Duan Wenyin’s mind was in chaos: “Only the Crown Prince of Cheng has these poisonous insects. Brother, have you had any dealings with the Crown Prince of Cheng these past few days?”

Du Tinglan exchanged a glance with Teng Yuyi. At this point, trying to help her brother deny his relationship with Dong Erniang was futile. Was she suggesting that Lin Chengyou had plotted against Duan Ningyuan? That would depend on whether Lin Chengyou was willing to bear such an accusation.

Sure enough, Princess Azhi opened her round eyes wide: “Madam, are you saying my brother set the insects on Young General Duan?”

Duan Wenyin froze for a moment, then quickly smiled: “Princess, please don’t misunderstand. I meant that since these insects are kept at Qingyun Temple, one or two might escape. When Ningyuan interacted with the Crown Prince, he might have unknowingly picked them up.”

Azhi became displeased and turned to look at Juesheng and Qizhi behind her: “I don’t understand Daoist arts either. You explain on behalf of my brother.”

Juesheng and Qizhi had wanted to speak up earlier but were constrained by their need to maintain discretion in public. Now that Princess Jingde had revealed their identities herself, they no longer needed to hold back.

Qizhi spoke truthfully: “This humble Daoist fails to understand the words of the Marquis of Yong’an’s wife. Though these insects belong to Qingyun Temple, my senior brother would never release them without cause. That day, we used this method against Dong Erniang because she implicated everyone at Purple Cloud Tower yet refused to tell the truth. If these insects could spread so easily, countless people inside and outside the palace would have suffered. But until now, fewer than five people in Chang’an have been infected, and all for specific reasons.”

Juesheng maintained a stern expression: “Indeed. Not only have we brothers not seen Young General Duan recently, but even if we had, he would have had no chance of being infected by the poisonous insects.”

The guests’ expressions grew more awkward. The message was clear enough – Duan Ningyuan knew how he got infected, and he couldn’t pin it on the Crown Prince of Cheng.

Qizhi continued: “The itching insects prefer young men who are strong and healthy. When they encounter a more suitable host, they often abandon their old host. Looking at Young General Duan’s condition, he seems to have drawn all the insects from their original host onto himself. Currently, only two people in Chang’an are infected with these poisonous insects. To find out where Young General Duan got them from, one need only look in the Capital Prefecture’s prison.”

Though Duan Ningyuan’s body was in torment, his mind hadn’t completely lost clarity. Hearing these words made him somewhat calmer. He hadn’t seen Dong Erniang for several days, so the infection couldn’t have come from her. There must be another source.

As long as Dong Erniang still had the poisonous insects, it could protect both their reputations.

He struggled unsteadily and managed to speak brokenly: “I… I have no acquaintance with this Dong Erniang. Even if I’m infected with the insects, it absolutely cannot be from this person.”

Hearing these words, Duan Wenyin quickly signaled to several stewards: “While all the elders are present, quickly send someone to check the Capital Prefecture’s prison. Once confirmed, return and report. This will clear Ningyuan of false accusations.”

The servants were about to carry out the orders when Azhi said: “Wait a moment. Remember to bring servants from all the households as witnesses.”

Duan Wenyin and Old Madam Duan’s faces burned. They had long suspected Ningyuan’s insects came from Dong Erniang, and even if they went to verify at the Capital Prefecture, they were prepared to have their servants conceal the truth.

Who knew Princess Azhi, to prevent her brother from being falsely accused, would have all households send people? This would make it impossible to cover things up in time. They instinctively wanted to stop it, but doing so would seem too suspicious.

On second thought, Ningyuan had spoken so forthrightly and even suggested checking the Capital Prefecture himself. He would know his movements these past days better than they did – perhaps the insects weren’t from Dong Erniang.

So she no longer objected and quickly agreed.

“Go together with the Duan family’s stewards. Look carefully when you reach the Capital Prefecture and return quickly to report.” Azhi spoke while resting her chin in her hand, but her expression was very serious.

While everyone was talking, the Duan mother and son’s symptoms grew more violent. Both appeared deranged, constantly scratching themselves. If the poison wasn’t neutralized, they would eventually scratch themselves until no good flesh remained.

Old Madam Duan and Duan Wenyin watched with their hearts twisted in knots. Duan Wenyin ached for her mother and brother. In desperation, she said: “Young Daoist, I spoke inappropriately earlier. I hope you won’t take offense. Regardless of how Brother got infected with the insects since they’re from Qingyun Temple, could I ask the Daoist to help neutralize the poison quickly?”

Juesheng and Qizhi shook their heads: “The medicine powder is locked away by our senior brother. Only he can access it. Even if we rushed back to the temple now, we couldn’t help. The only solution is to find our senior brother.”

Old Madam Duan’s eyes lit up: “Could the two Daoists tell this old woman where the Crown Prince is? You all, quickly prepare the calf cart. Let the master personally go invite the Crown Prince.”

***

News of what happened in the flower hall quickly spread to the front. The Duan family, to maintain face, initially wanted to move Duan Ningyuan and Madam Duan to the inner courtyard.

