Chen Xiuzhu looked at Lanqin with a troubled expression. Seeing that Lanqin was speaking seriously and didn't seem to be lying, she became anxious. However, she had promised Eighth Master that she would never mention that matter to anyone, otherwise he would not keep his promise.
"Sister, you're talking about Gu worms? That's terrifying! I've heard that if those filthy things are inside a person's body, they'll bite their heart, liver, intestines, and lungs. If they're not removed in time, even a celestial being descending to earth might not be able to save them," Xin Yi said from the side, seeing that Chen Xiuzhu was unwilling to tell the truth.
"Yes, I've heard my second brother talk about it too. That stuff is absolutely terrifying. Once it takes effect, the person goes completely mad," Shuhui added, embellishing the story.
Listening to the two women talking back and forth, Chen Xiuzhu was so conflicted that she felt like she was about to give in. She muttered to herself, "Eighth Master, don't blame me, I was only trying to save you!"
Chen Xiuzhu could no longer hold back and hurriedly said, "Cousin, it's my fault. I shouldn't have disbelieved you."
Lanqin glanced knowingly at Fourth Master, then said gently to Chen Xiuzhu, "What are you saying? I don't understand."
Chen Xiuzhu blushed slightly and said, "When I was poisoned just now, I was worried about Eighth Master, so I went to his tent to check on him." Her voice was barely audible. For an unmarried woman to go alone to a man's room was highly inappropriate in ancient times.
Therefore, Chen Xiuzhu blushed unconsciously when she said these words. Xinyi and Shuhui were also surprised, especially Shuhui, who, although worried about the Tenth Prince, had only sent her maid to check on him, but had not gone herself. Unexpectedly, Chen Xiuzhu actually risked ruining her reputation to go see the Eighth Prince.
Lanqin stared fiercely at Chen Xiuzhu, feigning surprise, and said, "Sister, how could you be so foolish? You are an unmarried woman, and you are about to participate in the imperial concubine selection. How could you go to the Eighth Prince's tent? If someone sees you there, it will be very bad for your reputation."
Chen Xiuzhu knew that her behavior was inappropriate, but at that moment she really couldn't help but want to look at Eighth Master, just because at the bonfire party, Eighth Master had smiled at her so gently and kindly.
“Cousin, I know. Let me finish. When I went to Eighth Master’s place, I only saw Eighth Master and Ninth Master there. They told me that there was something wrong with the hangover soup, that Fourth Master had taken advantage of them, and that they wanted to preserve evidence. But they were also poisoned by a strange poison and had no one to help them, so they thought of me. I was confused and actually believed him, which is why I agreed to help him get that jar.” Chen Xiuzhu felt a chill down her spine, as if a sharp gaze was staring at her back.
Lanqin didn't think her cousin was really that unreasonable, completely disregarding how she had treated her. But this wasn't the time to scold her, so she gathered her courage and asked gently, "And then?"
Seeing that Lanqin didn't seem angry, Chen Xiuzhu continued, "Later, I went to the main tent to move the jar, but unfortunately it was too heavy and I couldn't move more than a few steps."
It is evident that Chen Xiuzhu was used to a life of luxury. Although the jar was very heavy, there was only half left of the herbal medicine inside, so she shouldn't have been completely unable to move it.
Lanqin exchanged a glance with Fourth Master and the others, then continued to ask, "Isn't the jar still there?"
Chen Xiuzhu said, "Yes, I couldn't move it at the time, so I dragged the jar to the edge of the tent, poured out a bowl of the medicine inside, and threw away the rest. Because Eighth Master said I had to take the medicine back to him, but not a single drop could be left. That's why I did that. When I finished doing all that, I picked up the bowl of medicine and prepared to leave, but I accidentally tripped over something on the ground and dropped the bowl of soup, twisting my ankle in the process."
Everyone then understood what had happened. After listening to this, Lanqin pondered for a moment and said to Xiuzhu, "Alright, you don't need to worry anymore. I'll have Master go after Eighth Master and the others. You should go back and rest."
When Xinyi and Shuhui heard Lanqin say this, they went over together, helped Chen Xiuzhu up, and prepared to take her back.
"Cousin, should I have the doctor take a look at my foot? Xinyi just said she was worried it might interfere with the talent show," Chen Xiuzhu said to Lanqin.
"I'm afraid you're not qualified to participate in the talent show." Fourth Master couldn't hold back any longer and said coldly.
At this moment, Lanqin thought that her cousin was really brainless. She wanted to participate in the talent show. It was good enough that she got away with it unscathed.
Chen Xiuzhu was stunned and didn't know how she had been taken away by Xinyi and Shuhui.
"Master, things seem to be clear now. That poison was indeed the work of Eighth and Ninth Masters. Doctor Liang only said that he found a way to cure the poison, but he might not be able to be very accurate. If we can find out what kind of poison it is now, things will be much easier," Lanqin said.
"I'm afraid Chen Xiuzhu's words alone are not enough to convict them," Fourth Master said.
"Go search them, search their tents. Who knows what else they might be hiding?" Thirteen said angrily. "They're too audacious. They actually poisoned the place here, and even tested the poison on themselves. They're trying to frame Fourth Brother for murdering his brother, aren't they?"
The Fourth Prince nodded and said, "This shows that the poison is unlikely to be fatal, otherwise they wouldn't dare to try it. Firstly, if they used a deadly poison, their own lives would be at stake. Secondly, if someone were to die, Father Emperor would be afraid of investigating thoroughly, and it would be uncertain whether they could escape suspicion then. Their little tricks at this time are simply to ruin Your Highness's reputation with Father Emperor."
Lanqin nodded and said, "I feel much better now. I'm afraid the poison isn't very strong; it was just that the pain was intense at first. In that case, how does Your Highness intend to tell them?"
The Fourth Prince's anger was subtly gathering between his brows. He said bitterly, "Damn it, this matter is actually quite difficult to handle. If it really goes to Father Emperor, we must have solid evidence. We absolutely cannot let it escalate to two points, otherwise Father Emperor will suspect us instead. After all, the Eighth Prince is currently highly regarded by Father Emperor."
Lanqin knew that Fourth Master was right. When reporting something to the Emperor, one must have solid evidence, otherwise it would easily arouse the Emperor's suspicion, and he might think that Fourth Master wanted to get back at Eighth Master.
"So, we're just going to let it go like this?" Thirteen asked.
"Of course we can't let it go like this. He caused Qin'er to suffer so much. How can I not teach him a lesson?" Fourth Master said, his eyes flashing with cold light.
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