Un joven errante

Capítulo 27

I stopped him: "Your Majesty, no need. I was just running a little too fast." I'm not sure who poisoned me yet, and besides, I don't want to hurt either of them. Moreover, the poison has been mostly cleared now, so I don't want to pursue the matter any further.

"Is that so? Don't overwork yourself. Then you don't need to cook today. Come back to the Imperial Palace with me for dinner." He stroked my face, and although his expression remained indifferent, I knew the slight worry in his eyes was genuine. Had he finally started to care about Xie Weiying?

"No—" Although my head was getting heavier and heavier, I didn't want to miss the time I spent with him, especially the peaceful moment when we were in that little house, with him sitting beside me, watching me cook with such focus. I didn't want to lose that feeling.

I took a deep breath, using my inner strength to make my cheeks flush slightly, and smiled, "Your Majesty, I'm really alright." I looked at him playfully and said coquettishly, "I want to cook for Your Majesty myself." Isn't this how women act coquettishly? Aren't men supposed to be most susceptible to women's coquettishness? I wonder if it's true.

"This—" he hesitated, "but you—"

“Let’s go.” I pulled him along and walked towards the small house, which was my simple kitchen in Jiu Nian Xuan.

As soon as I took a step, my head started to spin. I shook my head hard, trying to shake off the discomfort, and then I smiled brightly, dispelling his doubts.

White radish, red radish, green vegetables, cabbage, tomatoes, garlic, scallions... I wanted to reach out and grab them, but my vision gradually became blurry and distant. My mind unconsciously controlled the knife in my hand to cut rhythmically, but the next second, with a "thud," I fell straight to the ground, without feeling anything at all.

I slightly opened my eyes and saw a beam of light shine into them, so bright that I could only blink incessantly. My long eyelashes fluttered and rose, casting shadows—a truly strange sensation. If it weren't for the pain in my chest, I would have thought it was a bright, sunny day, and I would have been overjoyed. But—

I lay in bed for a while, the surroundings were so quiet and peaceful, so empty. I'd been awake for so long, and no one had come to notice that I was awake. Lying there quietly, it felt as if everything in the world had suddenly left me, and I was the only one in the world. My body ached, and I couldn't move, so I could only take deep breaths and savor the beauty of this moment.

After lying down for a while, my lost thoughts suddenly came back to me. I remember that I was preparing to cook for Brother Sima before I fainted, and that I was interrupted when I was trying to expel the poison, which must have entered my heart meridian. But it doesn't matter, that little bit of poison can't kill me.

I quietly moved my body a bit, and once I was almost comfortable, I tried to get up. I was very hungry; I wanted to eat, and I was thirsty; I wanted to drink water. But the whole yard was as quiet as if it were shrouded in mist; I couldn't hear a sound. I figured there was no one who could help me.

I tried to sit up, but my left elbow suddenly buckled, and I veered off the bed and fell to the floor. I closed my eyes, resigned to the pain of a hard fall. But instead of the expected pain, I felt myself fall into a soft embrace.

"Have you had enough?"

A somewhat mocking voice came from above me. I opened my eyes and saw Sima Rui looking at me with a smile for the first time, without the arrogance and nobility of an emperor, but like an ordinary man.

I hurriedly pulled away from his embrace, but my body was so stiff that I fell to the ground again.

He let out a slight sigh of relief. "Why are you making such a fuss? Instead of lying down, you can ask someone for help if you want to get up."

I looked at him with a wronged expression: "I've been awake for a long time, but I haven't seen anyone, and, I—" As I was speaking, my stomach growled a few times, and I blushed: "I'm hungry, and I want to drink some water."

He looked at my flushed face and laughed, "Someone come here—"

Several palace servants entered and respectfully said, "This servant is here." Only then did I realize that I was not in Jiu Nian Xuan, but in Yu Tian Hall.

