Return to Beijing
He Mo and Yin Li returned to their old promise at Qinglang Mountain, traveling slowly and unhurriedly. Once outside Qingmei Mountain, the mountain path became steeper, the forest denser, and the morning dew dampened their clothes, carrying a slight chill.
He Mo held Yin Li's hand the whole time, and when they encountered slippery places, he would lean over to help her. When he saw that there were bits of grass stuck in her hair, he reached out to brush them away for her. His fingertips accidentally brushed against the tip of her ear, making Yin Li's ear tip turn slightly red. However, she just lowered her head and smiled, hiding that shyness in her eyes.
They came to a mountain spring, its water crystal clear, reflecting the sky and clouds. He Mo stopped and said, "This spring is sweet and refreshing. You must have drunk from it when you were investigating clues alone back then." As he spoke, he took out his water bag, bent down, filled it with spring water, and held it to Yin Li's lips. "Try it. Is it still the same as it was back then?"
Yin Li took a sip from his hand. The spring water was clear and refreshing, and she smiled and said, "It tastes just like this. But my state of mind was different back then. I only felt thirst-quenching, but now I can taste a hint of sweetness."
He Mo's eyes softened as he reached out to wipe the water from the corner of her lips, his voice low and deep: "The environment is created by the mind. Now that I'm here, everything is naturally sweet." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding scenery, "Back then, you took shelter from the rain here; you must have suffered a lot of grievances."
Yin Li's heart stirred slightly. She grasped his hand in return and shook her head: "Back then, I was only focused on investigating the case and seeking revenge, so I didn't feel wronged. It's just that I would sometimes think that if my master were here, he would definitely protect me."
He Mo's heart clenched. He stepped forward and pulled her into his arms, his embrace gentle yet unwavering: "I'm late. From now on, with me here, no one will dare to let you suffer even the slightest injustice." He lowered his head and placed a precious kiss on the top of her head, carrying the fresh fragrance of the mountain forest.
The two lingered for a moment before continuing their journey. The outline of Qinglang Mountain was already faintly visible through the clouds and mist. Yin Li was pointing to a rock in the distance that resembled an eagle's beak, softly recounting how she had observed the movements of the purple-clad man from this spot years ago. But then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from behind, growing louder and louder, breaking the tranquility of the mountain.
"Lord He! Lord He, please wait!"
A guard dressed in a dark, close-fitting outfit rode up on horseback, his horse drenched in sweat, clearly having traveled a long distance. He dismounted, knelt on one knee, and held a bright yellow scroll aloft with both hands. His voice was slightly breathless, yet still steady: "Urgent dispatch from the capital! His Majesty has decreed that Lord He must depart immediately and return to the capital at all costs!"
The warmth on He Mo's face vanished instantly, replaced by a solemn expression. He took the imperial edict, framed in dragon-patterned brocade, and with a slight pressure from his fingertips, the brocade's texture left a faint imprint on his palm. Yin Li also stopped smiling, looking at his tense profile, and a premonition began to form in her heart.
The guard, catching his breath, added, "His Majesty also said that the Yin family's wrongful conviction has been overturned, and the head of the Yin family has rendered meritorious service to the country. He also requests that... we return to the capital together."
Yin Li's heart skipped a beat, then she understood. As the head of the Yin clan, though she held no real official position, she was still a prominent figure in the court. His Majesty's summons of them back must be due to a matter of great importance concerning the court, requiring their joint efforts.
He Mo turned around and looked at Yin Li, his eyes filled with a hint of apology, but even more so with determination: "A Li, it seems that our appointment at Qinglang Mountain will have to be put on hold for the time being."
Yin Li met his gaze, gently shook her head, and reached out to smooth the wrinkles between his brows. Her voice was calm yet firm: "National affairs come first. Qinglang Mountain is right there; we can come sooner or later. I'll go back with you." She paused, tiptoed, and gently touched his slightly cool lips. "No matter what lies ahead, we'll face it together."
He Mo felt a warmth in his heart and hugged her tightly, as if he wanted to etch her warmth into his bones. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on them. The wind in the forest carried the moisture of the mountain spring and the fragrance of grass and trees, but it also brought the impending storm from the capital.
A moment later, He Mo released Yin Li and said in a deep voice, "Prepare the horses. Return to the capital immediately."
The guard obeyed and left. He Mo, holding Yin Li's hand, mounted his horse. The two steeds neighed and galloped off towards the capital.
The trees on both sides of the mountain road rushed past, and the shadow of Qinglang Mountain was gradually left behind. In front of us was the imperial capital, which carried power and intrigue, glory and crisis.
But this time, they were not alone.
He Mo and Yin Li traveled back through the night. About thirty miles from the capital, as dusk fell, they stopped at a post station by the official road for a rest. The post station was a mixed bag of people. He Mo originally intended to continue his journey through the night, but noticing the weariness in Yin Li's eyes, he changed his mind and strictly ordered the guards to strengthen their vigilance and not to relax their guard in the slightest.
At dinner time, the restaurant served several dishes of seasonal vegetables and a pot of hot tea. He Mo, being cautious and meticulous, took a silver hairpin and tasted the food and tea to confirm that they were not poisonous before allowing Yin Li to use her chopsticks.
