Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The study reeked of blood, a scent made even more acrid and nauseating by the burning incense.

Ye Shuang discreetly covered her nose and mouth with her sleeve.

Xiao Yin, however, seemed accustomed to it. He stood to the side, arms crossed, his personal sword tucked within the crook of his elbows, observing the imperial physician treat Xiao Lin.

The physician, surnamed Hu, had been dispatched from the palace. While officially there to treat the Marquis for a chill, everyone tacitly understood the true reason. Physician Hu used scissors to cut away the inner robe, which was stuck to the wound by dried blood, fully exposing the broken arrow. The arrowhead’s splintered wood was thoroughly soaked with blood. Besides the fresh wound, numerous old scars on Xiao Lin’s body were also revealed. Ye Shuang’s brow furrowed, and she involuntarily turned her head away.

“Don’t worry, My Lady. We’ve encountered such situations before. The Marquis is blessed with great fortune; he will be fine.”

“Before… this has happened before? Does he get injured often?”

Xiao Yin nodded, a hint of reluctance in his gesture.

“How can that be? Isn’t he the one His Majesty values most?”

“Quelling rebellions, securing the borders, eliminating rivals—none of these tasks are easy. The Marquis has walked a difficult path and naturally accumulated many enemies,” Xiao Yin stated calmly, as if discussing a common occurrence. “Injuries are inevitable in military campaigns. It has actually been much better since his return to Lin’an. There’s no need for you to worry, My Lady.”

Ye Shuang knew Xiao Lin must have made many enemies in court. However, since their marriage, she had seen no major incidents and had overlooked this fact. Now, just seven months into their marriage, an assassination attempt had occurred. She couldn’t imagine how many times such things must have happened before for Xiao Yin to be so nonchalant.

Her gaze settled on Xiao Lin, lying on the daybed. His lips were pale, and even in unconsciousness, his brow was tightly furrowed from the excruciating pain. She couldn’t help but sigh. “Open attacks may cease, but hidden dangers will likely only multiply.”

“Do we know who was behind this?” Ye Shuang took a deep breath, as if trying to expel the gloom from her chest.

“The assassin committed suicide on the spot, so the truth cannot be fully uncovered. However, there are only a few in court who openly oppose the Marquis. Considering the recent matters the Marquis has been handling, it’s not difficult to guess the mastermind. It merely depends on whether the Marquis wishes to pursue the matter.”

Ye Shuang nodded in agreement. “For now, let’s focus on treating his injuries and ensuring he regains consciousness as soon as possible.”

Just then, Physician Hu cried out in alarm, followed by a dull clatter as his scissors fell into the bronze basin, landing on the blood-soaked gauze.

The two rushed forward.

Ye Shuang glanced at Xiao Lin and saw the arrowhead still embedded near his heart. “Physician Hu, what’s the situation? Can the arrow be removed?”

Physician Hu’s hands were stained with blood, his face pale as he replied in a trembling voice, “My Lady, this arrow… it’s poisoned!”

Only then did Ye Shuang notice that the blood flowing from Xiao Lin’s wound was black. Her heart sank—it seemed someone was truly intent on taking his life.

Composing herself, she asked, “Do you have a way to counteract the poison?”

“The arrowhead is embedded more than an inch deep. Forcibly removing it isn’t difficult, though it will cause considerable pain. However, the arrow is tipped with a potent poison. I came in haste and didn’t bring all the necessary supplies.”

“So, the poison can be neutralized?”

“Precisely. I have a specially formulated antidote mixture at my residence that can neutralize most poisons. Please, My Lady, arrange for a carriage to take me back to fetch it.”

“But how long until the poison takes full effect? The Marquis is still unconscious. We must not delay the treatment.”

“It’s alright. The bleeding has been temporarily stanched. As long as the arrowhead remains in place for now, the poison will not spread further.”

Xiao Yin understood. “This villain is truly insidious—intending for the rescue effort itself to accelerate the toxin’s spread. Not only harming others but also plunging them into self-reproach and despair. Saving him is difficult, but not saving him is unthinkable.”

Physician Hu wiped the blood from his hands with gauze, reassuring them. “It’s alright. Once we retrieve the antidote, the poison can be neutralized. Conveniently, the anaesthetic powder you prepared earlier should also be ready by then.”

Ye Shuang nodded slightly and immediately ordered, “A carriage is too slow. Xiao Yin, you and Physician Hu take horses—it will be faster.”

Physician Hu’s beard quivered as he was reluctantly led away by Xiao Yin.

