"Jing'er, how could you think of your mother like that? Your mother never thought of ruling from behind the curtain. Your mother truly wanted to help the Crown Prince seize the throne so that I could become the Empress Dowager and enjoy eternal glory. How could you say such heartbreaking things? Are you trying to force your mother to her death?" The Empress clutched her chest, her face covered in tears of pain.
Baili Jing's expression softened slightly, but a cold smirk remained on her lips: "It's best if you think that way, otherwise I would have sent you straight to the Western Paradise before I died!" After threatening her, Baili Jing suddenly sighed, "If anyone's to blame, it's myself. Who told me to treat basic ethics like bullshit and only want to be with Cheng-ge? What you said might be right, but we were both so lonely back then. I couldn't even feel familial affection, so couldn't I even have romantic feelings? I don't know who was right or wrong in this matter anymore, but I've never regretted being with Cheng-ge. I truly love him, it's just a pity I didn't give him a child."
The Empress looked at her strangely, biting her lip: "Jing'er, go with peace of mind. Your mother will definitely help the Crown Prince ascend the throne."
Baili Jing sneered at the Empress: "So you really did not only give me abortifacients, but also a drug to kill me. Mother, you really have the heart to do that."
The Empress's lips trembled, her face filled with sorrow: "Jing'er, I have no choice."
Baili Jing seemed unable to stand, staggering back several steps before crashing into the bedside with a thud. She sat down on the bed, glaring at the Empress: "If there was no other way, then why use such poison? I wanted to believe you, but you have such a cruel heart! You'd better not have any other thoughts about Cheng-ge, and you'd better fulfill your vow, or I'll haunt you even as a ghost! Ahhh! You have such a cruel heart! I hate you, I will never forgive you, you cruel daughter, I hate you!"
Suddenly, Baili Jing cried out in pain, and at that moment, fine blood began to flow from her body. At first, it was just blood droplets, but later it turned into gushing blood blisters and bloody water. Before long, Baili Jing looked like a blood-covered person. The Empress was shocked: "Jing'er, Jing'er, what's wrong with you? How could this happen? How could this happen? Jing'er, get up quickly, get up quickly! It was your mother's fault, your mother's fault! Jing'er, get up quickly!"
Baili Jing's facial muscles twitched and convulsed in pain, her eyes bulging as if about to pop out of their sockets: "You vicious...woman, you...you'll...die a horrible...death! Ugh!" She spat out another mouthful of blood, directly onto her chest, and her whole body began to tremble uncontrollably from the extreme pain, an instinctive tremor as if she had gone mad. Baili Jing lay in a sea of blood, her eyes wide open, dying with unresolved grievances, glaring fiercely at the Empress. The Empress was shocked and overwhelmed with grief.
"Jing'er, Jing'er, wake up! Your mother was wrong! Your mother doesn't want you to die! Jing'er, wake up!" The Empress rushed towards Baili Jing, but Baili Jing on the bed stared at her with wide eyes, but was lifeless and dead.
"No, Jing'er, it's your mother's fault, it's your mother's fault! Wake up! Your mother doesn't want you to die, Jing'er, Jing'er!" The Empress cried out in pain, her face covered in tears.
"Alright, stop calling her. She's dead. Calling her won't change anything." Just then, a cold voice suddenly came from the doorway of the inner room.
The Empress froze, her expression seemingly frozen, then suddenly glared angrily at the doorway: "It was you! You poisoned Jing'er! You did it!"
The person approached slowly, their steps as graceful as lotus blossoms, each step bringing a touch of beauty. But with each step closer, the Empress felt increasingly choked up, her eyes filled with rage: "Why? Why did you target Jing'er? Have you forgotten our partnership? You dare to harm the person closest to me! Are you trying to destroy our agreement and our cooperative relationship?"
The man entered the room and, upon hearing the Empress's words, chuckled. His voice was pleasant, but his tone was mocking: "Empress, how can you utter such hurtful words? I have no face to admit it. You ordered the Second Princess to be poisoned. I merely felt the poison was too weak, fearing she might not die but suffer greatly, so I increased the toxicity. The one who truly wanted to kill the Second Princess was not me, but you, her own mother, Empress. I cannot bear the accusation of poisoning the Second Princess. Please, Empress, do not unjustly accuse me."
The Empress clenched her fists and gritted her teeth: "What are you doing here? I can handle my own affairs. This is not a place for you."
