Princess Eldest was assassinated
At the same time that Xu Qingyao was assassinated, fifty miles outside Yunzhou City in the northern frontier, the main camp of the Black Stone Tribe was located.
The night was as dark as ink, and the campfire flickered.
Wuzhu, the leader of the Black Stone tribe, was celebrating his victories over the past few days with several trusted shamans. The tent was filled with the aroma of wine, meat, and some strange spices.
They were convinced that the Great Zhou army was demoralized and vulnerable.
"Once we break through the pass ahead, Yunzhou will be ours for the taking!" Wuzhu raised his wine bowl, his face full of pride. "At that time, you will all receive the salt, iron, and cities promised by Prince Yanzhan!"
The wizards let out eerie cackling laughs, and some even began to dance and chant strange incantations, causing the energy fluctuations inside the tent to become subtly restless.
However, they were unaware that an elite squad, like ghosts, had silently infiltrated the outskirts of the camp under the cover of night and snow.
The leader, with his face covered in black armor and eyes as cold as knives, was none other than Xiao Zhouyan, who should have been in the capital.
Based on the information Xu Qingyao had provided through special channels regarding the weaknesses of the Black Stone Tribe's magic, and through his own observations over the past few days, he had already figured out the patterns of the enemy's deployment and the gathering of wizards.
"action."
Xiao Zhouyan gave a low shout and pounced out like a hawk.
The battle erupted instantly.
The Marquis's personal guards pounced on the sorcerers like tigers among sheep, precisely targeting those who were casting spells or were completely unprepared. They were ruthless, focusing on vital points, giving them no chance to cast any spells.
Wuzhu was shocked. Just as he grabbed his battle axe, a sharp sword light rushed towards him.
Xiao Zhouyan's sword was fast, accurate, and ruthless, without any fancy moves. It carried the killing intent honed on the battlefield, and within a few moves, it knocked away his battle axe, with the tip of the sword pressed against his throat.
"You...how did you get here?!"
Wuzhu's eyes widened in disbelief. The news from the capital clearly stated that Xiao Zhouyan was preoccupied with family matters and unable to leave his home.
Xiao Zhouyan did not answer, his sword tip slightly protruding, blood seeping out. He coldly surveyed the camp, which had been instantly brought under control, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching the ears of every enemy who stubbornly resisted: "Those who surrender will not be killed."
With their leader captured and their wizards almost entirely wiped out, the Blackrock tribe's resistance quickly crumbled.
**
A few days later, the battle report of the great victory in the northern frontier was sent back to the capital at the fastest speed.
The battle report stated that General Fuyuan received a brilliant plan from Marquis Zhenyuan, Xiao Zhouyan, in the capital to defeat the enemy. On a snowy night, he launched a surprise attack on the main camp of the Black Stone Tribe, killing the shaman and capturing the leader Wuzhu alive, thus turning the tide of the battle. Yunzhou has now been recovered, and the crisis in the northern frontier has been resolved.
The imperial court was filled with jubilation.
The emperor was overjoyed and richly rewarded the General of Pacification and the soldiers of the northern frontier. He especially praised Xiao Zhouyan for his "strategic planning within the tent and decisive victory a thousand miles away."
The Fifth Prince, Chu Huaijin, had a livid face and forced a smile to offer his congratulations, but in his heart he was filled with doubt and unease.
Was that plan truly devised by Xiao Zhouyan in the capital? Why was it so precise and ruthless, hitting the nail on the head? He vaguely sensed something was wrong, but couldn't quite grasp any evidence.
**
The Zhenyuan Marquis's Residence, Tingxue Pavilion.
Xu Qingyao looked at the report of victory in his hand, a slight smile playing on his lips. He had succeeded.
"System, where is Xiao Zhouyan now?"
Based on the trajectory of the energy imprint, it has separated from the main force in the northern border region and is secretly heading south. It is expected to reach the capital within ten days.
very good.
Xu Qingyao put away the good news and turned her gaze to the window.
The play in the capital should come to an end.
She summoned the head of the secret guards and whispered, "Have you collected enough evidence regarding those officials under the Fifth Prince who have connections with the Northern Frontier, and the eunuch in Consort Xiao's palace who relays messages?"
"Reporting to Madam, all matters have been taken into account."
“It’s time.” Xu Qingyao’s eyes turned cold. “Submit the evidence to the Censorate, the Imperial Clan Court, and… the Directorate of Eunuchs by His Majesty’s side.”
She wanted to take advantage of this great victory to remove all the thorns in the side of the capital.
**
In the following days, the capital was thrown into turmoil once again.
First, the Censorate impeached several officials for colluding with northern tribes and leaking military secrets. The evidence was conclusive, which enraged the emperor, who ordered a thorough investigation.
The clues from the investigation subtly point to the Fifth Prince's residence.
Then, the Imperial Clan Court received a secret report that the eunuchs in Consort Xiao's palace were colluding with the remnants of the Duke of Cheng'en's mansion outside the palace, attempting to pass on messages and interfere with the court.
The emperor ordered Consort Xiao to be moved to the Cold Palace to reflect on her mistakes.
