Chapter 12

◎That's nothing more than a dog you kicked out of your house.◎

The atmosphere suddenly became tense as someone openly poisoned the martial arts competition.

This is clearly a pre-arranged trap.

Xie Yutang looked at Lin Tan beside him, only to see the latter slowly turning the cup in his hand, seemingly savoring tea.

"Miss, this must be his doing."

Woyu wanted to say something more, but Huaijin pulled her back, and the latter shook his head at her.

Xie Yutang narrowed her phoenix eyes and was about to speak when Su Lu suddenly leaped into the air and instantly landed on the ground below the stage.

The guards were caught off guard by his sudden action. Knowing his unfathomable strength, they all retreated silently, none of them daring to step forward to stop him.

Wei Xianxi gritted his teeth in anger.

This bunch of useless trash.

If Su Lu escapes under the watchful eyes of everyone, how will he explain it to the Third Prince?

But at this moment, Wei Xianxi couldn't worry about any of that; what was giving him a real headache was seeing Yao Guangzi lying on the stage.

He had just personally examined the man and confirmed that he was indeed poisoned and on the verge of death.

But when the Third Prince came to us, he clearly said it was "just a little poison, not enough to kill anyone," only to render that Young Master Su unable to move after losing all his martial arts skills, so that we could do whatever we wanted with him then...

Although Yao Guangzi's internal strength is not as great as Su Lu's, it is definitely not the case that he would be in such a state just because he was poisoned.

If Wei Xianxi still can't figure out what's going on at this moment, he'd be a fool.

That Lin Tan actually tricked him!

Even if Su Lu was Xie Yutang's despised dog, his death on her own territory was a huge loss of face for Princess Ning'an.

Xie Yutang will be the first to not let him off the hook.

Wei Xianxi grew increasingly alarmed and kicked the guard in the backside: "Hurry up and get in, or they'll get away!"

Su Lu, however, did not intend to run away.

A figure in a green robe landed gracefully, flicked her wrist, and pulled a lean man out of the crowd, proclaiming loudly, "This is the one who poisoned the man."

Upon hearing this, the seven stars all turned to look, their eyes filled with such intense hatred that they wished they could tear that person apart on the spot.

The lean man flinched, instinctively wanting to escape, but Su Lu was holding his pulse point, preventing him from using any internal energy.

Su Lu glanced at Yao Guangzi, who was being held in Qi Xing's arms on the stage: "I have just sealed several acupoints around his body to slow down the spread of the poison, but this poison is extremely potent. If there is no antidote within an incense stick's time, I'm afraid his life will be in danger."

Tian Shuzi, still channeling his inner energy into Yao Guangzi's back, looked at Su Lu upon hearing this and, suppressing his grief, said, "Please tell me, Your Highness, where the antidote is. Also, my junior brother was just competing with Your Highness on the stage and didn't come into contact with anyone else. How did Your Highness know that this person was the one who poisoned him, and how did he do it?"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Tianjizi exclaimed in alarm, "Poison needle! Senior brother, junior brother has been hit by a poison needle!"

There were several small black spots on Yao Guangzi's chest where his clothes had been pulled open; they were barely noticeable without a close inspection.

"Nonsense! Just now on the stage, there were only Prince Su and Yao Guangzi, and he knew that Yao Guangzi had been poisoned as soon as he collapsed. If he wasn't the murderer, how could he have known the cause so quickly?"

Suddenly someone in the audience spoke up, which quickly drew agreement from the crowd.

“That’s right! What kind of upbringing could a Hu woman’s son have? He’s probably just using underhanded tactics because he’s not as good at martial arts.”

"Who knows how he won those last few matches?"

"Who knows how many dirty tricks they've pulled behind the scenes!"

"Exactly! When things were exposed, they still tried to make someone a scapegoat. Do they think we're stupid?"

Tian Shuzi stood up and bowed to everyone. He was quite famous in the martial arts world and was also old, so everyone in the camp respected him and quieted down.