"Bring up the prepared meal."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Just as I was swallowing hard, Sima Rui suddenly turned around, hugged me tightly, and said worriedly, "My beloved concubine, you scared me to death. Thank goodness, you're awake."

Looking at his haggard face, I couldn't help but feel a pang of pain in my heart. How could someone as clean as him have grown such a beard?

I nestled comfortably in his arms and asked, "Your Majesty, how long have I been unconscious?"

His arms around me trembled slightly: "Three days, a full three days." It was during these three days that he realized how important she was to him. He thought he could ignore it, could not care, but he had become increasingly infatuated with her, as if under a spell.

Feeling his concern, I felt a warmth in my heart and smiled, "I'm fine now. I must have caught a chill last night, and since I've always been in poor health, it all accumulated and caused this to flare up so badly."

Sima Rui suddenly smiled coldly. How could a simple cold almost kill her? He would find out who did it.

But holding the innocent woman in his arms, he still said gently, "You need to rest more. I will have the imperial physician help you take care of your health."

I closed my eyes and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you." I cannot continue to indulge in this. The embrace of an emperor is truly not something someone like me can cling to.

After resting for a few days at the Imperial Palace, I returned to Jiu Nian Xuan. Thanks to my deliberate concealment, the matter was dropped. Everyone only knew I was physically weak and didn't suspect any poisoning.

During my convalescence at Jiu Nian Xuan, gifts kept arriving. Looking at these gold and silver jewels, I simply had Xiao Quanzi casually arrange them in a small, unused storage room within Jiu Nian Xuan. There, piled high with similar, even more priceless, jewels, were sent secretly. Xiao Qi, knowing my identity, feared I would be poor and bullied in the palace, so she had them secretly delivered. Since Jun Jin monopolized the palace's business, Jun Jin's men were everywhere. Xiao Qi arranged them to protect me. But why would I need protection? Even if someone wanted to harm me, why would I fall for it so easily if I wasn't willing?

Sima Rui would come to see me every day after court, have a meal with me, and then leave, only telling me to take good care of myself. I could then focus on my work, my comic book, preparing for publication and starting all the necessary procedures.

"The Affairs of Women in the Imperial Harem." What a suitable subject! You can find material right around you for free.

During this time, many people came to see me, but I avoided them all. I don't know what I was trying to escape. Or perhaps—few of them genuinely came to see me. Most of them were just following the Emperor's change in attitude towards me. I had no interest in dealing with these things.

But then an uninvited guest arrived, one I couldn't stop no matter what: the little benefactor, Sima Shao.

Upon seeing me, he arrogantly declared, "This prince has come to see if you're dead yet." His expression was awkward. He must have made a great decision to come.

Ignoring his harsh tone, I sincerely said, "Thank you for your concern."

"What?!" he exclaimed. "How could I, the Crown Prince, care about you? Don't misunderstand." He turned his head away, avoiding my smiling gaze.

"I know." I chuckled lightly, not bothering to argue with him.

"I never imagined that a mere palace maid like you would be my father—" he asked in surprise.

I said calmly, "This servant is plain-looking, how could the Crown Prince possibly recognize me?"

"Yes, that's true. Her speech and manners are vulgar. She's completely different from the other concubines." He nodded in agreement.

I chuckled. "Your Highness is right. This servant has learned a lot." This kid really dares to say that.

He suddenly looked at the playing cards next to me and asked in surprise, "What's that?" He then walked over to take a look.

I laughed and said that he really knew his stuff; he saw the playing cards I had rushed to make this morning. I went over and explained, "These are playing cards, a tool used for gambling."

He stared in amazement at the various beauties I had drawn on the cards, exclaiming, "They're exquisitely made! How do you play them?"

I pulled him to sit down at the large table in the living room and said, "Come on, I'll teach you how to play."

“Oh right,” I thought for a moment, “We need three people to play cards.” I beckoned to Xiao Quanzi, who was waiting with his head down, “Xiao Quanzi, come here and play with me.”

