“Princess Changning’s pulse is stable. Apart from the coldness in her body caused by the Cold Flower Poison, there are no other abnormalities,” outside, the imperial physician looked respectfully at the young imperial advisor in front of him. “If what the imperial advisor says is true, Princess Changning has forgotten some things, only remembering that she was betrothed to you. It is probably…amnesia.”

Even someone as composed as Pei Qing was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this: "Amnesia?"

"Yes," the imperial physician nodded, "When a person suffers a great shock, their mind cannot bear it, and their consciousness will choose to forget it. I'm afraid Princess Changning is one such case..."

At this point, the imperial physician shook his head and sighed softly.

Princess Changning's fondness for her husband was common knowledge throughout the capital.

Now, not only is the prince consort plotting a rebellion, but he is also using and poisoning Princess Changning. Even an ordinary woman would find it hard to bear, let alone a princess who has been pampered since childhood.

Pei Qing lowered her eyes slightly. Had she forgotten?

"Is there any possibility that he could remember?" he pressed.

The imperial physician frowned in distress: "I dare not make a definitive statement, but judging from Princess Changning's condition, there may be a possibility that she might remember something, but... the chances are extremely slim."

Pei Qing seemed to be deep in thought.

"Should the Imperial Preceptor inform His Majesty?" the imperial physician asked in a low voice.

Pei Qing snapped out of her daze: "No need."

"The Imperial Advisor?"

“His Majesty is unwell and should not be agitated,” Pei Qing said, looking at the imperial physician. “I will make my own decision.”

The imperial physician nodded in agreement, left the prescription, and then turned to leave.

Only when there was no one left in the room did Pei Qing slowly raise his eyes: "Someone come here."

A servant rushed in: "Imperial Preceptor."

"Nothing about today's events is to be leaked to outsiders."

"Yes," the servant replied hastily.

Pei Qing stood up.

If Jiang Feiruo has truly forgotten the past, then... that would be convenient for him.

He could have easily molded her into whatever he wanted, but fate was on his side.

I'm afraid she still has something to hide, so I need to test her.

Thinking of this, Pei Qing turned and went back into the room. Jiang Fei was still sitting on the bed, her silky black hair draped behind her, her inner garment white, and she was sitting blankly with her knees drawn up to her chest, her eyes clear and bright.

Hearing the noise, she looked at him blankly: "What happened?"

Pei Qing looked at her: "Princess, do you remember who you are?"

Jiang Fei frowned: "I'm not crazy."

Pei Qing smiled faintly and then asked, "Does the princess remember what happened before you fell unconscious?"

Jiang Fei concentrated and thought carefully: "I remember I am Princess Changning. My father doted on me and loved me. I was betrothed to you since childhood, and then..."

As she said this, she rubbed her temples hard, her face pale: "And then, and then... it hurts so much!"

Pei Qing watched her every move: "If the princess cannot remember, then she should not think about it."

"What happened next?" Jiang Fei asked him.

Pei Qing paused for a moment, then asked, "Does the princess remember Chu Mo and Lu Zhi?"

Jiang Fei frowned, carefully recalling, "Who... are they?"

Pei Qing's fingertips twitched slightly as he squinted at her.

Has she really forgotten those two people?

"And... why is my body so cold?" Jiang Fei asked again.

Pei Qing's expression had returned to normal: "The princess has been poisoned."

"poison?"

"The Cold Flower Poison," Pei Qing said without changing his expression, "is also due to the Cold Flower Poison's attack. The fact that she has forgotten some things is probably a lingering effect of the Cold Flower Poison."

That's quite a story.

Jiang Fei sneered inwardly, her expression still full of confusion: "But how could I be poisoned?"

Pei Qing lowered his eyes: "That day, an enemy tried to harm me. To protect me, the princess shielded me from the Cold Flower Poison, but she herself was poisoned by it."

"I... to save you?" Jiang Fei stared at him blankly. "You mean, I did this to you..."

Pei Qing said, "I dare not presume to know the princess's intentions."

She said she dared not speculate, but her words implied that she was deeply in love with him.

Jiang Fei didn't say anything more, seemingly still processing his words.

