Chapter 23: This Medicine Is Poisonous

Cai Wei gently tugged at Xu Luoyan from beside and whispered, "Your Highness, don't let anyone provoke your emotions; have you forgotten the matter we agreed on before you left?"

"Hmph! I don't need you to remind me," Xu Luoyan flicked her hand.

With murderous aura fixed on Wan Tang, she sneered, "Little sister, don't get cocky; you and I are still good sisters. Don't blame me for not warning you. In this harem, any Imperial Concubine without favor is like a stinking rat."

"Moreover, you're such a sickly leper; who knows when you'll die."

She raised her hand, her delicate armor flashing dazzlingly in the sun, and Xu Luoyan laughed, "I must go back to prepare; after all, the Emperor stays with me day after day."

"I'm busy every day, unlike some people who can only serve as the Emperor's plaything…"

Xu Luoyan smiled and turned to leave.

But just as she was leaving, she cast a meaning‑laden glance at the small table.

"Young master, I've placed the items in the storage first." This time, before Xi'er could speak, the small table stepped forward on its own and carried the items away.

【The small table is truly proactive, not fearing to offend Xi Gonggong.】

【Compared to the mission, what is there to fear? After all, the box that Cai Wei tapped contains something good.】

【Indeed, would Xu Luoyan be so kind to deliver items? She must have put a u tou in there.】

U tou? A deadly poison.

Wan Tang looked again at the small table's relentless steps, her eyes deep.

"Young master." Li Ping'er's voice roused Wan Tang from her reverie: "The Noble Consort's status is extraordinary, and she has now successfully regained favor. If you speak to her like that, aren't you afraid of the Noble Consort?"

Fear—that was the funniest thing Wan Tang had ever heard.

She lifted the corner of her mouth, her voice laced with indifference: "Fear? Showing weakness will make others spare you?"

"If I avoid her completely, will she stop trying to kill me?"

Both questions left Li Ping'er at a loss for words.

Li Ping'er lowered her head, her eyes filled with deep worry: "Young master, the Noble Consort's murderous intent has arisen, and the Emperor has not come here for a long time."

"The Nubi in the Imperial Palace all flatter the powerful and trample the weak; how should we deal with it?"

Wan Tang looked into Li Ping'er's eyes, a hint of complexity in them: "Ping'er, you've seen it too—now the Noble Consort and I are locked in an endless deadlock. Follow me, and it will be nine deaths for one life."

"I understand, it isn't easy for you in the palace. If you must leave, I won't blame you."

Li Ping'er's head bobbed like a tambourine as she knelt, emotionally saying, "Young master saved the Nubi's life; you are the best master the Nubi has ever seen. The Nubi said, I will share rise and fall with you."

"Fine! Where's Tuan Rong? Bring it here." Wan Tang thought for a moment and said.

Didn't Xu Luoyan say the Emperor was going to her?

Alright, today she will make the Emperor too weak to look at her.

Wan Tang cradled Tuan Rong, stroking its fur, with no one by her side, and walked out.

The winding road to Jingren Palace led to a wonderful spot, bearing the inscription "Listening Bamboo Pavilion."

When Consort Hui first entered the palace, the Emperor had a pavilion built especially for her. Later, for unknown reasons, Consort Hui refused to see the Emperor again. This Listening Bamboo Pavilion has since seen no visitors.

Upon entering, one feels dazed, as if stepping into a fairyland.

Bamboo shadows sway gracefully in the wind. Emerald water meanders around the green stone Jiashan, the rocks jagged, moss mottled, reflecting the bamboo shadows.

On the water's surface, a few bamboo leaves float lightly, drifting with the waves. Beside the Jiashan, a pool of clear spring babbles, its sound like a zither.

Inside the pavilion, bamboo fragrance pervades, light and shadow dappled.

Just standing inside lifts one's spirit.

Wan Tang dug a small pit at the entrance in advance, burying Tuan Rong's favorite food.

She then retreated to Listening Rain Pavilion, carefully plucking bamboo leaf hearts.

