Chapter 181: "Might of Qing Yun Clan (3)"
"How are things over on your side?" Jun Wu Xie asked as she turned her eyes away.
Mo Qian Yuan replied: "Everything has been arranged as you planned. Bai Yun Xian has been moved to the previous Crown Prince Palace and everything there has been arranged to prevent rousing any suspicions from the people of Qing Yun Clan even if they are to meet." Mo Qian Yuan looked up at Jun Wu Xie and hesitated a moment before asking: "You really believe that Bai Yun Xian will keep up her end of the bargain? What if she reneges upon meeting her clan members and spills the beans on us?"
"What she has witnessed for the past few days will tell her how to choose." Jun Wu Xie sipped on her tea, its fragrance permeating the air.
"You turned Mo Xuan Fei into that hideous monster just for this purpose?" Mo Qian Yuan was stunned at the realization. Mo Xuan Fei's looks had made many people who saw him these past few days turn pale in horror, the flesh on his body was rotted, and while he was locked in the filthy dungeon, his rotting wounds had attracted numerous rats, ants, maggots and such eating away at him, which hastened the effects of the rot.
Mo Qian Yuan had witnessed the rot on Mo Xuan Fei himself, a thin layer of flesh barely covering his bones that were exposed in many other areas. He looked just like a corpse, but the flesh regenerates and the cycle of rot repeats itself.
That was what traumatised Bai Yun Xian in the dungeon, having occupied the cell directly facing Mo Xuan Fei. Even when she turned her eyes away from him, the overpowering stench and the sounds from the nibbling rats assaulted her every moment.
No matter how resolute one can be, after seeing the horrendous torment Mo Xuan Fei was put under, no one would dare risk it to suffer under the same fate.
"Bai Yun Xian treasures her life too much. It is normal for her to harbour intentions of going back on her word. But before she does that, she has to ascertain if Qing Yun Clan can produce an antidote for it." Jun Wu Xie raised an eyebrow, chin nestled in palm, looking at the convoy getting further away from sight.
"That was why you made me release Mo Xuan Fei and appoint him a Royal Duke and have him stay in the Imperial Palace? To allow Bai Yun Xian to make use of Mo Xuan Fei as a guinea pig for the people of Qing Yun Clan to assess if they are able to treat the poison?" Mo Qian Yuan asked as he was awed by the meticulous planning involved. Two days ago, Jun Wu Xie had not only released Bai Yun Xian from the dungeon, she had hauled Mo Xuan Fei, who was as good as dead, and placed them in the palace he had previously occupied.
Mo Qian Yuan had not understood the rationale behind Jun Wu Xie's actions before, and it was clear now, all the torment that Mo Xuan Fei was put through, was used just to make a terrifying threat to Bai Yun Xian.
"You are absolutely certain, the bunch from Qing Yun Clan, are unable to unravel and overcome your poison?" Mo Qian Yuan asked cautiously.
That was of paramount importance, for Bai Yun Xian to keep her silence.
"With their capabilities?" Jun Wu Xie asked coldly, her question said it all.
"Your word is good enough for me! The Qing Yun Clan carriages will be reaching the Imperial Palace soon. The Emperor has to go prepare himself to 'welcome' our distinguished guests." Even after becoming the Emperor, Mo Qian Yuan carried no airs with Jun Wu Xie and disregarded the need for cumbersome formalities.
Jun Wu Xie waved her hand nonchalantly and Mo Qian Yuan disappeared. Long Qi who was guarding downstairs saw him leave and proceeded upstairs.
"Saw anything unusual?" Jun Wu Xie asked.
Long Qi reported: "The coachmen were just regular people,and the passengers inside did not reveal themselves. But in one of the carriages that passed, I saw a young lady at the window."
"The daughter of the Qing Yun Clan Sovereign?" Jun Wu Xie raised her eyebrows in amusement.
"Your subordinate am not sure."
"Have them followed, but do not get too close, and do not be seen."
Chapter 182: "Might of Qing Yun Clan (4)"
The carriages from the Qing Yun Clan stopped outside the Imperial Palace. The guards were prepared and stood in formation in welcome. Standing before the Palace, Mo Qian Yuan was dressed in his dragon robe, smiling at the guests.
Qin Yu Yan stepped off from her carriage, her peerless beauty attracting countless eyes.
"A very revered welcome to Miss Qin." Mo Qian Yuan did not show any haughtiness as the Emperor, and stepped up to welcome them with a smile.
Jiang Chen Qing frowned at the young Emperor, "You are the Emperor of Qi?" His tone devoid of any respect.