Seeing this, Pei Qing hesitated for a moment and said, "I'll have someone help the princess change her clothes."

After saying that, he turned around and was about to leave.

Jiang Fei quickly called out to him, "Pei Qing!"

Pei Qing paused.

Jiang Fei pursed her lips, lowered her head and whispered, "...Don't stay away for too long. I don't know anyone but you."

Pei Qing looked at her slightly lowered head, her long hair hanging down beside her face, and her still pale eyes, and nodded lightly: "Okay."

Jiang Fei's eyes lit up, but she quickly hid them awkwardly and coughed softly, "I'm hungry."

Pei Qing glanced at her and said with a faint smile, "I'll have someone prepare the meal."

Jiang Fei watched Pei Qing leave, then narrowed her eyes.

Lu Zhi's favorability rating has risen to 80, it seems he has realized that he mistook someone else for someone else.

And Pei Qing...

"System, I need to know about Pei Qing's storyline." Her current understanding of Pei Qing is pitifully little.

[System: Host, please wait. You have been transferred.]

Countless scenarios began to unfold in her mind.

Because the Emperor Gaozu of Great Yan had been kind to the Pei family, the Pei family swore to be loyal to Great Yan to the death.

The Pei family also lived up to expectations, producing many talented individuals who served as national advisors to the Great Yan state for generations, ensuring the prosperity of the Great Yan and the well-being of its people.

By the time it reached Pei Qing, it was already the fifth generation.

But if it were merely the position of a respected national advisor, that would be one thing. However, the national advisor of the Pei family was subject to the control of the Great Yan.

From birth, every descendant of the Pei family must be implanted with the Qilin Gu. This Gu is extremely beneficial to the body, nourishing it, and can even prevent all diseases. It also makes wounds heal faster than others.

However, the Qilin Gu has a fatal flaw: it must not stray too far from its mother Gu, otherwise it will die from the failure of its internal organs.

However, the mother Gu was buried by the Pei family ancestors at the foundation of the Great Yan imperial city's dragon vein at the very beginning of the nation's founding.

The position of Imperial Preceptor is a supreme honor that even the emperor must show respect to, yet it is also a curse.

—The Pei family will never be able to leave the capital.

Pei Qing's previous visit to worship his ancestors and assume the position of Imperial Preceptor was merely a way to form a pact between the Qilin Gu within his body and the Mother Gu.

This is why, when Chu Mo rebelled, Pei Qing only took command of the troops to meet the enemy after breaking through the city gates; and even when he was chasing Jiang Rongrong on horseback, he stopped at the city gate.

From a young age, Pei Qing was out of place with those around her because of her differences.

When he was young, Pei Qing wanted to go out of the city to play with the people around him. However, the Qilin Gu flared up in his body and was shouted as a "monster" by the people around him. From then on, he hated contact with people.

It was this experience, coupled with being forever trapped in the capital city, a prison where he lived a life free from illness and disaster but like a stagnant pool, that made Pei Qing's personality increasingly cold and ascetic.

He has absolutely no feelings for women.

When Jiang Rongrong appeared, he was shocked to discover that she was the only woman who aroused his lust. In addition, after she shielded him from poison, he began to care more about her.

Because of Jiang Rongrong, Pei Qing began to want to get rid of the Qilin Gu on his body so that he could travel around with his beloved.

Therefore, he found the Taoist priest in disguise. The Taoist priest was named Li Duan, who was skilled in Qimen Dunjia and Gu poisons, and had been secretly making antidotes for Pei Qing.

Background data received.

Jiang Fei rubbed her temples.

Are they making an antidote?

And... he only feels lust for Jiang Rongrong?

She is truly... pure and innocent.

"Princess, the meal is ready." A maid's voice rang out from outside the door.

Jiang Fei responded softly, put on her outer garment, and went out.

Pei Qing was already waiting in the main hall, where a sumptuous feast of four dishes and a soup was laid out on the table.

But... Jiang Fei frowned; none of those dishes were her favorites.

"Princess?" Pei Qing called to her.

Jiang Fei snapped out of her daze, forced a smile, and sat down at the table.