"My junior brother Yao Guangzi was ambushed and poisoned in front of everyone today. We, the Seven Stars, must find the antidote, find the murderer, and seek justice for our junior brother!"

“However,” Tian Shuzi looked at Su Lu, his tone softening slightly, “just now on the stage, it was only because Prince Su showed mercy that my junior brother Tian Jizi was spared from injury. Moreover, Prince Su’s martial arts are far superior to my junior brother Yao Guangzi’s. If you wanted to win, why would you need to resort to such despicable means as poisoning?”

He bowed to Su Lu: "Since Your Highness says that this person poisoned the body, does Your Highness have any evidence, or do you know where the antidote is?"

"The evidence is right here."

Su Lu grabbed the man's hand and said, "This poison is called Dark Flower. Those who are poisoned will lose all their internal energy in an instant and eventually die from the poison entering their lungs. The preparation of Dark Flower requires one ingredient - Qinpi (a type of bark).

Those present who had some medical knowledge already showed expressions of sudden realization.

"Qinpi turns blue when it comes into contact with water. Since the murderer used a poisoned needle to injure the person, there must be residual poison on his hands. Just immerse his hands in clean water and observe whether they change color."

"This method is feasible."

A clear voice came from the head of the table.

Everyone looked up and saw that Princess Ning'an, who had been sitting at the head of the table, had stood up at some point and instructed the maid beside her, "Huaijin, immediately send someone to fetch water. Whether that person is the murderer or not, we will know after an examination."

The voice came from afar, not loud, but everyone present could hear it clearly, as if the speaker were right in front of them.

Everyone was startled again. They had long heard that Princess Ning'an disliked needlework and calligraphy, but preferred horseback riding and archery. Now it seemed that this was not only true, but Princess Ning'an's internal strength was probably among the best of these martial arts practitioners.

"Princess, please reconsider."

Xiao Fuzi stepped out from behind Lin Tan and bowed deeply to Xie Yutang. "Yao Guangzi was suddenly poisoned and collapsed during his martial arts competition with Prince Su. Prince Su is the prime suspect, so how come everyone was led by the nose by Prince Su after he only said a few words? Saying that it changes color when it comes into contact with water is just one person's opinion. What if the murderer set a trap to frame someone else? Wouldn't we be blinded by villains?"

As soon as the words were spoken, the few people who had been shouting the loudest nodded repeatedly, and everyone else also showed signs of wavering.

Xiao Fuzi said loudly, "Why don't Commander Wei take Prince Su away first and interrogate him carefully? The truth will surely come to light."

"What are you, a eunuch? Who gives you the right to speak here? What kind of inefficiency does the patrol battalion have? By the time we've interrogated him thoroughly, eighty incense sticks will have burned out, and you'll be paying for my junior brother's life?"

Among the Seven Stars, a bald young man was the first to lose his temper, pointing at Xiao Fuzi and cursing loudly.

He was closest to Yao Guangzi and had the most impetuous temper. When he heard Xiao Fuzi spouting righteousness and morality, but actually just trying to gain power and favor in front of his master and not caring about his junior brother's life at all, he could no longer help but curse.

Seeing that the boy was about to speak again, he was glared at by Tian Shuzi and finally fell silent indignantly.

“Kaiyangzi is just trying to protect his brother, Tianshuzi, don’t blame him.”

Wei Xianxi finally spoke. In fact, he was in a dilemma. On the one hand, he did not want to offend Lin Tan, and on the other hand, he wanted to curry favor with Xie Yutang.

The process of weighing these two factors was like walking a tightrope, leaving no room for error. Even for a seasoned veteran of the officialdom like him, it left him with beads of sweat on his forehead.

Kaiyangzi's scolding gave him an opportunity to act as a peacemaker.

