Chapter 654: Nameless Poison
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
Jing Song stood, wincing in pain, and gently took He Zhengtu from Yuwen Chu, “Your Highness, accept my condolences. Steward He is gone.”
Yuwen Chu closed He Zhengtu’s eyes and solemnly declared, “He Zhengtu died a loyal and courageous man, fighting the rebels. Treat him and his family well. Give him a proper burial.”
A few years later, He Zhentu’s family, who lived in a rural area in northern Jiangnan, suddenly received a large mansion and a significant amount of gold and silver. Additionally, several intelligent children from the family were selected to study, and they quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming high-ranking officials. As a result, the He family became a prominent and influential clan in the region. But that’s a story for another time.
The unfortunate Huayang Wangfei had been caught in the chaos, receiving two arrows in her thigh. Fortunately, the arrows were clean and unpoisoned, so after cleaning and dressing the wounds, she was out of danger. She tearfully recounted to Huayang Wang, who rushed over, “Sixth Sister-in-law had people with me, so I thought I was safe and fell asleep out of exhaustion. When I woke up, I was here surrounded by the dead. We pounded on the doors, but no one listened. They said we were zombies…”
The physician nearby gently reminded the Huayang Wang, “After thorough examination, we believe the Wangfei and her attendants were drugged with a potent secret medicine, causing deep unconsciousness that made them appear dead.”
Huayang Wang, boiling with anger towards Yuwen Cong, comforted the Wangfei, “It’s a blessing you’re alive.”
After crying for a while, the Wangfei fell asleep from the sedative.
Huayang Wang ordered his maids, “Take good care of the Wangfei. Any mistakes, and you will answer with your lives.”
The steward of Huayang Mansion followed, asking, “Your Highness, are you going back to the palace?”
Huayang Wang said coldly, “I want to go to the Prime Minister Fu’s residence.” The palace was currently mourning for Yuwen Bai. If he went, he would just be wearing mourning clothes, kneeling, and crying for that malicious and cruel child who died young, pretending to be loyal and righteous. Who has the patience for that? It would be better to inform the Prime Minister Fu’s residence about what was happening in the palace so they could be more prepared.
Mingzhu and her family were gathered around Fu Cong’s sickbed as Tang Chunlai analyzed Fu Cong’s condition, “This poison is unheard of, but ancient texts mention a similar ‘Nameless Poison.’ We might try a method based on that.”
Fu Mingqing, usually gentle but now impatient, urged, “If there’s a way, start immediately. Stop babbling.”
Tang Chunlai gravely responded, “The treatment differs entirely from previous methods, and it’s only a possibility. We need everyone’s consent before proceeding. This poison requires the wounds to remain open, or they will fester.”
“Shut up! I didn’t realize you were so overly sensitive.” Fu Mingzheng, provoked by Tang Chunlai, impatiently tore off the bandages and gauze from Fu Cong’s arm.
Once the bandages were removed, everyone fell silent. The decayed flesh around the wound had worsened, and the entire arm had turned black.
Tang Chunlai sighed and ushered everyone out, “Everyone leave. I need to be ruthless now. This rotten flesh must be removed.”
Fu Mingzheng directed the women to leave, “Sisters-in-law, take the children out. Too many people will only distract Doctor Tang.”
Lady Qian led the others out, but Mingzhu refused to leave. “I can handle it.”
Fu Mingzheng didn’t insist, “Suit yourself.”
Tang Chunlai, a tough character, mumbled as if he felt Fu Cong’s pain, but his hands were quick and decisive. Even Fu Mingzheng, who was no stranger to killing, felt a chill and cursed under his breath, “Tang, I didn’t realize you had it in you.”
Tang Chunlai smirked, “Fourth Master, you don’t know my reputation in the martial world.”
Mingzhu, feeling uneasy, tried to distract herself, “What reputation do you have in the martial world, Doctor Tang?”
Tang Chunlai, somewhat proud, replied, “Before serving His Highness, I was known as ‘Hades Hand’ in the martial world, meaning I could decide life and death…”
With a thud, Fu Mingqing, who had been silent, fainted. Fu Mingzheng sighed, lifted Fu Mingqing, and placed him on a nearby chair, “I hadn’t heard Third Brother make a sound. I thought he was tougher than us.”
Tang Chunlai calmly said, “No worries. Once I’m done treating the Prime Minister, I’ll give him an acupuncture. Better not disturb him now, or he might faint again, which isn’t good for him.”
Mingzhu knew Tang Chunlai was trying to lighten the mood, but it also showed how critical Fu Cong’s condition was. She waited silently until Tang Chunlai finished, then seriously asked, “Doctor Tang, do you think Jiang Zhouzi really has a solution?”
Tang Chunlai, somewhat defiant, replied, “He might. I’ll do my best to save the Prime Minister. Your Highness, please try to find him.”
Mingzhu nodded, “I will.”
“Go rest. Even if you can’t sleep, spending time with Zhuangzhuang would be good.” Fu Mingzheng, seeing things settled, urged Mingzhu to leave.
Mingzhu didn’t argue. She felt exhausted. She went to her old quarters, washed thoroughly, changed into clean clothes, and then went to see Zhuangzhuang. Zhuangzhuang was sitting in Wet Nurse Tang’s arms, being fed egg custard by Wet Nurse Lin. His mouth was full, and his bright, shiny eyes sparkled like black beans. When he saw Mingzhu at the door, he started waving his arms and babbling.
Wet Nurse Lin, with her back to Mingzhu, almost dropped the bowl in surprise. She scolded playfully, “Little rascal, so naughty already. How will you be when you grow up?”
Wet Nurse Tang saw Mingzhu and quickly signaled to Wet Nurse Lin. She stood up and greeted, “Your Highness is back.”
Wet Nurse Lin, startled, bowed her head respectfully and remained silent.
“It’s normal for children to be naughty. His Highness and I will discipline him. Don’t worry.” Mingzhu smiled and reached for Zhuangzhuang, who had extended his hand but then turned his head away, refusing to look at her.
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