However, Duan Ningyuan and Madam Duan were suffering terribly. Every step they took made their flesh and skin tremble. Forget the inner courtyard – even leaving the flower hall was impossible.

The servants could only find a rope, planning to tie them up first, but they were too afraid of the poisonous insects to approach.

The Duan family had no choice but to seal off the flower hall and instead invite the guests to the main hall.

Fortunately, the Duan family was skilled at managing household affairs. The main hall was quickly arranged, with a feast featuring every delicacy from land and sea. Performers came in succession to entertain before the hall.

The guests, fearing to be impolite yet wanting to know how the Duan family would resolve this, mostly stayed to drink and make merry, except for a few who took their leave.

Male guests sat in the east hall, female guests in the west hall, separated by several large six-panel mother-of-pearl screens decorated with birds and flowers. This allowed them to feast together while maintaining propriety.

Teng Yuyi and Du Tinglan sat below Old Madam Duan. Both had good appetites.

Du Tinglan wasn’t good with alcohol, so he focused on eating, while Teng Yuyi leisurely drank quite a bit. The Duan family’s home-brewed calamus wine was excellent, and fragrant on the palate. The guests dined while keeping their ears pricked for the return of the servants Princess Jingde had sent.

Whenever servants entered the courtyard, everyone’s eyes would shift. Suddenly someone said: “They’re here, they’re here!”

A servant ran straight to Old Madam Duan: “The master has invited the Crown Prince of Cheng. The Crown Prince just dismounted.”

Voices could be heard from the front of the main hall, and soon the Marquis of Zhenguo led Lin Chengyou in.

The Marquis of Zhenguo was a famous scholarly general, over forty, with an imposing and dignified manner. The other person wore a round-collared robe in the color of blue sky, with a white jade belt at his waist, appearing languid and somewhat unrestrained – who else but Lin Chengyou?

The Marquis of Zhenguo’s voice boomed like a bell: “I truly didn’t want to trouble Your Highness and the Crown Prince, but hearing that only the Crown Prince can neutralize these poisonous insects, this old man had no choice but to shame himself by seeking the Crown Prince.”

Lin Chengyou said: “How can the Marquis say such things? Even without Young General Duan’s matter, it’s proper for me to come and offer congratulations for Old Madam’s birthday.”

Princess Jingde happily went out to meet him: “Brother.”

Juesheng and Qizhi hurriedly followed.

Lin Chengyou looked at Azhi: “Having fun?”

“So much fun.”

Lin Chengyou let out a derisive laugh. He had spent the entire day searching for traces of supernatural occurrences. When he heard Azhi had run out of the palace, worried she might encounter evil spirits, he hurriedly sent Juesheng and Qizhi to her. Seeing his sister completely oblivious to her recklessness, he deliberately sighed: “It seems you’ve grown up too, now able to seek out your entertainment. From now on, you won’t need a brother to take you playing – go find others to play with.”

Princess Jingde knew her brother was upset about her leaving the residence without permission. She mumbled: “No, I only want brother. How could anyone compare to brother?”

The Marquis of Zhenguo laughed: “The Princess grows more and more like the Crown Prince.”

Lin Chengyou patted Azhi’s head, then looked up toward the main hall: “Is the Old Madam at the banquet? This junior would like to offer birthday wishes to the venerable elder.”

The Marquis of Zhenguo was greatly honored: “After the Crown Prince helps cure my son if you’re not busy, you must honor us by staying for a drink.”

Old Madam Duan dared not be remiss and hurriedly rose, trembling: “Quickly, prepare a seat for the Crown Prince.”

Lin Chengyou smiled and bowed: “This junior has come to beg wine from the elder.”

At his appearance, several noble ladies on the seats already showed flushed faces – whether from wine or shyness was unclear.

The Duan family’s women felt their faces brightened with glory, hurriedly having servants pour wine and showing earnest hospitality with warm greetings.

After exchanging pleasantries, Lin Chengyou casually swept his gaze across the women’s seats behind Old Madam Duan, finally letting his eyes rest on Teng Yuyi, inwardly giving a cold laugh.

Teng Yuyi had just finished a cup of wine when she raised her eyes to meet Lin Chengyou’s gaze. Her face was written all over with the word “confusion” as she slowly put down her wine cup.

Juesheng and Qizhi watched from the side in bewilderment. Their senior brother’s look at Lady Teng… seemed somewhat strange.

After thinking it through, suddenly their minds exploded – Lady Teng had previously tricked a package of itching insects and medicine powder from them. Could their senior brother be suspecting Lady Teng?

The two cast suspicious glances at Teng Yuyi. If she had played a trick on Young General Duan, how could she remain so composed?

Moreover, earlier in the flower hall, Lady Teng appeared genuinely shocked, clearly frightened as well.

In their view, the reason Young General Duan got infected was obviously because he had visited that Dong Erniang in prison.

The Marquis of Zhenguo led Lin Chengyou out: “The person is in the flower hall. Crown Prince, please follow this old one.”

Lin Chengyou suddenly stopped on the steps outside the hall, then curved his fingers into a circle and whistled.

A dark shadow suddenly appeared on the eaves, leaping down from the beam.