The Fifth Prince, Chu Huaijin, was in a terrible predicament. Although he was not directly convicted, his power was greatly diminished and his reputation plummeted.
Everyone could sense that an invisible force was sweeping through the court, and the biggest beneficiary seemed to be the Marquis of Zhenyuan, who had been "bedridden" all along.
**
Ten days later, at night.
A dark figure silently slipped into the inner room of Tingxuexuan.
Xu Qingyao was not asleep; she was sitting under the lamp reading. Hearing the sound, she looked up and met a pair of eyes that were travel-worn but still sharp.
Xiao Zhouyan is back.
He took off his night clothes, revealing a slightly thinner but more capable-looking face. His gaze fell on her, filled with scrutiny and a hint of barely perceptible concern: "I've heard about what happened in the capital. You did a very good job."
Xu Qingyao put down her book and poured him a cup of hot tea: "General, you've worked hard. Now that the northern border is pacified and most of the hidden dangers in the capital have been eliminated, what are your plans next?"
Xiao Zhouyan took the teacup, his fingertips lightly touching hers, and looked at her with deep eyes: "Wait."
"Wait for what?"
“We await His Majesty’s decision.” He finished his tea, his tone resolute, “and we also await… the birth of our ‘child’.”
Xu Qingyao was slightly taken aback, then understood. He wanted to make this performance convincing, so that on the day of the "birth," he would completely solidify his position, and so would she...
The moonlight outside the window was hazy, while the candlelight inside flickered.
The two remained silent, yet a tacit understanding flowed between them.
The turmoil in Beijing seems to have come to a temporary end.
But they all knew that with Chen Rou still around and Yan Zhan still present, the real storm might have only just begun.
*
The aftershocks of the great victory in the northern frontier and the purge in the capital had not yet completely subsided when a sudden incident once again thrust the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion into the eye of the storm.
The eldest princess was assassinated in her residence.
When the news arrived, Xu Qingyao was flipping through an ancient book. Her fingertips paused, and the ink spread a small shadow on the rice paper.
The eldest princess... the imperial aunt who vindicated her in the golden palace, who was aloof yet helped her at crucial moments.
"How is the situation?" she asked calmly, but her heart was in turmoil.
The guard knelt on one knee and spoke rapidly: "The three assassins were all suicide soldiers who took poison. Her Highness the Princess was shot in the shoulder with an arrow that was poisoned. The imperial physicians are doing their best to save her, but... the poison is strange and her condition is critical."
"His Majesty is furious and has ordered a news blackout and a thorough investigation into the matter."
Xu Qingyao put down her pen and walked to the window.
As dusk settled, the sky darkened, as if a storm was brewing.
The assassination attempt on the eldest princess was by no means accidental.
She has a special status, is deeply favored by the emperor, and has just stated her position on the matter of "Lady of Zhenyuan Marquis".
Is this assassination attempt targeting the Princess herself, or... is it a ploy by Xiang Zhuang to assassinate Liu Bang?
"System, analyze the toxin components and find an antidote."
[Scanning in progress... The toxin is complex, containing various rare plant and mineral toxins, suspected to be a mixed Gu poison. The highest database match is from: Southern Xinjiang Black Witchcraft, with an 87% match to Shen Rou's known methods. An antidote is being generated, requiring rare medicinal materials such as 'Seven-Star Begonia' and 'Millennium Snow Clam'... Some of these materials are only kept in the imperial palace treasury and by a few aristocratic families.]
Shen Rou. It really was her!
After a long period of silence, she finally made her move again, and her move was ruthless, directly targeting the eldest princess!
Was it to retaliate against the Princess for helping him and Xiao Zhouyan? Or was he trying to stir up trouble in the capital and fish in troubled waters?
"Where is the general?" Xu Qingyao asked.
"The Marquis has entered the palace to visit the Eldest Princess and has taken over some of the investigation matters."
Xu Qingyao pondered for a moment, a resolute glint in her eyes. She couldn't sit idly by and wait for her doom. The princess had been kind to her, and this matter was clearly aimed at her and Xiao Zhouyan.
"Prepare the carriage, I'm going to the palace." She turned around, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"Madam, your health..." Tsukimi said worriedly.
"It's alright." Xu Qingyao patted her lower abdomen, her eyes resolute. Some plays must continue. Some situations must be resolved personally.
**
The atmosphere outside the Princess's bedroom in the Imperial Palace was somber.
When Xu Qingyao arrived, he saw the Emperor, Empress, Xiao Zhouyan, and several important officials waiting outside the hall. Imperial physicians were going in and out, their faces grave.
When the emperor saw Xu Qingyao, he frowned slightly: "Qingyao, you're already pregnant, why did you come here?"
Xu Qingyao bowed gracefully, her voice carrying just the right amount of weakness and worry: "Your Majesty, Princess Chang has been a great benefactor to me. Hearing that Your Highness is in danger, I am deeply troubled. I humbly request to pray for Your Highness here."
She adopted an extremely humble posture, her emotions so sincere that no one could find fault with her. The emperor sighed, waved his hand, and said nothing more.
