Your Life Matters More Than Anything
As Zhao Qirong dove into the artificial lake, the surrounding guards followed suit, plunging into the water to assist. Meanwhile, Chun Gong Gong hurried off to summon Qi Wang’s shadow guards stationed at the manor. Originally, the Fourth Prince had ten shadow guards—five accompanied him to the border while the other five remained at the Qi Wang Manor. However, the ones who had traveled to the border, numbered six to ten, had all sacrificed their lives. Now, the remaining five shadow guards had to divide their responsibilities. At this moment, Chun Gong Gong was able to summon only Qi Yi and Qi San.
Zhao Qirong paid no attention to the Eighth Concubine; all his focus was on finding Luxian. Despite diving and searching for nearly half a quarter-hour, he couldn’t locate his wife. The lake, being man-made, was both wide and deep, constructed painstakingly over a long period. It wasn’t until nearly thirty minutes of frantic searching that Zhao Qirong finally found him.
In his past life, Chen Luxian had been a competitive swimmer during his university years. As a medical student, maintaining physical fitness was a priority, and he frequently swam and went to the gym. However, now, in this body and time, there was no opportunity to showcase his swimming skills. Luxian had already lost consciousness...
Qi San, who had been summoned to the scene, was not dressed in his formal attire and appeared at the place as a shadow guard of the Qi Wang. He had just returned from escorting the Sixth Concubine to the dungeon. Meanwhile, the Eighth Concubine, whom Qi Yi had rescued from the water, was unconscious but otherwise unharmed—a stark contrast to the consort, whose face was pale, and pulse undetectable.
“His Highness isn’t breathing...” whispered Lu Lu, leaning close to Zhao Qirong to ensure only he could hear, while Qing Hai continued performing chest compressions on Luxian.
Zhao Qirong didn’t need her to say it. He already knew. The qi energy he was transferring to his wife seemed to have no effect, which made his worry impossible to hide.
“Your Highness, I once heard the young master mention how he saved Yuan Shaochang’s life and taught Deputy General Qin how to use that... mouth-to-mouth method. You were there, weren’t you, Your Highness? Forgive me for saying this, but given the consort’s position, only Your Highness can perform it without causing any scandal,” Lu Lu spoke rapidly, though her voice wavered. Considering the consort’s current status, if she or anyone else attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, even if they saved his life, they would likely face accusations of dishonoring Qi Wang for giving him a green hat.
Zhao Qirong fully understood what she meant. That peculiar life-saving method, once used to save Yuan Shaochang, was now the only viable option. Summoning the imperial physician from the palace wasn’t feasible within the time they had—one ke at most. Any delay could cost his wife’s life. His qi energy was proving useless, and there was clearly more to his consort’s condition than just drowning.
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was the best solution for the moment, but the person performing it had to be Qi Wang himself, not Guard Rongqi.
It was clear that Zhao Qirong’s act of feigning illness would have to end here. With so many eyes watching around the pavilion, he could have kept the matter internal using his authority. However, his consort’s reputation could not be allowed to suffer even the slightest stain.
“I... Ben Wang understands,” Zhao Qirong finally said, his tone resolute. At this moment, nothing else mattered to him—not his safety, not his hidden strategies to lure out enemies. The only thing that mattered was Luxian’s life.
Determined to preserve his consort’s honor, Zhao Qirong referred to himself as “Ben Wang,” making his identity as Qi Wang clear. Without hesitation, he leaned down and began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, alternating with Qing Hai, who continued chest compressions in rhythm.
“How dare you!” Those nearby, unaware of the situation, saw a man dressed as a guard appearing to violate Qi Wang’s primary consort and immediately drew their swords, intent on apprehending Zhao Qirong.
“Your servant Qin Muwen pays respects to Qi Wang.” Qin Muwen, along with the Yuan brothers who had been staying at Qi Wang Manor since the previous night, followed the commotion to the waterside pavilion. As Deputy General of the Eastern Army and a familiar figure to the guards at Qi Wang Manor, Qin Muwen held enough authority to command the situation. Previously entrusted by Qi Wang to oversee the manor’s security, his sudden bow to Zhao Qirong now served to confirm to everyone that the strikingly handsome man, radiating an aura akin to a celestial war god, was none other than Qi Wang—the husband of the consort.
Having witnessed the earlier incident involving Yuan Shaochang, Qin Muwen and Yuan Shaoqi immediately understood what Zhao Qirong was doing. It was clear that Qi Wang no longer intended to hide his recovery. To prevent rumors and scandal, Qin Muwen deliberately made this public acknowledgment in an instant.
The three friends had initially planned to invite the married couple to roam the martial world with them. However, upon hearing the shocking news of the primary consort’s fall into the water, they rushed to the scene out of concern and curiosity. Given Luxian’s exceptional abilities, the idea of him falling into the lake seemed unbelievable. When they arrived, they were stunned to find Zhao Qirong, disguised as a guard, performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on his unconscious wife.
