Chapter 58 Chapter 58 Drinking Medicine, Binding the Neck
The four words, "lightly," echoed like thunder in Qin Jingyao's ears, his mind going blank. In his distraction, the delicate wrist slipped from his fingers like a swimming fish. He instinctively closed his fingers, only to find nothing. Suddenly, he snapped back to his senses, his gaze darting away like a hawk.
Since her illness, her skin had become increasingly delicate and fragile, leaving marks even at the slightest kiss. Her anger had been so harsh that her white jade jaw was now marked with several deep red finger marks, a startling sight.
The fierce look in his eyes suddenly disappeared, his throat clenched, and just as he raised his hand to approach her, she retreated repeatedly as if frightened. Qin Jingyao's heart twisted, and he took a deep breath, took two steps forward, and embraced her again.
"Thick--"
"Do you want to eat?"
Lan Nongnong no longer dodged, but raised her face and looked at him steadily.
From ancient times to the present, continuing the family line has always been a man's heavy responsibility. Even the most ordinary people, with limited means, still consider having children. Now, Qin Jingyao holds the title of Shangshu Ling, the highest position among officials. His family fortune is immeasurable, and the responsibility of carrying on the family line is unmatched by ordinary people.
Publicly, there should be a successor, a son carrying on the father's aspirations and serving the court. Privately, the family business must be passed on through the continuation of the incense and the unbroken lineage.
No matter what, there must be no descendants.
What's more, he had long hoped that she would give birth to a child related to him by blood. Whether it was a child or not, he would pamper her with all his heart, teach her with all his heart, and raise her to be a dragon or phoenix in adulthood, making power and glory as easy as taking something from his pocket.
With blood as their bond, and children as their bond, at that moment, all the knots in their hearts would vanish. She would then become his legitimate wife, their love lasting forever, forever unwavering.
The woman before him was petite, with a radiant face and sparkling eyes. She was dressed in gorgeous clothes, adorned with gold and jade, her skin smooth as cream, her temperament pure and untainted by worldly desires, like a delicate flower that had been carefully nurtured.
What he said was shocking.
It appears soft and gentle, but its slender branches are actually covered with sharp thorns, which will cause blood to flow even if it is broken. The pink buds contain a poisonous mist that penetrates the heart and corrodes the bones.
If you want to explore the nectar, you will have to pay a heavy price.
Beauty is found in danger, nothing more than this.
It was this pure and beautiful face that concealed a heart that was unconventional and imaginative. It was also these two pink lips that uttered shocking words.
Qin Jingyao lowered his eyes and stared at her, a smile gradually appeared in his eyes, and then his chest shook and he burst into laughter.
It is truly laughable that a caged beast can boast without shame. Since Lan Nongnong dares to speak frankly, she is not afraid of ridicule, nor does she feel ashamed of herself.
How is her current situation different from being surrounded by enemies on all sides?
But why should she be restricted and compromised at every turn? And why should she be the only one who suffers repeatedly?
He forced her to walk with the yoke, simply to make her cautious and willing to be his caged bird. She was an irreconcilable bargaining chip, but she herself was the final bargaining chip.
Rights and interests must always be earned through self-struggle. If you don't persist, how can you know there is no chance of turning things around?
She looked serious. Qin Jingyao slowly suppressed his smile and said in a deep voice, "What if I take it? What if I don't drink it?"
There seemed to be a hint of change in his words, but Lan Nongnong's face did not show any pride or joy. She only stared at him with a pair of black and white, bright eyes.
"I know I'm no match for you in cunning and scheming. Now you have my weak spot completely in your grasp, unable to move or escape. But you're unwilling to leave me as just an empty shell. If you wish to have your wish fulfilled, you must show your sincerity."
Qin Jingyao has experienced countless negotiations, often involving military and national affairs, and he has always been the one to show his sincerity.
And now, at this moment, it was the first time in his life that someone asked for it, no--
His deep gaze fell upon the woman's calm, clear eyes. She was indeed like a trapped animal, imprisoned by him with numerous shackles. But just as he grasped her weakness, she also knew clearly that she was his only restraint.