Xiao Zhouyan walked to her side, secretly took her arm, and whispered, "Why did you come?" His tone carried disapproval and a hint of barely perceptible concern.
"Come and see." Xu Qingyao used his strength to steady herself, her gaze sweeping over everyone present, finally settling on the tightly closed palace door. "Let's see what the person behind this is planning."
She noticed that the Fifth Prince, Chu Huaijin, was not present; he was reportedly recuperating at home due to "excessive worry and a relapse of his old illness."
Is it a real illness, or is it to avoid suspicion?
Just then, a commotion broke out in the hall, and a royal physician scrambled out, his face deathly pale: "Your Majesty! Your Highness... His Highness has been poisoned and is unconscious. We... we are helpless!"
The emperor flew into a rage: "Useless! A bunch of useless trash!"
The empress secretly shed tears, and the scene was chaotic.
Xu Qingyao took a deep breath, stepped forward, and said in a clear yet gentle voice, "Your Majesty, I may have a way to try."
All eyes immediately focused on her.
A hint of suspicion flashed in the emperor's eyes: "You?"
"When I was young, my wife was weak. I once followed a traveling doctor and learned some folk remedies. I have some knowledge of difficult and complicated diseases."
Xu Qingyao spoke humbly, yet with a strange calmness, “I may be able to identify some of the poison Her Highness the Princess has been afflicted with, and perhaps… I can find a way to cure it.”
She described the characteristics of several relatively common adjuvants that the system had analyzed, and it sounded quite plausible.
Xiao Zhouyan looked at her with deep eyes, but did not stop her.
The emperor was skeptical, but seeing that the princess was in imminent danger, he decided to give it a shot and allowed her to enter.
The bedchamber was filled with the strong smell of medicine. The eldest princess lay on the couch, her face ashen and her breath faint.
Xu Qingyao stepped forward, pretending to take her pulse, while secretly having the system perform a deep scan.
[Deep scan complete. The toxin has invaded the heart meridian, and conventional methods are ineffective. Based on the toxin's composition and residual energy, the core antidote has been identified: the Imperial Palace's 'Millennium Blood Amber,' the Li Kingdom's tribute 'Ice Soul Silk,' and... the Black Stone Tribe's sacred relic, 'Wolf God's Tear.']
Xu Qingyao's eyes were icy cold.
Thousand-year-old blood amber and ice-soul silkworm silk are already rare, but the "Wolf God's Tear" is the Black Stone Tribe's most precious treasure, which is said to have been lost long ago.
Shen Rou had calculated that no one could solve this, and she wanted to kill the Princess!
She withdrew her hand, faced the emperor, and said solemnly, “Your Majesty, the poison that His Highness has been afflicted with is extremely cunning. I need three medicinal ingredients: thousand-year-old blood amber, ice-soul silkworm silk, and... the wolf god's tears of the Black Stone Tribe.”
The hall was silent. The first two things were manageable, but what about the "Wolf God's Tear"... The Black Stone Tribe had just been wiped out; where was their sacred object?
The emperor's face darkened: "I will order the first two items to be retrieved immediately. As for the Wolf God's Tears..."
“Your Majesty,” Xiao Zhouyan suddenly spoke, his voice steady, “When I was in the Northern Frontier, I heard that the Black Stone Tribe’s sacred artifact was hidden in their holy land, Wolf Howling Valley. Perhaps we can send people to search for it immediately.”
Just then, a palace attendant rushed in and presented a wolf skull ornament with an ancient design: "Your Majesty, someone just left this item outside the palace gate, claiming it to be the tears of the wolf god."
Everyone was shocked!
Xiao Zhouyan took the bone ornament, examined it carefully, and then handed it to Xu Qingyao.
The system immediately confirmed: [The energy fluctuations match; it is indeed 'Wolf God's Tear'.]
Xu Qingyao and Xiao Zhouyan exchanged a glance.
Did someone behind the scenes send the antidote? Is it a protest? Or is there another motive?
Without giving it much thought, Xu Qingyao immediately instructed the imperial physicians to prepare and decoct the medicine according to the system's instructions. She personally fed the princess the medicinal soup, infused with the powder of the Wolf God's Tears, little by little.
Everyone's heart was in their throat.
As time passed, the bluish-black tinge on the princess's face began to fade slowly, and her breathing gradually became steady and strong.
"It works! It works!" the imperial physician exclaimed in delight.
The emperor let out a long sigh of relief, his gaze towards Xu Qingyao complex and unfathomable.
Xu Qingyao showed no joy; this was merely a temporary relief. Since Shen Rou could both poison and deliver the antidote, her meticulousness and unpredictable methods far exceeded expectations.
This is a warning, and also a declaration of war.
...
After this incident, Xu Qingyao's reputation for being "proficient in medicine" can no longer be hidden and has been completely exposed.
She gazed at the deep night outside the palace, a chill running through her. The storm was brewing; deep within the palace walls, the true struggle had only just begun. Xiao Zhouyan quietly stood beside her, and beneath his sleeve, he tightly grasped her hand.
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