Soon, the blood flowing from the wound gradually changed from dark green to bright red.
Xiao Yuge spat out the last mouthful of poisoned blood, wiped the corner of her lips, and let out a relieved sigh.
“That should do it.”
“The poison is gone.”
The man quietly circulated his internal energy.
His hands and feet seemed capable of moving again.
It appeared the young girl had truly cured him.
Just as he was about to sit up—
Xiao Yuge moved first.
With a swift motion, she drove a silver needle into one of his acupoints.
His body immediately went numb once more.
Unable to move, he glared at her in both shock and anger.
“What are you doing?”
“My apologies.”
Xiao Yuge stood up calmly.
“I know you’re planning to silence me after recovering.”
“But I can’t die just yet.”
She placed another medicinal pill into his palm.
“Take this.”
“It will remove the remaining traces of poison.”
“The anesthetic on the needle will wear off by itself in half an hour.”
“Goodbye.”
She paused before smiling faintly.
“No…”
“Let’s hope we never meet again.”
After saying that, she glanced around the forest.
She frowned slightly.
She had wasted too much time here.
There was no chance of making it to Qianji Pavilion tonight.
She would have to find another opportunity.
Without another word, she retraced her steps toward the Prime Minister’s residence.
The man watched her departing figure thoughtfully.
After closing his eyes, he quietly channeled his internal energy.
The silver needle suddenly shot out of his body and landed in the nearby grass.
Supporting himself with one hand, he slowly rose to his feet.
He flexed his arms and legs.
Apart from a slight lingering numbness, there was nothing wrong.
Thinking about what she had just said, he unconsciously touched his lips.
Did I ever say I was going to kill her?
The Crimson Flame Serpent existed only in the Northern Desert’s Crimson Flame Kingdom.
Now that someone from that kingdom had dared to extend their reach toward him…
It seemed certain people needed to be taught a lesson.
He raised two fingers to his lips and released a clear, piercing whistle into the night.
Moments later—
Several black-clad guards appeared silently behind him.
“My Lord!”
“We deserve punishment for arriving late!”
The young man leading them dropped to one knee.
The moment he noticed the bloodstain on his master’s clothes, his expression changed dramatically.
“My Lord!”
“You’re injured?”
“It’s nothing.”
The man waved dismissively.
Standing with his hands clasped behind his back, he continued looking in the direction Xiao Yuge had disappeared.
“Mingyang.”
“Find out who she is.”
“Yes, My Lord.”
The young guard named Mingyang immediately vanished into the darkness.
The man then issued another order.
“Gather our forces.”
“Cut off one arm of the Crimson Flame Kingdom.”
As he spoke, he slowly drew a dazzling crimson command token from his robes.
It was—
The Three Kingdoms Command Token.
A legendary military seal capable of commanding armies throughout the realm.
It was said that whenever the Three Kingdoms Command Token appeared…
Bloodshed would inevitably follow.
Not long afterward, Mingyang returned respectfully.
“You’ve found her?”
“Yes, My Lord.”
“She is the Second Miss of Prime Minister Xiao’s household.”
“Her name is Xiao Yuge.”
“Xiao Yuge…”
The man quietly repeated her name.
A hint of surprise flashed across his eyes.
“So it’s her.”
After a brief silence, he instructed,
“Have someone keep an eye on her.”
“If she encounters danger…”
“Help her from the shadows.”
“Consider it repayment for saving my life.”
“Understood.”
Although Mingyang couldn’t understand why his usually indifferent master had suddenly become interested in a young girl…
He wisely chose not to ask.
“Oh, right, My Lord.”
“In a few days, the Lotus Banquet will be held.”
“His Majesty has already sent an imperial decree inviting Your Highness to attend.”
Without even thinking, the man casually waved his hand.
“Those tedious banquets.”
“When would this prince ever attend something so boring?”
“Decline it.”
After a moment’s thought, however, he suddenly asked,
“The banquet is hosted by the Empress, correct?”
“Will all the noble young ladies of the capital attend?”
“Yes, My Lord.”
The corners of his lips slowly lifted.
“Then send word back.”
“Tell His Majesty…”
“This prince will attend.”
For some reason…
He found himself looking forward to seeing the little girl again.
“Yes, My Lord.”
Early the next morning…
After Xiao Yuge and Xiao Yufu finished paying their respects to their parents, a maid arrived carrying an exquisite potted flower.
Curious, they asked about it.
It turned out to be a gift from Prince Liang, Qian Liye.
