The Empress Dowager's expression was also very bad. What should have been a birthday banquet had turned into a farce. With all the frightened people around, how could the banquet possibly continue? Even now, just thinking about the snakes that filled the hall made her scalp tingle and her whole body feel cold. If it weren't for the large number of soldiers in the hall protecting them and killing them, the Empress Dowager would probably have been bitten as well. She couldn't help but wipe the sweat from her forehead with her handkerchief.
"Ah! Second Princess, Second Princess, what's wrong with you?!" Just then, a shrill scream pierced the air, causing the hall to erupt into chaos once again.
Then they saw Baili Jing lying on the ground with her eyes wide open, her face full of terror. Her face and hands, especially her hands, were as black as ink. Her whole body was trembling, and although her mouth was open, she couldn't utter a single word. She just kept staring wide-eyed, as if she was begging for help.
"Oh no! The Second Princess has been poisoned!" one of them exclaimed. The palace maid, who had slumped back into her seat, jerked her head up upon hearing this: "How could this be? Jing'er, how could she be poisoned? Quickly, summon the imperial physician!"
Some palace servants, already trembling with fear, ran out in a panic to find the imperial physician.
"Oh no, Miss has been bitten by a snake!"
"Mother, how are you..."
Just then, several more screams rang out. There were five people bitten in the hall, including two high-ranking officials. At that moment, everyone felt a sinking feeling in their hearts and suddenly felt incredibly wronged. They had come to the palace to attend the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet, but how could they have known that such a thing would happen? Everyone said that the palace was the safest place in the world, but they had suffered such an undeserved disaster here. Who could not feel resentment? Even those who had not been bitten by snakes were still quite frightened.
Some of my legs were trembling, with traces of water seeping out. When the ladies heard that someone else had been bitten, they finally couldn't hold back anymore and burst into tears.
Those present had probably never witnessed such a terrifying scene in their lives. They felt as if those eerie green and crimson snake eyes, each one like a poisoned arrow, were waiting to be shot at them, sending chills down their spines. These snakes could bite and kill! If they had been a little less careful, if they had been just a little more unlucky, would they have died? Would they have died forever?
"Waaah, waaaah." The more they thought about it, the more aggrieved and scared they felt. They could only cry out like this. Even some timid men started wiping away tears. In an instant, many people in the hall had their tear ducts burst and started crying out. The sound echoed throughout Chengde Hall, making everyone's heart clench.
Upon seeing this, Emperor Mingxian slammed his hand on the table and roared, "Shut up, all of you!"
Emperor Mingxian, worthy of his long-standing high position, uttered a furious shout that instantly silenced the sobbing and wailing. However, seeing the somber expressions on the faces of those who had stopped crying, Emperor Mingxian's own expression darkened. He was more troubled than anyone else. Such a thing had happened in front of all the officials and their families, at the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet. It was something that would be hard for anyone to accept, especially since there were more than just one or two victims.
"The imperial physicians have arrived!" A joyful voice suddenly came from outside. Several imperial physicians rushed in directly from Zhengde Hall, led by Imperial Physician Liu. Seven or eight physicians rushed in at once. Without any preamble, they bowed to Emperor Mingxian and the Empress Dowager and were then assigned to examine each of the injuries. After examining them, Imperial Physician Liu said in a clear voice, "Your Majesty, there are a total of five people who have been bitten by snakes, including the Second Princess. However, Lord Chen and Miss Wang are relatively lucky. Although they were bitten, it was not by venomous snakes, so they only need to stop the wounds and go back to rest. But the other three were all bitten by venomous snakes, which is more difficult to handle."
"What's so difficult about it? Doesn't the Imperial Hospital have an antidote?"
Physician Liu looked grim: "Your Majesty, this snake venom is rather strange. Although I have heard of it before, it is difficult to treat. This snake is called the Flower Crown Snake. They prefer to live in the wild and rarely go to densely populated areas. Although I have some knowledge of poisons, I am afraid that it will take three to five days to prepare an antidote for this snake venom. However, the Second Princess and the others cannot wait that long. If an antidote is not found within two hours, I am afraid..." Physician Liu did not finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant. If an antidote is not obtained soon, Baili Jing and the others will die.