“What Xiao Fuzi said makes sense. However, since lives are at stake, even a one or two out of ten chance is worth trying. If that gentleman is indeed the murderer, he can surely find the antidote for Brother Yaoguang immediately. If he is not the murderer, we will not lose anything. Why don’t we hand over all the suspects to me for interrogation? I will surely give you all justice. What do you say?”

The last sentence was spoken while looking at Lin Tan.

Without Lin Tan's authorization, Xiao Fuzi wouldn't dare to speak even if he had a hundred lives. Therefore, Wei Xianxi's desire to act as a peacemaker still depends on whether Lin Tan is willing to help.

Lin Tan sat upright in a carved nanmu high-backed chair, slowly waving a folding fan in his hand, his face still bearing that polite and kind smile. "Let's do as Lord Wei says."

The servant was about to fetch water after receiving the order when Xie Yutang stopped him—"Wait a minute."

Princess Ning'an glanced around at everyone, her gaze lingering on Xiao Fuzi and Lin Tan for a moment: "Since some people are worried that a villain is setting a trap, creating a false alarm to frame someone else—"

She paused subtly for a moment, then said, "How about we fetch more water so everyone can wash up? We'll strive for fairness and justice, ensuring no innocent person is wronged and no murderer escapes justice, what do you say?"

The last sentence was also spoken while looking at Lin Tan.

With each word Xie Yutang spoke, he took a step closer to him, until the words had fallen and Xie Yutang was standing right in front of him.

The fragrance of orchids enveloped him like smoke and mist. In a daze, Lin Tan realized that she hadn't been this close to him in a long time. His Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily: "Does the princess mean—that I should also be washed?"

Xie Yutang stared at him intently for a moment.

The light in her eyes was so bright, more dazzling than ever before. Even though she was looking at him, Lin Tan felt as if he was no longer in those eyes.

"Need not."

Xie Yutang suddenly smiled and took a step back to increase the distance between them.

"I believe in His Highness the Third Prince."

The servants quickly brought water, and everyone checked it. Su Lu also washed his hands in the water. His fingers were clearly defined, and there were slightly protruding tendons on the inside of his wrists. No matter how you looked at it, it was a pair of beautiful hands.

Only that skinny man was left.

The seven stars stared intently at the man.

Su Lu appeared to be standing casually, but in reality, he had blocked all possible escape routes.

The lean man had no choice but to obediently let the servant cover his hands with a wet rag.

"It's turned blue!"

"Things have really changed!"

The moment the damp cloth was removed, gasps and exclamations rose and fell.

"You wicked person! My junior brother has no grudge against you, why would you harm him?"

Tianjizi flew down from the stage and kicked the man in the chest. The lean man was knocked to the ground and coughed up a mouthful of blood.

He was wronged too.

They were clearly aiming at that brat Su Lu, so why did your junior brother insist on rushing in?

Tianjizi wanted to fight again, but was stopped by Tianshuzi.

"Hand over the antidote now, and I might spare your life."

Seeing the man hesitate, Tianjizi became even more furious. He broke free from his senior brother's restraint and raised his palm to strike.

"Hero, spare my life! Hero, spare my life!"

The man clutched his chest and collapsed to the ground. "The antidote...it really isn't with me."

Everyone paused.

The seven sons of the Seven Stars were visibly shocked.

Tianjizi grabbed the man by the collar, lifted him up, and exuded murderous intent: "Where is the antidote? Speak!"

"The antidote is here, it's here..."

The man trembled violently, and even with his life in danger, he dared not utter the truth, only glancing shakily at Lin Tan.

"How dare you!"

Wei Xianxi suddenly slapped the man, turning his face to the side. He then bowed to the Seven Stars and the crowd, saying, "It was my oversight. This man is new to the camp. I will take him away immediately and interrogate him thoroughly. I will definitely find out the whereabouts of the antidote and give you all justice."

Tianjizi was unwilling to let him take the person away so easily. He was about to step forward to argue when he was stopped. Tianshuzi cupped his hands to Wei Xianxi and said, "In that case, I will trouble Commander Wei. However, time is limited, and I'm afraid my junior brother cannot wait long."