During the banquet, Yin Li noticed that her hair was slightly loose. She took off the gold and kingfisher feather hairpin that the Empress Dowager had given her and placed it on the table. The hairpin was exquisitely crafted, with flowing kingfisher feathers that were quite eye-catching.
After nightfall, the two rested in separate rooms.
After washing up, Yin Li was about to go to bed when she suddenly felt dizzy, her chest tightened, and a metallic taste rose in her throat. A chill ran through her as she knew something was wrong. Just as she was about to call for help, everything went black, and she collapsed to the ground.
He Mo, who was in the next room, had not yet fallen asleep. He was pondering the secret letter under the dim light when he suddenly heard a soft sound from next door. Although it was faint and hard to hear, it did not escape his keen hearing.
He immediately drew his sword and rushed to the outside of the Silver Glass Room. Pushing open the door, he saw her lying on the ground, her face pale and her breath faint.
"Ah Li!" He Mo's eyes widened in horror. He quickly scooped her up, his fingertips touching her icy skin, his heart aching. He immediately sealed several of her acupoints to slow the spread of the poison, and shouted sternly, "Someone! Summon the imperial physician!"
The guards at the post station rushed in upon hearing the commotion and were terrified by what they saw. They immediately went to summon the imperial physician and seal off the post station.
He Mo held Yin Li in his arms, his gaze sweeping across the room like a knife. The doors and windows were intact, the teacups were clean, and there were no signs of a struggle.
He frowned in thought, his gaze finally settling on the crimson-gold hairpin adorned with kingfisher feathers beside his pillow—a tiny, almost imperceptible, transparent powder clung to the kingfisher feathers. He dipped his fingertip in a small amount, sniffed it lightly, initially noticing a faint, exotic fragrance, but then a pungent odor. A thought struck him, and he quickly and carefully put the powder away.
A moment later, the imperial physician rushed over and, after taking Yin Li's pulse, said with a grave expression: "Lord He, the main body of the Yin family has been poisoned with the rare poison 'Rouge Intoxication'."
This poison is colorless and odorless, yet exceptionally potent. Even a trace amount can cause unconsciousness, and without treatment within six hours, death from heart and lung failure is inevitable. Even more bizarrely, its antidote is extremely rare, impossible to prepare with ordinary medicinal materials.
"Rouge Intoxication?" He Mo's eyes turned icy. "Do you know the origin of this poison?"
The imperial physician pondered and said, "This poison originated from the Western Regions and appeared in the palace in the past. It is said that... it has a connection with the current Consort Jin. Before Consort Jin entered the palace, her maternal family had dealings with merchants from the Western Regions, and 'Rouge Intoxication' was often made into the shape of rouge and face powder, making it extremely easy to guard against."
He Mo's fingertips tightened slightly.
Consort Jin is the Emperor's favorite concubine. Her brother holds a portion of the military power in the capital garrison and wields considerable influence in the court. Moreover, she has a long-standing feud with the Duke of Zhenguo. Why would she suddenly target Yin Li? Is she after the secret edict, or is it related to the Yin family's old case?
Just as they were pondering this, a guard came to report that a suspicious woman had been found in the woodshed in the backyard of the post station and had been subdued.
He Mo immediately got up and went to the woodshed, where he saw a woman in coarse cloth dress tied to a pillar, her face covered with a black cloth. He went forward and pulled off the black cloth, revealing a delicate but terrified face.
"Speak! Who sent you? How did you poison Patriarch Yin?" He Mo's voice was icy cold and devoid of warmth.
The woman trembled, her eyes darting around: "I...I'm just a maid, it was...it was my mistress who sent me. She said that the head of the Yin family is a menace and must be eliminated."
Who is your master?
"I...I don't know her real name, I only know that she lives in a large mansion in the capital, with many guards. She gave me this bottle of 'Rouge Intoxication' and told me to sprinkle it on the jewelry of the Yin family head when she was not paying attention, saying that this poison leaves no trace and no one can detect it." As the woman spoke, she took out a small porcelain bottle from her bosom, the bottle engraved with the golden peony pattern that Consort Jin loved the most.
He Mo took the porcelain bottle, his eyes growing increasingly grim. All the clues pointed to Consort Jin, but he felt something was amiss—Consort Jin was always cautious in her actions, how could she have used such clumsy methods to leave so many flaws? Could it be that someone was deliberately framing her?
He glanced at the woman and said coldly, "Take her away and interrogate her thoroughly. Make sure you get all the details out of her. Also, prepare a carriage immediately and head to the capital tonight to report to His Majesty."
The guard obeyed and left. He Mo returned to his room, looking at the unconscious Yin Li, feeling both worried and doubtful.
He Mo returned to the mansion with Yin Li. As soon as they entered the gate, a woman dressed in brocade robes and accompanied by a maid greeted them with a gentle smile: "Mo'er is back. This must be the head of the Yin family, right? Indeed, you are elegant and graceful, living up to your reputation." This was He Mo's stepmother, Liu Shi, who had been managing the household affairs of the He family since He Mo's father passed away.