The man sneered, "If the Empress hadn't delayed the matter of the Second Princess for so long, I wouldn't have come here in person. You should know that I came to Anle Palace at the risk of being discovered. Look how much I value you as my partner. Empress, don't judge me by your own petty standards."
The Empress roared, "Shut up! I am the Empress of the Great Zhou Dynasty. No matter what, you are far inferior to me. It is not your place to reprimand me. If you think that cooperating with me will allow you to disregard me, then you are wrong, and very wrong. I will make you suffer."
The newcomer gave a soft hum, his voice softening considerably: "Since that's the case, then there's nothing more for me to do, so I'll head back now. But Your Majesty, since the Second Princess is dead, please accept my condolences. After all, strictly speaking, you can't be entirely blamed for her death. The catalyst was Xuan Yuan Yue; she's the one who truly deserves to die!"
The Empress's eyes turned cold: "I know that if Jing'er hadn't poisoned her with snakes, those snakes probably wouldn't have been lured to the palace. Although I don't know if Xuan Yuan Yue really didn't encounter them or if she escaped for some other reason, if she had been poisoned by the snakes, none of this would have happened. Therefore, I am already at odds with Xuan Yuan Yue, and I will definitely tear her to pieces."
The man curled his lips into a sneer, looked at the Empress with a sinister grin, turned and left, but his face was full of mockery.
The Empress is undeniably a very selfish person. While there might be some truth to the claim that Baili Jing was killed by Ouyang Yue, the primary cause lies with Baili Jing herself. If Baili Jing hadn't been so malicious in her intentions to harm Ouyang Yue, would she have been betrayed and poisoned? If she hadn't been poisoned by the Flower Crown Poison, and the aphrodisiac hadn't taken effect, causing her to lose control and disrupt her plans to go to the Crown Prince's residence prematurely, and then, due to the poison, engage in prolonged sexual intercourse with the Crown Prince, the Empress wouldn't have discovered it, and none of the subsequent events would have occurred. Things might have turned out very differently.
If there hadn't been the previous confrontation, and if the Empress hadn't known who the father was, she might have sent Baili Jing elsewhere to give birth and raise the child, or married her off to a family beforehand to find a father for the child. There's a good chance the Empress wouldn't have poisoned her own daughter. But all that is irreversible. And it's utterly unreasonable to pin all this on Xuan Yuan Yue, but she doesn't care. As long as Xuan Yuan Yue is hated by the Empress, hated relentlessly, then her goal is achieved.
Xuanyuan Yue, you probably never imagined that there's a vicious enemy in the palace who wishes he could kill you with a thousand swords, hahahahaha!
The Empress coldly watched the departing person, and Lan He beside her also looked cold: "Your Majesty, she is far too arrogant. If this continues, she will become more and more arrogant and domineering, and she may not even put Your Majesty in her eyes anymore."
The Empress sneered: "Isn't it true that she doesn't take me seriously? The way she was bossing me around just now, did she take me seriously at all? I don't need to wait for the future, I can already imagine what kind of face she will have later."
Lan He said with a sullen face, "Then, Your Majesty, do you think we should find an opportunity to get rid of her first?"
The Empress shook her head: "No, she's still useful now, so let her be arrogant for a while. I'll make her wish she were dead later. Besides, although I don't know why she hates Xuanyuan Yue so much, it's not just me. She also wants to deal with Xuanyuan Yue, so the success rate of our cooperation will naturally be much higher."
Lanhe thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "The Empress is truly farsighted; I was shortsighted."
The Empress turned her head and looked at Baili Jing lying in a pool of blood, her eyes wide open in death. Seeing the ferocious expression on Baili Jing's face, her heart skipped a beat, and she felt inexplicably afraid: "Lan He, go and handle it. Make sure the Second Princess has a grand funeral."
Baili Jing is dead, and this can't just happen quietly. Hiding it won't work, so it's better to make a big fuss. That way, it will draw other people's attention and prevent any major problems.
Lanhe immediately summoned her confidants, who took Baili Jing's body away to clean it up. Then, she changed into a very gorgeous dress. Afterward, news spread that the Second Princess had died because the toxins in her body were too strong. The heart-protecting pill she had taken was not effective enough, and the toxins in her body expanded, ultimately leading to her death.
