Concerned about Xu Zhen, Wei Lin Xia practiced diligently with wax figures and mastered techniques from the “Mysterious Needle Technique” book. She melted countless red candles to cover the needle marks on the figures, though she remained uncertain about practicing on a real person.
By April, Xi Lin Xuan’s leg seemed to be improving, but Wei Lin Xia focused on perfecting her needle techniques and forgot about the Qilin until she accompanied her mother to visit the elderly empress who had caught a chill. When the empress inquired, Wei Lin Xia deflected with, “The rope has loosened, and the maids are making a new one.”
After sitting with the empress, the queen summoned her. While following the palace maid, Wei Lin Xia encountered Xi Zhao Ting. His displeased expression softened upon seeing her, and he mimicked holding a rope, indicating that the Qilin was still in his possession. With palace maids present, Wei Lin Xia could only pay her respects and continue on.
It appeared Xi Zhao Ting had no intention of returning the Qilin. During dinner, her mother reminded Wei Lin Xia to take good care of the Qilin, given by the empress.
Wei Lin Xia smiled slightly but felt helpless, troubled by recent events. After lying down for a while, she retrieved mysterious needles and sent her maid away. Sitting before the dressing mirror with candlesticks on either side, she began to treat herself. The night watch maid noticed the continuous light and informed Yu Mo, who rushed in, startled to see Wei Lin Xia with trembling needles in her head.
Wei Lin Xia gestured for silence, and Yu Mo closed the door, rushing to her side. Before Yu Mo could speak, Wei Lin Xia said, “I’ve studied for a long time and want to try the technique. I’ll practice on myself first. Don’t make a sound. See, I’m still breathing normally.” After a while, she removed the needles, feeling more clear-headed. “Yu Mo, do you have any discomfort? Let me help you…”
“No need, miss. I’m perfectly fine,” Yu Mo quickly responded, not out of distrust, but because the needles looked frighteningly black.
