Chapter 99: Guests Arrive

Within the main hall of the Thousand Poisons Sect, Yang Qi received a report from his subordinate stating that they had located Zhongli Yu’s refuge. At that moment, he was preparing to relay the news to his mother.

Liang Wei sat inside her room, troubled and restless. The scouts she had sent out had been gone for two days without any news. Could it be that the people she had trained over the years were so useless? It took them this long just to gather some information. In truth, it wasn’t that her people were incompetent; rather, none had imagined that Zhongli Yu would reside in such a small town.

Yang Qi knocked on the door. Liang Wei responded, and he entered without hesitation.

Seeing his mother’s anxious expression, Yang Qi surmised she must have been anxiously waiting. Without wasting words, he said directly, “Mother, we’ve found Zhongli Yu’s refuge.”

Liang Wei’s eyes brightened. “Where is it?”

“In a small town called Wenyang in Mingyang County. It’s not far from here—just two hours away.”

“A small town? How could Zhongli Yu live in a small town? He’s a prince, even if his title had been stripped, he should still have a manor or some estate to stay in. Are you sure your scouts aren’t mistaken?”

“Don’t worry, Mother, there’s no mistake. His wife’s family is from that town, so it’s not surprising he’s living there.”

“His wife? Isn’t she the daughter of the Southern Duke? How could her family be in Wenyang Town?” Liang Wei’s confusion deepened.

“Mother, I’m not entirely sure of the details. But Zhongli Yu is definitely there; it can’t be wrong.”

“In that case, we must find a way to rescue your senior uncle.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Tonight we act. Bring those with the strongest martial skills. Since Zhongli Yu’s wife is an heir of the Pear Blossom Fall technique, her martial arts should be formidable, so we must be extremely cautious.”

“Mother, the scouts reported that Zhongli Yu’s wife appears to be pregnant. She likely wouldn’t engage in combat, so we need not fear her.”

Liang Wei’s lips curled into a cold smile. “This is truly a stroke of luck. The Pear Blossom Fall technique is inherently freezing. If she fights, she will inevitably harm the child. This is the perfect opportunity.”

“Mother, then we shall move tonight.”

“Good. If we can kill Zhongli Yu’s wife, it will be a great satisfaction. He has deliberately sabotaged my plans, and I must make him pay.”

“You speak truly, Mother.” Yang Qi harbored a deep hatred for Zhongli Yu, never forgetting the pain of being captured by him in the past.

“Alright, go and arrange the men. Tonight, you must rescue your senior uncle.”

“Yes, Mother.”

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At the Gu family mansion, Zhan Yan had arranged a large cart full of gifts to present to Gu Qinghan as wedding presents. In a few days, Gu Qinghan was to be wed to Princess Birou. Gu Yan was preparing to depart for the Western Border to serve as Gu Qinghan’s witness.

Zhan Yan accompanied Gu Yan to the door, gently reminding him, “Grandfather, travel safely and return soon. Also, don’t drink so much; if you get drunk and fall on the road, you’ll delay the journey. Brother would be very disappointed.”

Gu Yan glanced at her with feigned annoyance. “You little brat, am I really that sort of person?”

“Grandfather, don’t I know you well? Whenever there’s alcohol, you forget everything. If I don’t remind you, how can I be at ease?” Zhan Yan was unbothered by his grumbling, having witnessed this behavior countless times.

Zhongli Yu watched the two bickering as they prepared to part, amused. “Alright, Yan’er, stop teasing grandfather. For such an important occasion as elder brother’s wedding, grandfather won’t miss it.”

Gu Yan immediately put on a cheerful expression and chuckled. “Your husband understands me better than you do, little brat.”

Seeing his pleased expression, Zhan Yan teased, “I wonder who it was that got drunk and slept in a dilapidated temple for three days without waking. Then someone had to carry him back. We were severely scolded for not taking proper care of the elder. That scolding lasted a full hour and nearly deafened me and second brother.”

She glanced over at Gu Qingyang, who had accompanied them out. “Isn’t that right, second brother?”

Gu Qingyang nodded. “Little sister, you’re absolutely right. It was all that old man’s fault. I was branded unfilial. Every time I went out, people pointed fingers and whispered. It was so embarrassing. I was truly wronged.”

Gu Yan cleared his throat awkwardly. “Ha, that was so long ago. Why do you still remember? Are you sure you’re not mistaken?” Please, show some respect in front of your son-in-law.

“Oh? That was long ago? Then how about some recent stories?” Zhan Yan raised her eyebrows, preparing to continue recounting his ‘glorious deeds.’

Seeing her intent, Gu Yan hurriedly pleaded, “Alright, alright. I promise not to drink and to arrive on time. Is that enough?”

Zhan Yan gave him a sidelong glance and smiled. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.” The old man was notorious for keeping his word. If he said he’d be punctual, he always was.

