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A simple carriage bearing the insignia of the Prime Minister's residence slowly made its way towards the palace…

Inside, Ning Ran held a thick book, engrossed in reading it, saying little along the way.

Murong Wei didn't ask any questions either. From the moment she boarded the carriage with him until now, she had been looking out the window. They walked straight along Chaofeng Street, occasionally seeing crowds of people watching the imperial edicts. When she saw the main gate of General Murong's residence, her heart was filled with mixed emotions. Ye Bao should be waiting for her in the backyard of the Murong residence by now.

How could she let Ye Bao know that Ning Ran had caught her and brought her to the palace?

After much consideration, she spoke first, smiling, "Prime Minister Ning, now that I'm in your carriage, shouldn't the imperial edicts throughout the city be taken down?"

"His Majesty has his own plans," Ning Ran said calmly, without the anger and hostility Murong Wei had expected. This person seemed to be naturally mild-mannered.

"Prime Minister Ning, you just said that going to the palace might offer a chance for a change of fortune. Could you please explain more clearly? I ran away without permission, breaking my promise to you. I know I deserve to die, but I have young children and elderly parents to support. I beg you, Prime Minister Ning, to show mercy and plead for me before the King," Murong Wei said pitifully.

Ning Ran put down his book and said in his usual calm tone, "Madam Murong, Aunt Li has already told you everything. I don't know what the King will ask you when you see him later, but I advise you to tell the truth. Otherwise, the crime of deceiving the King is a hundred times worse than your crime of breaking your promise to me."

Murong Wei's heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but curse Ye Bao inwardly. She had spent a fortune to buy four slaves just to watch over Aunt Li, and he had sold them all as soon as he left.

"Prime Minister, is my crime of breaking my promise to you the only one?" Murong Wei asked timidly.

"That's the current situation." Ning Ran's tone remained gentle, even somewhat grave. After speaking, he lowered his head again to continue reading.

Murong Wei's heart was pounding. His tone just now, Bai Wushang's actions, the whole matter exuded a strange aura. It couldn't be that simple...

Soon, the carriage passed through the palace gate and slowly stopped in front of the Chaofeng Hall. Ning Ran's carriage could only go this far.

Attentive eunuchs immediately came to help her. Murong Wei didn't seem like a criminal at all, enjoying the treatment of being stepped on by servants to get out of the carriage.

"Prime Minister, His Majesty has been waiting for a long time." The little eunuch's tone was somewhat heavy as he sized up Murong Wei.

"Has Consort De returned to her residence?" Ning Ran asked.

"No, Consort De has settled down at the lakeside pavilion in the Imperial Garden. General Murong and his wife are with her. His Majesty said that you should quickly go to the palace to take care of things. He has to serve Consort De." "The little eunuch said.

Murong Wei, who had been keeping her head down, was startled. She was just a concubine of Prince Xuanyuan, yet the King of Han had used the word "serve" to describe her. This showed Han's fear of Xuanyuan and the high status of this concubine of Prince Qi. Murong Wei couldn't help but wonder, what if she were Prince Qi's principal wife?

"Hmm." Ning Ran didn't say anything more and walked forward.

"Wait, Prime Minister, who is this woman?" The little eunuch caught up and asked respectfully. Firstly, he never saw a woman by his side, and secondly, he couldn't just bring anyone into the Chaofeng Hall.

"His Majesty wants to see someone. This is none of your business. Greet Consort De, and I will go and pay my respects later." Ning Ran said calmly.

"Yes." The little eunuch glanced at Murong Wei again before retreating.

"Prime Minister, this matter seems quite secretive." "Murong Wei smiled ingratiatingly and began tentatively.

"Currently, only you, me, Lord Wushang, and your son know. Do you think that's a secret?" Ning Ran asked.

"Where's Aunt Li?" Murong Wei's voice grew even more timid.

Ning Ran didn't answer her, striding over the high threshold. Murong Wei followed, head bowed. They had only taken a few steps inside when the door slammed shut behind them. The windows on both sides were already closed. A row of oil lamps burned in the hall, casting long, long shadows of the two figures. Murong Wei stopped with Ning Ran, stepping on one of the shadows.

"How dare you!" Suddenly, a terrified shout rang out.

Murong Wei looked up abruptly and saw a bloated middle-aged man sitting on the main seat, dressed in bright yellow casual clothes. His most distinctive feature was his pair of small, almost rat-like eyes. This must be King Long Xiao of the Han Kingdom, though he had no regal bearing whatsoever.

Beside him, Bai Wushang was unassuming, dressed in a moon-white robe, casually fanning himself with a paper fan.

People always seem to show their value in comparison. Compared to him, Murong Wei suddenly found Bai Wushang extremely handsome. At that moment, however, the image of that aloof back involuntarily flashed through her mind. No matter how handsome he was, he couldn't compare to the white-robed man in the slightest. The king retreated repeatedly, his face filled with fear and anger, and roared again, "How dare you! Get out of here!"

Murong Wei was bewildered by the shout and had no choice but to obey and retreat. "Stepping

on one

's shadow will shorten one's lifespan," the king firmly believed. "Ning Ran, being kind, pulled Murong Wei over and whispered something.

Bai Wushang, who had been watching her with amusement the whole time, stood beside the king, unmoved.

Murong Wei then understood the reason and immediately moved far away from all the shadows on the ground, bowing and saying, "This humble subject is new to the palace and is ignorant of the rules. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

"You are Doctor Murong Wei of Bao'an Hall?" Long Xiao asked, raising an eyebrow.

"That is indeed me." Murong Wei answered truthfully.

"Where is your son?" Long Xiao asked again.

"My son was separated from me on the way and I have been looking for him." Murong Wei quickly replied.

"Take off your mask so I can see." Long Xiao said again.

"The scars on my face are frighteningly ugly. It's best not to startle Your Majesty." Murong Wei quickly replied.

"I didn't say I wanted to see you. I like that mask. Take it off

so I can take a look. Wu Shang, come over here, quickly!" Long Xiao's voice was deep and full of impatience. Murong Wei's heart skipped a beat, a sense of humiliation welling up inside her, but she could only watch Bai Wu Shang walk towards her step by step, powerless to do anything.

Ning Ran just stood there at a distance, not saying a word. The hall was extremely quiet. Several eunuchs were carrying curtains to block the king's view.

"No need, no need, Weiwei, turn your back." Bai Wu Shang smiled and waved his hand to dismiss the eunuchs. This guy was still smiling, seemingly always smiling brightly. Much later, Murong Wei realized that his brightest smile was often when he was at his angrier.

Murong Wei watched him lift his robes and walk down step by step, but suddenly she stubbornly stopped, as if this man was someone who could tolerate her temper. She just wanted to stand there and see what he could do to her.

The fat, pig-like King Han, with rat-like eyes, sat high on his dragon throne. Ning Ran stood before him on the steps below. The room was silent. Several eunuchs, having overheard Bai Wushang's words, quietly withdrew when the king remained silent.

Murong Wei stood ramrod straight, almost stiffly. Half her face was beautiful, the other half hidden behind a gold mask. A stubborn glint shone in her clear eyes as she stared intently at Bai Wushang, who wore a smile.

Bai Wushang was already before her, still smiling, and said, "Weiwei, be good, turn around. Your ugly half-face will frighten the king."

Murong Wei clenched her hands, remaining silent and still.

Although she always said she didn't rely on her looks and that it didn't matter whether she was pretty or not,

she still cared to some extent, especially about removing her mask in front of everyone and revealing a face she herself dared not look at. How could she not care?

"Be good, this isn't the time to be temperamental in front of the King," Bai Wushang said softly, his large hands already resting on her shoulders.

"Bai Wushang... what are you dawdling for?" Long Xiao roared again, his temper at its worst.

However, Bai Wushang ignored him, practically hugging Murong Wei and slowly turning her stiff body around before whispering, "In the pavilion, didn't I let you off the hook, sir? How come Ning Ran ran into you again? Is this all you've got?"

Again?

Murong Wei was taken aback. Again? What did that mean?

Could it be that Ning Ran followed them when they went to the pawnshop? Otherwise, the pawnshop was Bai Wushang's territory, and he wouldn't need to put on this act. As

Murong Wei was distracted, Bai Wushang's presence drew near, and the golden silk mask on his face was removed from behind. He smiled and handed her a silk handkerchief, then released her and turned away, not seeing her face. Ning Ran, standing behind her, like the King, also didn't see her face.

Was he protecting her? Or was he also afraid of her half-ugly face?

Murong Wei didn't think too much about it, and gratefully covered her face with a silk handkerchief before turning around.

"Hehe, I can tell at a glance it's a good thing. The material is the same as the sachet I presented to Prince Qi back then, made of silkworm gold thread!" Long Xiao was overjoyed, a discerning fellow who recognized the mask's extraordinary quality at a glance.

Prince Qi?

Silkworm gold thread sachet?

Murong Wei was stunned, subconsciously touching the sachet she had been hiding in her sleeve, her clear eyes gradually becoming complicated.

