“It seems I was right. Both of you truly care for Father. Very well, I’ll revive him first, and then we can go to the authorities.”
Seeing their reactions, Wanqing smiled faintly and swiftly inserted several silver needles into Mu Zhenfeng’s forehead and key acupoints on his head.
“You—” Mu Wanxia, panicked at the thought of her father waking up and recalling the tonic she had given him, rushed forward.
“Eldest Sister, Third Sister, it’s best if you stay back. These needles are sharp, and if they accidentally injure you, leaving you half-paralyzed, don’t blame me. Whatever grievances we have can wait until Father wakes up, don’t you agree?”
As the two tried to stop her, Wanqing flicked her wrist, sending two more needles flying with a cold glint into Mu Zhenfeng’s body, effectively halting their advance.
Seeing their faces pale with fear, she inwardly sneered—such cowardice, yet daring to challenge her in poison. Still, she smiled lightly and asked, “Well?”
Mu Wanjun watched nervously. Though they believed the medicine their mother had provided was genuine, the sight of Wanqing’s skill and their own misdeeds made her uneasy. She glanced at her elder sister with uncertainty.
“Don’t worry, Father will be fine,” Mu Wanxia reassured her sister quietly, though her eyes remained fixed on Wanqing.
“Of course. With me here, Father will be perfectly safe. I’m sure Eldest Sister wouldn’t want any mishap that might cost Father his life, right?”
While manipulating the needles, Wanqing observed their reactions from the corner of her eye.
“Naturally, I hope you can revive Father as soon as possible to clear your own name,” Mu Wanxia replied coolly.
“Since Eldest Sister insists, I prefer not to be disturbed while treating someone. Would you mind stepping outside? Oh, and send Lian’er and Xing’er in—they’ve always served Father diligently. They can keep an eye on me to ensure I don’t tamper with anything. What do you think?”
Seeing Mu Wanxia unwittingly fall into her trap, Wanqing gestured for the maids outside. In truth, she had other plans—focusing solely on detoxifying her father without the added strain of dealing with these scheming women. More importantly, reviving him without their interference would save her much trouble in uncovering the truth.
“Mu Wanqing, you’d better ensure Father wakes up, or your crimes will only multiply,” Mu Wanxia warned, her eyes flashing with hatred. Though she longed to stay and seize the moment to strike, she reluctantly led Mu Wanjun out.
“Lian’er, Xing’er, guard the door. If anyone tries to enter without permission, use this.” Wanqing handed a small vial to Lian’er, her expression grave. “Stay sharp. Any mistake won’t just harm me—it could cost Father his life.”
Lian’er, though unsure of what had happened to the master, nodded firmly, clutching the vial as she and Xing’er took their posts.
With a sigh of relief, Wanqing focused entirely on detoxifying her father.
Outside, Mu Wanjun fretted. “She’s stationed Lian’er and Xing’er at the door. If Father wakes and recalls that bowl of ginseng soup…”
Mu Wanxia’s face darkened with frustration. “Then we’ll need a scapegoat. Lü Xia, you know what to do.”
She discreetly passed a vial to her maid, who nodded. “Rest assured, Mistress. I’ll handle it flawlessly.”
Unbeknownst to them, Honglian—though not summoned by Wanqing—had followed Lü Xia and now hid behind a pillar, watching their every move.
“Those wretched women are plotting against Miss again,” Honglian muttered, trailing Lü Xia as she slipped toward the rear courtyard.
Inside, Wanqing worked meticulously, rotating the needles to draw out the poison. The others waited anxiously outside.
An hour passed before Wanqing finally exhaled and withdrew the needles. As she removed the last from his forehead, Mu Zhenfeng suddenly sat up, coughing up dark blood.
“Master! Master, are you alright? Second Miss, he—” Lian’er and Xing’er gasped in alarm.
“Expelling the poisoned blood is a good sign. With rest, he’ll recover. Father, how do you feel?” Wanqing reassured them, wiping the blood from his lips and helping him lie back down.
“Much better… just some chest pain. Thank you, Qing’er.” Mu Zhenfeng’s gaze cleared weakly.
“Rest more. I haven’t yet prepared the antidote for the poison in your chest, but I’ll hurry. But Father, how did you ingest another toxin?”
As the maids rejoiced at his awakening, Wanqing signaled them to stay silent. She then asked, puzzled, “You mentioned a ginseng soup this morning?”
Mu Zhenfeng frowned. “Yes. I was fine last night, but after drinking it, I collapsed. Could it have been tainted?”
“Was it brought by the usual maid?”
“Ju Lan always prepares my tonics. I can’t believe she’d betray me, but I don’t know what else could’ve happened.”
Wanqing sighed. “We’ll have to investigate. The household’s peace is over. Eldest Sister, Third Sister, come in. Father’s awake—speak with him. I’ll return shortly.”
Leaving the sisters to their feigned concern, Wanqing stepped out, her mind already racing toward the next move.
(To be continued.)
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage