By the couch, the tall and mighty emperor seemed to be shrouded in a gloomy cloud. Even his voice was low and dejected.
Liang Jiusi and the others silently exchanged glances. Filled with both worry and distress, they filed out one by one.
Chang Wei felt a warmth in his eyes and didn't dare to delay. He directly commandeered the study in the side hall. Wracking his brains, he first prescribed a mild medicinal formula to suppress the poison and quickly handed it to Liang Jiusi to have someone decoct it.
Then, full of fighting spirit, he returned to the study to burn the midnight oil, vowing to conquer this little Bishui Poison!
Banchun personally carried the hot water into the palace but suddenly stopped in her tracks and stood still.
Through the hazy screen, she could see the tall figure kneeling halfway by the couch. Even though she was far away and the view was a bit unclear, she could feel the deep love and tenderness.
Banchun tightened her grip on the water basin, her palms hurting. Her eyes couldn't help but redden, and a boundless sense of self - blame and regret welled up in her heart.
After waiting for a while, Banchun whispered to ask for permission:
"Your Majesty, the hot water is ready."
Jun Wuyuan gave a grunt. "Get out!"
Banchun was startled, as if she hadn't expected it.
Was His Majesty actually going to serve the Lady in person for her grooming and bathing?
But she didn't dare to delay and quickly backed out, guarding the palace door.
God knew that at this moment, the aura of hostility on His Majesty was so thick that it was almost uncontrollable. If it weren't for the Lady suppressing it, I'm afraid all the palace servants in the hall would have suffered.
It was good that His Majesty was with the Lady. The Lady's identity was sensitive in the first place. After suffering such great pain this time, it would be good if His Majesty could feel sorry for her and their relationship could take a step further.
Jun Wuyuan didn't know the little thoughts in his former maid's mind. His heart was full of Ling Shan.
Everything that had happened in such a short period of time was so shocking and unexpected.
Jun Wuyuan had never thought that Ling Shan had endured so much when he wasn't aware.
Actually, he had thought about it to some extent.
They were all well - aware of Ling Shan's identity. From the initial suspicion and testing to later taking an interest, they had gradually kept her by his side.
Jun Wuyuan just thought Ling Shan was interesting and quite considerate. He took an interest in keeping her around.
But gradually, he was touched by her sincere and intense love. Step by step, not only because of the situation but also because his heart was truly moved, he really put her in his heart.
He hadn't thought deeply about it before, but now he knew how deep Shan Shan's love was.
In comparison, his love was nothing!
Jun Wuyuan's heart ached. His eyes were blood - red and terrifying, but his hands were extremely gentle as he took off Ling Shan's clothes and placed her in the bathtub.
From each strand of her hair to every inch of her face, and the jade - like body that he had touched and caressed countless times...
Jun Wuyuan washed her very carefully. His eyes sparkled with tears, and his gaze was filled with an unprecedented concentration.
His peach - blossom eyes, which seemed on the verge of crying but were also full of deep affection, couldn't bear to move away for even a moment.
He washed her inch by inch. For the first time, there was no hint of lustful impulse. Instead, his heart was filled with a love and pity that was so intense it couldn't be dissolved.
He didn't know that in just one or two days, Shan Shan had become so thin and haggard.
Jun Wuyuan wrapped Ling Shan in a handkerchief. His heart ached and softened as he leaned over and kissed her bloodless lips.
It was his fault.
He said he loved Shan Shan, but he hadn't protected her well.
He had allowed that old witch to threaten and force Shan Shan for nearly three or four months with such a poisonous method, leaving her alone to face the cruel old witch and the excruciating poison.
Jun Wuyuan was filled with hatred.
He hated the Queen Mother, that old witch, but he hated himself even more.
He clearly knew that the old witch was a person who would stop at nothing to achieve her goals. How could he be so stupid as not to be more suspicious?
Shan Shan, do you resent me in your heart?
On those nights when you were tortured by the onset of the poison, under each wave of heart - rending pain, would you...
Jun Wuyuan placed Ling Shan on the prepared couch and knelt halfway by the couch, reaching out to hold her hand. His blood - red eyes flashed with various crazy and complex emotions such as paranoia, pity, and love.
Shan Shan, I will never let those who hurt you go!
A cold and gloomy aura emerged on his handsome face, looking eerie under the candlelight.
Soon, the medicinal soup was decocted and brought in. Jun Wuyuan hugged Ling Shan and clumsily but carefully fed it all to her.
After feeding her, he pinched the silk handkerchief and wiped her mouth clean bit by bit. Then, with a gentle look in his eyes, he leaned over and kissed her lips.
"Take good care of your mistress. If something like this happens again, I'll cut off your heads!"
Banchun and Xiaoman both knelt down to express their gratitude, kowtowing in fear and accepting the order.
Even without Jun Wuyuan's warning, they would never let such a thing happen again, even if it meant sacrificing their lives!
Liang Jiusi scanned the surroundings with his eyes as big as copper bells and guarded outside the palace door.
As soon as Jun Wuyuan came out, Liang Jiusi quickly stepped forward. Even though he was mentally prepared, he was still shocked by the gloomy look on the emperor's face.
"Your Majesty."
A bad thought suddenly popped up in Liang Jiusi's mind.
In the study, Chang Wei was oblivious to the outside world, completely immersed in medical books and ancient records, constantly deleting and adding.
The desk that should have been filled with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones was now covered with all kinds of medicinal herbs. The medicine mortar emitted the unique fragrance and bitterness of herbs.
Liang Jiusi twitched the corner of his mouth and silently followed His Majesty "dejectedly" to the small table by the window, waiting for the imperial order.
"At the first quarter of the ugly hour, have the wet - nurse personally lead people to feed the Hongyan Poison to the old witch!"
"Your Majesty?!"
Liang Jiusi was startled and subconsciously looked up at Jun Wuyuan.
Under the bright candlelight, the young and handsome face of the emperor was filled with bone - chilling coldness, and his eyes emitted a terrifying hostility.
He suddenly understood everything.
As a trusted subordinate, he should have advised His Majesty that this was not a good time to act, but...
His Majesty's anger and hatred needed an outlet. Otherwise, wouldn't it be them, the people around him, who would be unlucky?
Liang Jiusi quickly made a decision: "Your Majesty, don't worry. This old servant will go and send a message to Sister Qiyuan right away. I guarantee to complete the task!"
Jun Wuyuan's expression softened for a moment.
"Wait—"
Liang Jiusi felt relieved and was about to turn around when Chang Wei, who had his head buried in the herbs, moved.
He lifted his head from the herbs, rummaged in his medicine box, which was like his life - saving treasure, and handed a small porcelain bottle to Liang Jiusi.
A row of white teeth showed on his dark face, and that somewhat eerie smile appeared in front of him.
"Use this Qian Sha Jie. It will work better when combined with the Hongyan Poison."
Liang Jiusi's body trembled inexplicably, and his back felt cold.
It sounded like the effects of these two wonderful things were really scary.
I just wonder if the Queen Mother will still look so high - and - mighty when she realizes she has been poisoned.