Pei Qing picked up the serving chopsticks and placed a piece of water bamboo shoots on her plate, along with a slice of ginger.

Jiang Fei glanced at the food in her bowl, then looked at Pei Qing. Under Pei Qing's gaze, she took a small bite, then frowned and said, "I don't like water bamboo shoots and ginger."

Pei Qing's expression was indifferent: "These two things have always been the princess's favorite foods."

Jiang Fei was slightly taken aback, a sneer forming in his mind. It seemed that Pei Qing was planning to implant new memories into him, and it was probably Jiang Rongrong who liked these two things.

"But I don't feel like I love you..." Her voice trailed off.

Pei Qing was quietly looking at her, and then, as his gaze shifted, the coldness in his eyes disappeared, and his eyes gradually softened, his ascetic expression carrying a hint of magnificence: "Princess, you like to eat these."

Jiang Fei stared at him blankly for a long time, her ears turning red, before quickly lowering her head and eating a bite of water chestnut.

Pei Qing looked at her blushing cheeks and lowered his eyes slightly.

"But...it tastes awful," Jiang Fei's voice came with a hint of grievance, then she suddenly looked up at him, "Why don't you make it for me, then I'll like it!"

Pei Qing paused for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Okay."

If it could make Jiang Fei more like Rongrong, he wouldn't mind doing something.

"Really?" Jiang Fei quickly stood up.

Pei Qing glanced at the leftover food in her bowl, said nothing, and stood up as well, heading towards the kitchen first.

Jiang Fei followed behind him, watching Pei Qing's back. Such an ethereal figure, she was quite curious to see what he was like in the bustling kitchen.

However, as soon as they stepped out of the main hall, a servant knelt down and said, "My lord, that guard surnamed Lu has come again."

Pei Qing paused slightly and glanced at Jiang Fei unintentionally.

The latter merely glanced blankly at the servant, then at him, without any sign of anything amiss.

After a moment of silence, Pei Qing said, "Let him in."

Perfect timing, let's test the waters.

"yes."

...

Lu Zhi staggered as he followed the servants toward the Imperial Preceptor's residence, his face pale, the wound on his chest untreated, and his dark clothes stained with large patches of blood.

She finally agreed to see him.

He's been having the same nightmare for the past few days.

He dreamt of his fond childhood memories; the face that was originally Jiang Rongrong's had transformed into Jiang Fei's.

He dreamt that Jiang Fei was clutching his clothes, begging him to take her to find Chu Mo, but he abandoned her without any mercy.

I dreamt that Jiang Fei's Cold Flower Poison flared up, and she was lying there all alone.

I dreamt that she drew a line on her chest and said to him, "We're no longer friends..."

But when I woke up, I realized that it wasn't a dream at all.

The mole on Jiang Fei's body tormented his mind again and again.

He mistook the person for someone else and protected the wrong person.

He gave his hope for life to the wrong person.

It has always been Jiang Fei.

What exactly did he do?

The slash that cut his chest was his retribution.

He was determined to take her away, even if it meant being torn to pieces, he would find the Blood Silk Gu.

He wanted to save her.

"Guard Lu can wait here." The servant nodded to him and turned to leave.

Lu Zhi stood in the pavilion, waiting quietly.

After some time, a familiar female voice came from behind: "Who wants to see me? Can I not see them?"

Her voice rose slightly, as spoiled as ever.

Lu Zhi suddenly turned around.

Jiang Fei stood outside the pavilion, dressed in a cloud-patterned dress. Her face was pale and beautiful, and her eyes were bright.

Lu Zhi took a few steps forward uncontrollably, but then stopped.

Pei Qing was by her side.

Upon seeing him, Jiang Fei glanced at Pei Qing hesitantly.

“Princess, go ahead. I will wait for you here,” Pei Qing said with a smile.

Jiang Fei pursed her lips, then slowly walked into the pavilion and looked at Lu Zhi.

"Princess……"

"Did you need something from me?" The two voices rang out almost simultaneously.

Lu Zhi froze, staring blankly at Jiang Fei. She seemed different. The look in her eyes when she looked at him was no longer the dark despair of a few days ago; instead, it was as if she were looking at a stranger.