Yin Li curtsied, her smile impeccable: "Greetings, Madam Liu."
Madam Liu quickly stepped forward to help her up, taking her hand warmly and saying, "Don't be so formal, we're all family now, just call me Aunt Liu. You must be tired from your journey, I've prepared a small feast to welcome you back." With that, she enthusiastically led the two of them towards the main hall.
He Mo remained indifferent, seemingly uninterested in Liu Shi's attentiveness. He only whispered to Yin Li, "Be careful, Liu Shi is not as simple as she seems." Yin Li nodded slightly, already on guard.
The banquet was ready in the main hall, with delicacies from land and sea laid out on the table. Madam Liu personally served food to Yin Li, her eyes crinkling with a smile: "Since this is the first time Patriarch Yin has come to the manor, please try this 'Rock Sugar Stewed Snow Frog,' which I specially had stewed for three hours. It's very nourishing." As she spoke, she handed a bowl of stew to Yin Li.
Yin Li looked at the white snow frog in the bowl, her nose twitching slightly. Suddenly, she noticed a very faint bitter taste, completely clashing with the snow frog's natural sweetness. A thought struck her, recalling the "Rouge Intoxication" she had encountered before. She remained expressionless, took the bowl, and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Aunt Liu."
"But I've never been a fan of sweets. This stew looks quite delicate, so Aunt Liu should enjoy it herself." With that, she handed the bowl back to Liu.
Liu's smile froze for a moment, then returned to normal: "Look at me, I forgot to ask the Yin family head's preferences. Since he doesn't like sweets, then try this 'Steamed Perch,' the meat is tender and melts in your mouth."
She placed another piece of fish on Yin Li's plate, a hint of barely perceptible expectation in her eyes.
Yin Li looked at the fish on the plate, secretly pinched herself under the table, and forced a look of discomfort on her face: "I'm so sorry, Aunt Liu, I caught a bit of a cold on the way here and I don't have much of an appetite. I'm afraid I've disappointed you." As she spoke, she covered her mouth and pretended to vomit.
Upon seeing this, He Mo immediately stepped forward to support her, asking with concern, "What happened? Has the poison flared up again?"
Yin Li shook her head and said softly, "Perhaps I'm tired and want to rest for a while."
Seeing this, Madam Liu was unwilling but had no choice but to smile and say, "Since that's the case, I'll have someone take Master Yin to the guest room to rest. Mo'er, you should accompany Master Yin as well. We can hold the banquet another day."
He Mo helped Yin Li to her feet, gave Liu Shi a slight nod, and then led her away from the main hall. Back in the guest room, Yin Li immediately closed the door and said to He Mo with a serious expression, "Liu Shi put something in the stew and fish just now. Although it wasn't 'Rouge Intoxication,' she is definitely not a kind person."
He Mo's eyes turned cold: "I knew she wouldn't stay put. After my father passed away, she was determined to seize the He family's assets for herself, but she just couldn't find an opportunity. Now that you and I are back, she probably finds us an eyesore."
"But why would she attack me?" Yin Li asked, puzzled. "I have never met her before, and we have no grudge against each other."
He Mo pondered for a moment and said, "Perhaps... it's related to that secret edict. Liu's family has some connection with the Duke of Zhenguo. Maybe she was instructed by the Duke of Zhenguo to use me to get rid of you, or to find the whereabouts of the secret edict through you."
Yin Li nodded, about to speak, when she suddenly heard a noise outside the window. The two exchanged a glance, and He Mo gestured for Yin Li to hide behind the screen, while he drew his sword and stood guard by the window.
A moment later, a dark shadow flashed past the window. He Mo immediately chased after it, only to find that the shadow had already disappeared into the night, leaving behind only a jade pendant engraved with the character "Liu".
“It’s someone from the Liu family.” He Mo picked up the jade pendant, his face grim. “It seems she not only wants to poison me, but also wants to do it under the cover of night.”
Yin Li stepped out from behind the screen, looked at the jade pendant, and suddenly remembered something: "Just now in the main hall, I saw that Madam Liu was wearing a jade bracelet on her wrist, which was made of the same material as this jade pendant. It must be a set. Oh, and I also noticed that a bit of red silk thread was showing from her cuff, like some kind of mark."
He Mo's eyes narrowed: "Red silk thread? Could she be related to the 'Red Guards' in the old Yin family case?" The "Red Guards" were assassins trained by Wei An, who were responsible for assassinating political enemies. They were ruthless, and many loyal servants of the Yin family died at their hands. Their cuffs were embroidered with red silk thread as a mark.
“If that’s the case, then Liu’s identity is not simple,” Yin Li said in a deep voice. “She is not only your stepmother, but may also be the Duke of Zhenguo’s spy, and may even be involved in the old case of the Yin family.”
He Mo grasped Yin Li's hand, his tone firm: "No matter who she is or what her purpose is, I will not let her harm you in the slightest. Tomorrow I will have someone thoroughly investigate the background of the Liu family and make sure to find out who is behind her."
Looking into He Mo's determined eyes, Yin Li felt a warmth in her heart and nodded.
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