Mo Qian Yuan did not take offence, and laughed it off. "The former Emperor was in ill health, and handed down the throne, I am the current Emperor of the Kingdom of Qi."
"You are Mo Qian Yuan?" Jiang Chen Qing asked.
"That's right."
With his reply, Jiang Chen Qing's expression turned frosty, and his spiritual power started to diffuse from his body. Mo Qian Yuan felt an overpowering oppression pressing down on him, making it hard for him to breathe.
"It seems what Yun Xian told us was true, you have collaborated with the slut from the Jun Family and wanted to bring harm to a disciple of the Qing Yun Clan!"
And Jiang Chen Qing was about to strike!
When Bai Yun Xian had relayed the message to Qing Yun Clan, she had mentioned that Jun Wu Xie had allied with the Crown Prince, Mo Qian Yuan. Now that Jiang Chen Qing had verified that the Emperor's throne had fallen into the hands of Mo Qian Yuan, he had felt that was all he needed to know!
"Elder, please allow me to explain! Who in the Kingdom of Qi dares to lay a ginger on Miss Bai? There is another reason why Miss Bai relayed the message like this to Qing Yun Clan, and the actual situation is totally different!" Mo Qian Yuan asked hastily, forcing himself to calm down.
"Allow him to finish, Uncle Jiang." Qin Yu Yan who had remained silent interjected, stopping Jiang Chen Qing.
Jiang Chen Qing reluctantly restrained his spiritual powers, but kept his eyes fixed on Mo Qian Yuan.
Mo Qian Yuan heaved a sigh of relief inwardly, he had thought Bai Yun Xian to be reckless, but compared to Jiang Chen Qing, a lunatic who went for the kill immediately, Bai Yun Xian was a tame little rabbit.
Qin Yu Yan stepped forward, a gentle smile on her face.
"No need to worry, Your Majesty. Uncle Jiang was just worried for the safety of Yun Xian. If there is any misunderstanding, it's better to resolve it early." Qin Yu Yan voice tinkled like a mountain spring, and puts one at ease immediately.
Her mild tone of voice and her words filled with understanding, had the people around whispering with praise.
A worthy Eldest Miss of Qing Yun Clan, graceful and cultured, an outstanding lady!
"Eldest Miss, you have my gratitude for your grace. This actually concerns..... the Kingdom of Qi. The journey must have tired you out. Why don't we rest within the Imperial Palace while we wait for Miss Bai, and everything can be made clear." Mo Qian Yuan invited them with a smile, but could find no joy in his heart.
As the ruler of a kingdom, faced with the Qing Yun Clan, he was someone they can hit and kill at will. How shameful was that for a ruler?
Qin Yu Yan smiled and nodded, "That will be good. Thank you."
"My pleasure, please."
As Qin Yu Yan has spoken, the others kept their silence and followed suit.
Jiang Chen Qing gave Mo Qian Yuan a steely stare and said: "Don't think you can pull a fast one here. When we get in the palace, and find that you have been dishonest in any way, I will have you know, the Qing Yun Clan is not to be trifled with." With that, Jiang Chen Qing followed after Qin Yu Yan into the Imperial Place.
Mo Qian Yuan looked on as the backs of the Qing Yun Clan people grew smaller in the distance. His back was drenched in sweat, from the tension from before. But it was not fear that gripped him as he clenched his teeth and continued looking at the haughty backs disappearing.
Chapter 183: "Crossing Swords 'Covertly" (1)"
The Qing Yun Clan group entered the Imperial Palace, and Mo Qian Yuan followed right after. The delegation of over twenty were invited into the main hall.
Only lowly palace maids and other palace functionaries were present in the main hall with Mo Qian Yuan to face the "visiting guests" from Qing Yun Clan. With Mo Qian Yuan having been poisoned for a long period which damaged his body, his spiritual powers had not developed much. His measly spiritual powers in the eyes of the present group, would not stand up to a single strike.
"Where is Yun Xian?" Jiang Chen Qing had just sat down and maintained a dark expression, ignoring the refreshments the palace maids had served.
Qin Yu Yan sipped at her tea with her head lowered, a smile on her lips, but not saying a word.
"I have instructed for her to be invited here, please rest your legs a moment more."
When Bai Yun Xian came to the kingdom, she had received the highest form of treatment and Mo Xuan Fei had gone to great lengths to win her favour. Bai Yun had been arrogant, but Mo Xuan Fei had not been treated dismissively like he was now.
Jiang Chen Qing does not even bother with basic pleasantries with the Emperor of a kingdom!
The Elder of Qing Yun Clan, must really be somebody!
Jiang Chen Qing glanced at Qin Yu Yan, and seeing that she was not going to say anything, he suppressed his displeasure at the situation.