Baili Jing lay on the ground, her face already blackened, but she couldn't speak. She kept moving her mouth, but no sound came out, and even a single breath in the hall sounded extremely loud.
Emperor Mingxian said with a gloomy face: "Can't you come up with another antidote now? It's temporary."
Physician Liu hesitated, "Your Majesty, I have no solution right now, but there are two people who might be able to help."
"Who? Speak quickly!" Emperor Mingxian immediately exclaimed upon hearing this. Leaving aside Baili Jing, one of the three poisoned individuals was Baili Cheng's teacher, Xuan Bin, the father of the first Crown Princess Xuan Yue and the Crown Prince Baili Cheng's Grand Tutor. The other was just an ordinary official's daughter. However, Baili Jing and Xuan Bin were the ones who absolutely needed to be saved.
Physician Liu hurriedly replied, "It is indeed Master Minghui of the Five Elements Temple and Master Lingyun of the White Cloud Taoist Temple. Master Minghui is highly skilled in medicine and traveled to many countries in the Langya Continent when he was young. He has extensive knowledge and should know more about the venom of the Flower Crown Snake than I do. Master Lingyun of the White Cloud Temple has been dedicated to alchemy and has once captured some poisonous insects and other things to study because of their medicinal properties. Perhaps he can find something that can counteract poison with poison."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Mingxian nodded hurriedly and said, "Alright, quickly send a letter to invite Master Minghui."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager frowned: "But judging from the poison on Jing'er and Minister Xuan, I'm afraid we won't be able to wait for Master Minghui."
"Then, Mother, do you think Master Liuyun will arrive?" Emperor Mingxian asked with a frown. If time were not so pressing, he would have simply let Physician Liu research the antidote himself. The Empress Dowager sighed, "Let's send someone to invite Master Minghui first. Hopefully, there is still time."
"Oh! Princess, how are you, Princess?"
Just then, another scream rang out in the hall. Everyone was shocked and quickly looked over, only to see that Baili Jing was now convulsing uncontrollably, and blood was slowly flowing from the corner of her mouth. Her eyes were wide open in a ferocious expression, and her face was dark and gloomy, as if she was about to give up and die.
Upon seeing this, the Empress's eyes immediately reddened: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, when I went to Youyun Temple to offer incense before, I did ask Master Liuyun for a miraculous medicine, but it has never worked. I don't know if it will be effective. Now that Jing'er is like this, I really can't bear to stay here any longer."
Physician Liu said, "Your Majesty, please allow me to examine you. If it was given to me by Master Liuyun, it may indeed be of use."
Without hesitation, the Empress took out a bottle, poured out one pill, and handed it to Physician Liu. Physician Liu smelled and examined it, and said with delight, "I have heard that Master Liuyun once exhausted a lot of fine materials to make a pill called Heart-Protecting Pill. It is said to be a very good tonic, but it also contains a great detoxifying agent. I wonder if this pill is the Heart-Protecting Pill?"
The Empress nodded: "It is indeed a heart-protecting pill."
Physician Liu laughed and said, "Good, the Second Princess is saved. Quickly, someone, give the Second Princess this medicine."
Immediately, a palace maid brought water and gave it to Baili Jing. She was then fed some more water. Everyone's eyes were on Baili Jing, and the heart-protecting pill really worked. As soon as it was given to her, Baili Jing's convulsing body stopped, and her complexion began to slowly improve. Although she did not immediately recover to her original state, it was enough to show that the heart-protecting pill was effective and that Baili Jing's poison had been neutralized.
Emperor Mingxian, the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and others all had joyful expressions, but someone in the crowd looked melancholy. Finally, someone said, "Your Majesty, I wonder how many heart-protecting pills you have left? Could you please grant me one to save my father's life?"