Gu Yan shot her a glare. “You little brat, I don’t know how I ended up with a granddaughter like you.” Then he turned to Gu Qingyang. “And you, boy, you better treat Lin’er well. If I find out you bully her, I’ll skin you alive.”

Gu Qingyang rolled his eyes. “Grandfather, I am your grandson, you know?”

Gu Yan ignored him and looked at Lin’er. “Lin’er, I won’t be gone long this time. When I return, I’ll arrange your wedding. How about that?”

Lin’er smiled shyly, her cheeks flushed, utterly charming. “Lin’er will listen to grandfather.”

Gu Yan chuckled. “Such a good child.”

Then he turned to glare at Gu Qingyang again. “I don’t know what good karma you had in your past life to have such a fine girl take a liking to you.”

His sudden change of tone was impressive.

Gu Qingyang protested, “Grandfather, I am dashing and handsome, far from lacking.”

Gu Yan snorted and ignored the objection, climbing into his carriage.

Watching the carriage fade into the distance, Zhan Yan’s eyes glistened with reluctance. Zhongli Yu noticed this and put an arm around her waist, guiding her back while saying softly, “Yan’er, don’t be so sad. Grandfather should return soon.”

Zhan Yan sighed. “Grandfather likes to roam around and won’t come back so quickly. Ever since we became independent, he’s been traveling constantly, going wherever he pleases without staying long. If not for our recent troubles, he wouldn’t have stayed here so long.”

Zhongli Yu considered this. “Yan’er, we still have matters to resolve. Grandfather should return soon; he must be worried. Besides, you’re pregnant, and we just said we need to arrange second brother’s wedding soon. He won’t be gone long.”

“Hmm, you make a fair point.”

“Let’s go check on Zhou Lan and see if he’s made any progress.”

When they reached the room where Zhou Lan was confined, he sat waiting as if expecting them.

He glanced at Zhongli Yu, then at Zhan Yan. “I thought all night about what you said, and you’re right. Those people bear me no grudge; I shouldn’t have harmed them.”

Zhan Yan smiled with relief. “You really have come to your senses?”

Zhou Lan nodded. “Yes. What you said is true — she never loved me. I waited for over twenty years and grew tired.”

Zhan Yan gazed at the man who seemed to have aged suddenly, feeling a twinge of sympathy. Yet, recalling those poisoned victims, especially Wang Hanwen and Ma Minggui who died before her eyes, she thought he was undeserving of pity. His suffering was mere unrequited love; theirs was involuntary death from forced poison ingestion.

She said coldly, “It’s good you’ve seen reason. Now, hurry and develop the antidote.”

“I will. But you must provide the materials.”

“What do you need? Chicken brains?” Zhan Yan recalled the two poisonous worms that fed on brains and asked.

Zhou Lan’s expression changed, eyes wide with shock. “How did you know chicken brains were needed?” He had never imagined anyone else knew the key ingredient.

“Through experimentation,” Zhan Yan said dismissively, unwilling to explain further. She still vividly remembered the horrifying scene of those worms devouring the victims’ brains. She hated the poison with a passion.

“Prince Chun is truly fortunate to have such an extraordinary woman,” Zhou Lan said, casting an admiring glance at Zhongli Yu. He had never seen such a woman — beautiful, intelligent, eloquent.

“Thank you for your praise, Leader Zhou. My wife is indeed a rare treasure in this world,” Zhongli Yu said smugly.

Zhan Yan found his pride amusing. Turning to Zhou Lan, she suggested, “Since you’ve agreed to develop the antidote, why not collaborate with Master Meng? He’s been working on a cure for the worm poison as well. You two working together might hasten progress.” She was also wary; if Zhou Lan changed his mind, the antidote’s fate would be in his hands alone. With Master Meng involved, knowing the formula, it would be easier to avoid being cornered.

Zhou Lan nodded. “Very well, let him join me.”

Now that he was on others’ turf, it was normal for guards to watch him. He didn’t mind; he genuinely wished to create the antidote and save those people.

“That’s great. I’ll notify Master Meng immediately,” Zhan Yan said with satisfaction.

Zhongli Yu said no more. Once the worm poison issue was resolved, it would be easier to root out those who threatened peace.

He took Zhan Yan’s hand, leaving the room. Tenderly, he said, “Yan’er, you’re amazing. Even Zhou Lan was convinced by you.”

Zhan Yan shook her head. “It wasn’t hard. Zhou Lan himself never intended harm. Otherwise, no matter how much I pleaded, he wouldn’t listen.”

“How did you know that the ‘he’ Zhou Lan spoke of was his beloved?” Zhongli Yu was curious. He’d heard Zhou Lan speak of ‘him,’ assuming it referred to a mastermind behind the scenes, so he hadn’t paid much attention. But Zhan Yan immediately understood the ‘he’ was the man’s true love.

Zhan Yan thought for a moment. “From his tone and expression, it’s clear. No one but someone deeply loved would sacrifice without complaint. Also, a woman’s intuition told me it was his beloved.”

