I should have come to protect you, to guard you. I should have come to expose the mastermind behind it all. I should have pulled you out of hell. I should have come to embrace you, to lick your wounds with you, to warm you…
After so many twists and turns, experiencing all sorts of setbacks and challenges, Luo Zhiheng's resentment at being inexplicably thrown into this strange world vanished in an instant. At that moment, she believed in the existence of a divine name in heaven, and in the existence of God as spoken of by Westerners.
If it weren't for fate's arrangement, if a just God hadn't known that in another world, an innocent and vulnerable soul was being mercilessly tormented and harmed, shrouded in conspiracy, perhaps she wouldn't have come here. At that moment, she preferred to believe that she had come here to save Mu Yunhe, to find the chilling mastermind behind it all.
It was as if she had suddenly found her goal and direction. The resentment and confusion in her heart were filled with righteous indignation, heartache, and anger. She still couldn't sort out her complex and incomprehensible feelings for Mu Yunhe, but she knew very clearly that Mu Yunhe was very important to her! The raging anger in Luo Zhiheng's eyes was something that tears could not extinguish; it burned fervently, intensely, and frantically.
“Tell me the origin of this deadly poison.” Her voice was devoid of playfulness and nonchalance; beneath its husky sensuality lay an indescribable calmness and…coldness.
Poison Saint was startled by Luo Zhiheng's powerful emotional control and quickly said, "This kind of deadly poison has been lost for a long time. Only the reclusive family, the Qianji family, possessed it. However, the Qianji family was wiped out sixteen years ago, and this deadly poison was lost as well. In the past, there was much discussion in the martial arts world that the Qianji Powder was also taken away by the person who wiped out the family, but it has never been seen since. I never expected it would be used on him."
"Aheng?" Mu Yunhe smiled faintly, a hint of a hazy smile on his face, and sighed as he wiped away her tears. "I should have known better than to let him see. I couldn't bear to see you sad, and I couldn't bear to see you cry. Do you want me to die of heartache?"
Luo Zhiheng felt a dull pain in her chest sweep over her like an overwhelming wave!
The first chapter is here! The mystery will be revealed little by little. Watch how Aheng unravels this long-buried, tragic past. There will be another chapter today. Hua Sha will try her best. Please vote, leave comments, and give monthly tickets!
233. A determination forged through three kowtows! A thorough investigation to the end!
Updated: 2013-08-05 14:28:05 Word Count: 3404
Mu Yunhe seemed genuinely indifferent to what had happened, as if he didn't want to know what huge conspiracy was hidden behind his poisoning. He seemed to have become numb from the pain, to the point where the pain had surpassed even hatred. He now held Luo Zhiheng's face in his hands, his eyes not filled with coldness, but with a deep smile.
It was as if in his eyes, life and death, conspiracy, injustice and poison, none of them were as important as Luo Zhiheng in his heart!
He said, "Ah Heng, I can't bear to see you cry, so don't cry. I'm perfectly fine, aren't I? Your crying breaks my heart. Am I really so unlucky that I didn't die from poisoning, but from heartache over your tears?"
Luo Zhiheng wiped away her tears, tilted her head slightly, displaying her usual arrogant and domineering demeanor. Her eyes were red, and the corners of her eyes and brows were filled with lingering pain, yet she laughed heartily and said, "Fine, I won't cry. Anyway, you've already suffered enough, and my crying won't help. I couldn't control how you were before, but now that I'm by your side, I can't ignore you. Don't interfere with what I do. Just remember, from today onwards, your living well is my living well. If you accidentally pass away, I won't blame you, but you must remember, on the road to the underworld, wait for me."
"Is there no room for negotiation?" Mu Yunhe's eyes surged with unfathomable emotions, so turbulent and intense, yet he held back from the verge of exploding. His question was hoarse and broken, and his helpless smile contained a deep affection that surpassed even that of many men.
"No," she replied crisply, her expression serious.
He knew her answer wasn't a joke, and he knew she meant what she said! His usually composed expression instantly hardened, like a storm brewing. But the turbulent storm between his brows ultimately didn't erupt at him; he chuckled and teased, "Are you confessing your love to me? 'May we find one heart to share, and stay together until our hair turns white'?"