The concubines, guards, maids, and eunuchs present—upon hearing the Deputy General’s confirmation that the flawless, upright man before them was indeed Qi Wang, and seeing him alive and well—trembled with fear. Many fell to their knees, not daring to utter a word. The primary consort had met with such a grave incident in Qi Wang’s presence. Even if they weren’t directly involved, should Qi Wang decree punishment, their lives would likely not be spared.
The Eighth Concubine, who had been feigning unconsciousness, began to sweat profusely. Her plan had been flawless—just as the figure behind the scheme had instructed. The primary consort, Chen Lu, had been submerged in the lake for far too long to survive, especially with the added poison he’d been given. But now after everything had unraveled, Qi Wang had not only been present but had also witnessed everything. Worse still, he had even fought with the Sixth Concubine earlier. There was no telling how or when the Fourth Prince had recovered from his illness, but as the renowned General of the Eastern Army and a man fiercely devoted to the consort, it was certain that Zhao Qirong would investigate this incident to the very end.
Even if she trusted the mastermind’s plan, with the Sixth Concubine already in the shadow guard’s custody, the Eighth Concubine could no longer be sure she would escape punishment once the matter reached the hands of Qi Wang.
Chen Luxian coughed up water mixed with dark, clotted blood, muttering something only Zhao Qirong could hear.
“My consort has been poisoned. You two, follow me,” Zhao Qirong said to the two maids in a tone devoid of emotion before turning to Qin Muwen with a grave command.
“Deputy General Qin, detained everyone at the scene for questioning. The Eighth Concubine, though she also fell into the water, must not be spared. Summon a physician to treat her and then imprison her. Seal off this pavilion, and forbid anyone from entering. If anyone disobeys, have them executed on the spot.”
“If you have nothing to hide, cooperate with Deputy General Qin. Ben Wang will not harm the innocent. But if you are involved, don’t expect to leave this manor alive!” Zhao Qirong’s sharp gaze swept over everyone present—be they master or servant, male or female. The Third and Seventh Concubines, who were still dazed and trembling, didn’t even dare to lift their eyes.
Even the three concubines who had previously been humiliated by having their hair shaved off, though absent, were not considered innocent. Zhao Qirong ordered Qin Muwen to investigate them as well.
“I accept your command, Your Highness,” Qin Muwen replied firmly. Though he wanted to follow Zhao Qirong to check on Luxian, he understood the importance of this matter. As Qi Wang’s subordinate, it was his duty to stay and ensure that no one involved in this plot against his friend escaped justice.
Carrying his wife in his arms, Zhao Qirong left the waterside pavilion. The scene of chaos fell silent, save for the whisper of leaves rustling in the wind.
“I’ll go check on him,” Yuan Shaoqi said, turning to his brother.
“Go ahead, Elder Brother. I’ll stay and assist Deputy General Qin,” Yuan Shaochang replied with a nod before watching his brother leave to follow Qin Muwen.
...
Zhao Qirong carried Chen Luxian away from the waterside pavilion. After walking a fair distance, he glanced at his wife’s maids. Normally, in such a situation, the first course of action would be to summon the imperial physician as quickly as possible. However, just moments earlier, Luxian had asked him to go to the Hall of Lu Yue instead. Zhao Qirong knew that his wife’s maids had cared for him diligently during his time there and that Luxian had likely taught them a great deal of medical knowledge.
Still... the time it would take to reach Hall of Lu Yue from Qi Wang Manor was roughly the same as going to the palace for the imperial physician. Should he trust his wife’s request, or summon the physician instead? What exactly was his wife planning?
“There’s an ‘All-Purpose Antidote’ in the chambers,” Lu Lu said urgently. “I’ll fetch it right away. Your Highness, please have the carriage prepared and take His Highness there to wait. I’ll catch up as soon as possible.” With that, she ran off without waiting for a response. Formalities were now the last thing on anyone’s mind.
Upon hearing her words, Zhao Qirong began to understand Luxian’s intentions. The “All-Purpose Antidote” was something he didn’t even know when or how his wife had acquired. Did he trade medical knowledge with the renowned ‘King of Medicine, Wan Yao’, of the martial world? Regardless, its presence gave him a temporary sense of relief.
Chun Gong Gong hurried to fetch the carriage while Yuan Shaoqi approached with a grim expression.
“How is Luxian?” Yuan Shaoqi asked, breaking the tense silence.
Zhao Qirong was now overwhelmed and barely managed to answer. He was still in shock from seeing his wife fall into the water and then be poisoned, all because of an assassin who turned out to be one of his concubines. It was his fault—Luxian had been put in danger because of him. First, there was the incident with the aphrodisiac incense, and now this.
The Fourth Prince’s manor had always been infiltrated by spies and assassins sent by various parties. Sometimes Zhao Qirong managed to root them out before they acted, while other times he waited for them to make their move and then captured them. Most of the time, he dealt with such threats alone. Whether he succeeded or got hurt in the process, it never endangered anyone but himself. He had grown accustomed to living this way.
