The autumn breeze swept through the streets as people went about their business, everything appearing ordinary.
Moxun picked up a fallen black scholar's hat from the ground, her delicate brows furrowing slightly as she murmured to herself, "Could I have been mistaken?"
After scrutinizing the streets and alleys for a while longer, she found nothing amiss—every passerby seemed unremarkable.
"Physician Moxun, it's time to enter the Xie Mansion. What are you looking at?" the elderly physician beside her reminded her.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Moxun hurried after him and replied cheerfully, "Coming!"
Led by a servant of the Xie Family, Moxun and the other physician stepped into the grand residence.
Meanwhile, at a street corner not far away, a figure clad in black slowly emerged. The hem of his robe, embroidered with intricate and ancient patterns, fluttered faintly in the wind.
Beneath the veil of his black hat, eyes as deep as a secluded pool watched the gates of the Xie Mansion until Moxun's figure disappeared from sight. Then, his gaze lowered, a trace of sorrow flickering imperceptibly in his eyes.
Once, they had been husband and wife, once, they had loved each other recklessly.
She had forgotten the past and avoided him like a stranger.
A young man dressed as a servant asked, "National Preceptor, shall we bring the lady back?"
The wind lifted a corner of the veil, revealing the tall and imposing figure of Yue Kingdom's National Preceptor. His voice was calm as he replied, "No need."
Just seeing her from afar, confirming she was safe, was enough to ease his mind.
If he pushed A-Xun too hard, she might flee again, and he wouldn’t know where to find her next.
There was still time. He had all the time in the world to bring her home.
The National Preceptor turned and walked deeper into the alley. The narrow path was quiet, flanked by withering phoenix trees, their yellowed leaves swirling in the wind. His gold-embroidered black boots crunched over the fallen leaves before his steps suddenly halted.
From the other end of the alley, two black-armored Tiger Guards approached. The tiger emblems on their armguards were fierce, their eyes sharp, their strides steady.
The guards clasped their hands respectfully. "National Preceptor, His Majesty requests your presence in the palace."
The National Preceptor raised a brow. "How did Emperor Qing know I was here?"
The guard replied, "Under the vast sky, all land belongs to the ruler. The moment you set foot in Da Qing’s territory, His Majesty was aware."
The National Preceptor said nothing more, his expression unreadable. With measured steps, he followed the guards into the palace.
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As dusk approached, Concubine Lan arrived at Yongning Palace with her maids in tow.
Half an hour earlier, she had received a summons from Yongning Palace—Shen Wei, the imperial consort, had invited her for tea. A sense of unease prickled at Concubine Lan’s heart.
In the main hall, Shen Wei was savoring delicate pastries, the faint fragrance of osmanthus filling the air.
Beside her stood Physician Moxun from the imperial hospital.
Concubine Lan’s brows furrowed imperceptibly as she curtsied. "This humble one greets the noble consort. May I ask why Your Highness summoned me today?"
Shen Wei set down the osmanthus cake in her hand. "Today, Physician Moxun visited the Xie Mansion to examine Lady Wu."
Concubine Lan’s heart leaped into her throat. "Physician Moxun, is there any hope for my mother’s condition?"
Moxun spread her hands helplessly. "The poison has reached her organs. She has three months at most."
Concubine Lan froze, stammering, "Poison? What poison?"
Moxun explained plainly, "When I examined Lady Wu today, her symptoms appeared to be caused by cold-induced blood deficiency. In truth, it was toxins damaging her heart and lungs. Based on my experience, this was the result of prolonged consumption of poisoned wine."
As she spoke, Moxun rummaged in her wide sleeve and produced two large-denomination banknotes.
With a soft thud, she placed them on the table.
"From the moment I entered the Xie Mansion, countless eyes were on me. Especially Lady Zhao, your stepmother—she watched my every move. Before I left, she ‘kindly’ slipped these into my hands."
The last thread of restraint in Concubine Lan’s heart snapped.
The banknotes bore the Xie Family’s seal—undeniable proof.
Moxun then retrieved a letter and handed it to Concubine Lan. "Though Lady Zhao was vigilant, I managed to speak with Lady Wu in private. She entrusted me with this letter for you."
Concubine Lan’s fingers trembled as she took the crumpled letter.
The paper was worn, clearly written long ago but hidden away, unable to reach the outside world until now.
"Read it in private. The truth is yours to judge," Shen Wei said, waving a hand. Cai Lian escorted Concubine Lan out of Yongning Palace.
Clutching the letter in her sleeve, Concubine Lan bowed silently and departed.
In the main chamber, Shen Wei beckoned Moxun closer, her eyes gleaming. "Aside from osmanthus cakes, I also wanted barley biscuits and water chestnut pastries from the eastern market. Where are they?"
Moxun sighed in exasperation. "Noble Consort, I went to the Xie Mansion to treat a noblewoman. Managing to bring back osmanthus cakes was already a feat. If you want more snacks, send a maid!"
With no outsiders present, Moxun plopped onto a chair, exhaling in relief. "The Xie Mansion was like a fortress—every move I made was watched. At least three pairs of eyes were on me while I examined Lady Wu. Thankfully, I’ve traveled the world long enough to find an opening and earn her trust."
"That poor woman has been poisoned in more ways than one. Her repeated miscarriages in the past? Also poison. Years of damage—even I can’t save her now."
Moxun chattered between bites of osmanthus cake.
Shen Wei fell into thought.
Lady Wu was like a lone boat adrift, trapped and helpless in the Xie Family’s clutches. The Xie patriarch and Lady Zhao were in league, waiting for Lady Wu to die so their son could inherit everything.
But in her final days, Lady Wu had realized the truth. Shen Wei pondered—perhaps the woman’s long-buried hatred could become the key to bringing down the Xie Family.
Night fell, and the lanterns in Yongning Palace’s courtyard flickered to life.
After dinner with Li Yuanjing, Shen Wei eagerly pulled him into the bedchamber and shut the door.
Li Yuanjing’s lips quirked in amusement. "So impatient tonight, my love?"
Shen Wei resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
She tugged him to the bed, her dark eyes sparkling as she wagged a finger playfully. "Your Majesty, I’ve uncovered a shocking secret about the Xie Family! You won’t believe it!"
Her voice was hushed, her expression that of someone savoring the juiciest gossip.
Li Yuanjing chuckled.
He adored these private moments with Shen Wei—no outsiders, just the two of them huddled close, sharing secrets and whispers.
It was intimate. It was fun.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, he patted the soft mattress. "Sit. I’m listening."
Shen Wei settled beside him obediently. "Your Majesty, here’s what happened—today, Moxun went to the Xie Mansion to examine Lady Wu..."
Outside, the autumn moon hung like a sickle, crickets chirped in the courtyard, and inside, Shen Wei spun her tale with vivid flair.
She recounted Lady Wu’s poisoning, embellishing the details for dramatic effect.
Li Yuanjing's expression was gentle at first, but as he listened further, his handsome face gradually turned cold.