Luo Zhiheng did not deny it. She stroked his perfect and exquisite face, and her soft words, falling into the heavy atmosphere, seemed particularly solemn and resolute: "Even if I search the highest heavens and the deepest hells, I will never part from you!"
"Aheng!" The suppressed breath suddenly sharpened, and the violent expression on Mu Yunhe's snow-white face burst forth unrestrainedly. He could die; it was his destiny, and he couldn't change it. But she couldn't die. Yet her words made every bone and muscle in his body tremble, roar, and boil.
She made such a lifelong promise to him, a promise of unwavering devotion. How could he refuse when he was on the verge of destruction? How could he not be moved? With such a confidante and such a devoted wife, his life wasn't so ugly and wretched after all. He had enough for this lifetime!
"I've said it before, I have nothing left here but you. Mu Yunhe, Luo Zhiheng's word is always kept. From the day I came to your side, our fates were destined to be intertwined. Since we can't break free, then let's shatter it! Anyone who tries to stop us from living, all their conspiracies, will be destroyed. I may not be good enough, but I have the right to live, a right bestowed upon me by Heaven, which no one can take away. You have the same right. No matter who is behind this, what their status or reasons are, believe me, I will definitely find them, tear them to pieces, and grind their bones to dust!" Her teeth chattered fiercely, the words squeezed out in broken pieces, an unyielding resolve.
Everyone could sense her determination from her expression and words.
"Alright, I won't stop you. If that day ever comes, I'll be waiting for you on the road to the underworld." He smiled faintly, seemingly helpless, his expression so sorrowful and melancholic, yet his unparalleled beauty imbued him with a noble purity, like a lotus rising from the mud. His lotus-like, elegant face held a gentle tenderness and affection, enveloping Luo Zhiheng's gaze with Mu Yunhe's unique tolerance and boundless dependence on her.
Ah Heng, remember your promise today: the two of us will never be apart, even in life and death!
Luo Zhiheng lowered her head and kissed his lips; there was still her blood on them. At that moment, she realized that her blood was cold.
Mu Yunhe fell into a deep sleep, exhausted. Luo Zhiheng was unaware that the deep affection and longing in her eyes as she looked at him was love, an inseparable part of her life, and the root of the vow she so easily made to Mu Yunhe to be bound together through life and death.
Before she could even appreciate the beauty and existence of this love that had taken root over time, her thoughts were disrupted by the conspiracy and his life or death. All that remained was a burning hatred and rage that consumed her reason. Her blood had cooled down, and even the raging fire could not warm it.
The group followed Luo Zhiheng out of the room and into the pharaohs' room. Luo Zhiheng invited the pharaohs to sit down, and then she suddenly knelt in front of the three of them.
"What are you doing? You mustn't do that, get up quickly." The three were startled and hurriedly spoke up.
Luo Zhiheng kowtowed twice to Elder Tong, her tone somber, and said, "I'm kowtowing to the Ancestor today to apologize in advance. I'm not stupid, and neither are you. You all know that behind Mu Yunhe's tragic death, there must be an ugly and dirty past. The conspiracy couldn't have fallen on the child Mu Yunhe for no reason. I would never believe it if you said it had nothing to do with the adults."
At this point, Luo Zhiheng stared intently into Elder Tong's eyes, her crimson pupils brimming with a storm capable of destroying everything. She boldly declared, "If this involves Her Highness the Princess, I can only apologize for the intrusion, but I will not abandon this matter. As long as I live, I will investigate to the very end! No one can stop me. I cannot allow Mu Yunhe's future to remain controlled by venomous snakes. Just thinking about how, for the past fourteen years, Mu Yunhe has lived every day under the schemes and machinations of others sends chills down my spine. This situation must be broken!"
Luo Zhiheng was straightforward and frank, a quality that was truly admirable. However, at this moment, this same frankness became a sharp blade, stabbing the hearts of everyone present several times. Old Master Tong was the most severely injured, his heart churning with a mixture of shame and anger. 17.
But they all knew that Mu Yunhe's poisoning stemmed from childhood, and most likely, within the Prince's residence, was caused by the power struggles among the women in the inner quarters. This was all too clear. And how could the Princess Consort, as a princess consort, be completely innocent? Luo Zhiheng's kowtows were not unjustified, for they represented the dignity and reputation the Princess Consort maintained in front of outsiders, the century-old honor of her maternal family, the Tong family, and the preemptive act of silencing Old Master Tong in his efforts to protect the family's reputation! Even more so, they represented the protection afforded by the early pressure from the royal family, when even royal secrets could no longer be kept!
