Chapter 60, First Release on Jinjiang (Updated) "Taking you on the Lantern Festival..."

Although the Khan is still in his prime, his sons are all adults.

Moreover, the longer someone remains in power, the more covetous they become among the various tribes. This is simply a natural consequence of the changing of power.

By this time, emperors in the Central Plains would generally begin to consider establishing a crown prince, so Ruan Yu was not surprised at all when he heard Chao Lu say this.

Of course, there was no running away either.

Looking into Chao Lu's narrow eyes, she said earnestly, "If you're willing to go, of course I'll support you. If you're not, we can live a peaceful life together, that's fine too."

Before she could finish speaking, Chao Lu suddenly leaned down and sealed her lips with his.

Ruan Yu sobbed twice and reached out to grab his shoulder.

...

The kitchen staff were about to bring in the meal, and after a brief moment of tender affection between the couple, Ruan Yu pushed them away.

"Let's have our meal first. I need to talk to you about tomorrow's plans."

Chao Lu was a little reluctant, but he still sat up. He had already taken off his outer clothes in a very casual manner. The short shirt underneath was open to his chest, and the red marks that Ruan Yu had scratched him up last night could still be vaguely seen on it. Ruan Yu only glanced at it before looking away.

"Master Liaokong has already settled in, which means the detoxification process can begin tomorrow."

Chao Lu grunted, then leaned forward and entangled himself around Ruan Yu—

"How long will it take to detoxify? Is it a whole day and night?"

"Two days and one night..."

Chaolu: "Will you come in and keep me company?"

"No... The master said that you must not let anyone disturb you."

“You’re not just anyone,” Chaolu said, clearly displeased.

Xuan Niang and Qing Guo's footsteps grew closer and closer. Ruan Yu helplessly pushed them away: "Stop joking. Get up and have your meal."

Chao Lu reluctantly leaned back. Ruan Yu went to the outer room and whispered a few words to Xuan Niang and the others before they withdrew. Chao Lu also came out.

“After I’m cured, I need to go to Karl,” he suddenly said.

Ruan Yu was not surprised at all; after all, such a big thing had happened, it was only right that Chao Lu should go.

"Eat first, and get some rest. Your mother will be very happy to see you again when you've recovered."

...

In Karl, Khuril took charge of the overall situation, and the leader was chosen the next day.

Even though Urgan was a descendant of Gelu, Imin had committed too many sins and was unworthy of the position. In the end, Gesang's younger brother, Gereng, was chosen to be the leader of Kar.

This result was ultimately agreed upon by everyone in Karl.

The coronation ceremony for the leader will be held in three days.

When Hurile had some free time, he went straight to Saren to settle old scores!

Even in the Kar tribe, Hurile ruthlessly placed Saren under house arrest. At first, Damu was allowed to visit him, but later, when Damu pleaded for his mother, Hurile simply forbade him from going.

When Hurile arrived this time, Saren was ashen-faced and had been weeping for two days.

"Your Majesty! I'm innocent!"

Upon seeing the Khan, Saren clung to him like a drowning man grasping at a straw, throwing himself forward and crying out, "Khan—"

Hurile looked disgusted and remained unmoved.

“Saren, there’s no need to cry and make a scene in front of me. We’ve been married for many years, and I know your personality very well.”

Saren was taken aback, and slowly raised his head.

"Over the years, you've disliked Awan and Chaolu, and I've always turned a blind eye. I've given you the dignity of a Great Khatun and the rights and dignity that His Highness Damu enjoys, but why are you always so dissatisfied?"

Saren: "Contentment...?"

She slowly sat up straight, feeling somewhat desperate.

"Great Khan, do you still remember when I first married you, we raced horses together on the grasslands, and you praised me for being better at riding and archery than most women on the grasslands, and said that you liked me just the way I was. But later... you brought back that woman from the Central Plains, and everything changed! Do you still remember your true feelings for me?"

Hurile frowned: "Before I met Awan, I had already taken three or four Khatuns as concubines. Why don't you mind? Among them is your own sister."

Saren lowered his eyes: "They can't compare to the concubines. In terms of family background and beauty, they are just foils to the concubines... But her, what makes her so special! Great Khan, you have treated her with utmost care, but her heart is set on the Central Plains. She also has a childhood sweetheart, right? Don't you think your sincerity over the years is utterly ridiculous!"

"Shut up!" Hurile suddenly roared in anger, glaring at Saren.

"My affairs are none of anyone's business!"

Saren laughed through her tears, "The Great Khan is bothered? But wasn't your heart broken long ago? How come now that you're old, and she beckons to you again, you've forgotten your promise?"

Hurile suddenly turned his head and stared intently at Saren.

The two stared at each other, and after saying those words, Saren wisely shut his mouth.

"I'm giving you one last chance. I'll assume you were delirious just now. If you want Damu to remain safely in his position as Crown Prince, remember my words. If I find out you've done anything detrimental to Chaolu or Awan, you know the consequences!"

