Tang Wanqing held Nuonuo even tighter, her eyes reddening as she said, “Nuonuo, stay with Auntie until you find your family, alright? Qiuyue, quickly bring some snacks for Nuonuo.”
Nuonuo received the snacks but didn’t rush to eat them. Instead, she broke off a piece, placed it in her palm, and stretched her hand out the window, saying, “Xiao Cui, come have some snacks.”
Immediately, a small bird, as glossy and vibrant as jade, landed on Nuonuo’s palm and began leisurely pecking at the snack.
Tang Wanqing and Qiuyue stared in astonishment. Qiuyue couldn’t help but ask, “Can this bird understand what you say?”
“Her name is Xiao Cui, and she’s my good friend,” Nuonuo nodded.
Throughout the journey, Nuonuo chattered nonstop about her animal friends in the village. Tang Wanqing listened intently, and the trip passed without any discomfort.
Finally, they made their way back to the general’s mansion in the dark.
Upon seeing Tang Wanqing’s sudden return, Shen Rumei’s face flashed with surprise, but she quickly regained her usual humble and gentle demeanor. “Sister-in-law, you’ve finally returned. I was so worried.”
Qiuyue, quick to speak, thought of her mistress’s ordeal that day and couldn’t hide her dissatisfaction. “If Second Madam was so worried, why didn’t you send someone to fetch her?”
“Miss Qiuyue, please forgive me. Young Master Qingyi had another episode today, and Second Master and I were busy attending to him. We didn’t notice that Sister-in-law hadn’t returned. Sister-in-law, it’s all my fault.”
Shen Rumei apologized with genuine fear and trepidation. Tang Wanqing, in turn, took Shen Rumei’s hand and comforted her softly. “You and Zhicheng have so much to worry about inside and outside the mansion. I should be thanking you, not blaming you. Is Yi’er feeling better now?”
“Sister-in-law, it’s our fortune to be able to contribute to the general’s mansion. Please don’t be so polite with me. Yi’er has taken his medicine and is already asleep. Your medicine for today has been kept warm. I’ll go fetch it for you.” With that, Shen Rumei respectfully withdrew.
Tang Wanqing glanced at Qiuyue and said, “I know you’re worried about me, but you mustn’t speak so carelessly. Rumei is timid by nature. Don’t frighten her.”
Qiuyue knew she was in the wrong and quickly admitted her mistake. “This servant was wrong.”
“She’s not timid at all. Right now, she’s putting poison in Auntie’s medicine bowl,” Nuonuo suddenly spoke up, having remained silent until then.
Tang Wanqing couldn’t help but laugh. “Nuonuo, don’t talk nonsense. She’s my sister-in-law. You can call her Second Aunt. She’s a very good person. Once you get to know her better, you’ll like her.”
“I’m not talking nonsense. Huahua says she adds poison to your bowl every day,” Nuonuo retorted, her cheeks puffing out in displeasure at having her words questioned.
“Who is Huahua?” Tang Wanqing asked, amused.
“That’s Huahua right there,” Nuonuo pointed at the calico cat not far away. “Auntie, remember, you mustn’t drink that medicine.”
Just as Nuonuo finished speaking, Shen Rumei entered with the medicine bowl.
Although Tang Wanqing didn’t believe Shen Rumei would do something like poison her, Nuonuo was a stubborn child. She hadn’t spoken to Old Wu all day. It would be best to go through the motions to put Nuonuo at ease.
So, she said to Shen Rumei, “I’m a bit tired today. I’ll drink the medicine later. You’ve been busy all day too. Go rest first.”
Shen Rumei looked concerned. “Sister-in-law, today’s medicine is already late. It’s best to drink it quickly.”
“It’s fine, I’m already late anyway. I’ll have Qiuyue serve me the medicine later.” Tang Wanqing insisted, and Shen Rumei could say no more, so she withdrew.
After sending Shen Rumei away, Tang Wanqing smiled and said, “Qiuyue, go fetch the silver needle. Let Nuonuo check if there’s poison in this medicine. Otherwise, Rumei’s days ahead won’t be easy.”
Qiuyue cheerfully took the silver needle and dipped it into the medicine bowl, teasing, “Madam is always so thoughtful. Otherwise, Old Wu’s fate today would be Second Madam’s tomor—”
Before she could finish the last word, Qiuyue’s smile vanished. The silver needle had indeed darkened slightly.