"Your Majesty, this thing is extraordinary. Wasn't the silkworm gold thread presented to you by Lord Wu Shang back then?" Ning Ran finally spoke up.

"Wu Shang, take a look, isn't it genuine?" Long Xiao said, handing the item to Bai Wu Shang.

Bai Wushang took the mask, examined it closely, and after merely weighing it in his hand, said, "A high-quality fake, made from the gold thread spun by an adult golden silkworm. It's not very valuable."

"Really?" Long Xiao was astonished, snatched the mask, examined it carefully again, and was quite disappointed.

"Your Majesty, when have I ever made a mistake? She's worn this for so long, I don't know how long it's been since she washed it. Please return it quickly." Wushang said in a low voice, taking the mask and casually tossing it to Murong Wei.

This thing was clearly genuine. What was Bai Wushang up to? Murong Wei

caught the mask and remained silent.

Long Xiao, however, was displeased and said impatiently, "Quickly bring up that prescription so I can take a look!"

"What prescription?" Murong Wei blurted out, feigning ignorance.

"Ning Ran!" Long Xiao then looked at Ning Ran and roared again, almost shattering Murong Wei's eardrums. It seemed that this king was not only impatient but also somewhat violent.

"Madam Murong, didn't we agree on everything at the Prefect's residence that day? Why didn't you bring the prescription with you? Is it still with your son?" Ning Ran asked calmly, showing no fear as Long Xiao confronted him.

"The Prime Minister didn't explain clearly that day. He only said he wanted a prescription that could cure the illness of Madam Li's husband, saying that the person seeking the medicine was in the capital. I really don't know who wants this prescription. Could it be that Prime Minister Ning is referring to the King?" Murong Wei blinked her innocent eyes and asked.

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent. Murong Wei noticed that even Bai Wushang's expression had changed.

After a long while, Long Xiao finally spoke coldly, "Ning Ran, what did you say to her?"

"I didn't say anything. I only asked her for the prescription. She said it was at home and I had to go back to get it. She also said that this illness varies from person to person and cannot be generalized. She said she had to take the pulse and observe first," Ning Ran quickly said.

"Come up and take the pulse first!" Long Xiao said coldly.

Murong Wei cautiously approached from the side, earnestly taking Long Xiao's pulse. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she remained silent for a long time.

She didn't know if Bai Wushang could be relied upon; she only knew that she could rely on herself, and she had to find a way to save her life.

"What's wrong? Speak quickly!" Long Xiao was anxious. Murong Wei could clearly feel his pulse quickening; he seemed to be a coward again.

Murong Wei looked thoughtful and said, "Your Majesty, the medicine I prescribed is indeed effective for you. Take it without worry, and you'll see results in a few days."

"Where's the prescription?" Long Xiao asked urgently, his joy barely concealed.

"Here." Murong Wei said, actually taking out a prescription from her sleeve and respectfully handing it over.

Long Xiao took the prescription and was overjoyed. He burst into laughter, patted Ning Ran on the shoulder, and said, "Ning Ran, this time I must reward you handsomely. This prescription is more precious to me than any other treasure!"

"It was my duty, Your Majesty. If you wish to reward someone, please reward Consort Ning. If it weren't for Consort Ning's dedication to seeking medicine for Your Majesty, I wouldn't have known," Ning Ran quickly replied. Consort Ning was a favored concubine and Ning Ran's own sister.

"Consort Ning! Who else did she tell about this?!" Suddenly, Long Xiao's voice sharpened again.

"Your Majesty, please calm down. It was only me! If it weren't for Consort Ning, Your Majesty wouldn't have been able to bestow this miraculous medicine today. Your Majesty, Consort Ning had no choice; she was doing it all for your sake! If Your Majesty wishes to punish someone, punish the entire Ning household, but please don't hurt Consort Ning's feelings," Ning Ran said earnestly.

Long Xiao coughed a few times, his anger subsiding somewhat, and then asked, "Who else knows about this?"

"Only the people right before Your Majesty, and a child," Ning Ran said softly.

"Where are they?" Long Xiao asked, his eyes turning cold.

Murong Wei felt uneasy but remained composed.

"You'll have to ask Lord Wushang. I just tracked down a pawnshop; he led his troops in first. Later, I ran into Madam Murong on the street, but the child was nowhere to be seen." Ning Ran remained gentle and polite, looking at Bai Wushang.

"Oh dear, didn't Weiwei say they got separated along the way? Prime Minister Ning, you lost him yourself, don't blame me." Bai Wushang was somewhat displeased.

Ning Ran didn't argue with him further. She still said gently, "Your Majesty, all the city gates are sealed. Finding a child shouldn't be difficult. I've already sent people to search house to house."

Long Xiao nodded, then said coldly, "Remember, if this gets out, I'll hold you both responsible."

"Yes." Bai Wushang and Ning Ran rarely spoke in unison.

"Drag this woman out and execute her." Long Xiao said casually, turning to leave.

Murong Wei suddenly felt like an insignificant cannon fodder. Before Bai Wushang could even speak, she slammed her hand on the table, "If Your Majesty doesn't want to die of illness, then please stop!"

Upon hearing this, Long Xiao indeed stopped, and Bai Wushang and Ning Ran both looked at her.

"What did you just say?" Long Xiao slowly turned around, his pig-like face narrowing into a slit with his beady eyes.

"Don't move!" Murong Wei immediately shouted seriously. Long

Xiao was startled and truly froze.

"Your Majesty, you absolutely mustn't move!" Murong Wei approached mysteriously, step by step.

"What illness? Explain yourself! How could I possibly be sick!" Long Xiao's face turned completely white. His cowardice was second to none. He

so indulged Bai Wushang, even giving him a group of tomb raiders, ostensibly to find treasures for the royal family to offer as tribute to Xuanyuan, but in reality, to search for the elixir of immortality.

"Your Majesty, I advise you to remain calm and not to get angry. I've thought about the prescription, and I think it would be better to change a few ingredients." As she spoke, Murong Wei approached him, took his hand, and earnestly took his pulse again.

The vast main hall was empty.

On the throne, King Long Xiao of Han sat upright, with Murong Wei bowing beside him, her face serious, still pressing on his pulse.

Ning Ran and Bai Wushang stood on either side, both looking suspicious.

"How is it?" Long Xiao asked timidly. Ning Ran had already told him about Murong Wei's medical skills; the Beicheng Bao'an Hall was not to be underestimated.

Murong Wei's delicate brows furrowed, she only sighed softly, remaining silent.

After a long while, Long Xiao spoke again timidly, "What happened?"

Murong Wei looked up at him, shook her head helplessly, and still didn't speak.

Ning Ran also came closer, looking worried, while Bai Wushang leaned to the side, casually playing with the golden mask he was holding for Murong Wei.

"What exactly happened?" Long Xiao couldn't hold back any longer, slamming his fist on the table in anger.

“Your Majesty, please don’t be angry. If you get angry, your illness will easily flare up, and even a celestial being couldn’t save you then!” Murong Wei said earnestly, finally releasing her grip.

“What exactly happened? If you keep beating around the bush, believe me, I’ll chop you down right now!” Long Xiao was still furious. He drew his sword and held it directly to Murong Wei’s neck.

Murong Wei, however, remained calm. She knew things were going well when Long Xiao stopped because of her words.

“Your Majesty, do you often find it difficult to move around?” Murong Wei asked.

“Nonsense, I’m so… so… I’m not a skinny monkey, do you think I can move around like that?” Long Xiao retorted impatiently.

"Hehe, that's just the surface, Your Majesty. Do you often find yourself out of breath after walking only a few steps, with muscle fatigue, pain in many joints, and even frequent swelling?" Murong Wei asked earnestly, taking a step back and looking Long Xiao up and down. She then stepped forward, thoughtfully pressing her hand on Long Xiao's chest. After a moment of contemplation, she continued, "Your Majesty, do you often experience palpitations and chest tightness, especially in the morning and at night, when you are emotionally agitated, or when you are fatigued? Do you experience pain in your chest area, um, here, and over here?"

Long Xiao let Murong Wei's hand point at his body. His face went from pale to ashen, and large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead. He had completely lost his previous arrogance. He opened his mouth, about to speak, when Murong Wei's hand suddenly pressed on his right shoulder, saying, "Here, there's a spreading numbness and pain. You've been doing this for so long, it must hurt now."

"Yes, yes!" Long Xiao nodded repeatedly.

"Also, do you always have a dry mouth and headache when you wake up in the morning? Do you always feel like you haven't slept enough? You don't sleep well at night, and you want to sleep during the day?" Murong Wei asked again.

"Yes, yes, yes! That's exactly it!" Long Xiao nodded like a rattle-drum.

Murong Wei then pushed him away, her jade hand stroking her delicate chin, and frowned, saying, "Your Majesty, this is a big problem. Didn't the imperial physician mention this when he took your pulse before?"

