Chapter 44: Treasures of Miao Territory

This was the only advantage of being a princess: if one wished to take a concubine, the first hurdle was to pass the scrutiny of the princess’s mother. No one ever hoped their daughter would share her husband with another. Therefore, it was almost impossible.

“I didn’t expect you to be so open-minded, sister-in-law, to see things so clearly.”

“It’s not that I’m open-minded. Now that the Crown Prince is the heir apparent, although I am the Crown Princess, whether I will be Empress in the future is uncertain. Of course, it’s far too early to speak of such things now.”

“But if we must imagine it, the three palaces and six courts of the future—if I were to be jealous of them all, wouldn’t it sour me to death?” Qiao Qingyun spoke half in jest, yet it was the truth: in the royal family, not a single person could truly devote themselves to one companion for life. At best, in the end, they might recall her fondly a couple of times—that would already be fortunate.

After the meal, Qiao Qingyun escorted Yuan Rou to the door, watched her board her sedan chair, and only then turned away.

“Miss.”

Qingluo had been watching from the side for a long time, never expecting Yuan Rou to place such trust in Qiao Qingyun today. So throughout the conversation, Qingluo had no chance to interject and could only wait quietly nearby.

Upon hearing Qingluo call out, Qiao Qingyun immediately turned back, her tone cautious: “Go tell Feng Ke to unify the story. Say that Young Master Yun’s beloved passed away early, and no one knows why he left or why he sold the shop to me.”

“Yes.” Qingluo understood; perhaps Yuan Rou would have someone investigate as well, so this matter must be handled swiftly.

As evening fell, Qiao Qingyun returned to the Crown Prince's residence. As the Crown Princess, leaving the palace was a simple matter—whenever she wished, she could do so.

“Greetings to Your Highness.”

Suddenly, a eunuch appeared, kneeling before Qiao Qingyun and leaving her momentarily stunned. “What is it?”

“His Highness requests Your Highness to visit his bedchamber.”

“All right, I understand.” Qiao Qingyun sighed inwardly, her head aching. Qingluo stifled a laugh nearby. “Then I’ll take my leave, Your Highness.”

“Go on.”

The two parted ways. Although her Listening Bamboo Pavilion was not far from the Crown Prince’s bedchamber, it was still separate.

Arriving at the entrance, she saw Liu Fu standing guard, somewhat puzzled.

“Greetings, Crown Princess.”

“Where is the Crown Prince?”

Qiao Qingyun asked with a hint of uncertainty. Liu Fu turned and knocked on the door.

“Your Highness, the Crown Princess has arrived.”

“Come in.”

Yuan Zai Chun’s voice came from within. Qiao Qingyun could not fathom the reason for this mysterious act, but seeing Liu Fu’s demeanor, she did not ask further and stepped inside.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

Qiao Qingyun performed a proper salute, noticing that Yuan Zai Chun had not changed out of his bright red underclothes, but sat with eyes closed, resting in a soft chair.

“You went outside the residence today?”

“Yes.”

Qiao Qingyun did not conceal anything and nodded. Yuan Zai Chun opened his eyes. “What did you go for?”

“I have always liked the cuisine at Hundred Flowers Courtyard, so I went to taste it specially.”

“Oh? That is unusual.”

Yuan Zai Chun spoke with a cold indifference, making Qiao Qingyun uncomfortable. What was he planning? But looking at his face, she could not ask.

It wasn’t her fault; Yuan Zai Chun’s appearance was simply infuriating, especially with his air of superiority, as if he wished to look down on everyone.

“Did you meet Rou’er?”

“Yes, I met Princess Yongning.”

Hearing this, Yuan Zai Chun sighed. “That girl.”

He immediately rose, strode to the table, and picked up a small porcelain bottle, waving it at Qiao Qingyun.

She understood and went over. Yuan Zai Chun opened the lid.

The moment it was opened, a fragrance rushed forth. Qiao Qingyun quickly covered her nose and mouth.

“Your Highness, do you wish to bestow death upon me?”

“Bestow death? Who said I want to kill you?”

“This poison is far too lethal.”

Qiao Qingyun merely sniffed it lightly and knew at once that the five deadly creatures were all concentrated within. If someone were poisoned by this, without an antidote within half an hour, they would certainly perish.

“Oh?”

Yuan Zai Chun was intrigued. When opened, there was a wave of sweet fragrance; if one did not sniff carefully, it would be impossible to detect anything else.

“How so?”

“Inside, scorpions, centipedes, snakes, spiders, and poisonous toads—all in full measure, likely carefully chosen. Otherwise, it would not be so potent.”

She finished and swiftly snatched the poison from Yuan Zai Chun’s hand, placing it on the table.

“It’s best not to touch such poison at all; it does you no good.”

Qiao Qingyun was extremely cautious, especially regarding poisons, for many had died from their study.

“Is it truly so powerful?”

Seeing Yuan Zai Chun still unconvinced, Qiao Qingyun nodded. “If Your Highness doubts it, you can find someone to test it, but let me warn you: I have no antidote. If they die, it’s not my fault.”

This poison rapidly eroded blood cells and white blood cells. Even if one tried to cut off the flow with a silver needle, it was nearly impossible—at best, it could delay the inevitable, and death would come in about an hour and a half.

It was virtually the same as no delay at all.

Yuan Zai Chun frowned. “Can you make an antidote?”

“I can, but it will take time. By noon tomorrow, I should be able to. I’ll have someone buy the ingredients and make it myself.”

“Very well, do it quickly.”

“But… Your Highness, this poison usually comes from the borderlands. Most who know how to concoct it are from the Miao territory.”

Qiao Qingyun was curious; such poison rarely reached the hands of people in the central plains.

But seeing Yuan Zai Chun’s somber expression, she could not help but ask.

“It was found on a prisoner. Many of my men died from this poison.”

“No wonder…”

Qiao Qingyun muttered, “Then I’ll go prepare the antidote. Your Highness should rest.”

“Wait.”

Just as Qiao Qingyun was about to leave, Yuan Zai Chun called her back, leaving her puzzled. “Ah? What is it, Your Highness?”

“If you leave, tomorrow it will be said that you upset me, and I drove you out. Tonight, stay here.”

With that, Yuan Zai Chun turned and sat by the bed. Qiao Qingyun considered for a moment, nodded, “Very well.”

Then, before Yuan Zai Chun, she began to undress. Watching this scene, the man’s Adam’s apple bobbed involuntarily, his gaze growing intensely heated.

There was no denying it—Qiao Qingyun was truly a woman of remarkable allure. As she shed her clothing, her graceful figure appeared, sending Yuan Zai Chun’s blood pressure soaring.