#mjty

Yuanzhi tilted the final mouthful of tea back slowly, eyes lowered toward the dark surface of the porcelain cup as the bitter taste settled across his tongue. The tea had long since cooled, though he barely seemed to notice.

Most of the servants had already withdrawn from the hall by now, leaving only a pair of attendants stationed quietly near the entrance with lowered eyes.

For a while, Yuanzhi remained seated where Shangjue had left him, still turning over the evening’s conversations within his mind.

Some parts had irritated him more than others.

Miss Liuyun especially.

Even now, recalling the woman’s subtle arrogance was enough to make his expression harden faintly. Every word that left her mouth carried the same polished superiority disguised beneath elegant composure and practiced smiles

Yuanzhi was not certain he could endure another five-minute conversation with the woman without eventually telling her to stop speaking altogether

The others had hardly left much stronger impressions.

Most spoke too carefully, weighing every answer before allowing it past their lips. Girls raised to be agreeable rather than honest, more concerned with appearing proper beneath the elders’ attention than revealing anything genuine about themselves.

Then there was Miss Mei.

At the thought of her, Yuanzhi’s gaze sharpened slightly. The irritating part was that she had seemed entirely harmless while seated among the others earlier that evening. Quiet. Polite. Almost shy at times when spoken to directly.

Knowing what he knew now only left a bitter sort of annoyance settling beneath his thoughts.

Yuanzhi lowered his gaze briefly toward the empty cup resting between his fingers, replaying the evening’s conversations once more in his mind. He searched again for some detail he might have missed earlier. A hesitation. An unnatural answer. A look held a moment too long. Nothing came back clearly enough…But perhaps that was the point.

Wufeng spies were trained precisely so that suspicion never formed easily in the first place. They were not merely assassins carrying blades and poison into enemy territory, but skilled deceivers capable of becoming whatever others expected to see.

If Shangjue had not noticed the discrepancy in Mei’s statements regarding her supposed hometown earlier that evening, Yuanzhi doubted he would have looked twice at her at all.

His brother had spent years traveling beyond the Gong residence, moving between regions and provinces where details like dialects, customs, and local geography mattered far more than most people realized.

Yuanzhi, meanwhile, had spent much of those same years within the residence walls. Learning different things entirely.

There had once been little reason to question it. The Gong family required different strengths from each of them, and Yuanzhi had never lacked confidence in his own abilities.

He had traveled beyond the valley before, though never for very long and rarely far enough that the Gong residence itself did not still feel within reach. Most journeys had been tied to duty, escort missions, investigations, or assignments that demanded his return almost immediately afterward.

Maybe, once the constant threat of Wufeng finally eased, he might leave for longer than a few passing days. Travel beyond the same familiar roads and provinces he already knew by memory. The thought lingered only briefly before another followed, quieter and far less guarded.

Perhaps having someone beside him during such journeys would not be entirely unwelcome…

Yuanzhi stilled for a moment before lightly shaking the thought aside. He finally pushed himself up from the cushion, the dark fabric of his robes settling smoothly back into place around him. Silver embroidery caught faintly beneath the lanternlight as he adjusted the sleeve at his wrist, more out of habit than necessity.

The maids stationed quietly near the entrance straightened almost immediately at the movement.

Without needing instruction, one of the servants stepped forward and slid the carved wooden doors open.

Cold night air swept through the hall the moment the doors parted, carrying with it the sharp scent of pine and damp stone from the mountainside beyond. Yuanzhi stepped outside without pause, the chill settling lightly against his skin after the lingering warmth of the lanternlit gathering behind him.

Night had settled fully across the Gong residence now. Lanterns burned steadily along the sprawling paths carved into the mountainside estate, their golden light stretching across dark wooden railings and stone pathways touched lightly by evening mist. Beyond them, layered rooftops disappeared gradually into shadow beneath the pale glow of the moon.

Several guards remained stationed outside the hall, dark uniforms nearly motionless beneath the shifting lanternlight lining the outer pathways. Their postures straightened the moment Yuanzhi appeared, hands briefly tightening around the weapons resting at their sides before they bowed respectfully.

Yuanzhi barely acknowledged the guards as he stepped down onto the stone pathway, the sound of his boots muted against the dark polished stone beneath the lanternlight.

For a few moments, nothing disturbed the quiet stretching across the mountainside residence beyond the distant rush of river water below the cliffs.

Then hurried footsteps suddenly broke through the quiet.

The sound carried sharply through the outer pathways of the residence, fast and uneven enough that several guards immediately turned their attention toward the lower stone path leading up toward the hall.

A figure appeared only moments later.

One of the outer guards was climbing the incline at a near run, breathing visibly uneven by the time he reached the upper landing. His uniform had fallen slightly out of place from the pace he had forced himself into, though he still managed to straighten immediately upon seeing Yuanzhi standing beneath the lanternlight ahead.

The guard dropped at once into a deep bow, clasped hands raised tightly before him.

“Young Master Yuanzhi.”

Yuanzhi’s gaze settled upon him immediately, expression sharpening slightly at the clear urgency in the man’s condition.

“What happened?”

“One of the brides has fallen into the river,” the guard reported, still struggling slightly to steady his breathing. “The guards retrieved her unconscious and are bringing her back now.”

For the briefest moment, he simply stood there, dark eyes fixed upon the kneeling guard as the information settled sharply into place within his thoughts.

Then his expression hardened.

“Inform the Sword Wielder immediately,” he ordered. “And find my brother. He could not have gone far.”

The guard bowed at once before hurrying back down the stone path without delay.

Yuanzhi turned instead toward the two guards stationed closest to the hall entrance.“Prepare the east infirmary chamber,” he said. “Have braziers lit and send for Physician Xu.”

Both guards straightened immediately before moving at once, one disappearing into the inner residence while the other turned sharply toward the lower pathways leading deeper into the estate.

Nearby maids who had remained quietly beneath the outer walkway lifted their heads at the sudden shift in atmosphere.

“You,” Yuanzhi said, his gaze settling briefly upon two of the servants. “Bring dry robes and blankets. Heated water as well.”

The maid bowed deeply before hurrying quickly into the residence, the other one following after her.

Several tense minutes passed afterward.

The quiet atmosphere that had settled over the residence earlier that night had long since disappeared, replaced now by the low movement of guards and servants carrying orders between the surrounding halls.