She wasn't asking for anything. Just as he had exposed her weaknesses one by one today and forced her to make her own choice, she also wanted him to face the choice head-on.
The advantage was clearly in his hands, but at this moment, he felt as if his throat was being strangled, yet he was still willing to accept it.
"good."
He responded so readily that Lan Nongnong was momentarily stunned. Even in enlightened lands of later times, carrying on one's family line was considered a duty, let alone in a feudal dynasty where bloodline inheritance was paramount.
She calmed her mind, unwilling to dwell on it, and simply said, "There's no time to lose. I'll prescribe the medicine now. I want to examine each herb one by one, and I'll personally oversee the decoction."
"Oh."
Her cautious appearance made Qin Jingyao chuckle, and the remaining shock and anger in his heart disappeared in an instant.
If the one who is in a hurry first is weak, then the momentum of attack and defense will be easy.
He looked around, extended his long arm, and in two steps he came to the tea table and sat down, placing the person on his lap. He then raised his eyes and smiled, "I can grant anything Nong Nong asks for. However, since I have paid a price to show my sincerity, what do you think of Nong Nong's sincerity?"
"Nothing."
Lan Nongnong raised her eyes and sneered, "You can refuse to obey, but you don't have to use the aunts to control me. After all, I have no relationship with them. I am willing to accept your control now because I still have a conscience. If the relationship is completely worn away, this trick will no longer be useful."
Those who are driven into a desperate situation have only two options: to surrender or to fight to the death.
However, those who have concerns in their hearts are destined not to become the latter.
Qin Jingyao stared at her.
Her expression was calm and her eyes were bright. A few months ago, she had such a cute and harmless face and a seemingly delicate body. She had secretly jumped into the rapids, endured the pain and cold, and lived alone in the mountains, hiding in the snow in the coldest days of winter.
Not to mention the courage to give up wealth and glory, any of the things she did would make even an ordinary man weigh the pros and cons again and again and might not dare to do it.
Only she dared to seize opportunities in desperate situations and never gave up even after setbacks.
Only she dared to use herself as a chess piece and cut off the source of his troubles in the current situation where she was surrounded by enemies and had no way to retreat, and made such a request to him that was against the will of the world and put him in a passive position.
She was unwilling to compromise and admit defeat, nor did she seek death. Instead, she found another way and broke out a new path.
But after all, she is too pure and kind, willing to bow down for those without any relatives or friends. With such a kind heart, how can she easily give up the old friendship?
But she was extremely ruthless to him.
As soon as this thought came to mind, my heart felt as if it were cut by a sharp knife, and the severe pain instantly spread to every part of my body.
Qin Jingyao's breath was caught in his throat, and a dark glint seemed to flash in his eyes before a smile spread. When those dark, deep eyes looked intently at someone, they were like endless clouds that could drown someone.
He nodded and called Mo Chou in.
When Mo Chou stepped inside, he calmly ordered, "Prescribe a dose of sterilization medicine for men."
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a sudden crackling sound of broken objects falling to the ground. Mo Chou didn't care that his clothes were stained with medicinal dust, and let the medicinal materials that he had carefully taken care of every day fall to the ground. He barely stood up, bowed his hands, and when he looked up, his face was full of panic. The usually calm man was now speaking incoherently.
"! Sir! This..., you? I wonder, who is using it?"
In contrast, Qin Jingyao's expression was calm and his tone was relaxed, as if what he had just said was not a shocking order, but just an ordinary order to pour tea.
"Don't ask any more questions, and don't make any noise. This is from my lips, and only from yours. Go and get the medicine prepared immediately."
"grown ups!"
In the scorching heat of July, the courtyard had been set aloft to store the herbs. However, the lady was cold, so before anyone arrived, they had already sent people to remove the ice and use fire to dispel the chill.