When I called him over, Xiao Quanzi shook his head violently in terror, refusing to come forward no matter what I said. I knew that ever since that little sugar daddy kicked him, he had become terrified of him.

Sima Shao seemed to realize that it was his fault, and said impatiently, "Come here, I promised I wouldn't hit you anymore."

Xiao Quanzi hesitated.

The young patron glared at him and roared, "If you don't come over here soon, be careful, or I, the Crown Prince, will be in trouble!" Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Quanzi hurriedly walked over.

After explaining the rules to them, and considering there were three of them, we figured we could only play Dou Dizhu (a popular Chinese card game). Since we were going to play, there had to be consequences. The loser not only had to put a sticker on their face, but also drink a cup of water. So, we called all the palace maids and eunuchs who had come with the young patron to boil water.

Seeing the two little brats covered in slips of paper and constantly running to the toilet, I was trying so hard not to laugh that I could hardly breathe. But I maintained a serious demeanor and earnestly lectured the loser, who refused to put more slips on, emphasizing that he had to accept his loss, or he wouldn't be allowed to play anymore. Seeing him reluctantly stick the slips on, I—I almost burst out laughing.

The afternoon passed pleasantly just like that.

The young patron left reluctantly, his eyes filled with longing for the deck of cards.

I smiled and said, "If the Crown Prince likes it, I can paint another portrait of him and give it to him."

His eyes were brimming with joy, a smile radiating from them, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curling up. Yet, he still said rudely, "If you insist on giving it to me, then I will reluctantly accept it."

Volume 2, Chapter 48: Poisoning

"Your Majesty, what brings you here? Your Majesty—" I was about to get up to pay my respects when he came over and helped me lie down.

"I heard that my beloved concubine has fallen ill, so I came here specifically to see her."

Oh my god. I was planning to continue pretending to be sick because Gao Lu came to tell me to get ready for tonight, as the emperor wanted to summon me to his bedchamber. Now I'm in a real bind.

I pretended to be very weak and forced a smile, saying, "I'm fine. It's probably just a relapse of an old illness. I'm sorry to trouble Your Majesty."

"Oh, right, your aunt is here too. She heard you were sick and was very worried, so she came with me."

I followed the Emperor's gaze and, sure enough, saw Consort De looking at me with concern, holding a bowl of something in her hands. I smiled at her and said, "Thank you for coming over, Aunt. It was Wei Ying's fault. Thank you for your trouble."

She walked over with tears in her eyes, her act quite convincing. She choked out, "When you entered the palace, my brother told me to take good care of you, but your health has deteriorated day by day—" She almost broke down in tears by the end.

Her performance was worthwhile, earning her an approving glance from the emperor. I think she'll be the one summoned to bed tonight.

“By the way,” the Emperor said, taking the bowl from Consort Xie and smiling at me, “my beloved consort, this is medicine that I specially ordered the Imperial Hospital to prepare. Here, let me feed you. Drink it while it’s hot.”

Just as I was about to obediently drink it, Little White, who never showed himself, suddenly jumped out, looking ferocious. His snow-white fur slowly turned red, and then redder and redder. I stared blankly at the bowl of thick, black medicine. The emperor beside me urged, "My beloved concubine, why aren't you drinking it?" Then he looked at the creature that had appeared with disgust.

After a long, seemingly endless time, as if I had made up my mind, I flashed a stunning smile that left everyone present feeling dizzy and disoriented. Suddenly, I said cheerfully, "Xiao Quanzi, quickly take Xiao Bai away; it's in the way." Xiao Bai had been struggling and crying the whole way, scratching bloody marks on Xiao Quanzi's hands.

His fur had turned blood red, almost dripping with blood.

My eyes were brimming with tears, yet I smiled brightly, a smile both poignant and beautiful. I obediently drank the medicine the emperor fed me. Seeing my happy smile, the emperor didn't complain of the bitterness. After feeding me a mouthful, he considerately offered me a jujube. The jujube was sweet, but not cloying. Instantly, the bitterness of the medicine was greatly reduced.