Yuanzhi stayed where he was near the edge of the upper stone landing overlooking the lower routes leading back toward the Ladies’ Estate.

The cold night wind moved steadily through the loose strands of dark hair near his face, stirring the sleeves of his robes faintly against the silence surrounding him. Yet despite his stillness, there remained something sharp beneath his composure now, an alertness that had spread quietly through the entire residence since the moment the report arrived.

Shangjue appeared beside him a few moments later.

His dark robes shifted faintly beneath the pale moonlight as he came to a stop beside his younger brother, the colder seriousness settling across his expression making it immediately clear he had already been informed of the situation.

For a brief moment, neither brother spoke as Shangjue came to a stop beside him.

Yuanzhi glanced toward him once, his expression unreadable beneath the pale moonlight spilling across the upper landing. Shangjue returned the look just as briefly, calm and composed as always.

It was not long before another group appeared ascending toward the upper grounds.

Several guards emerged first, their lanterns casting shifting light across the stone steps as they moved quickly through the darkness below. At their center walked Gong Ziyu, a dark outer cloak thrown hastily over lighter night robes, his hair only partially secured compared to his usual formal appearance.

The moment he reached the upper landing, his attention moved immediately toward the guards accompanying him.

“You six,” Ziyu ordered without pause, gesturing toward the lower paths branching away from the main residence. “Go to the Ladies’ Estate and reinforce the guards stationed there. The escort returning here will have left the remaining women with too few men protecting them.”

The guards bowed immediately before turning back down the mountain paths without hesitation.

Only once the orders had been carried out did Ziyu finally step beside Shangjue and Yuanzhi near the edge of the stone landing.

For a few moments, all three men faced the darkness below in silence.

“Do we know who fell?” Ziyu asked quietly at last.

Yuanzhi’s expression did not shift. “No.”

The answer had barely settled between them before distant voices suddenly rose from somewhere farther below. Then came the sound of approaching footsteps and hurried movement carrying upward through the mountain paths.

The answer had barely settled between them before distant voices suddenly rose from somewhere farther below. Then came the sound of hurried movement carrying upward through the mountain paths, disturbing the tense stillness that had settled across the upper grounds.

A small group soon emerged from the darkness below.

Two guards moved ahead quickly up the incline while another followed close behind carrying an unconscious figure within his arms. Water dripped steadily from the soaked fabric clinging heavily to the woman’s body, leaving a dark trail across the stone beneath their feet as they climbed.

Someone had wrapped a dark cloak hastily around her shoulders during the return, though it did little against the cold mountain wind cutting through the upper grounds. The heavy fabric had been pulled high enough to obscure most of her face from view as the guards made their way up the final incline toward the three men waiting above.

The guard carrying her was breathing noticeably heavier now, strained from both the steep climb and the weight held carefully within his arms. As he adjusted his hold near the top of the landing, the edge of the cloak shifted slightly.

Yuanzhi’s gaze fixed upon the unconscious girl almost immediately.

Y/N.

Dark wet hair clung faintly against her cheek, droplets still caught along the strands, while the cold had drained most of the color from her lips beneath her pale skin. The sight of her remaining motionless in the freezing night air made something tighten sharply beneath Yuanzhi’s ribs before he forced it back down almost at once.

“Take her to the infirmary,” Yuanzhi ordered sharply. “Now.”

The guard bowed quickly before continuing past them without hesitation. The remaining two guards dropped immediately to one knee.

His expression remained calm and unreadable as always, though his gaze had sharpened slightly upon the kneeling guards before him.

“What happened?” Shangjue demanded.

The first guard lowered his head further at the question.

“We were escorting the women back toward the Ladies’ Estate, Young Master,” he explained evenly. “The group had nearly arrived by then. The women were walking together ahead of us while we followed farther behind along the path.” He paused briefly before continuing. “The lady was near the back of the group beside another young woman when it happened.”

“It was dark,” the second guard added carefully. “We couldn’t see that clearly from where we were positioned. We only saw Miss Han suddenly stumble toward the side of the hill before falling down into the river below.”

The first guard swallowed. “By the time we reached the water, she was already unconscious.”

A brief silence followed the explanation.

The cold wind moved quietly through the upper grounds, stirring the edges of dark robes beneath the open night sky.

Then Ziyu spoke. “Who was the other young lady?”

The two guards exchanged a brief glance between themselves.

One frowned slightly, visibly trying to recall the scene more clearly. “I believe it was Miss Mei,” he answered after a moment. “Though I cannot say so with complete certainty, Sword Wielder.”

A brief silence followed the name.

Yuanzhi’s gaze lifted immediately toward Shangjue, while beside them Ziyu’s expression sharpened slightly as the implication settled between the three men without needing to be spoken aloud.

Farther within the residence, movement still continued near the infirmary. Maids disappeared quickly through the open doors carrying basins and fresh linens inside while guards remained stationed outside, none daring to enter without instruction. A moment later, Yuanzhi spotted Physician Xu being hurried inside as well, robes shifting quickly as maids moved aside to let him pass.

His expression darkened slightly at the thought.

At first, Yuanzhi had assumed it was nothing more than an unfortunate fall in the dark. But now, knowing Mei had apparently been beside Y/N when it happened, the situation no longer sat right with him.

Had Y/N truly stumbled on her own?

Or had she been pushed down the hillside into the river below?

Beside him, Shangjue watched the shift in his expression for only a moment before speaking calmly.

“Go.”

Yuanzhi glanced toward him.

“I’ll go with Ziyu to the Ladies’ Estate,” Shangjue continued evenly. “We’ll investigate what happened there.”

Ziyu gave a small nod beside him, his earlier calm now replaced by visible seriousness as his gaze shifted briefly toward the dark paths leading back down the mountain.

Yuanzhi lingered only a moment longer before turning toward the infirmary, disappearing deeper into the residence without another word.

Warmth met Yuanzhi the moment he stepped inside the infirmary, carrying with it the sharp scent of crushed herbs and burning charcoal from the braziers glowing throughout the chamber.

Near the center of the chamber, a sheer embroidered screen had been drawn around the bed while soft movement continued behind the pale fabric as the maids worked quickly to change Y/N out of her soaked clothing.

Yuanzhi’s gaze shifted toward the screen only briefly before he looked away almost immediately, expression tightening faintly as he instead approached Physician Xu waiting nearby.

