The pulse was faint, stronger on the left and weaker on the right, with a hint of instability.
“It’s disappearing! The thing on Sixth Miss’s neck is reducing!” Zhu Kuo exclaimed excitedly.
Hearing this, Shen Du quickly turned back, taking Zhu Yan from Zhu Kuo’s trembling hands. Looking down, he saw that the transparent filaments were no longer seeping from Zhu Yan’s fair neck. His nose tingled with emotion, and he tightened his embrace, wishing he could merge her into his body to prevent her from acting recklessly again.
This scene caused a commotion. The officials were shocked, craning their necks to see what “resurrection” looked like on Zhu Yan.
Shen Du pulled Zhu Yan closer, pressing her face against his chest to shield her from prying eyes. The onlookers’ mouths twitched in annoyance. It was just the Commander Zhu, whom they had seen plenty of times before. Now they couldn’t even get a glimpse. He might as well put her in his pocket.
However, the main focus in the hall was not on the couple. The Empress spoke languidly from her dragon throne, steering the topic back to Lai Luozhi and Lai Luofu.
As the Lai siblings spoke openly about cultivation-related matters, the officials had mixed thoughts.
Commander Zhu had indeed been revived, but whether Lai Luozhi’s medicine was an antidote or some miraculous elixir, no one could tell. They remained rational, leaning towards the belief that it was an antidote that cured Commander Zhu’s poison. As for Lai Luofu, none of the present officials had ever seen the original Lai Luofu, so they couldn’t verify if this person was genuine.
Although disbelief was predominant, their hearts wavered. The Lai siblings spoke with such sincerity, especially Lai Luofu. When mentioning profound Taoist arts and magic, her face was full of admiration and devotion. It seemed to stem from a fervent belief in their authenticity. If there wasn’t some truth to it, why would she be so passionate?
The Empress looked down, clearly observing the officials’ expressions. She frowned and interrupted the Lai siblings, returning to discuss state affairs with the officials.
Half an hour later, after addressing national matters, the officials dispersed. The Empress kept Lai Luozhi behind.
She casually brought up the topic of cultivation methods. “I’ve heard that Celestial Master Yuan secluded himself in the mountains to pursue immortality, abandoning all distractions and focusing solely on Taoist practices. I wonder how effective it has been, and if he has glimpsed the secret of eternal life?”
“Your Majesty, the Taoist way values life and saving countless beings. By distancing oneself from the mortal world and eliminating distractions, one can achieve immortality, and the ascension of the physical body, and reach the three realms of purity through self-cultivation and Taoist practices. If Celestial Master Yuan is sincere, immortality is not an unattainable dream!” Lai Luozhi replied.
The Empress’s eyes were full of longing. She asked further, “Celestial Master Yuan was born with an affinity for the Tao, but most people are ignorant. Can anyone cultivate the Tao?”
Celestial Master Yuan had once prophesied that the Empress, while still in swaddling clothes, would achieve unparalleled greatness in the future. He had earned the Empress Dowager’s trust but was too engrossed in cultivation to care for official positions, refusing even the title of Imperial Preceptor.
Lai Luozhi looked at the Empress with a profound expression. “The Tao constantly gives birth to all things. Heaven and Earth are the greatest among them, and humans are the most spiritual. Of course, they can cultivate! Even immortals crave longevity and life, let alone us mortals. We should pursue the Tao and seek immortality even more!”
Lai Luozhi extolled the wonders of Taoist methods, emphasizing how Lai Luofu had come back to life. As he spoke, his expression grew fervent, his eyes blazing with intensity.
The Empress was moved, almost losing her composure. But then, as if remembering something, her face turned cold. “The Great Zhou promotes Buddhism, not Taoism. Minister Lai, your behavior goes against national policy. It would be best to keep a low profile.”
Lai Luozhi’s brow twitched. He secretly observed the Empress and saw that although her face was stern, her eyes lacked strong reproach. Relieved, he bowed and said, “I will heed Your Majesty’s guidance and act accordingly.”