"Those useless babble-talkers all they do is tell me about qi deficiency and thick blood, prescribing this medicine and that medicine all day long. I've been drinking them for a whole year, and they haven't had any effect at all! Doctor Murong, you've diagnosed so many symptoms with just one pulse diagnosis. Do you know what the lesion is?" Long Xiao asked anxiously.

“Don’t rush, Your Majesty. I’ve already told you about your illness. You can’t be anxious or angry. You have to be calm and collected, like Prime Minister Ning.” Murong Wei said, glancing at Ning Ran, then boldly took Long Xiao’s hand and said, “Your Majesty, come, follow me slowly. Inhale…exhale…inhale again…exhale again. Come on, slowly, calm your mind.”

Long Xiao did as she said, without hesitation, extremely focused.

“Your Majesty, do you feel less tightness in your chest?” Murong Wei asked.

“A little,” Long Xiao said.

“Your Majesty, this is a typical case of comprehensive obesity, not coronary heart disease. This kind of disease is difficult to detect in its early stages, and patients only become aware of it in the later stages. Your Majesty, according to my judgment, you are in the middle stage, which is still treatable.” Murong Wei said, her face serious from beginning to end.

“Then how can it be treated?” Long Xiao asked anxiously again.

"Your Majesty, don't worry. This illness is most related to your temper. If you accidentally slam your fist on the table in anger one day, who knows what might happen if the blood in your veins rushes to your head and ruptures a blood vessel in your brain?" Murong Wei narrowed her eyes and lowered her voice considerably.

She genuinely didn't know what illness to fabricate, so she used the king's obesity as an excuse, exaggerating some common obesity symptoms. Unexpectedly, the effect was better than she had anticipated. It seemed that the king was not only afraid of death but also easily swayed.

Murong Wei was certain that her crystal hypnosis technique would definitely work on him!

Startled by Murong Wei's words, Long Xiao immediately calmed down, sitting up straight and patting his chest, muttering, "Calm down... calm down... calm down."

"Your Majesty, you should say it like this," Murong Wei said, suppressing a laugh, patting her chest seriously, "Stay... calm... calm."

"Oh, calm down," Long Xiao immediately copied her, gently patting his chest and drawing out his words like Murong Wei, "Stay... calm... calm..."

"Your Majesty, your illness isn't difficult to treat, it just takes a long time and requires specialized care. If you don't mind, I'm willing to serve you," Murong Wei said, bowing slightly.

She now only had two choices: death or finding a way to save her life and escape.

Murong Wei only vaguely sensed that the King of Han was afraid, but she didn't know the extent of his fear. Upon hearing her words, Long Xiao immediately beamed with joy and patted the seat beside him, gesturing for Murong Wei to sit down.

Not only Murong Wei, but even the favored Bai Wushang and Ning Ran were astonished.

That was a golden dragon throne!

"Sit, sit, sit!" Long Xiao said, gesturing for her to sit.

Murong Wei felt a little timid, but she still sat down gracefully.

"Someone, bring me pen and ink!" Long Xiao said loudly, and the eunuchs who were serving in the shadows quickly bowed and brought over pen, ink, paper, and inkstone.

"Ning Ran, you draft the imperial decree, appointing Doctor Murong as the Grand Director of the Imperial Medical Academy, in charge of the Imperial Medical Academy and the Imperial Pharmacy, and concurrently... concurrently as the Director of the Imperial Pharmacy. He can freely enter and leave the inner palace and the outer court... um... bestow upon him the Hundred Medicines Palace, no, no, let's say Jingxuan Palace, closer to me. Then... five hundred male and female servants each, ten thousand taels of gold and silver each, and free access to the Imperial Study." As Long Xiao spoke, he completely ignored Ning Ran and Bai Wushang's astonishment, turned to look at Murong Wei, and said with a smile, "Doctor Murong, is there anything else you need?"

Murong Wei repeatedly emphasized calmness in her mind, and waved her hand. She calmly replied, "No need, thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."

She then rose to express her gratitude, but Long Xiao quickly helped her up, saying earnestly, "Doctor Murong, from now on, let's waive the kneeling ceremony. You only took my pulse once, yet you so accurately diagnosed all my ailments. My health is entirely in your hands!"

Murong Wei gave a forced smile, chuckling a few times, her heart churning with excitement. How could she have experienced such a dramatic shift in emotions in such a short time? She had only wanted to stall for time, but she hadn't expected to gain such a great advantage.

However, at that moment, an announcement from outside the hall made her heart surge even more intensely: "Consort Xuanyuan has arrived! General Murong and Madam Murong have arrived!"

Upon hearing the announcement from outside, Long Xiao immediately stood up and hurried towards the palace.

Bai Wushang and Ning Ran remained silent, following him down. Murong Wei stood there, bewildered. Regardless, the King of Han's status was no lower than that of a prince's concubine in Xuanyuan, especially since she was going there for a political marriage. Why was the King so eager to curry favor with Consort De? Or perhaps, was the King truly trying to curry favor with Prince Qi?

She didn't have time to think further, quickly hiding her gold-threaded mask and concealing herself with a silk handkerchief before following Bai Wushang to the side.

Long Xiao personally welcomed Consort De in at the main gate. Consort De was still as elegant and noble as ever, with striking features, long eyebrows reaching her temples, and a hint of sharpness and meanness hidden in her piercing eyes. General Murong was carried on a stretcher; his legs had been crippled in the explosion. The Second Madam walked beside him, looking considerably older.

She saw this family again.

Murong Wei secretly glanced up at the crowd and saw Long Xiao bowing and scraping as he led Consort De to the dragon throne!

Murong Wei was stunned and had to admit that she was a little regretful. She never imagined that a mere concubine of the Prince of Qi could receive such treatment in a vassal state.

What if... the Prince of Qi himself had come?

Wouldn't Long Xiao have to kneel before him?

As the saying goes, when one person attains enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. Consort De sat high above, with General Murong on her left and the Second Madam on her right, while Long Xiao sat in the guest seat, with Bai Wushang and Ning Ran waiting behind him.

The room was silent. Consort De coughed a few times and glanced at Murong Wei, saying, "Your Majesty, when did you take this new concubine? Why is she still wearing a veil? Take it off so I can see."

"Hehe, Your Highness Consort De, this is the newly appointed head of the Imperial Medical Academy, Doctor Murong," Long Xiao quickly explained, gesturing for Murong Wei to step forward.

Murong Wei, however, pretended not to notice, standing calmly behind Bai Wushang.

"Oh, this is the first time I've heard of a woman practicing medicine, let alone becoming the head of the Imperial Medical Academy. Your Majesty, what skills does she possess that earn your such high regard?" Consort De smiled.

"I suffer from various ailments, and she only took my pulse once, yet she immediately described everything clearly and completely. Her medical skills are truly extraordinary," Long Xiao said with a smile.

"Is that so? I've been asking for so long, why hasn't she stepped forward yet? Is it because her medical skills are so exceptional that formalities are disregarded?" Consort De asked calmly.

Upon hearing this, Long Xiao's expression changed, and he hurriedly explained, "I'm new to the palace and don't know the rules. Please

forgive me, Your Highness, for my sake." He then sternly addressed Murong Wei, "Why aren't you stepping forward to greet Your Highness?"

Murong Wei finally looked up, her gaze indifferent as she looked at Her Highness, gave a slight bow, and said calmly, "Greetings, Your Highness. May Your Highness be well." Her Highness remained silent, lazily

turning to her right.

Seeing this, Long Xiao cleared his throat and said, "Perform the kneeling ceremony."

Murong Wei's eyes darkened, pretending not to hear anything, her cold eyes turning to her left.

Her Highness slowly turned her head, her delicate face gradually hardening.

"The kneeling ceremony, Doctor Murong, must not be rude," Long Xiao said sternly.

Ning Ran, standing to the side, frowned, hesitant to speak.

Bai Wushang, however, remained nonchalant, observing Murong Wei with amusement.

Murong Wei took a step back and asked, "Your Majesty, you just drafted an edict exempting me from the kneeling ceremony. Are you going to go back on your word now?"

She wasn't deliberately trying to cause trouble; it was Consort De who was. Although she believed in the value of humility, she wasn't one to be bullied, especially by this family. Consort

De didn't speak but also looked at Long Xiao.

"Consort De is the concubine of Prince Xuanyuan Qi, so naturally she must respect Xuanyuan's etiquette. Doctor Murong, you mustn't be presumptuous!" Long Xiao said.

"A subject of the Han Kingdom has no right to kneel before a mere concubine of a prince like Xuanyuan," Murong Wei said earnestly. Long

Xiao frowned suddenly and shouted sharply, "Guards!"

Immediately, a burly slave stepped forward. Murong Wei tried to dodge, but it was too late. The slave pressed down on her shoulders and, without warning, kicked her hard in the back of the knee.

The back of the knee is the most vulnerable spot, and Murong Wei immediately fell to the ground. If it weren't for her hands supporting her, she would have collapsed completely.