“Thank you for coming so quickly, Physician Xu,” he said.

The older man bowed respectfully at once. “Young Master may call for my assistance at any time.”

Physician Xu lowered his voice slightly afterward, glancing briefly toward the screen behind them.

“I was only able to check the young lady’s pulse briefly before the maids began changing her clothes,” he explained carefully. “But it did not feel entirely regular.”

Yuanzhi’s gaze lowered slightly at the words, his thoughts immediately turning over the implication beneath them.

“She had been exposed to the river cold for too long,” the physician continued. “It was more important to warm her body and remove the wet clothing immediately.”

Yuanzhi gave a short nod in understanding.

For a few moments afterward, neither man spoke while the quiet sounds of movement continued behind the screen.

Then finally, one of the maids spoke softly from the other side.

“It is done.”

Only then did Yuanzhi and Physician Xu step forward toward the bed.

Y/N lay beneath layered blankets near the warmth of the glowing braziers, her dark hair still slightly damp where it spread loosely against the pillow beneath her. Candlelight softened the paleness lingering across her features, though the faint bluish tint that had touched her lips earlier had not entirely disappeared yet.

Without wasting another moment, he reached for her wrist.

Beside him, Physician Xu did the same with her other hand, the older physician’s long white hair slipping slightly forward over his shoulder as he focused carefully upon her pulse once again.

Silence settled throughout the infirmary.

The maids had withdrawn respectfully toward the edges of the chamber now, leaving them space to examine her properly without interruption.

Finally, Physician Xu exhaled quietly.

“It’s still weak,” he murmured. “And irregular.”His pale gaze lifted briefly toward Yuanzhi.“What does Young Master think?”

Yuanzhi remained quiet for a moment longer, fingers still resting lightly against Y/N’s wrist while he studied the uneven rhythm beneath her skin.

“This does not feel like simple exhaustion,” he said at last.

Physician Xu gave a slow nod beside him, clearly in agreement.

Yuanzhi released her wrist carefully afterward, his attention shifting across her face beneath the candlelight. He searched for anything that felt unnatural. Any sign her condition had been caused by something beyond the cold river and the fall.

Yuanzhi rolled her sleeve carefully farther up her forearm, preparing to lower it again when something caught his attention.

His hand stilled immediately.

Near the outer side of her forearm sat a small circular mark against her skin, faintly discolored beneath the candlelight. Too clean to have come from falling down a hillside. Too deliberate.

For a brief moment, Yuanzhi simply stared at it in silence. Whatever lingering doubt had remained in his mind vanished almost instantly.

Physician Xu noticed the shift in Yuanzhi’s expression almost immediately as he noticed the mark as well. He straightened from the bedside at once, already knowing from experience what would follow next. Yuanzhi’s knowledge of poisons far surpassed his own in certain areas, especially when it came to identifying compounds designed to leave behind as little trace as possible. The physician had long since learned not to interfere once Yuanzhi entered this state of cold concentration.

Without wasting another moment, Yuanzhi reached for the small blade concealed within his sleeve. Carefully, he made a shallow cut near the puncture wound along Y/N’s forearm, just enough for darkened blood to surface slowly against her skin.

Then Yuanzhi turned the blade toward himself.

The edge sliced lightly across his own skin using the same bloodied knife.

One of the maids visibly startled at the sight before quickly lowering her gaze again, though no one dared speak.

Yuanzhi had spent years learning poisons through direct exposure, forcing himself to understand their effects by experiencing them firsthand. Symptoms. Timing. Paralysis. Pain. Hallucinations. It was dangerous knowledge earned through methods few people would willingly endure.

Yuanzhi set the blade aside afterward, his expression remaining unreadable as he waited for the poison to take effect within his own body.

Physician Xu waited patiently nearby as the moments stretched on.

Yuanzhi’s brows drew together faintly first, recognition settling across his features almost immediately afterward.

He looked up toward Physician Xu. “Bring powdered qinglan root and two measures of dried suhe leaves,” he instructed calmly. “Boil them together immediately. Add crushed silver orchid once the water darkens.”

Physician Xu moved at once.

The older men crossed quickly toward the medicine shelves lining the far wall, already gathering the necessary herbs without needing the instructions repeated. Only after he stepped away did Yuanzhi lower his attention back toward Y/N.

He quietly reached into his sleeve and pulled out his handkerchief before carefully wiping away the remaining blood along her forearm, his movements slower now than before. Once the mark had been cleaned properly, Yuanzhi let her sleeve fall gently back into place beneath the blankets. For a brief moment afterward, he simply looked at her.

Strands of dark hair still clung faintly against her forehead from the earlier dampness despite the efforts to dry it. Without thinking much about it, Yuanzhi lifted his hand and brushed them back carefully away from her cold skin. His fingers lingered only briefly before withdrawing again.

The quiet stillness within the infirmary lasted another moment before he finally spoke, his voice calm despite the tension that had settled heavily throughout the chamber.

“You may leave us.”

The maids bowed immediately at the dismissal, beginning to gather the Y/N’s used cloths.

“And send one of the guards stationed outside inside,” Yuanzhi added without looking away from Y/N.

“Yes, Young Master.”

Only a moment later, another figure entered.

One of the guards stepped inside before stopping several paces away from the bed. He bowed properly at once, hands clasped respectfully before him in formal greeting.

“Young Master Yuanzhi.”

“Go inform the Sword Wielder that Lady Han was poisoned,” Yuanzhi instructed, wasting no time.

The guard visibly stiffened at the words despite himself, surprise flashing briefly across his expression before discipline returned almost immediately.

Yuanzhi continued before the man could speak. “Tell them to bring back the young lady who was beside her at the time of the incident.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

The guard bowed deeply once more before turning quickly and disappearing from the infirmary to carry out the order.

Several quiet minutes passed afterward.

Yuanzhi remained seated beside Y/N while the warmth beneath his skin slowly worsened, the poison continuing its gradual spread through his body. He recognized the feeling immediately. The faint heat settling through his chest and limbs. The growing tightness beneath his ribs.

Years of repeated exposure had altered his tolerance long ago, allowing certain poisons to affect him slower than they would most people.

The physician approached once the medicine had finished brewing and lowered himself beside the bed, two steaming bowls balanced carefully in his hands. He set one upon the ground near his feet as the bitter scent of the medicinal concoction slowly spread through the room, curling into the air with the rising steam.

