——
"How is it?" In the study, Mu Yunhe stroked the iron box and asked casually.
Xiao Xizi quickly replied, "I just went to see her and it is indeed Miss Sun Yunyun. She is indeed a good friend of the Little Princess. The Little Princess participated in the First Talent Competition so that you could live, and that's when she met Miss Sun. They became good friends, but later, for some reason, Miss Sun severed ties with her family."
Mu Yunhe raised an eyebrow, his grip on the iron box tightening suddenly: "Did I save her a year ago?"
Xiao Xizi shook her head: "This servant, I have no idea. Just a year ago, I was seriously injured and bedridden."
Mu Yunhe nodded and asked, "What did the imperial physician say about this box of things?"
Xiao Xizi said, "It should be a kind of poison, but it won't kill you. However, if it comes into contact with the skin, it will cause the body to ulcerate. If it's mild, it will heal in a few days, and if it's more severe, it will heal on its own in half a month. If it's too serious, it's hard to say."
Mu Yunhe wouldn't trust others so easily. He investigated Sun Yunyun thoroughly, and then handed the box of medicine over to the Imperial Hospital for careful study. They analyzed the pros and cons, and also pondered Sun Yunyun's psychological motives. He felt that there was really no problem with it, and only then did he consider whether or not to use the medicine.
Actually, he shouldn't have hesitated. Just as he thought, he wanted to know if these women who claimed to love him truly loved him, and this kind of experiment would be the most effective and immediate way to find out. But when he thought of the expression on Sun Yunyun's face when she talked about Luo Zhiheng, Mu Yunhe felt very uncomfortable, even unhappy.
But now Mu Yunhe still has some childlike qualities, is curious about everything, and is still a blank slate at heart. He knows nothing except love and affection. He scooped out a piece and applied it to his arm. After a while, the skin on his arm ulcerated, looking particularly ferocious and terrifying on his delicate and even skin.
Mu Yunhe felt no pain or discomfort, and then applied the ointment to several other areas, namely the backs of his hands and neck. In no time, several festering sores appeared on Mu Yunhe's body.
Xiao Xizi wasn't in the room and didn't know anything. When Mu Yunhe summoned Xiao Xizi in, his eyes widened, and he said nervously, "Master! What's wrong? Your neck..."
Mu Yunhe deliberately feigned exhaustion and said, "Oh, I don't know what's wrong, I just feel really tired. What's the big deal?"
Xiao Xizi's face changed. Seeing the brown, rotting patch on Mu Yunhe's beautiful neck, he rushed over and grabbed Mu Yunhe, saying, "Quickly, Master, let's leave this room immediately."
Xiao Xizi immediately realized something was wrong with the room; otherwise, how could it have been perfectly fine just moments ago, and suddenly developed such a large festering sore? But then he suddenly saw the box on the table, and the effects of the medicine inside flashed through his mind. Xiao Xizi's eyes widened in disbelief: "Master! You...you...you used..."
Mu Yunhe nodded and smiled, "I used a little, and it feels pretty good. Little Xizi, haven't I treated you well?"
Xiao Xizi nodded, her face pale.
But then he suddenly heard Mu Yunhe say in a cold voice, "I've treated you well, yet you still lied to me by getting involved with that woman Luo Zhiheng!"
Xiao Xizi knelt down with a thud, panicking, and said, "My lord, I... I didn't mean it! I only wanted you and my mistress to reconcile. I've had the privilege of witnessing your deep love and how far you've come. It hasn't been easy. You two are meant to be together; nothing should separate you. If you truly cause my mistress such heartbreak, how much regret and sorrow will you feel when you think back on what you did today? Though I dare to be so bold, I cannot let you be sad."
Two people told him about his past with Luo Zhiheng in one day, and Mu Yunhe's heart sank. He said in a deep voice, "You meant well, but it's true that you schemed against your master. I didn't know before, but I figured it out later. Luo Zhiheng is so fearless, you must have played a big part in it. Since she came back, you've been flattering her a lot."
Xiao Xizi was wronged and died. He lay prostrate on the ground, tears streaming down his face. He wasn't a man, so why should he fawn over others?
“However, considering your good intentions and the fact that you’ve followed me for so many years, I can forgive you for deceiving me last time. But…” Before Xiao Xizi could even feel happy, she immediately lowered her head again. Mu Yunhe then said in a sinister tone, “Now you have to help me deceive Luo Zhiheng once more. I will then fall seriously ill, and you must act as if you don’t know anything about it. You are not allowed to reveal any information to Luo Zhiheng. I need to know if Luo Zhiheng really loves me as much as you all say. I also need to know if the other women’s sincerity towards me is truly genuine.”