Mo Chou had practiced medicine for many years and had developed his own methods for maintaining good health, unfazed by cold or heat. But now, he felt as if he were suffering from a fever, his sweat soaking through his heavy clothes, his sensations as if he were immersed in an icy cave. The clashing of heat and cold left him dizzy and dazed, as if in a dream. Yet, the sharp pain of his knee hitting the ground reminded him clearly that this was no dream.
"Your Excellency has given an order, and I dare not ask further questions. However, a doctor's job is to cure illnesses and save lives. Sterilization drugs go against the will of nature and are actually harmful to people!"
"Please forgive me, sir! I cannot prescribe this medicine! I also hope you will think twice and not act on impulse and regret it later!"
Mo Chou had been following him for many years, and since he had been appreciated, he had long since refrained from kneeling. But now he prostrated himself, his every word earnest, his sincerity evident.
Lan Nongnong had no idea what he was thinking, only that she felt as if she had been struck hard, her whole body stiff and cold. However, once the arrow is shot, there is no turning back. If she gave in now, all her efforts would be wasted, let alone planning for the future.
Her eyes suddenly shifted away, her fingers tightly grasped her skirt, her lips tightly pursed, and she never let go.
Qin Jingyao lowered his eyes to see her struggle, and seeing this, he raised his lips and glanced at the hall, and ordered everyone to stand up. After looking at Mo Chou for a moment, he narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice,
"I have made up my mind. I will force you this time only. While others may prescribe this medicine, it is not as safe as yours. If you wish to have it prescribed, bring it now. If not, then pretend you don't know."
Mo Chou bowed his head and pondered for a long time before nodding almost imperceptibly. He stood up, supported his knees, and bowed, saying, "As your court physician, it is my duty to serve you. I am grateful for your trust. This time, I have violated medical ethics and I dare to ask for your permission to take a three-month leave. After this is done, I intend to practice medicine on a voluntary basis to atone for this sin."
"Once the medicine in your hand is proven to be effective, I will grant you your request."
Although Mo Chou struggled in his heart, he thought about the slight effect of the medicine tested in the medicine house and was unwilling to give up, so he accepted the order, bowed deeply and left.
Silence returned to the hall, and Lan Nongnong took a deep breath and looked back.
Qin Jingyao intertwined his fingers with hers, rubbing them gently, without saying a word.
Soon, Mo Chou returned with a medicine bag. He approached with courtesy, presented the prescription, opened the bag, looked down, and explained the medicinal properties and the method of decoction one by one before he bowed and took his leave.
However, he couldn't go against the doctor's benevolence. As he reached the door, he suddenly turned around, bowed his head, and said, "...One of the herbs, Thunder God Vine, also known as Heartbreak Grass, is extremely vicious. Taking it will damage the liver and kidneys, and can also cause infertility. It's also extremely painful."
"I beg you, sir, to think twice before you act."
No regrets in making a move.
Qin Jingyao had made up his mind, so he wouldn't regret it. After ordering them to withdraw, he leaned over and chuckled at the woman who was carefully examining the herbs. "So, can Nong Nong feel relieved?"
Lan Nongnong was so absorbed in identifying the herbs that she seemed oblivious to his words. She knew a thing or two about Thunder God Vine, but the name "Heartbreak Grass" was a common sight in martial arts novels and was widely known.
The name of the herb is "Gelsemium elegans". Legend has it that if you eat it, your intestines will be broken and you will die.
Since Doctor Mo is willing to prescribe a prescription, I think the story in the novel must be exaggerated. However, since empty blood cannot be caused by wind, its toxicity must be true.
She might have difficulty in identifying the authenticity of the other herbs in the medicine bag, but she had specially copied down the thunder god vine from the traditional Chinese medicine book in the nunnery.
The root is cylindrical, yellow-brown in color, with longitudinal cracks and dense holes. It tastes bitter and slightly spicy. It can damage the liver and kidneys. Long-term consumption can cause infertility.
However, she only knew the basics and could not tell the truth from the false.
