But despite all her calculations,
Song Qingchao had not expected that the two soldiers would be so cowardly as to report her illness to Zuo Suiran.
She heard from the intelligence that these two soldiers had said a great deal to Zuo Suiran, absolving themselves of all responsibility.
They were afraid that she might accidentally die.
Song Qingchao: "..."
She no longer had time for further deployment. Fortunately, she had made most of the arrangements the day before.
However, before she left, she met Aunt Fang one last time, and after receiving her answer, she departed. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Only Zhou Yi and Song Qingmu were told of her departure.
As for outsiders, she was recuperating and not available for visitors.
After a simple packing, Song Qingchao set off.
This time, she was alone.
Of course, not entirely. She still needed to find an ally.
Zheng Xi had been by Bai You'an's side for so long; it was time for him to return.
It could also be considered settling the debt owed to Elder Tan and Ying Zhong.
It was a dark and windy night.
The nights in the Northern Desert were always quiet.
The once bustling Shuiyun Jian was now as still as a pool of dead water.
Song Qingchao stood in the alley behind Xiyun Pavilion, gazing towards Shuiyun Jian.
The last time she came, it was snowing heavily. Now, the willow trees had begun to sprout.
In a few more days, the cherry blossoms on the mountain would be in bloom.
Song Qingchao did not wish to dwell on these thoughts and flashed directly into Xiyun Pavilion.
Inside Xiyun Pavilion, Song Xiaoguo had been waiting for a long time.
"Miss."
Song Qingchao nodded, and the two descended into the secret chamber.
Inside the secret chamber, Wanyan Xiyin had lost his former imposing demeanor.
As if he had heard a sound, he stiffly raised his neck. Upon glimpsing Song Qingchao, the corner of his mouth cracked into a smile, "Miss Song finally remembers me?"
He gasped for breath, his head leaning against the wall behind him. "I thought Miss Song would never come again. What, have you thought about what I said?"
Song Qingchao nodded.
She slowly descended the steps amidst Wanyan Xiyin's laughter, simultaneously drawing the dagger in her hand.
The dagger spun around her fingers twice before landing in her palm.
"The First Prince can still laugh?"
"You know my identity?"
Wanyan Xiyin's smile vanished instantly. "How did you find out?"
"What if I told you I always knew? Would you believe me?"
Song Qingchao smiled enigmatically.
She had always known, but she hadn't expected Wanyan Xiyin to be the First Prince.
If it weren't for Aunt Fang, she probably...
Since that was the case, how could she let this opportunity to profit slip by?
"What else do you know?"
Wanyan Xiyin was a little anxious.
From the time he was imprisoned until now, he had never been anxious, because he believed Song Qingchao would agree to his proposal.
"I also know that your stronghold is three hundred miles beyond Ling Shi Valley."
"You!"
Song Qingchao was not in the least bit hurried. She simply wanted to watch this man who had humiliated her in her past life sink into the mire, bit by bit.
Song Qingchao walked up to him, the dagger scraping against his face, just as he had done to her in her past life.
She had vowed to repay him a thousandfold, and this was hardly enough.
"What about me?"
Song Qingchao sneered, then plunged the dagger vertically into his face.
The sharp dagger slowly cut through his rough, thick skin.
Song Qingchao felt it was the same as cutting wild boar meat.
"Prince Wanyan's skin is indeed thick."
"Song Qingchao! I advise you not to treat me like this. Don't you want to know the truth?"
He dared not move.
The sensation on his face was as if someone was churning within his flesh. If he moved even slightly, his skin could be torn!
He could feel the pain even in his sinews now!
"The truth?"
Song Qingchao meticulously drew on Wanyan Xiyin's face. "If I let you go, will you tell me the truth?"
She paused, then stared intently at the pattern she had carved. "Wanyan Xiyin, do you take me for a fool?"
Song Qingchao felt it still wasn't aesthetically pleasing, so she pressed the dagger closer.
Blood flowed down the sharp blade and onto her hand, warm and carrying a faint stench.
"We both know that once I know the truth, I will kill you to silence you. And for you to remain silent is your greatest bargaining chip."
As she finished speaking, the pattern she had etched was complete.
She cast the dagger in her hand aside with disgust.
Then, she reached to the side.
Song Xiaoguo obediently wiped the blood from her hands.
"Miss Song is indeed exceptionally intelligent."
"You flatter me, First Prince."
Song Qingchao pulled up a sneering smile and took the medicinal soup brought by Song Xiaoguo.
"Now, I'll give you one last chance. Will you speak or not?"
"You think this will make me submit?" Wanyan Xiyin scoffed. "It's just a scar on my face. I'm not afraid!"
"Truly spirited."
Song Qingchao's words were not entirely praise for Wanyan Xiyin.
She picked up the steaming medicine. "This is poison. It will render you unable to speak."
Wanyan Xiyin snorted again. "You think by making me mute, I will submit and tell you the truth? You're thinking too simply."
Song Qingchao agreed with his statement.
"Whether I'm thinking simply or not, the First Prince can try and find out."
Song Qingchao gave Song Xiaoguo a look.
Song Xiaoguo immediately understood, walked over, pinched Wanyan Xiyin's chin, forcing his mouth open.
Song Qingchao carried the medicine and walked over slowly, holding the bowl directly above his mouth before gently tilting it.
Although Wanyan Xiyin's mouth was open, he kept his throat tightly closed.
This caused much of the medicinal herbs to flow down his chin.
"What a shame."
Song Qingchao expressed a hint of regret.
"I originally intended to give you a milder medicine, but I didn't expect you to be like this."
She feigned reluctance and took out a small bottle from her pocket, then poured it gently.
A black sesame-like pill rolled into Song Qingchao's palm.
Her long eyelashes fluttered, as beautiful as a butterfly.
Despite engaging in such deadly business, Song Qingchao gave the impression of being very well-behaved and gentle.
She held the pill between two fingers and tossed it into Wanyan Xiyin's mouth, much like playing a game of pitch-pot.
Xiao Guo promptly closed his jaw and gave it a tap, forcing Wanyan Xiyin to swallow the pill.
After Song Xiaoguo released him.
Wanyan Xiyin coughed continuously, retching.
His face turned red, making his already terrifying wounds even more gruesome.
Black blood continuously oozed from the wounds.
He shouted in terror, "What did you give me to eat!"
"Poison."
Song Qingchao chuckled.
"Xiao Guo, untie him."
Song Xiaoguo, without any hesitation, released Wanyan Xiyin.
Wanyan Xiyin, now freed,
He tried to pick up the discarded dagger to kill Song Qingchao, but before he could even stand up, he collapsed.
Song Qingchao stood there quietly watching, gently comforting him, "Stop struggling. What I fed you is medicine that will paralyze you from the waist down."
"Don't be sad. I'll take you home."
Song Qingchao added another casual remark.
"Master."
The door to the dungeon was opened.
A faint light penetrated the pitch-black dungeon.
Song Qingchao turned her head, raising her hand slightly to shield her eyes.
"Zheng Xi, you're here."