"The little princess will definitely not let you down," Xiao Xizi said excitedly. Seeing Mu Yunhe's glare, she quickly added, "This servant, this servant will definitely not let master down."
"Okay, then you can pretend to be the one who's been infected. You can apply a few patches, and we'll isolate you in a bit to prevent you from giving yourself away," Mu Yunhe said with a smile.
Xiao Xizi was on the verge of tears, knowing he wouldn't see any good show, but he could only obey.
Mu Yunhe walked into the study but was carried out. The news spread throughout the Mu Prince's residence in no time. Everyone was shocked. Prince Mu Yunjin dropped everything and rushed back to the residence, while the women of the residence watched anxiously, their hearts filled with unease. They didn't know how Mu Yunhe was doing; if he were dead, wouldn't they be left to live as widows?
When Luo Zhiheng heard the news, she was momentarily panicked, but she quickly calmed down. Mu Yunhe had said he was going to make a move, so could this be another one of his tricks? She raised an eyebrow and smiled, thinking, "No rush, let's wait and see."
Time flew by. Prince Mu was furious in Mu Yunhe's room. Two-thirds of the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital were summoned there. Suddenly, the atmosphere in Prince Mu's mansion was oppressive, and everyone felt insecure.
After waiting for more than an hour without any news from Mu Yunhe, Luo Zhiheng became restless and asked the wet nurse to go find Xiao Xizi. The wet nurse rushed back, her face changed: "Master, something bad has happened! I haven't seen Xiao Xizi. He's been quarantined."
"Quarantine? What's going on?" Luo Zhiheng suddenly stood up, utterly astonished.
The wet nurse's voice was tense: "It's quarantine! The young prince's study has been quarantined, and everyone who came into contact with him today has been quarantined. No one is allowed to move around freely. The imperial physicians have already distributed the disinfectant, and the prince has ordered everyone in each courtyard to disinfect carefully, leaving no corner untouched."
"What about Mu Yunhe? What happened to him?" Luo Zhiheng's voice suddenly rose sharply.
The wet nurse's face paled even more: "It came from the young prince. They said it was some kind of acute illness. Xiao Xizi has already been isolated, and the imperial physicians are extremely busy at the young prince's place. This servant did not see the young prince, and Prince Mu forbids anyone from approaching the young prince's courtyard."
Luo Zhiheng staggered a few steps, her mind racing, trying to analyze whether this was Mu Yunhe's doing. If it was, how could Prince Mu be involved? Prince Mu should be on her side now. If not, then Mu Yunhe must be sick? But why did he have to fall ill at this time?
Luo Zhiheng still possessed the necessary vigilance and composure, but because she cared about Mu Yunhe, she couldn't simply ignore the situation.
"I'm going to see Mu Yunhe." She lifted her skirt and walked out, but was stopped by her wet nurse. "Young master, you mustn't! Think about it, what kind of acute illness requires isolation? Xiao Xizi and the young prince are almost inseparable, and he has been isolated. That acute illness must be contagious! Young master, you must think it over."
The wet nurse cared for Luo Zhiheng far more than Mu Yunhe did; she was afraid that Luo Zhiheng would also catch the infection.
Upon hearing this, Luo Zhiheng's face paled slightly, but her eyes remained clear and calm. She smiled and said, "You should understand, my nanny. I have never been afraid of anything. When Mu Yunhe was dying, I faced the fate and accusations of being a widow or a nemesis. I survived that, so what else can't I endure? Don't worry."
She insisted, so the wet nurse had no choice but to follow her.
When Luo Zhiheng arrived at Mu Yunhe's courtyard, Mu Yunjin was arguing with Prince Mu in the courtyard.
"Father, please let me stay. I'll take care of Yunhe as a way to repay what my mother owed Yunhe." Mu Yunjin grabbed Prince Mu and pushed him out.
Prince Mu turned and stood still, saying in a deep voice, “No. You have been good to He’er. The sins your mother committed have nothing to do with you. You are still young. Bloodshed and death should be on the battlefield, not here. I am old and have experienced much. I am not afraid of anything. Besides, my father-son bond with He’er is too fragile. I was not present during your brother’s childhood, which is a lifelong regret. Now Heaven has given me a chance. Every day I spend with your brother is a blessing from Heaven. You don’t need to argue with me. I believe your brother will be blessed with good fortune and will surely turn misfortune into good luck. Even if not… I am old and have no regrets. You cannot put me in danger of losing two sons!”
576 Infectious Diseases Reveal the True Feelings of the Human Heart! (Part 2) Bonus Chapter for 45,000 Comments
Updated: 2014-01-25 20:53:07 Word Count: 3547
Prince Mu's words were very pertinent and reasonable, and the grief and helplessness in them were also very obvious.
