Chapter 56: Detoxification “It’s not bitter now.”

In a barracks not far from Shangjing City, Prince Duan looked at the sand table before him and sneered, "In a few days, I will lead my army to capture Shangjing City."

Fu Chang handed Prince Duan a cup of freshly brewed tea. His eyes fell on the sand table: "Your Highness will definitely win."

"Fuchang, you see, Shangjing City is seriously short of weapons and has no forging materials. There's not much food and grass in the city, so it won't last long."

"Your Highness is wise. It seems that Shangjing City is now in your hands."

Prince Duan put down the teacup in his hand and walked to the cage in the corner where a beautiful white ferret was lying and sleeping soundly.

He picked up the ferret and suddenly thought of something: "Rao Yongan is dead, and the Imperial City Division is leaderless. Fuchang, do you know who is the most likely successor?"

Fu Chang bowed and replied, "I guess it's General Xie."

"Is it the one from Duke Xie's residence?"

"Your Highness, that's right. This man has been stationed in Northern Frontier City for years. He's a tough nut to crack, but he's still no match for Your Highness."

Hahaha--

Prince Duan laughed heartily, running his fingers through the fur of the ferret in his arms. "Of course. Shangjing City is now without weapons, like a toothless tiger, vulnerable to a single blow."

His palm was placed on the sand table, and Shangjing City was firmly in his control.

"It will be easy for me to take Shangjing City."

A strange light flashed in Fu Chang's eyes, and he echoed, "How could Your Highness fail if he took action? Even if the people in the capital tried their best, it would be like trying to catch the moon in the water."

"Your Highness, I once heard Minister Yao mention something. While this man is not to be feared, I'm afraid he might spare us."

Prince Duan narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Just tell me directly."

"When Minister Yao was in power, he coveted large amounts of silver, which resulted in insufficient military pay everywhere. The Northern Frontier was remote, and the military pay deficit was even worse. As a result, Northern Frontier City was short of weapons and was at a disadvantage. The situation is very similar to that of Shangjing City today."

"Who is helping you?" Prince Duan's sharp eyes shot straight at Fuchang.

Fu Chang raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead. "It's...it's the daughter of the former Prime Minister, Zhou Tinglan. But don't worry, Your Highness. Although she is now in the capital, she poses no threat."

"You're right. How could a mere woman pose a threat to this king?" Prince Duan paused and asked curiously, "But I'm curious about how she solved the difficulties in the northern border."

Fu Chang quickly replied, "This woman is a famous swordsmith. Her sword-forging skills are unmatched by ordinary blacksmiths. Only then can she pacify the Northern Di."

Prince Duan sat on a chair, placing the ferret on his lap. He picked up his teacup again and took a sip. "She's just a swordsmith. The forging materials in the capital are all gone, and there are no blacksmiths. She can't cause any trouble on her own."

Fu Chang praised: "Your Highness is unparalleled in the world. This girl alone cannot hinder Your Highness's great cause."

Prince Duan was flattered by Fuchang's praise. He waved his hand and continued, "There's very little food and grass in the capital. I know my old, stubborn brother, and I hate to see the people suffer because of him. When the time comes, I'll just threaten them. How can they stop me?"

When Fu Chang heard this, a hint of worry appeared on his face. "Your Highness is absolutely right. I have another concern right now."

"Just say it."

"We have surrounded Shangjing City, and the people inside are helpless and suffocating to death. But we still have to consider the enemies outside."

Prince Duan asked nonchalantly, "Do you mean the soldiers in the surrounding cities?"

Fuchang filled the teacup and handed it back to Prince Duan: "Just as your highness expected."

"What did I think you were worried about?"

Prince Duan sneered, "Don't worry, I have already sent people to control the surrounding cities, and the news is blocked, so they can't come."

"But……"

"But what? I think you're just overly worried. Actually, there's no need to worry. Looking at the current state of the capital, I really don't care. As for the palace, I already bribed the Imperial Household Department's stewards, so there won't be any problems."

Fu Chang lowered his head and whispered, "I am worrying too much."

Prince Duan patted Fuchang on the shoulder and ordered: "In a few days, you will lead your men and soldiers to attack the city. If that fails, we will lay siege to the city."

"Yes, I understand."