But now, with someone so dear to him by his side, it was different. Since realizing the feelings he had for Luxian were more than mere friendship, Zhao Qirong had grown increasingly worried. If his wife became a target as well, how could he protect him? Today’s events had made the answer painfully clear: he couldn’t.
No matter how vigilant or skilled he was, perfection was unattainable. Even the mightiest General of the Eastern Army could fail to protect the person he cherished most. From now on, it would be up to Luxian to decide if he still wished to remain by his side. If he didn’t, Zhao Qirong resolved to defy even the Emperor’s decree for the sake of this person who had become his everything.
“Your Highness, I’ve checked the young master’s pulse, and it’s very confusing,” Qing Hai reported gravely. “It feels as if there’s something foreign disrupting his original pulse, mixing with the strange poison. His pulse is extremely weak right now...”
Despite having studied medicine under Dr. Chen for several months, comparing herself to someone with decades of expertise was impossible. Qing Hai could not confidently diagnose the situation. The antidote should have improved the pulse immediately, yet it remained irregular and bizarre. This chapter is updated first at novelping.com.
“If the young master were a woman, this might make sense... but he’s not...” Qing Hai trailed off, her words heavy with unease.
"Then what must I do to save Luxian?!" Zhao Qirong, who had been silent for a long time, roared inside the carriage, his voice thunderous. Yet his next words came out soft, trembling with emotion, accompanied by tears streaming down the cheeks of the mighty Eastern General.
Yuan Shaoqi, Qing Hai, Lu Lu, and Chun Gong Gong all understood his feelings. To know that he himself was the reason his beloved was in danger—there was no worse agony...
"The young master once told me that the ’All-Purpose Antidote’ could neutralize common poisons within one hour. But for rare or complex poisons, it may take time to observe the effects. Elder Wan Yao said that no matter the poison, this antidote can at least temporarily sustain life. Once the young master regains consciousness, he’ll surely know how to treat himself. Your Highness, please don’t worry too much," Qing Hai said in an attempt to reassure Zhao Qirong, whose mind seemed to be unraveling.
But knowing that his wife had always been prepared for the possibility of being poisoned only made Zhao Qirong feel worse.
Chun Gong Gong soon returned with the carriage. Zhao Qirong carefully carried Luxian into it, while Chun Gong Gong and Yuan Shaoqi took the driver’s seat outside. Inside the carriage, Lu Lu and Qing Hai sat close, closely monitoring the consort’s condition.
No one in the carriage cared about propriety, hierarchy, or the rules of master and servant. The only thing that mattered to them was Luxian’s life.
Zhao Qirong remained tense, sitting rigidly with a somber expression. Even inside the carriage, he continued to hold Luxian’s unconscious body on his lap. Not long after, Luxian coughed up another mouthful of blackened blood, which they identified as the poison being expelled by the antidote. This brought a brief moment of relief. But that relief was short-lived as Zhao Qirong suddenly shouted.
"Blood!" His hands, cradling his wife’s lower body, felt a warm, wet liquid. Looking down, he saw it was blood.
"Luxian!" Zhao Qirong’s face turned pale as he shook his wife, calling his name frantically, overwhelmed by fear and confusion.
How could this be? Luxian had been poisoned, so why was he bleeding from there?
"Young Master Yuan, please speed up the horses!" Qing Hai urged, her voice urgent. Less than half a quarter-hour later, they finally arrived at the Hall of Lu Yue.
Earlier, while waiting for the carriage, Qing Hai had already launched a signal flare to alert Bai Li and Li Hong. Thanks to this, when they arrived, Luxian was immediately wheeled into the pavilion and placed on a mobile bed. Fortunately, there weren’t many guests at Hall of Lu Yue that day; otherwise, Zhao Qirong’s frantic state might have drawn a crowd even to the back entrance.
Once on the third floor, Zhao Qirong could do nothing but stand helplessly as his wife’s four maids worked together to treat him. He remained near the door with Chun Gong Gong and Yuan Shaoqi, unable to intervene.
"Li Hong, please fetch a new set of clothes for the young master," Lu Lu said as she carefully removed the phoenix-patterned coronet from Luxian’s head.
"The bleeding from below has stopped," Qing Hai reported. "But I still don’t understand what caused it. The antidote has been given, and the pulse is stabilizing. For now, we can only wait for the young master to regain consciousness."
"You two have been trained in medicine under the young master. Do you really have no idea what’s going on? When will he wake up?" Li Hong asked, her tone tense as she helped change Luxian’s clothes.
"We’ve learned a great deal, yes, but we’re no match for the young master’s expertise. Our abilities are too limited. We’ll have to wait for him to wake up on his own. As for when that will be, it depends on the type of poison he was given. But it shouldn’t take longer than three days," Qing Hai replied with a sigh of resignation.
The conversation between the four maids was overheard by the three men outside. Chun Gong Gong and Yuan Shaoqi felt somewhat reassured, but Zhao Qirong stood motionless, his expression as lifeless as a corpse.