The man who spoke was dressed in a gray brocade robe, with a jade belt around his waist and a brocade crown on his head. Although his clothes were not particularly expensive and were even somewhat simple, he had a dignified appearance and a righteous air about him. He was a rare and handsome man. Moreover, he bore a resemblance to the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor. He was Xuan Ming, the eldest son of the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor Xuan Bin and the elder brother of the deceased Crown Princess Xuan Yue.
As soon as he finished speaking, the relatives of the official's daughter couldn't help but look up at the Empress. Since this Heart-Protecting Pill could cure the Flower Crown Poison, it must have a miraculous effect. If there were any more, it would depend on whether the Empress was willing to part with them.
A hint of gloom flashed in the Empress's eyes. Ever since Xuan Yue's death, the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor had become largely useless. Even if he couldn't be dismissed from his post immediately, Baili Cheng had long since lost trust in Xuan Bin. After all, Xuan Yue's death was somewhat suspicious, and these people couldn't help but understand that he probably harbored disloyalty towards them. Baili Cheng had been slowly taking away the power from Xuan Bin.
Baili Cheng had long intended to get rid of such a useless servant, but he had never had the opportunity. Now was the perfect opportunity. The Empress's eyes met Baili Cheng's slightly, and they both understood the message in each other's eyes. Even if they had something to say, they shouldn't have brought it out.
However, the Empress had to carefully choose her words. She couldn't let anyone talk about this. Master Liuyun was a Taoist priest with considerable skill. This Heart-Protecting Pill required many precious medicinal herbs, and only a dozen or so pills could be made in one batch. Sometimes, if something failed, a batch might not even yield ten pills. Moreover, refining the Heart-Protecting Pill took forty-nine days, which was extremely difficult. Master Liuyun only refined one batch each year. Therefore, although the Heart-Protecting Pill was quite famous, few people had actually seen it. The Heart-Protecting Pill was a very precious item, and even the Empress might not have many. She could use this as an excuse.
Suddenly, Xuanming continued, "For all these years, I have served the Crown Prince diligently. As the heir apparent, His Highness is the most outstanding among the princes. His benevolence and morality are invaluable, and he especially understands the meaning of respecting teachers. I often say that teaching a student like the Crown Prince is the greatest honor and satisfaction of my life. I never expected that such a calamity would befall us today, in the palace..." Xuanming held Xuanbin, whose body was turning black and convulsing, and stopped speaking. His eyes were red and his face was filled with pain.
However, his actions made people's hearts tighten.
Xuan Bin is the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince! In the Great Zhou Dynasty, the most important virtues are propriety, integrity, and loyalty and filial piety. A teacher is one aspect of filial piety, because a good teacher often has the power to reshape a student's life, regardless of the student's noble status; the bond between teacher and student is irreplaceable. And who is the Crown Prince? He is the future ruler of the country. Even if others don't care, he cannot forget his roots. If he were to abandon Xuan Bin to his fate today, would such an ungrateful and disrespectful person be filial to Emperor Mingxian, and what kind of benevolent ruler would he be in the future? The answer is no.
Baili Cheng's expression changed, but the Empress laughed: "I do indeed still have Heart-Protecting Pills here. Perhaps this is fate. When I went to Baiyun Taoist Temple, Master Liuyun's alchemy furnace was not yet open. I only asked for medicine, and Master Liuyun gave me some Heart-Protecting Pills that he had collected before. I never expected them to be so useful today. This is truly fate. Quickly, take the other two Heart-Protecting Pills to Lord Xuan and his companion."
The Empress quickly took out the bottle and handed it to the palace maid. The maid then took the medicine and gave it to Xuan Bin and another young lady. After taking it, the poisoning of the two was finally relieved. The two immediately knelt down and kowtowed to thank the Empress. The Empress also said gently with a benevolent look, "Lord Xuan, there is no need for such formalities. You are the Crown Prince's mentor. I just happened to have such an opportunity. I am not worthy of your thanks. Lord Xuan, please sit down and rest."
Xuan Bin looked grateful, but as he sat down, he heard Xuan Ming beside him snort: "If it weren't in front of so many people, and the Crown Prince's reputation were to be damaged, would the Empress have taken out these two heart-protecting pills? It seems she'd rather you, Father, died. How hypocritical and shameless."
