Mu Qingyao only put in a few drops, unsure if it would be useful.
"Alright, we can only leave it to fate. If he's meant to live, perhaps this blood can truly detoxify him. I'm hungry, I'm going to eat."
Mu Qingyao instructed two palace maids to attend to the young man, then hugged Mao Xueqiu and left the room to dine in the main hall of the side palace.
Unexpectedly, after taking Mao Xueqiu's medicine, the young man miraculously regained consciousness. Although still very weak and not completely detoxified, part of the poison had been removed, indicating that Mao Xueqiu's blood was indeed a potent antidote.
Upon receiving the report from the palace maids, Mu Qingyao was overjoyed and hugged Mao Xueqiu, indulging in a playful tussle. The poor creature didn't understand why its mistress was acting so wildly.
"This is wonderful, it turns out this fellow is a treasure."
"Your Highness?" Meixin, unable to bear seeing Mao Xueqiu continue to suffer its mistress's affections, quickly interjected, "That young man wishes to see you?"
"Oh, alright," Mu Qingyao rose, carrying the little one towards the side palace. Since Mao Xueqiu's blood was useful, she would let him have some more later, believing he would be detoxified soon enough.
In the room of the side palace, the young man was gazing at his surroundings with wide eyes. Hearing footsteps at the door, he immediately looked up.
A noble and elegant woman approached, holding a snow-white pet, and slowly walked towards him. As soon as the palace maids beside him saw the newcomer, they carefully paid their respects: "Your Highness, he has woken up."
It turned out that the woman, as radiant as a peach blossom, had saved him. He never expected anyone in the world could detoxify the Five Elements Poison within him. The Five Elements Poison was a mixture of the five most potent poisons. He had initially thought he was bound to die, but now he had survived.
The young man struggled to get out of bed to express his gratitude. Mu Qingyao walked over, placed a hand on his shoulder, and said faintly, "No need for such formalities. You are still unwell. We can talk about it when you're better."
"Thank you, Your Highness," the young man's voice was somewhat hoarse. The potent poison had seeped into his blood, damaging his vocal cords. It would likely take a long time to recover.
Mu Qingyao took a careful look at the young man.
There was a hint of heroism in his brows, and his gaze was clear. Although only twelve or thirteen years old, his features were distinct and sculpted, hinting that he would grow into a man who would cause women much worry and heartache.
At present, he was only wearing a simple inner garment. His ornate robes had been changed by the palace maids, making him look clean and refreshed.
"You may all withdraw."
Mu Qingyao gave the order, and the palace maids retreated. The room became very quiet. Mochou brought over a chair, spread a thick, soft cushion on it, and said, "Your Highness, please be seated."
"Mmm," Mu Qingyao nodded and sat down, stroking the little fox's head as she casually asked, "What is your name?"
After a long silence with no reply from the young man, Mu Qingyao looked up. She saw him lying on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, silent. Yet, a deep sorrow flashed in his eyes, like that of a drowning person – despairing, heartbroken, and speechless.
Mu Qingyao sighed. It seemed she had touched upon a sensitive issue. She decided not to press further and changed the subject.
"What are your plans for the future? Once the poison is gone, I will have someone escort you out of the palace. The past is the past."
Mu Qingyao wasn't sure what else to say. She wasn't very good at comforting people. Although she sympathized with the young man, she believed one could only live better by facing reality.
However, as soon as she finished speaking, the young man suddenly turned his head towards her and murmured, "I don't know where to go. I have no home anymore. What should I do?"
"The world is vast; there will always be a place for you," Mu Qingyao was rarely this patient. Perhaps because the recipient was a child, she found herself speaking more.
The young man's pupils flickered, and a smile suddenly curved his lips, making his pale face exceptionally attractive. He gazed at her intently.
"Can you take me in? I'll serve you like an ox or a horse from now on, as long as you don't make me leave. You saved my life. From now on, whether it's facing blades or fire, I will be the first to charge forward."
Mu Qingyao was stunned. She looked up at the two maids behind her. Had she heard correctly? This young man wanted to follow her. Did he even know where he was?
"Do you know where this is? The Imperial Palace. Once you're here, it's hard to get out. Why would you want to stay in a place like this? Don't overthink it. Let's discuss this after you've calmed down."
Mu Qingyao surmised that the young man must have suffered a severe shock, which had led him to say such things in a moment of confusion. Once he sobered up, he would naturally leave the palace. Not giving it too much thought, she stood up.
She had said what she needed to say and saved him. Now, all that was left was for him to recover and be sent out of the palace.
"No," the young man saw Mu Qingyao rise and walk towards the exit, becoming anxious. He struggled to turn over and sit up, but his body was too weak and lacked the strength, causing him to tumble to the ground.
Meixin quickly stepped forward and helped him back onto the bed. "Oh dear, our mistress is doing this for your own good. The Imperial Palace is not like other places. If you wish to stay, you might never be able to leave!"
Mu Qingyao did not move, only turning her head to look at him. "Do you know? I don't keep useless people. What can you do for me if you stay?"
A dark gleam flickered in the young man's eyes, and his expression turned serious. He thought earnestly about what he could do for his savior. Finally, he looked up and said with determination.
"I know martial arts. I can protect you. The Imperial Palace has always been a place that devours people. I will protect you at all times. I only beg you to take me in."
This piqued Mu Qingyao's interest. A thoughtful look flashed in her eyes, and she seriously considered the matter. What the young man said was not wrong. Although she had Mochou by her side, it was far from enough.
If she were to leave the palace in the future, the people of the Six Kingdoms would not spare her. If she truly had someone skilled in martial arts by her side, wouldn't that be even more secure?
With Mochou, this young man, and herself, their combined martial arts would be formidable against ordinary people.
"Then we'll discuss it when you're well. If your martial arts are truly formidable, I'll keep you. But you must think clearly: once you decide to follow me, there's no turning back."
A cold glint appeared on Mu Qingyao's face. Though faint, it was not difficult to detect her ruthlessness and bloodlust.
The young man nodded solemnly. Since he had been poisoned, he was no longer the person he once was. If not for her antidote, he would have died long ago. Since he was alive, he was no longer the same person but someone else.
"Please grant me a name, Master."
His hoarse voice carried an undeniable firmness. Mu Qingyao was surprised by his confidence in his martial arts. It seemed he was a capable individual, which pleased her. She frowned and glanced at Mochou beside her.