A tiny kingdom like Qi was beneath his notice. Compared with the might of the Qing Yun Clan, the kingdom's strength was reduced to almost nothing. If it had not been for Bai Yun Xian's message, they would never have come.
Moments later, a lady in white ambled in leisurely.
Bai Yun Xian was dressed in a white brocade dress, her hair held with a pearl hair ornament. She entered graciously, and was taken aback for a moment by the numerous people in the main hall, before she composed herself and walked in with poise.
"My respects to you, Eldest Miss. Elder." Jun Wu Xie knelt in reverence.
From the time Bai Yun Xian appeared, Jiang Chen Qing's gaze had been locked on her. His penetrating eyes had surveyed her several times over, verifying Bai Yun Xian had not been mistreated in anyway, before the look of disapproval faded from his face.
"Yun Xian, have you been fine here? Father was worried sick upon receiving your message, but he is still in seclusion and was unable to leave from the clan. Hence, he had instructed Uncle Jiang to accompany me on this trip, to see if you have been treated well." Qin Yu Yan stood up with a laugh and helped Bai Yun Xian up to her feet. Her smile on her face was so gentle that you can almost feel the warmth, but the expression on Bai Yun Xian face was a tad bit stiffened.
In the short moment that Qin Yu Yan helped her up, Qin Yu Yan had her fingers on her wrist feeling her pulse!
"I regret that I have troubled Master with this. I was not thinking straight. I was anxious and lost my mind. I beg for Eldest Miss' and the Elder's forgiveness." Bai Yun Xian said with her head lowered, not daring to move her wrist.
Qin Yu Yan's knowledge of medicine was way beyond hers. She might have been a direct disciple of the Qing Yun Clan Sovereign, but she can't be compared to his daughter. With Qin Yu Yan taking her pulse, she had to feign ignorance, but her heart was bursting with anticipation.
When Jun Wu Xie had given her the poison, she had taken her own pulse. It had been steady, with no signs of having been poisoned.
Can Qin Yu Yan detect that she had been poisoned? If she can detect it, does that mean she has the ability to remedy it?
Bai Yun Xian raised her head, and looked at Qin Yu Yan expectantly.
And, Qin Yu Yan finally let go of her hand, her gentle smile still on her face.
Bai Yun Xian's eyes dulled.
As expected, Qin Yu Yan did not detect the poison.
Chapter 184: "Crossing Swords 'Covertly' (2)"
"What really happened here, my girl? You sent the Min Butterfly which brought us such alarming news. If anyone had bullied you, I will definitely give you justice." Qin Yu Yan cooed laughing, her voice gentle and soothing.
Bai Yun Xian's pulse was normal, and she did not seem to have suffered any internal injuries.
With the situation presented to them now being totally different from what Bai Yun Xian had relayed to the Qing Yun Clan previously, Qin Yu Yan decided to see how it played out.
Bai Yun Xian was crying in her heart, but she had to put on a sheepish mask on her face and said: "I had no choice! Xuan Fei was poisoned! I tried everything I could but I was unable to find a remedy. He is now at death's door, I thought only Master could save him! So, I..... I made up a story like that."
The main hall was silent. Bai Yun Xian's words had left everyone stunned.
What a twist! This story was way different from what they heard.....
When they left Qing Yun Clan, they all knew that someone bold and audacious in Qi had schemed to harm Bai Yun Xian, but what Bai Yun Xian was telling them was a totally different story!
"Xuan Fei? Who's that?" Qin Yu Yan was still reeling from the news.
Bai Yun Xian managed to blush a little as her cheeks turned a pale pink while she replied looking abashed: "He's the Second Prince of Qi, and he is now a duke conferred by the new Emperor. He takes great care of me, and we..... have pledged to marry.
Upon hearing that, the delegates were all struck dumb.
If they did not hear this from Bai Yun Xian herself, they would not have believed it.
As a disciple of Qing Yun Clan, in an attempt to save her lover, she relayed false information, mobilising a whole task force, just to save her man!?
Bai Yun Xian turned red as all eyes trained on her, and even Qin Yu Yan lost her smile.
"Cough, Miss Bai had done that for my brother and I should shoulder some part of the responsibility. If my distinguished guests from Qing Yun Clan are willing to lend a hand to treat my brother, I shall personally be grateful." Mo Qian Yuan chipped in to lend some conviction to the drama unfolding before him.
What was thought to be coercion of one of their people has turned into a desperate cry to save a lover. Their expressions were all livid, after receiving her urgent call for help, they had not only sent the Eldest Miss and a few elders, they even invited some experts with them as well and it turned out to be such a huge joke.