Footsteps sounded from outside; though many, their steps were synchronized. Even the air carried a distinct incense scent.

Wan Tang hurriedly let Tuan Rong out, lifted her light veil, letting her obedient long hair fall, and rose onto tiptoe to pluck the bamboo leaf hearts above.

At the entrance of Listening Bamboo Pavilion, Chu Yunzheng's honor guard was marching.

A small rabbit suddenly burst from the grass, its body snow‑white, with only a pair of red eyes.

"Where did that rabbit come from?" Li Defu sounded a bit puzzled. Just as he was about to drive it away, Chu Yunzheng said, "Stop."

"All are waiting outside; without my command, no one may enter."

Waiting for them to arrive, Wan Tang rose even higher on tiptoe; bamboo shadows, sheer veil, and light merged, unlike the rigid spring scenery of a room. In this near‑perfect backdrop, an elegant charm unfolded.

Already breathtaking, this hazy atmosphere makes it impossible to look away.

Chu Yunzheng gave her a single glance, yet couldn't look away; his eyes fixed forward as he hurried forward, grabbing her from behind into his arms.

"Ah!" Wan Tang let out a delicate gasp, quickly turning her head.

She clearly saw a flash of astonishment in the Emperor's eyes, then a smile full of indulgence: "What are you doing here?"

"Emperor." Wan Tang leaned into Chu Yunzheng's embrace.

She coquettishly said, "It's about time, I just need some recuperation."

She mentioned it briefly, then exclaimed in surprise, "Tuan Rong? How did it end up with the Emperor?"

Wan Tang held Tuan Rong in her arms, her face still innocent as she said, "Does Tuan Rong also miss the Emperor, so it ran to find him?"

"If I hadn't seen Tuan Rong, I wouldn't have known you were here," Chu Yunzheng's tone carried a hint of probing.

Wan Tang's face was openly sincere; she proudly lifted the half‑basket of bamboo leaf hearts in her hand and said, "I've heard this place has abundant bamboo, so I came especially. Today's a great harvest, perfect for making more bamboo‑leaf tea."

Chu Yunzheng's doubts vanished: "You're the most inventive; all the flowers and plants in this courtyard have become your treasures."

At this point, Chu Yunzheng's gaze swept the Listening Bamboo Pavilion, a trace of regret in his eyes: "It's been many years since I last came here. In fact, I've never…"

"There's a loft ahead; go brew a pot, and I'll taste it." Chu Yunzheng's eyes were full of Wan Tang's silhouette, his voice now tinged with feeling: "If it's good, I'll reward you."

The loft was elegant, its décor soft yet sturdy, revealing that its former owner was an extraordinary woman.

The bamboo leaves were emerald, the tea broth crystal clear; a sip filled the mouth with bamboo fragrance, quenching thirst and soothing dryness—perfect for summer.

Chu Yunzheng nodded repeatedly: "Not bad. Drinking richly flavored tea all day, this sip indeed refreshes me."

Seeing the Emperor drink two cups in a row, even seeming to enjoy it, Wan Tang gave a coquettish smile and asked, "You said you would grant a reward; I won't be modest—just tell me what the Emperor wishes to reward."

Chu Yunzheng looked at Wan Tang's face, reached out and pinched her chin, and said, "May I grant you my reward, is that alright?"

"Emperor…" Wan Tang pretended to be shy.

Before she could move her face away, Chu Yunzheng leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.

A faint scent of bamboo drifted between them, and the bamboo couch nearby felt especially cool.

Chu Yunzheng took without restraint, for a long, long time, before finally stopping.

Wan Tang's body was extremely limp, yet she knew well that Chu Yunzheng was now strong and vigorous, youthful and full of vigor; this amount of activity alone would not exhaust him.

Although it was unsightly, Wan Tang gritted her teeth, endured her maidenly shyness, and took the initiative.

"Tangtang, you little imp…"

When Wan Tang made that move, Chu Yunzheng's voice trembled a few notes, and he cared not, reveling in it.

Until the evening glow filled the sky, the bamboo pavilion's leaves thickened, and the sunlight faded, the two finally reluctantly separated and put on their clothes.