She gritted her teeth and endured the pain, immediately standing up; the pain was nothing to her. However

, as soon as she stood up, the burly man pressed down hard on her shoulder again, followed by another kick. This time, Murong Wei was prepared; her leg ligaments were taut, and no matter how the man kicked her, her legs wouldn't bend!

Breaking free from the man wasn't too difficult for her. She didn't want to struggle too much and expose herself in front of everyone, nor did she want to kneel. She could only stand straight, letting the slave man kick her again and again.

"Thump!" "

Thump!"

"Thump!"

Each kick accurately struck the weakest point of her legs, and through her light gauze skirt, her knees burned with pain.

The vast hall was quiet, save for the continuous "thump, thump, thump" sounds.

She stood even straighter than before, head held high, looking at Consort De, her gaze still cold and indifferent, not at all pleading.

“Doctor Murong, it’s just a simple kneeling ceremony. Xuanyuan is the Celestial Dynasty, Han Kingdom is a vassal state, and Consort De is a concubine of the Prince of Qi, belonging to the Xuanyuan royal family. All the people of the world must kneel before the Xuanyuan royal family; this is only proper etiquette.” Ning Ran finally couldn’t help but speak up, trying to give Murong Wei a way out.

However, he didn’t know what Murong Wei was insisting on at this moment, and his words had no effect on her.

Bai Wushang remained impassive, but the amusement in his eyes deepened. He wasn't looking at Murong Wei, but at the high and mighty Consort De.

Long Xiao, seeing Consort De's increasingly displeased expression, was sweating profusely and hurriedly said, "Wushang, go, make her kneel down immediately!"

"Your Majesty, even two slaves couldn't handle her, let alone this humble subject," Bai Wushang replied with a smile, but still rose and walked towards Murong Wei.

The two burly slaves quickly retreated to the side upon seeing him. Murong Wei was already drenched in sweat, excessively tense, her leg ligaments numb.

"What are you being so stubborn about?"

A familiar voice lingered in her ears, very soft, almost like a hallucination, but suddenly, she couldn't help but cry out, "Ah..."

It hurt, it really hurt!

She didn't know what he had done to her behind her back, only that her knees felt like they were being pricked by needles. She couldn't bear it any longer; her legs suddenly went weak, and she collapsed to the ground, barely supporting herself with her hands.

Bai Wushang walked past her, smiling, and said, "Your Highness, this girl is stubborn. Seeing that her legs are practically useless, please don't hold it against her."

"Hehe, is that so?" The Consort smiled, and actually came down to her feet, squatting beside Murong Wei and tapping her legs.

Murong Wei frowned, gritting her teeth. It was excruciatingly painful, like silver needles piercing her bone marrow. She was afraid that if she loosened her grip, she would cry out in pain. However, what she couldn't bear was the bitterness in her heart, an inexplicable bitterness. She turned her head away, not wanting to look at Bai Wushang anymore.

After examining her, the Consort finally nodded in satisfaction, looking at Long Xiao, and said, "Your Majesty, among those around you, Lord Wushang is the most sensible."

"Yes, yes, yes." Long Xiao, sweating profusely, nodded repeatedly. Seeing the Consort standing, he didn't dare sit down and quickly stood up.

Consort De then looked at Murong Wei, "You also share the surname Murong, what a coincidence! This is my first time meeting a female physician, I'm really curious to see what she looks like."

As she spoke, she reached out to pull off Murong Wei's veil...

Murong Wei's appearance was now disfigured, so Murong Lan naturally wouldn't recognize her. However, she had just seen her on the road not long ago, and the noble Consort De had fled in terror at her ugly face!

And she and Ye Bao had gotten themselves into a bloodbath where it was better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free!

What trouble would their reunion bring now?

Murong Wei braced herself on the ground, enduring the pain in her leg, while tightly protecting her face with the veil. Her bright, clear eyes instinctively looked at Bai Wushang.

Just then, Ning Ran spoke up, "Your Highness Consort De, Doctor Murong's appearance is disfigured, hence the veil. Even His Majesty dared not look at her just now. I advise you not to look."

"Disfigured?" Consort De stopped.

"Yes, my appearance is disfigured, and I dare not disturb Your Highness Consort De," Murong Wei said calmly, head bowed, having learned her lesson.

Consort De was still suspicious, but Ning Ran said, "Your Highness Consort De must be tired from your journey. Why don't you rest more? You came with General Murong and his wife. Could it be that you have something to discuss with His Majesty? If so, we will not disturb you any longer." "

This old minister does indeed have important matters to report to His Majesty. You may all leave now." Finally, General Murong, who had been silent all along, spoke.

"Then we will not disturb you any longer." Ning Ran bowed and took his leave. Bai Wushang, however, smiled silently and had already picked up Murong Wei and carried her out of the hall.

Murong Wei let him carry her, but as soon as they stepped out of the hall, she suddenly shouted, "Let me go!"

"Alright." Bai Wushang smiled and actually let go.

"Ah..." Murong Wei was about to shout when Bai Wushang caught her again. He still had that unrestrained smile and said, "Weiwei, what kind of person in this world would you be willing to kneel to?"

"Put me down!" Murong Wei said coldly, her pain turning into anger.

"Alright." Bai Wushang agreed again, took a few steps, and then, seemingly leaping into the air, placed her on the stone tablet more than ten zhang high in front of the main hall. The tablet could only accommodate two people sitting on it; a slight fall would result in shattering to pieces. To make matters worse, Bai Wushang was sitting right next to her, taking up a huge space.

Murong Wei dared not move. Her legs were no longer as painful as before, but numb, and she had no strength at all. Forced by the situation, she had to tightly grasp Bai Wushang's arm to prevent herself from losing her life if she made a mistake.

At this moment, she inadvertently caught a glimpse of Ning Ran chasing after her from afar. He was looking up at her, seemingly in a hurry. This was the second time she had seen this man looking up at Bai Wushang.

"Weiwei, you haven't answered my question yet. If you don't kneel to the Xuanyuan royal family, who do you plan to kneel to?" Bai Wushang asked again, like a child, his legs dangling in the air, gazing into the distance with a carefree smile.

"What exactly do you want?" Murong Wei asked irritably, gripping his sleeve tightly and resisting the urge to push him away.

"This is the highest point in the Han Kingdom's palace. From here, you can see Xuanyuan. And beyond those hills lies the border of Xuanyuan," Bai Wushang said calmly, pointing ahead.

"The antidote!" Murong Wei held out her hand to him decisively. Her hands must have been poisoned; otherwise, with her meridians intact, she wouldn't be completely numb.

"Answer my question, and I'll give it to you." Bai Wushang finally looked at her, still smiling, his manner frivolous.

"Why did you save me? You even dared to deceive Consort De?" Murong Wei retorted, seemingly having guessed correctly.

"Because your son is in my hands. You have to live, right?" Bai Wushang smiled innocently, even more decisively than Murong Wei.

Murong Wei was startled, her face turning completely black. "Shameless!"

"While this vixen is around, you'd better behave yourself. Once she's gone, come with me on a big deal, how about it?" Even sitting down, Bai Wushang was more than a head taller than her, glancing at her sideways, his alluring eyes narrowed into slits.

"Vixen?" That was Murong Wei's first reaction. "

Consort De, I heard she always likes to dress up extravagantly to seduce Prince Qi. The servants in Prince Qi's mansion call her that in private." Bai Wushang explained with a smile.

"How do you know?" Murong Wei asked suspiciously.

"I've traveled all over the country, I've even been to the harem of Emperor Xuanyuan, what is there that I don't know?" Bai Wushang countered.

"What about my son?" Murong Wei asked again.

"Don't change the subject, I'm serious." Bai Wushang still smiled with narrowed eyes, indicating his seriousness.

"My lord, you flatter me too much. I am but a weak woman with no strength to even kill a chicken. How could I possibly shoulder any great responsibility? I fear I would only fail to repay your kindness in saving me." Murong Wei frowned, looking apologetic.

"The king is a coward. Didn't you just subdue him completely? That's exactly the kind of ability I need." Bai Wushang smiled and leaned closer.

Murong Wei instinctively leaned back, but he pressed on even more, saying, "Weiwei, you help me, and I'll help you take care of the child. I'll even help you find that... what... oh, right, Ye Aniu. Either way, you'll benefit. Why not?"

"It was just a coincidence that I hit the king's weak spot. There are many capable people in the Imperial Hospital. It's safer for you to find them than Weiwei." Murong Wei forced a smile, her entire back arching back in mid-air. The wind at high altitude tousled her long hair. If this continued, she would definitely do a perfect 360-degree somersault.

Bai Wushang continued to approach, no longer speaking, just staring at her with a shameless grin. He

drew closer, closer, and closer still.

"Bai! Pull me up!" Murong Wei cried out, finally unable to bear it any longer.

Bai didn't speak, but instead pouted and whistled a very cheerful tune, continuing to approach, and closer still.

