“Qing’er,” Mu Zhenfeng watched as Wanqing let go of Wanxia’s wrist and looked up, his eyes filled with concern.
“She is indeed poisoned. Though it appears severe on the surface, it’s actually not a big deal. What do you think, Stepmother?”
Wanqing withdrew her hand casually and observed her father’s worried expression. She couldn’t decide whether to pity or sympathize with him for his blind devotion to his daughter, unaware of the manipulation at play. Instead, she turned to him and spoke before rising to her feet, addressing Liu Shi with a question.
“This… Qing’er, your elder sister is in such a state, and you say it’s not a big deal? You—”
Liu Shi was baffled by Wanqing’s response. Seeing her stand and prepare to leave, Liu Shi grew anxious and stepped forward to stop her.
“It truly isn’t a serious matter. Moreover, from what I know, Stepmother should be able to cure this poison. Father, you needn’t worry. Stepmother wouldn’t harm Elder Sister. Let’s go.”
Liu Shi was clearly scheming, using her daughter’s poisoning as a pretext. Wanqing had no patience for the woman’s machinations and turned back to look at her coldly. Then, with a sympathetic glance, she patted her father’s shoulder lightly.
“Qing’er, this… If I could save her myself, why would I seek your help? Qing’er, I know you resent me for my past actions, and I don’t blame you. But for your sister’s sake, please, for the sake of your father and me, save her. Qing’er—”
As Wanqing turned to leave, Liu Shi panicked and reached out to block her path. When Wanqing stopped, Liu Shi pleaded desperately, her hand instinctively clutching at Wanqing’s sleeve.
“Save her? You beg me to save your daughter, yet what is this? Stepmother, tell me, what is this poison-laced ring on your finger? Explain this. Is this how you ask for help? Father, do you see now? This woman is beyond redemption. Expecting me to intervene for her or her daughter is delusional.”
Wanqing watched Liu Shi’s subtle movements coldly. As Liu Shi reached for her, the faint green glow from the ring on her finger became visible. Wanqing swiftly seized her wrist and, with a flick of her silver needle, immobilized her.
She then removed the ring from Liu Shi’s finger and, in front of Mu Zhenfeng, pressed a hidden button, revealing a sharp, poison-coated spike emitting a sinister green light.
Liu Shi’s face paled with despair, while Mu Zhenfeng staggered back in shock, his expression one of disbelief. Wanqing dropped the ring disdainfully and turned to leave.
“My lord, I’m innocent! My lord, I was only worried she might harm Xia’er. I never thought she— My lord—”
Though Wanqing had already walked away, Liu Shi, shoved to the ground, crawled toward Mu Zhenfeng. Realizing she couldn’t win in a direct confrontation, she clutched at his robes, weeping and begging.
“Father, move aside! Liu Shi, I spared you once, yet you persist in scheming. Don’t blame me for what comes next. You—”
Hearing the commotion, Wanqing instinctively turned back. Spotting the poison-tipped needle hidden between Liu Shi’s fingers, aimed at Mu Zhenfeng’s leg, she swiftly intervened. With a glance to Honglian, the two maids pulled Mu Zhenfeng to safety.
Furious at Liu Shi’s repeated attempts, Wanqing’s expression turned icy as she raised her silver needle. But before she could strike, Liu Shi moved faster, plunging a hidden hairpin into her own chest.
“My lord, I never meant to harm you. Qing’er, I know you’ve misunderstood me. I admit my past mistakes, and I don’t blame you. But I beg you, for the sake of your father and your sister, save her. I have no antidote for this poison—if I did, I wouldn’t be groveling before you. Qing’er—”
Wanqing frowned, puzzled, but Liu Shi only gave her a bitter smile before turning to Mu Zhenfeng with pleading eyes. Ignoring her bleeding wound, she crawled forward on her knees, kowtowing desperately to Wanqing.
“This… Qing’er—”
Mu Zhenfeng had witnessed the poisoned needle Liu Shi had concealed. Yet her current state left him torn. With Liu Shi bleeding profusely and Wanxia’s face turning deathly pale, he looked to Wanqing helplessly.
Though conflicted, Wanqing couldn’t ignore her father’s pleading gaze. Just then, the maid by Wanxia’s bedside screamed in panic as the unconscious girl suddenly convulsed, vomiting black blood before collapsing again.
Mu Zhenfeng trembled, his lips quivering as he staggered toward Wanqing, his voice choked with emotion.
“Qing’er, I beg you. No matter what your stepmother’s intentions are, your sister is still family—”
“Father, what are you doing? This woman is clearly manipulating you, using your love for them to stage this act. If you trust her, you’ll regret it! Fine, I’ll save her. I’ll save her, alright?”
Seeing her father about to kneel, Wanqing rushed forward in frustration, gripping his arm. When he refused to rise, his eyes pleading, she sighed in resignation.
“Qing’er, thank you. Thank you. Please, go check on your sister—”
Wanqing’s reluctant agreement brought a flicker of hope to Mu Zhenfeng’s eyes. Though uncertain if she would truly help, he could only urge her forward, desperate for Wanxia’s survival.
With a weary sigh, Wanqing approached Wanxia’s bedside, suppressing her irritation as she examined the girl’s condition.
“Xia’er, Xia’er, my Xia’er—”
As Mu Zhenfeng and Wanqing gathered by the bed, Liu Shi discarded the hairpin, ignoring her bleeding wound as she crawled forward, clutching Wanxia’s hand and weeping.
“Honglian, bring the silver needles and herbs—mulberry leaves.”
Wanqing set Wanxia’s hand down, forcing herself to remain composed as she instructed Honglian. While applying the needles to draw out the poison, she listed the necessary ingredients coldly.
“Decoct these herbs yourself. Don’t let anyone else handle them. I won’t invite trouble.”
Once Honglian returned with the prepared medicine, Wanqing nodded.
“Good, feed it to her now.”
The needles had temporarily contained the poison. With the antidote ingested and further treatment, most of the toxins would be expelled. Wanqing adjusted the needles meticulously.
After drinking the medicine, Wanxia vomited dark blood as expected, her pallor gradually improving.
To be continued.
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