The news spread like wildfire, causing a great uproar in the capital. Discussions raged about Baili Jing's death. Emperor Mingxian, upon hearing the news, was furious, slamming his fist on the table and beating the palace guards. He had sent people to investigate the snakes entering and leaving Chengde Hall, yet no one had found any clues. Now that Baili Jing had truly been poisoned, Emperor Mingxian naturally held them accountable, punishing two squad leaders and temporarily appointing their deputy leaders. He then immediately rushed to Anle Palace to see Baili Jing. The other concubines, princes, and princesses in the palace were equally astonished upon hearing the news, but they all moved with lightning speed, like rabbits. Although they didn't see Baili Jing's face, they spent a considerable amount of time persuading the Empress before leaving.
Next came the various forces outside the palace. Similarly, the first to enter the palace were the various royal relatives. The carriages of Prince Chen's Mansion and Princess's Mansion met outside the palace, and Ouyang Yue and Baili Chen followed Princess Shuangxia to Anle Palace.
At that time, Baili Jing died in Anle Palace, and the Empress said she wanted to stay with Baili Jing for forty-nine days to wait for her soul to return. The palace was taboo about ghosts and gods, but firstly, the Empress was in a high position, and secondly, she had just lost her own daughter. A mother's feelings can be understood, so no one would blame her. The mourning hall was set up in Anle Palace. Even Emperor Mingxian did not say anything about this behavior that violated etiquette. So for a time, people came and went in Anle Hall. The Empress had a pale face and was dressed in plain clothes. She sat quietly on the right. She would just nod to anyone who came to pay their respects. Her behavior was somewhat arrogant and indifferent, which was very different from the Empress in general. However, this also revealed endless sorrow. Many noble ladies cried several times because they felt sorry for the Empress.
Ouyang Yue wasn't too surprised by Baili Jing's death. After committing such a major scandal in the royal family, death was inevitable sooner or later. In fact, it would save her some trouble, which was actually a happy thing for Ouyang Yue. However, she didn't show it on her face. Before entering the hall, she wiped her eyes with a damp cloth and then wiped her nose with a cloth with a strong odor. By the time she entered the hall, her eyes were red and tears were streaming down her face.
Actually, given Ouyang Yue's acting skills, she really doesn't need these things. But she has to put on a show, right? She genuinely has no feelings for Baili Jing at all, so she's just doing this in case.
"Mother, please accept our condolences. We never expected that our second sister would pass away in the end. You must be very sad right now. If you are sad, please tell us. Your daughter-in-law will do her best to comfort you. It is heartbreaking to see you like this after your second sister's death." Ouyang Yue sobbed, her eyes red and swollen, her nose twisted and red, making her look like a little rabbit. This showed how well Ouyang Yue acted. Of course, the noble ladies who did not understand thought to themselves that this Princess Consort of Chen was indeed a person of true feelings.
The Empress coldly glanced at Ouyang Yue: "Seventh Prince's wife is quite thoughtful. Mother is alright. There are still many things I need to do. Jing'er died so mysteriously. How can I, as her mother, swallow this anger? As long as I find the one who lured the snake into Chengde Palace, I will tear him to pieces and feed his flesh to the dogs!" Her eyes were as vicious as could be. Anyone who looked at her would feel a chill, but unfortunately, it was Ouyang Yue standing in front of the Empress.
Ouyang Yue wrung out her handkerchief, gently wiping away the tears she had forced down, and said with boundless sorrow, "That's right. Mother must be feeling immense pain and resentment right now. I heard that Second Princess died because one Heart-Protecting Pill couldn't completely suppress the venom, causing the snake venom to poison her again. Mother must regret giving out the Heart-Protecting Pill back then. That's understandable; anyone would think the same way. Mother, you are truly kind and magnanimous. If it were anyone else, let alone others, even a royal daughter-in-law would have to protect her own people first. Alas, I don't think Second Princess would blame you."
The Empress remained stiff, while the other noblewomen strained their ears to listen. Upon hearing Ouyang Yue's words, they all shrank back. Leaving aside the fact that Baili Jing had died from snake venom, the whereabouts of the other two heart-protecting pills were alarming. Xuanfu was the residence of the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor, but there was also a small, insignificant household there. If the Empress were truly enraged and seeking revenge, that family would only have death to live on. At this moment, they were extremely fortunate that no one in their own household had been injured, and two others who had been bitten by snakes had recovered after a few days of rest because the snakes were not venomous. However, they couldn't help but worry that the Empress might use this as an excuse to implicate them. In an instant, panic gripped the room, and everyone looked at the Empress with suspicion.