The creature moved like lightning, jumping into the light before the steps, revealing its glossy black fur.

The crowd gasped – it was an agile small hunting leopard.

After their initial surprise, the women whispered shyly among themselves. The Crown Prince of Cheng truly never changed his playful nature – while this creature was perfect for hunting, who would bring it into the inner residence?

The small hunting leopard circled Lin Chengyou’s robes once, making several low growls that shook the flowers and grass in the courtyard, then lowered itself, placing its paws on Lin Chengyou’s robes.

Teng Yuyi watched, forgetting the wine cup in her hand, wondering how Lin Chengyou had trained such a fierce beast to submit to him.

Lin Chengyou smiled and said to the Marquis of Zhenguo: “I didn’t bring the medicine powder with me today, and it’s too troublesome to rush back to the temple. We’ll have to make do with having it help neutralize the poison.”

The Marquis of Zhenguo nodded: “I remember this was a spiritual beast tribute from Sinhala. His Majesty saw the Crown Prince liked it and sent it to the Prince of Cheng’s residence. This old one only knew it had extraordinary spiritual power, but didn’t know it could neutralize poison.”

Princess Jingde took a preserved lychee from her waist and threw it to the black leopard: “A reward for you, eat up.”

The black leopard extended its paw forward and disdainfully pushed away the lychee.

Princess Jingde stamped her foot in anger: “Junnu, why are you being temperamental with me again? Hmph!”

Lin Chengyou crouched down and tugged at Junnu’s pointed ears: “Azhi likes you, so do her the honor of eating one.”

The hunting leopard’s jade-green eyes narrowed slightly, nuzzling Lin Chengyou’s palm with infinite affection. When it turned its head back, it still refused to look at the lychee.

Lin Chengyou said: “Hey, Azhi is my sister. You’re making me lose face here.”

Junnu made an “ao-wu” sound, finally approaching to sniff the lychee before slowly eating it.

Seeing Junnu was ready, the Marquis of Zhenguo took the opportunity to lead Lin Chengyou forward: “Earlier, someone said Ningyuan was infected by a certain young lady. Such nonsense! My son has no connection with that young lady – how could he be infected without reason? Moreover, though my son is unruly, he’s not someone who doesn’t know the gravity of matters. In this old one’s view, it must have been contracted from elsewhere.”

Lin Chengyou’s steps faltered: “What does the Marquis mean?”

The Marquis of Zhenguo sighed: “I fear some villain, wanting to frame my son, deliberately committed this treacherous act. I dare to ask, has Qingyun Temple lost any poisonous insects recently?”

Teng Yuyi unhurriedly put down her wine cup. She had thought everything through in advance. Even if Lin Chengyou deliberately tried to implicate her, she had ways to handle it.

However, Juesheng and Qizhi’s hearts jumped to their throats. If their senior brother revealed Lady Teng’s taking of the insects, she would have no way to explain herself.

Fortunately, Princess Azhi had already sent people to the Capital Prefecture. Once they confirmed Dong Erniang’s insects were gone, it would prove Young General Duan’s insects came from her. Why hadn’t those people returned yet? It was truly anxiety-inducing.

The two kept looking between outside and Lin Chengyou, too nervous to even breathe.

Lin Chengyou glanced at the seats from the corner of his eye, then suddenly smiled: “Marquis, you underestimate our Qingyun Temple. Even if someone wanted to steal insects, they’d have to be able to enter our temple gates first, wouldn’t they? Recently, we haven’t lost a single insect.”

The Marquis of Zhenguo’s face stiffened.

Lin Chengyou walked forward first: “Let’s deal with curing your honorable wife and Young General Duan first.”

Just as the group was about to go to the flower hall, the servants who had been sent to the Capital Prefecture returned.

The lead palace servant went straight to Princess Jingde: “Princess.”

“Did you see clearly?” Princess Jingde asked curiously, “Are the poisonous insects still on Dong Erniang?”

Everyone pricked up their ears. Old Madam Duan and Duan Wenyin held their breath, fearing they might miss something from being too far away. The Marquis of Zhenguo stopped his steps and looked solemnly at the servant.

The servant shook his head: “They’re gone. Dong Erniang drank a large bowl of porridge in the evening and her spirits improved considerably. She’s no longer complaining of itching.”

Azhi also asked the servants from other households who had gone along: “You all went to look too – is it truly so?”

“In reply to the Princess, we confirmed it. The poisonous insects are indeed gone from Dong Erniang.”

Princess Jingde nodded with satisfaction. Lin Chengyou cast a meaningful glance at Teng Yuyi.

The people at the banquet exchanged knowing looks. They had long heard about Young General Duan and Dong Erniang’s affair, but couldn’t find solid evidence. What could the Duan family say now? Though these insects were formidable, they would only infect those who had intimate contact. Just as Young General Duan started showing symptoms, Dong Erniang recovered – was there any need to guess where Young General Duan’s insects came from?

Old Madam Duan and Duan Wenyin’s expressions seemed to crack, instantly becoming extremely ugly.

Half the Marquis of Zhenguo’s body went cold as he thundered in fury: “This unfilial son!”