“Young Master,” Physician Xu said, gesturing toward Y/N. “Please support her head so I can give her the remedy.”

Without hesitation, Yuanzhi slipped one arm carefully behind Y/N’s shoulders before lifting her upright against him.

Most of her weight settled naturally against his chest as Yuanzhi adjusted his grip slightly, one hand moving to steady the back of her neck while Physician Xu lifted the spoon toward her lips.

Neither man spoke during the process.

Only once the bowl had finally emptied did Physician Xu lower it again.

Yuanzhi carefully eased Y/N back against the bedding afterward, lowering her slowly before pulling the blankets securely back around her shoulders.

Then, Physician Xu handed him the second bowl. Yuanzhi accepted it without hesitation and drank the bitter remedy quickly before setting the empty bowl back down beside the bed.

“Angel Wings.” The physician confirmed slowly. “Smart.”

Yuanzhi exhaled quietly at the name.

One of the ingredients stolen earlier from the Gong medical cabinets had been moonvine extract, harmless by itself in small quantities, but combined with crowleaf and crushed white aconite…

The result became something far more dangerous.

The Angel Wings poison had been designed to work steadily through the body over the course of roughly an hour, though in some cases it could take as long as two. It gradually weakened the pulse and slowed the breathing before eventually causing complete collapse followed by organ failure. The poison was favored by some assassins because it did not kill quickly enough to draw immediate suspicion, allowing them time to distance themselves from the victim, yet it progressed fast enough that the true cause of the victim’s sudden illness was rarely investigated thoroughly before death followed. Inexperienced caretakers often failed to recognize it, as the symptoms could easily be mistaken for severe pneumonia or complications of the heart instead.

Physician Xu reached for the damp cloth resting beside the basin and gently wiped the moisture from Y/N’s brow. Even unconscious, she frowned faintly at the touch. “The cold water likely accelerated the poison’s effects,” he said quietly.

Yuanzhi’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. Without speaking, he reached back toward Y/N and rested his fingers carefully against her wrist once more, the faint warmth gradually returning beneath her skin enough to ease some of the tension that had remained within him until now.

Physician Xu lowered his gaze briefly toward the unconscious girl resting beneath the blankets. “Thanks to your quick actions, the antidote was administered in time before the poison spread too far,” he said calmly. “You may leave her in my care for the remainder of the night, Master Yuanzhi. Until the poison is fully neutralized by her body, it will likely take some time before she wakes. I will personally continue monitoring her condition while you are away.”

Yuanzhi remained silent awhile longer, his fingers still resting lightly against Y/N’s wrist as though confirming the steadier rhythm for himself. Only after several more breaths passed did he finally release her hand.

“If her pulse weakens again or there is any change in her condition, send for me immediately,” Yuanzhi said evenly as he rose from the bedside.

Physician Xu inclined his head respectfully. “Of course, Young Master.”

Yuanzhi remained beside the bed for a moment longer, his gaze lingering on Y/N’s pale, unmoving figure before he finally forced himself to turn away. He left the infirmary without another word, the doors sliding shut softly behind him.

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The interrogation chamber sat apart from the main residence deeper within the lower grounds of the Gong territory, built from dark stone and iron far from the warmth and comfort of the family halls above. The structure itself resembled more of a secured holding prison than an ordinary room, its thick walls designed to contain dangerous prisoners and secrets alike.

Inside, the chamber remained dimly lit, the glow from several hanging lanterns barely enough to push back the darkness gathering along the corners of the room. Iron bars cast long shadows across the stone floor while the faint scent of metal, herbs, and old smoke lingered quietly through the cold air.

Yuanzhi stood near one of the side tables in complete silence.

His movements remained calm.

Almost disturbingly so.

One by one, he arranged the items spread across the wooden surface with meticulous precision, adjusting their positions without the slightest hint of hurry. Small bowls of crushed herbs. Folded cloths. A single polished knife resting neatly beside a dark handkerchief. Near the edge of the table sat a freshly prepared pot of tea, faint steam still rising from it beneath the lantern glow.

To anyone unfamiliar with him, the scene might have appeared almost orderly.

To those who knew Gong Yuanzhi well, the calmness was far more unsettling.

The lingering warmth from the poison still sat faintly beneath his skin despite the antidote, though not enough to dull the cold focus settled across his expression now.

A heavy metallic sound echoed through the chamber as the outer door finally opened.

Yuanzhi did not immediately look up.

Footsteps crossed the stone floor a moment later before Gong Ziyu entered first, the colder air from outside following briefly behind him before the iron door shut once more.

For a moment, Ziyu simply watched Yuanzhi silently from across the chamber.

Then he spoke.

“How is Lady Y/N faring?”

Only then did Yuanzhi finally pause.

A quiet breath left him before he lifted his gaze briefly toward Ziyu.

“She is still alive,” he answered evenly. “If that is what you were wondering.”

Ziyu gave him a look at the response, the faint disapproval obvious despite the exhaustion lingering across his own expression after the long night. Still, he chose not to comment on it.

Instead, his attention shifted toward the items spread carefully across the table.

“Do you know what poison was used?”

This time, Yuanzhi turned fully toward him.

“Angel Wings.”

Recognition crossed Ziyu’s expression almost immediately at the name. He shifted slightly where he stood, tension settling more visibly through his posture now as the full implication of the answer settled between them.

For a brief moment, silence returned to the chamber.

Then Ziyu finally spoke again.

“Miss Mei admitted she was beside Lady Y/N during the walk back to the estate,” he said carefully. “But she claims she knows nothing beyond the fact that Lady Y/N suddenly collapsed before falling. Shangjue will bring her here soon.”

Yuanzhi looked at him.

Not a word.

Just a long, unreadable stare that made the explanation itself sound ridiculous the longer the silence stretched between them.

Ziyu exhaled quietly through his nose afterward.

“We informed her that she would need to answer further questions back at the residence since all incidents involving the selected brides must be properly recorded and investigated within the Gong family.” His tone paused slightly afterward before adding, “We told her not to worry too much for now.”

For the first time since entering the chamber, the corner of Yuanzhi’s mouth lifted faintly.

The smile itself was small, but there was absolutely nothing warm about it.

Ziyu noticed immediately.

His brows pulled together slightly as he watched the colder amusement settle across Yuanzhi’s expression. “We still do not know for certain that Miss Mei is responsible,” he reminded carefully. “Suspicion alone is not proof.”