Xuan Bin glared at Xuan Ming, but fortunately Xuan Ming wasn't stupid; he just lowered his voice. Xuan Bin whispered, "Is this the kind of thing to say here? Shut up."
Xuanming, however, remained unconvinced. He glanced coldly at the Empress and the Crown Prince before turning his gaze away: "Father, you can swallow your anger and continue teaching the Crown Prince, but I cannot. I watched my little sister grow up from childhood, and our sibling bond was deeper than most. Yet, she died so mysteriously. My little sister was the Crown Princess, and this mere concubine in the Crown Prince's residence was poisoned so easily. My little sister was no ordinary woman; she was clever enough not to have been on guard. Who knows what might have happened? My little sister died unjustly."
Xuan Bin was originally from a commoner background and only had one wife and one concubine. The concubine was someone his wife had taken in when she was pregnant and unable to care for him. She hadn't conceived in all these years, but the Xuan household was very harmonious. Because Xuan Bin was from a commoner background and not from a wealthy family, there weren't many intrigues in his household. Everyone in the family was simple-minded and had strong family bonds. The relationship between Xuan Ming and Xuan Yue would be the envy of even the most powerful families.
Xuanbin sighed, his eyes darkening slightly: "Since the Empress has bestowed the Heart-Protecting Pill, let's not say anything more now. It's not appropriate to discuss these things here; be careful, the walls may have ears."
A hint of hatred flashed across Xuanming's face, but he said nothing.
"As expected, the Empress has the antidote!" Ouyang Yue, who had been sitting silently to the side, said softly. Baili Chen held Ouyang Yue's hand, a cold smile on his lips, his eyes filled with killing intent.
Baili Jing wasn't a fool; she always left herself a way out. If she could produce poison, she must have an antidote—this was out of caution. In the Great Zhou Dynasty, Buddhism flourished because Emperor Mingxian was a devout Buddhist, while the Empress Dowager highly revered Taoism. Although not comparable to Buddhism, Taoism held a different status in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Liuyun Temple was such a place. As the Empress Dowager's niece, the Empress naturally also revered Taoism. However, the Heart-Protecting Pill was a priceless treasure, said to have the power to bring the dead back to life. The Empress Dowager had been taking it for years, but only a dozen or so pills were produced each year—enough for the Empress Dowager to take one a month. The Empress actually produced three at once! Ha!
Baili Chen gently traced the palm of Ouyang Yue's hand with his fingers. Ouyang Yue trembled and squinted at him. Baili Chen said in a low voice, "This also shows that the Empress may know that Baili Jing did this. Even if she doesn't know, Baili Jing is confident that she won't die. This Heart-Protecting Pill is not a secret between the mother and daughter."
Ouyang Yue said, "Yes, but this Heart-Protecting Pill is not a panacea. It is not something that can cure all poisons. How do they know that this Heart-Protecting Pill can cure the venom of the Flower Crown Snake?"
Baili Chen smiled but didn't say anything. Ouyang Yue also gave Baili Jing and the Empress a meaningful look, a cold smile playing on her lips.
The Empress Dowager's birthday banquet was marred by a snake bite, making it impossible to continue. However, it couldn't just end like that, so after a perfunctory performance of two programs, the Empress Dowager excused herself by saying she was tired and left. Everyone quickly left Chengde Hall. Those who had been sitting in Chengde Hall were feeling uneasy, fearing that if another snake suddenly rushed out, it would be disastrous. Fortunately, that didn't happen, but they didn't dare linger in Chengde Hall and were all gone in no time.
Emperor Mingxian, with a stern face, had already sent people to investigate the origin of these snakes.
At a narrow path in front of Chengde Hall, an old man with a white beard was stopped. When Physician Liu saw the man in front of him, he immediately knelt down and bowed: "Your humble servant greets Prince Chen and Princess Chen."
Ouyang Yue looked at Physician Liu and couldn't help but chuckle, "Physician Liu, you're not being honest."