He had reportedly spent a fortune obtaining the rare blossom for Xiao Yufu after hearing she had been frightened during the mountain incident.
Xiao Yufu possessed extraordinary beauty and talent.
She was the unattainable “white moonlight” in the hearts of countless young men throughout the capital.
Prince Liang’s admiration for her was no secret.
Sending flowers to comfort her was hardly surprising.
Xiao Yuge stared at the flower.
Her eyes gradually darkened.
In her previous life…
She had admired the flower’s unique beauty.
When Xiao Yufu had generously insisted she keep it…
She had foolishly accepted it and taken it back to her own room.
And because of that…
Everything afterward had changed.
“Ge’er.”
Xiao Yufu smiled warmly and took her hand.
“This is a rare Fairy Orchid.”
“If you like it…”
“You can have it.”
Even the maids nearby were moved.
This was an expensive gift from Prince Liang himself.
Yet the Eldest Miss was giving it away without the slightest hesitation.
She truly adored her younger sister.
Xiao Yuge smiled faintly.
“No, thank you.”
“I don’t know the first thing about growing flowers.”
“What would I do with such a precious plant?”
“Besides…”
“This is Prince Liang’s gift to you.”
“Only someone who truly appreciates flowers, like Elder Sister, deserves to care for it.”
“If it were left to me…”
“I’d only ruin something so valuable.”
Since Xiao Yufu genuinely loved flowers, she finally accepted after Xiao Yuge politely refused several times.
She instructed An Ling to carry it back.
“Elder Sister.”
“I’m feeling a little unwell.”
“I’ll return to my room first.”
Ever since being reborn…
Xiao Yuge had no desire to spend any more time than necessary with Xiao Yufu.
“Very well.”
Watching her younger sister leave, Xiao Yufu frowned slightly.
“An Ling…”
“Don’t you think Second Sister has changed?”
She couldn’t quite explain it.
Something simply felt…
Different.
“Miss, Second Miss has always been like this.”
An Ling curled her lips dismissively.
“You’re simply too kind.”
“You always let Second Miss have her way.”
“If she’d really taken such a precious flower…”
“It would have been a complete waste.”
Xiao Yufu smiled gently.
“Father and Mother have shown me tremendous kindness.”
“And Ge’er is the Xiao family’s legitimate daughter.”
“I should naturally yield to her.”
“Let’s go back.”
“Yes, Miss.”
“I’ll water the Fairy Orchid first.”
“Then I’ll place it on the courtyard table.”
“When you finish practicing your dance, you can sit and admire it.”
“Don’t water it!”
Xiao Yufu’s expression changed ever so slightly.
“Just place it on the table.”
“There is no need to water it.”
She emphasized the instruction twice.
Listening to the footsteps of the mistress and maid fade into the distance…
A faint smile curved Xiao Yuge’s lips.
She turned toward Qingluo.
“Qingluo.”
“No matter who comes later…”
“Tell them my injuries hurt and that I’m resting.”
“Yes, Miss.”
Although Qingluo was puzzled—
After all, her mistress had secretly gone out the previous night and seemed perfectly fine now—
She believed there had to be a reason for every instruction.
Xiao Yuge busied herself in the medicine room, sorting herbs one by one.
Before long, Qingluo hurried back.
“Miss.”
“His Highness the Crown Prince came earlier.”
“But after hearing you were resting…”
“He went to Eldest Miss’s courtyard instead.”
Xiao Yuge slowly straightened up.
Dusting off her hands, a meaningful smile appeared on her lips.
“The fish has taken the bait.”
“Qingluo.”
“Come.”
“Let’s go for a walk.”
If her calculations were correct…
A very interesting show was about to begin.
Just as she stepped out of her courtyard, she ran into Madam Xiao.
“Ge’er.”
“I was just on my way to see how Fu’er is preparing her dance for the Lotus Banquet.”
“If you’re free…”
“Come with me.”
“You can also learn from your elder sister.”
“Of course, Mother.”
Xiao Yuge affectionately linked arms with Madam Xiao.
Her smile was innocent and obedient.
She had been wondering how to find the perfect witness.
Now…
Madam Xiao had delivered herself right to her doorstep.
Together they walked toward Lotus Courtyard, Xiao Yufu’s residence.
But when they arrived—
The courtyard gates were tightly shut.
Madam Xiao frowned in confusion.
“What is that child doing?”
“It’s broad daylight.”
“Why is the courtyard gate closed?”
End of Chapter 4