Chapter 208: The Antidote

Chapter 208: The Antidote

Upon hearing this, Lu Yan couldn't help but find it amusing: "What does Zhao Kang have to do with me? If you want to chop him or kill him, go ahead. Why are you threatening me with him?"

However, Huo Lang lifted his eyelids and said in a sinister tone: "So, if he dies, you can live?"

"..."

Lu Yan paused upon hearing this, as if he was seeing Huo Lang for the first time. He carefully examined the other's face before finally uttering:

"You know everything."

His tone was certain.

Huo Lang remained silent, instead grabbing Lu Yan's wrist and slowly pulling up his sleeve to reveal the black line of the poison on his right arm. His calm voice carried an eerie undertone: "If I didn't know, wouldn't I be a fool? Lu Yan, did you really plan to hide this from me forever?"

With the memories of his past life, Huo Lang naturally couldn't remain oblivious. Otherwise, he wouldn't have thrown Zhao Kang and Wu Mei into prison and subjected them to harsh interrogations, ignoring all pleas from others to release them.

Wu Mei endured the most brutal tortures but refused to reveal the method to detoxify. As for Zhao Kang, he was useless and nearly fainted; Huo Lang feared killing him, so he set him aside temporarily.

Yet, there is no such thing as an impenetrable wall. News spread, leading to harsh criticism from scholars outside.

Lu Yan stared at the marks on his wrist for a moment. The black line grew darker each time, seeming to foretell something ominous. He had already been treated with acupuncture and taken half an antidote, yet the marks showed no sign of fading.

Lu Yan slowly came back to his senses, his smile sly:

"I thought it was something serious. It turns out it's about this. You don't need to torture them anymore. The late emperor knew Zhao Kang couldn't endure hardship and never told him the method to detoxify. Even if you killed him, you wouldn't get anything. As for Wu Mei... though he knows, he won't speak. Asking him would be futile."

If Wu Mei didn't reveal the method, Zhao Kang could still live. If he did, Zhao Kang would lose all value and truly be doomed. The late emperor had planned well even in death.

This was also why Lu Yan hadn't told Huo Lang. It was pointless and only caused trouble. Perhaps one day, he might figure out the antidote himself.

A cold glint flashed in Huo Lang's eyes: "I don't believe there's any mouth that can't be pried open!"

"Your Highness, mouths can be pried open, but hearts cannot."

Lu Yan seemed indifferent to life and death, even joking with Huo Lang at this moment. He calmly undressed the other while explaining:

"If today you were Wu Mei and I were Zhao Kang, would you reveal the method under torture?"

Huo Lang was momentarily speechless.

He certainly wouldn't, not even in death.

Both he and Lu Yan were certain of this.

The hall suddenly fell silent, with only the sound of their bodies intertwined. Huo Lang clenched his teeth, saying nothing, the taste of blood filling his mouth. He closed his eyes tightly, feeling the cool patterns of the dragon throne against his skin, vividly recalling the feeling of being pierced through the heart in his past life. Chills ran through his entire body.

Lu Yan didn't notice Huo Lang crying at first. Only when he turned him over to change positions did he see the tears streaming down his face, causing him to pause.

"Why are you crying?" he asked softly, wiping away Huo Lang's tears. "Did I hurt you?"

But Huo Lang refused to look at him, covering his eyes with his hand, his throat moving as he whispered:

"Lu Yan, have you ever cared about me?"

Lu Yan had never cared about him...

He lived and died for him, sought the antidote, suffered countless sleepless nights, yet Lu Yan seemed indifferent, having long accepted his fate.

Had Lu Yan ever thought about what would happen if he died?

He surely hadn't, otherwise, he wouldn't have hidden this from him for two lifetimes.

Lu Yan paused, the smile on his lips fading as he spoke earnestly: "Huo Lang, how could I not care about you?"

He kissed Huo Lang's forehead repeatedly: "It's precisely because I care about you that I don't want you to worry. This poison is potent, but there is a way to cure it. I've made some progress and will definitely..."

He paused before promising: "I will definitely not leave you alone."

Huo Lang didn't move, feeling Lu Yan's body pressing against him, burning hot. For the first time, he sensed a calm yet terrifying possessiveness from the other:

"If I die, you won't let me go alone. If you die, I'll follow you."

"It's just death, what's there to fear? We won't be separated."