Jiang Chen Qing's face was black to the extreme, his mouth twitched and he did not utter a single word.
"I have specially prepared a welcome feast for everyone, you've come a long way. As for my brother's matter, I will not insist on my brother's treatment." Mo Qian Yuan gave an amiable smile.
After looking at Bai Yun Xian for a long time, Qin Yu Yan finally said: "Kingdom of Qi and our Qin Yun Clan have friendly ties and since we are already here, we will surely not turn a blind eye to a friend in need, after the meal, I will go and have a look with Uncle Jiang."
Mo Qian Yuan gave his 'startled and pleasantly surprise' look as he quickly nodded and immediately arranged for someone to lead them to the banquet hall. He took advantage of this opportunity and quickly headed towards his old quarters.
Ever since he had ascended the throne, he naturally had to move out of his previous residence however he had left everything as it was, other than to cherish the memories he had, it was also a place he had left for Jun Wu Xie to stay in and use it as her base.
At this moment, Jun Wu Xie was well prepared and had entered the Palace. To deal with Qing Yun Clan, she had to be extra careful and vigilant and the best way was to know her enemies well hence she had decided to temporarily stay in the Palace so that she could observe their strength personally.
Chapter 185: "Crossing Swords 'Covertly' (3)"
When Mo Qian Yuan opened the room door after knocking on it, he only saw a young eunuch with very delicate features in there.
Mo Qian Yuan hesitated at the door. He had personally selected all the palace maids and eunuchs serving his former palace but he had never seen this young eunuch before.
"Did they buy it?" The young eunuch looked directly into the eyes of the Son of Heaven, and with those words, made the Emperor's eyes widen in surprise.
"Wu Xie?" Mo Qian Yuan was astonished to see Jun Wu Xie transformed into a male. If not for the voice and mannerism, he would never have thought this young eunuch could be Jun Wu Xie.
Even her features and face shape has changed, nobody could have guessed!
Jun Wu Xie raised an eyebrow, she might have changed her looks, but her cold personality had not changed one bit.
"How did you transform..... to look like this?" Mo Qian Yuan stared wide eyed at Jun Wu Xie.
"Did they believe Bai Yun Xian?" Jun Wu Xie ignored Mo Qian Yuan's question and just continued with her questions.
"They believed, and it was a wonderful performance." Mo Qian Yuan said happily, remembering the dark look on that high and mighty, pompous Jiang Chen Qing's face after Bai Yun Xian told them the 'truth'."
"Did they agree to treat Mo Xuan Fei?" Jun Wu Xie asked with another question.
"They agreed, that Jiang Chen Qing might be a tough nut, but their Eldest Miss, Qin Yu Yan, was more amicable. I did not think they would have agreed, but they did in the end." Mo Qian Yuan thought back on the events today with the Qing Yun Clan, and felt Qin Yu Yan was the only one that went a little easier on him than the others.
Jun Wu Xie turned to Mo Qian Yuan and said: "I want to see them treat Mo Xuan Fei."
Mo Qian Yuan considered it and realised why Jun Wu Xie had transformed her looks. The Missy of the Jun Family, Jun Wu Xie, had no reason to be there, but as an common eunuch, no one will find out her real identity.
"Are you afraid they might find a remedy for your poison?"
Jun Wu Xie shook her head, "I am confident, but I want to be there to know more about Qing Yun Clan."
She might not know much about Qing Yun Clan, but based on Bai Yun Qian's prowess, and the skill of the physicians within the Imperial City, she could roughly ascertain how much her own medical skills and knowledge surpassed the people here. The medicines and poisons here, were based on the most basic fundamentals herbs, and was the treatment used in the earliest of times in Chinese Medicine. However, Jun Wu Xie had, in the world of her previous life, not only learnt the effects of the various herbs and medicines, they had even changed their genetics. If she had had access to a laboratory here, she would have produced things beyond the imaginations of everyone here.
The difference between their skills in medicine, will have the doctors of this world think Jun Wu Xie a miraculous wonder.
For the poison she gave Mo Xuan Fei and Bai Yun Xian, besides making their bodies rot, its most important function was to break down cells within their bodies, disabling the body's natural defence of healing where every small wound had spread, the wound was unable to close. When the body is unable to regenerate and repair, the affliction spreads to other areas as well. With other components she added, it turns the terrifying effects of the poison into a vicious cycle on the afflicted person.
It's effects, was not a condition the people in this world can diagnose by reading their pulse. Without advanced advanced scientific machines and instruments, they cannot even dream of detecting a single trace of the poison from their bodies.
The people from Qing Yun Clan, did not stand the slightest chance against Jun Wu Xie, who was backed by her reputation as a genius doctor in the modern world. No way!