**

Late at night, in the armory, Zhou Tinglan had just forged a long sword and put down the forging hammer when he felt someone hugging his waist.

She exclaimed, "Aren't you temporarily taking over Lord Rao's position to fight? How come you have time to look for me?"

Xie Zechuan was busy like a top this morning, so why is he so idle in the evening?

Xie Zechuan nuzzled Zhou Tinglan's neck and murmured, "It's already been deployed. I was worried about you, so I came to check on you."

Zhou Tinglan looked at the freshly forged long sword on the forging table and sighed, "Luckily, I asked His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to collect a large amount of forging materials. Prince Duan moved all of them and really didn't leave us any."

Xie Zechuan's eyes showed worry: "Lan'er, can you forge so many swords?"

Zhou Tinglan comforted him, "I've already had the Crown Prince send a message to the brothers in the mountain stronghold. They should be on their way here now. Furthermore, His Royal Highness has already sent all the soldiers from the Imperial City Division and its barracks who have some experience in blacksmithing to me. I'm relieved now."

How can there be any relaxation? It is just a temporary break from the busy schedule and a way to find joy in suffering.

Thinking of the dead Xiao Ruo, Zhou Tinglan was overcome with grief: "Xie Zechuan, do you think they will blame us if they find out that Xiao Ruo is dead?"

Xie Zechuan comforted her softly, "No, Lan'er, don't blame yourself for Xiao Ruo's mistakes anymore."

Zhou Tinglan cheered up a bit, "I'll get well soon. The most important thing right now is to forge more swords. There are too few weapons in Shangjing City. Prince Duan could lead his troops in rebellion at any time. We have to be prepared."

She then added, "I wonder where Mother and the others are right now? I promised them they would attend my wedding."

"Lan'er, I will give you a bigger one later."

"good."

The two of them stayed together for a while, and Xie Zechuan kept holding Zhou Tinglan and was unwilling to let go.

Zhou Tinglan was helpless. She pushed Xie Zechuan away from behind her and said, "Okay, don't bother me while I'm forging the sword. You're free, but I'm busy!"

Xie Zechuan wanted to go forward but was stopped by Zhou Tinglan.

"If you're too free, go and sort out the forging materials for me."

Xie Zechuan pouted and stared at Zhou Tinglan with grievance. After not getting any look from her, he stayed obediently beside her and sorted out the forging materials.

"I really am attracted by Lan'er, I dislike you, woo woo woo."

Zhou Tinglan was very upset when he heard Xie Zechuan's three cries that couldn't be more fake. He wondered what Xie Zechuan was going to do.

Unable to bear Xie Zechuan's gossip, Zhou Tinglan grabbed him and dragged him out of the forging room: "Get out of here!"

After driving Xie Zechuan away, Zhou Tinglan breathed a sigh of relief: "Finally, it's quiet."

Zhou Tinglan picked up the forging hammer and started a new round of forging. Unconsciously, the sunlight from outside shone in through the window.

"You must be tired from forging the sword. Come and have some porridge."

Zhou Tinglan thought it was Xie Zechuan who came to bring her breakfast this morning, so she didn't pay much attention to it: "Just put it on the table for me."

However, no one responded for a long time.

Zhou Tinglan turned her head suspiciously and saw Qiao standing behind her with a bowl of porridge.

"Mother!"

Mrs. Qiao stuffed the bowl of porridge into the hands of Zhou Yiming beside her, ran forward and hugged Zhou Tinglan into her arms: "Lan'er, you have suffered a lot. Look how thin you have become."

Zhou Tinglan looked at the person who walked in behind Zhou Yiming. She said in surprise, "Doctor Li, you...why are you all here together?"

Mrs. Qiao explained in a gentle voice, "We came here just now because we didn't want to disturb you, and we were also worried that you didn't have breakfast and were starving, so we called you."

"As for them, we happened to meet them halfway and found that they were all coming to the capital, so we came together."

"The most coincidental thing was that after entering the capital, I asked for directions and ran into him again."

Zhou Tinglan was surprised that it was such a coincidence!

The brothers in the village echoed: "Yes, Miss Zhou, what a coincidence."

Xie Zechuan took the bowl of porridge from Zhou Yiming's hand and asked the brothers in the village to sit down.

"Lan'er, let's eat and talk at the same time."