Chun Tao and Wen Xiang soon returned, accompanying Ye Shuang as they waited in the front courtyard.

Before long, a servant reported, “Young Master Liu has arrived with some men, asking to see the Marquis.”

Ye Shuang asked, “Young Master Liu? Which Young Master Liu?”

“It’s the eldest son of the Liu family, Liu Zhiang,” the servant’s voice echoed from outside the door.

“Liu Zhiang?”

Wen Xiang reminded her, “He’s Miss Liu’s brother.”

“He must have heard about the Marquis’s assassination attempt,” Ye Shuang said, a flicker of disgust in her eyes. Just hearing about this family troubled her. But since they were also in Lin’an, she had to deal with them and couldn’t afford to cause undue conflict.

Wen Xiang wondered, “The Marquis has only been back for a little over an hour. How did the Liu family get the news so quickly?”

Ye Shuang’s voice was calm, betraying no emotion. “There are no true secrets in Lin’an, but the news did spread unusually fast. I suspect it’s not that simple.”

Chun Tao reminded Ye Shuang, “Young Master Liu recently had a dispute with the Marquis over Miss Liu’s matter. Bringing people here today, he likely has ill intentions.”

Ye Shuang pursed her lips lightly and asked the servant, “How many people did they bring?”

“Not many, about five or six.”

“Is Miss Liu with them?”

“I didn’t notice, ma’am.”

Ye Shuang turned to look at Xiao Lin on the daybed, deep in thought. Xiao Han had been sent to buy the datura flowers needed for the anaesthetic powder, and Xiao Yin had taken the physician to fetch the antidote. They would return shortly.

“The Marquis won’t wake up so quickly. Come with me to see them.” Ye Shuang led Wen Xiang and Chun Tao out, instructing the servant to stay and watch over Xiao Lin.

Before they even reached the door, they could hear voices arguing ahead. Looking closely, they saw a man in a blue robe with several servants waiting at the entrance. Among them was a woman in green whom Ye Shuang recognized all too well—it was Liu Yiyi, who should have been confined to her home for reflection.

Since Xiao Lin was still unconscious, the guards didn’t dare let anyone in casually and had stopped the two. Miss Liu, naturally, refused, and was arguing with the guards right outside the door.

Ye Shuang stepped forward. “Who might our visitors be?”

Liu Yiyi met her gaze. “Sister Ye, it seems you’ve forgotten me already?”

Ye Shuang narrowed her eyes. “So it’s Miss Liu, who injured me with a horse whip the other day. May I ask what brings you here today?”

Liu Yiyi smiled. “I was reckless that day and accidentally hurt you, sister. I’ve come today specifically to apologize.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but an apology is unnecessary. It was just a minor injury. Let’s consider the matter closed, and there’s no need for Miss Liu to bring it up again.”

Liu Yiyi became agitated. “Even so, we’re already here. Surely you won’t refuse to let us in?”

Ye Shuang’s eyes swept over the gifts in the servants’ hands. She managed a polite smile. “There’s a matter at the residence today, and it’s inconvenient. I hope Miss Liu will understand.”

Liu Yiyi pressed on, “What matter? Has something happened to Brother Lin?”

Liu Zhiang, who had been watching silently, finally spoke up. “Yiyi, mind your manners. I am Liu Zhiang. Greetings, Sister-in-Law.”

Ye Shuang returned the greeting.

Liu Zhiang continued, “Today, I’ve come firstly to bring my sister to apologize, and secondly, I haven’t seen Brother Xiao in quite some time. I came specifically to visit. Is Brother Xiao at home?”

“The Marquis is attending to official business at the office today and isn’t at the residence. I’m afraid you’ve come in vain, Young Master Liu.”

Liu Yiyi stepped forward aggressively, pointing at Ye Shuang: "Ye Shuang, you're lying! Brother, what did I tell you? She would definitely do everything to stop us!"

Liu Zhiang quickly pulled her back.

"Our sudden visit today is indeed quite rude. We heard that Brother Xiao had gotten into some trouble, so we came uninvited to see if there was anything we could do to help." Liu Zhiang spoke sincerely, patiently explaining.

Ye Shuang observed his demeanor and saw that Liu Yiyi's anxious appearance didn't seem feigned. She guessed the two must have known about the assassination attempt on Xiao Lin.

However, she wasn't sure how close this man was to Xiao Lin or what his true intentions were, so she didn't dare let them in without caution.