Lan Nongnong stared at the pills in silence for a long time. Finally, she raised her hand to push the arm at her waist and whispered, "I'll go boil the medicine." Then she was about to get up. But instead of loosening her grip, he tightened it even more.
"Wait a minute."
Seeing her angrily glance back, Qin Jingyao knew she was about to explode, so he quickly explained with a smile, "Since I promised Nongnong, I must keep my word. Besides, the medicine is ready. However, Nongnong also knows that taking this medicine will cause discomfort. Why not wait until I rest before using it?"
Lan Nongnong, however, was not fooled by his seemingly reasonable words. She only sneered, "In that case, to avoid 'one corpse, two lives', from today on, you and I will live separately. After you rest and take the medicine, we can discuss the future."
“…”
It is true that every failure makes one wiser. She learned quickly, applied what she learned flexibly, and hit the nail on the head.
Although Qin Jingyao had been outmaneuvered, he felt relieved. While his rest period would still require a few days, it wasn't impossible to change it; it would just be more complicated. However, compared to the pain of abstinence, the difference was obvious.
"Nong Nong and I are newlyweds, and being together is not enough for us. How can we live apart?"
He glanced at the medicine bag, raised his hand to take it, and sighed softly, with a hint of bitterness in his voice. "The medicine is so hot, how can I ask Nong Nong to do it myself? This matter should not be made public. I will boil the medicine, and Nong Nong will be the supervisor and watch from the side."
Such consideration and love would have easily softened anyone else's heart.
However, Lan Nongnong's heart was as hard as iron, and she allowed him to cook the poison for her. During this time, he chatted about all sorts of things, but she remained silent until the medicine was ready, and then her expression trembled slightly.
After the afternoon, night fell.
The lights in the kitchen were just beginning to light up, and a dark brown medicinal soup sat quietly on the table. Steam rose from it, enveloping the faces of the two men. Qin Jingyao said no more. They both knew that after drinking from this bowl, some things would be irreversible.
In the silence, the heat gradually dissipated. A bony hand clasped the rim of the bowl, hovering for a moment, as if waiting for someone to speak.
The sparks on the stove suddenly crackled, then died down with a muffled sound, and no one spoke a word.
The depths of his eyes, which were difficult to illuminate by candlelight, darkened, and with a hint of self-deprecating sigh, the medicine bowl that had been hovering for a long time was taken back by the long arm.
He tilted his head back and drank it all, his Adam's apple rolling rapidly as a drop of brown liquid slid down his jaw and snaked down his collar. A moment later, the medicine bowl landed on the table with a soft thud.
He wiped the stains from the corner of his lips with his thumb and took out a handkerchief from his sleeve to clean his hands. Qin Jingyao looked at the sky, then turned to look at her. He reached out and took her left hand, which had wrinkled the cuffs of her sleeves. He gently opened her slender fingers one by one, and then intertwined their fingers. With his other hand, he gently stroked her brows, which were still filled with surprise and confusion.
With a smile, he said softly, "You've been delayed for so long that you've missed dinner. You're weak now, so don't worry too much. No matter what Nong Nong asks for, I'll always grant it to you. Now that this matter is settled, Nong Nong and I will be a loving couple, forever."
"After dinner, let's take a dip in some warm water and then rest, okay?"
Lan Nongnong's gaze fixed on his moist lips, the bitter, sharp aroma of medicine wafting faintly with his breath. Hearing his words, her eyes trembled slightly as if startled, and her slender fingers, which were tightly clasped, unconsciously curled up, and he immediately tightened his grip.
She remained silent as he led her hand as they walked out. As she was about to leave, she turned back to take a closer look at where he had just stood. After crossing the threshold, she lowered her head to examine him, who had just held the bowl and was now holding her right sleeve, gently stroking it.
There was no wet mark on the floor, and the material of her sleeves was dry and smooth. She watched him drink the medicine intently, seeing him swallow it mouthful by mouthful. The medicine had indeed entered his throat, but he drank it so quickly and calmly that it seemed as if it was not poison but an ordinary cup of tea.