She is meticulous, insightful, and far-sighted, possessing both courage and boldness. She disregards Mu Yunhe's illness and status, caring only for his life and death, and is wholeheartedly devoted to protecting and following him. Perhaps only a woman like her is worthy of the noble Mu Yunhe.
Old Master Tong steadied himself, his face grave but his gaze sharp and cold. He said sternly, “The young prince’s status is different now. We must find out the truth of what happened back then. You don’t need to worry too much. The entire dynasty wouldn’t be a loss if we traded one diviner for a single one, let alone a Tong family woman, and… the Tong family! Investigate! Investigate to the very end! Anyone involved in framing and poisoning the young prince, no matter who they are, will be killed without exception!”
Luo Zhiheng's pupils contracted and then dilated. Finally, she kowtowed to Elder Tong again, stood up, and said, "With your words, I can forge ahead bravely."
She looked at Princess Yu, who was crying uncontrollably, and said gently, "Princess, please return to the palace. We have a lot to do here, and it's really not suitable for you to stay. Also, please, Princess, do not tell anyone what happened here. Can you promise me that?" Yun's face was kind.
Although Princess Yu was confused, she nodded very solemnly and said with a sob, "You and the young prince will definitely not be separated by death. I will not allow you to be apart, nor will I allow you to both die. Don't worry, I will ask Father to find the best doctors in the world to treat the young prince. I'm leaving now."
Before Luo Zhiheng could offer any advice, Murong Qianxue, with red eyes, patted her hand and said stiffly with a smile, "You just focus on what you need to do. I'll keep an eye on Yu'er to make sure she doesn't say anything out of line. You guys... you'd better live well. I don't want to make any more friends in this life. Why is it so troublesome? So you're my only friend. Don't make me live all alone and go to your grave every day to curse you."
"Don't worry, Luo Zhiheng has nine lives, she won't die easily." She hugged Murong Qianxue tightly, and after watching Qianxue leave, she rubbed her swollen eyes and whispered, "Nanny, find out everything about Mu Yunhe from childhood to adulthood as quickly as possible, by any means necessary, and preferably comprehensively. Remember, don't alarm anyone, can you do that?"
"I will do my best," the wet nurse replied sternly.
"How soon will you be back?" 16640507
“Eight days round trip,” the wet nurse answered without hesitation.
The wet nurse's answer caused the pharaohs' pupils to constrict in shock. Traveling between the Mu Dynasty and the Southern Dynasty in eight days was absolutely impossible for an ordinary person, but a peerless master could do it! They had long noticed the wet nurse's strange movements, but could she be a peerless master? Most importantly, how could the secrets of the Mu Royal Palace, sealed for so many years, be solved in just a few days? Where did her confidence come from?
Despite their doubts and skepticism, Luo Zhiheng trusted her completely. She believed the wet nurse was different; if the wet nurse dared to make a promise, it meant she had the connections and confidence. She said, "Go quickly and come back quickly. We definitely won't be back anytime soon. No matter what you find out, don't act rashly. Come back and tell me. Go."
"Yes." The wet nurse lived for Luo Zhiheng, so her urgency only grew stronger. The young mistress couldn't be a widow; those who framed and poisoned her husband must die!
Luo Zhiheng turned her gaze to the Poison Saint. Her palms were sweating, and her heart clenched with tension. Yet, she asked with a cold and contemptuous tone, "Do you still dare to say that you can cure Mu Yunhe's poison?"
The Poison Saint's face darkened, and he arrogantly declared, "Of course I can! But..."
Second update! There will be an extra chapter today, my darlings! I'll be working hard, please vote, leave comments, and give me monthly tickets!
234 A Dilemma! A Deteriorating Relationship! (Bonus Chapter for 13,000 Comments)
Updated: 2013-08-05 17:13:56 Word Count: 3445
"I was able to cure eighteen of the twenty-one kinds of poisons in his body, but I was powerless to cure the other three, because those three poisons have long been extinct. It's strange, poisons are very precious things no matter where they are, so how come they were all used on Mu Yunhe all at once? These poisons are so rare that even money can't buy them." The Poison Saint said with an unnatural expression.