Yuanzhi’s gaze remained fixed upon him for a moment longer before drifting back toward the table beside him.

“No,” he agreed calmly. “But if she is hiding something… I can make her confess.”

The quiet certainty in his voice sent an uncomfortable silence through the chamber afterward.

Ziyu nodded slowly at the answer, though the reluctance lingering across his expression remained obvious.

For all his disagreements with Yuanzhi’s methods, he trusted his instincts. Few people within the Gong family understood deception, poison, and hidden intent better than Gong Yuanzhi did.

Even so, Ziyu still spoke carefully afterward.

“I trust your judgment,” he admitted. “And your skills.” His gaze shifted briefly toward the dim chamber surrounding them before returning to Yuanzhi once more. “But you should still consider the possibility that she may be innocent. If that is the case, her family will not remain silent if they learn she was brought here and subjected to interrogation.”

“Her identity became questionable the moment inconsistencies appeared in her answers earlier this evening,” Yuanzhi replied evenly at last. “And what happened tonight only proves that waiting for the portraits results to verify the girl’s identity is no longer an option.” As he spoke, his fingers adjusted one of the knife resting upon the table almost absentmindedly, the controlled movement somehow making the quietness in his voice feel even colder.

“We were fortunate tonight,” Yuanzhi continued. “Miss Y/N could have died.” Yuanzhi finally lifted his gaze fully toward Ziyu again, the calm certainty within his expression never once wavering. “We cannot afford to sit back and wait while Wufeng moves freely inside our territory,” he said calmly. “The families allied with the Gong residence were given the opportunity to refuse the invitation to the bridal selection from the beginning. They know exactly what kind of family we are, and if they still chose to send their daughters and granddaughters here despite the risks, then they already accepted the possibility of what could happen once they entered Gong territory.”

Ziyu remained quiet for a moment after hearing the explanation, the lanternlight catching faintly across the tension lingering within his expression. “I understand that,” he admitted at last.

But that still does not give us free rein to do whatever we please.” His voice remained calm, though firmer now. “These women entered the Gong residence as guests. While they remain here, we also carry responsibility toward them to ensure they are treated as such.”

Yuanzhi’s attention lowered briefly toward the table beside him before he answered. “That is assuming they truly are guests at all,” he said slowly.

Ziyu exhaled quietly through his nose afterward. “Until we have proof,” Ziyu continued, “they are still guests of the Gong family.” His gaze held steadily upon Yuanzhi now. “So find proof first. Once you do, no one will question your methods afterward if backlash comes from it.”

The corner of Yuanzhi’s mouth lifted faintly again at that.

“I will gladly take the blame,” he replied calmly. “My reputation within the martial world was never particularly admirable to begin with.”

Before Ziyu could answer back, a heavy metallic sound echoed through the chamber as the iron door opened once more.

Miss Mei stepped into the chamber first, her frightened gaze moving uneasily through the dim room while traces of distress still lingered across her expression. A step behind her came Shangjue, one hand rested lightly behind his back while the other remained free at his side, his attention never once straying fully from the young woman

The woman’s steps slowed almost immediately after crossing the threshold, unease flashing visibly across her face as her gaze settled upon the two men already waiting inside the chamber.

She bowed deeply at once.

“Master Yuanzhi. Sword Wielder,” she greeted softly, though the slight trembling within her voice betrayed her nerves almost immediately.

Yuanzhi’s expression remained calm as he watched her.

“I apologize for keeping you awake so late, Miss Mei,” he said evenly. “But what happened tonight is a serious matter and must be addressed properly.”

Mei lowered her gaze quickly. “I understand,” she replied quietly. “And I will do anything I can to help. But like I explained earlier… I truly do not know very much.”

Yuanzhi gave a small nod at that, his demeanor remaining surprisingly composed. “I am sure you understand these procedures are necessary.”

“Of course,” she answered softly.

Only then did Yuanzhi gesture toward the single chair positioned near the center of the chamber.

“Please. Sit.”

Miss Mei hesitated only briefly before obeying, lowering herself slowly into the chair. Up close, the exhaustion from the evening seemed more noticeable now beneath the lanternlight.

Then Shangjue finally spoke.

“I gathered statements from the guards and the other selected ladies who were present during the incident,” he said calmly. “It appears no one clearly witnessed what happened. Most only heard a scream before turning in time to see Lady Han fall into the river below.”

He paused briefly afterward. “Multiple witnesses confirmed that Miss Mei was walking beside her at the time.”

Mei straightened slightly within her chair at once, sadness flashing visibly across her expression. “I was beside her,” she admitted quickly. “But she suddenly collapsed. Everything happened so fast… there was nothing I could do.”

Yuanzhi folded his arms loosely across his chest, his expression sympathetic. “Of course. We understand you were simply unfortunate enough to be beside her when it happened.” His gaze lingered upon her quietly a moment longer before he continued. “But did you notice anything unusual before she fell?”

Miss Mei shook her head immediately, her eyes already beginning to glisten with unshed tears. “It was dark,” she said softly. “And everything happened so quickly. I am sorry… I wish I could be more helpful.”

She sniffed quietly before looking back toward them again, genuine worry seemingly settling across her features now. “Will Lady Y/N be alright?” she asked softly. “I have been so worried about her that my stomach has felt unsettled ever since.”

Yuanzhi did not answer her immediately. Instead, his gaze dropped briefly before shifting away from her altogether, as though avoiding the answer entirely.

Near the back of the chamber, Shangjue and Ziyu remained silent now, both clearly allowing Yuanzhi to guide the conversation without interference.

After a moment, Yuanzhi spoke again. “Did Lady Y/N speak much during the walk back toward the Ladies’ Estate?”

Mei nodded faintly, still visibly emotional.

“Yes… we spoke a little.”

“What about?”

Her gaze lowered toward her hands resting within her lap. “Mostly about the evening,” she answered quietly. “Everyone had been discussing it earlier…”

Yuanzhi nodded once. “And how did Lady Y/N appear during that time?”

Miss Mei sniffed softly again before answering. “She seemed alright at first.” A faint sadness crossed her expression. “She even mentioned wanting to visit the firefly festival in my hometown someday…” Her voice trailed off slightly afterward…Then something seemed to shift faintly across her face, almost like sudden realization.

