Chapter 89: Matters at Yinshan Pass (4)
The Wu family believed in shedding blood rather than tears. As the only male descendant of his generation, Wu Yong was genuinely pampered by the female family members when being spoiled, and genuinely trained to the brink of death when being drilled.
When he realized he had been schemed against, he was filled with anger, feeling it was unfair both for himself and the Wu family. Therefore, even though he knew certain things were happening, he pretended not to see them; even though he knew how severe the consequences could be, he was filled with perverse satisfaction.
But at this moment, he felt somewhat ashamed. Not because he thought he was wrong, but because of a man's breadth of mind—he had been utterly overshadowed.
Gu Yanxi stood up and walked toward the door. Wu Yong instinctively called out, "The Heir!"
Ignoring him, Gu Yanxi opened the door, raised his hand, and made a gesture. Soon, Shaoyao appeared outside.
"Go examine him."
Shaoyao wasn't wearing a veiled hat. Seeing such a face in the middle of the night would likely startle anyone. Wu Yong, being a normal person, also took a step back in fright. But he quickly composed himself, stepped forward, and sat down at the table, extending his hand. "Troubling you, Doctor."
Shaoyao didn't particularly care about Wu Yong's attitude, but his subsequent actions still made her a little happy. She sat down opposite him and placed her fingers on his wrist.
After a moment, Shaoyao asked him to switch hands. After a careful examination, she frowned and remained silent.
Her attitude, however, gave Wu Yong a glimmer of hope. "Please speak frankly, Doctor. I can take it."
Shaoyao did just that. "General Wu, have you been... successful in your ** recently?"
For a man, this was a matter concerning face, especially when asked by a woman. For a moment, Wu Yong was torn between answering and not, looking to The Heir for help.
Gu Yanxi stood with his arms crossed. "She is a doctor."
Wu Yong swallowed and forced himself to answer, "There were no issues before, but about two months ago, it suddenly... became a bit difficult."
Shaoyao nodded. "General Wu, do you have two very thin black lines in your groin area?"
Wu Yong was taken aback and shook his head. "I haven't paid attention usually."
"Then please check now. If they are there, we can basically confirm the diagnosis."
Hearing that a diagnosis was possible, Wu Yong cast all caution to the wind. Losing a little face was better than losing his life.
A rustling sound came from behind the screen. Gu Yanxi shook his head helplessly as he watched Shaoyao resting her head in her hand, gazing boredly at the lamp. Any other woman would have been too embarrassed to show her face, but she was so forthright that it made others feel awkward.
Soon, Wu Yong hurried out, his breath somewhat rushed. "Yes, there is one on each side. Very thin, very long."
They were almost long enough to reach places he couldn't see! If not for the doctor's reminder, how could he have noticed these two ominous-looking black lines on his body in the middle of winter?
"Then it's confirmed." Shaoyao looked up at The Heir. "It's poisoning."
"Can it be cured?"
"Yes, but it's a bit troublesome." Shaoyao scratched her head in frustration. "This poison is called Black Spider Silk. To detoxify it, we need the same poison that was used as an antidote trigger. Otherwise, it can't be neutralized. Can we contact Master? I remember this poison was concocted by Master."
Gu Yanxi certainly didn't interpret Shaoyao's words as implying her master was the one who administered the poison. He nodded and said, "I'll send him a letter.""Ask him who he gave the poison to. When I asked for it before, he wouldn't give it to me, saying it was too vicious. Yet he gave it to someone else. Hmph."
"You can ask him face-to-face later."
"Even better. But you need to make him come quickly. General Wu can only hold on for another month at most."
Gu Yanxi glanced at Wu Yong, who didn't appear to be someone with only a month left to live.
"When I say one month, I don't mean his life is in danger. He could live another six months without problem. What I mean is that if he doesn't detox within a month, his family jewels will become useless."
"..."
Gu Yanxi rubbed his temples, unsure how to tell Shaoyao that women shouldn't speak so directly. Even if she had to mention such things, she should at least lower her voice. Couldn't she see Wu Yong's face had turned completely embarrassed?
"Master said this is the most vicious aspect of this poison - it gradually makes men impotent. If the poison isn't detoxified within four months, even if the person survives after later detoxification, that thing will..."
"Enough." Gu Yanxi cut her off, now knowing exactly who to settle scores with. "Is there any way to slow its effects? Your master went to the western mountains to search for a specific herb and might not return within a month."
Shaoyao, unhappy about being interrupted, replied slowly: "My golden needles acupuncture can slow down the toxicity."
"Use it on him."
"But Hua Hua will be returning in a few days, and I want to go back with her."
Gu Yanxi remained silent for a moment. Just as Shaoyao was about to relent and agree, she heard him say: "Back then, the Wu family defended this pass at the cost of most of their men. The Wu family has been rooted here for as many years as the Daqing Kingdom has existed. Now, Wu Yong is the only male descendant left. Shaoyao, they've been guarding our Gu family's empire. We have the responsibility to ensure the Wu family line continues."
"So I'm really surnamed Gu, aren't I?"
"Since you've chosen to forget, don't dwell on those past events. They're not pleasant memories anyway."
Shaoyao grinned. "I just need to know that Yan Ge is my brother, and that beautiful woman in my dreams is my mother. Nothing else matters. It's just performing acupuncture once daily, right? I'll do it."
Gu Yanxi stood while Shaoyao sat, making it convenient to pat her head. Gu Yanxi actually did so - the first such intimate gesture in all these years. Shaoyao was momentarily stunned, then squinted her eyes and smiled. Yan Ge really was her brother!
Her scar-covered face wasn't particularly pleasant when smiling, yet somehow Wu Yong didn't find it ugly at all anymore - especially those eyes, clear and pure, extremely beautiful.
Shaoyao suddenly turned to look at him. "You shouldn't think about having sex this month. It will accelerate the poison's effects."
Wu Yong coughed repeatedly, defending himself: "Doctor, I wasn't thinking about that."
"Good that you weren't. Keep your wives and concubines at a distance too. When poisoned, one should behave properly. Seeing but not being able to have will only make you more restless and agitated, which isn't good for your health."
Wu Yong found himself torn between laughter and tears, unsure how to respond to this. If he hadn't misheard earlier, this was clearly a princess - one recognized by the Heir and kept by his side at that. He'd have to have a death wish to continue this conversation.
Gu Yanxi felt he should properly discuss with Hua Zhi about teaching Shaoyao what topics were appropriate for a young woman to mention and what weren't. Why hadn't he noticed before how uninhibited she was with her words!Wu Yong's condition must not be known by outsiders or those with ill intentions. After agreeing to meet again the following evening, the two returned to the inn. Shaoyao quietly entered the room and, seeing Hua Hua sleeping so soundly without even turning over, patted her chest in relief. Yet the thought of being separated from Hua Hua for at least a month made her feel she wouldn't be able to sleep tonight.
Soon, the sound of snoring arose in the quiet guest room.
PS: The female lead only made a brief appearance in these two chapters... The focus is on the main plotline, which is crucial for later developments. Kongkong is conducting a small survey: Do you prefer romance arcs or story arcs? First, let me clarify—Kongkong is actually more inclined toward plot-driven narratives.
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