The Empress's grip on the chair back tightened slowly, and the veins on the back of her fair hand bulged. Her face was ashen, and she looked as if she wanted to bite Ouyang Yue to death.
No one knew better than her how Baili Jing died, yet she always felt that Ouyang Yue's words made it seem as if she knew something? She always felt that Ouyang Yue was intentionally blaming her? But she had handled this matter very cleanly, without any mistakes or omissions. It was just a coincidence that Ouyang Yue had happened to touch on her most painful point.
Before her death, Baili Jing's face was contorted with rage, screaming that she would never forgive her! Jing'er died with resentment in her eyes, unable to rest in peace. No one knew that as she sat quietly in the mourning hall, she was actually filled with dread. The pain and fear made her feel as if she had grown a layer of hair all over her body; if anyone said anything wrong, she would prick them with thorns. She was the Empress, and such a thing could not be allowed to happen. The Empress was enduring immense suffering, and Ouyang Yue was rubbing salt into her wounds at this moment. The Empress felt her heart being torn apart and pulled apart, the pain causing her hands to tremble. She gritted her teeth and forced out, "Yes, as long as I find the murderer who harmed Jing'er, Jing'er can die in peace." The Empress looked at Ouyang Yue with a cold, murderous gaze.
Ouyang Yue pursed her lips and kept wiping away her tears, nodding repeatedly: "What Mother said is true. Every wrong has its perpetrator, and every debt has its debtor. I'm sure the Second Princess knows best who the real murderer who poisoned her is. Perhaps she's waiting somewhere, waiting for the opportunity to take revenge herself."
Hearing Ouyang Yue's words, a concubine nearby trembled in fright and couldn't help but say, "Princess Consort Chen, the way you're talking makes it sound like the Second Princess's ghost is still around."
Ouyang Yue nodded seriously: "That's right, I believe the Second Princess's ghost will still be here. I've heard that many who died in terror and with their eyes wide open will turn into vengeful ghosts and come back to claim lives."
"Crack!" One of the imperial concubines was holding a cup of tea, about to drink it, when her hand suddenly trembled and the cup fell to the ground. The cracking sound was like a switch being turned on, and the loud noise caused everyone in the mourning hall to scream, as if they had all seen a ghost.
The Empress was so frightened that she jumped up, her face pale, her fists clenched. Suddenly, she shouted angrily at Ouyang Yue: "Shut up, Princess Consort Chen! Don't think that I'm being lenient with you just because I'm kind. If you continue to spread rumors here, I'll kick you out of the palace and never let you enter again."
Ouyang Yue looked puzzled and said, "Huh? Doesn't Mother also believe in ghosts and gods? Otherwise, why would she set up a mourning hall here for forty-nine days, just to see the Second Princess? Actually, I don't believe in ghosts and gods either, but seeing that Mother is willing to believe because of her longing, I specially asked around and hoped to help Mother fulfill her wish. I didn't expect to make Mother so angry. It was my fault. Please forgive me, Mother."
"You!" The Empress gritted her teeth in anger. She had really shot herself in the foot. The reason she had spread rumors before was only to conceal the truth. Of course, if she could use this to show her weak side and gain sympathy, it wouldn't have done her any harm. Who knew that she would almost bite her own tongue now?
If she doesn't believe it, then what did she mean by what she said before? Was she just playing with people, or was she hypocritically showing maternal love? If she does believe it, then why is she so disgusted by what Ouyang Yue said? After all, if ghosts really exist, then all sorts of them are possible, and Ouyang Yue's words aren't entirely unbelievable. But why is the Empress so angry? It's truly baffling.
How could the Empress reveal the truth? She could say that if she believed it, she felt Baili Jing would come back to find her. She was afraid. However, she had indeed been impolite just now, and for a moment she froze on the spot. After a while, the Empress's expression softened, and she sighed, "Seventh Prince's wife, you are not wrong. It's just that I was thinking about Jing'er, and my words and actions were a bit sensitive and extreme. I wasn't angry. I just missed her too much. What you said sounded so real. I'm afraid that the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. Alas..." The Empress sighed deeply, sat back in her original seat, and her face was not so energetic.
