“Brother Ce, why did you deceive me? I loved you so much. I could die for you, so why did you marry this woman?”
Blood seeped from her mouth, her heartache obscuring the pain of her internal wounds. Lying in his arms, she felt them drifting further apart.
“No! Yi Qing! Don’t speak, I’ll take you to the imperial physician, you’ll be fine!” He lifted her, his gaze locking onto Ling’er’s.
His beautiful eyebrows furrowed, filled with reluctance and heartache. But he left without looking back, leaving all his feelings beside her. Ling’er, wait for me! he silently thought.
“Why does your back wound my feelings? Why does your love end in helplessness? When we turn back, will everything have already flowed away?” A familiar song echoed in her mind as blood trickled from her lips.
“I forgot to tell you, both cups of wine were poisoned. Yi Qing was poisoned first, but her poison was ordinary. You — my good daughter-in-law — have been poisoned with the world’s most potent poison — Yi Shang. You won’t survive past a single incense stick’s time. Rest assured, after you’re gone, I’ll hold a proper memorial service!” She laughed madly, her face showing no pain — she was the master of life.
“Ling’er! Ling’er!” It was Luo Ran’s voice! She wanted to respond, but gradually lost consciousness…
Though the spring equinox had passed, the cold wind continued its assault. Carriages passed on the road, yet the street remained desolate.
“Brother, what should we do now?” Yan’er wiped the sweat from Ling’er’s face, worry filling her heart.
“Do you remember what father said?” Luo Ran leaned against the doorframe, speaking softly.
“Are you talking about the ‘Grudge Fate’ jade?” Yan’er stood up in shock.
“Yes! It can cure any poison.” Luo Ran’s words opened a path of hope.
“But father said there’s only one jade in the world. How can we find it? It’s the second day already. We used our family’s secret method to temporarily preserve Ling’er’s life, but after five days, she’ll die! What should we do?” Tears rolled down Yaner’s face as she sat beside Ling’er, heart aching at her pale countenance.
“There must be a way!” Luo Ran called out deep within.
