“Alright,” Sun Fengyu said, looking at Wan Qing’s calm and almost expressionless face. Though surprised by how much the man had changed in his demeanor toward her, Wan Qing still glanced at Prince Ning not far away before raising her glass and drinking.
“Second Miss Mu is indeed straightforward,” the Emperor remarked with a faint smile, raising his cup again in her direction.
“No, Your Majesty’s kindness is appreciated, but I am truly exhausted from tending to the Empress Dowager’s illness today. I shall not impose further.”
Wan Qing met the Emperor’s gaze, feeling inexplicably uneasy. His eyes today made her uncomfortable—it was as if they were stripping her bare. Though she couldn’t pinpoint why she felt this way, especially with two other men present, the intensity of his stare left her inwardly furious yet unable to react. She could only offer an apologetic smile before standing and addressing the Emperor.
“Very well, then. Fengyu, escort Second Miss Mu back to her residence. As for your marriage, I shall personally oversee the arrangements.”
The Emperor’s expression flickered with reluctance but he nodded in acquiescence, instructing Sun Fengyu to accompany Wan Qing. Though puzzled, Wan Qing rose alongside Sun Fengyu, exchanging a glance with Prince Ning before departing.
The Emperor’s reaction left Wan Qing reflecting on Sun Fengyu’s recent behavior. Though he stood to accompany her, his expression was eerily blank, his eyes unfocused as if under some control. Her years of experience with medicinal herbs told her he was likely poisoned—explaining why he had been terrified of her earlier but now seemed unnaturally calm.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Wan Qing offered a polite smile to the Emperor, nodded reassuringly to Prince Ning, and followed Sun Fengyu out.
“Chen’er, it’s been a long time since we’ve shared a drink like this. I know you may resent me for the past, your injury… Even if I wished to favor you, the court elders…”
As Wan Qing and Sun Fengyu left, the Emperor’s lips curled into a faint smirk. He turned to Prince Ning, offering an explanation.
“I understand, Father.”
Prince Ning sighed inwardly, raising his glass and drinking in silence.
Meanwhile, Wan Qing and Sun Fengyu exited the palace grounds.
“Sun Fengyu, last time you were terrified when you saw me act against others. Now you’re so composed and polite. Aren’t you afraid of me anymore?”
Alone with him, Wan Qing noticed his puppet-like demeanor as they walked side by side. She stopped abruptly, studying him closely. Sun Fengyu halted but remained silent.
“Sigh…”
Recognizing the signs of the “Illusion Butterfly” poison—which rendered its victims mentally controlled—Wan Qing grew increasingly uneasy. His obedience to the Emperor only deepened her suspicions.
“Sun Fengyu…” When he showed no reaction, she cautiously called his name while discreetly reaching for a silver needle.
“You—” The sudden pain jolted Sun Fengyu from his trance, his eyes briefly flashing with anguish before hardening. In an instant, he lunged at her, a cold glint in his palm as he struck.
“You—!”
His murderous intent shocked Wan Qing. She dodged, but his jade hairpin-like weapon grazed her arm. Clutching her shoulder, she flung a handful of powder at him.
“Your tricks won’t work on me. Mu Wanqing, you are mine—no matter what.”
The powder had no effect. Sun Fengyu swayed slightly before closing the distance with lightning speed, sealing her acupoints. A sinister smirk twisted his lips as he seized her arm and whisked her away.
“You—!”
Helpless, Wan Qing realized he had immobilized her and silenced her. Panic surged as she spotted her maids, Honglian and Wanchun, struggling against two black-clad assailants in the distance. The skilled attackers kept the girls at bay.
“Miss…!” Honglian and Wanchun fought desperately, unable to reach her.
“Master…” Nearby, Zhao Zhong, a scholar, and a hooded man emerged from a courtyard. Recognizing the maids, Zhao Zhong turned to his hooded leader.
“Go help them if you wish.”
The hooded man studied the scene, his gaze lingering on Honglian’s crimson robes and delicate features. Memories of a certain cold-faced yet warm-hearted girl flashed in his mind. With a nod, he led his companions forward.
“Thank you, Brother Zhao. Without your aid, we might not have survived…”
With their help, the maids subdued the attackers. But before they could interrogate them, the assailants bit into hidden poison capsules and collapsed.
Though injured, the maids bowed in gratitude. “Who were they? And where is your mistress?” Zhao Zhong asked.
“That traitor Sun Fengyu took her! These two were likely sent to stop us,” Honglian said bitterly.
“Sun Fengyu?”
“Yes, the Empress’s nephew. Wanchun, where could that scoundrel have taken her?”
Wanchun frowned. “We left the palace. Given Sun Fengyu’s sudden change, I doubt he could command such skilled killers alone. Perhaps we should return and seek Prince Ning’s help.”
Honglian nodded grimly. “To the palace, then.”
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