Princess Shuangxia, seeing this, offered a few words of comfort: "Everything is fate, Your Majesty, don't worry too much about this. You are the Empress, the mistress of the harem, and everything in the palace still needs your management. Don't exhaust yourself because of Jing'er; that would be a loss. Jing'er's departure has been a significant blow to you. If you have any difficulties, you can speak up; no one will stand by and watch." Everyone would offer such words of advice, and the Empress had certainly heard Princess Shuangxia's words before.
"Thank you for your trouble, Your Highness." The Empress replied politely. There were quite a few people who came to the palace to pay their respects, one after another. The hall could not accommodate them all, so those who came earlier naturally left.
When leaving the palace, Princess Shuangxia and Ouyang Yue rode in one carriage, while Baili Chen and Xuanyuan Chaohua rode side by side on separate horses.
"Did you notice anything?" Princess Shuangxia asked from inside the carriage.
Ouyang Yue squinted: "The Empress is very agitated, and seems to be feeling guilty."
Princess Shuangxia sighed deeply, her face darkening. "The royal family has always been cold and indifferent, and has done many dirty things, but this is the first time I've heard of such incest. It's utterly shameless. But the Empress is also ruthless; she's capable of poisoning her own flesh and blood."
Ouyang Yue said, "It can also be said that she is ruthless and capable of anything for the position of Empress Dowager. She is also extremely dangerous."
"She probably holds a grudge against you now. You need to be careful. Although it's been more than three months and the baby is in the correct position, you absolutely must keep the baby until it's safely delivered. Even if it is delivered, you must protect the child very carefully. Quite a few children die in the palace every year." A sharp glint flashed in Princess Shuangxia's eyes.
There is only one man in the palace, but if he wants, he can change women every day. In a year of 365 days, he will favor at least 180 women, of whom at least one-tenth will be pregnant with his child. But how many of them will actually give birth in a year? There haven't been any children born safely in the palace for a long time.
Ouyang Yue nodded and said, "Grandmother, don't worry, Yue'er will be careful in everything. My child, I will do everything in my power to give birth to him and protect him well."
Princess Shuangxia gently stroked Ouyang Yue's hand: "It's been quite a while since you were framed and returned. Before, Chaohua didn't leave because he was worried about you. Now that three months have passed, it's time for him to return to the border."
Ouyang Yue nodded, a smile playing on her lips. With such a loving brother and grandmother, she wouldn't let anything happen to her.
In the Crown Prince's residence, Baili Cheng sat in his study, remaining silent for a long time. Several paintings sat on his desk, all depicting the same woman. She was sometimes crouching, sometimes standing, sometimes dancing, sometimes playing the zither, but all shared the same expression: a deep, affectionate gaze directed beyond the painting, as if looking at someone through the canvas, clearly showing profound feelings for the artist who painted her. At the very top of these paintings was a woman reclining on a bed, completely nude. Her figure was alluring, curvaceous, her hair flowing freely, her face radiating intense desire, her eyes seemingly blinking, bewitching the painter.
The paintings depict none other than the recently deceased Baili Jing, and these paintings were used by the two of them for flirting during their leisure time.
Looking at the painting on the table, Baili Cheng's expression was cold. His fingers traced the curves and waist of the figure in the painting, as if savoring the memory, or perhaps not at all: "I never imagined that you, Jing'er, would be the first one to carry my child." Baili Cheng paused here, then grabbed the painting and threw it directly onto the right side of the table.
There was a copper bucket on the right side of the table, with charcoal burning inside. As soon as the painting was thrown in, there was a loud "boom," which ignited a cloud of fire that instantly engulfed the painting. Baili Chen threw all the paintings on the table into the copper bucket one after another. Before long, the temperature in the room continued to rise, and sparks flew everywhere in the copper bucket, crackling and popping.
As Baili Cheng watched the fire flare up and the portrait in the flames being burned away, the firelight flickered across his face, creating an eerie scene.
Baili Cheng's eyes turned cold, and he muttered to himself, "Jing'er is the woman who has been with me the longest. How could I not have any feelings for her? Moreover, Jing'er is carrying my first child. How could you be so heartless, Mother Empress, poisoning Jing'er without even asking me? Did you ever think about how I feel?" Baili Cheng's lips pressed tightly together.