Qin Jingyao understood the deep meaning of her action, and felt a mixture of relief and honor in his heart, and even more admiration.
People can be simple, but being too simple is stupid. Just like prey in a hunting ground, although it is agile and strong, it lacks bloodiness. After being captured, it can only struggle in vain, ending up with its fur stained with blood and in a miserable state.
After the thrill of the chase fades, even the amazement of the first sight is hard to retain and will eventually be discarded like a worn-out shoe.
Only untamed creatures, after being hunted, will refuse to be bound. They know how to judge the situation and strike back with their claws, causing pain to the hunter and displaying their extraordinary and stunning beauty.
A rebellious light blazed in its bright eyes, as if mocking the hunter's arrogance. Even when abducted, it remained unfazed by any comfort or security, remaining ever vigilant, ready to strike back at the hunter if he showed any signs of laxity.
Wildness is hard to tame, just like facing danger. It requires concentration, care, thinking, and testing, and finding pleasure in each confrontation.
The things you have worked so hard to obtain must be carefully cared for to keep their brilliance forever, so that they will be worthy of your pursuit and be worthy of you.
---
Lan Nongnong has had a poor appetite in recent days, and today she was even more worried, so she had no intention of eating. She only ate a little in a hurry, and was forced by him to eat a few more bites before she stopped.
The accident happened when the two of them were about to go to bed after returning from the hot springs. His face suddenly changed drastically, veins popped out on his forehead and neck, and he immediately began to sweat profusely, soaking his fresh pajamas in an instant.
Ever since they'd met, he'd always been at ease, calm and composed. Tall and strong, he could always quickly recover from an argument. Lan Nongnong had never seen him so forbearing and composure as he was now.
She stared in astonishment, instinctively moving forward. As she raised her hand, his hot hand gripped it tightly, then released it to cover her chest. He stood with his back to her, his body straight and his head held high. The muscles in his shoulders and back, clenched beneath his thin clothing, were tense. He strode out of the bedroom with his long legs.
Mo Chou was waiting at a stone table not far from the Treasures Courtyard. Seeing the effects of the drug taking effect wasn't surprising, he simply poured out the broth warmed on the small stove and handed it to him. He took his pulse and frowned as he said, "My Lord, you are well versed in medical principles. You should know that you shouldn't bathe in hot springs after taking the medicine. The heat will rapidly accelerate the effects of the medicine. Please move to a sheltered place so I can help you with acupuncture to detoxify."
Qin Jingyao's forehead throbbed violently, his stomach churning, and he instantly vomited out all the soup he had just taken.
"grown ups!"
Tongze, unaware of the situation, was already anxious when he saw the master forbearing to leave. Now he was even more anxious. He hurried forward to support him and asked in a low voice, "Excuse me, Doctor Mo, what is wrong with the master that has caused such a serious condition? Does he need acupuncture?"
He then apologized to the pale, sweat-soaked man, saying, "I failed in my duty and failed to notice when you were injured. I beg you to punish me!"
After vomiting, he felt a little relieved. Qin Jingyao rinsed his mouth, his brows slightly relaxed, raised his hand and told him to stand up, saying that he must not make any noise. Then he stood up and led Mo Chou to the side room of the courtyard for acupuncture.
Tongze was strictly forbidden to enter, so he could only suppress his anxiety and wait outside the door. He heard faint whispers from the inner room, but he pretended not to hear them. He stepped back a few steps, gathered his thoughts, and ordered the servants to prepare water.
A quarter of an hour later, the door opened. He looked up and saw that the master's complexion had improved. He hurriedly bowed and thanked Mo Chou who followed him out.
---
Lan Nongnong sat stiffly beside the bed, her eyes fixed on the door, but her eyes were empty. She vaguely recalled the side effects of the medication he had taken. He should have left the courtyard, or at least been quite far away. She hadn't heard any vomiting from the drug.