Chapter 186: "Crossing Swords 'Covertly' (4)"
Mo Qian Yuan was not aware of these secrets of Jun Wu Xie, he only knew Jun Wu Xie's skill and prowess in Medicine far surpassed any one he had ever seen. His own life was saved by Jun Wu Xie, and he trusted her unconditionally.
"Arrangements can be made for you to be there, but please be careful while you are there. Qin Yu Yan commands respectable spiritual powers, but Jiang Chen Qing's powers are insanely strong!"
Jun Wu Xie nodded slightly and a question suddenly came to mind: "The request to treat Mo Xuan Fei was made by Bai Yun Xian?"
Mo Qian Yuan shook his head, "No, I had intended to bring it up during the banquet, to request for their help, as a topic for conversation. Actually..... I think even if I had not asked, Bai Yun Xian would not have passed up on the opportunity. She will not give up without a definitive answer from the Qing Yun Clan. Only when the Qing Yun Clan affirms that they are not be able to rid Mo Xuan Fei of the poison, will she resign to her fate. I know that if I had not asked, Bai Yun Xian would have tried all ways and means to make Qin Yu Yan lend a hand, to decide on which side her loyalty should lie."
Mo Qian Yuan paused before he continued: "I didn't think it would have been so easy to enlist their help in the treatment without having to say much."
Qing Yun Clan's willingness to lend a hand had come too easy.
Though Mo Qian Yuan had a good impression of Qin Yu Yan, he somehow felt, that it was unusual of Qing Yun Clan to agree just like that.
"Before they agreed to it, I distinctly saw Jiang Chen Qing's face darken considerably and was afraid he would give vent to his frustration then. Surprisingly, Qin Yu Yan suddenly agreed."
Jun Wu Xie narrowed her eyes in thought. She was not present, and did not know how it all happened. She had thought that Qing Yun Clan only agreed with Bai Yun Xian's incessant pleas. The situation at hand was too different from what she expected.
Saying that was because Qing Yun Clan's prerogative was to save a human life at all costs, would have been laughable.
Countless have died at the hands of the Qing Yun Clan, and they had not saved them. People who are of no value to them, will never get an ounce of sympathy of effort from them.
The Kingdom of Qi and Qing Yun Clan did not share close ties, and Mo Qian Yuan has already ascended to the throne. Hence, Mo Xuan Fei did not have a chance at the throne anymore. The Qing Yun Clan will not waste their time on a downtrodden duke. Moreover, it was due to this duke that a disciple of their own clan had embarrassed and shamed them like this.
Whichever way she looked at it, Qing Yun Clan had no reason to want to lend their expertise.
But, they have done just that.
"Have those palace maids and eunuchs serving the Qing Yun Clan watch them. Inform me of all that they hear." Jun Wu Xie had to tread carefully. If she was found out, to be carrying out all these actions behind their backs, it will not be just her alone, but the whole of the Lin Palace that will meet their maker.
Before she is strong enough, she will take each step carefully.
"Maybe..... Just maybe, they are being kind? And will leave after staying a few days?" Mo Qian Yuan ventured carefully.
Jun Wu Xie shot him a stare. "If it's too good to be true, it probably is."
Mo Qian Yuan shuddered, and understood the reason for Jun Wu Xie's caution. "I'll make sure they watch carefully!"
Chapter 187: "Hidden from the Enemy (1)"
That night, after the delegates were bursting with wine and food from the feast, Mo Qian Yuan and Bai Yun Xian led Qin Yu Yan and Jiang Chen Qing to the palace that Mo Xuan Fei resided in.
Before they even reached the door, Qin Yu Yan detected a foul stench of rot mixed in with the fragrance of various herbs The strong smell of herbs was unable to cover the pungent stench.
The door was opened, and within the palace, sat a man on a wheelchair.
No.
More accurately, it was a decaying corpse. Rotting flesh hung on its exposed bones. He was clothed, but in the areas where he was not covered, there was not a single spot where the flesh was not affected by his condition. Thick yellow pus clung on the darkened blood wounds and dripped from the man's face, neck and hands. If his chest did not rise and fall weakly, there would have been no sign of life in him.
Even the hardened and stoic Jiang Chen Qing had gasped deeply at the sight of Mo Xuan Fei.
That breath had drawn in the foul stench deep into his lungs and very nearly caused him to faint.
That man is still alive? That is obviously an old rotting corpse!
The constant rot had caused Mo Xuan Fei to lose all his hair, his thin scalp was in tatters, and his skull was visible.
The smile on Qin Yu Yan's face froze, and her hands at her sides trembled.