"Your subordinate will escort the princess back to her residence," Lu Zhi said in a hoarse voice.

Jiang Fei frowned, puzzled, and asked, "I don't know you at all, why should I go back to your residence with you?"

Lu Zhi looked stunned, unconsciously taking two steps back, a chill rising from the bottom of his heart: "Princess, you're joking..."

"Who's joking with you?" Jiang Fei frowned even more. "I don't know you. What if you try to harm me if I go back to the manor with you..."

“I would never harm the princess.” Lu Zhi interrupted her abruptly, his expression one of astonishment.

Jiang Fei's eyes showed a hint of fear.

Lu Zhi quickly realized what was happening and managed to calm himself down: "I am a guard that the princess bought. The princess ordered someone to teach me martial arts and have me protect you. She even had your mark engraved on me..."

Jiang Fei still looked completely bewildered: "A mark?"

Lu Zhi reached out and tore open his clothes. The wound on his front had already stopped bleeding, and a dark red scar stretched across the blood-stained character "Jiang".

He desperately wanted her to know that he was hers.

Jiang Fei seemed startled by the bloodstains, and her breath caught in her throat.

Lu Zhi continued, "This scar was inflicted by the princess."

“In the past, when the princess cooked, she would order her subordinates to light a fire.”

"The princess would feed her subordinates and let them taste the food."

"When the princess has free time, she will have her subordinates read stories to her."

"I haven't read the ending of that story to the princess yet."

"Even... when the princess fell into the water as a child, I saved her, and she slapped me in the process..."

Jiang Fei's face grew paler and paler as Lu Zhi spoke, and she stared at him blankly.

"Princess……"

"Stop talking." Jiang Fei's voice was hoarse as she pressed her temples tightly. "I don't remember any of what you said, and I didn't experience any of it... My head hurts so much..."

“Pei Qing, Pei Qing…” Jiang Fei called out Pei Qing’s name urgently.

Lu Zhi stood there blankly, his hands and feet ice-cold, and it took him a long time to react and try to step forward: "Princess..."

But it was too late.

Pei Qing stepped forward, gently put his arm around Jiang Fei's shoulder, and said in a gentle voice, "Don't think about it anymore. Those things are not important. Don't think about them anymore."

Jiang Fei gradually calmed down, her face still deathly pale. She leaned against Pei Qing's chest, her lips trembling slightly.

Lu Zhi looked at her, his expression dazed, his eyes gradually reddening.

He didn't know what was wrong with her; all he knew was that she didn't remember him.

“Guard Lu,” Pei Qing raised his eyes, “she has forgotten some things that were never important. Are you going to force her to remember them?”

I forgot...

Lu Zhi's body stiffened, and his breath was filled with coldness.

Was it because of some kind of trauma?

Yes, Chu Mo used her, poisoned her, and then abandoned her, leaving her alone in the courtyard.

So she chose to forget.

She forgot him.

She was so weak, how could he force her to remember?

Pei Qing turned around and was about to embrace Jiang Fei and leave.

“Princess…” Lu Zhi murmured softly.

She was the little girl he knew when he was young, Princess Changning, whom he had sworn to serve for life.

Jiang Fei stopped in her tracks.

Lu Zhi's eyes lit up slightly, and he took two steps forward.

However, the next moment, Jiang Fei slowly turned her head, her expression already calm: "I don't remember what you said, but you mentioned that mark..."

Lu Zhi froze.

Jiang Fei looked at his chest: "There's a mark on the character 'Jiang'. I think even if I remember it, I wouldn't want to acknowledge that mark."

After saying that, she didn't linger.

Lu Zhi was still standing in the pavilion, even breathing became difficult.

That day, after she made that cut at the entrance of the Imperial Preceptor's residence, she said "we are severing all ties." Now, even though she has forgotten, she still says "I am unwilling to admit it."

She doesn't want him anymore.

So where should he go next?

He had mistaken the girl from his childhood.

The princess, whom he had grown up and pledged allegiance to, was abandoned by him.

So she didn't want him anymore.

Where should he go?

He reached out and touched his chest; the wound still ached.

These are the words she carved.