Since he was away, Biyu and the others stayed by her side. The horrific events in the medicine room had clearly not been spread, otherwise how could Biyu and the others remain so calm? They were afraid she might be worried, so they spoke softly to comfort her.
"Madam, don't worry. Your Excellency has always been in good health. Tongze has already gone to summon Doctor Mo. I think the unclean dinner may have upset your stomach. The housekeeper has gone to the kitchen to investigate. Thank goodness, Madam, you are fine. You have been busy today. Why don't you let the servants take care of you and rest first?"
Seeing that the woman with disheveled black hair on the couch was still in a trance, the two maids looked at each other silently for a moment, shook their heads, and said no more.
There was silence inside and outside the house, and time seemed to be stretched infinitely.
After an unknown amount of time, Lan Nongnong slowly raised her head. Although a faint light shone through the screen window, it couldn't mask the inky darkness of the night, nor did it invisibly magnify the fragility in her heart.
She had clearly calmed her mind before the Buddha, even getting him to drink the sterilization drug as she wished. She had clearly finally succeeded in her counterattack this time, yet why did she feel a huge stone sinking inside her, suffocating and almost unable to breathe?
It felt as if a hand was grabbing my throat and pulling it down fiercely. The uncontrollable pain came over me like a tsunami, rushing straight into my eyes, and tears welled up.
She lowered her head and said nothing, her long black hair falling silently.
Her thin nightgown was quickly soaked with tears. Fearing she would be noticed, she lowered the bed curtains and hid herself in the bed, kneeling and hugging herself tightly, burying her face between her knees, lost in nameless emotions, letting the tears flow freely.
How did they come to this?
Why would you rather cut off your bloodline than let go?
It was half an hour later when Qin Jingyao returned from changing clothes. The backlash from the drug was certainly unbearable, but aside from a slight frown between his brows and a slightly pale lip color, he looked no different than usual.
When the maid saw him come in, she bowed and retreated.
Seeing the bed curtains drawn, he assumed she was fast asleep. Although Mo Chou said she was recovering, she still needed to rest for her headache. After all, her head had been damaged, and although the disease was gone, her vitality needed to be slowly recuperated before it could be restored.
His hair was still damp, so he wiped it with a cotton towel before entering the tent. He waited until the dampness had completely dissipated before lifting the curtain and entering. However, what he saw was a replay of the scene that had been engraved in his mind and that he dared not recall.
The effect of the medicine seemed to be out of control, and a strong dizziness suddenly hit his head, making his whole body stiff and numb, and his breath suddenly choked.
It was not until the palms of my hands were gently caressed by the warm and soft touch that the dizziness gradually receded like the tide.
“Thick…”
The man's voice was soft, and his heart was full of love.
Qin Jingyao leaned forward, pulled the curled-up woman into his arms, and gently stroked her stiff back. When she gradually relaxed, he lifted her chin with his fingers.
On the tear-stained face, a pair of clear eyes looked at him blankly, almost burning his heart.
Her blood instantly boiled, and sweat dripped down her sturdy back beneath her crisp nightgown. He took advantage of her vulnerable moment and leaned in to kiss her passionately, like a raging tide. She forgot to resist, and though she passively accepted him, she felt soft and sweet, like melting honey.
Only when she whimpered and struggled did he reluctantly pull away, his lips still on hers, delicately wiping away the tears on her cheeks. His chest rose and fell with hers, his breathing heavy.
He moved to the side of her neck, took the earlobe that he had pierced himself into his mouth and rubbed it gently. He could hear her gasping for air and felt his back as if it had been whipped, tense and numb.
She whispered hoarsely, "Don't cry, Nong Nong, it's just the backlash of the medicine. It will be fine after the effect wears off."
He suddenly relaxed his teeth, raised his head, and cupped her face in his hands. In the dim light, his dark eyes were filled with a dark undercurrent, and his face, as handsome as a banished immortal, broke into a smile more captivating than a fleeting flower, and his lips uttered bewitching words.