“But…”

Yuanzhi’s eyes lifted immediately.

“Well… now that I think about it,” she admitted quietly, “during the walk back she kept mentioning how tired she was. I remember thinking she looked somewhat pale as well.”

Yuanzhi remained silent, allowing her to continue.

“She stumbled a few times along the path too,” Mei added softly. “At first I assumed it was only because of the darkness and uneven ground, but now…” Her gaze lowered briefly toward her hands. “Perhaps she had already been unwell before the fall.”

Yuanzhi’s gaze sharpened slightly with interest. “So she already felt unwell beforehand.”

Miss Mei nodded weakly. “She insisted she was fine,” she whispered. “I believed her until she fell.” Tears finally slipped down her face as she looked back toward him once more. “Is she alright?”

A quiet silence followed afterward.

Yuanzhi said nothing immediately, though his eyes remained resting upon her a moment longer than before while Mei sat within the chair appearing visibly distressed, her fingers tightening faintly together within her lap.

“Please tell me, Master Yuanzhi…” Mei’s voice faltered into something smaller, almost pleading now.

His lips pressed together faintly.

For the briefest instant, his gaze flickered toward his brother across the room. Nothing was spoken between them, yet something passed there all the same. A quiet understanding. A decision already made.

Only then did Yuanzhi speak.

“Perhaps your explanation helped us understand the situation better,” he said quietly. “The physicians initially struggled to determine what caused her condition, but if Lady Han had already been weakened beforehand like you described, then the freezing river likely worsened things significantly.” His expression remained unreadable as he spoke. “She died in the guards’ arms before reaching the residence.”

The reaction was immediate.

Mei’s reaction came instantly. Her hands flew upward to cover her face completely as tears spilled freely down her cheeks, soft broken sobs escaping her almost immediately. Yet beneath the crying, the tension that had remained tightly wound through her shoulders since entering the chamber seemed to loosen ever so slightly before disappearing again.

Near the back of the chamber, both Shangjue and Ziyu remained silent, though the subtle shift did not escape either of them. Shangjue’s expression stayed unreadable as always, while Ziyu’s gaze lingered more carefully upon the crying young woman now, something more thoughtful settling behind his eyes.

For several long moments, the only sound filling the chamber came from Mei’s quiet crying, the grief she displayed convincing enough that most people likely would have softened at the sight.

Yuanzhi simply watched her in silence before eventually exhaling quietly through his nose. “I am sorry, Miss Mei,” he said, his tone noticeably calmer now than earlier. “I understand this must be difficult to hear. Lady Han was your friend.”

The sobbing behind her hands seemed to lessen slightly at the words.

Yuanzhi’s gaze lingered upon her another moment before he finally reached into his sleeve and withdrew a folded handkerchief.

“Here,” he said quietly, offering it toward her.

Mei hesitated only briefly before accepting it with trembling hands, clearly too distressed to pay much attention to the cloth itself before pressing it quickly against her eyes.

Without another comment, Yuanzhi turned away from her afterward and walked back toward the side table near the wall where the untouched pot of tea still rested beneath the dim lanternlight. Thin wisps of steam no longer rose as strongly from it now, though the liquid inside remained warm as he calmly poured tea into one of the waiting cups.

Instead, he turned calmly back toward the nearby table and poured tea into one of the waiting cups while Mei continued wiping at her face quietly behind him.

Neither Shangjue nor Ziyu interrupted.

The chamber remained heavy with silence as Yuanzhi lifted the cup and crossed back toward her once more. “Drink something,” he said.

Mei slowly lowered the cloth from her face and looked up at him through reddened eyes before giving a weak shake of her head. “I…” Her voice caught slightly from crying. “I do not think I could stomach anything right now.”

Yuanzhi paused briefly at the response, then his gaze lowered toward the handkerchief still clenched within her hands.

“Oh,” he said lightly. “My mistake. I gave you a used one.”

Mei frowned faintly before finally looking down herself. Faint brownish-red stains streaked across parts of the handkerchief now where her tears had dampened it, the marks unmistakably resembling dried blood.

For a brief moment, she only stared at it in confusion.

“The physicians attempted to draw blood from Lady Han earlier,” Yuanzhi explained calmly. “I must have grabbed it by mistake.”

The effect was immediate.

The color drained rapidly from Mei’s face as the handkerchief slipped abruptly from her fingers onto the stone floor below. For the first time since entering the chamber, the composure she had maintained so carefully seemed to crack visibly.

Her breathing turned uneven almost immediately afterward as she quickly wiped at her eyes again using her sleeve instead, as though suddenly desperate to remove any remaining traces from her skin.

Across the chamber, the subtle shift did not go unnoticed. Ziyu’s brows furrowed slightly at the reaction, something about the sudden panic clearly striking him as excessive. Shangjue remained silent as always, though his gaze rested steadily upon Mei now with sharpened attention.

Meanwhile, Yuanzhi himself remained perfectly calm.

“There is no reason to panic,” he reassured gently. “It is only a little blood.”

Mei swallowed visibly. “…Blood from a dead person,” she whispered back quickly, though the slight instability in her voice betrayed her rising panic almost immediately afterward.

Yuanzhi tilted his head slightly. “You will be fine,” he said calmly.

For a brief moment, Mei seemed to force herself to steady her breathing again before slowly rising from the chair.

“I…” She lowered her gaze. “If there is nothing else, then perhaps I should return for the evening.” Her voice softened further. “I would like some time alone to grieve my friend.”

A quiet silence settled throughout the chamber after the request.

Yuanzhi looked at her for a moment before the corner of his mouth lifted faintly, the expression polite enough on the surface that most people may have mistaken it for reassurance. Yet something colder lingered quietly beneath it.

“I would prefer if you remained here a little longer,” he said evenly. “After all, if Lady Y/N truly carried some form of illness before her death, then it is entirely possible she may have passed it on to you as well.”

The words seemed to drain what little color remained from Mei’s face. For a brief moment, she stood completely still before forcing herself to steady her breathing again.

“I understand,” she said softly, though her voice still sounded strained. “But perhaps it would be better if I remained confined within my room at the Ladies’ Estate instead.” Her hands tightened faintly within her sleeves before she glanced uneasily around the stone chamber surrounding them. “The air inside this chamber is very humid,” she admitted quietly. “I am not accustomed to environments like this.”