"Bai Wushang! I promise you!" Murong Wei shouted, but those below couldn't hear them at all, more than ten feet in the air.

Bai Wushang stopped, quite satisfied. He made a thumbs-up and said, "Let me stamp your mark, so you won't regret it."

Murong Wei breathed a sigh of relief, but was confused, not understanding what he meant.

"Thumb, make a mark," Bai Wushang said.

"Where's my son?" Murong Wei asked sharply again.

"I guarantee he'll live a life of luxury! Don't worry!" Bai Wushang said with a smile.

"I want to see him first," Murong Wei said seriously.

Bai Wushang's eyes narrowed, but he didn't speak. He shook his head helplessly and was about to move again when Murong Wei cried out for the third time, "Make a mark!"

She hurriedly made a thumbs-up on his mark. She couldn't understand the effect of this method of stamping.

The matter was settled just like that, although Murong Wei still didn't know what it was all about.

Bai Wushang smiled with satisfaction, reached out and put his arm around her waist, scooped her up, and held her in his arms. Then he stood up and slowly flew down.

Far, far from the stone tablet, Murong Wei turned around and saw Ning Ran approaching from afar, waving and shouting, "Lord Wushang! Bai Wushang!"

"He seems to have something urgent," Murong Wei said, being carried in his arms.

"Are your legs still hurting?" Bai Wushang asked, paying little attention.

"Yes, Ning Ran seems to have something urgent," Murong Wei kindly reminded him again.

Bai Wushang then carried her to a gleaming golden carriage, tapped her legs, and asked, "Does it hurt like this?"

Murong Wei obediently shook her head.

"Is there still numbness?" Bai Wushang asked seriously.

"A little," Murong Wei answered truthfully.

Bai Wushang tapped again, saying earnestly, "Hmm, very good. In two or three hours, it will be fine. These legs will belong to me from now on. Behave yourself. If you dare to run away, I will definitely break your legs."

With that, he lowered the carriage curtain and left without looking back.

The carriage moved slowly. Murong Wei didn't know where she would be taken. She only saw Bai Wushang heading towards Ning Ran in the distance outside the window, seemingly in a hurry. She wondered what had happened.

Soon, Bai Wushang and Ning Ran returned to the Chaofeng Hall. Inside, General Murong was whispering something to the King. Consort De sat on the dragon throne, tapping lightly on the armrest, extremely impatient. As soon as Bai Wushang returned, she hurriedly beckoned. Bai Wushang,

still smiling, stopped at the foot of the throne.

"Your Highness Consort De, Your Majesty, the person has been brought. This subordinate takes his leave." Ning Ran tactfully took her leave, which made Bai Wushang even more suspicious.

Could it be that they had discussed something, and that they needed his help?

"Lord Wushang, come here." Consort De lazily beckoned, her demeanor comparable to that of a queen.

Bai Wushang glanced at Long Xiao, entered the hall from the side, and said with a smile, "What are your orders, Your Highness Consort De?"

"Is Doctor Murong alright?" Consort De asked with a smile.

"Both legs are crippled," Bai Wushang replied.

"Really? Ning Ran said you brought her all the way from the North City to the Royal City, taking meticulous care of her the whole way. Just an ugly woman, when did Lord Wu Shang's taste change?" Consort De asked, staring directly into Bai Wu Shang's eyes.

"How dare I neglect the person Your Majesty desires?" Bai Wu Shang particularly disliked a married man staring at him so directly, and turned his head to look at Long Xiao.

Long Xiao, however, remained silent, his brows slightly furrowed as if trying to hint at something.

"Is that so? Heh." Consort De suddenly sneered, leaning forward with one hand on the armrest, questioning, "Could it be that you poisoned her just now to protect the King, also for his sake?"

A cold glint flashed in Bai Wushang's eyes, but vanished instantly, still smiling, and said, "Your Highness Consort De is joking. This humble subject doesn't understand what you're talking about."

"Don't understand? You think such petty tricks can fool my eyes?" Consort De smiled coldly, lazily straightening up, and loudly said, "Guards, take Doctor Murong away..."

Before she could finish speaking, Bai Wushang raised his hand to stop her, "What does Your Highness Consort De want? Please speak plainly."

It seemed that the whole thing was pre-arranged. Ning Ran told her about Murong Wei, and she could use Murong Wei to threaten him.

"I want to ask the Lord for something." Consort De smiled.

"What Your Highness Consort De wants, if this humble subject has it, I will certainly offer it to you." Bai Wushang said.

"Is that so? Then I'll give you three days to hand over a bolt of silkworm-golden thread, how about that?" Consort De asked.

Bai Wushang immediately looked at Long Xiao, who shrugged helplessly; he had only just learned of this matter himself.

"Your Highness, silkworm-golden thread is incredibly precious. There are only three genuine pieces in the world: Emperor Xuanyuan's dragon robe, the Empress Dowager's golden feather fan, and Prince Qi's golden dragon-patterned purse. Even if they still exist, if you take it, I'm afraid it will be difficult for the King and Emperor Xuanyuan to explain, and you will also have a hard time speaking to the royal family," Bai Wushang said earnestly.

"How I explain this to the Emperor is my business. You just need to handle the matter properly," Consort De said.

"Unfortunately, this humble servant does not possess any silkworm-golden thread, and I have no relevant information. The King knows best about this matter; Your Highness, why don't you ask the King?" Bai Wushang shrugged helplessly.

"Hehe, Consort De, I knew it! If he had any treasures, he wouldn't hide them from me. This silkworm treasure with golden silk is truly a rare and precious item, not easy to obtain." Long Xiao quickly stepped forward to smooth things over.

"Really?" Consort De was still staring at Bai Wushang.

"Really," Bai Wushang said.

"Using poison in front of me is one crime, deceiving me is a second crime! Guards! Give him thirty strokes of the cane as a warning to others!" Consort De suddenly shouted sternly, immediately venting all her anger on Bai Wushang.

Bai Wushang didn't react, but Long Xiao broke out in a cold sweat. "Oh dear, Your Highness, we can't hit Lord Wushang! If he's crippled, where will our Han Kingdom get so many treasures to offer as tribute to Xuanyuan?"

He then went to General Murong, his face full of worry, and said, "General, you know the stakes best. You understand the situation better than I do when war breaks out. You should persuade him quickly."

Murong Bo sighed helplessly and gestured towards the Second Madam. Long Xiao quickly leaned over and pleaded, "Second Madam, please persuade him! Lord Wushang really can't be hit."

"You might as well persuade him to hand over the Silkworm Treasure Gold Silk to avoid a beating," the Second Madam said arrogantly. Long Xiao sighed helplessly. A dignified King of Han couldn't possibly kneel before the Princess Consort of Xuanyuan. He glanced at Bai Wushang with pity and turned his head away.

Your Highness, Bai Wushang had been lifted onto a bench by two burly slave men, ready to be tortured. He crawled quietly, his face unusually grim.

"Strike!" Consort De ordered impatiently.

"Clap..."

The two slave men took turns striking him with a rod, striking him thirty times in a row before finally stopping. Bai Wushang kept his head down the entire time, remaining silent, and his expression was unreadable.

Consort De lazily rose, not even glancing at Bai Wushang again, and coldly said to Long Xiao, "Your Majesty, I will return to my residence for a few days. I will come to the palace again for the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet in three days. Remember to prepare everything I need to take back to Xuanyuan, as I will go directly to the palace to meet the Emperor upon my return."

With that, she turned and left, the Second Madam quickly following. Murong Bo, carried behind, glanced at Long Xiao with a complicated expression, seemingly full of things to say, yet he hesitated to speak. "Your Highness

, please take care!

" Long Xiao courteously saw her to the door, but as soon as she was gone, his expression changed drastically

. "Pah! What a load of rubbish!" he shouted, turning back and yelling at the eunuch, "What are you all standing there for? Quickly, summon the imperial physician!" The two slaves beside Bai Wushang were so frightened by the king's menacing approach that they dropped their slates. Bai Wushang then raised his head slightly, grimacing and groaning at the burning pain in his buttocks.

"Oh dear, Wushang, are you alright?" Long Xiao squatted down in front of him, his expression so anxious he was almost crying.

"Your Majesty, a ruler of a nation cannot kneel before me like this. Please rise." Bai Wushang said.

"Nonsense! Without you, there would be no Han Kingdom, and without the Han Kingdom, where would my throne come from? Wushang, it's not that I don't want to save you, but you know what kind of background Consort De is. Just bear with it for now. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, she will leave. Then, whatever official title you want, I will bestow upon you." Long Xiao said righteously.

"Your Majesty, forget about the official title. Today, I was only trying to protect Doctor Murong..." Bai Wushang said, coughing a few times, and said earnestly, "Actually, it's also for Your Majesty's health. If Your Majesty truly cares for me, please reward me with that box of Black Maple Blood-Activating Dew that the envoy from Nanzhao Kingdom gave me last time."

Long Xiao hesitated. With his fat body and lack of exercise, his limbs and joints often ached due to stagnation of blood and dampness. He carried that treasure with him at all times.

