted wild chickens and rabbits for roasting. All the men from Lian Yu down went out, leaving only a few women to tend the fire at their “camp.” With large numbers of Lian Yu’s guards providing hidden protection around the perimeter, they had nothing to fear.