Сhарtеr 16 (2/16)
Young Mаstеr Yuе sаid, "Тhese arе аll the Pоison Mаnuаls аnd Меdiсal Tеxts collected in Yuе Мanоr, avаilаblе fоr yоur rеfеrеnсe аt any time. Yоung Мastеr Yu is excеptionаlly talеntеd; I bеliеvе уоu will certаinlу be аblе tо deсiphеr thе mysterу оf the 'Нeart-Cоrroding Moоn.'"
Yun Wеishаn felt а stinging pain graduаllу rising in hеr chеst аnd аbdоmеn. Sеeing Yun Wеishаn in agоny, Gоng Ziyu tightly grаspеd hеr hаnd. Hе trulу соuld not understand thе necessity of suсh a test—why nоt just target him dirеctlу? Yun Wеishan сlearly sensed Gong Ziyu's emotional turmoil and comforted him, saying, "I'm fine. You need to calm your heart."
Gong Ziyu surveyed his surroundings. Apart from the books and bamboo scrolls that nearly filled the space, there was a large long table beside the bookshelf. On the table were placed a mortar and some medicine-making tools.
Young Master Yue said, "The lower shelves specialize in internal pain disorders, the middle ones in external injuries, and the topmost shelves focus on poisons as well as methods for compounding and detoxifying them."
Gong Ziyu couldn't help but frown—this was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
"With so many books on poisons, finding the antidote method is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Does Elder Yue have any suggestions?"
Young Master Yue found it somewhat amusing but couldn't resist replying, "Out of friendship, I've already hinted at how the collection here is categorized, saving you a considerable amount of time. Saying any more would truly border on cheating."
"Then tell me, is the 'Heart-Corroding Moon' a cold poison or a heat poison?"
Young Master Yue spread his hands. "Should I just give you the antidote directly?"
Gong Ziyu had nothing more to say. He could only turn around, walk up the stairs, and pace back and forth in front of the bookshelf, gazing thoughtfully at the mountain of books. "Since this is a trial, it means the task must be achievable. Yet, with so many books, it's absolutely impossible to read them all in a short time. Therefore, the 'Heart-Corroding Moon' cannot possibly be a short-term, acute poison—it must at least allow the trial-taker enough time to research and prepare an antidote. So, that means..." Gong Ziyu pointed at the label on the bookshelf that read "Chronic Poisons" and turned back to Young Master Yue. "Here?"
The cave was now empty of Young Master Yue's presence, and Yun Weishan had already collapsed on the ground. Anxious, Gong Ziyu hurriedly picked her up and placed her on the nearby soft couch. His earlier judgment began to waver: it seemed this poison might not necessarily be a chronic one after all.
At Jue Manor, Gong Shangjue returned to his room and saw Gong Yuanzhi sitting alone at the table, drinking sullenly.
"Why are you drinking alone?"
"Wine isn't medicine, of course I drink it alone. Do I need someone to feed it to me?" Gong Yuanzhi was clearly angry—angry that his brother had fed medicine to Shangguan Qian right in front of him.
Gong Shangjue couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing. "Is this worth getting angry over?" Gong Yuanzhi didn't answer, just sullenly downed another cup.
At that moment, Jin Fu entered with a secret letter. "Young Master, news has arrived from the valley outpost regarding the thief from the night of the Lantern Festival."
The "thief" Jin Fu referred to was the one who had stolen Yun Weishan's ring.
Gong Yuanzhi took the envelope, opened the secret letter, glanced at it, and snorted lightly. "Brother guessed correctly. That thief stealing Yun Weishan's belongings was indeed no coincidence—it was truly to lure Gong Ziyu away."
Jin Fu nodded. "That thief is a habitual offender in Old Dust Valley. According to his confession, it was Miss Zi Yi who instructed him."
Gong Yuanzhi said suspiciously, "Zi Yi... Yun Weishan actually went to see her? Isn't that beneath her dignity..."Gong Shangjue asked, "Have you investigated Zi Yi?"
Jin Fu replied, "Yes. Zi Yi's original name is Ye Xiao. Her parents and elder brother were originally servants of a wealthy merchant in Jiangnan, later sent to the 'Human Hunting Grounds'..."
Gong Yuanzhi asked, "What is the Human Hunting Grounds?"
Jin Fu answered, "It is a place for nobles to play during their leisure time. They release people into the forest, hunt them like animals, and take pleasure in it."
Gong Yuanzhi showed a look of disgust.
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