After saying this, Hurile turned and left.

Alone in the room, Saren burst into tears again.

But after she cried silently for a while, a maid suddenly came in. "Big Hadun, take your medicine."

"Get out." Saren said expressionlessly.

The maid remained motionless. Suddenly, Saren angrily repeated, "I told you to get out! Are you deaf?!"

The maidservant suddenly approached and quickly stuffed something into Saren's hand—

“Great Haddon, a letter has arrived.”

Saren was stunned for a moment, and then the maid turned around and quickly retreated.

-

After Imin died, Una fell ill.

Damu would occasionally come to see her, but Una never said a word, nor did she cry or make a fuss.

Even today, as Damu was about to leave, Una suddenly asked, "Your Highness, will you marry a new Khatun?"

Damu stopped in his tracks and silently turned around.

He hesitated for a moment: "No."

But it was this hesitation that made Una notice it.

"But hasn't Da Hadun already started making arrangements for you?"

Damu: "Una, you should focus on getting better and not think about these things."

"I can't do that. What about after I recover? Will His Highness take me away?"

"If...you wish."

Una slowly sat up in bed, her eyes finally reddening: "Your Highness, can I not marry you? Take me back to Chaha..."

Damu looked at the person, his eyes also showing some turbulent emotions: "I will talk to Father Khan about this matter. Don't listen to the news from outside, and get some rest."

After saying that, Damu turned and left.

...

Lingzhou.

Chaolu is finally about to begin the detoxification process.

Ruan Yu couldn't sleep well in the early morning, tossing and turning, glancing out the window every now and then.

Chao Lu leaned down from behind and hugged the person: "Nervous?"

He pressed his chest against Ruan Yu, reaching out to block her, and Ruan Yu was held tightly in his arms, falling onto his shoulder.

"A little."

Chao Lu chuckled softly: "Is it because of me?"

Ruan Yu: "..."

The man lightly pecked at Ruan Yu's earlobe: "Don't be afraid. When I get better, I'll take you out to see the lanterns on the Lantern Festival. I've heard that the Lantern Festival in the Central Plains is very beautiful."

Ruan Yu lowered her eyes: "Okay."

Outside the door, Xuan Niang's footsteps drew closer, and Ruan Yu slowly sat up.

"Madam, the master has begun preparations."

"immediately!"

Ruan Yu quickly told Chao Lu to get up and get dressed. Knowing that she was worried about him, Chao Lu didn't delay and went out with Ruan Yu to an empty courtyard.

Turing and Charles also came.

Fourth Brother.

"Fourth brother."

Chao Lu smiled at them and said, "Don't worry, just follow the plan today."

Turing nodded, and Charles stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder.

I met with Chao Lu yesterday, took his pulse, and started preparations.

"Your Highness's poisoning is not deep, and there were no symptoms of sudden death before, so it won't be too troublesome. However, we cannot take the wolf gu poison lightly. I will use a medicinal bath to detoxify Your Highness. You need to soak in the medicinal pool for twelve hours."

This process will cause intense stinging pain all over your body, activating all your acupoints, but Your Highness must endure it. If you can endure it, you will be reborn; if you cannot, it will leave many hidden dangers..."

Chao Lu nodded: "Understood."

It's just a matter of enduring the pain; it's not that difficult.

But Ruan Yu was clearly very nervous.

Liao Kong then sent someone out: "Your Highness, everything is ready."

Chao Lu nodded. "Let's go."

Ruan Yu wanted to go in with him, but at the last minute, Chao Lu wouldn't let her go.

"Yu Yu, wait for me outside."

After saying that, he glanced at Afu and Xuanniang and said, "Take good care of Madam."

Afu wiped his eyes and quickly nodded.

Chao Lu went straight into the house, and the door creaked shut.

Turing: "Fourth Sister-in-law, Fourth Brother will definitely be alright."

Ruan Yu smiled, but somewhat reluctantly: "Third brother and sixth brother, you all go and do your own things today. You don't all need to stay here. I can manage."

Turing and Charles exchanged a glance: "Okay."

Before going to the government office, Charles went back to his room once.

As soon as he returned, Yuzhu pulled him into the tent.

Her voice was a little excited: "Is what happened in Karl true? I just heard about it!"

Charles: "...I only found out yesterday."

"Fourth Brother must have known all along! And Ruan Yu too! They're really tight-lipped!"

"You can't say that. After all, Madam Qiu is the mother of my fourth brother, so it's normal for her to get the news faster. Besides, everyone will know about this sooner or later. Why would she be so eager to spread it around?"

Yuzhu: "What's so special about that! Madam Qiu has been patiently cultivating herself on the grasslands for so many years, and I never expected her to make such a big move! She's amazing. I really underestimated her before!"