If he heals his wound and leaves only that one word, will he still be hers?

...

Lu Zhi's favorability rating has risen to 90.

When Jiang Fei heard the system's report, she was in the kitchen watching Pei Qing, dressed in white, chopping water chestnuts with a kitchen knife, and couldn't help but laugh.

Pei Qing looked at her.

Jiang Fei quickly suppressed her smile: "I just didn't expect you could cook."

Pei Qing lowered his eyes and continued his work: "I only know a little bit about it."

Jiang Fei didn't say anything more.

Pei Qing remained silent.

Based on Jiang Fei's behavior in front of Lu Zhi just now, she must have really lost her memory.

So, what about Chu Mo?

She was willing to break off her engagement to marry Chu Mo...

Pei Qing placed the sliced ​​water bamboo on a plate, picked up the ginger, and casually said, "I heard that the situation in Great Wei is currently turbulent. After returning, the Prince of Guangyuan besieged the capital and seized power."

King Guangyuan was the title Chu Mo received when he was sent as a hostage to the Great Yan.

After speaking, Pei Qing turned to look at Jiang Fei.

Jiang Fei didn't speak or look at him, but just watched the movements of his hands, her brows furrowed.

Pei Qing narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing her intently. Did she still remember Chu Mo?

The next moment, Jiang Fei walked to his side, picked up a slice of ginger, and said with disdain, "Why did I used to like eating ginger?"

Pei Qing was taken aback, then felt a little relieved. However, when she saw that the other woman was very close to her, she frowned slightly and moved aside. Only after they were separated did she reply, "Your body is prone to feeling cold these days. You said ginger can dispel cold."

Jiang Fei still looked at him with confusion.

Pei Qing smiled at her and said, "Don't worry, if you can't remember, don't think about it anymore. I will help you find your former self."

Jiang Fei looked at him, worried that it might be her who ended up being found, but she still blushed and nodded: "Okay."

Pei Qing's favorability rating: 0.

Jiang Fei glanced over his head; it seemed he was in a good mood.

She gave a faint smile, then glanced at the distance between Pei Qing and herself, and then at the cooks who were far away around her. She frowned and asked, "Why are they so far away from you?"

Pei Qing's smile faltered slightly, and she lowered her eyes, saying, "I don't like getting close to people."

Jiang Fei exclaimed, "Really?"

"Hmm." Pei Qing's voice softened as she put the water bamboo shoots into the pot.

"How could a person not like being close to others?" Jiang Fei frowned.

Pei Qingben's hand, which was holding the ginger slices, froze slightly.

I dislike being called a "monster".

However, he didn't need to say this to her.

Jiang Fei watched his actions, and then suddenly thought of something: "You've helped me so much, I'll help you too!"

Pei Qing looked at her with a puzzled expression.

Jiang Fei said, "You help me find myself again, and I'll help you overcome your aversion to being approached by others, how about that?"

Pei Qing frowned almost imperceptibly, then quickly relaxed.

He didn't think she could help him, but it was better for her to be willing to change than to resist.

"Okay." He nodded.

...

The capital of the Great Wei Dynasty.

The official road was bustling with activity, a constant flow of carriages and horses.

King Guangyuan took over as regent and exempted the country from taxes for three years, which was a cause for celebration throughout the nation.

A group of people moved slowly forward. The person in the lead wore a dawn-colored robe, with a dark cloak fluttering in the wind behind him. His long hair was tied up high, and his sinister eyes held a hint of allure.

Some of the soldiers around him were puzzled: "Why does Your Highness want to keep the Emperor alive? What if he rebels again someday...?"

"Without soldiers and horses, how can there be any heresy?" Chu Mo interrupted him, lowering his eyes slightly to look at his hands, which still bore traces of blood.

He has obtained the power and women he desired, and should be overjoyed.

The Prince's Mansion is now in sight.

Just as Chu Mo was about to dismount, a crisp crack of a whip suddenly rang out from the side.

A long, crimson whip came straight at him.

Chu Mo slightly turned his head to avoid it.

The long whip lashed out at him again.

"Protect the Prince!" someone shouted from the surroundings.