It was indeed wrong for him to be with Baili Jing. Baili Cheng wasn't stupid; how could he not know that? But he had been with Baili Jing for several years. All of Baili Cheng's other women combined probably didn't last as long as he had spent with Baili Jing. They were also related by blood. Baili Cheng mostly used Baili Jing, but he couldn't be said to be completely heartless. At least among his many women, he valued Baili Jing quite a bit. And yet, this was the woman his mother had personally killed.
Baili Cheng felt a chill in his heart. That was his mother's own daughter, his own sister, and she was dead just like that! If he weren't the crown prince, if he weren't so useful to his mother, would he have killed her without hesitation? Baili Cheng suddenly felt that this woman was truly terrifying; killing her own flesh and blood—no one would believe it if word got out.
As the fire gradually subsided, and only fragments of the paintings remained, Baili Cheng's expression grew even colder: "Jing'er, don't worry. Since Mother Empress disregarded family ties and attacked you, I won't let it go so easily once I ascend the throne. Isn't this what Mother Empress taught us? As long as we can climb the ladder, we can give up everything and use everything. She has been using us all along, and I will make her taste the bitter fruit of her actions."
The Empress, determined to eliminate the Crown Prince's threat, reluctantly carried out the killing, unaware that the Crown Prince viewed it as no different from killing him. Once it happened, it would happen again. The Empress's cold-bloodedness would chill anyone who knew. Could she ever mend the rift between mother and son?!
The death of Baili Jing caused some turmoil in the capital. Emperor Mingxian in the palace was often furious and would kill someone every few days, causing widespread panic. In the end, it was the Empress Dowager who intervened and temporarily calmed Emperor Mingxian down. However, Emperor Mingxian still had no clue how the snake was lured to Chengde Hall, and in the end, he had to let the matter drop. He simply prepared a funeral for Baili Jing and gave her a truly grand funeral.
Inside the Prince Chen's residence, Ouyang Yue sat in her room, gently stroking the white jade bracelet on her wrist—the very same pair she and Baili Chen had pledged their love to each other. Baili Chen entered with two maids carrying tea and snacks. Looking at Ouyang Yue, Baili Chen couldn't help but smile: "My wife is gazing at our tokens of love with such deep affection; it truly delights me. Does this mean that my wife loves me so much that she can't bear to be apart from me?"
Ouyang Yue snorted. The two maids put down their things and were then dismissed by Baili Chen. Only then did Ouyang Yue look up and say, "Husband, I've been feeling that this bracelet has been acting strangely lately, indescribably strange, as if it's connected to my soul." In truth, Ouyang Yue was thinking that Su'er had once lived inside these bracelets, and she had found it strange then—how could a gold bracelet have such an effect? Later, when she learned that they were exquisite jade bracelets, she could understand a little. However, since Su'er left, she had lost contact with the bracelets. Now, she had this vague feeling, and it seemed that Su'er had truly returned. Would she be able to see Su'er in a few days? Or would she have to wait until she was actually born? But she didn't know how to tell Baili Chen.
Baili Chen smiled and said, "This bracelet was passed down from my mother. It is said to have the effect of calming people's hearts. Perhaps it is my mother's spirit in heaven protecting you."
Ouyang Yue smiled, accepting it, but then thought again, "By the way, my cousin has been gone for a month now, why hasn't he come back yet? I hope there's nothing wrong with him."
Baili Chen frowned as well: "It has indeed been a long time. The last news came ten days ago. I heard that they have already set off to return. Judging from the days, they should be arriving in the capital soon."
Ouyang Yue felt a little flustered, a feeling she couldn't quite put her finger on. Just then, Dongxue suddenly called out from outside, "Your Highness, Your Highness, this servant has an urgent matter to report."
Baili Chen said, "Come in."
Dongxue rushed into the room, and both Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue were stunned. Dongxue was usually very composed, and it was rare to see her like this. As soon as she entered the room, Dongxue said repeatedly, "Your Highness, Your Highness, Young Master Leng has returned, but he has been stabbed several times. I'm afraid... I'm afraid he's not going to make it!"
"What!" Ouyang Yue and Baili Chen were both shocked. Baili Chen helped Ouyang Yue up and said urgently, "Quickly, invite the imperial physician to the residence. Yue'er, let's go and see!"
☆、215、A narrow escape from death, Yue'er's vow! (Annual meeting ticket)
A servant went to fetch the imperial physician, while Bai Lichen and Ouyang Yue quickly arrived at the guest room. On the way, the two were unable to calm down. Leng Caiwen had not taken too many people with him before for fear of attracting trouble, but those he did take with him were all skilled fighters. If they could injure Leng Caiwen and his group under these circumstances, the other party would definitely not be a kind person.
