The appearance of the蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng) instilled fear in the venomous snakes, an emotion that reflected on the snake shadow, causing her brow to furrow.
She recalled some of the venomous snakes to protect herself from sneak attacks by the蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng). Then, she bit her finger, and the moment blood spilled out, a crimson glow appeared in the eyes of all the venomous snakes.
The stationary snakes once again slithered towards Yin Si Lan.
The蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng) manipulated by Yin Si Lan met the attack, and for a time, the venomous snakes and蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng) clashed. Blood of various colors and foul odors permeated the entire bedchamber. The continuous deaths of venomous snakes and蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng) cast a grim expression on the faces of Yin Si Lan and the snake shadow.
Yin Si Lan took out a silver bracelet full of bells from her embrace and put it on her hand. The bells jingled, emitting crisp sounds. Upon hearing the sound, the蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng) rapidly clustered together, instantly transforming into a massive humanoid shadow. The shadow grabbed a chair and hurled it towards the snake shadow.
The moment the snake shadow dodged, Yin Si Lan broke through the window and fled.
The snake shadow drew a soft whip from her waist and lashed out at the black shadow, scattering the蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng). The蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng) fell to the ground in a flurry, being promptly bitten by the waiting venomous snakes.
Seeing this, the snake shadow turned to pursue Yin Si Lan, paying no heed to the Empress Dowager who was about to be surrounded by the蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng).
"Mother!"
Ji Hong, witnessing the scene, rushed into the bedchamber, disregarding Xuan Lin's attempt to stop him.
Nan Shi Ying pulled Ji Jin Mo, who was following closely behind, and shoved him back, "You wait here, I'm going in!"
Without giving Ji Jin Mo any chance to argue, she quickly rushed in, pulled out poisonous powder, and scattered it liberally. As she sprinkled, she quickly walked to the side of the fool swinging his sword to kill the蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng) and threw him a bottle of medicine, "Quick, apply the medicine!"
The蛊 (gǔ) in this bedchamber were not like the symbiotic蛊 (gǔ) of Miao Jiang. They were just common centipedes, spiders, and other poisonous creatures, with only one or two蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng) occasionally mixed in, posing no real threat. She was unsure if her prepared poison powder would work on the蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng), but it was certainly simple to poison these spiders and the like.
The poisonous powder fell on the spiders and centipedes, instantly corroding their outer layers. The entire bedchamber echoed with sharp cries, and soon, the poisonous insects turned into pools of pus, emitting a strong stench.
The tenacious蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng) tried to burrow into the bodies of the palace maids but were pinned in place by flying needles.
It was then that Ji Hong rushed to the Empress Dowager's side.
"Mother, Mother..." He anxiously shook the Empress Dowager's body. Nan Shi Ying kicked over a nearby incense burner. Seeing Ji Hong's state, she disdainfully pushed him aside, "Get out of the way, let me see."
"You insolent!"
Ji Hong paid no attention to Nan Shi Ying's attitude, only looking at his mother with concern. Xuan Lin, however, glared with wide, angry eyes and reprimanded him. Nan Shi Ying couldn't be bothered; who would argue with a fool?
Nan Shi Ying checked the Empress Dowager's pulse, her expression slightly stiffening. Ji Hong's heart skipped a beat, and he anxiously inquired, "Imperial Aunt, how is my mother?"
It was evident that Ji Hong was genuinely worried, even referring to himself as "I."
Nan Shi Ying was nearly struck dumb by the address "Imperial Aunt." She shot him an annoyed glance, but her expression remained serious. Just as she was about to speak, a sudden loud noise beside her interrupted her. Nan Shi Ying turned her head, looking at the fool who had dropped his weapon. The fool's eyes were wide open, even more so than before, his eyeballs seeming to bulge from their sockets.
"Im-Imperial Aunt..."
He repeated himself, as if his voice was stuck.
Ji Hong glared at him angrily. Xuan Lin, finally snapping out of his stunned disbelief, felt a chill down his spine. He quickly picked up his weapon and said to Ji Hong, "Your Majesty, I shall go apprehend the culprits."
With that, he turned and fled.
Nan Shi Ying twitched her lips and looked at Ji Hong.
Ji Hong coughed and said, "Xuan Lin still has some merits." His talent was all poured into his strength; there wasn't much left for his brain.
"Imperial Aunt, please continue."
Nan Shi Ying bypassed his address to her and said, "The Empress Dowager is actually fine. She merely inhaled too much sleeping incense and fainted. However..."
"However what?"
"However, it seems the Empress Dowager cannot speak anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"She's been poisoned into silence!"
"Damn it, damn it, she deserves to die!"
Ji Hong exuded an aura of brutality, like an enraged tiger, wanting to stain the mountains and forests with blood.
Nan Shi Ying understood.
"I'll think of a way."
Nan Shi Ying felt there was still hope, but the specifics would have to be seen later. She didn't make any promises, as she had only lost her voice, not her life. The fact that the true Empress Dowager was alive was the greatest surprise for Ji Hong.
Ji Hong's face revealed a look of surprise. Jingren Palace had already set up an inescapable net; the fake Empress Dowager could not escape. However, there was one matter that was now difficult.
"No one from the Jin Yang Marquisate can be spared. Confiscate their property and exterminate their clan to quell this entire affair. After the matters in Yuzhou Commandery are resolved, the court officials will naturally understand your plan and will no longer have any dissatisfaction."
Ji Jin Mo had entered at some unknown time. With just one glance, he understood Ji Hong's thoughts.
The scheme originally targeting the Jin Yang Marquisate was fundamentally to eliminate the fake Empress Dowager. Now that the fake Empress Dowager had become the true Empress Dowager, their previous plans had to be completely overturned. No one from the Jin Yang Marquisate could be spared. However, for the Empress Dowager's maternal family, apart from the Madam of Jin Yang Marquisate who must die, the rest could be given a lesser punishment.
"As for the Empress Dowager... seal off Jingren Palace and execute all the palace maids. This way, it will also serve as an explanation to the officials."
Ji Hong nodded, realizing there was no other way.
Nan Shi Ying glared fiercely at Ji Jin Mo. The蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng) pinned to the ground by silver needles were not dead. Their resonant sound waves might awaken the蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng) within him, which was why Nan Shi Ying had forbidden him from entering earlier. But now, he had actually walked in silently.
However, looking at his complexion, Nan Shi Ying couldn't discern anything.
"Extend your hand!"
Nan Shi Ying said impatiently.
Ji Jin Mo clasped his hands behind his back and said calmly, "No need, I'm fine!"
With that single gesture, Nan Shi Ying knew for sure that the蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng) within him had awakened. She was furious and wished she could kill him with a single needle.
Nan Shi Ying asked Ji Hong for two small bottles and put the surviving蛊蟲 (gǔ chóng) into them, intending to take them back for medicinal use. She couldn't stay in Jingren Palace now. After Ji Hong ordered the execution of the palace maids, the Empress Dowager was first settled in the secluded Emerald Jade Pavilion.
Jingren Palace was sealed off, and it was publicly announced that the Empress Dowager was ill and needed rest.
This was merely a cover-up, and the court officials knew this.
However, the ministers were satisfied with the Emperor's actions. Regardless of whether Zou Chengyi's death was at the Empress Dowager's command, the matter was carried out by the Jin Yang Marquis, so a person of status had to take the blame.
As for delving deeper? No one dared!