“Madam, look?” Qiuyue trembled as she brought the needle before Tang Wanqing.
Tang Wanqing turned pale, while Nuonuo proudly lifted her little head, wearing an expression that said, “I told you so.”
“Qiuyue, go fetch Doctor Xiao immediately. Remember to use the side gate and don’t let anyone notice.”
Following the order, Qiuyue soon brought Doctor Xiao over.
Doctor Xiao had deep ties with the general’s residence, and this prescription was his own.
Pointing at the medicine before her, Tang Wanqing said, “Doctor Xiao, I apologize for disturbing you so late. Please examine this medicine.”
Seeing Madam Tang’s expression, Doctor Xiao knew the matter was serious and carefully inspected the bowl of medicine.
After examining it, his expression turned grave. “Madam, this is indeed the prescription I wrote, but something has been added to it. Forgive my ignorance, but I cannot yet determine what it is or its effects.”
“Even you don’tt know what it is? What could it possibly be?” Tang Wanqing felt disheartened. Doctor Xiao was a leading figure in the medical field, well-versed in both medicinal herbs and poisons. It was the first time she had heard of a substance even he couldn’t identify.
As everyone was at a loss, Nuonuo stood on tiptoe and beckoned to the tabby cat on the beam. “Huahua, come down. I need to ask you something.”
The tabby cat obediently descended from the beam and ran to Nuonuo’s side.
Nuonuo picked up the cat, whispered something into its ear, and the cat meowed in response, as if answering.
Nuonuo stroked the cat’s back. “Thank you, I understand now.” Then, putting the cat down, she said, “This substance is called ‘Yanwang Xiao’ (King of Hell’s Smile).”
“The legendary Yanwang Xiao?” Doctor Xiao exclaimed in astonishment.
Tang Wanqing quickly asked, “What is Yanwang Xiao?”
Doctor Xiao stroked his beard and explained word by word:
It was said to be a fusion of ancient Miao witchcraft poisons and exotic toxins from the Western Regions, recorded at the top of the “Ten Thousand Poisons Compendium.” It was one of the ultimate achievements pursued by poison masters worldwide.
Although a slow-acting poison, it was invariably fatal. In the early stages of poisoning, there were no symptoms. Only at the brink of death, due to the effects of neurotoxins, would the facial muscles lose control, presenting a bizarre and terrifying grin, as if mocking one’s own demise. The sight was horrifying, hence the name “Yanwang Xiao.”
Overwhelmed with guilt, Doctor Xiao wept and said, “No wonder Madam’s illness showed no improvement and she occasionally lost her senses. It was because of Yanwang Xiao. Madam, it is my incompetence. For three years, I failed to detect anything amiss. I have failed you.”
Nuonuo couldn’t bear to see others cry, especially elders like her grandmother, and quickly comforted him, “Grandpa, don’t worry. Auntie’s poison has already been neutralized.”
“Child, Yanwang Xiao has no antidote.” Thinking of General Lin’s family’s plight, Doctor Xiao grew even more sorrowful.
Not wanting Doctor Xiao to blame himself so much, Tang Wanqing said, “Doctor Xiao, after coughing up a thick phlegm today, I felt refreshed and clear-headed. Please take my pulse and see.”
Doctor Xiao checked her left wrist, then her right, and then switched back to her left, his expression growing even more serious.
Qiuyue couldn’t stand the suspense and asked, “Doctor Xiao, how is Madam?”
Doctor Xiao remained silent, frowning as he focused on taking her pulse.
Knowing that Doctor Xiao found it difficult to speak, Tang Wanqing reassured him, “Doctor Xiao, I understand my own body. Everyone has their own fate. Please speak freely.”
“Madam, although your pulse is now fine, it is taut and strong like a tightened string, unlike before when it was faint and weak, as if it could break at any moment. With just a few more doses of medicine to strengthen your foundation and nurture your vitality, you can recover.”
After saying this, Doctor Xiao hesitated for a moment and then asked, “May I ask where Madam found such a renowned physician? To cure such a difficult and complicated illness, along with the poison of Yanwangxiao, overnight—I wonder if I might have the honor of meeting him?”