Wei Xianxi waved his hand, ordering his men to tie the man up and take him away: "Of course, the antidote will be served within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn."

No one expected that a grand martial arts competition would end like this.

Only Xie Yutang remained interested: "It seems that Su Lu, the young master of Su Shizi, won just now?"

He glanced around at everyone present and asked, "I'm not sure if my understanding is correct?"

Reminded of this, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. Then Tian Shuzi raised his voice and said, "Young Master Su is highly skilled in martial arts and has a chivalrous heart. I am truly impressed."

"I accept it."

Zhao Hu spoke up, and Zhao Long followed suit, saying, "Losing to Prince Su is nothing to be ashamed of."

"Yes, Prince Su won by virtue of his strength; anyone with eyes can see that."

"That's right."

"Prince Su is number one."

Everyone witnessed the competition just now. Even with a large number of people attacking one, they still couldn't gain an advantage. Moreover, if Yao Guangzi of the Seven Stars hadn't had his acupoints sealed by Su Lu, he would probably have been poisoned to death on the spot.

This first place is indeed undisputed.

Huaijin laid out the wine that Xie Yutang had brought, a full two hundred jars of Jiuquan brewing. The moment the seals were broken, a rich aroma of wine wafted out.

The atmosphere immediately warmed up.

Apart from Qi Xing and others who left early due to concerns about Yao Guangzi's injuries, everyone else raised their glasses and drank heartily, chatting and playing drinking games in small groups. A long queue even formed in front of Su Lu—the martial arts test was based on strength.

He is already an uncrowned king.

Xie Yutang brought a bowl of wine to Lin Tan, amidst a noisy commotion.

Lin Tan looked at her, her eyes filled with affection, staring straight at him, even more captivating than usual. She placed the wine bowl in front of him with her hands adorned with red nail polish.

She still only thinks about herself.

It turned out to be an illusion.

Lin Tan herself didn't realize it, but she first breathed a slow sigh of relief, her Adam's apple bobbing slightly. Just as she was about to speak, she heard Xie Yutang say—

"When will Your Highness bestow your sword as a reward?"

Lin Tan then realized that Xie Yutang had not been looking at him, but at the sword hanging behind him.

—With the famous sword hanging in the air, she wanted him to make a promise to the winner of today's martial arts test.

It felt like he had been stabbed in the heart; an overwhelming surge of anger and bitterness overwhelmed him.

Lin Tan's hands, hidden under her sleeves, were already clenched into fists until her knuckles turned white. She pressed them down again and again, barely managing to maintain the smile on her face.

"It's just a dog you kicked out of the manor, why does Tangtang still care so much about it?"

Xie Yutang smiled, showing no sign of being embarrassed or annoyed by Lin Tan's provocative words. "Even if it's an unwanted dog that bites the villain behind the scenes, I will still reward it."

The phrase "a villain causing trouble behind the scenes" startled Lin Tan, giving her a sudden, almost unsettling feeling that she had been seen through.

The two looked at each other for a moment, then Lin Tan suddenly smiled, took down the hanging ornament behind him, and handed it to Xie Yutang.

"Since Tangtang wants to be rewarded, then I will give you this opportunity."

He held the sword in both hands, took a step back, and said, "Please."

Xie Yutang remained motionless.

His gaze slowly moved from the sword to Lin Tan's face.

They're going to test them again.

He wanted to test whether she had truly let go of Su Lu.

"OK."

Xie Yutang smiled and took the sword from Lin Tan. With a light touch of his toes on the railing, a crimson figure leaped from the high platform and landed steadily on the dueling stage.

The hem of the robe embroidered with golden crabapple blossoms billowed in a half-circle on the blue brick ground as its owner landed. The sword was drawn from its sheath, pointed at the boy surrounded by people below the stage, and the chin was raised provocatively.

"Young Master Su, I would like to learn your swordsmanship."