A quiet silence followed afterward.

Then Shangjue spoke. “Oh, right,” he said calmly. “You mentioned earlier that you came from Yunhe.”

Mei nodded quickly in agreement, though the unease lingering across her face remained obvious now.

“Yes.”

Shangjue’s expression did not shift. “I remember telling you this evening that I visited there once,” he continued evenly. “It was very beautiful.”

Some of the tension in Mei’s posture seemed to loosen slightly at the familiar topic.

“Thank you,” she replied softly. “It is a very charming town.”

Only then did Ziyu suddenly look toward Shangjue with a slight furrow between his brows. “But you mentioned something incorrectly earlier, did you not?” he asked.

Shangjue’s gaze shifted toward him calmly.

Ziyu rested a hand briefly against his shoulder while continuing, “You said Yunhe’s climate was dry… but isn’t it the complete opposite? That region is known for its mountain fog and heavy moisture because of the surrounding waterways.”

Shangjue gave a small nod, almost thoughtful. “That was my mistake,” he admitted quietly. His eyes returned to Mei.

“Miss Mei,” he asked calmly, “why did you not correct me earlier?”

Mei blinked several times at the sudden question before lowering her gaze quickly toward the floor, her teeth catching lightly against her lower lip.

“I… I simply did not wish to appear rude by contradicting you, Master Shangjue.”

Yuanzhi crossed his arms loosely at the exchange, his expression settling into something almost thoughtful as his gaze lingered quietly upon Mei. “How considerate of you,” he said softly, though whether the words were genuine or mocking was difficult to tell beneath the calmness in his voice.

His eyes drifted briefly around the stone chamber afterward before returning to her once more.

“But now I am somewhat confused,” Yuanzhi continued evenly. “Moments ago, you claimed you were unaccustomed to humid environments because of Yunhe’s dry air. But turns out Yunhe is actually known for being a very moist region.” A faint pause followed before the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “So if I understand correctly, then there should be no problem with you remaining here a few more hours until we clear you of any possible illness.”

Mei swallowed hard. Her gaze flickered briefly between the three men standing before her. “I…” Her voice faltered slightly before she forced herself to continue. “Perhaps I misspoke earlier.”

“Mm.” Yuanzhi gave a small nod as though the explanation made perfect sense. “That happens often when people are nervous.”

For a moment, Mei seemed to relax slightly at the response.

Yuanzhi watched her quietly before moving closer at an unhurried pace, stopping directly in front of where she stood beside the chair. Then, slowly, he leaned down slightly until his face sat nearly level with hers, forcing her to properly meet his gaze at close distance.

“You must have also been terribly nervous earlier this evening,” he said softly, “when you mentioned that the firefly festival in Yunhe takes place during spring instead of autumn.”

The relief that had just begun settling across Mei’s expression disappeared immediately.

She froze.

For one sharp instant, something flashed through her eyes.

Not fear.

Calculation.

Yuanzhi reacted almost immediately.

The movement came so suddenly it barely registered at first beneath the lanternlight as Mei’s hand slipped into her sleeve and a narrow blade flashed free toward his throat.

At the same moment, the chamber erupted into motion.

Ziyu surged forward while somewhere behind him the sharp metallic sound of a sword unsheathing cut violently through the silence.

But Yuanzhi moved first.

His hand caught Mei’s wrist before the blade could fully swing toward him, twisting sharply enough to force the knife off course as the two collided hard against the nearby table. Ceramic bowls crashed loudly onto the ground around them while Mei fought viciously beneath his grip, the calm frightened demeanor from earlier disappearing entirely.

Yuanzhi forced her arm downward while Ziyu grabbed hold of her other wrist to stop her from reaching for another hidden weapon. Even restrained, Mei struggled fiercely against them, her movements fast and precise in ways no ordinary noblewoman should have been capable of.

“Careful,” Shangjue warned sharply as he stepped beside them, sword already drawn. “She may still have more hidden blades.”

Mei twisted violently again, nearly wrenching herself free before Shangjue seized hold of her shoulder and slammed her hard enough against the stone pillar nearby to finally break her balance.

Together, the three men dragged her forcefully across the chamber toward the far side of the room where a pair of iron restraints hung suspended from heavy chains overhead. Mei fought them the entire way, her shoes scraping harshly against the stone floor while the chains above rattled loudly the moment the iron cuffs finally snapped shut around her wrists.

Only then did the struggle stop.

For several long seconds afterward, Mei remained where she was beneath the restraints, breathing heavily from exertion while loose strands of dark hair clung against her face and neck. The rise and fall of her chest had become uneven now beneath the strain of the fight, though the defiance lingering within her expression remained entirely untouched.

Slowly, she lifted her head.

The frightened grief from earlier had vanished completely.

No trembling tears remained. No soft voice. No frightened noblewoman cornered inside an interrogation chamber.

What stared back at them now felt entirely different.

Anger lingered sharply within her gaze, cold and cutting beneath the dim lanternlight. Yet beneath even that, something else flickered quietly across her face afterward.

Amusement.

A faint laugh escaped her suddenly, breathless from the struggle yet unmistakably genuine all the same. The sound echoed strangely throughout the stone chamber, sharp enough that even Ziyu’s expression hardened visibly at once.

Meanwhile, Yuanzhi simply stood before her in silence.

Mei exhaled quietly through her nose and tilted her head slightly upward. “I only had a week to prepare this role,” she said flatly. “I suppose this part is my fault.”

There was no sadness within her voice. No fear either. If anything, she sounded irritated more than anything else, as though being discovered had merely become an inconvenience rather than a genuine defeat.

Shangjue continued watching her steadily from where he stood nearby, the sword still unsheathed loosely at his side. “What happened to the real Miss Mei?” he asked calmly.

At that, Mei rolled her eyes faintly beneath the restraints, the movement almost bored despite the chains binding her overhead.

“Dead in a ditch somewhere by now,” she replied carelessly. “Perhaps some wild animal already ate her.”

Near the side of the room, Ziyu lowered his gaze briefly at the response, his jaw tightening faintly. The revelation itself no longer surprised him after what they had already uncovered tonight, but hearing another young woman’s death spoken about with such cold indifference still left an unpleasant heaviness settling through the air all the same.

Across from her, Yuanzhi regarded her with open disdain now, whatever trace of civility he had worn earlier long since abandoned.