Bai Wushang glanced at him and said, "Your Majesty, Consort De seems to be slapping me, but she's actually slapping Your Majesty in the face. This is probably just a small lesson. If what Your Majesty presents in three days doesn't suit her taste, who knows who she'll target."

"Here! In three days, bring a different batch of goods, the best of the best!" Long Xiao didn't hesitate any longer and immediately took out the goods, handing them to the imperial physician who had been waiting for a long time, saying, "Quickly apply the medicine to him!"

However, Bai Wushang suddenly stood up, snatched the ointment from the imperial physician's hand, and said with a smile, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm going to find a beautiful girl to apply the medicine, so I won't trouble the imperial physician."

After saying that, he limped and walked straight out of the palace. Although his back was a bit disheveled, he was still tall and well-proportioned, and no matter how you looked at him, he was still handsome.

Bai Wushang was indeed injured. Leaving the Chaofeng Hall, he sat sideways on a palanquin, making his way towards Wushang Palace.

"Master, are you really injured?" Yinling looked on incredulously, while Abao beside her frowned like an old woman.

"Could it be a lie? Would I, my lord, sit so ungainly?" Bai Wushang rolled his eyes at her, then asked, "Have you found Ye Bao?"

"Not yet. Not only us, Ning Ran and the others are searching too. They've turned the entire royal city upside down. I think that child has left the city," Yinling said softly.

"Ning Ran..." Bai Wushang's eyes narrowed slightly, a thoughtful expression on his face. Of course, he had lied to Murong Wei. That cunning Ye Bao was too easy to find.

Seeing his expression, Yinling dared not say anything more.

After a long silence, Bai Wushang finally spoke again, "Lead Ning Ran and the others outside the city first, and you continue searching inside."

"Yes," Yinling replied, about to leave, but saw that Abao was still standing there, her big, watery eyes fixed on Bai Wushang's backside, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Bao, let's go." Yinling tugged at her and whispered.

"Master, let's apply the medicine first, this injury can't be delayed." Abao choked out, heartbroken. She had served Lord Wushang for so long, and when had she ever seen him injured?

"Of course we need to apply the medicine. Master, I'll go back to Wushang Palace and find a beauty to apply it." Bai Wushang smiled, casually playing with the small celadon bottle in his hand.

"Master, let me apply the medicine for you. You know there aren't many reliable people in this palace." Abao added.

Bai Wushang still smiled, waving his hand in a very good-natured manner to signal them to leave.

Abao was about to speak again when Yinling suddenly pulled her away.

After the person left, Bai Wushang's lips curled into a cold smile. Few people in this palace were reliable, and how many around him were truly trustworthy?

He arrived at Wushang Palace without being helped by any servants, limping confidently into the room. Upon entering, he saw Murong Wei calmly drinking tea.

Murong Wei looked him up and down, her eyes filled with growing suspicion. "You were beaten?" she asked incredulously

. "I just tripped and fell outside the palace," Bai Wushang replied, carefully sitting down beside Murong Wei, turning sideways to avoid direct contact. If the injury wasn't so serious, how could he have obtained the medicine so easily?

"What happened?" Murong Wei asked anxiously, not believing his excuse.

"Hehe, so concerned about me, Your Excellency!" Bai Wushang chuckled, looking pleased.

"Being beaten and still so happy?" Murong Wei said disdainfully, keeping her distance.

Bai Wushang beckoned to her with his finger and said, "Come here."

"What?" Murong Wei became even more wary.

"To apply medicine for you. If you don't apply medicine soon, your legs will be numb forever, and you'll never be able to walk again," Bai Wushang said seriously.

"Do you think everyone is a king, so easy to fool?" Murong Wei laughed, hugging her knees and shrinking her legs into the chair.

"Your popliteal fossa is still numb. Is the numbness spreading to your calves?" Bai Wushang asked.

Murong Wei frowned slightly and said, "It's a normal reaction. Yinling also brought the antidote. You said you'd be fine in two or three hours."

"This stuff is good for you. When have I ever lied to you, my lord?" Bai Wushang said, patiently getting up.

Murong Wei was about to escape, but as soon as her legs touched the ground, the numbness spread throughout her legs.

"Sit down!" Bai Wushang pressed her down and carefully squatted down, personally applying the medicine for her.

A small amount of black, dew-like ointment was scattered in the celadon bottle. He gently dabbed it with his fingers and applied it to her knees and the backs of her knees, then gently massaged them.

A cool sensation immediately followed, as if the blood and energy in her legs had been revitalized. Although Murong Wei didn't know what kind of medicine it was, she knew it was potent; Bai Wushang hadn't lied to her.

"What kind of medicine is this?" she asked cautiously, noticing his beautiful hands, warm and slender.

"Black Maple Blood-Activating Dew from Nanzhao, very effective at promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis," Bai Wushang said, his head bowed, his expression focused.

Murong Wei also noticed that he was much more handsome when he was serious than when he smiled.

The careful and gentle massage quickly dispelled the numbness, replaced by a feeling Murong Wei couldn't describe—itchy, hot, even…tingly. She felt as if her skin was about to be ignited in his hands; although it was her legs being massaged, it was her face that felt hot first.

Murong Wei looked at the man kneeling before her, his face earnest, and her heart pounded. She felt something stirring within her, a strange sensation.

This wasn't the most intimate contact she'd ever experienced, but it was the most earnest man she'd ever met.

Perhaps, she didn't know that his most intimate touch was also when he was at his quietest. "

It's just applying medicine, why think so much? "

Murong Wei smacked her forehead, annoyed.

"What are you doing?" Bai Wushang finally looked up, puzzled.

"Where did you get this medicine?" Murong Wei changed the subject.

"I got it from the King. In the entire Han Kingdom, besides the King, no one else has it." Bai Wushang smiled, putting away the ointment and standing up.

"Such a valuable thing, what kind of stingy person would give it to you?" Murong Wei asked.

"Who am I, my lord? What the King wants, I'll have it the next moment." Bai Wushang smiled innocently, turning gracefully, then added, "Except..."

However, before he could finish saying "except for," he gracefully sat down, then suddenly jumped up, followed by a painful scream, "Ah..."

Murong Wei looked at him with disdain, finally believing that he was truly injured. It seemed he had been punished; who else could have hit him but the King, or perhaps Consort De?!

Thinking of this, Murong Wei immediately jumped down in front of him, laughing loudly, "You were hit by that vixen?"

"I fell." Bai Wushang rolled his eyes at her, looked at her leg, and squinted, saying, "You're healing pretty quickly."

"Your medicine is miraculous, sir." Murong Wei smiled, feeling uneasy.

"I wasn't finished yet. Except for one thing, you have to go get it." Bai Wushang was very decisive, saying this as he carefully sat down sideways.

"I haven't gotten anything!" Murong Wei's tone was firm, her movements decisive, and she turned to leave.

"It would be best to acquire her around the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, otherwise, I, sir, will sell Ye Bao to the frigid lands of Beique Shang Kingdom," Bai Wushang said calmly.

Murong Wei abruptly stopped, her foot just touching the threshold. After a long silence, she turned around and said coldly, "Don't talk to me about anything until I see Ye Bao. I have no interest."

Hearing Murong Wei's words, Bai Wushang was completely unfazed, smiling smugly as he said, "Don't talk to me about Ye Bao until I get that thing. I have no interest."

"You!" Murong Wei was speechless with anger.

"Weiwei, the chips are in my hands. You'd better behave yourself. If I'm happy, I might take you by my side and travel the world together." Bai Wushang smiled innocently.

Murong Wei glared at him for a long time, but he remained nonchalant, letting her look at him.

"I need to make sure Ye Bao is safe first, don't I?" Murong Wei softened her tone.

Bai Wushang didn't speak, picking up his tea and sipping it lightly, looking completely uninterested.

Murong Wei suppressed her anger, wondering what bad luck she had to encounter such a scoundrel. She quickly stepped forward, grabbed Bai Wushang's hand, and pressed their thumbs together, declaring, "I'll get that thing for you, and you immediately release Ye Bao. From now on, we'll keep to ourselves. Otherwise, we'll see!"

"Tsk tsk, Weiwei, this isn't a contract, it's threatening me!" Bai Wushang shook his head.

Seeing his nonchalant attitude, Murong Wei was furious and snapped, "What exactly do you want?"

"Seduce Long Xiao and switch something he carries with him." Bai Wushang finally gave a straightforward answer.

"And then?" Murong Wei asked again, showing no surprise at his previous words.

Bai Wushang, however, was surprised. "You have no objections?"

"I'd even kill him with seduction, and then what?" Murong Wei asked again.

Bai Wushang raised an eyebrow at her, disbelieving.

"Can't you just be straightforward? How can I see Ye Bao? How can you release my daughter and me?" Murong Wei asked coldly.

"It seems you're more than just a skilled doctor. Why don't you secretly tell me who you are?" Bai Wushang leaned closer and whispered.