Soon, soldiers rushed forward and captured the attacker.

"Let me go!" came a furious female voice. "You caused my father to be placed under house arrest, and I will settle accounts with you today!"

Chu Mo looked at the woman. She was wearing a crimson satin dress, holding a long whip in her hand, and glaring at him with angry eyes.

He was momentarily dazed, and for a fleeting moment he felt as if he had returned to the Great Yan Dynasty. When those princes humiliated him, there was also a woman standing in front of him with a long whip in her eyes, full of anger. The difference was that the woman was protecting him.

"Your Highness, it is the third young lady of Grand Tutor Qin's family," the soldier reported.

Chu Mo came to his senses, his throat tightening: "Hmm," his voice was a little hoarse, "Send him back to the Grand Tutor's residence and keep him under strict guard."

"Your Highness?" the soldier asked, puzzled. "She attempted to assassinate you..."

"Send it back." Chu Mo's voice was lower.

The soldier hesitated for a moment, then left with the woman.

Chu Mo remained standing still, watching the woman's departing figure.

The bodyguard who had been by his side since the Great Yan Dynasty also glanced at the woman, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "Your Highness..."

Chu Mo snapped out of his daze, his expression hardening, and turned to quickly walk into the mansion.

The servants had already prepared dinner, with the table full of delicacies, but the surroundings were empty, without a single person in sight or any sign of life.

Chu Mo frowned: "Where is Miss Jiang?"

The servant hurriedly knelt down and said, "Miss Jiang said she was not feeling well and has already gone to bed after having dinner in her room."

Feeling unwell.

Hearing these words, Chu Mo knew they were just excuses, but for some reason, he couldn't be bothered to call them out.

He rode swiftly from the Great Yan back to the Great Wei, his troops besieging the palace with thunderous force, seizing power and influence. In the blink of an eye, everything was settled. The palace servants who had humiliated him had their tongues pulled out one by one, and the princes and heirs of several families were either deposed or killed.

A group of people were kneeling on the ground pleading, which should have been straightforward, but it sounded rather unsettling.

He finally sat down at the table, looking at the delicacies before him. This seemed to be the first time in a long time that he had sat down and properly enjoyed a meal.

But my spleen and stomach couldn't help but feel a greasy sensation.

"Is it not to your liking?" a woman's voice asked him with concern.

Chu Mo suddenly looked up.

But there was no one in front of him.

Chu Mo frowned; it was just an illusion.

He sneered and started thinking about random things again.

He lowered his eyes and ate dinner alone, but the more he ate, the more his lungs ached.

Finally, with a "thud," he placed the bowl and chopsticks on the table.

The servants at the door hurriedly knelt on the ground.

Chu Mo didn't say anything and walked out alone.

The room where Jiang Rongrong was staying was already pitch black; there would never be a light waiting for him.

Chu Mo stared at the darkness for a long time, then slowly turned and went to the study.

There was no soft couch next to the desk, nor the low table that was always filled with pastries, nor the person who would be curled up on it reading a storybook.

He hated sweet things, but every time the woman reading the storybook would casually hand him a pastry, he initially found it repulsive, but gradually he got used to it.

Two knocks sounded on the door.

Chu Mo lowered his eyes and composed himself, his expression instantly returning to normal.

Someone pushed open the door and entered, carrying a food box. They placed the box on the desk and took out the food inside, which was lightly seasoned.

Chu Mo's gaze froze as he stared at the dishes, his breath catching in his throat.

"His Highness didn't eat much for dinner, so I ordered some light food to be prepared," came the guard's voice.

Upon hearing this, Chu Mo's gaze gradually darkened, and he only responded with a soft "Mm".

"The whereabouts of the Blood Silk Gu have been found," the guard continued. "The person who raised the Gu will come to the capital tomorrow."

Chu Mo paused.

Blood-veined Gu can cure Cold Flower Poison.

"Um."

After the guards left, Chu Mo looked down at the dishes, which were almost identical to those Jiang Fei had made when he was at the princess's residence.

He took a bite, but his throat involuntarily tightened.

The taste is different.

Jiang Fei's cooking wasn't as good as the Wangfu chef's.