Luo Zhiheng stood stiffly outside the moon gate, feeling her hands and feet grow cold! The struggle between father and son was genuine; their words were filled with sorrow, worry, and heartache, proving that Mu Yunhe was indeed ill, and his condition was serious. Otherwise, the Mu family wouldn't have been so fiercely vying to care for him.
Luo Zhiheng felt a dull ache in her chest. She was shocked that Mu Yunhe had such deep and pure family affection after such a great disaster, and she was also alarmed by Mu Yunhe's many misfortunes. She was also devastated by her own uneasy love life.
But she wouldn't back down now!
"Stop arguing. I am Mu Yunhe's wife, and it is my responsibility to take care of him." Luo Zhiheng's face was a little pale, but her steps toward them were exceptionally firm.
At that moment, the three people standing in the courtyard resolved their years of grudges without needing to say a word. At that moment, they were family, people willing to risk everything for the same person!
"No!" Prince Mu and Mu Yunjin shouted almost in unison.
Prince Mu said, “You can’t go. He’er will definitely get better. We two grown men are healthy and can handle minor illnesses and ailments. But you can’t. You’re too weak. Don’t wait until He’er gets better, but then you’ll collapse. Who will carry on He’er’s lineage and accompany her for the rest of her life?”
“That’s right. You just need to manage Prince Mu well. We’ll take care of Yunhe,” Mu Yunjin said solemnly.
Seeing their expressions, Luo Zhiheng knew that Mu Yunhe was truly in serious trouble. Her eyes reddened, and she forced back her heartache, saying, "No matter what happens to Mu Yunhe, I will stay by his side. I feel that Mu Yunhe's illness this time is extremely unusual. This matter needs to be investigated thoroughly by Father and Elder Brother. There's nothing I can do. Besides, how can such a large mansion function without a man to support it? Father and Elder Brother, please consider this my pity and let me take care of Yunhe. I really can't be separated from Yunhe any longer. If Yunhe pulls through, I will surely pull through too. If something really happens to Yunhe, then there's no need for me to..."
Luo Zhiheng's words brought tears to the eyes of both Prince Mu and his son.
Prince Mu was unwilling for Luo Zhiheng to take the risk, not for any other reason than that Mu Yunhe had once turned against him and even tried to kill him for Luo Zhiheng's sake. He had witnessed firsthand how Mu Yunhe loved Luo Zhiheng as if his life depended on it, so he could not let Luo Zhiheng take the risk.
The three were locked in a stalemate, at a loss for words, when they heard a woman whispering outside the moon gate. Prince Mu looked over coldly and shouted, "Who goes there? Come out!"
Several women walked gracefully in from outside the door, their faces full of worry and panic as they greeted the prince and master, saying, "This humble servant greets Your Highness and Your Excellency. We are very worried about your health."
The woman began to sob as she spoke, her crying... truly an art form! Exquisitely beautiful.
Prince Mu looked at them with disgust, and with a cold snort, he was about to reprimand them. But then Mu Yunjin suddenly glanced at him, indicating that she had something to say.
"Do you really care about Yunhe?" Mu Yunjin asked coldly.
The women were unaware of the situation and were hiding outside because they didn't know what was going on with Mu Yunhe. They couldn't let Luo Zhiheng benefit, nor could they afford to be seen as indifferent to Mu Yunhe.
A woman quickly replied with tears streaming down her face, "Of course I care about you, Your Excellency. Since I started following you, I haven't had a single day without thinking of and admiring you."
These words were bold and blatant, but everyone knew that Mu Yunhe was currently ill. Given Mu Yunhe's status and the power and position of the Mu Royal Mansion, he was definitely not going to die. So, showing his worth now might earn him a good reputation for being there for each other through thick and thin, and could also win Mu Yunhe's affection and the Mu Royal Mansion's favor.
The other women also quickly expressed how much they loved Mu Yunhe and how reluctant they were to part with him. The new lover was even more dramatic, crying uncontrollably, "You said you were going to marry me, and we still have so many sweet moments to enjoy. How can you let me get sick? Let me get sick instead of you!"
Mu Yunjin raised an eyebrow, a hint of mockery flashing in her eyes, and said indifferently, "Since you all love Yunhe so much, then who among you is willing to take care of Yunhe?"
This time, the women didn't speak immediately. Thinking of the tense scene they had just witnessed at the Prince's residence, they were all feeling uneasy. The new favorite, thinking herself clever, asked, "What's wrong, Your Excellency? What illness do you have? I can ask my grandfather to find Doctor Li Ai to treat you."
Luo Zhiheng curled her lips in a mocking smile. Is there anyone whose reputation can compare to that of Madam Huoyun?