I smiled at him like a contented child, and he affectionately pinched the bridge of my nose. Suddenly, I gave a strange laugh and looked at my aunt who was following behind me. She stared at me with fierce and cold eyes, and when she saw my smile, she was slightly taken aback.

My gaze was bitter. I don't know why this happened, but I don't blame anyone, not anyone at all.

She clearly wanted to laugh, but as she finished the last sip of the juice, tears still streamed down her face. The emperor asked in surprise, "What's wrong, my beloved concubine? Is it too bitter?"

I smiled and shook my head. "No, I'm just so happy. I cried tears of joy."

"What are you so happy about?"

"Your Majesty is so kind to me," I said, bowing my head, not wanting him to see the sorrow on my face.

"Fool." He chuckled softly.

The bitterness in my heart cannot be neutralized by the sweet dates in my mouth.

This is Sima Rui, the real emperor, and how well he disguises himself. He's gentle and kind to all the women in the palace. If I hadn't seen his cold and ruthless side, I probably would have fallen for his gentleness too.

There will be no more worries; after today, everything will be over.

I watched them leave. As they walked into the courtyard, I could already hear Consort De's laughter; the Emperor must have whispered some sweet nothings to her again. Emperors are ruthless; no one is an exception. Xie Weiying is no exception either.

Xiao Quanzi closed the door and came in to look at me. But he saw me vomit a mouthful of blood. It was blood I had been holding back for a long time, not vomiting it in front of him.

"What's wrong, Master? Don't scare Xiao Quanzi. Imperial Physician, I'll go get the Imperial Physician." He said, and was about to rush out in a panic.

I quickly grabbed him, and with a burst of strength, he vomited several more mouthfuls of blood.

I smiled at him and said weakly, "It's no use, Xiao Quanzi, there's no need to go."

When I saw Xiaobai risk her life to rush out and warn me, I knew that the medicine in that bowl was highly poisonous. The small amount of poison last time was probably just a test. Today's is the real killer.

Using the emperor to kill me—how ruthless! But I drank it willingly; it was medicine that Brother Sima personally fed me. How could I refuse? Besides, could I tell an emperor that I didn't want to drink the medicine he gave me because it was poisoned?

I saw that Xiaobai's fur had turned blood red, almost jet black.

There must be no antidote. No cure. I wonder if it was arsenic or poison? I never imagined that a trip to ancient times would include experiencing one of the most infamous poisons. It's truly an unforgettable experience.

Just die, just die like this. Will I be able to go back if I die?

Amid Xiao Quanzi's tears, I vomited several mouthfuls of blood and fainted.

Volume 2, Chapter 49: The Green Thorn Appears

"Take this. From now on, this is your status. Chen Anyuan has disappeared from this world. Your name is Qingci, and you are the Xuanwu King of 'Jin Shao'. You can call me Young Master."

"Yes, young master. Qingci will follow you for life."

"Go to Junjin's shop in Jiankang City, and someone will naturally take you somewhere. Qingci, I've already prepared a gift for you, and I think you'll like it. The chain of clinics across the world, as well as the newly established charity, are all under your management. I think you can settle down and focus on practicing medicine and saving lives, which is what you've been hoping for. If you encounter any problems, find Zhuque King Maiqi. He will help you solve them. In the palace, I will arrange an identity for you to work by my side."

"Yes. Thank you, young master."

The Vermilion Bird King?! Young Master Jin?! Just a moment ago, Chen Anyuan—no, the future Black Tortoise King—seemed unattainable to Qingci. But now, looking at the woman leaning against the bedside, her face as pale as snow, her body frail and weak, yet her eyes calm and her voice carrying an imperceptible aura, he was suddenly filled with admiration. He was willing to follow her to the death for the rest of his life.