639 The Truth Is Out (2)
Bai Qianli told him a lot about his background.
The Bai Calyx Clan was originally a small clan in Southern Xinjiang. Many years ago, they submitted to Nanzhao and became the territory under its jurisdiction. The Bai Calyx Clan had independent autonomy. Other than the tribute once every three years, they did not have much contact with Nanzhao.
The tragedy happened during the tribute that year. Bai Qianli followed his father to the palace and met the Princess of Nanzhao.
Bai Qianli was stunned the moment he saw Nangong Yan, but he did not have any improper thoughts. In particular, Nangong Yan’s attitude towards him could be said to be cold. A small clan like them was even inferior to a rich fief in the eyes of the high and mighty Princess of Nanzhao.
He had never hoped that something would happen between the two of them. Unexpectedly, a few months later, the envoy from Nanzhao actually visited the Bai Calyx Clan. Nangong Yan was also accompanying them.
Every time the Bai Calyx Clan paid tribute, Nanzhao would send envoys to the clan. Firstly, it was to express the Emperor’s concern, and secondly, it was to comfort the people of the entire clan. However, it was not the turn of the Princess to lower herself to such a small matter.
“That time, the way she looked at me was different.”
The two of them had only seen each other once, but there were still no sparks.
“She will find me from time to time and talk to me with a very friendly attitude. I’m flattered, but at the same time, I find it unbelievable. The first time I didn’t catch her eye, could it be that after that, this Princess suddenly discovered my good points and turned around to pursue me?”
At this point, Bai Qianli laughed self-deprecatingly. “Later on, I found out that during those months, she went to the Central Plains and met a man who already had a family. Coincidentally, I look a little like that man.”
If they didn’t know a portion of the truth, everyone would probably think that Bai Qianli would become Prince Yan’s substitute. The truth was indeed so, but it wasn’t just that.
Bai Qianli had no great ambitions in his life. He was the youngest son. It was impossible for him to inherit the position of the patriarch, nor would he starve to death. It was enough for him to eat and wait for death in his life, but he did not expect to win the favor of the Princess of Nanzhao.
He was the youngest son in the family and did not have any heavy burden on him, so he naturally did not have much hope for his future. When he heard that he had been taken a fancy to by the noble Princess of Nanzhao, his father was very happy and said that this was the blessing of several lifetimes.
He had thought so too. However, when he came to Nanzhao, he realized that he was just a substitute for another person.
What Nangong Yan wanted was never him, but his identity. Nangong Yan imprisoned him and let that person use his identity to become her Prince Consort.
Nangong Yan could have killed him to prevent future trouble, but it was that face that was a little similar to Prince Yan that softened her heart.
Bai Qianli could not escape or win. The only way to escape was to die, but he did not have the courage to die. If he wanted to survive, he had to please Nangong Yan. He began to imitate Prince Yan’s preferences and expression.
The more he looked like Prince Yan, the more Nangong Yan could not take her eyes off him.
Finally, Nangong Yan rested in his courtyard.
At first, Nangong Yan did not trust him very much, but once a woman handed over her body, her heart would not be far away. Bai Qianli did not dare to say that he had replaced Prince Yan’s status in her heart, but at least, she no longer had any grudges against him. She slowly let him know her secrets.
She drugged Prince Yan, destroyed his memories, and became the Zijun in the depths of Prince Yan’s memories.
But so what?
Prince Yan accepted her rationally, but he did not like to touch her.
There was a love Gu in Nanzhao, but the love Gu would dilute the medicinal properties of the Soul Devouring Grass. Gradually, Nangong Yan did not dare to let Prince Yan use it.
Nangong Yan began to look for comfort from Bai Qianli.
Bai Qianli looked at the endless night and muttered, “Sometimes, she can’t tell who’s with her. Is it me, Bai Qianli, or her Prince Consort of Nanzhao?”
“You gave her the Five Stone Powder?” Yan Jiuchao said bluntly.
Bai Qianli’s expression changed slightly.
The Five Stone Powder was also called the Hanshi Powder. It was a medicinal powder that suppressed pain. Its effect was extremely good. However, if one took too much, it would cause one to hallucinate. It was often used to liven up the mood in brothels. It was easily addictive and had already been listed as a forbidden medicine by the Imperial Court in the Great Zhou.
This was not sold on the market in Nanzhao. Bai Qianli was bored and asked someone to buy the pill formula to concoct it herself.
Initially, he used it to numb himself so that he could serve Nangong Yan better. However, he did not know when he no longer needed the Hanshi powder. He even looked forward to Nangong Yan’s arrival.