“It must have been frustrating once the portrait verification was announced,” he said evenly after a moment. “You knew you had very little time left before your identity was exposed.”

The chains above Mei’s wrists swayed faintly as she shifted beneath them. Then suddenly, she spat toward Yuanzhi’s feet. Yuanzhi did not so much as glance downward.

The timid young woman from before had vanished completely as well. No trace of the shy noble lady remained anymore. What remained instead felt sharp and openly hostile, the irritation in her expression no longer hidden beneath false tears and lowered eyes.

“Your real face is much uglier than the one you arrived with,” Yuanzhi remarked coldly.

A sharp laugh escaped Mei through her nose afterward.

“You Gong men truly enjoy pretending you’re smarter than everyone else,” she said bitterly. “But tell me something…” Her eyes lifted coldly toward the three of them. “How exactly are you planning to explain to that girl’s family that the great Gong family allowed a Wufeng spy to murder their daughter under your protection?”

Then suddenly, her expression shifted into something softer. Mockingly so.

“How terrible for the beloved General Han,” she said in an almost sympathetic voice that sounded far too artificial to be genuine. “First his wife… and now his only daughter.” A faint smile slowly pulled at the corner of her mouth. “The public will be enraged.”

Shangjue’s gaze rested steadily upon her. “So that was your intention from the beginning?” he asked calmly. “To befriend Lady Han and poison her in order to turn public opinion against the Gong family.”

Mei let out another quiet laugh through her nose.

“It became obvious very quickly that I would never actually be chosen as a bride,” she replied carelessly. “So I needed to find another use for my position here. And what better way is there to weaken the Gong family than attacking the very thing that keeps the outside world fearful of you?” Her eyes moved slowly between the three men afterward. “Your authority. Your control. Your reputation for protecting what belongs to you.”

A cruel satisfaction settled across her expression now. “ The mighty Gong family cannot even keep a young woman alive under their own protection.” She tilted her head slightly. “People would remember that.”

“But why Lady Han specifically?” Ziyu finally asked. “Her background is respectable, yes, but there are other women here with even greater political influence.” His gaze remained fixed steadily upon her. “Daughters connected directly to high-ranking government officials. Provincial governors. Powerful court families.” A faint crease formed between his brows. “If your intention was truly to create the greatest possible backlash against the Gong family, then why not target one of them instead?”

Mei remained quiet for a moment after Ziyu’s question, her gaze lingering upon him thoughtfully while the chamber fell silent once more. Then slowly, her eyes shifted toward Yuanzhi instead. “If I had gone after Miss Liuyun instead,” she asked softly, “would you have cared nearly this much?” Her head tilted slightly afterward, studying him openly now. “Probably not.”

The amusement within her expression deepened faintly. “Everyone inside that hall tonight could tell you could barely tolerate the girl’s presence.” A quiet breath of laughter escaped her afterward. “But Lady Y/N…” Her gaze lingered on him another moment, something more thoughtful settling briefly across her face now. “I admit, Young Master Yuanzhi… your attentiveness toward her this evening surprised me.”

Yuanzhi crossed his arms loosely at the remark, his gaze remaining steady on her as though he could already see exactly what she was attempting to do.

“Trying to provoke me now will not improve your situation,” he said calmly.

For a moment, Mei simply stared back at him beneath the restraints, the earlier mockery within her expression slowly giving way to something more restrained.

“It hardly matters anymore,” she replied carelessly. “I can already feel the poison spreading.” Her head tilted slightly afterward. “I will admit, though… the handkerchief was clever.”

For the first time since the confrontation began, the corner of Yuanzhi’s mouth curved faintly upward. “Do not celebrate too soon,” he replied softly.

Something unreadable flickered briefly across Mei’s expression at the response.

Without another word, Yuanzhi turned away from her afterward and walked calmly back toward the nearby table. Several objects still remained scattered across the floor from the earlier struggle, though the teapot itself had survived untouched near the edge.

He poured another cup slowly.

Only then did Mei seem to understand what he intended.

“I will not drink that,” she said coldly.

Yuanzhi paid no attention to the protest. Cup still in hand, he approached her once more before giving a small motion of his head toward Shangjue and Ziyu.

The two moved immediately.

Mei reacted violently the moment Ziyu seized hold of her jaw while Shangjue forced her head back hard enough to stop her from turning away. The chains above rattled sharply as she struggled against the restraints, her composure finally cracking beneath genuine resistance now.

“No—”

The protest broke apart the instant Yuanzhi forced the medicine into her mouth.

She gagged harshly afterward, coughing and choking as she tried desperately to spit the liquid back out, but most of it still went down despite the struggle. Only once the cup had emptied did Shangjue and Ziyu finally release her again.

Mei remained where she was afterward, breathing harder now while loose strands of dark hair clung against her face and neck. Hatred burned openly within her eyes as she glared at Yuanzhi through the lingering coughs left from the medicine.

Yuanzhi calmly set the empty cup aside before lifting his gaze back toward her once more.

“You will not die that easily,” he said softly. The words seemed to settle heavily within the chamber.

For a moment longer, Yuanzhi simply continued watching her struggle to steady her breathing before finally turning toward the others.

“You may leave,” he said evenly to his companions. “I will continue from here on my own.”

A brief silence followed the order.

Ziyu frowned faintly at first, hesitation flickering across his expression as his gaze shifted once between Yuanzhi and the restrained Wufeng spy before them. Yet in the end, he said nothing. He simply gave a small nod before finally turning toward the chamber doors.

Beside him, Shangjue had not moved.

His attention remained fixed upon Yuanzhi for a moment longer, as though weighing the decision carefully before leaving him alone inside the chamber.

“Ge…” Yuanzhi said quietly, finally looking toward him directly.

The meaning behind the word was clear enough.

Shangjue held his younger brother’s gaze for several seconds before eventually giving a faint nod of understanding. Only then did he finally turn and follow after Ziyu while the heavy iron doors groaned loudly as they opened and then slammed shut once more behind them, leaving only silence afterward.

For several long moments, Yuanzhi remained standing exactly where he was with his back still turned toward the girl.

Then slowly, he turned to face her again.

The corner of his mouth pulled gradually into a faint, wicked smile as his gaze settled upon the restrained Wufeng spy before him, something far darker now visible within his expression than earlier that evening.

“You know,” he said after a while. “I haven’t been this excited in a long time.”

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