Physician Liu looked at Ouyang Yue with a puzzled expression and said, "This humble subject does not understand what Princess Chen means."
"Physician Liu, you didn't finish your sentence. Why didn't you mention that this crested snake actually carries two kinds of potent venom?" Ouyang Yue said calmly, but her words made Physician Liu pause. "This... another kind of snake venom..."
“Yes, the flower crown snake can be considered a variant of snakes. Not only is it beautiful, but it can also release venom not only through its fangs but also through its tail. When it bites a person, its fangs naturally release venom, which takes effect very quickly. If it is not treated in time, it will surely die. As for the venom in its tail…” Ouyang Yue paused for a moment after saying this.
Baili Chen said calmly, "Snakes are inherently lustful, and the flower crown snake is the most lustful of all. While most snakes only have two mates a year, this one has two. The so-called other venom is a great tonic for snakes, but for humans, the venom released from its tail is called 'lust poison.' That's what I mean."
Physician Liu's expression changed, and he said, "So this is the first time I've heard of such a thing as the flower crown snake. Listening to what Prince Chen and Princess Chen have to say, I've certainly learned something new."
Ouyang Yue laughed: "Does Physician Liu really not know?"
Physician Liu shook his head, and Baili Chen said "Oh" and "I see. However, I have only heard of the flower crown snake and have never seen it. It is understandable that Physician Liu does not know. This is just my guess. I am concerned about the health of my second sister."
Physician Liu nodded and said, "Your Highness Chen's care for his siblings is truly admirable."
"Alright, that's all for now, you can go." Baili Chen waved his hand, and Physician Liu bowed and turned to leave.
Baili Chen stroked Ouyang Yue's waist and looked up to block a dry branch hanging from a willow tree: "Wife, let's go back. We came to attend the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet, but who knew this would happen? You must have been frightened."
"Yes, I really do feel a bit tired right now."
"I've already made the arrangements. A royal physician is already waiting at Prince Chen's residence. Let's go back," Baili Chen said with concern. Ouyang Yue immediately nodded, "Okay, let's go back."
At this moment, in the Rain Ring Palace of the Second Princess Baili Jing, Baili Jing was screaming in pain. Although the heart-protecting pill had neutralized the poison, the venom of the flower crown snake was extremely potent. The more the poison in her body was relieved, the more unbearable the pain became. At this moment, she was in excruciating pain, and she grabbed things in her bedroom and smashed them on the ground. The sound of them shattering on the ground seemed to make her feel a little better. She was so angry that she was practically fuming.
"You bitch, how dare you harm me!" Suddenly, Baili Jing shouted coldly and rushed towards Baili Cai, who had been sleeping in the corner since she came in, and raised her hand to hit her hard.
"Smack! Bang!" Baili Cai was knocked to the ground and rolled over. Only then did Baili Jing feel that the pain on her body seemed to have lessened a bit, but the hatred in her heart was even deeper: "You bitch, you dare to hurt me, fine, do you know that I have a hundred ways to make you wish you were dead?"
Baili Cai's face was deathly pale as she shook her head repeatedly, saying, "Second Imperial Sister, please calm down. I really didn't do it. I really didn't harm you. I really didn't do it."
"Slap! Bang!" Baili Jing sneered, shoved Baili Cai aside, and kicked her in the stomach. Baili Cai was in so much pain that large beads of sweat rolled down her face.
"Calm down, forgive me, you deserve to die!" Baili Jing's eyes were blazing with anger. Not only had she failed to frame Bingyan, but she herself had suffered the pain of the venomous snake. How could she swallow this insult?
After the Empress returned with Baili Jing, she remained quietly to the side. This time, the losses were substantial. She had spent a great deal of wealth to acquire those three Heart-Protecting Pills. Master Liuyun was extremely arrogant and originally disdained jewels; it was only through the Empress's begging that these pills were obtained, and they were life-saving treasures for her. Now, they had been wasted. Whether Xuanbin and that other young lady lived or died was none of her concern, but she couldn't afford to gain such a bad reputation in the main hall. Was all of this Baili Jing's fault? This also fueled the Empress's resentment.