While hesitating, Liu Yiyi urged again: "What are you still waiting for? If we delay any longer, it might be too late."

Before Ye Shuang could make a decision, she heard a clattering sound from inside the house, as if something had fallen. Without regard for formalities, Ye Shuang turned and rushed back into the courtyard, running straight to the study.

When she arrived, she saw a person lying on the ground, already dead. The imperial physician’s scissors were embedded in his back—it was the servant who had delivered the message earlier.

A copper basin lay overturned on the floor, gauze scattered everywhere, and blood stained the ground. Xiao Lin was lying beside the couch, collapsed in a pool of blood, appearing completely drained of strength.

"Brother Lin!" A shocked cry came from behind—Liu Yiyi’s voice. She rushed forward but stopped abruptly with a scream just two steps away. Xiao Lin’s upper body was completely bare, lying in a mess of filth.

It seemed the assassin, realizing his mission had failed, had sent someone else into the estate to finish the job—and she hadn’t noticed.

"Ye Shuang! Is this how you take care of Brother Lin?" Liu Yiyi covered her face, accusing Ye Shuang.

"I'll take care of my husband; there's no need for Miss Liu to concern herself. Young Master Liu, please advise Miss Liu to leave quickly. If this gets out, I'm afraid it will damage Miss Liu's reputation!"

Ye Shuang slightly turned her head, and Wen Xiang, understanding her signal, stepped forward: "Miss Liu, please wait outside."

Liu Zhiang said, "Brother Xiao is in my care. You, an unmarried woman, cannot just barge in like this. Even if you're anxious, you must show some propriety!"

"I won't! I'm staying right here!" As soon as Liu Yiyi finished speaking, she nearly vomited from the stench of blood. Liu Zhiang and Wen Xiang worked together to escort her out.

Before leaving, she didn't forget to threaten: "When Brother Lin recovers, I'll settle accounts with you!"

Ye Shuang’s mind raced, but in the end, she said nothing.

By then, servants had entered to clean the blood and remove the body. Ye Shuang then directed two people to help Xiao Lin back onto the couch.

Xiao Lin leaned against the head of the couch, eyes half-open, giving Ye Shuang a glance. His voice was hoarse: "Let them go. I'm fine."

"It was my negligence. I didn't expect they'd already planted someone inside the estate. I'm not familiar with the staff in the front courtyard, and I didn't pay attention when I saw that unfamiliar face."

"This person has been in the estate for several days. I suspect the mastermind has been planning this for a while."

"Do you know who it is?"

"You don't need to worry about that. I have my suspicions."

Since Xiao Lin said so, Ye Shuang tactfully refrained from pressing further. This had always been their dynamic since marriage.

When Xiao Yin returned with the imperial physician, Xiao Han also arrived with the medicine. Upon hearing that Xiao Lin had been attacked a second time, they knelt to ask for punishment.

Xiao Lin merely said he wouldn't hold them accountable this time, but if it happened again, they would all be punished. Only then did they rise and assist Physician Hu in treating the poison and removing the arrow.

Physician Hu instructed Xiao Han to light the stove and boil wine. Xiao Lin looked at Ye Shuang and, seeing she had no intention of leaving, raised his hand slightly to signal Xiao Yin.

Xiao Yin understood: "Madam, perhaps you should wait outside."

Ye Shuang looked at Xiao Lin. Whether from pain or exhaustion, he had closed his eyes and wasn't looking at her. She stared at him intently, but he still showed no sign of opening them.

For over half a year, she had been his wife in name only. In reality, no one in the entire marquis’ estate regarded her as the Marchioness. For the first half-month after their marriage, she had continued living as if nothing had changed.

Ye Shuang didn't want to watch any longer and turned to leave.

"Let's go, back to the inner courtyard." After leaving the study, Ye Shuang directly boarded the sedan chair waiting at the door.

Wen Xiang asked, "Won't you see Miss Liu and Young Master Liu?"

Ye Shuang massaged her temples, looking weary: "Don't bother with them. They didn't come to see me anyway."

Wen Xiang acknowledged and signaled the bearers to lift the sedan.

They swayed all the way back to the inner courtyard. As soon as the sedan landed, Wen Xiang called out hesitantly: "Madam..."

"What is it?" Even as she asked, Ye Shuang had a premonition.

Sure enough, the next moment, a familiar voice rang out: "Ye Shuang, I've been waiting for you for a long time!"

Chun Tao raised her voice: "Without Madam's permission, how dare Miss Liu enter the inner courtyard uninvited?"