FRGNM -Chapter 217 At Odds

“Yes, but Lieyun commands a million troops. I only have three hundred thousand, and…”
And how were they supposed to withstand him? What’s more, part of those three hundred thousand had to remain stationed at the borders. The number that could be brought back to the capital could not exceed one hundred and fifty thousand. Compared to Lieyun’s million-strong army, it was nothing more than a drop in the bucket.

The corner of Luo Mingyu’s lips curved upward as he poured Hu Qiang a full cup of tea and said softly, “Those cooperating with us are naturally not limited to General Hu alone. We’ll think of ways for the rest—so long as General Hu agrees. And besides… she is the successor of a divine physician. Qiao’er’s illness—she can cure it completely.”

“Really?” Hu Qiang’s body trembled as he looked up at the two before him.

With a flick of her hand, more than ten silver needles appeared in Ling Ruoxi’s palm. She snorted coldly and sent them flying with a casual motion. All the needles pierced directly into Hu Qiang’s meridians, not missing by even a fraction.

Rolling up Hu Qiang’s sleeve, Ling Ruoxi used the same method to slice open his wrist. Pitch-black blood flowed out, accompanied by a foul stench that pooled on the floor—an utterly nauseating sight.

Hu Qiang’s face changed drastically as he stared in horror at his wrist. “What’s going on? How could I—”

“I noticed it the moment you entered,” Ling Ruoxi said calmly. “Both you and Qiao’er were poisoned long ago. Yours just hasn’t flared up yet. When you go back, take the pills in that bottle too—one a day. I added something to them. When you eat dishes containing the same toxin as what’s in your bodies, the poison will become active. Then you’ll know who did it.”

“Fine. I agree,” Hu Qiang said through clenched teeth, gripping the white jade bottle tightly. “I’ll withdraw the troops—but I ask you to keep your promise! My life doesn’t matter, but at least let Qiao’er live!” Taking a deep breath, he stood up and headed downstairs.

Ling Ruoxi knew how conflicted he felt at that moment, but there was no other choice. Being able to live—wasn’t that the best outcome?

“Your suspicion—is it Lin Zier?” Luo Mingyu asked with a faint smile as he set down his teacup. The devilish curve of that smile made Ling Ruoxi momentarily lose focus.

Picking up her own cup indifferently, Ling Ruoxi shook her head. “How could that make sense? A woman’s jealousy often destroys everything about herself. As the child of a servant, she was already able to stand shoulder to shoulder with a noble lady, yet she treated others with such an attitude. That only shows she forgot her true status. Being dissatisfied even then would only ruin her entire life.”

“So you’ve already figured out who poisoned them. Why not tell him directly?” Luo Mingyu smiled, glancing at the musicians around them, clearly unconcerned.

Ling Ruoxi shook her head softly. “Sometimes, seeing with one’s own eyes is more convincing than hearing it from others. Don’t you think so, Luo Mingyu? I saw everything you did with Nangong Mo last night. What are you planning to do about that?”

“Pfft—hahaha! What else can I do?” Luo Mingyu laughed loudly. “Tomorrow I’ll have Nangong Mo leave the palace. I’ll personally take him touring the imperial city. You go see Qian Yi dressed as a woman and bring those two together properly—no dragging things out. Then they can enjoy their world of two, and we can start our own happy life!”

“…Get lost!”

At the Hu residence, Hu Qiang took out the pills and gave one to Hu Qiao’er. Counting them, he realized there were actually twenty pills in total. He couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath. He felt his body lighten considerably, no longer weighed down as it had been before.

Taking up his brush, he began drafting orders to withdraw troops, preparing for the possibility of Lieyun’s rebellion.

“Creak—”

The door opened as someone carrying a bowl of soup hurried in, smiling brightly. “Godfather, Qiao’er, I made tremella soup for you. Eat some while it’s hot.”

“Zier, just set it down,” Hu Qiang said warmly. “This is Qiao’er’s and my favorite. I don’t know how your hands are so skillful—no matter how often I eat what you make, it never gets tiring.”
Setting aside his brush, he stood up, took the bowl, and brought it to his mouth.

Standing beside him, Lin Zier chuckled. “It’s nothing. Godfather taught me well—these skills run in the family. Godfather, drink slowly, there’s more. By the way, what were you writing just now? Passing down orders again? What are you planning to do this time?”

After swallowing one mouthful of the soup, Hu Qiang’s face changed dramatically. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, but he calmly set the bowl down without a sound, having only taken that single sip. Casually, he tore the paper in his hand to shreds and said lightly, “Nothing. Zier, you’ve worked hard too. Go rest.”

“Alright, Godfather. You rest well—I’ll go check on Qiao’er.” Lin Zier nodded slightly, her brows knitting together. Normally, he would finish every bowl she brought and discuss his plans with her. But now…

Once Lin Zier left, Hu Qiang clenched his fists tightly. A sharp glint burst from his eyes as he suddenly turned and spat out the soup he’d kept in his mouth. His fist slammed into the pillar.
Why… why did it have to be Lin Zier?!

“Pass down my order—bring Lin Hu here. I have questions for him!”

“Yes…”

One storm subsided, only for another to rise.

Duanyun Kingdom, seemingly peaceful on the surface, was riddled with danger beneath. Even the barrier outside the imperial city was on the verge of collapse.

