Volume One, Chapter 9: Is There Something Wrong with the Wine?

The Northern Qi army had ventured far into the Yan territory for battle and finally returned victorious. As soon as the news spread, the entire capital erupted with excitement. People flocked to the city gates, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the famed Regent Prince.

Though it was still early, the gates were already crowded and bustling. The townsfolk, filled with anticipation and curiosity, whispered among themselves about the celebrated general.

Amidst the stirring drumbeats and blaring horns, the Northern Qi army slowly advanced like a long dragon. The crowd below erupted in cheers, shouting in unison, “Regent Prince! Regent Prince!”

“Which one is the Regent Prince, I wonder?” someone nearby guessed.

“Surely it’s the one leading the front,” another affirmed. “Look at his imposing presence — no doubt he’s the Regent Prince.”

“I have relatives working in the palace who heard that the Regent Prince returned to the capital a few days ago, though I’m not sure if that’s true.”

“Who cares? As long as the Regent Prince is back, that scheming woman in the palace won’t dare act recklessly anymore.”

These words sparked agreement all around. “Exactly! The Regent Prince’s father is a venerable marquis with a distinguished lineage and holds command over mighty forces.”

“Moreover, the Regent Prince is skilled in both strategy and combat, deeply trusted by the late emperor. Having achieved such a great victory in Yan, there’s no one, not even the Princess Royal with all her talents, who can stand against him.”

The crowd grew more animated, imagining the Regent Prince’s triumph over treachery.

Meanwhile, within the grand hall of the palace, Deputy Commander Zhang, clad in heavy armor, knelt on one knee to pay respects to the emperor and the Princess Royal. “Your Majesties, I apologize for my delayed arrival due to pressing military affairs.”

“Rise, my loyal subject. There’s no delay, your timing is perfect. Bring a seat for our esteemed guest at once.”

Zhang Xuance quickly approached Li Chaoyang, bowed respectfully, and reported, “My lord, the Northern Qi army has returned safely, without a single casualty.”

Li Chaoyang nodded slightly in acknowledgment and motioned for him to sit.

Xiao Qingyu rose, raised her cup high, and proclaimed loudly, “Today, the brave warriors who journeyed to Yan have achieved a great and complete victory. This is a blessing for Northern Qi! I propose a toast to all of you!”

At her words, the ministers rose and echoed her toast, the atmosphere charged with jubilation.

Li Chaoyang smiled and raised his cup toward the Princess Royal beside him. “Princess, you have sacrificed much for Northern Qi. I offer you my toast.” Then he beckoned to the attendants, “Fill the Princess’s cup to the brim at once.”

Xiao Qingyu smiled gently in reply. “Regent Prince, why do you say such things? Northern Qi’s success today is thanks to everyone’s united effort. Please do not credit all the glory to me alone.”

Without hesitation, she lifted her cup and drained it in one gulp.

Beside her, Xiao Qingshan laughed heartily. “Ha! On such a joyous occasion, we must drink until we’re drunk!”

Encouraged by his words, the ministers grew even more spirited, flooding around the emperor and the Princess Royal to offer their toasts enthusiastically.

Zhao Huainian stood at a distance, watching Xiao Qingyu drink cup after cup. With a sly grin, the chancellor called out mockingly, “Princess, you truly have a fine tolerance for wine! Come, let’s fill your cup once more!”

Xiao Qingyu picked up her cup and examined it carefully. Could there be something wrong with this wine? Why was that old wretch so accommodating today? I must remain cautious.

“Everyone, please enjoy your drink. I shall take my leave now,” she said, leaving the wine untouched.

Xiao Qingshan glanced at her sideways and lowered his voice. “Sister, why leave so suddenly? Leaving me here alone—what am I to do?”

Xiao Qingyu frowned slightly and spoke earnestly. “There will be many occasions like this in the future. You must learn to adapt slowly.”

“One day, I will leave you behind. You must learn to stand on your own. I have arranged for Lingzhu to stay here. If any trouble arises, have her send me word.”

She sighed softly before continuing, “I feel weary now. I shall return to the palace to rest.”

Upon returning to Chengfeng Hall, Xiao Qingyu soon realized something was amiss with her health.

Normally, given her usual tolerance, she shouldn’t feel intoxicated after so little wine. Yet now, a dizzy haze overwhelmed her.

Worse still, waves of burning heat radiated from her chest, causing great discomfort.

What kind of wine was this today? How could it have such a fierce aftereffect?

Lying down, she struggled with the unbearable heat and thirst.

“Lingzhu—” she called several times, but there was no answer.

She suddenly remembered Lingzhu was with Qingshan.

“Someone—” she called out again, but silence met her plea.

Now, Xiao Qingyu realized something was seriously wrong.

In the vast Chengfeng Hall, not a single soul could be seen. She had returned unnoticed—how careless.

The wine was poisoned. Someone had drugged it. Judging by her symptoms, she knew exactly what it was.

But who could it be? The Chancellor? Or Li Chaoyang?

It seemed they were desperate to ruin her reputation and force her into marriage to be done with her.

Hmph. How could she submit so easily and wait for death?

With sudden resolve, Xiao Qingyu rose, intending to go to the Imperial Medical Institute.

Yet, she found herself utterly drained of strength.

As time passed, the nameless burning inside intensified, as if a raging inferno scorched her very being.

Helpless, she quickly removed her outer garment, but the unbearable heat persisted relentlessly.

Her once pale skin had turned a flushed pink.

Staggering, she gripped the bed’s edge for support and struggled to stand. She stumbled toward the table, grabbed the water jug, and gulped down mouthfuls.

Still, the fiery heat within gave no relief.

“Could it be that shameless villains will soon be sent to my chamber to climb into my bed?”

“Damn it!”

“Not even a shred of strength left?”

Xiao Qingyu’s eyes grew dim and unfocused; her clear mind began to blur.

“It seems today is a day from which I may not escape…”

Suddenly, a faint sound of a door opening reached her ears.

The unexpected noise jolted her awake. Reflexively, she drew the dagger she always carried, clutching it tightly.

Her vision was blurred, and at first, she could only make out a tall, indistinct figure approaching.

As the figure drew closer, she finally managed to discern the face.

“To think it’s—Li Chaoyang!” she gasped in shock upon recognizing him.