"You mean I didn't hire the best doctor for my son? Your grandfather, who is a prince of a different surname, has more authority than me, a legitimate member of the royal family? Since when has the power of a prince of a different surname surpassed that of the royal family?" Prince Mu said majestically, his imposing aura terrifying his new favorite.
The new lover was terrified and cried repeatedly, saying, "That's not what I meant! I was just worried about you. I love you."
"Since you love Yunhe so much, then you should go in and take care of Yunhe. You cannot leave that room until Yunhe recovers. After Yunhe recovers, I will decide to have Yunhe promote you to a concubine!" Mu Yunjin said coldly, glancing at Luo Zhiheng with a hint of apology and reassurance in her eyes.
Luo Zhiheng naturally understood that Mu Yunjin wouldn't really do that, and nodded slowly.
The new lover was startled, but also felt a mix of surprise and delight, unsure whether to express gratitude or feel uneasy. Before she could refuse, someone had already pulled her into Mu Yunhe's room.
Prince Mu then said to Luo Zhiheng, "If we're talking about the best medical skills, it has to be Lady Huoyun..."
Luo Zhiheng quickly replied, "I've already sent someone to invite them, and they should be here soon."
Prince Mu nodded, both satisfied and pleased with Luo Zhiheng. The harmonious atmosphere was shattered by a scream.
"A ghost! Don't touch me!"
Luo Zhiheng and the others' expressions changed, and Prince Mu's face was filled with rage. How could he allow anyone to call his son a ghost!
Mu Yunhe was utterly disgusted by the sight of the woman who claimed to be his new love, who turned pale with fright at the mere sight of him. He had witnessed everything that had just happened: his father's affection, his brother's concern, and, most of all, Luo Zhiheng's unwavering devotion, which moved and delighted him.
But this game has only just begun and cannot end easily. He needs to know just how far Luo Zhiheng, the legendary woman who is said to be inseparable from him through life and death, is willing to go for him. He also needs to know if other women can treat him as Luo Zhiheng has.
He grabbed his new lover's face with his large hand, using her as proof to show everyone just how terrifying his 'illness' was.
The new lover screamed in terror and scrambled out of the room. Mu Yunhe stood swaying precariously in the doorway, his face pale and his expression listless as he looked at Luo Zhiheng. The other women also saw Mu Yunhe, and naturally, they all saw his rotting arms and neck. Then came a chorus of screams.
As soon as Luo Zhiheng saw Mu Yunhe, she couldn't help but run towards him. Amidst her terrified screams, Mu Yunhe's heart inexplicably pounded. His heart, which had just sunk amidst the screams, was suddenly pulled back up by Luo Zhiheng's undisdainful gaze and her courageous steps. His heart instantly swelled with an inexplicable feeling of emotion and familiarity.
Mu Yunhe felt a moment of disorientation, as if he had seen countless similar scenes. But this time, it wasn't just a monotonous pair of eyes and a smile; instead, it was a series of images, somewhat blurry, but each one depicting a woman walking towards another man. They could embrace so intimately, and they could also so resolutely abandon each other.
Mu Yunhe stared blankly and confusedly at the images that suddenly appeared in his mind. He didn't understand why they had to let go of them. Weren't they so happy to see each other? How could they bear to let the other person cry?
In a daze, a fragrance wafted over, instantly bringing Mu Yunhe back to his senses. He saw Luo Zhiheng had already run up to him and was reaching out to grab him. Mu Yunhe felt a sharp pain in his heart and roared out, "Don't touch me!"
Luo Zhiheng paused, stiffness instantly spreading through her limbs.
Mu Yunhe slammed the door shut, his body trembling as he pressed it against the doorframe. He was overwhelmed by fear, yet he suddenly realized that he had just been afraid of Luo Zhiheng touching him, afraid that he would infect her! He was so worried about her that he had even forgotten that his infectious disease was fake!
As suffocation struck, Mu Yunhe frowned in pain, trying to feel the intense shock that Luo Zhiheng had given him just moments before, but he could no longer find that unforgettable feeling.
Who is she? And who is he? Has he really forgotten that there was a woman named Luo Zhiheng in his life?!
Luo Zhiheng withdrew her hand, a tingling pain shooting through her heart. But a deep, joyful smile curled at the corners of her lips. She would never forget how Mu Yunhe cared for her, even when he seemed fierce and menacing. Mu Yunhe's love was undeniable.
Have you forgotten her? But you'll remember her eventually, Yunhe, you'll definitely remember her!
"Ah!" Another terrified scream rang out, and the women retreated in panic, not daring to approach their new lover.
Luo Zhiheng turned to walk back, but was stopped by Mu Yunjin. She saw a large patch of rotting flesh on her new lover's face, spreading and festering at a visible rate! Witnessing such delicate skin decay was a truly horrifying experience she would never forget!