"No! Second Princess... Pfft, I really didn't! I didn't see Seventh Princess back then, it's true! The angelica used to lure the snake was in the hands of two palace maids. I really didn't know anything! I'm innocent! I would never have dared to have any intention of harming Second Princess! Please believe me!" Baili Cai was in pain all over, but she explained anxiously.
Baili Jing was about to teach her a lesson, but the Empress narrowed her eyes and said, "Jing'er, that's enough. I think Cai'er really doesn't know anything. Calm down first."
Baili Jing snorted, her anger still simmering. The Empress then asked, "Cai'er, I ask you, do you dare swear to heaven that you really didn't harm your second sister?"
"Your subject dares to swear to Heaven that you truly do not know anything about this matter. How did that snake get into Chengde Hall? Your subject really has no idea." Baili Cai's face was covered in tears as she swore, her voice trembling with fear.
Seeing her like this, the Empress didn't think she was faking it, but her expression darkened even more: "But how did these snakes get into Chengde Palace? If no one did it, do they know how to attack where there are many people, just like people do?" The Empress sneered.
Baili Jing frowned: "Mother, could it be that Xuanyuan Yue struck first and then turned the tables on me?"
The Empress's eyes turned cold: "It's highly possible. Perhaps those two palace maids were exposed and were captured and questioned beforehand."
Baili Jing sneered: "Hmph, if things were any better, then when Father investigates, let's see if they get away with it."
The Empress looked at Baili Jing and sighed, "I'm afraid that if we investigate now, we won't find anything at all."
Baili Jing was extremely displeased: "Mother, are we just going to let this go? Your son cannot swallow this insult!"
The Empress patted Baili Jing on the shoulder: "They dared to harm you, and they also caused me to lose my life-saving possession. Naturally, they must pay the price!"
A glint flashed in Baili Jing's eyes: "Mother, do you have a plan?"
The Empress did not answer her, but said to Baili Cai, "It's a misunderstanding, Cai'er. You should go back and recover from your injuries."
"Yes, Mother." Baili Cai left obediently, but Baili Jing couldn't wait to ask, "Mother, have you thought of something?"
The Empress sneered, her expression unfathomable!
As soon as Baili Cai left Yuhuan Palace, she saw an anxious figure on the only path back to her own palace. Baili Cai immediately quickened her pace and asked, "Mother, what are you doing here?"
The woman was dressed in a white dress with light yellow floral patterns. She had a beautiful appearance with the charm of a mature woman. Although she was not a stunning beauty, she was still pleasing to the eye. She was Zhang Fei, Baili Cai's birth mother: "Fourth Princess, how are you? Why are your clothes so dirty?"
Baili Cai pulled Zhang Fei, who looked nervous, and said, "Mother, let's go back to the palace first."
Consort Zhang nodded immediately, and the two went to Consort Zhang's palace. Compared to the Empress's Anle Palace, Consort Sun's Mingxiang Palace, and even Fenyan's Liuhua Palace, it was far inferior. Apart from the palace being larger, the decoration and furnishings inside were similar to those of a typical wealthy family mansion, which showed that Consort Zhang was not favored.
"Your injury, was it from the Second Princess again?" As soon as she returned to the palace and dismissed the maids, Consort Zhang pulled Baili Cai aside and asked with pity.
A gloomy look flashed across Baili Cai's face: "Because her evil plan failed, she became angry and embarrassed, so naturally I had to take a beating."
Consort Zhang felt a pang of pain in her heart: "You have suffered so much under her all these years, but unfortunately, your mother is powerless to help you. It is all my fault."
Baili Cai said, "Mother, what are you saying? The Empress has such great power, and there is also the Empress Dowager above her. Even Consort Sun doesn't dare to confront her head-on. Baili Jing, relying on her status as the legitimate daughter, doesn't take the other princesses seriously at all. If you hadn't chosen to side with the Empress back then, I'm afraid my mother and I would have died like our second brother. You did nothing wrong."