Well, this is surprising. Poisoning someone to protect them? If that’s the case, then maybe that fake An Lanxin isn’t as bad as she seems.
“Does she have the antidote to this poison?”
“She does, but it doesn’t come from her. It seems she receives it on a regular schedule, taking it once every three months. In about a month, it’ll be time for her next dose.” An Lanxin sighed, shaking her head helplessly.
Murong Qiufeng pondered for a moment, then turned to Shangguan Ye. “Why don’t we have Xiao You take a look? She’s more familiar with poisons and might find a way.”
Shangguan Ye nodded and stood up. “Let’s step out for now.”
“Wait. I’m not comfortable leaving. How about I stay here and wait for Xiao You?”
Shangguan Ye frowned. “No need to go through the trouble.” He took out a small, three-inch flute and blew into it once. In no time, several shadowy figures appeared in the dark room.
“Leave it to them.” Shangguan Ye stowed the flute, pulled Murong Qiufeng to his feet, gave the shadows a few instructions, and led him out. He certainly wasn’t going to leave the two of them—a man and a woman—alone together.
As An Lanxin had said, they indeed found a hidden passageway. After walking through the tunnel for about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, they reached the exit. Pushing open a stone door, they found themselves in the sleeping quarters of Lanxin Palace.
“What’s your take?” Murong Qiufeng asked as he wandered around the room, glancing at Shangguan Ye, who was tapping and knocking on various surfaces, searching for hidden mechanisms.
Shangguan Ye didn’t stop his movements. He merely raised an eyebrow and let out a cold snort. “A dog-eat-dog situation.”
“Maybe An… no, that woman, Xier, is just a victim too. What if someone is using Consort An’s life to threaten her?” Murong Qiufeng stood by the dressing table, arms crossed, brows furrowed with unease.
This court—both inside and outside the palace—was treacherous at every turn. A sudden thought crossed his mind: perhaps he should convince his father to retire from politics and avoid this muddy water altogether. He didn’t know much about state affairs, but following Shangguan Ye around had given him some insight.
If the Murong family survived this crisis, they would undoubtedly become the most powerful family in court. Yet, the higher you climb, the more perilous the fall. Without checks and balances, once the rivals were eliminated, the emperor’s next target would naturally be the dominant family. Why not get out early?
Shangguan Ye paused and turned around, noticing Murong Qiufeng’s troubled expression. He quickly grasped what was on his mind, walked over, and wrapped an arm around his waist with a soft chuckle. “Are you feeling sorry for An Lanxin? Thinking she’s a kind and loyal woman who shares a deep bond with her maid?”
Murong Qiufeng initially thought Shangguan Ye was being his usual flirtatious self and raised a hand to push him away. But his words made him pause, and he looked at him in confusion. “Isn’t she?”
Shangguan Ye gazed into his clear eyes and sighed helplessly. He gently brushed a strand of hair behind his ear. “My dear, you’re still far too naive.”
The cool touch on his neck made Murong Qiufeng instinctively tilt his head, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Shangguan Ye continued, “In the palace, nothing is as it seems. An Lanxin is far from simple; her mind runs deep. There’s no such thing as pure goodness here—not when even the slightest kindness can cost you your life. Without cunning, how could she secure the emperor’s favor and stand out among thousands of beautiful women? Do you really think it’s because of the emperor’s devotion?”
Murong Qiufeng froze. “You mean…”
“Don’t think too hard about it. This is the emperor’s headache, not ours. Just don’t get too close to her. As for that fake consort… if she were truly acting out of loyalty to protect Consort An, why would she torture her so cruelly? Why kill other concubines? And why go out of her way to win the emperor’s affection and promise to send Consort An away? It’s all driven by greed—a desire to replace the real consort for good. An Lanxin knows this perfectly well. Telling us her story is just a psychological trick to evoke our sympathy and gain our help in the future.”
Murong Qiufeng listened, stunned and dispirited. He sighed. “So, in these royal power struggles, there’s no such thing as true sincerity—just empty, deceitful gestures.”
“Wrong.” Shangguan Ye, seeing his sadness, smirked and playfully tapped his nose. Leaning closer, he whispered, “There are exceptions. For example… me. My feelings for you are absolutely genuine.”
With that, he tilted his head down and captured Murong Qiufeng’s slightly parted lips. His tongue teased the other’s, tasting the sweet softness.
“Mmm…” Murong Qiufeng gasped, his body bending backward over the dressing table. One hand instinctively grabbed Shangguan Ye’s chest, while the other braced against the table.
What started as a kiss soon ignited into something more.
Shangguan Ye’s hand slid up Murong Qiufeng’s back, massaging the lean muscles beneath the fabric. His other hand moved downward to cup his firm rear.
Murong Qiufeng shuddered and immediately felt the hardness pressing against his thigh. His face burned. Panicking, he turned his head away, but Shangguan Ye simply trailed kisses down his neck.
His breathing grew heavier. His back arched under the pressure. Sensing danger, he raised a hand and pressed against Shangguan Ye’s chest. “Stop. Don’t forget what you promised me.”
Shangguan Ye froze, then dropped his forehead to Murong Qiufeng’s shoulder with a heavy sigh. “When will you give me a definite answer? I’m at my limit here. If I lose control one day, you can’t blame me. The temptation is too great.”
His voice held genuine frustration and grievance.
Murong Qiufeng’s lips twitched, his temples throbbing. He shifted slightly, only to feel the hardness pressing against his thigh. His face flushed anew. “You… how can you… all the time…”
“All the time what?” Shangguan Ye shamelessly rubbed against his leg. “You mean ‘all the time aroused’? Of course. When I’m with you, I can’t help myself. And only you.”
Murong Qiufeng’s face turned scarlet. Angrily, he shoved him away. “Shameless! How can you say such things?”
Shangguan Ye caught him again, twirling a lock of his hair. “I only have one face, and it’s all yours. No one else can have it. Speaking of which…” He guided Murong Qiufeng’s hand downward until it touched something hard.
Murong Qiufeng froze as the realization hit. He yanked his hand back, his entire body stiff. Shangguan Ye groaned softly for effect. “See? I’m suffering here. How about helping me out a little?”
Murong Qiufeng’s brain nearly short-circuited. He shoved Shangguan Ye with unprecedented force. “Go to hell, Shangguan Ye!”
“Ow! Hey, don’t murder your own husband!” Shangguan Ye laughed as he dodged the blow, completely unfazed.