"Don't even mention the fact that the medicine is ineffective. As long as Nongnong has me in her heart, even if she wants to take my life right now, I will gladly accept it."
There were still tears in Lan Nongnong's eyes. She looked up at him, her lips slightly swollen and red. She gasped and sneered: "Then you go now--" to die.
The unfinished words were not swallowed out of weakness, but were sealed again and invaded and plundered by others.
Qin Jingyao savored it for a moment, then stood up, facing her glare. He stretched out his long arms and exerted a little force, tearing off a piece of the curtain and wrapping it around his neck. He handed the two ends to her hands, spread his arms lazily, raised his chin slightly, and smiled with raised eyebrows.
"I have never lied to Nongnong about anything I said. Now I am waiting to die. Whether I live or die, it is up to Nongnong to decide."
As if fearing she might worry, he added, "Don't worry, Nong Nong. I've already given orders that our affairs will not involve anyone else."
Lan Nong's pupils suddenly widened, and the curtain instantly wrapped around her palm. She frowned and was about to exert her strength, but she heard him speak again.
"But we have a deal. I will give Nongnong twenty breaths. If you succeed within this period, I will have nothing to say. If you fail, from now on, Nongnong will never fight me again."
Lan Nongnong remained silent, then suddenly stood up and kicked him down, using her toes to gain leverage on his chest and pulling him back with both hands. She stared at his face, which suddenly flushed red.
What twenty breaths? Life and death depend on her!
Would he really want to die at her hands? He was just using this incident to let her vent her anger and put the past behind her.
Lan Nongnong knew that she couldn't kill him, and asked herself, would she dare to kill anyone?
She didn't dare.
How can life be taken lightly?
If it is before or after the "marriage", when anger and resentment are swirling in the heart, one may be furious and take action. However, when reason prevails, and one thinks of a life ending in one's own hands, the body gradually becomes cold and the skin turns gray.
She knew she couldn't afford such heavy and terrible consequences.
Besides, he claimed that he would not be implicated, so how could she believe him?
If he really died, would the emperor who trusted and respected him, and the empress who treated him as her own son, not hold him accountable?
Conversely, his promises should not be trusted!
Therefore, she could only play this so-called life and death game with him to vent her anger of being fooled, oppressed, and shackled!
Even in the end, he only suffered some physical pain.
"......eight."
Lan Nongnong was startled awake by the hoarse, rapid voice of a man. The man's face was flushed, veins popping out of his forehead. His neck, where the leather was being strangled, and his collarbone and chest, where his clothes were disheveled, were all red from the congestion.
But he looked calm, with a leisurely smile on his lips, and his hands were spread out on both sides, not even clenched into fists.
This situation made Lan Nongnong, who was already in a state of confusion and weak hands and feet due to her own actions, suddenly become angry again and regain her strength.
"--Ugh! ...Five."
The tension in his neck suddenly tightened, and Qin Jingyao closed his eyes and held his breath, his neck instantly tense as a rock. When he opened his eyes, he saw the woman on his body with her eyes wide open in shock, her red lips tightly pursed, her cheeks tense, even her deep dimples barely visible, clearly gritting her teeth and exerting all her might.
She was clearly committing a crime, but her face didn't show any cruelty at all. Instead, it was filled with grievance and resentment, as if she was the victim.
He was amused, even the torment of the drug's backlash lessened slightly, the corners of his lips curling up even more. However, it was unexpected that she could force him to exert his strength to resist. The woman was weak, but her ability to leverage momentum was truly exquisite.
"...three."
The suffocating feeling around my neck became tighter as expected, but it stopped there.
Lan Nongnong gritted her teeth and exerted her strength, but she was clearly blocked and unable to advance. She was exhausted and had only two breaths left. There was no way to recover. Her mind raced, and she exerted force on the toes that were stepping on his chest, leaped up, and kicked him in the abdomen with her other foot.
"one!"
-----------------------
The author has something to say: 1 Check from Baidu Encyclopedia
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