When Lu Yan said the last part, his tone became lighter, causing even Huo Lang to feel a jolt. Indeed, even if they died, he could simply follow Lu Yan. Why cry like a child? It was embarrassing.

Thinking this, he couldn't bring himself to lower his hand, merely clenching his lips, silently enduring the person above him.

Knowing Huo Lang lacked security, Lu Yan whispered in his ear, recounting every detail of his life, from birth to adulthood, including his family members and parents. He even mentioned how he disliked Zhao Kang and secretly put ants on his bed because he had crowned a queen and favored concubines, which upset Huo Lang.

Initially, Huo Lang showed no reaction, but when he heard this, he slowly lowered his hand. Staring at Lu Yan, he saw the other smiling brightly, as if he was still the clean boy reciting herbal songs under a tree at home. Yet, the intricate carvings overhead reminded them that they were in the cold, towering imperial palace.

Lu Yan recounted many things, yet it felt like he said nothing. After all, his memories of home spanned only a short decade. Finally, he sighed and laughed: "Now I have nothing left to hide from you. I've told you everything, even my ancestors' stories. Don't be angry, okay?"

Huo Lang turned his head, his voice hoarse: "You deserve it."

If Lu Yan had told him earlier, he wouldn't have suffered for so long.

But Huo Lang didn't realize that Lu Yan was genuinely afraid, fearing the unpredictable nature of people and the world. In his past life, Lu Yan's entire family perished, and his heart, immersed in treachery for years, had inevitably turned to stone. Even knowing Huo Lang's feelings, he dared not reveal everything, fearing the consequences.

After all, who would be foolish enough to overturn the empire for someone?

Only after Lu Yan's rebirth did he realize that such a person existed. He lifted the exhausted Huo Lang from the dragon throne, kissed his tear-stained eyes, and whispered like a lullaby: "I am the best friend of Your Highness."

Huo Lang, however, fell for it, letting out an emotionless hum. "Otherwise, who else would you want to be with?"

Since Lu Yan had said there was no need to pressure Wu Mei any further, Huo Lang had not been as relentless in his interrogations as he had been in the past few days. Instead, he secretly sought out renowned physicians for consultations. Little did he know that the remnants of the previous emperor's power were still present. Wu Mei, hanging deep in the water dungeon, still managed to learn about the changes in the outside world.

"Godfather."

A new-looking eunuch, having arranged the guards in the dungeon, quietly knelt outside the cell door. Dressed in crimson robes and black gauze, with a whisk draped over his arm, it was clearly Wu Mei's disciple, Qin Yan, the deputy chief eunuch of the inner court.

Deep within the cell hung a bloodied figure, disheveled and filthy. It was Wu Mei. In just a few days, he had endured unimaginable torture at the hands of Huo Lang, leaving him barely recognizable. Yet, his eyes, though murky, still gleamed with intensity. With a hoarse voice, he asked, "Has Huo Lang made any moves?"

Qin Yan lowered his gaze, staring at the ground. The light fell on his pale face, making his expression indiscernible. "All officials related to His Majesty have been killed, turning the imperial city into a sea of blood. He has sought out numerous physicians, but none can find a cure."

Wu Mei chuckled softly, his aged voice sounding like an owl in the night. After a moment, he lifted his battered face. "The Zhao family's fate is nearly sealed. I can only do my best to protect His Majesty, so as not to betray the late emperor. You must secretly obtain the military token and seek Xin Po Yue's help to protect the emperor. Do not get caught. His future... now rests in your hands."

Qin Yan seemed to sense something, his voice tinged with unease. "Godfather, your son will surely find a way to save you."

Wu Mei closed his eyes. "I cannot live much longer. My death will ensure the emperor's safety. I summoned you here today for two reasons: to entrust you with these matters and to ask you to end my suffering."

Qin Yan panicked and bowed his head. "Your son dares not!"

Wu Mei said, "Do it. Huo Lang is ruthless. These old bones might not last until then. This life has been full of glory, but I never imagined it would end this way."

His words were filled with countless sighs and regrets.

Qin Yan bowed deeply, respectfully knocking three times before standing up and taking out a silver needle dipped in poison. "Your son is unfilial."

Just as he was about to act, Qin Yan suddenly looked up and asked softly, "Godfather, is there truly no cure for the poison?"

Wu Mei's body froze.

...