"Who I am is none of your business. You haven't answered my question yet!" Murong Wei said impatiently.

"Why don't you secretly tell me who Ye Bao's father is, and how you got separated?" Bai Wushang was truly shameless, ignoring Murong Wei's urgency.

"None of your business!" Murong Wei was genuinely angry.

"And then..." Bai Wushang finally calmed down, "And then... and then we'll just keep to ourselves. I'll go my way, and you go yours."

"Fine! What nonsense!" Murong Wei said decisively.

"A key called the Vast Ocean Key, made of black iron, black in color, about the size of a little finger." Bai Wushang became serious, taking out a black key engraved with ancient totems. He added, "This is a fake, good enough to fool the real thing. Find a way to get the real one out of Long Xiao and find out where it's hidden. Switch it, and don't let anyone find out."

"Okay." Murong Wei nodded.

"Why don't you ask what this is?" Bai Wushang smiled at her serious expression.

"Why would I care about something that won't end up in my pocket?" Murong Wei retorted.

"Then why don't you ask why, among so many women in the palace, you specifically chose you?" Bai Wushang asked mysteriously.

Murong Wei rolled her eyes at him and said, "That's what I was about to ask."

"I don't know either. All the women I sent died." Bai Wushang said calmly.

Murong Wei was startled, looking at him suspiciously without saying a word.

"Don't be fooled by the three thousand concubines in the royal harem. Only Consort Ning, Ning Ran's older sister, is truly favored. The king generally avoids the others; anyone who does will die. I've sent dozens of assassins, but none have escaped," Bai Wushang said earnestly.

"You want me to go and die?" Murong Wei stared at him, her eyes wide.

"Hehe, Weiwei is so intelligent and adorable, how could I bear to?" Bai Wushang's seriousness didn't last three minutes before he started joking again.

"What do you suspect?" Murong Wei asked.

"Clever. According to palace rules, the bodies of dead concubines and servants must be cremated immediately, making it impossible to examine them. I suspect they died from poisoning," Bai Wushang said.

"The king's semen is poisonous!" Murong Wei blurted out.

Bai Wushang froze, staring at her for a long, long time without speaking, seemingly...awkward.

Murong Wei then realized she was facing an ancient man; even the most open-minded person has their limits. She coughed lightly a few times, explaining, "I'm well-versed in seductive arts, I know these little tricks very well."

Hearing this, Bai Wushang, who had been frozen, slowly furrowed his brow, saying each word clearly, "Well-versed... in seductive arts!"

His voice seemed to suppress anger, and Murong Wei wasn't sure if she'd heard correctly, instinctively taking a step back.

"I asked you to seduce him, not to offer yourself," Bai Wushang said calmly.

"I've seduced countless people, I know what to say," Murong Wei said. She had always disliked too much interference when accepting missions; once the orders were given, how she got them was her own business.

"Seduced countless people..." Bai Wushang's voice deepened.

"You arrange the time. You can approach the king alone, anywhere is fine, I hope it's as soon as possible." Murong Wei was serious and decisive, as if she had suddenly returned to her days as an assassin.

"Anywhere is fine?" Bai Wushang suddenly roared angrily!

Murong Wei was taken aback, looking at him suspiciously. Did this guy still have something to complain about?

"His Majesty loves pipa music the most. I have already arranged for a musician. You will stay at Wushang Palace for the next few days under the pretext of healing your injuries. You will have the opportunity to perform at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet. Ning Ran and her family will also have to accompany Consort De. You can decide what to do yourself," Bai Wushang said.

“Understood.” Murong Wei nodded.

“Really understand?” Bai Wushang asked again, suspiciously. This woman’s manner of answering questions really resembled that of a well-trained assassin.

“Understood.” Murong Wei said seriously.

“There are many ways to seduce someone. The reason I’m looking for you is because you know medicine. You just fooled him, so we still need to start from that angle, understand?” Bai Wushang explained with some unease.

“I have my own methods.” Murong Wei replied.

“Not offering yourself, understand?” Bai Wushang emphasized again.

“I know my limits.” Murong Wei said.

“You’ve seduced countless people before? How exactly did you… know your limits?” Bai Wushang asked suspiciously.

“Well…” Murong Wei started to speak, but immediately came to her senses. What was wrong with her? It seemed to be a professional habit. She hadn’t considered the situation and had suddenly entered a battle-ready state. This Bai Wushang wasn’t an old man!

She tapped her head, glanced at Bai Wushang, and said coldly, “None of that is your business. I have a condition: I need to go out before the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

“What for?” Bai Wushang asked.

"Get the equipment, hehe." Murong Wei laughed, seemingly taking this opportunity to retrieve the toolbox. After all, she hadn't even shown her skills yet, and Bai Wushang had already entrusted her with such an important task. There was no point in hiding it from him; it would be more comfortable to be genuine.

"Equipment?" Bai Wushang wasn't hearing this term for the first time. Every time he went treasure hunting, he would spend one or two months preparing various equipment. He stood up thoughtfully, approaching Murong Wei, his suspicions about her identity growing stronger.

Murong Wei smiled and nodded, her face mysterious.

"You seem to be planning to tell me something," Bai Wushang said.

"Let me see Ye Bao, and I'll tell you everything," Murong Wei said.

"My lord, I have no interest," Bai Wushang said, turning away directly.

"I have something buried in the backyard of the Murong residence. If I want to seduce the King at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, I must blow up that backyard now," Murong Wei said decisively.

Originally, she had time to try to cause a fire or landslide in the backyard of the Murong residence to find the toolbox. Now it seemed that the simplest way was to blow up the backyard and dig it out. Such a blatant method could only be done by finding Bai Wushang.

Sure enough, Bai Wushang leaned closer again, his narrow, alluring eyes narrowing into slits. "Who exactly are you?" he asked.

"Who I am is none of your business. If you help me find that set of equipment, I can guarantee you that as long as what you want is in Long Xiao's hands, I will definitely get it. If you don't help me, then the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet will be left to fate." Murong Wei said, shrugging her shoulders and sitting down to the side, casually crossing her legs.

"So confident? What are these things, and why are they buried in the backyard of the Murong residence?" Bai Wushang asked.

"What, can't you do it?" Murong Wei challenged.

"My lord, I need to know what they are first. Blowing up the backyard of the Murong residence is no small matter, especially since Consort De is currently at the Murong residence." Bai Wushang became serious.

"An assassin's weapon, something like this." Murong Wei said, pulling two items from her sleeve.

If Ye Bao hadn't been captured, she wouldn't have so decisively sided with Bai Wushang, nor would she have casually taken out these two items.

Bai Wushang, seemingly unreliable, would never be one to give up once he set his sights on someone. Since she couldn't escape him, she might as well let him know her worth so he wouldn't dare to bully or neglect her in the future. Besides, this guy was "treasure hunting" for the royal family; who knew she might even be able to make a living off him someday.

Two items were placed on the table: an exquisite gold fountain pen and a synthetic crystal necklace. These were definitely modern, Western products.

Murong Wei swore she really saw Bai Wushang's eyes light up. He didn't seem very interested in the gold fountain pen, and was carefully touching her Swarovski heart-shaped synthetic amethyst.

Murong Wei silently enjoyed his tense and excited expression, waiting for him to speak.

"What kind of mineral is this?" Bai Wushang asked seriously.

"Let me see Ye Bao, and I'll tell you," Murong Wei said excitedly, leaning closer.

"And this?" Bai Wushang pointed to the gold fountain pen and asked again.

"Let me see Ye Bao, and I'll tell you," Murong Wei said with a mysterious smile.

Bai Wushang immediately put away the fountain pen and amethyst, and turned to leave.

"Hey, give me back what you have!" Murong Wei exclaimed in surprise, grabbing his hand.

"Answer all my questions, sir." Bai Wushang turned his head, smiling innocently.

"This thing is called crystal, an artificial decorative item. This is called a pen, used in the same way as a calligraphy brush." Murong Wei said, opening the pen cap, shaking it on her palm, and saying, "The ink inside has dried up, so it can't write."

"Where did you get these things?" Bai Wushang frowned and asked. He had seen all sorts of treasures in the entire Divine Continent, but these two items were completely beyond his imagination.

"Overseas. My father went overseas when he was young and got them on an island nation. He said they were weapons used by assassins in that world." Murong Wei never hesitated to lie.

"Overseas? Beyond the vast ocean?" Bai Wushang asked suspiciously.

"Yes, my father went overseas when he was young and gave me this equipment as a gift." Murong Wei said.

"The equipment under the Murong family's mansion, was it also given to you by your father, the same as these things?" Bai Wushang asked again.

Murong Wei nodded decisively.

"How could it be buried in the backyard of the Murong residence?" Bai Wushang stroked the beauty mark at the corner of his eye and asked seriously.

"Because… I used to work for the Murong family, and I buried all my things under a tree in the backyard. I never retrieved them after I left," Murong Wei continued, trying to explain.