Mo Qian Yuan observed their reactions carefully, and reveled in his heart. He looked discreetly at a figure standing in a corner of the room. Jun Wu Xie was small in stature, and dressed in the clothes of a palace eunuch, it hid her girly curves perfectly. With her tiny face, hidden among a bunch of palace functionaries, she blended in perfectly.
"This is my royal brother. He had been poisoned for a time. If it was not for Miss Bai's efforts, he would not have lasted till now. I implore for Miss Qin to please have a look."
Qin Yu Yan's smile was rather stiff, when she heard that Mo Xuan Fei was poisoned, she had prepared herself, but never could she have imagined, that Mo Xuan Fei would turn into such a hideous monster like this.....
Is that even human?
That was just a pile of rotting meat!
"Uncle Jiang is a respected elder of our Qing Yun Clan, and posses exceptional medical skills. Allow him to have a look at him." Qin Yu Yan recovered and pasted her gentle and elegant smile back on her face, refusing to take a single step nearer towards Mo Xuan Fei.
The second prince who had made so many ladies swoon throughout the kingdom had now had his looks reduced to be one that scared ladies to the point they faint in fright.
Jiang Chen Qing was shocked by how Mo Xuan Fei looked, but they had agreed to lend a hand, he had no choice but to soldier on.
Jiang Chen QIng walked towards Mo Xuan Fei with a dark expression on his face. Qin Yu Yan turned her eyes on Bai Yun Xian, whose eyes were fixed upon the form of Mo Xuan Fei, her eyes showing fear and anticipation.
"Yun Xian, you really do love him." Qin Yu Yan said with a laugh.
Bai Yun Xian was focused on the solely on Jiang Chen Qing's diagnosis. She did not pay much attention to Qin Yu Yan's words, and nodded absentmindedly.
In the corner, Jun Wu Xie who was disguised as a eunuch, observed every single reaction of those three. Jiang Chen Qing might be an Elder in the Qing Yun Clan, but from their conversation, it can be concluded that Qin Yu Yan had the authority to command him. Qin Yu Yan was obviously the chief-in-command, in this delegation from Qing Yun Clan.
Qin Yu Yan seemed to be showing concern for Bai Yun Xian's relationship with Mo Xuan Fei, but in actual fact, she was trying to ascertain, whether Bai Yun Xian genuinely wanted to save Mo Xuan Fei.
Chapter 188: "Hidden from the Enemy (2)"
Qin Yu Yan did not sense anything from Bai Yun Xian that showed otherwise, Bai Yun Xian was really anxious for them to save Mo Xun Fei!
If they can cure Mo Xuan Fei, she will be free of Jun Wu Xie's manipulation.
Jun Wu Xie was watching everything intently, but she was not the least bit worried.
Qing Yun Clan, self proclaimed as the best in medicine under the heavens, Jun Wu Xie would like to see, if they had what it took to remedy her poison.
Trying his best to hold down the vomit threatening to rush up his throat, Jiang Chen Qing took Mo Xuan Fei's pulse, his face in undisguised disgust. However, when he ascertained his pulse, he stood there as if frozen, his expression in shock.
"How is it possible?"
Jiang Chen Qing's incredulous exclamation attracted the attention of Qin Yu Yan and Bai Yun Xian.
"Uncle Jiang, what is it?" Qin Yu Yan asked.
Jiang Chen Qing's face showed utter disbelief. He had forgotten his disgust at Mo Xuan Fei's mangled hand. He checked his pulse again, carefully, and his expression remained the same, still unable to believe himself.
"Eldest Miss, this..... It's better that you come see it yourself." Jiang Chen Qing was at a loss.
Seeing Jiang Chen Qing's reaction only made Bai Yun Xian more anxious, as she stood wringing her hands, unable to ask outright and could only look on helplessly.
Qin Yu Yan hesitated a moment to bring her emotions under control and to maintain a facade of calm, before she stepped up to take the pulse of Mo Xuan Fei.
She put her fingers lightly on the wrist of Mo Xuan Fei, and her expression became just like Jiang Chen Qing, an expression of incredulity.
This man was visibly rotting away and on the brink of death, but he possessed the pulse of a healthy individual. If his condition was not so painfully obvious, Qin Yu Yan would have given him a clean bill of health!
What is happening here?
"Eldest Miss, can he be saved?" Bai Yun Xian could not hold herself back anymore.
Qin Yu Yan bit on her lip, and stepped away from Mo Xuan Fei.
"His pulse is normal, his condition might not be caused by poison."
The world came crashing down on Bai Yun Xian, her last glimmer of hope extinguished.