Everyone's faces lit up suddenly, and Luo Zhiheng felt a sense of enlightenment. Now, these deadly poisons were just numbers to her. Twenty to eighteen was an incredible surprise to Luo Zhiheng. Reducing one deadly poison would make Mu Yunhe healthier, right?
"Can you detoxify Mu Yunhe now? We can figure out a way to deal with the remaining three poisons later," Luo Zhiheng said impatiently.
The Poison Saint sneered, "Are you sure you want me to do this? I've said that the various poisons in his body are mutually antagonistic. If there's one more, he'll die instantly. Similarly, if there's one less, he definitely won't survive. Reducing the number of poisons by eighteen can slow down the decline of his life, but he will also experience various problems due to extreme physical discomfort. It's not impossible that he could die at any time during these problems."
Luo Zhiheng's face paled: "Then what should we do? Does that mean we are powerless to help even though we know how to detoxify?"
"The solution is simple: detoxify them all. Finding all the antidotes for these twenty-one deadly poisons will ensure Mu Yunhe's survival. But don't be too happy yet. Mu Yunhe is now a poison man; everything inside his body is poisonous. His internal organs have been severely damaged by the poison. Even if he is detoxified, his body may become even weaker afterward," the Poison Saint said.
Luo Zhiheng was stunned for a moment, staring blankly at him, and suddenly roared, "Are you kidding me? You're the one who said you could cure the poison, and you're the one who beat around the bush! Why all this nonsense? Just tell me straight, can you cure the poison or not? If not, get lost! If you don't have the ability, don't talk big." 1664050717.
The Poison Saint was furious: "Do you think I'm incapable of seeing that he's been poisoned by twenty-one kinds of poisons? Didn't I tell you that without antidotes for those three poisons, everything is in vain? If you want him to recover faster, I'll remove eighteen kinds of deadly poisons from his body right now. But if he suddenly dies after the poisons are removed, don't blame me."
Luo Zhiheng suddenly slumped onto the stool, her mind a complete mess, as if she had walked into a dead end. Going forward was wrong, and going backward was impossible. She stumbled and staggered, looking like she was about to hit the wall and get a head injury, but she could only watch helplessly.
"Don't worry, there's always a way out. I refuse to believe that with the power of our Mu Dynasty, we can't find antidotes for these three poisons. Since someone has used these poisons, someone must be able to cure them." General Murong's hearty voice also carried a hint of uncertainty.
Luo Zhiheng suddenly raised her head, her eyes red, and asked, "Do you know where to find these deadly poisons and antidotes?"
Poison Saint didn't want to answer, but he didn't want to be looked down upon by Luo Zhiheng, so he snorted coldly: "Besides the Nalan family, who specialize in controlling and managing poisons, I really can't think of any other family in the world that can possess so many deadly poisons. However, the Nalan family retired from the martial arts world more than 20 years ago and has disappeared without a trace ever since. Finding them is as difficult as climbing to heaven."
"Even if it's as difficult as climbing to the heavens, I will find the Nalan family! I will not give up as long as there is a glimmer of hope." Luo Zhiheng said through gritted teeth, then froze. She suddenly asked the Poison Saint with a somewhat whimsical idea, "You said that each of these deadly poisons is priceless, right? But they all appeared on Mu Yunhe. Could it be that the Nalan family was the one who poisoned him? Otherwise, where would they get so many deadly poisons all at once?"
Let alone the Poison Saint, even the Pharaohs thought Luo Zhiheng was possessed. The Nalan family had been retired from the martial world for over a decade, older than Mu Yunhe, and had no connection to Mu Yunhe or even the Mu Royal Mansion. Why would they poison Mu Yunhe when they had no grudge against him?
"Don't let your imagination run wild. It's impossible for the Nalan family to do that. They treat poison like royalty and wouldn't waste a single drop. How could they possibly use so many top-grade poisons to harm someone?" the Poison Saint said coldly.
In her despair, Luo Zhiheng suddenly thought of the King: "Is it possible that someone's blood is immune to all poisons?"
The Poison Saint's expression stiffened, and he looked at her sharply: "Yes."
"If this person's blood were given to Mu Yunhe, would Mu Yunhe be able to immediately cure all the poison in his body?" Luo Zhiheng's eyes seemed to light up as she asked eagerly.