"I will come see you again tomorrow."

"I have some matters today, be good."

"Mm." Wan Tang's smile was sweet, as obedient as Tuan Rong, and she nodded heavily.

Chu Yunzheng's legs were a bit sore as he left, and he lingered for a while before departing the bamboo pavilion.

From the doorway came Chu Yunzheng's voice again: "I won't go to Jingren Palace today; I'll return to the Imperial Study first."

Wan Tang leaned on the palace wall and slowly walked toward Cuivei Palace.

Wan Tang had not returned for a long time, and the people of Cuivei Palace were extremely anxious.

Xi Er was sweating profusely, as if facing a great enemy. Seeing Wan Tang return, she finally exhaled a sigh of relief and shouted, "Oh my, my little Master, you finally came back."

"You're still ill, and suddenly you vanished; it made the servant so worried!"

Wan Tang answered as if she had lost someone and feared she couldn't report to the Empress.

"Little Master, where have you been these past few hours?" Xi Er asked tentatively.

Wan Tang showed little expression: "I was restless, so I went out for a walk."

【Isn't Xi Er usually playful? She's gotten carried away this time!】

【The point is, the items Xu Luoyan brought were never placed in the storeroom.】

【If Xu Luoyan brings things, it isn't sincere; now that Wan Tang has fallen out of favor, who would truly keep her in mind.】

【The small table took the items back; who would know?】

Suppressing the urge to laugh, Wan Tang said displeasedly, "Grandfather Xi, the Noble Consort is coming today, and I still feel uneasy inside."

"After thinking it over, even if Cuivei Palace is poor, we don't need to accept the Noble Consort's charity. You handle it!"

Wan Tang deliberately created the impression that she only went out to clear her mind after being scolded by the Noble Consort.

But this remark, when heard by Xi Er, took on a different meaning.

His face darkened instantly, forcing a strained smile: "Little Master, rest assured, the servant will take care of everything perfectly."

"Little Master." As soon as Xi Er left, Li Ping'er hurriedly supported Wan Tang and returned to the room.

Seeing Wan Tang walk with difficulty, she worriedly asked, "Little Master, what's wrong? Were you bullied by someone?"

"It's nothing, just rest a bit." Wan Tang's face was flushed, thinking of the reckless sinking that made her whole body burn intensely.

Li Ping'er was still a virgin and completely didn't understand this.

Touching Wan Tang's forehead with the back of her hand, she grew more nervous: "Little Master, you're so hot; could it be a fever?"

"I'll go ask the Imperial Physician."

"No need." Wan Tang replied helplessly, "It's fine; first drink the medicine, then we'll see."

"Right, drink the medicine first." Li Ping'er hurriedly shouted outside.

Qiu Ju brought the medicine over.

"Master, the gold is almost gone; Xie Taiyi has taken leave recently, and the other physicians won't come even if they see the gold." After Qiu Ju entered, she began to complain.

Seeing her look so aggrieved, it seemed she had returned after being rebuked at the Imperial Medical Institute.

Wan Tang placed Tuan Rong on the table, scooped a mouthful with a spoon, and said, "Never mind, this medicine can't be drunk for long."

As long as we survive this period and avoid its edge, striking again will truly cause Xu Luoyan to fall into the abyss.

Wan Tang lifted the pill, gently stirring it with the spoon.

Tuan Rong stared at Wan Tang, mouth moving continuously.

"Tuan Rong, what's up? Do you want to drink too?" Wan Tang's voice was very gentle, "It's all nourishing; maybe after drinking, Tuan Rong will look even prettier."

Wan Tang used the spoon to bring the medicine to Tuan Rong's lips.

Unexpectedly, Tuan Rong actually drank it.

But the next second, Tuan Rong's whole body twitched anxiously, and blood spurted from his mouth and nose.

After a brief struggle, he could no longer move; his body gradually stiffened.

Wan Tang's hand trembled, and the medicine bowl fell to the ground.

Her face turned ashen: "This… medicine… is poisonous!"