“Group Leader, there’s a Miss Ling outside asking to see you,” a young maid reported softly as she entered the room, lowering her head at the sight of the pale-faced woman within. Ever since the martial-arts marriage contest, their group leader had been like this—listless and drained.

The physician had said only that the princess’s body was too weak and needed nourishment. As for the details, only the master and the princess herself knew.

“Miss Ling?” Qian Yi sat up abruptly, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes. She remembered exactly what the physician had said—excessive intimacy had damaged her qi and blood, leaving her exhausted and in need of rest.

Damn it all. If it weren’t for Nangong Mo, would she be in this state? That man had no idea how to be gentle—he’d tormented her for days before she finally started to recover.

“Let her in!” Qian Yi said coldly, clearly irritated.

The maid hesitated. “Miss Ling said she has urgent business and asks that you go out to meet her.”

“Go out? No one has ever made me go out to meet them! Who does she think she is—hm?”
Suddenly remembering something, Qian Yi’s eyes lit up as she sneered. “So it’s her. Fine—I’ll go.”

Among the Ling ladies she knew, there was only one—Ling Ruoxi, wife of the Evil King and saintess of Qiong Jade Immortal Island. Had she come to mock her?

Outside stood a woman in white, wearing simple, plain clothes without the slightest hint of extravagance. She looked pure and unadorned. When she smiled, two shallow dimples appeared at the corners of her lips—sweet and beautiful.

Her clear eyes looked straight ahead, revealing no sign of cunning.

“Miss Qian, hello.” Ling Ruoxi smiled and nodded. Taking out a pill, she said gently, “Judging by your complexion, your qi and blood seem deficient. You must have been overworked recently, with pent-up heat affecting your heart. This is a pill I refined—it should help you feel better.”

“Oh? You can refine pills? You’re a medical alchemist?” A cold gleam flashed in Qian Yi’s eyes, but she didn’t question further. She took the pill and swallowed it in one go.

The moment it entered her body, she felt a wave of comfort spread through her. The pent-up irritation was suppressed, and even her physical discomfort gradually faded. Turning her head, she looked at the woman before her. Dressed as a man, Ling Ruoxi appeared slightly handsome; dressed as a woman, she was gentle and serene—not overly striking, but certainly beautiful.

“Yes, I’m a medical alchemist,” Ling Ruoxi replied with a smile. “I heard the princess hasn’t been in a good mood lately. How about taking a walk with me by the Lotus Pond?”

Qian Yi’s expression darkened as she instinctively shook Ling Ruoxi’s hand away. “Don’t touch me! Who told you I’m in a bad mood? I’m in a great mood—I want nothing more than to kill him!”

“Pfft—alright then,” Ling Ruoxi said calmly. “I hear the princess enjoys martial arts and sparring. How about we go to the Lotus Pond and have a match—no qi, just skill? We fight on a boat; whoever falls into the water loses. And… the loser must obey the winner. What do you think?”

Her slender figure trembled slightly as Ling Ruoxi smiled faintly.

No matter how one looked at her, Ling Ruoxi seemed weak and delicate. Qian Yi didn’t think much of it and sneered. “Fine, as you say. But don’t cry later—I’ll make you wash my clothes for a whole month!”

“Deal—as long as you win,” Ling Ruoxi replied lightly, walking alongside Qian Yi.

Truth be told, Qian Yi had a very straightforward nature, rarely harboring hidden schemes. She spoke her mind, was bold and forthright, unlike others who liked to beat around the bush. Such a person was worth befriending.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Nangong Mo was practically being “kidnapped” out by Luo Mingyu. His purple robes were in complete disarray, his steps unsteady as he nearly stumbled to the ground.

Clutching his neck, Nangong Mo really wanted to curse the man in front of him. He glared fiercely at Luo Mingyu and ground out, “Luo Mingyu! Do you know what you’re doing?! This is openly abducting the Crown Prince—it’s a capital crime! At the very least, you could’ve waited for me! I wasn’t done handling my affairs—”

“Everything under heaven is secondary—your wife comes first,” Luo Mingyu interrupted coolly. “Your wife’s about to run off with someone else, and you still have time for other matters?”

That single sentence nearly made Nangong Mo explode. He forced himself to steady his breathing, pounding his chest as he shouted, “You’re absolutely unreasonable! Don’t think you can do whatever you want just because your martial arts are better than mine. I—”

“And what are you standing around for?” Luo Mingyu cut him off, shrugging helplessly as he grabbed Nangong Mo by the shoulder and dragged him outside.

Nearly choking on his own saliva, Nangong Mo scowled. “Where are we going?”

“Your reactions are really slow. With reflexes like that, how do you plan to become emperor of Duanyun Kingdom?” Luo Mingyu said lazily. “I told you—I’m taking you to see your future wife. No need to look so shocked.”

“My future wife—that is…” Nangong Mo froze, Qian Yi’s face flashing through his mind. Goosebumps erupted all over him as he hurriedly shouted, “I’m not going! I still have things to handle—I won’t go see Qian Yi! She—”

“I never said it was Miss Qian, yet you already called her name,” Luo Mingyu said with a smirk. “Looks like she holds quite a place in your heart. Come on—you’re going whether you like it or not!”

With that, he seized the stunned man and dragged Nangong Mo away.