"We heard Miss Zhou was in need, so we rushed to the capital overnight. So, why isn't Brother Xiao here?"

Isn’t Brother Xiao the one who admires Miss Zhou the most? Why didn’t he show up at the critical moment?

Zhou Tinglan's throat choked with sobs: "Xiao Ruo he..."

Seeing this, Xie Zechuan knew that he couldn't drink the porridge, so he took the bowl and placed it on the table at the side.

He answered for Zhou Tinglan in a deep voice: "Xiao Ruo is gone."

No one in the forging room spoke again. After a long silence, someone spoke again: "Why is Brother Xiao not here? What happened?"

"It was Yao Ningde. He was the one who killed Xiao Ruo."

Zhou Yiming was furious when he heard Yao Ningde's name: "He is still as cruel and tyrannical as before."

The people in the village couldn't bear it either. Seeing Zhou Tinglan's extremely sad face, they hurriedly comforted her, "Miss Zhou, we won't blame you, and you don't have to be sad."

"Thank you...thank you."

Zhou Tinglan wiped away the tears from his eyes.

"Miss Zhou, what should we do now?"

Zhou Tinglan pointed to several forging tables not far away and said, "I'll teach you how to forge long swords later. With your previous forging foundation, it will be much easier to learn. Go to the forging tables over there and put down your things. I'll teach you how to forge swords."

"good."

Everyone in the village went to put their belongings away. Zhou Tinglan looked at his parents and said, "Father and Mother, I'm afraid my marriage to Xie Zechuan will have to be delayed for some time."

Zhou Yiming waved his hand: "No problem, business is more important."

"Lan'er, you should also take care of yourself."

Xie Zechuan said at the right time: "Uncle and aunt, don't worry, I will take good care of Lan'er."

Zhou Tinglan would gain favorability if he just glanced at him.

"Father and Mother, you should go and rest. You must be tired after walking such a long way."

She turned to look at Doctor Li who was silent beside her: "Doctor Li is coming too?"

Doctor Li had a gloomy face. He looked at Zhou Tinglan and snorted coldly, "Let's not do that for now. Your parents may be in poor health these days, but I don't think you're doing well either. Stretch out your hand!"

Zhou Tinglan felt that something bad was going to happen when she heard Doctor Li's tone. She guessed that she would be criticized by the old Chinese doctor for not taking care of her body.

After buying it, as expected, Doctor Li's face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot: "It's just getting more and more ridiculous!"

He pointed at Xie Zechuan and angrily scolded him, "The poison in his body hasn't been cured yet, and your health has deteriorated to this point. It's all in vain that I gave you the good medicine in Beijiang City."

Zhou Tinglan nodded vigorously, "Yes, yes, I know I was wrong. Doctor Li, how is his poison?"

"It's good to know your mistake. After some time, you will be no different from his poisoned body."

Doctor Li then sneered, "How could that poison stop me? I have already prepared an antidote and will be able to detoxify General Xie soon."

Zhou Tinglan's eyes sparkled: "Great, Doctor Li, you are simply the reincarnation of Hua Tuo, a reincarnated miracle doctor!"

Although Doctor Li didn't know who Hua Tuo was, he understood what Zhou Tinglan meant. "I'm not worthy of this title, I'm not worthy of this title. I'm not as capable as you say. I'm just a traveling doctor."

"When is General Xie free?"

"Tomorrow night will do."

Doctor Li smiled and stood up: "Well, I have to go back and prepare the medicine first."

Zhou Tinglan said goodbye to everyone, drank the porridge quickly, and began to teach everyone in the village how to forge swords.

**

The next night, Doctor Li wanted to remove the toxins from Xie Zechuan's body.

Zhou Tinglan rushed back to Duke Xie's mansion ahead of time and looked at the closed door. "Why hasn't he come out yet? Could it be that the poison wasn't removed successfully?"

She paced back and forth anxiously, muttering, "Could it be some other accident?"

"No, no, I must have scared myself."

Seeing Zhou Tinglan shaking his head, Mrs. Qiao consoled him, "Lan'er, since Doctor Li said he can fix it, General Xie will be fine."

"Mother, I..."

The door suddenly opened and Doctor Li walked out calmly.

Zhou Tinglan rushed over and asked, "Doctor Li, how is it?"