That's about right. She had taken her own pulse after taking Jun Wu Xie's poison, and the diagnosis was the same as Qin Yu Yan.
Nothing abnormal!
It is now certain, Qin Yu Yan and Jiang Chen Qing are unable to cure her of the poison.
"Your Majesty, our findings from our diagnosis of the duke rule out the possibility of poison, and we are unable to cure him of his condition. All we can do to help is to prolong his life and reduce his pain." Qin Yu Yan walked over to Mo Qian Yuan, showing absolutely no remorse on being unable to help.
Mo Qian Yuan made a face showing regret and sighed: "Well, guess that's fate, and we've troubled the two of you."
Qin Yu Yan was in a foul mood. She did not care that she could not cure Mo Xuan Fei. It was her intention to first save Mo Xuan Fei and have Mo Qian Yuan owe Qing Yun Clan a debt of gratitude, making it much easier to fulfil her other goal in coming here. But since she was unable to cure him, the only option left was to tell it to Mo Qian Yuan straight.
With that decided, she pulled out a bottle of medicinal elixirs, and handed it to Mo Qian Yuan.
"These are Silent Dragon Elixirs, and its recipe is guarded closely within our Qing Yun Clan. It can prolong a person's life, and lend nourishment to their spiritual powers." Qin Yu Yan explained.
Mo Qian Yuan was surprised, thinking Qin Yu Yan was really unpredictable in her actions, she had offered to save a life, and then she readily offered him such amazing elixirs. It would be hard to believe she did not need anything from him, and was just doing this out of kindness and magnanimity. He wouldn't buy that, over his dead body.
"How can I accept that, a priceless treasure like this?" Mo Qian Yuan declined politely. After having met Jun Wu Xie, he didn't care for Qing Yun Clan's medicines, pills and what not.
Chapter 189: "Soul Jade (1)"
The hidden Jun Wu Xie perked up, she had long suspected Qing Yun Clan had other intentions.
Faced with Mo Qian Yuan's refusal, Qin Yu Yan went straight to the point: "To be honest, the regime change in the Kingdom of Qi was beyond our expectations. Before that, the former Emperor had previously agreed to a deal with my father. The purpose of Yun Xian's visit was to retrieve an item, only she was unaware of it. The former Emperor is no longer around, but the agreed deal still stands. Hence, I hope Your Majesty can adhere to the wishes of our fathers, and complete the deal."
"What deal was that?" This time, Mo Qian Yuan was genuinely confused. He had not heard anything about a secret deal with the Qing Yun Clan!
"It's the Soul Jade." Qin Yu Yan replied, short and concise.
"Soul Jade?" Mo QIan Yuan was shocked.
"Yes, the Kingdom of Qi has two pieces of Soul Jade. It was handed down by the founders of the Kingdom of Qi. The two pieces of jade was originally one whole, when they founded the kingdom, the founding Emperor broke the jade in two, and kept one half in the palace, and gifted the other half to his comrade in arms who was of a different family name, General Jun Xian. The Soul Jade might only serve a symbolic purpose to you, but it is extremely important to the Qing Yun Clan. Our Qing Yun Clan is willing to exchange it for a batch of priceless elixirs and medicines, and the former Emperor had previously agreed to it. The purpose of my visit this time round, was firstly to bring Yun Xian back, and also to conclude the deal with Qi. Yun Xian had already brought the elixirs and pills from Qing Yun Clan earlier, and I would request for Your Majesty to hand over the two pieces of Soul Jade to us." Qin Yu Yan had initially conveyed her request in a clear, gentle tone. The further she went on, her request took on a tone of demand at the end.
Mo Qian Yuan was flustered, he had not counted on them demanding for the Soul Jade.
The Soul Jade had been with the Kingdom of Qi for decades, besides being a symbol of the kingdom's founding glory and honour, it had served little other purpose and it was no great loss to gift it to the Qing Yun Clan.
The problem was, with the half that was given to Jun Xian.
If he remembered it correctly, when Jun Xian's eldest son, who was Jun Wu Xie's father, died in battle, and that piece of Soul Jade had been buried together with him. If they were to retrieve it, that would mean digging up Jun Gu's grave!
Sweat formed on his forehead. He knew that Jun Wu Xie had heard all that was said.
He did not dare reveal to the Qing Yun Clan that the Jun Family's half of the Soul Jade had been buried together with Jun Gu, as knowing the tyranny the Qing Yun Clan was capable of, they would have sent people to desecrate Jun Gu's grave immediately.
"That will naturally be done. I will have the two pieces of Soul Jade sent to you as soon as possible." It had been too sudden, and Mo Qian Yuan did not want to speak too much on it, and agreed for the moment.