The two rushed into the guest room, but the first thing they smelled upon entering was the pungent stench of blood. Startled, they quickened their pace. Leng Caiwen lay on the bed as if in a pool of blood, with the sheets, blankets, and curtains stained with blood. His face was deathly pale, his eyes were slightly closed, and his breathing was extremely heavy. Large beads of sweat rolled down his face, and his condition was clearly not good. When the two looked at him, their hearts tightened.
Because Leng Caiwen had many wounds, and they were very deep. At a glance, there were at least four: two cuts on the shoulders, one stab in the abdomen, and one in the chest. The most fatal and bleeding wound was the one in the chest. If it was not treated properly, he might not be able to be saved!
Ouyang Yue's heart skipped a beat, and her eyes welled up with tears: "Cousin, how are you?" Ouyang Yue walked over, her voice becoming much softer.
Hearing the sound, Leng Caiwen on the bed slowly opened his eyes. His most characteristic peach blossom eyes drooped slightly, but when he saw Ouyang Yue, the corners of his mouth curled up, and his peach blossom eyes brightened again. However, Ouyang Yue noticed that with just this one movement, sweat poured down his face again, showing how much pain Leng Caiwen was enduring. Ouyang Yue felt a pang of pain in her heart: "Cousin, don't worry, the Prince has already summoned the imperial physician. We will definitely heal you. You will get better."
Leng Caiwen grinned, but then quickly withdrew his smile. His brows furrowed into a deep frown, and the blood and sweat covering his body made him look as if he had been pulled out of the water, a truly pitiful sight. "Cough... I'm fine. I was just stabbed a few times by that thief. I'm not going to die..." Leng Caiwen's voice trembled slightly, and by the end, his lips had turned white and were shaking.
"Cousin, don't say anything, the imperial physician will be here soon." Ouyang Yue said with a stern face, "Why is it still bleeding? Didn't you apply any wound medicine first? Did you clean it?"
The maids hurriedly replied, "Your Highness... yes, but it didn't work." The maid trembled with fear. After Ouyang Yue married into the Prince Chen's mansion, although she was in charge of the household affairs, she was fair in rewarding and punishing. Even if she was indifferent on weekdays, she would not cause trouble for people without reason. There were very few opportunities to see her cold face, which made the maid even more afraid.
Seeing the maid's condition, Ouyang Yue's expression turned cold. She hesitated, about to do something, before reaching out to pull open Leng Caiwen's clothes to examine her injuries. Leng Caiwen coughed and said, "Cousin, there's no need for that. I know my own body; I'm afraid I can't make it." As she spoke, Leng Caiwen's face seemed to grow even paler. Then, she extended her bloodied hand, slightly raised it, and pointed to her side, "Here...take...out..."
Ouyang Yue was stunned. Baili Chen had already taken over, bent down and took something out of it—a cloth bag. When he opened it, his expression changed drastically. When Ouyang Yue saw the crumbs in the bag, she finally couldn't hold back her tears: "Cousin, you...you..." What else could that be but Leng Caiwen's purpose for this trip, the 'blood bird's nest'? Even at this moment, all he was thinking about was this bird's nest. This made Ouyang Yue feel a pain piercing her heart, and she didn't know what to say.
“Your Highness…” Chuncao hurriedly wiped away Ouyang Yue’s tears with a handkerchief, hesitating as she wanted to persuade her not to cry, as crying during pregnancy is bad for her health. But she couldn’t bring herself to say such things at this moment. Seeing that the young master was so badly injured, yet still remembered to give the young lady bird’s nest, she felt her heart churning and had an urge to cry, but she forced herself to hold back the feeling.
Baili Chen accepted the gift, then looked at Leng Caiwen lying on the bed. He opened his mouth but remained silent for a long time, unsure of what to say. He believed that no one in the world loved Yue'er more than him, but seeing Leng Caiwen like this pierced his heart. He had known Leng Caiwen for many years, and he had always been carefree and irresponsible. He rarely saw him take anything seriously. Unfortunately, they both loved the same woman, a woman for whom they were willing to risk their lives. He would not let go. Only one of them was destined to be happy, while the other would suffer.
He was speechless in the face of his love rival, but as a friend, he was deeply moved.