"That depends on the quality of the blood. If it's blood concocted with various deadly poisons, then it might be possible." The Poison Saint's expression was quite grim as he said this. Perhaps he had already realized something, but he absolutely did not believe that person would willingly sacrifice their own blood for someone else. How could such a selfish and treacherous person possibly do that?
"If someone's blood is very potent, do you think there's any way to cure the twenty-one kinds of deadly poisons in Mu Yunhe's body?" Luo Zhiheng pressed, her eyes carrying a hint of madness born of despair and despair.
Poison Saint was terrified. The name of the person who possessed that kind of blood was almost on the tip of his tongue, but he felt as if his liver and gallbladder were about to burst. He said in a tight voice, "Don't talk nonsense! How would I know if I didn't see it? I will try to find a way to concoct antidotes for those three poisons and do my best to detoxify Mu Yunhe."
Now I finally understand the deal between the King and Luo Zhiheng, and what the King had to give up. The Poison Saint, however, turned icy cold upon learning this. Qin Yinshi's precious blood was painstakingly refined by him, and even though he hated Qin Yinshi so much, he didn't want the King's blood to be used as an antidote. Look at him, how despicable!
Luo Zhiheng's eyes lit up, and she smiled mysteriously, "Then I'll have to trouble you. But it doesn't matter if you can't develop the antidote, the King has already promised me that he will use..."
"I can buy three out of ten clouds." "I will do my best! Give me some time!" Poison Saint interrupted Luo Zhiheng, his voice filled with resentment.
"I hope so." Luo Zhiheng lowered her eyes. The relationship between the World King and the Poison Saint was indeed close. As long as she could force the Poison Saint to save Mu Yunhe, she wouldn't mind not forcing him.
She pondered, thinking about everyone around Mu Yunhe. Who would have the motive to poison Mu Yunhe? Consort Li was the first to come to mind, as she had the greatest conflict of interest with the Princess. Mu Yunhe was also the biggest obstacle for Mu Yunjin to ascend to the throne. Consort Li held absolute power in the Prince's mansion, and the Li family was a deeply rooted former royal family. The time, place, purpose, and conditions all seemed to point to Consort Li as the mastermind.
But something seems off. If Consort Li wanted to kill Mu Yunhe, why hadn't she done so all these years, only letting him remain half-dead? This isn't like Consort Li. She'd long wanted to kill Mu Yunhe and ascend to the position of Princess Consort.
The princess also seemed rather strange. With a powerful family background, and hearing her recollections of Mu Yunhe's childhood, it was clear that she and Consort Li were irreconcilable enemies back then. This proved the princess was no ordinary person; she couldn't possibly be so indifferent as to simply live a life of solitude with Mu Yunhe as she is now. But what exactly made the princess abandon the path of vying for favor? Was it truly because Mu Yunhe was ill, and she had lost the will to continue the struggle?
But even though the princess no longer vies for favor, she's still sharp-witted. It's impossible that she wouldn't notice someone tampering with Mu Yunhe's body. Prince Mu isn't stupid either. The poisons mixed together become a slow-acting poison, administered day after day, not just once. It's impossible that no clues were left undetected. Who could poison someone in the palace, right next to Mu Yunhe, without anyone noticing? And how could Mu Yunhe just swallow it?
If none of the above applies, could it be someone who has a grudge against Prince Mu and is looking for an opportunity to take revenge?
Luo Zhiheng's mind was in complete chaos. She felt that everyone had a problem, but she couldn't figure it out at the moment.
Southern Dynasty Imperial Palace, Empress's Bedchamber
Princess Yu forgot her promise to Luo Zhiheng. After telling the Empress everything in tears, she pleaded sadly, "Mother, please ask Father to find someone to save them. They are so pitiful."
Murong Qianxue's head was buzzing. This big mouth! And her sister too! Her sister used to be someone who didn't like to meddle in other people's business.
The Empress's face darkened, and her arm trembled slightly as if she had thought of something. Her daughter's crying forced her to smile and say, "Alright, I will talk to your father, but remember, you must not tell anyone about this. Forget about it! Go back and rest with your aunt."
Princess Yu listlessly took her leave with Murong Qianxue. The Empress's face turned deathly pale, and her murmured voice seemed to tremble with coldness: "Fourteen years? Another fourteen years."