"I see… then why did you bomb Murong Wei? Why not just find the tree and dig it up?" Bai Wushang asked again.

"But the backyard has been renovated many times; we can't find the tree at all. We only know it must be buried underground." Seeing Bai Wushang's increasingly suspicious eyes, Murong Wei quickly added, "I buried it very deep!"

"Just now, the entire Murong family didn't recognize you?" Bai Wushang asked.

"I was wearing a veil. Besides, my appearance is ruined; none of my old acquaintances recognize me," Murong Wei explained.

"Your appearance was ruined by the Murong family?" Bai Wushang's voice deepened.

Murong Wei sighed, turned around, and shook her head helplessly, her mind racing to find an excuse. "The past is too painful to recall. I was originally loyal to the Murong family, but... but Consort De is really hard to serve."

Bai Wushang raised an eyebrow, looking at her slender back, a complex emotion hidden in his eyes. After a long while, he said, "Go and scout ahead first. If it doesn't work, wait until Consort De leaves before making your move. There will be another chance after the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet."

Murong Wei was overjoyed and quickly turned around, smiling as she said, "I can do that. Consort De is of such a status, I should naturally avoid her."

Bai Wushang, however, smiled and said, "The backyard is too small. My lord, I'm going to blow up her whole family and then make her turn back halfway."

Murong Wei was startled, suddenly feeling that Bai Wushang's smile resembled that of an evil devil. She couldn't help but think of Ye Bao again; wasn't this Ye Bao's signature devilish smile?

Her heart pounded faster. This guy was so much like her son—always vengeful and always doubly so. It seemed he was not someone to be trifled with!

She couldn't stand Bai Wushang's smile and timidly said, "My lord, let's go scout ahead now."

"Are you going to carry me, my lord?" Bai Wushang asked, carefully lying down on the warm couch.

Murong Wei glanced at his bottom, which was probably already bruised and battered, and timidly asked again, "Was it really Consort De who hit you?"

"Apply medicine!" Bai Wushang said, handing her a box of white ointment.

"Hehe." Murong Wei chuckled and turned to leave.

Bai Wushang lazily lay there, watching her leave before a happy smile appeared on his lips. With a flick of his sleeve, the door slammed shut.

It's been a long time since I visited the Murong residence; I'll go tomorrow.

The bright moon hangs high in the sky

; the Mid-Autumn Festival is fast approaching.

On the rooftop of the most luxurious restaurant on the bustling Chaofeng Street, the vast observatory has been cleared out, leaving only one table of guests. The tranquility here transcends the lively Chaofeng Street, like a mysterious realm above the hustle and bustle of the world.

A man leans against a cool bamboo couch, gazing down, his eyes calm and serene, devoid of any worldly extravagance.

His moon-white robe is bathed in the tranquil moonlight, and his ink-black jade hairpin gleams brightly. All the servants wait at the top of the stairs; the vast observatory is empty except for one person, appearing aloof and lonely from afar.

This is none other than the Seventh Prince Qi of the Xuanyuan Clan, the rarely seen, almost legendary figure Xuanyuan Che.

Legend has it that although he is favored by the Emperor, he rarely resides in the capital, preferring to travel and explore, his whereabouts unpredictable.

Legend also says he only appears at grand royal banquets, and even many in the Qi Prince's residence have never seen him.

Legend has it that from childhood, his talent and beauty were renowned throughout the land, with princesses from all vassal states madly in love with him, and his marriage procession could stretch from Xuanwu Avenue in the capital to Zhuque Avenue.

Legends, but just legends. The real him remained unknown to all, not even to those closest to him.

At this moment, he was looking down at his teacup, focused and serious. This quiet man, however, controlled a mine of explosives capable of destroying the world. The

teacup in his hand contained wine, which he drank in one gulp. A one-eyed guard then brought in a porcelain bottle.

This guard, dressed in blue, was handsome and refined. His name was Jin Chan, Xuan Yuan Che's personal bodyguard. No one had ever seen him remove his blindfold, nor did anyone know why he was blind in one eye.

He respectfully placed the items on the table and reported, "Master, take a look at this. It was just delivered."

Xuan Yuanche lightly touched the ash in the porcelain plate with his smooth, slender fingers, sniffed it, and frowned slightly. He said calmly, "Where did this happen?"

This was ash left after a gunpowder explosion. He was an expert in this; he was the only one in the world who knew the formula. This was the second time it had appeared outside his control.

"These things were also found in the southern suburbs of the northern city of Han Kingdom," the one-eyed guard said, waving his hand. A maid brought up the items, all of them broken boots, blades, and knife handles.

Xuan Yuanche recognized them immediately as belonging to his Qi Prince's residence.

"Investigate thoroughly within the residence first," he ordered calmly.

"Yes," Jin Chan obeyed and left, removing the pile of items.

Soon, another guard rushed over, also dressed in blue, with a clever look on his face. His name was Cai Zai, also Xuan Yuan Che's personal guard. He was younger than Jin Chan and not as quiet as Jin Chan. He was very outgoing and immediately picked up a cup of water and gulped it down.

Xuan Yuan Che ignored him, playing with the porcelain cup in his hand. The porcelain could change its carved patterns depending on the water temperature.

"Master, the Emperor has summoned you several times. Give me a straight answer!" Cai Zai said anxiously.

"What is it?" Xuan Yuan Che asked indifferently, not taking the matter to heart at all.

Everyone envied him for being trusted by the Emperor, but no one knew the price of this trust. Even among his own brothers, only he and his thirteenth brother had survived.

"I heard there's been another incident in the harem. The Emperor can't think of a good solution, and the Empress Dowager is also having a headache. They're just waiting for you to return to the palace," Cai Zai said helplessly.

"Is there an imperial edict?" Xuan Yuan Che asked.

"No, His Majesty just sent someone to say it secretly. How could there be a written edict for such a matter? If word got out, wouldn't people laugh at His Majesty for not even being able to handle his own family affairs?" Cai Zai whispered.

Xuan Yuanche frowned and glanced at him, and he shut up sullenly.

"Just say you can't find me." Xuan Yuanche said, pouring more water into the porcelain cup, watching the changes on the cup's surface, his eyes filled with smug satisfaction.

"Master, you've been out for so long. What's so great about traveling through these mountains and rivers? You'd be better off staying at our residence and enjoying yourself." Cai Zai advised.

"How is Consort De doing lately?" Xuan Yuanche asked.

“She’s in Han Kingdom too, Master. How could you forget? She came back to Han Kingdom to visit her family for the Mid-Autumn Festival. It’s good that she came back; she had a huge fight with the Princess Consort recently. Master, women are truly not to be trifled with! The Empress Dowager even said that Consort Zi was kind, gentle, generous, sensible, and forbearing. I don’t know where she heard that from.” Cai Zai sighed

. Having followed Xuan Yuan Che since childhood, he always spoke without any respect for elders. “Oh, too many things to do, I forgot.” Xuan Yuan Che smiled slightly.

“Master, the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet is in three days. Since you’re always away from the palace, why don’t you go to the Han Kingdom palace to meet with Consort De?” Cai Zai chuckled and said.

“The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, arrange it. I haven’t attended Long Xiao’s banquet yet.” Xuan Yuan Che said.

“Master, after the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, how about we return to the palace?” Cai Zai asked again, unwilling to give up.

Xuan Yuan Che smiled gently, said nothing more, and simply waved his hand to signal Cai Zai to leave.

"Why don't you come up with a better excuse, Master? Say that if I can't find you, the Emperor will surely execute me," Cai Zi said, sounding troubled.

"Just say I'm looking for a mine and don't have time to go back. I'll do it later," Xuan Yuanche said. Mining was his best excuse; making bombs required sulfur, which wasn't something easily found.

"The same excuse again," Cai Zi sighed, about to leave, but his hand brushed against the table, touching the dust. He sniffed it, then asked suspiciously, "Master, are you really researching this stuff?"

Xuan Yuanche didn't answer him, but waved his hand. Cai Zi didn't dare to disturb him any further and withdrew.

The surroundings returned to their previous silence. None of the guards dared to approach. Xuan Yuanche poured himself a drink, leaning back the whole time.

He had a vast retinue of servants and maids, and his mansion was filled with prisoners, slaves, palace women, beauties, concubines, and secondary consorts. Each rank of concubine had numerous women, yet none could share his joys and sorrows. He never knew how many of those around him were spies for the emperor, or how many were agents of vassal states.

After a long, long time, he finally rose, his long robe trailing on the ground, his steps seemingly leisurely, yet heavy with worry.

He gently unfolded a map on the table—a complete topographical map of the Divine Continent, dotted with marks he had made over the years, indicating the locations of mines. The amount of saltpeter and sulfur that could be mined was dwindling; these two materials were essential for making gunpowder.

Even disregarding how explosives were made, saltpeter and sulfur were extremely difficult to obtain, and even if a mine was found, mining them wouldn't be easy.

Who exactly was that woman, possessing such abilities?

Chapter 41 - 50