Unlike the dark sky above the dungeon, the Imperial Garden was blooming with flowers, cherry blossoms, and peach trees, all in their full splendor. A woman dressed in simple palace attire sat on the steps, twirling a blade of grass in her hand, lost in thought. She was none other than Princess Rou An, Zhao Fu, the daughter of the late emperor. Born to a neglected concubine, she had always been overlooked, living in a remote corner of the palace where even eunuchs and maids often treated her poorly. The world had almost forgotten her.

Qin Yan, carrying a food box, passed by and noticed her slender green figure. He paused, then approached her. "Princess, although spring has arrived, the cold has not yet left. Why are you sitting outside? Be careful not to catch a chill."

Zhao Fu smiled upon seeing Qin Yan. "Where were you just now?"

Qin Yan seemed to have a special relationship with her. After a moment's hesitation, he replied, "I went to see Godfather."

Zhao Fu lowered her head, fiddling with the green leaf in her hand, seemingly dispirited. "I thought you went to see the emperor."

Qin Yan assured her, "His Majesty will be fine."

Zhao Fu huffed. "What does it matter to me whether he is fine or not? I've hardly seen him since childhood. Those affected are the members of the imperial family. Both Prince Jingyang and Prince Lin'an are dead. Who knows when it will be my turn?"

Qin Yan frowned slightly. "Princess, please don't say such things. As a woman, you cannot inherit the throne. These matters won't involve you. Your servant will protect you."

His last sentence was spoken very softly, almost inaudible.

Zhao Fu looked at him seriously. "I have Zhao blood flowing through my veins. That makes me a threat. How do you know the regent won't eliminate me?"

Qin Yan was momentarily speechless.

Zhao Fu tied the grass bracelet she had woven around Qin Yan's wrist. The delicate grass strands contrasted beautifully with his fair skin, creating an interesting sight. As a princess, she held his hand and smiled. "I cannot give you wealth and honor, but here's a grass bracelet. Don't despise it, Chief Qin."

Qin Yan felt his face flush. "Princess, what are you saying? Your servant would gladly risk his life for you."

Zhao Fu gazed at him with her clear eyes. "Really?"

Qin Yan nodded. "Of course."

Zhao Fu suddenly extended her hand, palm open. "Then tell me, what did your godfather call you into the dungeon for, and what did he give you? Will you tell me?"

Qin Yan was surprised by her perceptiveness. He stared at Zhao Fu for a moment before slowly pulling out half a tiger token from his sleeve and placed it gently in her hand, recounting everything that had happened.

Zhao Fu's eyes flickered. "You're telling me this without fear that I'll report it to the regent for my own safety?"

Qin Yan remained calm. "Your servant's life is insignificant. If it can save your precious life, it is worth it."

"You..."

Zhao Fu seemed to want to call Qin Yan foolish, but she couldn't bring herself to say it. Clutching the tiger token tightly, she pondered how to survive the palace intrigue. Finally, she looked at Qin Yan firmly:

"Are you willing to take a gamble with me?!"

In this world, nothing is ever certain. Often, one-third is determined by fate, and many people fail due to a lack of luck. Due to his appearance and the recurrence of the poison, Lu Yan had stayed in Shenkang Hall without venturing out. However, in the afternoon, a palace attendant reported:

"Your Majesty, Princess Rou An requests an audience."

"Princess Rou An?"

Lu Yan, who had been reading medical texts, recalled a vague figure from the depths of his memory, remembering there was indeed a princess in the palace. They rarely met, so he wondered why she had come. "I am unwell. Please send her away."

Lu Yan did not want any complications.

The attendant, however, said, "The princess says she knows Your Majesty is ill and may not wish to meet, but she has something urgent to deliver in person."

Lu Yan put down the book and pondered for a moment. "Let her in."

Soon, the hall doors opened, and a palace lady entered gracefully. She wore simple clothes from last year, adorned only with fresh flowers and a few silver hairpins, indicating a modest life. Despite this, her youthful beauty required no embellishment.

"Your sister greets Your Majesty."

Zhao Fu bowed gracefully. "I have heard that Your Majesty is unwell and should not disturb you, but I am truly worried. I made some seasonal pastries for you. I hope you won't mind."