Qin Yu Yan nodded in satisfaction, and exchanged a few words with Jiang Chen Qing before Mo Qian Yuan escorted them out to have their rest.
In the palace, Bai Yun Xian looked at Mo Xuan Fei in resignation, as depression seeped into her.
"Give up?" The clear cold voice cut across the room from a corner, that now familiar voice sent a chill up her spine.
Jun Wu Xie restored her facial features and stepped out from the shadows. She was still dressed as a eunuch, but her frosty demeanor still left her weak in her knees.
"I..... I....." Bai Yun Xian looked in terror at Jun Wu Xie.
"Under the skies, no one can save you, but me. If you know that now, you know what to do." Jun Wu Xie stared icily at Bai Yun Xian.
Chapter 190: "Soul Jade (2)"
Bai Yun Xian fell to the floor with a thump, trembling uncontrollably.
"I understand, I'll listen to everything you say! Just don't let me turn into that hideous beast."
Jun Wu Xie turned away from her and said frostily: "Scram."
Bai Yun Xian picked up her legs and ran hastily out from the palace and bumped into Mo Qian Yuan who was returning after having seen the guests out. Upon seeing the look on her face, Mo Qian Yuan knew someone had been threatening people yet again.
Upon entering the palace, Mo Qian Yuan saw the eunuchs sending Mo Xuan Fei back to the dungeon, and the palace maids had lit various incense, to rid the place of the stench of rot.
Jun Wu Xie stood in the middle of the room, staring at him quietly.
Mo Qian Yuan cleared his throat nervously, "You heard everything that Qin Yu Yan said?"
Jun Wu Xie nodded.
"What do you think we should do?" Mo Qian Yuan did not possess the guts to ask Jun Wu Xie to dig up her own father's grave.
"Give them what they want." Jun Wu Xie said without much thought. It was just two pieces of jade, and the time was not ripe to go against Qing Yun Clan yet.
"What?" Mo Qian Yuan stared at her, incredulous.
"You..... you agree to hand over the Soul Jade?"
"Why not?" Jun Wu Xie asked with her head tilted, baffled. She had never heard anything about Soul Jade from Jun Xian nor Jun Qing. If it was anything important, they would have told her about it. Since they did not, it must not have been anything unusual.
To go against the Qing Yun Clan over some decorative stones? It wasn't worth it.
Mo Qian Yuan scrutinized Jun Wu Xian carefully, unable to shake of his incredulity. "I find that I understand you less daily. You have shielded the Jun Family so aggressively, I did not expect..... you to agree to digging up General Jun's grave. You might be right, if he had known, the general would not have wanted you to stand against the Qing Yun Clan....."
Before Mo Qian Yuan could finish, Jun Wu Xie's eyes flashed dangerously at him.
"What did you say?"
"Erm..... I..... I didn't say anything....." Mo Qian Yuan shut his mouth in a hurry.
"Whose grave did you say to dig up?" Jun Wu Xie's eyes were aflame.
Mo Qian Yuan gulped: "Jun Gu, Generalissimo Jun..... The piece of Soul Jade bestowed to the Jun Family, was buried together with his body upon his death, wasn't it?"
Jun Wu Xie's brow furrowed into a deep frown.
"You did not know?" Mo Qian Yuan asked in bafflement.
"No." Jun Wu Xie replied simply, her frown deepening. Jun Wu Xie was still very young when Jun Gu passed away, and she did not retain much memories of her father himself, not to mention the items that were buried with him.
Mo Qian Yuan saw now, the reason Jun Wu Xie had agreed so readily.
"Do you still intend to hand it to them?" Mo Qian Yuan asked.
Jun Wu Xie was deep in thought. She had never met Jun Gu, and her affections to the Jun Family were limited to only Jun Xian and Jun Qing. She did not think too much of digging up a grave, but that was after all the grave of Jun Xian's son and Jun Qing's brother. It was not a matter she could decide on her own.
The last people she wanted to hurt, were those two, the father and son of the Jun Family.
"I'll let you know tomorrow." Jun Wu Xie thought on how she was going to proceed. She needed to discuss the matter with her grandfather and uncle carefully. She had to at the very least, ascertain if the Soul Jade had indeed been buried together with her father.
"All right. I will stall the Qing Yun Clan for now. Don't worry." Mo Qian Yuan said with a laugh. He had decided, with or without Jun Wu Xie's half of the Soul Jade, he will first present his half to Qin Yu Yan tomorrow, to appease them, in order to buy some time for Jun Wu Xie.
Jun Wu Xie nodded, her only intention now, was to return to the Lin Palace, and discuss the matter with Jun Xian.