Su Cheng’s principle was to act rather than speak, and having dealt with many stubborn individuals in the prison camps of Prince Ding’s secret guard, how could he not handle Lu Yuanfeng, who was nothing more than a mere nobody?
Sensing Su Cheng was even more terrifying than Xiao Muqian, Lu Yuanfeng dared not conceal anything unless he wished to die.
“There is no antidote. Unless… unless they engage in the act of man and woman, I fear she will be… she will lose her life tomorrow.”
Lu Yuanfeng was guilty. He had spent a fortune to acquire this poison. Originally, it was meant for Bai Siruo, and then he would have a perfect excuse. Naturally, it had to be in the situation of “having no choice” to save her that he was forced to engage in the act of man and woman with her.
Upon hearing his words, Xiao Muqian’s anger burned like a raging inferno. The person he cherished so dearly was to be defiled in such a manner. Lu Yuanfeng, and indeed the entire Lu family, would not be able to live in peace.
“You had better pray she is unharmed, or I will make your entire Lu family pay with their lives!”
With these words, he carried her out.
Feng Jinyao approached Xiao Muqian with a solemn expression and said, “I know Doctor Zhang. Why not send my cousin to him? Perhaps he has a solution.”
The two had not yet married. If they were forced to share a bed because of this, although it would be to save a life, she believed Cousin Bai would never be happy again. If this became a rift between them, how would they spend the rest of their long lives?
A mist of tears welled up in Xiao Muqian’s eyes. A man does not shed tears easily, and he certainly would not weep in front of others. He took a deep breath, holding back his tears, and then said to Feng Jinyao, “Good!”
Su Cheng retrieved Haitang, who was also unconscious, from the side hall. He placed the mistress and her maid into the carriage. Feng Jinyao took care of them inside, while Xiao Muqian drove the carriage. As for the damnable Lu Yuanfeng, Su Cheng had chopped off one of his hands and thrown him onto a horse, jolting all the way back.
The moon hung high above the branches. When they returned to the capital, they saw torches all over the city walls. The guards of the Imperial Guard were diligently scrutinizing everyone.
Uncle Lin, from the Lin family, personally guarded the western city gate, his eyes wide open, refusing to let anyone pass.
Although Bai Siruo was not his biological niece, over the years, she had been like his own daughter, filling his life with joy. Now that she had been abducted, he was equally anxious and worried.
“You all search thoroughly. If you let the villains escape, you will be held accountable!”
“Yes!”
With this roar, the soldiers, who had been somewhat weary, perked up and began their thorough inspection.
As Xiao Muqian drove the carriage, with Su Cheng and the half-dead Lu Yuanfeng following behind, they were stopped by the soldiers upon entering the city.
“Who goes there!”
“It is us.” Su Cheng was well-known in the capital, so the soldier recognized him and shouted to the commander in front, “General, it is Young Master Su and his party.”
Lin Wang heard the voice and, upon seeing Su Cheng, almost wept with joy.
He hurried over and exclaimed, “Why have you returned? Have you found her?”
“We have found her. She is in the carriage.”
“That’s good, that’s good. Let me see how Siruo is doing?”
He leaned forward, trying to peek through the gap in the carriage curtains, but saw Feng Jinyao lift the curtain and say to Lin Wang, “Uncle Lin, Cousin was frightened. We need to take her to see a doctor and get some calming medicine. I hope you will understand.”
They were not returning home in the middle of the night, but still needed to see a doctor. The talk of calming medicine was merely a pretense, but since she said so, she must have her reasons. Thus, he nodded and said to the nearby soldier, “Let them pass! Quickly, let them pass!”
Before lowering the curtain, Feng Jinyao added, “Uncle Lin, since Cousin has been found, there is no need to continue the search. My uncle will explain everything to His Majesty tomorrow and will not let you bear any responsibility.”
Without the Emperor’s order, they had mobilized the Imperial Guard, which, even as a temporary measure, had crossed the Emperor’s bottom line.
The person belonged to the Bai family, so the risk should naturally be borne by the Bai family.
Lin Wang was taken aback. This young girl, despite her age, saw things so clearly. He recalled his sister’s constant praise for this child and had previously thought it was just a mother’s pride. He never expected it to be true. He was now somewhat impressed.
“What are you saying, Niece Feng? The Bai and Lin families are also related by marriage. We should naturally share hardships and glory together.”
His firm tone reassured Feng Jinyao.
However, treating her cousin was the priority. Otherwise, she would have liked to speak more with this Uncle Lin.
The curtain was lowered. After telling Xiao Muqian the location, Su Cheng, who was familiar with every street and alley in the capital, quickly led them to Pear Blossom Alley, where Doctor Zhang resided.
As for the half-dead Lu Yuanfeng, Su Cheng had already handed him over to the Imperial Guard. Such a kidnapper would not have a pleasant time!
After only a few knocks on Doctor Zhang’s door, a voice from inside replied, “Is it Third Miss?”
“Auntie, it’s me. Is Uncle Shou at home?” Feng Jinyao replied anxiously.
“Yes, yes, yes. We have been waiting for you all.” As she spoke, she opened the door. Feng Jinyao was somewhat surprised. Why would they be waiting for them?
Sensing Feng Jinyao’s confusion, Aunt Zhang did not reveal that the Prince had sent someone to inform them. Instead, she found an excuse and said, “The streets are abuzz with rumors that the Bai family’s young lady eloped. How could this old woman believe such nonsense? I guessed there must be something fishy. I feared she might have been abducted by villains and perhaps injured. It’s always good to have my old man’s skills available, so I’ve been waiting here.”
Feng Jinyao’s heart grew cold upon hearing her words. She looked at Xiao Muqian and Su Cheng, their expressions also grim.
How long had it been since the person was taken, and the news had already spread like wildfire? If they had not brought her back, Bai Siruo’s reputation for elopement would likely have been cemented.
“Hurry and bring her in. Let me see. Where is she injured?”
Uncle Shou emerged from the inner room and looked at Bai Siruo in Xiao Muqian’s arms and Haitang in Su Cheng’s arms. His face darkened.
“How vicious! To dare use such a despicable drug!”
He hadn’t even examined her yet, but with a glance, he knew that Bai Siruo and Haitang had been drugged. Truly worthy of being called a divine doctor!
“Uncle Shou, is there a way to counteract this poison?”
Feng Jinyao found it difficult to speak directly. Seeing Doctor Zhang raise an eyebrow, he gave her a look of disdain and said, “I could even cure your nephew’s critical illness that day. Do you think a mere sleeping potion can stump me?”
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing his words.
They carried the mistress and her maid into the house. Doctor Zhang’s golden needles were swiftly inserted. By the fourth needle, the person had regained consciousness.
Bai Siruo’s head felt heavy, as if she had been struck on the back of the head.
“Siruo…”
“Cousin…”
Xiao Muqian and Feng Jinyao’s faces loomed large before her. Bai Siruo woke up with a start. “Why are you here? No, where is this?”