Lu Yan did not have a strong impression of Zhao Fu; they had only met a few times in the imperial garden. She was not favored by the late emperor, and Emperor Zhao Kang had never paid much attention to his sister. Living in seclusion, her life was austere. Most women would be engaged by sixteen, but at nearly twenty, no one cared about Zhao Fu's marriage prospects, highlighting her invisibility.

"You and I are siblings. There's no need for formalities. Sit down."

Zhao Kang had eliminated the rest of the Zhao family, but he harbored little hostility toward Zhao Fu. This was likely because she had been honest and upright over the years, never doing anything malicious.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Zhao Fu took her seat and finally glanced at the man behind the imperial desk. Although he wore the dragon robe, he was quite different from Zhao Kang. His demeanor was exceptional, like a graceful orchid or a noble bamboo, and his eyes were also distinct.

When Zhao Fu was seven years old, on her way to greet the late emperor, she passed through the imperial garden and saw Zhao Kang playing cuju with palace maids and eunuchs. He was not in good health and lacked accuracy; one kick hit Zhao Fu's face. Instead of apologizing, he pushed her away harshly, his tone filled with disdain:

"Who told you to stand there and block my ball! Get lost!"

After that, she never saw Zhao Kang again. The late emperor passed away, a new emperor ascended the throne, and everyone was busy planning their own futures, forgetting about the princess in the imperial city.

It wasn't until the scorching summer of her seventeenth year that Zhao Fu, driven by a craving for apricots, climbed a tree to pick some. She accidentally fell and disturbed the emperor's procession. Dazed and dizzy, she did not dare cry out in pain but quickly knelt down to apologize. A gentle male voice echoed above her head:

"Who is she?"

An eunuch replied, "Your Majesty, she is Princess Rouan. She rarely leaves her quarters, so you might not recognize her."

Rouan dared not look up, nervously fidgeting with her skirt. She heard the man chuckle softly: "So it's Rouan. If you want fruit, just ask the servants to fetch some from the kitchen. It's only June; the apricots are still sour."

Rouan, still looking down, murmured, "I was being greedy, Your Majesty. I apologize."

The man asked, "Are you fifteen?"

Rouan shook her head, "Seventeen."

He laughed again, "You don't seem very tall. Could it be that the servants aren't taking good care of you?"

Though he spoke gently, everyone around them fell to their knees. The servants who attended to Rouan kept bowing and apologizing, trembling with fear.

Rouan explained, "No... no, they take good care of me. It's just that they can't climb trees to pick fruit."

The man said nothing more, leaving a small eunuch to escort her back to her palace before returning to Shenkang Hall. Rouan finally looked up and saw him sitting in a sedan chair, dressed in a simple white robe embroidered with dragons, his hair tied with a jade crown. His side profile was gentle and kind, far different from the harsh demeanor of her childhood memories.

Just as she was lost in thought, a handsome young eunuch approached her and knelt, offering her his duster: "Princess, let me escort you back to your palace."

Rouan looked up helplessly, "Eunuch Qin, I can go back on my own."

The young eunuch smiled. Though he was not as handsome as the emperor, his expression was calm and somewhat somber. But the warm sunlight made him appear clearer and brighter:

"Let me escort you back."

Rouan had no choice but to hold onto his duster and limp back to her palace.

Later, she learned that having someone from the emperor's presence escort her back meant the servants would treat her better out of respect for the emperor. Her life improved, but eventually returned to normal. And she never encountered the emperor again.

Now, everything had changed.

Rouan glanced at the servants in the hall and, gathering her courage, suddenly knelt down: "I humbly request that Your Majesty dismiss everyone. I have something important to report that must not reach a third party's ears!"

Lu Yan was slightly surprised, as he couldn't imagine what significant news a princess without any background could bring. Seeing his silence, Rouan bit her lip and insisted:

"It concerns Your Majesty's life. Please dismiss everyone!"

Lu Yan chuckled, intrigued: "Everyone, leave us."

The servants, sent by Huo Lang, hesitated but eventually left, closing the hall doors. Rouan, seeing that they had all gone, took out a tiger token from her sleeve and presented it respectfully overhead:

"I have two things to offer Your Majesty: this tiger token and... the method to dispel the curse."

Upon hearing the first part, Lu Yan showed no reaction. He didn't know how Rouan obtained the token, but suspected it was a fake, as the real one was always in Huo Lang's possession. However, when he heard the last part, his gaze sharpened, and he leaned forward, staring intently at Rouan.