Outside the great hall, Zhang Baohuan encountered Princesses Yong’an and Chaoyang. His gaze flickered slightly as he hurried forward to bow. His movements were flawless, yet somehow conveyed different attitudes towards the two.
Princess Yong’an, feeling slighted, sneered and left with a few mocking words, not looking back.
“Minister Zhang need not mind. Yong’an just discussed some unpleasant matters with me. It’s not directed at you,” Princess Chaoyang said.
Zhang Baohuan, having served the Empress for years, understood perfectly. Moreover, he was the instigator. He smiled apologetically, “Of course, of course. I wouldn’t dare to find fault with His Highness the Prince of Ying.”
Princess Chaoyang nodded slightly and walked past him, her delicate hand inadvertently brushing against Zhang Baohuan’s hand before leaving nonchalantly.
Zhang Baohuan withdrew his hand, frowning. He took out a handkerchief to wipe his hand before departing.
At the Zhu residence.
Before noon, Zhu Yan slowly awakened to everyone’s anticipation. As she opened her eyes, her consciousness not fully returned, she saw several tear-stained faces of joy: “Father, Mother, Shen Du…”
Her voice was slightly hoarse. Shen Du turned to pour tea, his long, well-proportioned hands moving deftly. Before Zhu Yan was fully awake, he skillfully helped her sit up, letting her lean against his chest and brought the warm tea to her lips.
Zhu Yan sipped the tea in small mouthfuls. After finishing a cup, she widened her eyes: “I’m alive?”
“Zhu Sixth Miss!” At this, Madam Jin’s eyebrows furrowed. Heaven knows how many gray hairs she’d gotten because of this foolish girl who disregarded her own life. She put her hands on her hips and pointed at Zhu Yan, scolding, “You’re heartless enough! Taking such a poison on your own, abandoning your parents who are over fifty years old. Did you want to take us all with you?…”
Madam Jin’s harsh words and flying spittle instantly brought Zhu Yan back to this vibrant world. Leaning in Shen Du’s arms, Zhu Yan’s lips curved up high. The more Madam Jin scolded, the more real it felt to her.
I’m alive!
Finally, seeing Zhu Yan’s silly grin, Madam Jin couldn’t scold her more. She hugged Zhu Yan and burst into loud sobs.
After comforting Madam Jin, Zhu Yan gradually regained her strength. Feeling Shen Du’s warm body pressed against her back, she quickly shifted away, her ears turning pink. Looking around, she didn’t see Zhu Caiwei and asked, looking up, “Where’s Third Sister? Is she getting better too? Let’s go watch over her.”
“Ah?” Zhu Kuo slapped his forehead. “Look at my forgetfulness. I was so focused on waiting for you to wake up that I completely forgot about Third Miss.”
Madam Ru, Madam Jin, and others also looked remorseful. Earlier, seeing Zhu Yan improve, they had focused all their attention on her, neglecting Zhu Caiwei.
Seeing this, Zhu Yan quickly asked about the antidote. Shen Du informed her that there was one more dose left. Zhu Yan, not noticing Shen Du’s odd expression, hurriedly led everyone to find Zhu Caiwei.
When they entered the room, Han Shiyuan was gently wiping Zhu Caiwei’s hands. Seeing Zhu Yan awake, he excitedly asked for the antidote and administered it.
In less than half an hour, Zhu Caiwei woke up. Han Shiyuan could no longer contain himself. The tall man knelt on the ground, holding Zhu Caiwei and sobbing uncontrollably.
Perhaps it was about to rain; a cool breeze blew, billowing Han Shiyuan’s increasingly loose robes, revealing his increasingly thin frame. Between sobs, he said to Zhu Caiwei, “Let’s get married. Let’s get married right away. From now on, we’ll be together in life and death, never to be separated again!”
Zhu Caiwei was naturally overjoyed. Seeing Han Shiyuan cry so uncontrollably, Zhu Kuo and Madam Ru had no objections.
Since it was a matrilocal marriage, many procedures could be simplified. They chose the nearest auspicious date for the grand wedding.