Zhongli Yu raised an eyebrow. Sixth sense? Was that a new term from her past life? He looked at her fondly. “Whatever it is, my Yan’er is truly clever.”

Zhan Yan smiled brightly. “If you keep praising me like that, I’ll start floating.”

Watching his wife’s radiant smile, Zhongli Yu felt indescribable contentment.

“Husband, let’s go rest. Your internal injuries haven’t fully healed; you need more rest. I had the kitchen prepare some tonic. You must drink plenty later.”

“Alright. You should drink it too, Yan’er.”

“I know. I’ve been eating and sleeping well lately. Haven’t you noticed I’ve gained weight?” Zhan Yan rubbed her round waist helplessly. Women’s bodies change after childbirth. She wondered if she’d ever regain her figure.

Zhongli Yu looked at her swollen belly and said tenderly, “Yan’er, maybe I should carry you back. You’re heavy now.”

“No need. The doctor said pregnant women should walk more. It’ll make the delivery easier.” There was no cesarean section in this era. Giving birth was like stepping into the gates of hell. Her mother had suffered a difficult labor. She must keep moving. With such a good husband by her side, she intended to treasure her life.

“Did the doctor really say that?” Zhongli Yu asked seriously, unfamiliar with such matters but aware of the hardships of pregnancy.

“Yes. After the first three months, pregnant women must walk more; otherwise, labor won’t go smoothly.”

“In that case, I’ll walk with you every day.”

“Alright. You walking with me daily will make delivery easier.”

“Definitely,” Zhongli Yu vowed. For his wife’s safe delivery, he would do anything—even accompany her on walks.

That evening, as night fell, Zhongli Yu and Zhan Yan finished dinner and began strolling in the courtyard. They chatted idly, and time passed swiftly. After about half an hour, Zhan Yan grew tired. Zhongli Yu helped her back to bathe before they retired for the night.

Meanwhile, Liang Wei and Yang Qi led their carefully chosen men—over a hundred in all—straight toward the Gu family mansion. It was clear they had invested heavily in this operation.

At midnight, they reached Wenyang Town and passed through two streets before arriving at the Gu family mansion. Most residents were already asleep. The hidden guards stationed at the secluded pavilion were alert, sensing something unusual in the otherwise quiet night. They dared not let their guard down, maintaining utmost vigilance, listening intently for any movement within.

Liang Wei eyed the heavily guarded mansion, now certain Zhongli Yu truly lived there. The level of security clearly indicated the resident’s formidable power.

“Qi’er, you go in first and scout. Find out where senior uncle is held. Don’t rescue him immediately; come back and report. Then we’ll enter together,” Liang Wei whispered as she surveyed the high walls and large courtyard.

“Understood, Mother. I’ll wait for your signal here.”

“Hmm, go now. If anything happens, I’ll signal you right away.”

Yang Qi lightly vaulted over the wall and slipped into the mansion. His martial prowess ensured he made no sound; the hidden guards remained unaware. He searched the rooftops thoroughly but found no trace of Zhou Lan. In truth, the Gu mansion consisted of two courtyards. Behind the main courtyard’s back gate lay a smaller one—also part of Zhongli Yu’s property. Zhou Lan was currently working on the antidote there. Hence, despite searching the entire mansion, Yang Qi found no sign of Zhou Lan, unaware that beyond the back gate lay another section of the estate.

Yang Qi searched meticulously but found no hidden rooms or prisoners. Yet, Zhongli Yu and Zhan Yan, with their keen senses, had already detected the intruders.

“Husband, we have ‘guests.’ I wonder who they are?” Zhan Yan, who had been trying to sleep, suddenly opened her eyes.

Zhongli Yu concentrated and whispered, “Probably here for Zhou Lan.”

“Will you meet them?”

“No rush. Those who come won’t give up until they succeed. I’ll alert the hidden guards to prepare. Yan’er, you’re pregnant—you shouldn’t engage in combat.”

“I understand. I won’t act rashly.”

“Good. Stay safe.”

They listened intently in silence, barely audible footsteps approaching. Without their strong martial skills, such sounds would have gone unnoticed.

Unable to locate anyone, Yang Qi leapt out of the mansion and headed back toward Liang Wei.

Seeing Yang Qi’s return, Liang Wei asked anxiously, “Well? Did you find him?”

Yang Qi shook his head. “No. I searched the whole mansion but found no place where anyone could be hidden.”

Liang Wei frowned. “Even if you didn’t find senior uncle, the trip isn’t wasted. We should confront Zhongli Yu to see how powerful he really is. If we can defeat him and force him to hand over senior uncle, that’s best. If not, at least we’ll learn more about the enemy.”

“You’re right, Mother.”

“Good. Let’s storm in together, catch him off guard, and take out some of his guards first.”

Yang Qi looked at the men following them and spoke sternly, “Attack.”

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This novel is originally published by Xiaoxiang Academy. Please do not redistribute.