“You…” The black-clad man watched as the old man snatched the package away, his already cold expression turning even more frigid, a palpable aura of killing intent radiating from his face.
But the old man’s wary eyes were fixed on him, clearly signaling that any sudden move would result in him smashing the object in his hand. Unsure of the token’s material, the black-clad man had no choice but to turn to Wanqing behind the old man, his tone mocking.
“Second Miss Mu, this is hardly keeping your word. Though I expected you’d have tricks up your sleeve—didn’t you notice the tightness and pain in your chest just now?”
“…” Seeing the black-clad man’s smug, arrogant gaze, Wanqing wanted to call him a fool, but since she hadn’t warned the old man about this move, she found herself at a loss.
“What’s the point of all this talk? Hand over the antidote for the poison you gave my lady, or I’ll smash it right now…”
Wanqing’s hesitation and furrowed brows alarmed Zhongshu. Realizing she had taken poison to save him, his anger flared as he glared at the black-clad man, his wrist lowering threateningly.
“Wait! If you smash it, not only will there be no antidote, but both of you will die. Second Miss Mu, it seems your sincerity is lacking. Fine—I’ll give you the antidote, and the old man hands me the item. We’ll call it even. Otherwise, we can keep stalling. I have all the time in the world, but… your time is running out.”
Seeing the old man about to destroy the object, the black-clad man hastily intervened, his tone still arrogant. Only when the old man relented did he turn to Wanqing with a forced smile, proposing a compromise—and a warning.
“Very well. Let me hand it over. Zhongshu, come here. I have something to tell you. Come… Ugh…”
The black-clad man’s confidence was infuriating. Wanqing, noticing the old man’s tension and worry, gave a faint nod and beckoned him. When he hesitated, she frowned and urged him again. But the old man still didn’t move. Wanqing clutched her chest with a pained gasp.
“My lady, what’s wrong? It’s all my fault! If not for me, you wouldn’t have taken his poison…”
Despite his wariness, the old man rushed forward, supporting her as she swayed, his voice frantic with concern.
Wanqing weakly waved him off, her face pale. “It’s not your fault. A drop of kindness deserves a flood of gratitude—let alone all the times you’ve helped me. I don’t blame you. Even Honglian wanted to save you. So you must live. Don’t worry about me. Go! If you don’t leave now, I’ll die right here!”
Feigning helplessness, Wanqing whispered reassurances to the old man. Then, with a pained expression, she suddenly snatched the bundle from him, shoved him away, and pressed a hairpin to her own throat. “Go! Or I’ll end it now!”
“You—Second Miss, don’t! I’ll go, I’ll go! Just don’t hurt yourself!”
Though Wanqing claimed she had a plan, her worsening condition terrified the old man. Reluctantly, he backed away, exiting the pavilion. Seeing her still holding the hairpin, he clenched his teeth and fled to the road, where he spotted her carriage. Without hesitation, he leaped in and drove off.
“Here’s the item. But give me the antidote first—or I’ll destroy it.”
Hearing Zhongshu’s carriage fade into the distance, Wanqing turned to the black-clad man, extending the bundle in one hand while keeping the other raised threateningly.
“Fine. Since Second Miss Mu is so cooperative, I suppose you won’t dare cross me. Here’s the antidote…”
The black-clad man frowned, hesitating before pulling a pill from his robe and holding it out.
“Thank you…” Wanqing clutched her chest, her face twisted in pain as she staggered toward him, her trembling hand reaching for the pill.
“Don’t blame me, girl. For the sake of the Eldest Miss, I must kill you. If anything, blame your own misfortune…”
Just as Wanqing reached him, the black-clad man tossed the pill aside and lunged, his hand closing around her throat. His cold, hawk-like eyes bore into hers as she gasped, her face flushing red from the pressure.
“You… the Eldest Miss? Who… is she…?”
Struggling against his grip, Wanqing’s hands clawed at his wrist, her breath ragged.
“Since you’re about to die, I’ll tell you. The Eldest Miss is your household’s first daughter. For her sake—”
The black-clad man smirked, watching her futile struggles.
“—I must kill you. But why? What did I ever do wrong?” Wanqing’s voice trembled, black blood trickling from her lips as she feigned despair.
“It’s your fault for stealing her man! Now—where’s the real item? You wretch! You tricked me with a worthless rock!”
Enraged, he hurled the stone tablet to the ground and lunged again, his fingers closing around her neck.
“You… didn’t expect this, did you? Though I took your poison, I’ve already neutralized it. Everything you saw was an act. Don’t bother struggling—the harder you try, the worse the pain will be. Like a thousand ants crawling through your bones.”
Just as his grip tightened, Wanqing—her face no longer pallid but now flushed with vitality—twisted free. With a flick of her wrist, two silver needles shot into his body.
The black-clad man froze, his muscles locking. Wanqing rose gracefully, watching as he strained against the paralysis, his face paling with dread.
“I thought my poison skills were unmatched. But you… how did you hide your condition? Those needles—just two, and I can’t even force them out!”
His breathing grew labored as the pain intensified. Wanqing’s smile was sweet, but her eyes gleamed with cunning.
“What do you want?” he gasped, fear finally overtaking him.
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