Chu Mo couldn't help but chuckle softly. If she had known, she probably would have thrown the food away immediately.

Princess Changning was aloof and arrogant.

The next moment, Chu Mo realized what was happening, the smile on his lips gradually faded, and then he suddenly stood up.

What's wrong with him?

Why do I keep thinking about those shameful past events?

I can't stay in the study any longer!

Chu Mo stood up and strode out. Countless people knelt and bowed to him, but he ignored them and walked out of the mansion.

For three years, taxes were waived; for three days, the Great Wei Dynasty celebrated with great joy; and the capital city was not under curfew.

Chu Mo walked through the bustling night market.

Men and women carrying lanterns walked by.

Children holding candied hawthorns laughed and played.

And... Chu Mo stopped in his tracks, looking at the sugar figurine stall not far away. For a moment, he seemed to see not the owner sitting behind the stall, but a bright and beautiful woman.

At the jewelry stall, the woman was trying on a peacock hairpin and asking him if it looked good.

In the pastry shop, she held a rice cake to his lips and said, "I've tasted it, it's not too sweet."

By the lake, the man and woman who were releasing lanterns looked at him strangely, probably finding it odd that he had come alone, and hurriedly went elsewhere.

Chu Mo only looked at the lamp.

He had one too; on that lantern, his own personal wish was written:

May your wishes come true and may you enjoy happiness throughout your life.

Chu Mo smiled, but his smile froze instantly.

He got what he wanted, but why... did he not feel joy?

The person who raised the Gu poison was an old man with white hair and beard, dressed in tattered hemp clothes, with a wine pot at his waist. He arrived at the mansion at noon on the second day.

The old man whom Chu Mo personally received.

The old man took out a bamboo cage with a toad inside.

"The Blood Silk Gu is inside this poisonous toad, and it must be lured in with live flesh," the old man said, patting the bamboo cage with great care. "You've come to the right place today. If I hadn't been short of money for drinks lately, I wouldn't care whether the poisoned person lived or died."

Chu Mo looked at the toad, his heart tightening slightly.

“This Blood Veil Gu can only survive for three days once it is removed, so it must not be wasted,” the old man said again. “Where is the person who was poisoned? Quickly bring her out.”

Chu Mo ordered his guards to invite Jiang Rongrong.

The old man muttered to himself, "I've raised this Gu for ten years, so I can't skimp on the silver."

"Wait." Chu Mo's body stiffened, and after a long while, he looked at the old man and said, "Only this one Gu?"

"nature."

Chu Mo stared at the toad, his lips turning slightly pale.

"Your Highness?" the guard asked, puzzled.

Chu Mo remained silent.

Finally, one of the bodyguards stepped forward and whispered, "Is Your Highness thinking of Changning...?"

"Please invite Miss Jiang here." Chu Mo interrupted the guard in pain, his voice somewhat flustered.

The guard paused for a moment, then lowered his head: "This subordinate has spoken out of turn."

Chu Mo did not respond, his hands were clenched tightly, his lips were pressed together, and after a long while he suddenly turned around and walked out, but he happened to run into Jiang Rongrong who was about to enter the door.

"Chu Mo?" Jiang Rongrong's face paled slightly, and she looked at him with a slight frown.

Even though she was threatened into coming here, she was still grateful that he found the Blood Silk Gu for her.

Chu Mo looked at Jiang Rongrong, then walked out without saying a word.

Only after returning to his study did Chu Mo begin to breathe heavily, his tightly clenched hands opening up, his fingers trembling uncontrollably.

He will not regret it.

Absolutely not.

Chu Mo did not go to the backyard again, and did not know when the old man left. However, in the afternoon, his subordinates came to advise him to "ascend the throne".

He remained silent throughout.

That night, however, he had a dream.

In his dream, a woman nestled in his arms, whispering, "I don't want to marry the emperor."

Then, the woman climbed up the back of his neck, gently kissed the corner of his lips, and said to him, "I love you so much."

Chu Mo woke up panting, his back covered in a thin layer of sweat.

There is always a white mist in my dream.

Only at the very end did he get a clear look at the woman's face.

Jiang Fei.