"The poison has been resolved. He's still unconscious now, but he'll be fine once he wakes up."

Zhou Tinglan breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you for your hard work, Doctor Li."

Doctor Li handed a bag of medicine to Zhou Tinglan: "These are the medicines. Have General Xie take them once when he wakes up, and then take them twice a day thereafter."

After Doctor Li left, Zhou Tinglan ran into the room. Her eyes fell on the bed. The man had his eyes closed and was sleeping soundly.

"Xie Zechuan..." Zhou Tinglan rushed to the bedside: "Xie Zechuan, when will you wake up?"

She stroked Xie Zechuan's eyebrows and eyes gently: "Do you know that I am worried about you? Why are you still sleeping?"

“…”

Zhou Tinglan stayed beside Xie Zechuan and spoke softly.

Their gazes suddenly collided in mid-air, and Zhou Tinglan was startled: "Xie Zechuan, when did you wake up...wake up?"

"When you said you missed me, Lan'er, I missed you too."

Xie Zechuan carried Zhou Tinglan to the bed.

"I'm glad you're okay."

Zhou Tinglan muttered softly, "I was so worried."

She remembered that Doctor Li had told Xie Zechuan to wake up and take medicine. Zhou Tinglan broke free from Xie Zechuan's arms and stood up: "No more talking. Doctor Li told me to tell you to take the medicine before he left. Come, let's take the medicine."

"Lan'er, it's bitter. The medicine made by Doctor Li is so bitter. I don't want to eat it."

Xie Zechuan held Zhou Tinglan's hand, looking like a child who was unwilling to take medicine.

Zhou Tinglan was dissatisfied with the lesson: "Xie Zechuan, good medicine tastes bitter, you are just getting better, how can you not take it!"

She stuffed the pill into Xie Zechuan's hand again: "Eat it quickly!"

Xie Zechuan pursed his lips and put the pill aside.

"Lan'er..."

"Xie Zechuan, what do you want me to do in order to take the medicine?"

Zhou Tinglan was pulled into Xie Zechuan's arms again.

"If you want Lan'er to kiss me, I will eat it."

Zhou Tinglan was helpless. She leaned over and kissed Xie Zechuan on the cheek: "Now you'll finally take your medicine obediently, right?"

Unexpectedly, before Zhou Tinglan could leave, someone grabbed the back of her head and Xie Zechuan pressed her tightly against him.

The lips and teeth moved from shallow to deep, Zhou Tinglan was kissed to the point of being breathless, and the tip of his tongue slid into his mouth.

Zhou Tinglan was panting, her lips were crystal clear and smooth, and the tip of her tongue was slightly exposed.

"you……"

"Lan'er, this is enough."

Xie Zechuan picked up the pill and put it into his mouth.

Zhou Tinglan saw Xie Zechuan swallow the medicine and handed him some water: "If it tastes bitter, drink some water to wash it down."

Xie Zechuan took the cup and put it aside.

"You are not bitter..."

Before he could finish his words, Zhou Tinglan was caught off guard by a sudden kiss. Xie Zechuan's tongue deftly pried open her teeth and kissed her deeply.

Zhou Tinglan hummed vaguely: "Just... taking medicine, what are you doing."

Xie Zechuan stepped back slightly and panted, "Lan'er, the medicine is so bitter."

After saying that, he leaned over and kissed Zhou Tinglan's sweet lips, moving them gently.

“It’s not bitter now.”

Zhou Tinglan was angry. She pushed Xie Zechuan away and said, "Just stay still."

She stood up and was about to leave, but the corner of her clothes was pulled. Zhou Tinglan turned around and saw Xie Zechuan looking at her pitifully.

"Lan'er, can you accompany me?"

"All right."

Zhou Tinglan sat back on the bed.

The two of them snuggled together, thinking of the upcoming battle, Zhou Tinglan sighed: "Xie Zechuan, you have to survive well."

Xie Zechuan smiled and said, "Of course, Lan'er, wait for me to marry you."

“Who wants you…”

Xie Zechuan pinched Zhou Tinglan's face and said, "Who else would dare to do that except me?"

"Lan'er, you little rascal."

The two soon fell into a deep sleep.

When a white line appeared on the horizon, a large number of soldiers arrived at the city gate outside Shangjing City.

"Oh no, the rebels are coming!"