After Yuzhu finished speaking, she lowered her eyes, a hint of worry flashing in them.

"My current concern is whether it will affect my mother's situation."

Char paused for a moment, his tone strange: "What nonsense are you spouting? How could it affect Mother? The matter of Dahadun is not yet finalized. Even if she colluded with Yimin, would Father Khan be so unable to distinguish right from wrong?"

Yuzhu: "You're right. I've been overthinking it."

Charles: "Fourth Brother is undergoing detoxification today. If you have time, go and keep him and his wife company. Turing and I are going out."

"Okay, okay, go ahead and get busy."

Yu Zhu pushed her husband out, and the maid at the door glanced at San Ke Dun with some surprise.

These past two days, the Third Madam seems to be unusually sleepy and hasn't left the house at all.

Everyone looks a bit disheveled right now...

Moreover, before leaving, the Third Madam deliberately tugged at the Third Master's belt... The maid realized she had been looking too much and immediately lowered her eyes.

Goodbye, my husband.

Charles smiled and pinched her cheek.

-

Ruan Yu sat in the courtyard for more than an hour without any intention of getting up.

Xuanniang and Ketun brought over lunch.

"Madam...won't you go back to your room to rest for a while after your meal?"

Ruan Yu shook her head: "No, I'll stay here and wait for Chao Lu to come out."

Xuan Niang sighed softly, "Then this servant will stay here with you."

Ruan Yu nodded.

After a while, Yuzhu and Baoyin arrived together and chatted with Ruanyu for a while, but seeing that Ruanyu seemed a little absent-minded, Yuzhu left early.

Bao Yin stayed behind, and Ruan Yu said, "It's admirable that you can be so patient."

Bao Yin laughed and said, "I don't have anything to do anyway, so I'll just stay wherever I am."

Seeing that she always carried these herbs with her wherever she went, Ruan Yu asked curiously, "Who taught you your medical skills?"

Baoyin: "My mother was a herb gatherer. I only learned a little bit from her. It's not much of a medical skill. I just know how to mix some simple herbs."

Ruan Yu smiled and said, "That's impressive. I was also very interested in medical books when I was a child, but I found them boring after a while. By the way, I have a few medical books that I brought from the Central Plains. I'll send them to you later."

Bao Yin's eyes lit up: "Really?"

Ruan Yu laughed and said, "Is that even possible? I'll find it for you when we get back."

Baoyin: "Thank you, Fourth Sister-in-law."

She stared at Ruan Yu for a while, then suddenly looked away before Ruan Yu noticed.

Ruan Yu didn't take it to heart.

...

Night fell.

Master Liaokong said that nighttime is more important than daytime.

If Chaolu can get through tonight, he can finish by tomorrow evening.

So tonight is crucial.

Ruan Yu didn't even plan to go back to sleep; the courtyard was brightly lit.

Having no other choice, Xuan Niang brought over a soft couch: "Madam... please don't sit here. It's getting chilly at night. You can rest in the next room."

Ruan Yu thought for a moment and finally nodded: "Okay. Let's go to the next room."

After saying this, Ruan Yu stood up, and Xuan Niang accompanied her as they walked towards the other side. But suddenly, a strange sound came from all around them—

rustling sounds.

Like the wind blowing through tree branches, but denser and faster.

What was that sound...?

Ruan Yu turned around instantly.

Bao Yin hadn't left yet, and her expression suddenly changed.

"Fourth Sister-in-law, be careful!"

Suddenly, a snake darted out from the tree trunk and flew straight toward Ruan Yu. Ruan Yu was shocked, and Xuan Niang and Qing Guo immediately stepped forward to block her. But then several more snakes suddenly appeared behind her.

Then everyone realized that the sounds weren't from the wind! They were the sounds of snakes rushing in rapidly!

Ruan Yu's face turned deathly pale. She was terrified of this thing more than anything in her life, but a snake quickly wrapped around her arm, its mouth open as if about to bite down—

Baoyin suddenly reached out and ripped it open, grabbing the snake and throwing it away violently—

Then, with a turn of his head, he instantly scattered a handful of medicinal powder in all directions.

In an instant, the snakes retreated as if they had encountered a natural enemy.

Meanwhile, Master Liaokong also heard the noise outside and strode out.

When he saw the situation in the yard, he was also shocked—

"you!"

Baoyin quickly stepped forward and covered his mouth and nose.

"I'm sorry, Master."

Liao Kong was completely unable to fight her, and his body went limp.

Before closing her eyes, Baoyin whispered, "You didn't see anything."

Xuan Niang, Qing Guo, and A Fu reacted similarly.

Ruan Yu had already fainted.

Baoyin sighed, stepped forward to help the person up, and led them into the room.

-----------------------Author's Note: Oh, I might not have time for an extra chapter today.

Don't wait, I didn't mean to get stuck here. I'll send a red envelope as an apology. [Laughing and crying while covering face]